,, ipliliiir '' M 
 
 ,,111 1'"^- '--v'^ 
 
 11 
 
 'ilSif I il 
 
 iiiifiip^ 
 
 lliiill!! 
 
 iiiiii iiiii 
 
 ii i 
 
 ilil 
 
 ii'i ■ 
 
 il ill 
 
 iiiiiiiiiiii 
 
 i III! I "' 
 
 ■ lilii 
 
 iiiiiti 
 
 iiiili 
 
 
A MODERN HISTORY 
 
 OF 
 
 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 CONNECTICUT 
 
 EDITOK-IN-CHIEF 
 
 BENJAMIN TINKHAM MAKSHALL, A.M., D.D. 
 
 PRESIDENT OF CONNECTICUT COLLEGE, NEW LONIX^N 
 
 VOLUME I 
 
 1922 
 LEWIS HISTOKICAL PUBLISHING COMPANY, 
 
 NEW YOKK CITY 
 
.1^7 ^13 
 
 OOPT RIGHT 
 
 LEWIS HaSTORICAL PUBLISHXNG COMPANY 
 
 1922 
 
 I 
 
 JUL 27 1925^ 
 )C1ASG4023 'N 
 
FOREWORD 
 
 The early history of New London County has been well covered by 
 Miss Caulkins' histories of Norwich, and of New London, in various local 
 addresses on special occasions, and in more formal articles prepared for the 
 20oth anniversary of the founding of Norwich. Notable amongst these was 
 the historical address of Daniel Coit Gilman, delivered at Norwich on Sep- 
 tember 7, 1859. To enumerate the special papers delivered at the meetings 
 of the New London County Historical Society, at the dedication of monu- 
 ments and public buildings of the county, on patriotic occasions, on the 250th 
 anniversary of the town of Norwich (1909). and in almost countless addresses 
 on special topics given before interested audiences in churches and halls, 
 not to mention the many excellent contributions of the press, would in itself 
 be an arduous task, interesting though it might be. 
 
 Very few parts of our country are more filled with historical associations. 
 Indian legends, mingled with a vast amount of verifiable Indian history; 
 Revolutionary stories, with a record of honorable action surpassed nowhere ; 
 loyal patriotism in the days of the Civil War, under the leadership of Governor 
 Buckingham, himself a resident of Norwich, all these offer a wealth of 
 material to the investigator. Out of the great mass of historical writings 
 inspired by such a splendid past there looms up a background, a heritage 
 of memories, that should urge on every citizen of New London County today 
 to better citizenship, to more devoted public service. 
 
 From some of these records and addresses we have quoted— they were 
 written bv men and women who were near the events described— for we 
 believe that true patriotism is a deep sentiment toward one's native land, 
 not simply a series of outward acts. This abiding sentiment of affection 
 and unselfishness in a people, as in an individual, is rooted in memory. By 
 the memory of earlier days, by knowledge of the sacrifices of earlier patriots 
 who made liberty possible for us, will the true spirit of Americanism be best 
 nourished. Nor is the Indian history without value. Even if, in the light of 
 history, "the noble red man" of Cooper's novels seems a somewhat idealized 
 figure, surely nowhere else in America may be found a better typical picture 
 of the early' relations of the white settler and the aborigine. We see them 
 both at their best and at their worst. We have the grim picture of John 
 Mason as he leads his resolute forces on to the utter destruction of the Pe- 
 quots, and we have the picture of Uncas in all things, "Wauregan," living 
 in unbroken amity with the Norwich colonists ; we learn of Samson Occum, 
 the Mohican who visited England and brought back ten thousand pounds to 
 Dartmouth College. The present work, then, aims to emphasize only such 
 features of the early history of our country as are helpful to the modern 
 reader in visualizing the days of occupation, of settlement, and colonial devel- 
 opment, the essential background by which to emphasize modern conditions. 
 Our history for the last fifty years, inasmuch as this has not been printed 
 in any one volume, will be described with greater minuteness. It is hoped 
 
thit this portion of the work may be helpful for some years to come as x 
 storehouse of information. 
 
 Among the well informed persons who have labored in this under- 
 taking, the principal place is to be given to Professor Henry A. Tirrell, 
 Principal of the Norwich Free Academy, as the author of the exhaustive chap- 
 ter on Education, and writer on other topics. Other more important papers 
 and of enduring value arc those on "Church History," by Rev. Henry W. 
 Hulbcrt, D.D., Pastor of the First Church of Christ, Groton ; on "Medicine, 
 Physicians and Surgeons," by Charles B. Graves, M.D., former President 
 Connecticut State Medical Society ; on "Insurance," by Walter F. Lester, 
 President New London County Mutual Fire Insurance Company; on "Vol- 
 unteer and Paid Fire Departments," by Howard L. Stanton, Chief Norwich 
 Fire Department, and on "Old Families and Old Homes of Norwich" and 
 kindred topics," by Mrs. Edna Miner Rogers, Regent of Faith Trumbull 
 Chapter, D. A. R. 
 
 The publishers of the History, The Lewis Historical Publishing Com- 
 pany, through its agents, editors and official staff, has secured and arranged 
 all the genealogical and biographical matter proper, which appears in the 
 work, and for this material the Editor-in-Chief bears no responsibility. 
 
CONTENTS 
 
 Chapter I— General Facts About New London County— Naming and 
 Earliest Settlement of the Twenty-one Towns— Scenery— Geography 
 —The Aborigines— Uncas and the Mohegans— John Mason— Mian- 
 tonomah— Early Government— Customs of Settlers— Journal of 
 Madam Sarah Knight— Religious Conditions . - - - i 
 Chapter II— The Beginnings of Education— General Definition of Edu- 
 cation—Outline of Educational Development in Connecticut— Early 
 Schools in Norwich— Early Schools in New London— The "Norwich 
 Tests"— The District System— Supervision— Trade Schools— Model 
 Schools— Normal Schools— Education of Indians in Early Days- 
 Founding of Dartmouth— Samson Occum— Dr. Nott's Sermon- 
 Music Vale Seminary ---------31 
 
 Chapter III— An Era of Unrest— Revolutionary War— Nathan Hale- 
 Battle of Groton Heights— Rathbun's Narrative— Account of Rufus 
 Avery — Of Stephen Hempstead— AUyn's Account of Death of Col, 
 Ledyard— The War of 181 2— Early New London Whalers— Early 
 
 Manufactures— Life of Daniel W. Coit " 5' 
 
 Chapter IV— Little Known Facts About New London County— Begin- 
 nings of Railroads and Telegraphs— Shipbuilding— Adams Express 
 Company— Donald G. Mitchell's "Looking Back at Boyhood"— 
 Ancestors of Six Presidents— Father of Oliver and Matthew Perry 
 
 Wolves in Early Days— Shaw Mansion — Celebrated Sons and 
 
 Daughters of New London County 81 
 
 Chapter V— The City of New London— "Edelwiss"— John Winthrop 
 the Younger— Natal Day— Bride Brook— Home Lots— Will of Mary 
 Harries— Estate of Governor Winthrop— Anecdotes of Revolutionary 
 War— Arnold's Account of the Expedition Against New London- 
 Whale Fisheries at New London and Stonington— Stephen Decatur — 
 Voyage of the "Savannah"— The Early Press— Poem on the Old Mill 97 
 Chapter VI_The City of Norwich— Stedman's "Inland City"— Deed of 
 Norwich— First Proprietors— Settlement from Saybrook— Life of 
 Capt. Mason— The Early Press— Visits of Eminent Men— Effects 
 of War— Benedict Arnold— Anecdotes of Early Times— Early Indus- 
 tries—Early Physicians— Lincoln at Norwich— Data About Founders 
 and Interesting Spots --------- 123 
 
 Chapter VII— Other Towns of New London County— Colchester— East 
 Lyme— Franklin— Griswold — Groton — Lebanon — Eminent M e n — 
 The War Office— "Brother Jonathan"— Early Settlers— Lisbon— 
 Lyme and Old Lyme— Salem— Sprague— Stonington— Voluntown— 
 
 Waterford »77 
 
 Chapter VIII— New London County Today— Its Population— Improve- 
 ments— Scenery— Historic Relics— Public Buildings— Industries— 
 
vi NEW LONDOX COUXTY 
 
 Grand Lists — Index of Manufactures — Anniversary Celebrations at 
 New London and Norwich - - - 2II 
 
 Chapter IX — Miscellaneous Information — Resources of the County — 
 Character of Industry in Each Town — Assets — Changing Population 
 — Financial Statistics — Lists of Public Officials — Significant dates 
 — Representatives and Senators (State) .-.--. 227 
 
 Chapter X — Educational Institutions — Connecticut College— Norwich 
 Free Academy- — Bacon Academy — The Bulkeley School — Williams 
 Memorial Institute — New London Vocational High School — Mystic 
 Oral School for the Deaf — The Wheeler School . - - 243 
 
 C+iapter XI — Religion in New London County — Early Conditions — 
 Various Types of Churches — Theological Differences — Foreign 
 Service — Connection Between Church and School — The Colonial 
 State Church — Preaching to the Indians — "Rogerenes" — "Half-Way 
 Covenant" — Parishes and Towns — The Congregational Denomina- 
 tion — Baptist Churches in the County — The Episcopal Church — 
 Methodism — Various Religious Bodies — Roman Catholic Churches 
 — Universalists - 271 
 
 Chapter XII — Counts and Lawyers in N'cw London County— New Lon- 
 don District — Norwich District — Bozrah District — Colchester Dis- 
 trict — East Lyme District — Groton District — Lebanon District 
 — Ledyard District — Lyme District — Montville District — North 
 Stonington District — Old Lyme District — Salem District — Stoning- 
 ton District — Lawyers of Note — Members of County Bar — Memorial 
 Addresses — County Court House — Eulogies - - - . ^23 
 
 Chapter XIII — Medicine and Medical Men — Early Life of the Pioneers — 
 Primitive Conditions of Medical Practice — Epidemic Diseases — 
 Cholera — Medical Organization — Early Physicians — References 363 
 
 Chapter XIV — New London County Press — New London Day — Nor- 
 wich Bulletin — Cooley's Weekly — Editors and Manaprers - - 401 
 
 Chapter XV — Banks — Early Banking — Famous Banks — National Bank 
 System— Union Trust and Bank Company— New London City 
 National Bank — Merchants' National Bank of Norwich — Norwich 
 Savings Society— Thames National Bank, Norwich — Savings Bank 
 of New London— National Whaling Bank — Mystic River National 
 Bank— First National Bank of Stonington— National Bank of Com- 
 merce of New London — Uncas National Bank — Groton Savings Bank 
 — Chelsea Savings Bank — Mariners Savings Bank — Dime Savings 
 Bank— Jewett City Savings Bank— Jewett City Trust Company- 
 Bankers Trust Company— Pawcatuck Bank and Trust Company — 
 Wintlirop Trust Company -------- 423 
 
 Chapter XVI— Fire Insurance in New London County— A Primitive 
 Necessity — First American Companies— Mutual Assurance Company 
 of the City of Norwich— Last of Eighteenth and First of Nineteenth 
 Century — The Norwich Fire Insurance Company— A New London 
 Company — Other Early Companies in Connecticut — New London 
 
CONTENTS vii 
 
 County Mutual Fire Insurance Company — Fire Insurance Agents in 
 the County — List of Agencies in the County - - - - 457 
 
 Chapter XVII — Norwich Fire Department — Early Days — Serious Fires 
 — Actions of Common Council — Norwich Companies at Boston Fire 
 in 1872 — Various Ordinances Regulating the Fire Department — 
 Statistics of Alarms "Rung In" — Pension Fund — Equipment - 475 
 
 Chapter XVIII — New London Fire Department — Early History — First 
 
 Companies — Chiefs and Other Officers — Groton Fire Company - 489 
 
 Chapter XIX — Community Activities — History of Various Firms — 
 
 Manufacturing — Taftville — Civic Spirit ----- ^g^ 
 
 Chapter XX — Fraternal Brotherhoods — Masonic — Odd Fellows — Other 
 Orders — Fourteen Lodges of New London County — First Building 
 in the World erected by Masons exclusively for Masonry — Elks 507 
 
 Chapter XXI — Patrons of Husbandry — History of the Grange — Oliver 
 
 H. Kellcy — Granges in New London County — Picture of the Grange 521 
 
 Chapter XXII — The Red Cross — The Four Chapters of New London 
 County — Work of Norwich Chapter — New London Chapter — Vari- 
 ous Activities ..- 529 
 
 Chapter XXIII — Notable Places and Homes — Washington's Visits to the 
 County — Stage Coach and Tavern Days — Various Famous Taverns 
 — Potteries of Norwich — Silversmiths of New London County — Pine- 
 hurst — The Barrel House ........ 533 
 
 Chapter XXIV— Military History— Civil War— Spanish War— World 
 
 War — Muster Roll of Spanish W^ar — Honor Roll of Various Towns 581 
 
 Addenda — Mary Lydia Bolles Branch — Benedict Arnold — The Groton 
 
 Massacre — Fire Insurance — Norwich Fire Department - - 617 
 
LIGllTHOUi 
 
CHAPTER I 
 
 GENERAL FACTS ABOUT NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 The Early Towns— Natural Features of the Region— The Indian Occupants— First 
 White Settlers — Illuminating Documents from the Past. 
 
 New London County, occupying the southeastern part of Connecticut, 
 is bounded on the east by the State of Rhode Island, on the south by Long 
 Island Sound, on the west by Middlesex and Tolland counties, and on the 
 north by Hartford, Tolland and Windham counties. 
 
 The county, with an area of approximately seven hundred square miles, 
 is composed of twenty-one towns, Bozrah, Colchester, East Lyme, Franklin, 
 Griswold, Groton, Lebanon, Ledyard, Lisbon, Lyme, Montville, New London, 
 North Stonington, Norwich, Old Lyme, Preston, Salem, Sprague, Stoning- 
 ton, Voluntown, Waterford ; and has a population (census of 1920) of 155,311. 
 
 This county was one of the first four counties of the State, organized 
 in 1666, and originally included a considerable part of the present Middle- 
 sex county, extending as far west as Clinton. Of the five first cities of 
 Connecticut chartered in 1784, New London county had two. New London 
 and Norwich. Of the twenty-one towns of the county: 
 
 New London was settled as "Pequot" in 1646; named from London, 
 England, and authorized as a town in 1658. 
 
 Stonington was settled in 1649 ^"d named Stonington in 1666. 
 
 Norwich, named from Norwich, England, in 1659, was settled by a Say- 
 brook colony in 1660. 
 
 Lyme, named from Lyme Regis, England, in 1667, was set ofT from 
 Saybrook in 1665. 
 
 Colchester was settled and named from Colchester, England, in 1699. 
 
 Preston was named in 1687 from Preston, England. 
 
 Lebanon, named from Lebanon in Sxria, was incorporated in 1700. 
 
 Groton, set off from New London in 1704. was named from the English 
 home of Governor John Winthrop in 1705. 
 
 Voluntown, "Volunteers Town," named in 1708, was settled in 1719. 
 
 Bozrah, with Biblical name, was set off from Norwich in 1786. 
 
 Franklin, set off from Norwich, in 1786, was named for Benjamin 
 Franklin. 
 
 Lisbon, set off from Norwich in 1786, was named from Lisbon, Portugal. 
 
 Montville, set off from New London in 1786, took the French name of 
 "Mount Ville." 
 
 Waterford, set off from New London in 1801, took a name descriptive 
 of its nature. 
 
 North Stonington was set off from Stonington in 1807. 
 
 Griswold, named from Governor Roger Griswold, was set off from 
 Preston in 1815. 
 N.L.— 1-1 
 
2 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 Salem, named from Salem, Massachusetts, was set off from Colchester, 
 Lyme, and Montville in 1879. 
 
 Ledyard, named from Colonel William Ledyard of Fort Griswold fame, 
 was set off from Groton in 1836. 
 
 East Lyme was set off from Lyme and Waterford in 1839. 
 
 Old Lyme was set off from Lyme in 1855, and named Old Lyme in 1857. 
 
 Sprague, named from its founder, William Sprague, was set off from 
 Lisbon and Franklin in 1861. 
 
 The following note is prefixed to the list of Connecticut towns printed 
 in the Connecticut Register and Manual (1920). 
 
 Until 1700, almost the only official action of the colonial government (General 
 Court) in regard to town organization, was to authorize the town name, usually 
 chosen by its leading man, from his home in England. In October, 1700, we find 
 implied or quasi incorporation, such as exists to this day, in the records: "This assem- 
 bly doth grant to the inhabitants of the town of Lebanon all such immunities, privi- 
 ledges and powers, as generally other townes within this Colonie have and doe enjoy." 
 The authoritative legal definition of a town in England, contemporary with the earliest 
 Connecticut settlements, is given in the first edition of "Coke's Commentaries upon 
 Littleton," published 1628; "It can not be a town in law, unless it hath, or in past time 
 hath had, a church, and celebration of Divine services, sacraments and burials." The 
 church bodies which moved bodily with their pastors from Massachusetts to Con- 
 necticut, proceeded to exercise the secular powers which we regard as those of the 
 town, but the English township is known by its ecclesiastical name of parish. Several 
 of our towns were first set ofT as parishes, from great town tracts; yet the town in 
 Connecticut colony essentially separated church and state in government, in that 
 it never restricted political suffrage to church-members. As to dates, the official 
 colonial records are followed, as soon as they begin, 163C. 
 
 For the beauty and variety of its natural scenery. New London county 
 is excelled by very few regions of equal area. Its southern shore, from the 
 broad sweep of the Connecticut river eastward along a coast of singular 
 charm, with its jutting points and its alluring inlets; by Niantic bay, which 
 Governor Winthrop, as he looked off from the heights above, called one of 
 the most beautiful spots he had ever seen, outward to the majestic estuary 
 of the Thames with its noble harbor; still eastward by the beautiful islets 
 of Noank and Mystic till that point is reached where the States of Rhode 
 Island, New York and Connecticut meet near the harbor of Stonington, is 
 as wonderful today as when the Indians gazed upon its beauties. 
 
 And the scenery of the coast is matched by the wooded hills, the rushing 
 streams, the placid lakes, the rich valleys, farther inland. The summer 
 visitor today is found in all parts of the county, not only in the summer 
 colonies built up near the coast, but in many a broad estate whose owner 
 is content to preserve the forest, the rockbound glens, the rich verdure that 
 Nature has so generously supplied. 
 
 The chief waters of the county besides its large ponds and lakes are the 
 Connecticut, Thames, Shetucket, Quinnebaug, Yantic, Pawcatuck, Mystic, 
 Poquonock, and Niantic rivers, all flowing in a general southerly course to 
 
GENERAL FACTS 3 
 
 the Sound. Its navigable waters and its abounding water power have con- 
 tributed largely to its economic development, from the early days when 
 extensive commerce sprang up with all quarters of the globe, to the later 
 times when manufacturing founded the fortunes of many of its citizens. With 
 such natural advantages Connecticut enterprise and ingenuity have made 
 possible a growth far beyond the expectations of the men of even fifty years 
 ago. One part of this history will be devoted to this remarkable expansion 
 of recent years. 
 
 No true conception of the growth of the county is possible without an 
 understanding of the character and customs of the early settlers, the diffi- 
 culties they had to overcome, their relations with the Indians, their participa- 
 tion in the broader colonial interests, in the Revolutionary War, in the affairs 
 of the State and Nation. 
 
 The first settlers, many of them of Pilgrim stock and practically all of 
 them of Puritan origin, had the same deep religious convictions and the 
 same stamina that other New England colonists had. They had inherited 
 from their Anglo-Saxon ancestors a genius for self-government, which, 
 checked by the Stuart despotism in England, burst into bloom in the new 
 life of a New World. Hardships were endured and overcome. Yet in the 
 midst of a severe struggle for existence, they never lost sight of the great 
 things of life. Religion, education, and morality were the strong supports 
 of local governments founded on law and order. Difficulties strengthened 
 their characters both individually and collectively. It may well be said 
 that the menace of hostile Indians was one of the main incentives to co- 
 operation amongst the early settlers of New England. 
 
 The Pequot War was undoubtedly the first step toward the settlement 
 of New London county, for it was not until that tribe had been virtually 
 annihilated that it was safe for colonists to settle in this region. Of the many 
 anecdotes connected with the war, some will be given in the histories of 
 separate towns. We print a general survey from Kurd's "History of New 
 London County": 
 
 The territory was preoccupied by the Pequots. a powerful tribe of 
 Indians belonging to the widespread Algonquin or Delaware race. This 
 powerful tribe had by their cruelty become the dread of the whites far and 
 near. Rendered bold by numbers, and jealous of every encroachment, they 
 had resolved upon nothing less than the utter extermination of the whites, 
 and shrank from no means, however appalling, which might conduce to the 
 accomplishment of their bloody purpose. Massachusetts had in 1634, with 
 much effort, induced them to allow the peaceable settlement of certain por- 
 tions of their domain, and to offer satisfaction for former outrages. But the 
 natives were slow to fulfill the conditions of this treaty, and Captain Endicott 
 was sent out by the Massachusetts colony, at the head of ninety men, to 
 enforce the treaty and to chastise them for their past offenses. 
 
 This ill-advised expedition failed utterly of its objects, and only tended 
 to exasperate the Pequots, who during the succeeding fall and winter were 
 untiring in their attempts to league the other Indians with them in a war 
 of extermination against the whites, and redoubled their own efforts to rid 
 
4 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 themselves of the noxious strangers. Savages lurked in every covert, and 
 there was no safety for life or property. The colonists could not travel 
 abroad, or even cultivate their fields, but at the peril of their lives. Their 
 cattle were driven ofif, their houses burned, the navigation of the river was 
 seriously impeded, and even the fort at Saybrook was in a state of constant 
 siege. By spring the situation had become critical in the extreme. Nearly 
 thirty murders had been committed, and utter ruin threatened the colony 
 unless decisive measures should at once be taken. In this emergency a 
 General Court was convened at Hartford on the nth of May, 1637, at which 
 it was decided to proceed at once to an offensive war against the Pequots, 
 and for the first campaign to send out a force of ninety men under Capt. John 
 Mason, then in command of the fort at Saybrook. 
 
 About this time. Mason and the warrior Uncas met and formed a 
 temporary alliance, which was, however, destined to continue without serious 
 interruption for a long series of years, and prove of great and lasting benefit 
 to the settlements. Uncas was related both by birth and marriage to the 
 Pequot royal family, but .soon after his marriage he became involved in diffi- 
 culties, the nature of which is not exactly known, which resulted in his 
 banishment to the Narragansett country. He was afterwards permitted to 
 return, but a recurrence of the same troubles led to his banishment for a 
 second and even a third time. He thus at length became permanently exiled 
 from his own people, and we find him upon the Connecticut river, near the 
 infant settlements of Hartford and Windsor, in the spring of 1637, at the head 
 of about seventy warriors. Both Mason and Uncas were eminently fitted to 
 be military leaders, each of his own race. Mason possessed marked military 
 tastes which had been developed and trained in the wars of the Netherland 
 under Lord Fairfax; while Uncas, by nature brave and shrewd, had, as a 
 member of the royal family of a strong and warlike nation, abundant oppor- 
 tunity to acquire a thorough knowledge of the methods of Indian warfare. 
 An alliance of two such representative men of the two races then competing 
 upon American soil could not fail to make an impress upon their peculiar 
 surroundings. Uncas agreed to join the expedition with his warriors, and 
 the united forces embarked at Hartford on the 20th of May of the same year 
 and proceeded to drop down the river. In the course of the voyage the 
 Indians had opportunity to demonstrate their fidelity, which had been unjustly 
 suspected by some. As the water in the river was low and the passage tedious, 
 the Indians were at their own request allowed to disembark and proceed 
 along the bank. When near Saybrook, they met and defeated a party of 
 Pequots, killing seven and taking one prisoner. After their arrival at Say- 
 brook, the commandant of the fort, still distrustful of Uncas. addressed the 
 sachem as follows: "You say you will help Captain Mason, but I will first 
 see it ; therefore send twenty men to Bass river, for there went last night 
 six Indians there in a canoe; fetch them, dead or alive, and you shall go with 
 Mason, or you shall not." Uncas did as he was required. His warriors 
 found the enemy, killed four of them, and took another prisoner. This exploit 
 of the sachem was regarded by Lieutenant Gardiner as a sure pledge of his 
 fidelity. 
 
 Captain Mason had received instructions to land at Pequot Harbor, but 
 his military judgment led him to sail direct to the Narragansett country and 
 make his attack upon the enemy from a point whence they would least expect 
 it. He accordingly proceeded thither, and on Saturday, May 30th, towards 
 evening, dropped anchor off the shores of the Narragansett. As there was a 
 strong northwest wind, they remained on shipboard until Tuesday, when 
 Mason landed and marched directly to the residence of Canonicus, the Nar- 
 
GENERAL FACTS 
 
 ragansett chief, and informed him of his design of attacking the Pequots in 
 their strongholds, and demanded a free passage through the Narragansett 
 country. The request was readily granted, and Miantonomoh, nephew of 
 Canonicus, suggested that the numbers of the English and Mohegans were 
 too small for an invasion of the Pequot country, and volunteered to send two 
 hundred of his braves with the expedition, though he did not himself ofTer 
 to accompany them. 
 
 On the following morning the vessels were manned with a small force, 
 as a larger could not be spared, and were ordered to sail for the mouth of 
 Pequot river. The land force, consisting of seventy Englishmen, and sixty 
 Mohegan warriors under Uncas, with tlie addition of two hundred Narra- 
 gansett volunteers, commenced its march westward. After proceeding about 
 twenty miles through a rough country, with only a narrow Indian foot-path 
 for their passageway, they arrived at a place called Nehantic, where they 
 remained overnight. When the English resumed their march on the follow- 
 ing morning they were overtaken by others of the Narragansett people, so 
 that they were followed, as they supposed, by near five hundred warriors. 
 As the day was warm and the way rough, several of the men fainted from 
 exposure and want of food. After a march of about twelve miles they reached 
 a ford in the Pawcatuck river, where a halt was made for rest and refresh- 
 ment. It had been ascertained that the majority of the Pequot warriors were 
 in two forts or inclosures of palisades, one of which was commanded by 
 Sassacus in person, and both regarded by the Indians as within and without 
 impregnable. Mason had originall}- designed to divide his forces and attack 
 both places simultaneously, but from information received during the halt 
 upon the Pawcatuck he learned that the forts were situated at too great a 
 distance apart to allow of a division of his force, and he decided to advance 
 at once upon the fort on Pequot Hill. The Narragansetts, on learning of 
 his design to attack Sassacus in his stronghold, were smitten with deadly 
 fear. "Sassacus," they said, "was all one god, and could not be killed." So 
 great was their trepidation that a hundred of their number beat a precipitate 
 retreat, and reported in the Providence plantation that the English had all 
 fallen. 
 
 At this time ^lason called Uncas to him, and asked him what he thought 
 the Indians would do. "The Narragansetts," replied this brave sachem, "will 
 all leave us," "but as for himself 'he would never leave us'; and so it 
 proved, for which expression I shall never forget him. Indeed, he was a 
 great friend, and did great service." The Pawcatuck was the last boundary 
 before the country of the Pequots, and as the Narragansetts found them- 
 selves nearing the strongholds of their dreaded rivals, their timidity increased 
 and all but a handful turned back. The Mohegans, however, encouraged by 
 their chief, mustered the courage to proceed. The small army advanced 
 cautiously till towards evening, when they came to a little swamp between 
 two hills, near what are now called Porter's Rocks, where they halted for 
 the night. Rising at an early hour on the following morning, they reached 
 the fortress a little before daybreak. The plan of attack had been so 
 arranged that Mason was to approach the enemy through the main entrance 
 on the northeast side with one division, while Underbill was to make an 
 attack on the southwestern entrance with his division. Uncas with his 
 force was to form an outer line to act as circumstances might indicate. When 
 within a rod or two of the fort a dog barked, and the alarm was given. The 
 troops rushed on, discharging their muskets through the palisades, and then 
 forced an entrance. Mason, with his part3^ drove the Indians along the main 
 avenue of their fortress towards the west till they were met by Underbill 
 
6 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 and his division, \vho had effected an entrance upon that side, when, finding 
 themselves between two fires, they were forced to retreat to their wigwams, 
 where a desperate resistance was made. For a few moments the conflict 
 seemed doubtful, when Mason, realizing the gravity of the situation, hit 
 upon the expedient of burning out the foe, and snatching a brand from the 
 fire applied it to the dry matting of a wigwam. The fire spread with great 
 rapidity, and the whole seventy wigwams were soon in flames. The English 
 retired without the wigwams, and Uncas and his followers formed a circular 
 line close in the rear of the English. The consternation of the Pequots was 
 so great that but few attempted to escape. About six or seven were made 
 prisoners by the English, eighteen were captured by the Mohegans, and 
 seven only made their escape. It so happened that one hundred and fifty 
 warriors from the other fortress were this night in the fort upon Pequot Hill, 
 which made the victory still more complete. 
 
 This famous encounter occurred on Friday, June 5th. The same day. at 
 an early hour, the small fleet entered Pequot Harbor. As Mason's force was 
 about to move in the direction of the vessels, a party of Indian warriors 
 approached them from the other fort, but one or two volleys from their trusty 
 weapons served to keep them at a safe distance. The few Narragansetts that 
 hung upon the rear of the little column as it moved steadily up the hill were 
 not slow in making their appearance when the contest was decided, evincing 
 all the courage of tried veterans. They finally accompanied Captain Mason 
 to the harbor, and afiforded some assistance to those who conveyed the 
 wounded. The total loss on the part of the English was two killed and 
 twenty wounded. 
 
 Sassacus at this critical period was in the fortress on Fort Hill, where 
 he was loudly denounced by his warriors as the procuring cause of their late 
 disaster at the other fort. The Pequots at this fort were also greatly exas- 
 perated at the course of Uncas and his followers, and caused all of their near 
 relatives to be slain, except seven who made their escape. 
 
 On the day after the battle, a council of the Pequot nation was held to 
 decide upon their future course of action, and after a hasty deliberation they 
 resolved to leave their country, but not till they had destroyed their fortress 
 and wigwams and such remaining property as could not be carried away. 
 The principal band, headed by Sassacus in person, fled westward and did not 
 make any considerable halt till they had reached a large swamp in Saco, the 
 present township of Fairfield. Thither they were pursued by Captain Mason 
 and his faithful ally Uncas. Captain Stoughton also accompanied the expe- 
 dition in command of a company from Massachusetts. The fugitives were 
 discovered in their new quarters, and were without difficulty routed and 
 utterly dispersed. Sassacus did not risk a halt at the swamp, but with a few 
 of his followers fled directly to the Mohawk country for a safe retreat, but 
 was there slain by the nation, and his scalp was sent to Connecticut as a 
 trophy. As a result of the swamp fight and the death of their late chieftain, 
 the Pequot nation became nearly extinct. Although powerless for harm, the 
 few remaining fugitives were i)ursued with unrelenting malignitv by the 
 English. Even the surrounding tribes were not permitted to harbor them 
 with impunity, but were required by treaty and otherwise to effect, if possible, 
 their utter annihilation. The Pequots were not allowed to dwell in their 
 old homes, to visit the graves of their fathers, or to be called Pequots any 
 more. Lastly, the conquered territory was not to be claimed by the sachems, 
 but to be considered as the propert}-' of the English of Connecticut, as their 
 own by right of conquest. 
 
 The expedition against the Pequots is the most remarkable recorded in 
 
U O-/^.? /V^o ^ i? -V ^'^n net rvcf^tt/n^n.^. 
 
 ^ ins. ^A^ 'tl}A^ {^*^ '^ <.^^r^^ ^'^ ^/M 
 
GENERAL FACTS 7 
 
 American history, and one which for boldness of plan and brilliancy of 
 execution may well claim a place among the most daring exploits of universal 
 history. The Pequots outnumbered Mason's forces ten to one, and the day 
 might have been lost had it not been for the faithful service of Uncas and 
 his followers. 
 
 Uncas, as lineal descendant of the royal family, laid claim to the sov- 
 ereignty of the conquered territory, and while by the terms of the treaty 
 the portion upon the Sound was given up, his claim to the remainder of the 
 Pequot country was admitted by the English, and he was acknowledged as 
 the lawful sachem of a territory embracing the northern half of New London 
 and the southern half of Windham and Tolland counties. Some of the sur- 
 viving Pequots had been assigned him by the terms of the treaty, and many 
 former tributaries of the vanquished tribe yielded their allegiance to him, 
 and added to his power, but his greatest source of strength lay in the favor 
 of the English, which he had fairly won. 
 
 His rapid rise and growing favor greatly excited the envy of surrounding 
 chieftains, especially of those of the Narragansetts and their allies, the Con- 
 necticut River Indians, and they were untiring in their efforts to effect his 
 overthrow. At first they endeavored to cause a rupture between Uncas and 
 the English, but failing in this scheme they next attempted to take his life by 
 assassination. Several fruitless endeavors of this kind were made, but in 
 these diabolic attempts upon his life he was more than a match for them; 
 their calumnies and their murderous designs were made to recoil upon their 
 own heads. Failing in their secret plotting, their enmity ripened into open 
 warfare. In the summer of 1643, only six years after the rout at Mystic 
 Fort, Miantonomoh, at the head of six or seven hundred warriors, suddenly 
 appeared in the very heart of the Mohegan country by a succession of rapid 
 marches. He moved proudly to the contest, doubtless with the assurance 
 that his numerical superiority and the suddenness of his irruption would 
 secure for him an easy victory over his foe and rival. But Uncas was not 
 to be overcome by a surprise. He hastily collected a band of about three 
 hundred warriors and met the invaders upon his own territory, on the Great 
 Plain, probably in the vicinity of the present Fair Grounds in Norwich. He 
 felt the necessity, however, of resorting to strategy in his present emergency, 
 and hence proposed a parley, which was accepted, and the two chieftains met 
 on the plain between their respective armies. Uncas then proposed that the 
 fortunes of the day should be decided by themselves in a single combat, and 
 the lives of their warriors spared, saying, "If you kill me, my men shall be 
 yours : but if I kill you, your men shall be mine." 
 
 Miantonomoh disdainfully replied, "My men came to fight, and they shall 
 fight." Uncas on this immediately gave a preconcerted signal to his followers 
 by falling flat upon the ground. At that instant a shower of arrows were 
 discharged upon the enemy, and, raising the war-cry, the Mohegans rushed 
 forward with Uncas at their head, dashing so unexpectedly upon the invading 
 column of warriors that a widespread panic ensued, resulting in their pre- 
 cipitous and headlong flight without even a show of resistance. The retreat- 
 ing force was pursued in its flight to Sachem's Plain, in the direction of the 
 fords of the Shetucket, at which place Miantonomoh became the prisoner of 
 Uncas. About thirty of the Narragansetts were slain, and among the pris- 
 oners were a brother of Miantonomoh and two sons of Canonicus. Uncas 
 kindly treated his royal prisoner, and without any unnecessary delay took 
 him to Hartford and surrendered him into the hands of the English. His 
 case was laid before commissioners of the United Colonies at their meeting 
 in Boston in September, and the question was there debated whether it was 
 
8 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 right and proper to put the prisoner to death. As the commissioners were 
 unable to agree, the question was by them referred to an ecclesiastical council, 
 which gave its verdict in favor of his execution. It was further decided that 
 the sentence should be carried into effect by Uncas, but without torture. 
 After furnishing a sufficient force to prevent the recapture of the prisoner, 
 Miantonomoh was surrendered into the hands of Uncas, who took him to 
 the place of capture, where he was stricken down by Waweequa, a brother 
 of Uncas. A monument now marks the site of this tragical event. The 
 Narragansetts at several different times invaded the Mohegan country, im- 
 patient to avenge the death of their late chief, but Uncas and his followers 
 were uninjured on account of the aid of the English, which was always 
 extended. 
 
 It is noteworthy that the first settlements in the county, at New London 
 and Norwich, were made under the leadership of some of the most influential 
 men of New England. John Winthrop, the younger, who received a grant 
 at Fisher's Island, given first by Massachusetts in 1640, confirmed by Con- 
 necticut in 1641, and by New York in 1668, received from Massachusetts in 
 1644 a grant of a "plantation at or near Pequot." Here he lived from 1646 
 till he was chosen governor of the Colony of Connecticut in 1657. He it was 
 who secured in 1662 that famous charter from Charles II which was saved 
 from Sir Edmond Andros by hiding it in "The Charter Oak." John Mason, 
 of whom we shall have more to say, was one of the early leaders of the 
 Norwich settlement. 
 
 Under such stalwart leaders as these, the young communities grew and 
 flourished, till by the end of the seventeenth century towns were found at 
 New London, Stonington, Norwich. Lyme, Preston, Colchester, and Lebanon. 
 From these towns were set off the other fourteen towns as stated above. 
 
 The story of the Charter has been told by Mr. Daniel Howard in a 
 document on Connecticut history issued by the State Board of Education: 
 
 At the time when Connecticut was settled and when her infant settle- 
 ments formed their first written constitution, the king of England paid very 
 little attention to what was being done in this new State. On the other hand, 
 the people of Connecticut paid very little attention to their connection with 
 England. They did not even mention England or the king in the constitu- 
 tion that they drew up in 1639. 
 
 England at that time was very poorly governed. Her king was a tyrant 
 who tried to rule by illegal methods. The people would not submit to such 
 a rule, and in 1639 they put their king to death. No one wonders under such 
 conditions wh}' Connecticut made no mention of the fact that she belonged 
 to England. No wonder also that the king paid little attention to Connecticut, 
 for he had troubles enough at home. From 1649 to 1660 England had no 
 king. The people who were at the head of the English government had so 
 many troubles on their side of the ocean, however, that they, too, paid little 
 attention to Connecticut. 
 
 In 1660 a great change in affairs took place. In that year a new king, 
 Charles II, came to the English throne. With him came peace and order 
 in England. The new government had time to look abroad and it was sure 
 to give its attention to what was going on in America. Connecticut thought 
 it was wise for her to maintain friendly relations with the new king. She 
 
GENERAL FACTS 9 
 
 must have his permission to carry on her government, and she might need 
 his protection to shield her from the Indians, the Dutch, and other enemies. 
 Accordingly, in 1661 the Connecticut people took the necessary steps to win 
 the king's favor. They declared that their settlements were English, and 
 that they themselves being the king's faithful subjects owed allegiance to 
 the English crown. 
 
 The next step was to send Governor Winthrop to England with a petition 
 for a charter. The king was a good-natured man, fond of honors and atten- 
 tions, and at the same time desirous of adding to his wealth and revenue. 
 So when Governor Winthrop presented him with the ring that the king's 
 father had given to the governor's grandfather, his heart was touched with 
 gratitude and affection. When the governor told him that the land which 
 the settlers had bought of the Indians and fought for at the peril of their 
 lives was now a fertile and populous territory capable of adding much to 
 the wealth and income of his kingdom, he was favorably impressed. Lord 
 Say, Lord Seal, and other friends, aided Governor Winthrop in persuading 
 the king to grant the charter and in 1662 it received the royal signature. 
 Governor Winthrop received two copies of the charter. One of these he 
 sent to America immediately. The other copy he kept in his possession and 
 brought it to Hartford himself. How the people at Hartford, Windsor and 
 Wethersfield rejoiced ! New Haven at first objected to being united to the 
 three river towns, for she had hoped to remain a separate colony. Soon, 
 however, she accepted the situation, and all the Connecticut towns were 
 happily united under one government. 
 
 Under this liberal charter the colony grew and prospered for the next 
 twenty-five years. The form of government was popular, for the people 
 were required simply to make no laws contrary to those of England. The 
 charter guaranteed to the colony substantially the same rights and privileges 
 that the people had claimed for themselves when they made the constitution 
 of 1639. It was the people's ideal of what a charter ought to be, for it granted 
 all they had asked and even wished for. No wonder they regarded it as 
 a priceless blessing. 
 
 Neither is it any wonder that the people were filled with anxiety and 
 distress when a new king, James II. came to the throne of England and tried 
 to take from them this precious charter. The new king believed that it would 
 be a good thing to unite all the New England settlements into one strong 
 colony under an able English governor. In this way they would be better 
 prepared to defend themselves against their Dutch, French, and Indian 
 neighbors. 
 
 The king did not stop to inquire whether this change in government 
 would please the people of New England or not. In 1686 he sent Sir Edmund 
 Andros to Boston as governor, with instructions to seize the charters of 
 Rhode Island and Connecticut and annex those colonies to Massachusetts 
 and the rest of New England. From Boston the new governor sent to 
 Governor Treat at Hartford asking that the charter of Connecticut should 
 be sent to him. 
 
 Failing to obtain the charter in this way. Governor Andros determined 
 to go to Hartford himself and demand it. Attended by several members of 
 his council, two trumpeters, and a body-guard of red-coated soldiers, he left 
 Boston. Traveling on horseback, they reached the Connecticut river at a 
 point opposite Wethersfield in the afternoon of October 31, 1687. The ferry 
 boat took them to the other side of the river, where a troop of Hartford 
 soldiers met them and escorted them to Hartford with all the pomp and 
 dignity befitting the reception of a royal governor. At Hartford, Governor 
 
lo NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 Treat, his assistants, and the members of the General Assembly, received 
 them with courtesy and respect. In the evening the General Assembly was 
 in session to hear what Governor Andros had to say. He was escorted to 
 the governor's seat and the Assembly listened to his message. He demanded 
 that the Charter of Connecticut should be given to him and that it should 
 no longer be a separate colony. 
 
 Governor Treat made an eloquent and touching plea in reply. He 
 pictured the toil, the hardship, and the sufferings of the early settlers. He 
 told how they had fought with tribes of murderous savages, how they had 
 turned the wilderness into a land of happy homes, how they had obtained 
 their cherished charter, growing and prospering under its protection until 
 relinquishing it would be like giving up life itself. 
 
 Still Governor Andros insisted that the charter must be surrendered. 
 There it lay upon the table around which they were sitting. How could the 
 charter be saved? Suddenly the candles were extinguished. There were no 
 matches in those days, and it took some time to relight the candles. When 
 this was done the charter was missing. 
 
 What had become of it? Governor Andros never knew, but we know 
 that good friends of Connecticut carried it away and hid it. Andros had no 
 right to demand it, and the Connecticut Assembly were determined that he 
 should not obtain it. 
 
 Captain Joseph Wadsworth was the man who carried it away. Believing 
 that the English governor would try to find it. he tried to think of a safe place 
 in which to hide it. He hid it finallv in the hollow trunk of a large oak tree 
 standing near the home of Samuel Wyllys. 
 
 Equally interesting is Mr. Howard's account of Colonial life at that time : 
 
 For us to go back to the old colonial days and visit the people who then 
 lived in Connecticut is, of course, impossible, yet we must go back at least in 
 imagination if we are to understand the kind of life they lived. 
 
 Let us suppose that we are on a journey through Connecticut a few 
 years before the time when Governor Andros tried to deprive the people of 
 their charter. How strange it seems that everybody travels either on horse- 
 back or afoot. We see neither steam nor electric cars nor automobiles, and 
 the people do not even own carriages or wagons. How poor the roads are ! 
 They are little better than beaten paths through the woods and fields. Men 
 are at work on their farms, harvesting their crops, and cutting down trees 
 in order to clear new land to plant next year. The homes are mostly grouped 
 in villages and look very much alike. 
 
 In the center of almost every house is a great stone chimney ten or twelve 
 feet square from the floor of the cellar up to the floor of the second story, 
 above which it decreases in size as it approaches the roof. In the center of 
 the front of the house is a door opening into a hall from which a stairway 
 leads to the second story. On the right and left are doors opening from the 
 hall into large rooms on each side of the chimney. In the rear of the chimney 
 is another large room. One of these rooms is the kitchen, which in most 
 cases is also the living room of the family. The other large rooms are used 
 for parlors or guest rooms, and the smaller sleeping rooms are up stairs. 
 
 We see no stoves, but on three sides of the chimney are huge fireplaces. 
 In the kitchen fireplace is an iron crane on which hang two great kettles. 
 The oven is built into one side of the fireplace. The sides of the rooms are 
 plastered, but the joists and floor overhead are not covered, and nails are 
 driven into the joists to serve as hooks on which to hang small articles. The 
 
GENERAL FACTS ii 
 
 windows have small diamond-shaped panes of glass set in frames of lead. 
 The floors have no carpets. The furniture is plain and useful rather than 
 ornamental. In one room is a spinning wheel and a hand loom on which the 
 farmer's wife and daughters spin the wool that has been cut from the backs 
 of the sheep, and weave it into cloth from which to make garments for the 
 family. 
 
 After the evening meal, eaten from pewter and wooden dishes by the 
 light of tallow candles in the great kitchen, we enjoy listening to the stories 
 told by farmers and their neighbors as they sit about the great fireplace, 
 some of them cracking nuts and others making brooms and various useful 
 articles. We hear strange news of what has happened during the day. A 
 man has been arrested for swearing and has had to stand in the pillory one 
 hour and then receive a whipping. Another man has had to sit for hours in 
 the stocks to punish him for drunkenness. 
 
 Last night farmer Jones had five sheep killed by a wolf, and today he 
 and his sons have been hunting for the beast that did the damage. Tomorrow 
 farmer Smith is to begin building a barn and his neighbors are going to the 
 "raising" to help erect the framework, for it is their custom to be friendly 
 and give their services to a neighbor on such occasions. On the morrow we 
 go to the "raising," and late in the afternoon, when the framework of the 
 barn has all been put in place and securely pinned together, we sit down at 
 the great tables and enjoy the feast prepared by Mrs. Smith and her daughters. 
 All go home early, for tomorrow is Sunday, and in Connecticut the observance 
 of the Sabbath begins on Saturday at sunset. Family worship is followed by 
 religious instruction given to the children and to the servants. 
 
 On Sunday morning a drum beats and everyone goes to church. The 
 minister and the congregation all carry their muskets. Why? Because hostile 
 Indians are liable to attack them at any minute. Sentinels and guards watch 
 outside the door during the sermon, which lasts two hours. After luncheon, 
 the congregation returns for another long sermon. The tithingman with his 
 long rod tipped at one end with brass and at the other with a rabbit's foot, 
 prevents anj^one who is weary from going to sleep. An old man becomes 
 drowsy. He is gently touched upon the head with the brass end of the rod 
 and awakes with a start. In another pew a lady is awakened by having her 
 face brushed by the rabbit's foot. Though these good people could not help 
 becoming tired and sleepy, they had a high regard for their pastor's teaching, 
 for it was to him that they went for advice and counsel not only for their 
 religious life but for almost every question that arose regarding what was 
 right and proper in their social life and customs. 
 
 The life of these early settlers was quiet, healthful, and happy. They 
 labored industriously and contentedly on their farms and in the forests. All 
 that they earned was their own to use and enjoy. They made their own 
 system of government and laws, and enjoved the justice and liberty that these 
 gave them. They believed in education for themselves and for their children. 
 Their moral and religious character made them trust and respect one another 
 and earned them the respect and esteem of people in other colonies. 
 
 What sort of people these early settlers were may be judged by a love 
 letter sent in 1674 by Rev. Edward Taylor, of Massachusetts, to Miss Eliza- 
 beth Fitch, daughter of Rev. James Fitch, the first clergyman settled in 
 Norwich : 
 
 Wethersfield, Mass., 8th day of the 7th month, 1674. 
 
 My Dove : — I send you not my heart, for that I hope is sent to Heaven 
 
12 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 long since, and unless it has awfully deceived me it hath not taken up its 
 lodgings in any one's bosom on this side the royal city of the Great King; 
 but yet the most of it that is allowed to be laved out upon any creature doth 
 safely and singly fall to vour share. So much my post pigeon presents you 
 with here in these lines. Look not (I entreat you) on it as one of love's hyper- 
 boles. If I borrow the beams of some sparkling metaphor to illustrate my 
 respects unto thyself by, for you having made my breast the cabinet of your, 
 affections as I yours mine, I know not how to ofifer a fitter comparison to' 
 set out my love by, than to compare it unto a golden ball of pure fire rolling 
 up and down my breast, from which there flies now and then a spark like a 
 glorious beam from the body of the flaming sun. But alas! striving to catch 
 these sparks into a love letter unto yourself, and to gild it with them as with 
 a sun beam, and, that by what time they have fallen through my pen upon 
 paper, they have lost their shine and fall only like a little smoke thereon 
 instead of gilding them. Wherefore, finding myself so much deceived, I am 
 ready to begrudge my instruments, for though my love within my breast is 
 so large that my heart is not sufficient to contain it, yet they can make it 
 no more room to ride into, than to squeeze it up betwixt my black ink and 
 white paper. But know that it is the coarsest part that is couchant there, 
 for the finest is too fine to clothe in any linguist and huswifry, or to be 
 expressed in words, and though this letter bears but the coarsest part to you, 
 yet the purest is improved for you. But now, my dear love, lest my letter 
 should be judged the lavish language of a lover's pen, I shall endeavor to show 
 that conjugal love ought to exceed all other love. 1st, appears from that 
 which it represents, viz: The respect there is betwixt Christ and his church, 
 Eph. 5th, 25th. although it difl^ers from that in kind; for that is spiritual and 
 this human, and in degree, that is boundless and transcendent, this limited 
 and subordinate; yet it holds out that this should be cordial and with respect 
 to all other transcendent. 2d. Because conjugal love is the ground of conjugal 
 union, or conjugal sharing the effects of this love, is also a ground of this 
 union. 3d, From those Christian duties which are incumbent on persons in 
 this state as not only a serving God together, a praying together, a joining 
 in the ruling and instructing their family together, which could not be carried 
 on as it should be without a great degree of true love, and also a mutual 
 giving each other to each other, a mutual succoring each other in all states, 
 ails, grievances; and how can this be when there is not a love exceeding all 
 other love to anv creature? And hereby if persons in this state have not 
 love exceeding all love, it's with them for the most part as with the strings 
 of an instrument not tuned up, when struck upon makes but a jarring, harsh 
 sound. But when we get the wires of an instrument equally drawn up, and 
 rightlv struck upon, sound together, make sweet music whose harmony doth 
 enravish the ear; so when the golden strings of true affection are struck up 
 into a right conjugal love, thus sweetly doth this state then harmonize to 
 the comfort of each other and to the glorv of God when sanctified. But yet, 
 the conjugal love most exceed all other, yet it must be kept within bounds, 
 for it must be subordinate to God's glory: the which that mine may be so, it 
 having got you in its heart, doth offer my heart with you in it as a more rich 
 sacrifice into God through Christ, and so it subscribeth me. 
 
 Your true love till deatli. 
 
 Edward T.wlor. 
 
 This for my friend and only beloved. Miss Elizabeth Fitch, 
 at her father's house in Norwich. 
 
GENERAL FACTS 13 
 
 No more interesting description of Colonial life at this time can be found 
 than "The Journal of Madame Sarah Knight," the record of a journey from 
 Boston to New York in 1704. Inasmuch as Madame Knight was a resident 
 of Norwich and New London for many years, we print the journal entire: 
 
 Monday, Octb'r. ye second, 1704. About three o'clock afternoon, I begun 
 my Journey from Boston to New Haven ; being about two Hundred Mile. My 
 Kinsman, Capt. Robert Luist, waited on me as farr as Dedham, where I was 
 to meet ye Western post. 
 
 I visitted the Reverd. Mr. Belcher, ye Minister of ye town, and tarried 
 there till evening, in hopes ye post would come along. But he not coming, 
 I resolved to go to Billingses where he used to lodg. being 12 miles further. 
 But being ignorant of the way, Madm Billings, seeing no persuasions of her 
 good spouses or hers could prevail with me to Lodg there that night. Very 
 kindly went wyth me to ye Tavern, where I hoped to get my guide. And 
 desired the Hostess to inquire of her guests whether any of them would 
 go with mee. But they being tyed by the Lipps to a pewter engine, scarcely 
 allowed themselves time to say what clownish — (Here half a page of the 
 MS. is gone.)— Pieces of eight, I told her no, I would not be accessary to 
 such extortion. 
 
 Then John shan't go, sais shee. No, indeed, shan't hee; And held forth 
 at that rate a long time, that I began to fear I was got among the Quaking 
 tribe, beleeving not a Limbertong'd sister among them could out do Madm. 
 Hostes. Upon this, to my no small surprise, son John arrose, and gravely 
 demanded what I would give him to go with me? Give you, sais I, are you 
 John? Yes, says he, for want of a Better; And behold! this John look't as 
 old as my Host, and perhaps had bin a man in the last Century. Well, Mr. 
 John, sais I, make your demands. 
 
 Why. half a pss. of eight and a dram, sais John. I agreed, and gave him 
 a Dram (now) in hand to bind the bargain. My hostess catechis'd John for 
 going so cheap, saying his poor wife would break her heart — (Here another 
 half page of the MS. is gone).— His shade on his Hors resembled a Globe 
 on a Gate post. His habit, Hors and furniture, its looks and goings Incom- 
 parably answered the rest. 
 
 Thus Jogging on with an easy pace, my Guide telling mee it was 
 dangero's to Ride hard in the Night, '(which his horse had the sence to avoid) 
 Hee' entertained me with the Adventurs he had passed by late Rideing, and 
 eminent Dangers he had escaped, so that, Rembring the Hero's in Parismus 
 and the Knight of the Oracle, I did'nt know but I had mett wth a Prince 
 disguis'd. When we had Ridd about an how'r, wee come into a thick swamp, 
 wch. bv Reason of a great fogg, very much startled mee, it being now very 
 Dark. ' But nothing dismay'd John : Hee had encountered a thousand and a 
 thousand such Swamps, having a Universal Knowledge in the woods; and 
 readily Answered all my inquiries wch. were not a few. 
 
 In about an how'r, or something more, after we left the Swamp, we come 
 to Billinges, where I was to Lodg. My Guide dismounted and very Com- 
 plasantly help't me down and shewd the door, signing to me wth his hand 
 to Go in; wch I Gladly did— But had not gone many steps into the Room, 
 ere I was Interogated by a young Lady I understood afterwards was the 
 Eldest daughter of the family, with these, or words to this purpose, (viz.) 
 Law for mee— what in the world brings You here at this time a night?— I 
 never see a woman on the Rode so DreadfuU late, in all the days of my 
 versall life. Who are You? Where are You going? I'm scar'd out of my 
 
14 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 witts — with much now of the same Kind. I stood aghast, Prepareing to reply, 
 when in comes my Guide — to him Madam turn'd, Roreing out : Lawfull heart, 
 John, is it You? — how do do! Where in the world are you going with this 
 woman? Who is she? John made no Ansr. but sat down in the corner, 
 fumbled out his black Junk, and saluted that instead of Debb ; she then 
 turned agen to mee and fell anew into her silly questions, without askmg 
 me to sitt down. 
 
 I told her she treated me very Rudely, and I did not think it my duty 
 to answer her unmannerly Questions. But to get ridd of them, I told her 
 I come there to have the post's company with me to-morrow on my Journey, 
 &c. Miss star'd awhile, drew a chair, bid me sitt. And then run up stairs 
 and putts on two or three Rings, (or else I had not seen them before,) and 
 returning, sett herself just before me, showing the way to Reding, that I 
 might see her Ornaments, perhaps to gain the more respect. But her 
 Granam's new Rung sow, had it api)eared, would afifectcd me as much. I 
 paid honest John wth money and dram according to contract, and Dismist 
 him, and pray'd Miss to shew me where I must Lodg. Shee conducted me 
 to a parlour in a little back Lento, wch w'as almost fill'd wth the bedstead, 
 wch was so high that I was forced to climb on a chair to gitt up to ye wretched 
 bed that lay on it ; on wch having Strecht my tired Limbs, and lay'd my 
 head on a Sad-colourd pillow, I began to think on the transactions of ye 
 past day. 
 
 Tuesday, October ye third, about 8 in the morning, I with the Post 
 proceeded forward without observing any thing remarkable ; And about two, 
 afternoon. Arrived at the Post's second stage, where the western Post mett 
 him and exchanged Letters. Here, having called for something to eat, ye 
 woman bro't in a Twisted thing like a cable, but something whiter; and 
 laying it on the bord, tugg'd for life to bring it into a capacity to spread ; wch 
 having wth great pains accomplished, shee serv'd in a dish of Pork and 
 Cabbage, I suppose the remains of Dinner. The sause was of a deep Purple, 
 wch I tho't was boil'd in her dye Kettle; the bread was Indian, and every 
 thing on the Table service Agreeable to these. L being hungry, gott a little 
 down ; but my stomach was soon cloy'd and what cabbage I swallowed serv'd 
 me for a Cudd the whole day after. 
 
 Having here discharged the Ordnary for self and Guide, (as I understood 
 was the custom,) About Three afternoon went on with my Third Guide, who 
 Rode very hard ; and having crossed Providence Ferry, we come to a River 
 wch they Generally Ride thro'. But I dare not venture ; -so the Po.st got a 
 Ladd and Cannoo to carry me to tother side, and hee rode thro' and Led my 
 hors. The Cannoo was very small and shallow, so that when we were in .she 
 seem'd redy to take in water, which greatly terrified mee. and caused me to 
 be very circunspect, sitting with my hands fast on each side, my eyes stedy, 
 not daring so much as to lodg my tongue a hair's breadth more on one side 
 of my mouth then totjier, nor so much as think on Lott"s wife, for a wry 
 thought would have overestt our wherey : But was soon put out of this pain, 
 by feeling the Cannoo on shore, wch I as soon almost saluted with my feet : 
 and Rewarding my sculler, again mounted and made the best of our way 
 forwards. The Rode here was very even and ye dav pleasant, it being now 
 near Sunsett. But the Post told rnee we had neer 14 miles to Ride to the 
 next Stage, (where we were to Lodg.) I askt him of the rest of the Rode, 
 forseeing wee must travail in the night. Hee told mee there was a bad River 
 we were to Ride thro', wch was so very firce a hors could sometimes hardly 
 stem it : But it was but narrow, and wee should soon be over. I cannot 
 expre.ss The concern of mind this relation sett me in: no thought but those 
 
GENERAL FACTS 15 
 
 of the dans^'ro;; River could entertain my Imagination, and they were as 
 formidable as varios. still Tormenting me with blackest Ideas of my Ap- 
 proaching fate— Sometimes seing my self drowning, otherwhiles drowned, 
 and at the best like a holy Sister Just come out of a Spiritual Bath n- drip- 
 ping Garments. 
 
 Now was the Glorious Luminary, wth his swift Coursers arrived at his 
 Stage, leaving poor me wth the rest of this part of the lower world in dark- 
 ness, with which wee were soon Surrounded. The only Glimmering we now 
 had was from the spangled Skies, Whose Imperfect Reflections rendered 
 every Object formidable. Each lifeless Trunk, with its shatter'd Limbs, 
 appear'd an Armed Enymie ; and every little stump like a Ravenous de- 
 vourer. Nor could I so much as discern my Guide, when at any distance, 
 which added to the terror. 
 
 Thus, absolutely lost in Thought, and dying with the very thoughts of 
 drowning, I come up wth the post, who I did not see till even with his Hors : 
 he told mee he stopt for mee ; and wee Rode on Very deliberately a few 
 paces, when we entered a Thickett of Trees and Shrubbs. and I perceived by 
 the Hors's going, we were on the descent of a Hill, wch, as wee come neerer 
 the bottom," 'twas totaly dark wth the Trees that surrounded it. But I knew 
 by the Going of the Hors wee had entred the water, wch my Guide told mee 
 was the hazardos River he had told me off; and hee. Riding up close to my 
 Side, Bid me not fear — we should be over Imediatly. I now ralyed all the 
 Courage I was mistriss of. Knowing that I must either Venture my fate of 
 drowning, or be left like ye Children in the wood. So, as the Post bid me, 
 I gave Reins to my Nagg; and sitting as Stedy as Just before in the Cannoo, 
 in a few minutes got safe to the other side, which hee told mee was the 
 Narragansett country. 
 
 Here We found great difficulty in Travailing, the way bemg very narrow, 
 and on each side the Trees and bushes gave us very unpleasant welcomes 
 with their Branches and bow's, wch wee could not avoid, it being so exceed- 
 ing dark. My Guide, as before so now, putt on harder than I, wth my weary 
 bones, could 'follow ; so left mee and the way behind him. Now Returned 
 my distressed apprehensions of the place where I was : the dolesome woods, 
 mv Company next to none. Going I knew not whither, and encompassed wth 
 Terrifying darkness ; The least of which was enough to startle a more Mas- 
 culine' courage. Added to which the Reflections, as in the afternoon of ye 
 day that my Call was very Questionable, wch till then I had not so Prudently 
 as'l ought considered. Now,, coming to ye foot of a hill, I found great diffi- 
 culty in ascending; But being got to the Top, was there amply recompenced 
 with the friendly Appearance of the Kind Conductress of the night. Just then 
 Advancing above the Horisontall Line. The Raptures wch the Sight of that 
 fair Planett produced in mee, caus'd mee, for the Moment to forgett my 
 present wearvness and past toils, and Inspir'd me for most of the remaining 
 way with very diverting tho'ts, some of which, with the other Occurances of 
 the day, I reserved to note down when I should come to my Stage. My 
 tho'ts on the sight of the moon were to this purpose : 
 
 Fair QTithia. all the Homage that I may 
 
 Unto a Creature, unto thee I pay; 
 
 In Lonesome woods to meet so kind a guide. 
 
 To Mee's more worth than all the world beside. 
 
 Some Tov I felt just now. when =afe got o're 
 
 Yon Surlv River to this Rugged =hore. 
 
 Deeming Rough welcomes from these clownish Trees, 
 
 Better than Lodgings wth Nereidees. 
 
 Yet swelling fears surprise ; all dark appears— 
 
i6 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 Nothing but Light can disipate those fears. 
 My fainting vitals can't lend strength to say, 
 But softly whisper, O I wish 'twere day. 
 The murmur hardly warm'd the Ambient air, 
 E're thy Bright Aspect rescues from dispair: 
 Makes the old Hagg her sable mantle loose. 
 And a Bright Joy do's through my Soul diffuse. 
 The Boistero's Trees now Lend a Passage Free, 
 And pleasant prospects thou giv'st light to see. 
 
 From hence wee kept on, with more ease yn before ; the way being 
 smooth and even, the night warm and serene, and the Tall and thick Trees 
 at a distance, especially wn the moon glar'd light through the branches, fill'd 
 my Imagination wth the pleasant delusion of a Sumteous citty, fill'd wth 
 famous Buildings and churches, wth their spiring steeples, Balconies, Gal- 
 leries, and I know not what: Grandeurs wch I had heard of, and wch the 
 stories of foreign countries had given me the Idea of. 
 
 Here stood a Lofty church — there is a steeple. 
 And there the Grand Parade — O see the people ! 
 That Famouse Castle there, were I but nigh. 
 To see the mote and Bridg and walls so high— 
 They'r very fine ! sais my deluded eye. 
 
 Being thus agreeably entertain'd without a thou't of any thing but 
 thoughts themselves, I on a suden was Rous'd from these pleasing Imagina- 
 tions, by the Post's sounding his horn, which assured mee he was arrived at 
 the Stage, where we were to Lodg: and that musick was then most musickall 
 and agreeable to mee. 
 
 Being come to mr. Havens', I was very civilly Received, and courteously 
 entertained, in a clean comfortable House; and the Good woman was very 
 active in helping ofif my Riding clothes, and then ask't what I would eat. I 
 told her I had some Chocolett, if shee would prepare it; which with the help 
 of some Milk, and a little clean brass Kettle, she soon effected to my satis- 
 faction. I then betook me to my Apartment, wch was a little Room parted 
 from the Kitchen by a single bord partition ; where, after I had noted the 
 Occurances of the past day, I went to bed, which, tho' pretty hard, Yet neet 
 and handsome. But I could get no sleep, because of the Clamor of some of 
 the Town tope-ers in next Room, Who were entred into a strong debate 
 concernign ye Signifycation of the name of their Country, (viz.) Narra- 
 ganset. One said it was named so by ye Indians, because there grew a 
 Brier there, of a prodigious Highth and bigness, the like hardly ever known, 
 called by the Indians Narragansett ; And quotes an Indian of so Barberous 
 a name for his Author, that I could not write it. His Antagonist Replycd 
 no — It was from a Spring it had its name, wch hee well knew where it was, 
 which was extreem cold in summer, and as Hott as could be imagined in the 
 winter, which was much resorted too by the natives, and by them called 
 Narragansett, (Hot and Cold,) and that was the originall of their places name 
 — with a thousand Impertinances not worth notice, wch He utter'd with such 
 a Roreing voice and Thundering blows with the fist of wickedness on the 
 Tabic, that it pierced my very head. I fretted, and wish't 'um tongue 
 tyed ; but wth as little succes as a friend of mine once, who was (as she said) 
 kept a whole night awake, on a Jorny, by a country Left, and a Sergent. 
 Insigne and a Deacon, contriving how to bring a triangle into a Square. They 
 kept calling for tother Gill, wch while they were swallowing, was some Inter- 
 mission ; But presently, like Oyle to fire, eiicreased the flame. It set my Candle 
 
GENERAL FACTS 17 
 
 on a Chest by the bed side, and setting up, fell to my old way of composing 
 my Resentments, in the following manner: 
 
 I ask thy Aid, O Potent Rum! 
 
 To Charm these wrangling Topers Dum. 
 
 Thou hast their Giddy Brains possest — 
 
 The man confounded wth the iBeast — 
 
 And I, poor I, can get no rest. 
 
 Intoxicate them with thy fumes: 
 
 O still their Tongues till morning comes! 
 
 And I know not but my wishes took effect ; for the dispute soon ended wth 
 'tother Dram; and so Good night! 
 
 Wednesday, Octob'r 4th. About four in the morning, we set out for 
 Kingston (for so was the Town called) with a french Docter in our company. 
 Hee and ye Post put on very furiously, so that I could not keep up with 
 them, only as now and then they'd stop till they see me. This Rode was 
 poorly furnished wth accommodations for Travellers, so that we were forced 
 to ride 22 miles by the post's account, but neerer thirty by mine, before wee 
 could bait so much as our Horses, wch I exceedingly complained of. But the 
 post encourag'd mee, by saying wee should be well accommodated anon at 
 mr. Devills, a few miles further. But I questioned whether we ought to go 
 to the Devil to be helpt out of affliction. However, like the rest of Deluded 
 souls that post to ye Infernal denn. Wee made all posible speed to this Devil's 
 Habitation; where alliting, in full assurance of good accommodation, wee 
 were going in. But meeting his two daughters, as I suposed twins, they so 
 ncerly resembled each other, both in features and habit, and look't as old as 
 the Divel himselfe, and quite as Ugly, We desired entertainm't, but could 
 hardly get a word out of 'um, till with our Importunity, telling them our 
 necesity, &c. they call'd the old Sophister, who was as sparing of his words 
 as his daughters had bin, and no. or none, was the reply's hee made us to our 
 demands. Hee differed only in this from the old fellow in to'ther Country: 
 hee let us depart. However, I thought it proper to warn poor Travailers to 
 endeavour to Avoid falling into circumstances like ours, wch at our next Stage 
 I sat down and did as followeth: 
 
 May all that dread the cruel feind of night 
 Keep on, and not at this curs't Mansion light. 
 'Tiss Hell: 'tis Hell! and Devills here do dwell: 
 Here dwells the Devill— surely this's Hell. 
 Nothing but Wants: a drop to cool yo'r Tongue 
 Cant be procur'd these cruel Feinds among. 
 Plenty of horrid Grins and looks sevear. 
 Hunger and thirst. But pitty's hanish'd here — 
 The Right hand keep, if Hell on Earth you fear! 
 
 Thus leaving this habitation of cruelty, we went forward ; and arriving at an 
 Ordinary about two mile further, found tollerable accommodation. But our 
 Hostes, being a pretty full mouth'd old creature, entertain'd our fellow trav- 
 ailer, ye french Docter, wth Inumirable complaints of her bodily infirmities; 
 and whisperd to him so lou'd, that all ye House had as full a hearing as hee; 
 which was very divirting to he company, (of which there was a great many,) 
 as one might see by their sneering. But poor weary I slipt out to enter my 
 mind in my Jornal, and left my Great Landly with her Talkative Guests to 
 themselves. 
 
 From hence we proceeded (about ten forenoon) through the Narragan- 
 sett country, pretty Leisurely ; and about one afternoon come to Paukataug 
 River, wch was about two hundred paces over, and now very high, and no 
 N.I..— 1-2 
 
i8 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 waj' over to to'ther side but this. I darid not venture to Ride thro, my courage 
 at best in such cases but small, And now at the Lowest Ebb, by reason of 
 my weary, very weary, hungry, and uneasy Circumstances. So takeing leave 
 of my company, tho' wth no little Reluctance, that I could not proceed wth 
 them on my Jorny, Stop at a little cottage Just by the River, to wait the 
 Waters falling, wch the old man that lived there said would be in a little 
 time, and he would conduct me safe over. This little Hutt was one of the 
 wretchedest I ever saw a habitation for human creatures. It was supported 
 with shores enclosed with Clapbords, laid on Lengthways, and so much 
 asunded, that the Lig:ht come throu' every where; the doore tyed on wth a 
 cord in ye place of hinges ; The floor the bear earth ; no windows but such 
 as the thin covering afforded, nor any furniture but a Bedd wth a glass Bottle 
 hanging at ye head on't ; an earthan cupp, a small pewter Bason, A Bord wth 
 sticks to stand on, instead of a table, and a block or two in ye corner instead 
 of chairs. The family were the old man, his wife and two Children ; all and 
 e\ery i^art being the picture of poverty. Notwithstanding both the Hutt and 
 its Inhabance were very clean and tydee : to the crossing the Old Proverb, 
 that bare walls make giddy hows-wifes. I Blest myselfe that I was not one 
 of this misserable crew ; and the Impressions their wretchedness formed in 
 me cauesd mee on ye very Spott to say : 
 
 Tho' III at ease, A stranger and alone. 
 All my fatigu's shall not extort a grone. 
 These Indigents have hunger wth their ease ; 
 Their best is wors behalfe then my disease. 
 Their Misirable hutt wch Heat and Cold 
 Alternately without Repulse do hold; 
 Their Lodgings thyn and hard, their Indian fare. 
 The mean Apparel which the wretches wear. 
 And their ten thousand ills wch can't be told, 
 Makes nature cr'e 'tis midle age look old. 
 When I reflect, my late fatigues do seem 
 Only a notion or forgotten Dreem. 
 
 I had scarce done thinking, when an Indian-like Animal come to the door, 
 on a creature very much like himselfe, in mien and features, as well as Ragged 
 cloathing; and having 'litt, makes an Awkerd Scratch wth his Indian shoo, 
 and a Nodd, sitts on ye block, fumbles out his black Junk, dipps it in ye 
 Ashes, and presents it piping hott to his muscheeto's, and fell to sucking 
 like a calf, without speaking, for near a quarter of an hower. At length the 
 old man said how do's Sarah do? who I understood was the wretches wife, 
 and Daughter to ye old man: he Replyed, — as well as can be expected, &c. 
 So I remembred the old say, and suposed I knew Sarah's case. Butt hee 
 being, as I understood, going over the River, as ugly as hee was, I was glad 
 to ask him to show me ye way to Saxtons, at Stoningtown ; wch he promising, 
 I ventur'd over wth the old mans assistance ; who having rewarded to content, 
 with my Tattertailed guide, I Ridd on very slowly thro' Stoningtown, where 
 the Rode was very stony and uneven. I asked the fellow, as we went, divers 
 questions of the place and way, &c. I being arrived at my country Saxtons, 
 at Stonington, was very well accommodated both as to victuals and Lodging, 
 the only Good of both I had found since my setting out. Here I heard there 
 was an old man and his Daughter to come that way, bound to N. London ; 
 and being now destitute of a Guide, gladly waited for them, being in so good 
 a harbour, and accordingly, Thirsday, Octobr ye 5th, about 3 in the after- 
 noon, I sat forward with neighbor Polly and Jemima, a Girl about 18 Years 
 old, who hee said he had been to fetch out of the Narragansetts. and said 
 they had Rode thirty miles that day, on a sory lean jade, wth only a Bagg 
 
GENERAL FACTS 19 
 
 under her for a pillion, which the poor Girl often complain'd was very uneasy. 
 
 Wee made Good speed along, wch made poor Jemima make many a 
 sow'r face, the mare being a very hard trotter ; and after many a hearty and 
 bitter Oh, she at length Low'd out: Lawful Heart father! this bare mare 
 hurts mee Dingeely, I'me direfull sore I vow; with many words to that pur- 
 pose ; poor Child sais Gafifer — she us't to serve your mother so. I don't care 
 how mother us't to do, quoth Jemima, in a pasionate tone. At which the old 
 man Laught, and kik't his Jade o' the side, which made her Jolt ten times 
 harder. 
 
 About seven that Evening, we come to New London Ferry : here, by 
 reason of a very high wind, we mett with great difficulty in getting over — 
 the Boat tos't exceedingly, and our Horses capper'd at a very surprizing 
 Rate, and set us all in a fright ; especially poor Jemima, who desired her 
 father to say 'so jack' to the Jade, to make her stand. But the careless parent, 
 taking no notice of her repeated desires. She Rored out in a Passionate 
 manner: Pray suth father. Are you deaf? Say 'so Jack' to the Jade, I tell 
 you. The Dutiful Parent obey's ; saying 'so Jack,' 'so Jack,' as gravely as if 
 hee'd bin to saying Catechise after Young Miss, who with her fright look't 
 of all coulers in ye Rain Bow. 
 
 Being safely arrived at the house of Mrs. Prentices in N. London, I 
 treated neighbour Polly and daughter for their divirting company, and bid 
 them farewell ; and between nine and ten at night waited on the Revd Mr. 
 Gurdon Saltonstall, minister of the town, who kindly Invited me to Stay 
 that night at his house, where I was very handsomely and plentifully treated 
 and Lodg'd ; and made good the Great Character I had before heard concern- 
 ing him ; viz. that hee was the most afifable, courteous, Genero's and best 
 of men. 
 
 Friday, October 6th. I got up very early, in Order to hire somebody to 
 go with mee to New Haven, being in Great perplexity at the thoughts of 
 proceeding alone ; which my most hospitable entertainer observing, himself 
 went, and soon return'd wth a young Gentleman of the town, who he could 
 confide in to Go with mee ; and about eight this morning, wth Mr. Joshua 
 Wheeler my new Guide, takeing leave of this worthy Gentleman, Wee ad- 
 vanced on towards Seabrook. The Rodes all along this way are very bad. 
 Incumbered wth Rocks and mountainous passages, wch were very disagree- 
 able to my tired carcass ; but we went on with a moderate pace wch made 
 ye Journy more pleasent. But after about eight miles Rideing, in going over 
 a Bridge under wch the River Run very swift, my hors stumbled, and very 
 narrowly 'scaped falling over into the water ; wch extreemly frightened mee. 
 But through God's Goodness I met with no harm, and mounting agen, in 
 about half a miles Rideing, come to an ordinary, were well entertained by a 
 woman of about seventy and vantage, but of as Sound Intellectuals as one of 
 seventeen. Shee entertain'd Mr. Wheeler wth some passages of a Wedding 
 awhile ago at a place hard by, the Brides-Groom being about her Age or 
 something above. Saying his Children was dreadfully against their fathers 
 marrying, wch shee condemned them extreemly for. 
 
 From hence wee went pretty briskly forward, and arriv'd at Saybrook 
 ferry about two of the Clock afternoon ; and crossing it, wee call'd at an Inn 
 to Bait, (foreseeing we should not have such another Opportunity till we 
 come to Killingsworth.) Landlady comes in, with her hair about her ears, 
 and hands at full pav scratching. Shee told us shee had some mutton wch 
 shee would broil, wch I was glad to hear; But I supose forgot to wash her 
 scratchers; in a little time shee brot it in; but it being pickeld, and my Guide 
 said it smelt strong of head sause, we left it, and pd sixpence a piece for our 
 
20 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 Dinners, wch was only smell. So wee putt forward with al speed, and about 
 seven at night come to Killingsworth, and were tollerably well with Travillers 
 fare, and Lodgd there that night. 
 
 Saturday, Oct. 7th, we sett out early in the Morning, and being something 
 unaquainted wth the way, having ask't it of some wee mett, they told us wee 
 must Ride a mile or two and turne down a Lane on the Right hand ; and by 
 their Direction wee Rode on but not Yet comeing to ye turning, we mett a 
 Young fellow and ask't him how farr it was to the Lane which turn'd down 
 towards Guilford. Hee said wee must Ride a little further, and turn down 
 by the Corner of uncle Sams Lott. My Guide vented his Spleen at the 
 Lubber; and we soon after came into the Rhode, and keeping still on, without 
 any thing further Remarkabell, about two a clock afternoon we arrived at 
 New Haven, where I was received with all Possible Respects and civility. 
 Here I discharged Mr. Wheeler with a reward to his satisfaction, and took 
 some time to rest after so long and toilsome a Journey; And Inform'd myselfe 
 of the manners and customs of the place, and at the same time employed 
 myselfe in the affair I went there upon. 
 
 They are Govern'd by the same Laws as wee in Boston, (or little differ- 
 ing,) thr'out this whole Colony of Connecticot, And much the same way of 
 Church Government, and many of them good. Sociable people, and I hope 
 Religious too: but a little too much Independant in their principalis, and, as 
 I have been told, were formerly in their Zeal very Riggid in their Admin- 
 istrations towards such as their Lawes made Offenders, even to a harmless 
 Kiss or Innocent merriment among Young people. Whipping being frequent 
 and counted an easy Punishment, about wch as other Crimes, the Judges were 
 absolute in their Sentances. They told mee a pleasant story about a pair of 
 Justices in thoes parts, wch I may not omit the relation of. 
 
 A negro Slave belonging to a man in ye Town, stole a hogs head from 
 his master, and gave or sold it to an Indian, native of the place. The Indian 
 sold it in the neighbourhood, and so the theft was found out. Thereupon the 
 Heathen was Seized, and carried to the Justices House to be Eramined. But 
 his worship (it seems) was gone into the field, with a Brother in office, to 
 gather in his Pompions. Whither the malefactor is hurried, And Complaint 
 made, and satisfaction in the name of Justice demanded. Their Worships 
 can't proceed in form without a Bench: whereupon they Order one to be 
 Imediately erected, which, for want of fitter materials, they made with 
 pompions — which being finished, down setts their Worships, and the Male- 
 factor call'd, and by the Senior Justice Interrogated after the following man- 
 ner. You Indian why did You steal from this man? You sho'dn't do so — it's 
 a Grandy wicked thing to steal. Hol't Hol't, cryes Justice Junr, Brother, 
 You speak negro to him. I'le ask him. You sirrah, why did You steal this 
 man's Hoggshead? Hoggshead? (replys the Indian,) me no stomany. No? 
 says his Worship; and pulling off his hatt. Patted his own head with his 
 hand, sais, Tatapa — You, Tatapa — you; all one this. Hoggshead all one this. 
 Hah ! says Netop, now me stomanv that. Whereupon the Company fell into 
 a great fitt of Laughter, even to Roreing. Silence is co-manded, but to no 
 effect: for they continued perfectly Shouting. Nay, sais his worship, in an 
 angry tone, if it be so, take mee off the Bench. 
 
 Their Diversions in this part of the Country are on Lecture days and 
 Training days mostly; on the former there is Riding from town to town. 
 And on training dayes The Youth divert themselves by Shooting at the 
 Target, as they call it, (but it very much resembles a pillory,) where bee 
 that hitts neerest the white has some yards of Red Ribbin presented him, 
 wch being tied to his hattband, the two ends streaming down his back, he 
 
GENERAL FACTS 21 
 
 is Led away in Triumph, wth great applause, as the winners of the Olympiack 
 Games. They generally marry very young: the males oftener as I am told 
 under twentie than above; they generally make public wcdings, and have a 
 way something singular (as they say) in some of them, viz. Just before Joyn^ 
 ing hands the Bridegroom quitts the place, who is soon followed by the 
 Bridesmen, and as it were, dragg'd back to duty — being the reverse to ye 
 former practice among us, to steal ms Pride. 
 
 There are great plenty of Oysters all along by the sea side, as farr as I 
 Rode in the Collony, and those very good. And they Generally lived very 
 well and comfortably in their famelies. But too Indulgent (especially ye 
 farmers) to their slaves : sufering too great familiarity from them, permitting 
 ym to sit at Table and eat with them, (as they say to save time,) and into 
 the dish goes the black hoof as freely as the white hand. They told me that 
 there was a farmer lived nere the Town where I lodgd who had some differ- 
 ence wth his slave, concerning something the master had promised him and 
 did not punctualy perform ; wch caused some hard words between them ; 
 But at length they put the matter to Arbitration and Bound themselves to 
 stand to the award of such as they named — wch done, the Arbitrators Hav- 
 ing heard the Allegations of both parties. Order the master to pay 40s to 
 black face, and acknowledge his fault. And so the matter ended: the poor 
 master very honestly standing to the award. 
 
 There are every where in the Towns as I passed, a Number of Indians 
 the Natives of the Country, and are the most salvage of all the salvages of 
 that kind that I had ever Seen : little or no care taken (as I heard upon en- 
 quir}-) to make them otherwise. They have in some places Landes of their 
 owne, and Govern'd by Law's of their own making; — they marry many wives 
 and at pleasure put them away, and on the ye least dislike or fickle humour, 
 on either side, saying "stand away" to one another is a sufficient Divorce. 
 And indeed those uncomely Stand aways are too much in Vougue among the 
 English in this (Indulgent Colony) as their Records plentifully prove, and 
 that on very trivial matters, of which some have been told me, but are not 
 proper to be Related by a Female pen, tho some of that foolish sex have had 
 too large a share in the story. 
 
 If the natives committ any crime on their own precincts among them- 
 selves, ye English takes no Cognezens of. But if on the English ground, 
 they are punishable by our Laws. They mourn for their Dead by blacking 
 their faces, and cutting their hair, after an Awkcrd and frightful! manner; 
 But can't bear You should mention the names of their dead Relations to 
 them: they trade most for Rum, for wch thcyd hazzard their very lives; and 
 the English fit them Generally as well, b)^ seasoning it plentifully with water. 
 
 They give the title of merchant to every trader; who Rate their Goods 
 according to the time and spetia they pay in : viz. Pay, mony. Pay as mony, 
 and trusting. Pay is G'-ain, Pork, Beef, &c. at the prices sett by the General 
 Gourt that Year; mrny is pieces of Eight, Ryalls, or Boston or Bay shillings 
 (as they call them,) or Good hard money, as sometimes silver coin is termed 
 by them ; also Wampom, vizt. Indian beads wch serves for change. Pay as 
 mony is provisions, as aforesd one Third cheaper then as the Assembly or 
 Genel Court sets it; and Trust as they and the mercht agree for time 
 
 Now, when the buyer comes to ask for a comodity, sometimes before the 
 merchant answers that he has it, he sais, is Your pay redy? Perhaps the 
 Chap Reply's Yes: what do You pay in? says the merchant. The buyer 
 having answered, then the price is set ; as suppose he wants a sixpenny knife, 
 in pay it is I2d — in pay as money eight pence, and hard money its own price. 
 
22 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 viz. 6d. It seems a very Intricate way of trade and what Lex Mercatoria 
 had not thought of. 
 
 Being at a merchants house, in comes a tall country fellow with his 
 alfogeos full of Tobacco ; for they seldom Loose their Cudd, but keep Chewing 
 and Spitting as long as they'r eyes are open, — he advanc't to the midle of the 
 Room, makes an Awkward Nodd, and spitting a Large deal of Aromatick 
 Tincture, he gave a scrape with his shovel like shoo, leaving a small shovel 
 full of dirt on the floor, made a full stop, Hugging his own pretty Body with 
 his hands under his arms. Stood staring rown'd him, like a Catt let out of a 
 Baskett. At last, like the creature Balaam Rode on, he opened his mouth 
 and said: have You any Ribinen for Hatbands to sell I pray? The Questions 
 and Answers about the pay being past, the Ribin is bro't and opened. Bump- 
 kin .Simpers, cryes "its confounded Gay I vow" ; and beckning to the door, 
 in comes Jone Tawdry dropping about 50 curtsees, and stands by him : hee 
 shows her the Ribin. "Law, You," sais shee, "its right Gent, do You, take 
 it, tis dreadfull pretty." Then she enquires, "have You any hood silk I pray?" 
 wch being brought and bought, "Have You any thred silk to sew it wth" 
 says shee, wch being accomodated wth they Departed. They Generaly stand 
 after they come in a great while speachless. and sometimes dont say a word 
 till they are askt what they want, which I impute to the Awe they stand 
 in of the merchants, who they are constantly almost Indebted too ; and must 
 take what they bring without Liberty to choose for themselves ; but they 
 serve them as well, making the merchants stay long enough for their pay. 
 
 We may Observe here the great necessity and bennifitt both of Education 
 and Conversation ; for these people have as Large a portion of mother witt, 
 and sometimes a Larger, than those who have bin brought up in Cities ; But 
 for want of emprovements. Render themselves almost Ridicules, as above. 
 I should be glad if they would leave such follies, and am sure all that Love 
 Clean Houses (at least) would be glad on't too. They are generaly very 
 plain in their dress, throuout all ye Colony, as I saw, and follow one another 
 in their modes ; that You may know where they belong, especially the women, 
 meet them where you will. 
 
 Their Cheif Red Letter day is St. Election, wch is annually Observed 
 according to Charter, to choose their Govenr: a blessing they can never be 
 thankfull enough for, as they will find, if ever it be their hard fortune to 
 loose it. The present Governor in Connecticott is the Honble John Win- 
 throp Esq. A Gentleman of an Ancient and Honourable Family, whose Father 
 was Govenor here sometime before, and his Grand father had bin Govr of 
 the Massachusetts. This gentleman is a very curteous and afable person, 
 much Given to Hospitality, and has b^- his Good services Gain'd the affections 
 of the people as much as any who had bin before him in that post. 
 
 Deer. 6th. Being by this time well Recruited and rested after my Journy, 
 my business lying unfinished by some concerns at New York depending 
 thereupon, my Kinsman. Mr. Thomas Trowbridge of New Haven, must needs 
 take a Journy there before it could be accomplished, I resolved to go there 
 in company wth him, and a man of the town wch I engaged to wait on me 
 there. Accordingly, Dec. 6th we set out from New Haven, and about 11 
 same morning came to Stratford ferry; wch crossing, about two miles on 
 the other side Baited our horses and would have eat a morsell ourselves. But 
 the Pumpkin and Indian mixt Bred had such an Aspect, and the Bare-legg'd 
 Punch so awkerd or rather Awfull a sound, that we left both, and proceeded 
 forward, and about seven at night come to Fairfield, where we met with good 
 entertainment and Lodg'd ; and early next morning set forward to Norowalk, 
 from its halfe Indian name North-walk, when about 12 at noon we arrived, 
 
GENERAL FACTS 23 
 
 and Had a Dinner of Fryed Venison, very savoury. Landlady wanting some 
 pepper in the seasoning, bid the Girl hand her the spice in the little Gay 
 cupp on ye shelfe. From hence we Hasted towards Rye, walking and Lead- 
 ing our Horses neer a mile together, up a prodigies high Hill ; and so Riding 
 till about nine at night, and there arived and took up our Lodgings at an 
 ordinary, wch a I'rench family kept. Here being very hungry, I desired a 
 fricasee, wch the Frenchman undertakeing, managed so contrary to my notion 
 of Cookery, that I hastened to Bed superless; And being shewd the way up a 
 pair of stairs wch had such a narrow passage that I had almost stopt by the 
 Bulk of my Body ; But arriving at my apartment found it to be a little Lento 
 Chamber furnisht amongst other Rubbish with a High Bedd and a Low one, 
 a Long Table, a Bench and a Bottomless chair, — Little Miss went to scratch 
 up my Kennell wch Russelled as if shee'd bin in the Barn amongst the Husks, 
 and supose such was the contents of the tickin- — nevertheless being exceeding 
 weary, down I laid my poor Carkes (never more tired) and found my Cover- 
 ing as scanty as my Bed was hard. Anon I heard another Russelling noise 
 in Ye Room — called to know the matter — Little miss said shee was making 
 a bed for the men ; who, when they were in Bed, complained their leggs lay 
 out of it by reason of its shortness — my poor bones complained bitterly not 
 Deing used to such Lodgings, and so did the man who was with us ; and poor 
 I made but one Grone, which was from the time I went to bed to the time I 
 Riss. which was about three in the morning, Setting up by the Fire till Light, 
 and having discharged our ordinary wch was as dear as if we had had far 
 Better fare — wee took our leave of Monsier and about seven in the morn 
 come to New Rochell a french town, where we had a good Breakfast. And 
 in the strength of that about and how'r before sunsett got to York. Here 
 I applyd myeslf to Mr. Burroughs, a merchant to whom I was recommended 
 by my Kinsman Capt. Prout, and received great Civilities from him and his 
 spouse, who were now both Deaf but very agreeable in their Conversation, 
 Diverting me with pleasant stories of their knowledge in Brittan from whence 
 they both come, one of which was above the rest very pleasant to me viz. my 
 Lord Darcy had a very extravagant Brother who had mortgaged what Estate 
 hee could not sell, and in good time dyed leaving only one son. Him his 
 Lordship (having none of his own) took and made him Heir of his whole 
 Estate, which he was to receive at the death of his Aunt. He and his Aunt 
 in her widowhood held a right understanding and lived as become such Rela- 
 tions, shee being a discreet Gentlewoman and he an Ingenios Young man. 
 One day Hee fell into some Companv though far his inferiors, very freely 
 told him of the 111 circumstances his fathers Estate lay under, and the many 
 Debts he left unpaid to the wrong of poor people with whom he had dealt. 
 The Young gentleman was put out of countenance — no way hee could think 
 of to Redress himeslf — his whole dependance being on the Lady his Aunt, 
 and how to speak to her he knew not — Hee went home, sat down to dinner 
 and as usual sometimes with her when the Chaplain was absent, she desired 
 him to say Grace, wch he did after this manner : 
 
 Pray God in Mercy take my Lady Darcy 
 
 Unto his Heavenly Throne; 
 That Little John may live like a man, 
 And pay every man his own. 
 
 The prudent Lady took no present notice. But finishd dinner, after wch 
 having sat and talk't awhile (as Customary) He Riss, took his Hatt and 
 Going out she desired him to give her leave to speak to him in her Clossett, 
 Where being come she desired to know why hee prayed for her Death in 
 
24 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 the manner aforesaid, and what part of her deportment towards him merritted 
 such desires. Ilee Reply'd, none at all, But he was under such disadvan- 
 tages that nothing but that could do him service, and told her how he had 
 been affronted as above, and what Impressions it had made upon him. The 
 Lady made him a gentle reprimand that he had not informed her after 
 another manner, Bid him see what his father owed and he should have money 
 to pay it to a penny, And always to lett her know his wants and he should 
 have a redy supply. The Young Gentleman charm'd with his Aunts Discrete 
 management, Beggd her pardon and accepted her kind offer and retrieved his 
 fathers Estate, <.K:c. and said Hee hoped his Aunt would never dye. for shee 
 had done better by him than hee could have done for himself. — Mr. Burroughs 
 went with me to Vendue where I bought about lOO Rheem of paper wch was 
 retaken in a fly-boat from Holland and sold very Reasonably here — some ten, 
 some Eight shillings per Rheem by the Lott wch was ten Rheem in a Lott. 
 And at the Vendue I made a great many acquaintances amongst the good 
 women of the town, who curteosly invited me to their houses and generously 
 entertained me. 
 
 The Cittie of New York is a pleasant, well compacted place, situated on 
 a Commodius River wch is a fine harbour for shipping. The Buildings Brick 
 Generaly, very stately and high, though not altogether like ours in Boston. 
 The Bricks in some of the Houess are of divers Coullers and laid in Checkers, 
 being glazed look very agreeable. The inside of them are neat to admiration, 
 the wooden work, for only the walls are plasterd, and the Sumers and Gist 
 are plained and kept very white scovvr'd as so is all the partitions if made 
 of Bords. The fire places have no Jambs (as ours have) But the Backs run 
 flush with the walls, and the Hearth is of Tyles and is as farr out into the 
 Room at the Ends as before the fire, w'ch is Generally Five foot in the Low'r 
 rooms, and the peice over where the mantle tree should be is made as ours 
 with Joyncrs work, and as I supose is fasten'd to iron rodds inside. The 
 House where the Vendue was, had Chimney Corners like ours, and they and 
 the hf-arths were laid wth the finest tile that I ever see, and the stair cases 
 laid all with white tile which is ever clean, and so are the walls of the 
 Kitchen wch had a Brick floor. They were making Great preparations to 
 Receive their Govenor, Lord Cornbury from the Jerseys, and for that End 
 raised the militia to Gard him on shore to the fort. 
 
 They are Generaly of the Church of England and have a New England 
 Gentleman for their minister, and a very fine church set out with all Cus- 
 tomary requsites. There are also a Dutch and Divers Conventicles as they 
 call them, viz. Baptist, Quakers, &c. They are not strict in keeping the 
 Sabbath as in Boston and other places where I had bin. But seem to deal 
 with great exactness as farr as I see or Dcall with. They are sociable to 
 one another and Curteos and Civill to strangers and fare well in their houses. 
 The English go very fasheonable in their dress. But the Dutch, especially 
 the middling sort, differ from our women, in their habitt go loose, were 
 French muches wch are like a Capp and a head band in one, leaving their 
 ears bare, which are sett out with Jewells of a large size and many in 
 number. And their fingers hoop't with Rings, some with large stones in 
 them of many Coullers as were their pendants in their ears, which You 
 should see very old women wear as well as Young. 
 
 They have Vendues very frequently and make their Earnings verv well 
 by them for they treat with good Liquor Liberally, and the Customers Drink 
 as Liberally and Generally pay for't as well, by paying for that which they 
 Bid up Briskly for. after the sack has gone plentifullv about, tho' sometimes 
 good penny worths are got there. Their Diversions in the Winter is 
 
GENERAL FACTS 25 
 
 Riding Sleys about three or four Miles out of town, where they have Houses 
 of entertainment at a place called the Bowery, and some go to friends Houses 
 who handsomely treat them. Air. Burroughs cary'd his spouse and Daughter 
 and myeslf out to one Madame Dowes, a Gentlewoman that lived at a farm 
 House, who gave us a handsome Entertainment of five or six Dishes and 
 choice Beer and metheglin. Cyder, &c. all which she said was the prciduce 
 of her farm. I believe we mett 50 or 60 slays that day — they fly with great 
 swiftness and some are so furious that they'le turn out of the path for none 
 except a Loaden Cart. Nor do they spare for any diversion the place affords, 
 and sociable to a degree, they'r Tables being as free to their Naybours as to 
 themselves. 
 
 Having here transacted the affair I went upon and some other that fell 
 in the way, after about a fortnight's stay there I left New-York with no 
 Little regrett, and Thursday, Dec. 21, set out for New Haven with my 
 Kinsman, Trowbridge, and the man that waited on me about one afternoon, 
 and about three come to half-way house about ten miles out of town, where 
 we Baited and went forward, and about 5 come to Spiting Devil, Else Kings 
 bridge, where they pay three pence for passing over with a horse, which the 
 man that keeps the Gate set up at the end of the Bridge receives. 
 
 We hoped to reach the french town and Lodg there that night, but 
 unhapily lost our way about four miles short, and being overtaken by a great 
 storm of wind and snow which set full in our faces about dark, we were very 
 uneasy. But meeting one Gardner who lived in a Cottage thereabout, offered 
 us his fire to set by, having but one poor Bedd, and his wife not well, &c. or 
 he would go to a House with us, where he thought we might be better 
 accommodated — thither we went, But a surly old shee Creature, not worthy 
 the name of woman, who would hardly let us go into her Door, though the 
 weather was so stormy none but shee would have turnd out a Dogg. But 
 her son whose name was Gallop, who lived Just by Invited us to his house 
 and shewed me two pair of stairs, viz. one up the loft and tother up the 
 Redd, wch was as hard as it was high, and warmed it with a hott stone ?'■ 
 the feet. I lay verj' uncomfortably, insomuch that I was so very cold and 
 sick I was forced to call them up to give me something to warm me. They 
 had nothing but milk in the house, wch they Boild, and to make it better 
 sweetened wth molasses, which I not knowing or thinking oft till it was down 
 and coming up agen wch it did in so plentiful! a manner that my host was 
 soon paid double for his portion, and that in specia. But I believe it did me 
 service in Cleering my stomach. So after this sick and weary night at East 
 Chester, fa very miserable poor place,) the weather being now fair, Friday 
 the 22d Dec. we set out for New Rochell, where being come we had good 
 Entertainment and Recruited ourselves very well. This is a very pretty 
 place well compact, and good handsome houses, Clean, good and passable 
 Rodes. and situated on a Navigable River, abundance of land well fined and 
 Cleerd all along as wee passed, which caused in me a Love to the place, wch 
 I could have been content to live in it. Here wee Ridd over a Bridge made of 
 one entire stone of such a Breadth that a cart might pass with safety, and 
 to spare — it lay over a passage cutt through a Rock to convey water to a 
 mill not farr off. Here are three fine Taverns within call of each other, very 
 good provision for Travailers. 
 
 Thence we travailed through Merrinak, a neet, though little place, wth 
 a navigable River before it, one of the pleasantest I ever see — Here were good 
 Buildings, Espccialy one. a verv fine seat, wch they told mc wasCol.Hethcoats, 
 who I had heard was a very fine Gentleman. From hence we come to Hors 
 Neck, where wee Baited, and they told me that one Church of England parson 
 
26 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 officiated in all these three towns once every Sunday in turns throughout the 
 Year ; and that they all could but poorly maintaine him, which they grudg'd 
 to do, being a poor and quarelsome crew as I understand by our Host; their 
 Quarelling about their choice of Minister, they chose to have none — But 
 caused the Government to send this Gentleman to them. Here wee took leave 
 of York Government, and Descending the IMountainos passage that almost 
 broke my heart in ascending before, we come to Stamford, a well compact 
 Town, but miserable meeting house, wch we passed, and thro' many and 
 great difficulties, as Bridges which were exceeding high and very tottering 
 and of vast Length, steep and Rocky Hills and precipices, (Buggbears to a 
 fearful female travailer.) About nine at night we come to Norrwalk, having 
 crept over a timber of a Broken Bridge about thirty foot long, and perhaps 
 fifty to ye water. I was exceeding tired and cold when we come to our Inn, 
 and could get nothing there but poor entertainment, and the Impertinant 
 Bable of one of the worst of men, among many others of which our Host 
 made one. who, had he bin one degree Impudenter, would have outdone his 
 Grandfather. And this I think is the most perplexed night I have yet had. 
 From hence, Saturday, Dec. 23, a very cold and windy day. after an Intoler- 
 able night's Lodging, wee hastened forward only observing in our way the 
 Town to be situated on a Navigable river wth indifcrent Buildings and people 
 more refind than in some of the Country towns wee had passed, tho' vicious 
 enough, the Church and Tavern being next neighbours. Having Ridd thro 
 a difficult River wee come to Fairfield where wee Baited and were much 
 refreshed as well with the Good things wch gratified our appetites as the 
 time took to rest our wearied Limbs, wch Latter I employed in enquiring 
 concerning the Town and manners of the people, <S:c. This is a considerable 
 town, and filld as they say with wealthy people — have a spacious meeting 
 house and good Buildings. But the Inhabitants are Litigious, nor do they 
 well agree with their minister, who (they say) is a very worthy Gentleman. 
 Thev have aboundance of sheep, whose very Dung brings them great 
 gain, with part of which they pay their Parsons sallery. And they Grudg that, 
 preferring their Dung before their minister. They Lett out their sheep at 
 so much as they agree upon for a night; the highest Bidder alwavs caries 
 them. And they will sufficiently Dung a Large quantity of Land before morn- 
 ing. But were once Bitt by a sharper who had them a night and sheared 
 them all before morning — from hence we went to Stratford, the next Town, 
 in which I observed but few houses, and those not very good ones. But the 
 people that I conversed with were civill and good natured. Here we staid 
 till late at night, being to cross a Dangerous River ferry, the River at that 
 time full of Ice ; but after about four hours waiting with great difficulty wee 
 got over. My fears and fatigues prevented my here taking any particular 
 observation. Being got to Milford, it being late in the night. I could go no 
 further ; my fellow travailer going forward, I was invited to Lodg at Mrs. 
 
 , a very kind and civill Gentlewoman, by whom I was handsomelv 
 
 and kindly entertained till the next night. The people here go very plain in 
 their apparel (more plain than I had observed in the towns I had passed) 
 and seem to be very grave and serious. They told me there was a singing 
 Quaker lived there, or at least had a strong inclination to be so. His Spouse 
 not at all affected that way. Some of the singing Crew come there one dav 
 to visit him, who being then abroad, they sat down (to the woman's no small 
 vexation) Humming and singing and groneing after their conjuring way — • 
 Says the woman are you singing quakers? Yea says They — Then take my 
 squalling Brat of a child here and sing to it says she for I have almost split 
 my throat wth singing to him and cant get the Rogue to sleep. They took 
 
GENERAL FACTS 27 
 
 this as a great Indignity, and mediately departed. Shaking the dust from 
 their Heels left the good woman and her child among the number of the 
 wicked. This is a Seaport place and accommodated with a Good Harbour, 
 But I had not opportunity to make particular obesrvations because it was 
 Sabbath day — This Evening. 
 
 December 24. I set out with the Gentlewomans son who she very civilly 
 offered to go with me when she see no parswasions would cause me to stay 
 while she pressingly desired, and crossing a ferry having but nine miles to 
 New Haven, in ashort time arrived there and was Kindly received and well 
 accommodated amongst my Friends and Relations. 
 
 The Government of Connecticut Collony begins westward towards York 
 at Stamford (as I am Told) and so runs Eastward towards Boston (I mean 
 in my range, because I dont intend to extend my description beyond my 
 own travails) and ends that way at Stonington — And has a great many Large 
 towns Iving more northerly. It is a plentiful Country for provisions of all 
 sorts and its Generally Healthy . No one that can and will be dilligent in 
 this place need fear poverty nor the want of food and Rayment. 
 
 January 6th. Being now well Recruited and fitt for business I discoursed 
 the persons I was concerned with, that we might finish in order to my return 
 to Boston. They delayd as they had hitherto done hoping to tire my Patience. 
 But I was resolute to stay and see an End of the matter let it be never so 
 much to my disadvantage— So January 9th they come again and promise the 
 Wednesday following to go through with the distribution of the Estate 
 which they delayed till Thursday and then come with new amusements. 
 But at length by the mediation of that holy good Gentleman, the Rev. Mr. 
 James Pierpont, the minister of New Haven, and with the advice and assist- 
 ance of other our Good friends we come to an accommodation and distribu- 
 tion, which having finished though not till February, the man that waited on 
 me to York taking the charge of me I sit out for Boston. We went from 
 New Haven upon the ice (the ferry being not passable thereby) and the 
 Rev. Mr. Pierpont wth Madam Prout Cuzin Trowbridge and divers others 
 were taking leave wee went onward without any thing Remarkabl till wee 
 come to New London and Lodged again at Mr. Saltonstalls — and here I 
 dismist my Guide, and my Generos entertainer provided me Mr. Samuel 
 Rogers of that place to go home with me — I stayed a day here Longer than 
 I intended by the Commands of the Honble Govenor Winthrop to stay and 
 take a supper with him whose wonderful civility I may not omitt. The 
 next morning I Crossed ye Ferry to Groton, having had the Honor of the 
 Company, of Madam Livingston (who is the Govenors Daughter) and Mary 
 Christophers and divers others to the boat — And that night Lodgd at 
 Stonington and had Rost Beef and pumpkin sause for supper. The next 
 night at Haven's and had Rost fowle, an the next day wee come to a river 
 which by Reason of Ye Freshetts coming down was swell'd so high wee 
 feard it impassable and the rapid stream was very terryfying — However we 
 must over and that in a small Cannoo. Mr. Rogers assuring me of his good 
 Conduct, I after a stay of near an how'r on the shore for consultation went 
 into the Cannoo. and Mr. Rogers paddled about 100 yards up the Creek by 
 the shore side, turned into the swift stream and dexterously steering her in 
 a moment wee come to the other side as swiftly passing as an arrow shott out 
 of the Bow by a strong arm . I staid on ye shore till Hee returned to fetch 
 our horses, which he caused to swim over himself bringing the furniture in 
 the Cannoo. But it is past my skill to express the Exceeding fright all their 
 transactions formed in me. Wee were now in the colony of the Massachusetts 
 and taking Lodgings at the first Inn we come to had a pretty difficult passage 
 
28 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 the next day which was the second of March by reason of the sloughy ways 
 then thawed by the Sunn. Here I mett Capt. John Richards of Boston who 
 was going home, So being very glad of his Company we Rode something 
 harder than hitherto, and missing my way in going up a very steep Hill, 
 my hors dropt down under me as Dead; this new surprize no little hurt me 
 meeting it Just at the Entrance into Dedham from whence we intended to 
 reach home that night. But was now obliged to gett another Hors there and 
 leave my own, resolving for Boston that night if possible. But in going over 
 the Causeway at Dedham the Bridge benig overflowed by the high waters 
 comming down I very narrowly escaped falling over into the river Hors 
 and all wch twas almost a miracle I did not — now it grew late in the after- 
 noon and the people having very much discouraged us about the sloughy 
 way wch they said wee should find very difficult and hazardous it so wrought 
 on mee being tired and dispirited and disapointed of my desires of going home 
 that I agreed to Lodg there that night wch wee did at the house of one 
 Draper, and the next day being March 3d wee got safe home to Boston, where 
 I found my aged and tender mother and my Dear and only Child in good 
 health with open arms redy to receive me, and my Kind relations and friends 
 flocking in to welcome mee and hear the story of my transactions and 
 travails I having this day bin five months from home and now I cannot fully 
 express my Joy and Satisfaction. But desire sincearly to adore my Great 
 Benefactor for thus graciously carying forth and returning in safety his un- 
 worthy handmaid. 
 
 The country sufi'ered little from the ravages of King Philip's War, new 
 settlers continued to arrive, the population grew, the new generation took 
 up the tasks of clearing the land, tilling the soil, and carrying on the various 
 crafts needed in a small community. 
 
 A list of the names of the original families of these towns will include 
 many names familiar to students of American History — names prominent in 
 the Colonial period, in the Revolutionary War, and in the development of our 
 whole country as the pioneers spread westward to Pennsylvania, Ohio, and 
 ultimately on to the Pacific. Under the history of each town will be found 
 the names of early settlers. 
 
 Before 1710 New London county had furnished for Connecticut three 
 Governors, and two Chief Justices of the Supreme Court. 
 
 Though the founders were closely allied, there seems to have been much 
 rivalry between New London and Norwich in early days. The first and only 
 magistrate of the county during his lifetime was John Mason, of Norwich, 
 and he usually held his court at home. After his death, a New London man 
 was appointed. There was for many years an effort on the part of Norwich 
 to have sessions of the Superior Court held in Norwich half the time. The 
 first county court house was located in New London in 1724. After the 
 burning of New London in 1781. a new one was erected at the head of State 
 street. Norwich became a "half-shire" town in 1734, and soon erected a jail 
 with whipping post and pillory near by. Its court house of 1829 was burned 
 in 1865. and replaced soon after by the present court house at the "Landing." 
 
 It is hard for the present generation to realize how closely knit were 
 Church and State in these colonial days. Dr. Daniel Coit Oilman, later 
 
GENERAL FACTS 29 
 
 president of Johns Hopkins, at that time librarian of Yale College, delivered 
 at Norwich in September, 1859, at the celebration of the 200th anniversary 
 of Norwich, an address which is a mine of information on matters pertaining 
 to the early history of New London county. We quote his words regarding 
 religious conditions at the close of the seventeenth century: 
 
 I have already said that the first manuscript records of the church have 
 perished. One curious printed document has lately been discovered, bearing 
 date 1675, which is interesting in its bearing on the history of these times. 
 The only complete copy with which I am acquainted belongs to Mr. George 
 Brinley, of Hartford, who has kindly permitted me to bring it before you. 
 It is an old fashioned duodecimo of 133 pages, printed in 1683, bearing on 
 its title page the autographs of Increase Mather and of Mather Byles. It 
 contains three distinct treatises; the first, "An explanation of the solemn 
 advice, recommended by the council in Connecticut colony to the inhabitants 
 in that jurisdiction"; and the third, "A brief discourse proving that the first 
 day of the week is the Christian Sabbath." Both of these are attributed to 
 Mr. Fitch. Appended to the former is "The Covenant, which was solemnly 
 renewed by the church in Norwich, in Connecticut colony, in New England, 
 March 22, 1675." The volume is introduced by a letter from Increase Mather, 
 "to the reader," in which he says that "the reverend and worthy author had 
 no thought of publishing these brief and nervous discourses until such time 
 as others did importune him thereunto," and proceeds to comment on their 
 scope and character. 
 
 The circumstances which attended this "renewal" are worthy of mention. 
 The war with King Philip was then raging. Norwich, though much exposed 
 by its situation on the frontier, had freely contributed more than its quota 
 to the active army; so freely, indeed, that the Cieneral Court sent on from 
 Hartford ten men, from New Haven eight, and from Fairfield eight, "to lye 
 in garrison at Norwich," as a guard to the inhabitants. So great was the 
 danger in those days that the watch in each plantation was ordered "at least 
 an hour before day, to call up the inhabitants, who should forthwith rise and 
 arm themselves, march to the fort, and stand guard against any assault of 
 the enemy until the sun be half an hour high in the morning." Under these 
 circumstances, on the 13th of March. Mr. Fitch writes to the council in Hart- 
 ford. After acknowledging the receipt of a letter from the council, with their 
 orders for a fast day, he continues : 
 
 "Blessed be the Lord who hath moved your hearts in so necessarie and 
 seasonable worke. We intend. God willing, to take that very daye, solemnly 
 to renew our covenant in our church state, according to the example in Ezra's 
 time, and as was sometimes practised in Hartford congregation by Mr. Stone, 
 not long after Mr. Hooker's death. If other churches doe not see cause to 
 doe the same, yet wee hope it will not bee offensive ; but doe verily conclude 
 if y be rule for y practise, this is a time wherein the Providence of God does 
 in a knocking and terrible manner call for it." 
 
 The covenant evinces the same spirit, and to some extent it employs the 
 same phrases as this letter. After a general recognition of the displeasure of 
 God, as displayed "by blasting the fruits of the earth and cutting off the 
 lives of many by the sword, laying waste some plantations and threatening 
 ruin to the whole," the covenant is renewed in seven particulars, which may 
 be condensed as follows: 
 
30 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 1. All the males who are eight or nine years of age shall be presented 
 before the Lord in his congregation every Lord's day to be catechised, until 
 they be about thirteen in age. 
 
 2. Those who are about thirteen years of age, both male and female, 
 shall frequent the meetings appointed in private for their instruction, while 
 they continue under family government or until they are received to full 
 communion in the church. 
 
 3. Adults who do not endeavor to take hold of the covenant shall be 
 excommunicated. 
 
 4. Brethren shall be appointed to admonish those parents who are negli- 
 gent of their children. 
 
 5. The Lord's supper shall be celebrated once in every six weeks. 
 
 6. Erring brethren are to be rebuked. 
 
 7. Finally, "seeing we feel by woful experience how prone we are soon 
 to forget the works of the Lord, and our own vows ; we do agree and deter- 
 mine, that this writing or contents of it, shall be once in every year read in 
 a day of fasting and prayer before the Lord, and his congregation; and shall 
 leave it with our children, that the}' do the same in their solemn days of 
 mourning before the Lord, that they may never forget how their fathers, 
 ready to perish in a strange land, and with sore grief and trembling of heart, 
 and yet hope in the tender mercy, and good will of him, who dwelt in the 
 burning bush, did thus solemnly renew their covenant with God : and that 
 our children after us, may not provoke the Lord and be cast off as a degen- 
 erate off-spring, but may tremble at the commandment of God, and learn to 
 place their hope in him, who although he hath given us a cup of astonish- 
 ment to drink, yet will display his banner over them, who fear him. 
 
 Speaking of the religious awakening that took place in New London 
 county in the earlier part of the eighteenth century. Rev. Mr. Northrop says : 
 
 The awakening took deep root in New London county, where the 
 Separatist movement was pronounced, and the knell of dis-establishment 
 began to be sounded. . . . New religious ideas come in, and the estab- 
 lished Congregational Church of Connecticut undergoes dissolution and gives 
 place to the rights of free worship. And with the freer and wider thinking 
 begins a better thought of the outside world. Some of the most fruitful be- 
 ginnings of the great modern missionary movement had their origin right 
 here on this soil, and so it has come to pass that New London county has 
 the distinction of having given more for the evangelization of the world than 
 any other county in the United States. 
 
CHAPTER II 
 
 THE BEGINNINGS OF EDUCATION 
 
 Education Recognized as a First Necessity — First Free School— Oth-r Schoo's and 
 Early Teachers — Contrasts Between the Old and New Syst;ms of Education — The 
 Norwich Tests — School Legislation — Provision for the Indians. 
 
 In view of the great importance of education in the development of New 
 England as a whole, no less in our county than elsewhere, we interrupt our 
 narrative history to insert a review of educational progress in New London 
 county. In order that we may discuss this subject in a broad sense, we prefix 
 a brief definition of education from the standpoint of history. 
 
 Education is the process by which an individual comes into possession 
 of some part of human progress and thus fits himself to take part in the life 
 of his own generation. This process, in a normal person, is taking place most 
 of the time from birth to death. 
 
 We are all creatures of the past ; in physical appearance, in traits of body 
 and mind, in desires, and in powers, we are the "heirs of all the ages" of 
 human evolution. As there is abundant evidence that man has improved 
 from his original condition, we may fairly say that the inheritance of each 
 generation from the preceding one has steadily increased in value as human 
 experience has covered new fields of action. Each generation progresses, 
 first by acquiring the gains of former generations, then by new experiences 
 of its own. 
 
 Somewhat after the beginning of written language the accumulation of 
 records of the past became so great that specially trained men were needed 
 to preserve and interpret these records. And so great has been the increase 
 in the amount and complexity of human progress, that great institutions have 
 arisen to secure for humanity the perpetual possession of its most valuable 
 gains. 
 
 These gains may be grouped under two heads: first, gains in aims; 
 secondly, gains in powers. Under these two topics may be grouped, I be- 
 lieve, all the progress of every epoch of history as well as that of every 
 individual in any epoch. Let us then briefly subdivide human aims and 
 human powers. 
 
 In so far as man's aims are affected by a belief in the supernatural, we 
 group them under the name of Religion. In so far as his aims affect his 
 dealings with his fellow men we may group them under the head of Morality. 
 The moral code has on the one side the sanction of the institution of Religion, 
 and on the other side the support of the institution of Government. 
 
 Human powers may be subdivided into knowledge, or power in under- 
 standing; efficiency, or power in action; emotion, or power to feel and ap- 
 preciate. It is evident then that the great institutions of mankind exist for 
 the purpose of educating man in these aims and powers. The progress of 
 
32 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 humanity is the aggregate gain of individuals in spiritual inspiration, in 
 moral desires, in respect for law, in power to enjoy what is best, in sym- 
 pathy for others, in the virtues and habits that promote efficiency, in the 
 understanding necessary to direct one's efforts intelligently. 
 
 The School is that institution which exists primarily for the distribution 
 of knowledge. Now the mass of human knowledge has become so great that 
 no one can hope to put into practice more than a very small part of it. It is 
 necessary therefore that the individual choose a time when he will begin to 
 put his attention on the details of his life work rather than on the broader 
 understanding of human progress. This point of time marks the division 
 between his liberal culture and his technical training. 
 
 When shall technical training begin? No one knows. The answer will 
 vary with the individual's powers and opportunities. It is fair to say that 
 liberal culture should be prolonged until its further continuance would inter- 
 fere with the technical efficiency of the individual. 
 
 But even technical information will be of little use to an individual unless 
 he has the personal virtues that make him efficient. Strength of will, tact, 
 good habits, and many other qualities, are to be ranked even higher than 
 understanding. In modern times, therefore, the school has become in minia- 
 ture a world of itself, in which the right minded pupil may learn lessons of 
 morality, lessons of personal power, as well as lessons in understanding and 
 appreciation. 
 
 Besides the four great institutions there are other tremendous forces at 
 work moulding the lives of individuals and communities; Literature, Paint- 
 ing, Music, the Press, and too many other forces to mention have today a 
 greater influence than ever before in the history of the world. 
 
 A full definition of education, then, in its broadest sense, would be some- 
 thing like this:— Education is the process whereby the individual, through 
 the Home, the Church, the State, the School, and through all the remainder 
 of his environment, learns his own noblest capabilities, learns to obey moral 
 law, gains power to do. and understanding to direct that power. 
 
 In treating those facts which it is most advisable that a man entering 
 into life should accurately know, Ruskin says: 
 
 I believe that he ought to know three things: First, Where he is; sec- 
 ondly. Where he is going; thirdly. What he had best do, under those cir- 
 cumstances. 
 
 First : Where he is. — That is to say, what sort of a world he has got into ; 
 how large it is; what kind of creatures live in it, and how; what it is made 
 of, and what may be made of it. 
 
 Secondly : Where he is going. — That is to say, what chances or reports 
 there are of any other world besides this; what seems to be the nature of 
 that other world. . 
 
 Thirdly : What he had best do under the circumstances. — That is to say. 
 what kind of faculties he possesses ; what are the present state and wants of 
 mankind; what is his place in society; and what are the readiest means in 
 his power of attaining happiness and diffusing it. The man who knows these 
 things, and who has had his will so subdued in the learning them, that he 
 
BEGINNINGS OF EDUCATION 33 
 
 is ready to do what he knows he oujjht, I should call educated ; and the man 
 who knows them not, uneducated — though he could talk all the tongues of 
 Babel. 
 
 The men who settled Connecticut believed that every one should be able 
 to read the word of God. Every church therefore had its teacher as well 
 as its preacher. In advance of any Colonial legislation relating to common 
 schools, almost every settlement had its teacher for part of the year at the 
 most. The first laws did little more than guarantee the practice common 
 in most towns. The settlers realized that the system of government dimly 
 outlined in the "Mayflower Compact" of 1619, expanded in the Fundamental 
 Orders of 1639, which to us of today stands forth as the "first written con- 
 stitution known to history" and the foundation for republican form of gov- 
 ernment, made universal education essential to self-preservation. 
 
 Connecticut was the first State in the Union to set apart and establish 
 a fund for the support of common schools. This was done after the sale 
 of the "Western Reserve" lands in 1795 for $1,200,000. By the Constitution 
 of 1818, Article 8, Par. 2, this fund is forever set apart for public schools : 
 
 § 2 The fund, called the "School Fund," shall remain a perpetual fund, 
 the interest of which shall be inviolably appropriated to the support and 
 encouragement of the public or common schools throughout the state, and 
 for the equal benefit of all the people thereof. The value and amount of said 
 fund shall, as soon as practicable, be ascertained in such manner as the Gen- 
 eral Assembly may prescribe, published and recorded in the Comptroller's 
 office ; and no law shall ever be made authorizing said fund to be diverted 
 to any other use than the encouragement and support of public or common 
 schools, among the several school societies, as justice and equity shall require. 
 
 The first law relating to common schools in Connecticut was enacted 
 by the town of New Haven in 1641, and provided for a free school to be sup- 
 'ported out of "the Common Stock." The next law was passed in Hartford 
 in 1643. providing a free school for the poor children, with tuition charge for 
 those able to pay. In 1646 a compilation of laws of the colony shows that 
 every township of fifty families should maintain a school, and any town of 
 one hundred families a grammar school. After the union of New Haven 
 and Connecticut under the charter of 1662. many acts were passed relating 
 to common schools. In 1700. every town of seventy families was required 
 to maintain constantly a schoolmaster able to teach reading and writing. 
 Towns of smaller size had to keep a school half the year. A grammar school 
 was required in every shire town. The rate for school expenses was fixed 
 at a minimum of forty shillings for every 1,000 in the county lists, and, if 
 insufficient, was to be further secured by joint levy on inhabitants and parents 
 of children. School committees, as distinct from other town officers, are 
 first mentioned in 1708. 
 
 Parishes were recognized as school districts, though under general control 
 of the towns. The close connection between churches and schools was pos- 
 sible because the population was homogeneous. But gradually came about 
 N.L.— 1-3 
 
34 
 
 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 a sjstem of the separation of the church and school. By 1798, schools were 
 managed by themselves as school societies or districts. The gradual return 
 to town management by the consolidation of school districts followed the 
 change of school laws in 1856. The types of schools of course changed as 
 school laws became better adjusted to the needs of growing communities. 
 In the various communities grew up private schools alongside the common 
 elementary school. As types of such schools may be mentioned those de- 
 scribed by Miss Caulkins in her "History of Norwich": 
 
 The schools in Norwich were neither intermitted or neglected during 
 the Revolutionary War. An institution of higher grade than elementary 
 was sustained in the town-plot through all the distractions of the country. 
 It called in many boarders from abroad, and at one period, with Mr. Goodrich 
 for its principal, acquired considerable popularity. This school is endorsed 
 by its committee, Andrew Huntington and Dudley Woodbridge, in 1783, as 
 furnishing instruction to "young gentlemen and ladies, lads and misses, in 
 every branch of literature, viz., reading, writing, arithmetic, the learned lan- 
 guages, logic, geography, mathematics," <S:c. Charles White, teacher. 
 
 The exhibitions of the school were commonly enlivened with scenic 
 representations and interludes of music. A taste for such entertainments 
 was prevalent. The j'oung people, even after their emancipation from schools, 
 would sometimes take part in theatrical representations. We learn from the 
 town newspaper that in February, 1792. a select company of young ladies 
 and gentlemen performed the tragedy of "Gustavus" and "The ^Mistakes of 
 a Night" at the court-house. 
 
 The school-ma'am of former times, with her swarming hive of pupils, was 
 an institution of which no sample remains at the present day. She was a 
 life-long incumbent, never going out of one round of performance: always 
 teaching little girls and boys to sit up straight and treat their elders with 
 respect; to conquer the spelling-book, repeat the catechism, never throw 
 stones, never tell a lie ; the boys to write copies, and the girls to work 
 samplers. If they sought higher education than this, they passed out of 
 her domain into finishing schools. Almost every neighborhood had its school- 
 ma'am, and the memory is still fresh of Miss Sally Smith at the Landing, and 
 Miss Molly Grover of the Town-plot. 
 
 Dancing-schools were peculiarly nomadic in their character; the instruc- 
 tor (generally a Frenchman) circulating through a wide district and giving 
 lessons for a few weeks at particular points. Reels, jigs and contra-dances 
 were most in vogue: the hornpipe and rigadoon were attempted by only a 
 select few; cotillions were growing in favor; the minuet much admired. In 
 October, 1787, Griffith's dancing-school was opened at the house of Mrs. 
 Billings in the town-plot. He taught five different minuets, one of them a 
 duo, and another a cotillion-minuet. His lessons were given in the morning, 
 with a scholars' ball once a fortnight. Ten years later, J. C. Devereux was 
 a popular teacher of the dance. He had large classes for several seasons at 
 the court-house, and at Kinney's hotel in Chelsea. 
 
 In 1799, a school for young ladies was opened in the house of Major 
 Whiting upon the Little Plain, by Mrs. Brooks, who devoted herself espe- 
 ciallv to feminine accomplishments, such as tambour, embroidery, painting 
 in water-colors, instrumental music, and the French language. She had at 
 first a large number of pupils from this and the neighboring towns, but the 
 attendance soon declined, and the school was relinquished. In general the 
 young ladies at such schools only remained long enough to practice a few 
 
BEGINNINGS OF EDUCATION 
 
 35 
 
 tunes on the g:uitar, to tambour a muslin shawl and apron, or embroider a 
 scripture scene, and this gave the finishing stroke to their education. 
 
 It was common then, as it is now, for parents with liberal means to send 
 both their sons and daughters from home to obtain greater educational ad- 
 vantages. Young ladies from Norwich often went to Boston to finish their 
 education, and now and then one was placed under the guardian care and 
 instruction of the Moravian sisterhood in their seminary at Bethlehem, 
 Pennsylvania. 
 
 In 1782 an academical association was formed in the western part of 
 the town-plot, consisting of forty-one subscribers and one hundred shares 
 of rights. The old meeting-house of the Separatists was purchased and re- 
 paired for the use of this institution. The first principal was Samuel Austin, 
 and the range of studies included Latin and Greek, navigation and the mathe- 
 matics. Two popular school-books then just issued were introduced by 
 Mr. Austin into this school — Webster's "Grammatical Institutes," and "Geog- 
 raphy Made Easy," by Jedidiah Morse. Mr. Morse was himself subsequently 
 a teacher in this institution, which was continued with varying degrees of 
 prosperity for thirty years or more. Alexander Macdonald, author of a school- 
 book called "The Youth's Assistant," was one of its teachers. He died May 4, 
 1792, aged forty. Newcomb Kinney was at one time the principal, and had 
 for his usher John Russ of Hartford, afterward member of Congress from 
 1819 to 1823. In 1800, Sebastian C. Cabot was the chief instructor. This 
 school was kept in operation about thirty years. After it ceased, the lower, 
 part of the building was occupied by the public school, and the upper part, 
 being suitably prepared, was in use for nearly twenty years as a Methodist 
 chapel. 
 
 Dr. Daniel Lathrop, who died in 1782, left a legacy of £500 to the town 
 for the support of a free grammar school, upon certain conditions, one of 
 which was that the school should be kept during eleven months of each year. 
 A school upon this foundation was opened in 1787, and continued for about 
 fifty years. The brick school-house upon the green was built for its accom- 
 modation. Its first teacher was Ebenezcr Punderson. But the most noted 
 of its preceptors and the one who longest held his place was Mr. William 
 Baldwin, an excellent instructor, faithful and apt to teach, but a rigid dis- 
 ciplinarian, and consequently more respected than beloved by his pupils, until 
 after-life led them to reverse the decisions of earlier days. The young have 
 seldom judgment and generosity sufficient to make them love those who 
 control them for their good. 
 
 In 1843 the Lathrop donation was relinquished, with the consent of the 
 legislature, to the heirs-at-law of Thomas Coit, a nephew of Dr. Lathrop, to 
 whom by the provision of the testator's will it was in such case to revert. 
 The investment had depreciated in value, and the restrictions with which 
 the legacy was incumbered made it, in the advanced state of educational 
 institutions, more of a hindrance than a help. The school had been for many 
 years a great advantage to the town, but having accomplished its mission, 
 it quietly ceased to be. 
 
 Evening schools of short duration, devoted to some special study, were 
 not uncommon. The object was usually of a practical nature, and the stu- 
 dents above childhood. The evening school of Consider Sterry, in 1798, 
 covered, according to his program, the following range of instruction: "Book- 
 keeping in the Italian. American and English methods, mathematics, sur- 
 veying and plotting of lands; price is. 6d. per week. Navigation and the 
 method of finding longitude by lunar observations and latitude by the sun's 
 altitude, one dollar for the complete knowledge." 
 
36 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 Few men are gifted by nature with such an aptitude for scientific research 
 as Consider Sterry. His attainments were all self-acquired under great dis- 
 advantages. Besides a work on lunar observations, he and his brother pre- 
 pared an arithmetic for schools, and in company with Nathan DaboU, an- 
 other self-taught scientific genius, he arranged and edited a system of prac- 
 tical navigation, entitled "The Seaman's Universal Daily Assistant," a work 
 of nearly three hundred pages. He also published several small treatises, 
 wrote political articles for the papers, and took a profound interest in free- 
 masonry. 
 
 In June, 1800, a school was inaugurated at the brick house on the Little 
 Plain, with Mr. William Woodbridge for the principal. The assembly room 
 was fitted up with desks and benches for an academical hall ; both sexes were 
 admitted, and the whole was under the supervision of a board of four citi- 
 zens — Joseph Howland, Samuel Woodbridge, Thomas Fanning, Thomas 
 Lathrop. But the situation was too remote from the centers of population, 
 and after a trial of two or three years this school was relinquished for want 
 of patronage 
 
 A select school for young persons of both sexes was long sustained in 
 the town-plot, but with varying tides of prosperity and decline. After a void 
 of two or three years, it was revived in 1803 by Pelatiah Perit, who had just 
 then graduated from Yale College, and was only eighteen years of age. Lydia 
 Huntley, afterwards Mrs. Sigourney, was one of his pupils. 
 
 Among other teachers of the town-plot, who were subesquently hon- 
 orable and noted in their several callings, the following are well remembered: 
 Daniel Haskell, president of the Vermont University; Henry Strong, LL.D., 
 eminent in the law ; John Hyde, judge of county court, judge of probate, etc. ; 
 Dr. Peter Allen, a physician in Ohio; Rev. Joshua L. Williams, of Middle- 
 town ; J. Bates Murdock, afterwards an officer of the Second War with Great 
 Britain; Phineas L. Tracy, who from 1827 to 1833 was Member of Congress 
 from Genesee county, New York. 
 
 A proprietary school was established at the Landing in 1797, by twenty- 
 seven heads of families. The school-house was built on the slope of the hill 
 above Church street, and the school was assembled and organized by the 
 Rev. Walter King. David L. Dodge was the first regular teacher. In 1802, 
 the Rev. Thomas Williams was the'preceptor. He was noted for his assiduous 
 attention to the health and morals as well as the studies of his pupils. He 
 drilled them thoroughly in the "Assembly's Catechism," anl used with his 
 younger classes a favorite manual called "The Catechism of Nature." Other 
 teachers of this school were Mr. Scarborough, Ebenezer Witter, John Lord 
 (president of Dartmouth College), George Hill, and others. But no one 
 retained the office for so long a term as Dyar T. Hinckley, of Windham, & 
 man of earnest zeal in his profession, who was master of desk and bench in 
 Norwich for twenty years or more, yet never removed his family or obtained 
 a regular home in the place. He was a schoolmaster of the old New Eng- 
 land type, devoted to his profession as an ulterior pursuit, and expending 
 his best energies in the performance of its duties. 
 
 Schools at that period consisted uniformly of two sessions a day, of 
 three hours each, with a half-holiday on Saturday. Mr. Hinckley, in addition 
 to this, had sometimes an evening or morning school, or both, of two hours 
 each, for pupils not belonging to the day-school. The morning hours were 
 devoted to young ladies, and from an advertisement of May, 1816, giving notice 
 of a new term, we ascertain the precise time when the class assembled: 
 "Hours from 5 o'clock to 7 A. M." Let no one hastily assume that this early 
 summons wotild be neglected. Living witnesses remain to testify that it 
 
BEGINNINGS OF EDUCATION 37 
 
 drew a o;oodly number of young aspirants who came out, fresh and vigorous, 
 at sunrise or a little later, to pursue their studies. 
 
 Another institution that made its mark upon society was the Chelsea 
 Grammar School, organized in 1806, but not incorporated till 1821, when it 
 was impowered to hold real estate to the value of $20,000. The school-house 
 was on the side-hill opposite the Little Park, in Union street. This institution 
 continued in operation, with some vacant intervals, about forty years, secur- 
 ing for its patrons the benefits of an academical education for their children 
 without sending them homo. Many prominent citizens of Norwich here 
 received their first introduction to the classics, the sons in numerous instances 
 taking possession of seats once occupied by their fathers. 
 
 No complete list of the preceptors has been obtained; but among the 
 remembered names are several that have since been distinguished in literary 
 and professional pursuits — Dr. Jonathan Knight, of New Haven; Charles 
 Griswold, of Lyme; Jonathan Barnes, Wyllis Warner, Roswell C. Smith, 
 Rev. Horace Bushnell, D.D., and Rev. William Adams, D.D. These men were 
 all young at the time. The preceptors of most schools, here and elsewhere, 
 at that period, were college graduates, accepting the office for a year, or at 
 most for two or three years, between taking their degree and entering upon 
 some other profession. But teachers to whom the vocation is but a stepping- 
 stone to something beyond on which the mind is fixed, however faithful and 
 earnest in their present duties, can never raise an institution to any per- 
 manent standard of excellence. It is well therefore that these temporary 
 undertakings should give way to public schools more thoroughly system- 
 atized and conducted by persons who make teaching a profession. 
 
 In Chelsea, beginning about 1825, a series of expedients for enlarging 
 the bounds of knowledge afford pleasing evidence of the gradual expansion 
 of intellect and enterprise. A lyceum, a circulating library, a reading club, 
 a society for mutual improvement, and a mechanics' association, were suc- 
 cessively started, and though most of them were of brief duration, they were 
 cheering tokens of an advance in the right path. 
 
 The Norwich Female Academy was incorporated in 1828. This insti- 
 tution was greatly indebted for its origin to the persevering exertion of 
 Mr. Thomas Robinson, who was the principal agent of the corporation. The 
 brick hall erected for its accommodation stood on the hill facing the river, 
 higher than any other building then on the declivity. Neither cfwrt-house 
 nor jail had gained a foothold on the height, which was well forested, and 
 toward the north surmounted by a fine prospect station, overtopping the 
 woods, and known as Rockwell's Tower. The academy had the rugged hill 
 for its background, but on other sides the view was varied and extensive; 
 and when at recess the fair young pupils spread in joyous freedom over the 
 height, often returning with wild flowers and oak-leaf garlands from the 
 neighboring groves, neither poetry nor romance could exaggerate the interest 
 of the scene. 
 
 The most prosperous year of this academy was 1833, when the number 
 of pupils amounted to nearly ninety, many of them boarders from other 
 places. But the exposed situation of the building, and the rough, steep ascent 
 by which only it could be reached, were adverse to the prosperity of a female 
 academy, and it soon became extinct — disbanded by wintry blasts and icy 
 foot-paths. 
 
 In her "History of New London," Miss Caulkins thus covers the early 
 history of public education in New London : 
 
 The town school located on this spot was the free grammar-school, which 
 
38 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 had for its main support the Bartlet and other public revenues, and had been 
 originall)' established further up the hill, on Hempstead street, but had 
 descended from thence about 1750. It was now removed a few rods to the 
 north, and placed in the highway fronting the Erving lot (Church street in 
 that part not having been opened), with no wall or inclosure around it, 
 these not being deemed at that time necessary. The dwelling houses in this 
 part of the town were few, and the neighboring hills and fields were the play- 
 ground of the boys. In the rear was the Hallam lot, extending from Broad 
 street to the old meeting-house square, with but one building upon it, and 
 that in its north-east corner. A little more distant, in the rear of the court- 
 house, was the Coit "hollow-lot," shaded by large trees, and enriched with 
 a rivulet of pure water (where Cottage street now runs). Still further back 
 was a vacant upland lot (known as Fosdick's or Melally's lot), containing 
 here and there a choice apple-tree, well known to schoolboys ; this is now 
 the second burial ground. 
 
 We have heard aged people revert to these scenes, the days when they 
 were pupils of the free grammar-school, under the sway of "Master Owen"; 
 when a house of worship had not given name and beauty to Zion's Hill, 
 and only a cellar and a garden, tokens of former residence of one of the 
 early settlers of the town, were to be seen on the spot where the Trott man- 
 sion now stands. (This is supposed to have been the place where stood the 
 house on Charles Hill, fortified in the time of the Indian war. The present 
 house was built by Samuel Fosdick, at the head of Niantic river, but taken 
 apart, brought into town, and erected in 1786. It has been occupied by J- P- 
 Trott, its present owner, more than half a centurj'.) Later than this (about 
 1796) General Huntington broke ground upon the hillside and erected his 
 house (now Hurlbutt's), in the style called cottage ornee. Beyond this, on 
 the present Coit property, was a gushing spring, where the eager schoolboy 
 slaked his thirst and cooled his heated brow; and not a quarter of a century 
 has elapsed since the space now occupied by the Williams mansion and 
 grounds was an open, irregular hillside over whose rugged surface troops 
 of children, as they issued from the school-room, were seen to scatter in 
 their various sports, like flocks of sheep spreading over the hills. 
 
 In the year 1795, the old school-house, a low, red building of one room, 
 with a garret above, entered by a flight of stairs and a trap door, where 
 refractory pupils were committed for punishment ; and with desks and benches, 
 which, though made of solid oak, were desperately marred by ink and knife; 
 was abandoned, and the school removed to a larger building of brick, erected 
 for its accommodation in the highway, south of the court house, where it 
 fulfilled another period of its history, of nearly forty years. Here the chair 
 of instruction, or more properly the throne (for the government was despotic), 
 was occupied after 1800 by Dr. Dow, the number of whose subjects usually 
 amounted to about 150, though sometimes rising to 200. 
 
 In 1833, 3 ^^'^ ^""^ much superior edifice was erected for the grammar 
 school on a lot south of the Second Congregational Church, chiefly through 
 the exertion and liberality of Joseph Hurlbut, to whom a vote of thanks was 
 rendered by the town, October 9th, 1833. In this building the Bartlet or 
 grammar school is still continued under the care of the town, but the fund 
 is inadequate to its support and the pupils are taxed to supply the deficiency. 
 
 The most noted teachers of this school since 1750, those whose ofifice 
 covered the longest term of years, were John Owen (the remains of "Master 
 Owen." were laid in the second burial ground, but no memorial stone marks 
 the spot. If a sufficient number of his old pupils are yet upon the stage of 
 life to undertake the charge, it would be a creditable enterprise for them 
 
BEGINNINGS OF EDUCATION 39 
 
 to unite and raise some simple but iitting monument to his memory. He 
 was for many years both town and city clerk) — and Ulysses Dow; both were 
 peculiar characters, and each remained in office nearly forty years. The 
 former died in 1801, aged sixty-five; the latter in 1844, aged seventy-eight. 
 The Union School was an establishment incorporated by the General 
 Assembly in October, 1774. The petition for the act was signed by twelve 
 proprietors, who state that they had "built a commodious school house, and 
 for several years past hired and supported a school-master." The original 
 proprietors were Richard Law, Jeremiah Miller, Duncan Stewart, Silas Church, 
 Thomas Allen, John Richards, Robinson Mumford, Joseph Cristophers, Mar- 
 vin Wait, Nathaniel Shaw, Jr., Roger Gibson, Thomas Mumford. 
 
 This school was intended to furnish facilities for a thorough English 
 education and the classical preparation necessary for entering college. The 
 school-house stood on State street, and by the subsequent opening of Union 
 street was made a corner lot. This was a noted school in its early days, 
 yielding a larger income than ordinary schools, and the station of preceptor 
 was regarded as a post of honor. It has been heretofore stated that Nathan 
 Hale held that office in 1775, and that he left the school to enter the army. 
 He was the first preceptor after the act of incorporation. A few only of his 
 successors can be named. Seth Williston, a graduate of Dartmouth College 
 and since known as a divine of considerable eminence, was in charge for 
 two years. Jacob B. Gurley, from the same seminary, succeeded Williston 
 in May, 17Q4, and was the principal for three years. (Mr. Gurley is a native 
 of Mansfield, Connecticut, but since 1794 a resident of New London, where 
 he began to practice as an attorney in 1797.) Ebenezer Learned, a native 
 of the town, and a graduate of Yale College, filled the chair of instruction 
 in 1799. Knight, of the Medical College of New Haven, Olmstead of Yale, 
 Mitchell of the University of North Carolina, and many other names of note, 
 are among the teachers after 1800. 
 
 The school house was taken down and the land sold after 1830, and in 
 1833 a reorganization took place, a new charter was obtained, and a bricK 
 school house flourished for a few years, but could not be long sustained. 
 The Bartlet and common schools gathered in the great mass of pupils; the 
 number wishing to pursue a more extensive system of education was small, 
 and the Union School, an old and venerated establishment, was discontinued. 
 In 1851 the building was sold to the Bethel Society, by whom it has been 
 converted into a commodious house of worship. 
 
 No provision seems to have been made for the education of females in 
 anything but needle-work, reading, writing, and the first principles of arith- 
 metic, until the year 1799. A female academy was then built by a company 
 of proprietors, in Green street, and incorporated by the legislature. It con- 
 tinued in operation, with some intervals of recess, about thirty years. The 
 property was then sold and the company dissolved in 1834. A new female 
 academy was built the same \ear on Broad street, and the system of instruc- 
 tion commenced by Rev. Daniel Huntington. This institution has hitherto 
 met with fair encouragement. Since 1841 it has been in charge of H. P. 
 Farnsworth. principal. The pupils are arranged in two departments, and for 
 a few years past the average number has been about eighty. 
 
 Private schools of similar nature were found in other towns of the county, 
 and will be mentioned in the town histories. Higher education was sought 
 by many leading men. Miss Caulkins gives a list of eighty-six names of 
 men native to New London who had received a college education up to the 
 year 1850. A similar list for Norwich may be found in the "Norwich Jubilee 
 
40 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 Voluine," and includes over 130 names. Beginning with the middle of the 
 nineteenth century have come steady advances in educational methods and 
 equipment. The legislation of the State has promoted this by State aid and 
 by compulsory school laws. To describe adequately the progress made in 
 education in New London county for the past fifty years would involve a 
 discussion of educational progress in all civilized lands, and especially in the 
 LTnited States. The laws relating to the schools in Connecticut fill over 
 200 pages of printed matter. New statutes are enacted with each new legis- 
 lature. In general, it must suffice to say that Connecticut aims to keep pace 
 with country-wide educational progress, but is far less centralized in policy 
 than many States. Consequently there have survived in our county an 
 unusual number of schools that are the products of local initiative rather 
 than of State patronage or State control. The word "Progress" covers the 
 history of education in New London county for the past seventy-five years. 
 In answer to some people who feel that the new "frills" have been brought 
 into our grammar schools at the expense of the "Three R's," the following 
 paper was prepared and printed in the "School Review": 
 
 THE NORWICH TESTS, 1862-1909 
 
 In spite of the conclusive evidence of the well-known "Springfield tests"* 
 of four years ago, one still hears not infrequently a lament that "the good old 
 days" are gone. It may not be amiss, therefore, for me to submit to the 
 readers of the "School Review" a brief account of another series of tests 
 recently given in a Connecticut community, covering a period of about 
 fifteen years later than that covered by the Massachusetts inquiry. 
 
 In 1906, shortly after the preliminary report of the Springfield tests, we 
 decided to try some of our old examination papers on present-day pupils of 
 Norwich, Connnecticut. An arithmetic paper of 1856 was set before an 
 eighth-grade division of the Broadway Grammar School of this city. Since 
 we had the original papers of fifty years ago, we were able to make an exact 
 comparison of results. The eighth-grade pupils of 1906 had still more than 
 a year's work in grammar school before taking our regular entrance exam- 
 inations. The results were as follows: 
 
 1856 1906 
 
 Pupils examined 73 27 
 
 Members attaining loo per cent 3 4 
 
 Lowest mark 40 per cent 10 percent 
 
 Average mark 75 percent 88 per cent 
 
 Average age 15^ tyA 
 
 In other words, the pupils of 1906 though two years younger than the pupils 
 of 1856 did much better work on the very examination for which the pupils 
 of 1856 had been prepared. A result so surprising led us to doubt our own 
 tests. It was thought that possibly the division of pupils of 1906 was a 
 picked division, or that possibly the school did not represent the average 
 of our gramiTiar schools ; for, still retaining the antiquated system of district 
 management, we have no such uniformity of grammar school work as is found 
 in many communities. We resolved accordingly to make another test that 
 should better represent our whole community and our average pupils. Wc 
 sent out to three of our largest districts papers in arithmetic, geography, 
 history, and grammar, given as entrance examinations in 1862 and 1863. 
 
BEGINNINUS OF EDUCATION 41 
 
 These examinations were given in February, 1909, without previous 
 warning or preparation, and under supervision of school principals, who, in 
 making^' their returns, were ignorant of the results of 1862-63, and likewise 
 of each others results. It was declared by each principal independently that 
 his own pupils would have done much better if the tests had been taken 
 later in the year, after reviews had been completed. The papers given were 
 as follows: 
 
 * See The Spnnt}ficM Tests, issued by the Holden Book Cover Co., Springfield, Mass. 
 
 ARITHMETIC 
 
 1. A man bought a house for $4,000, and paid $250 for repairs, and sold it so as to gain 
 loVi per cent on his investment. For how much did he sell it? 
 
 2. How much is 3/4x2/3x7/9 divided by 2/5x8/11x5/8. , , , 
 
 3 Required, the simple interest on $9036 for 3 years 6 months 12 days, at 6 per cent. 
 
 4 If six vards of cloth cost £4 I3f. what will 11 yards cost? _ 
 
 5. Find the amount of $.304.56 for four years, at 7 per cent, simple mterest. 
 t. Subtract 3x4 7/8 from 9x5 2/3. , . j • , u , 
 
 7 What is the sum of 5 1/2, 6 2/3. and 7 1/4 m decimal numbers.' 
 
 8. Reduce 0.425 to a vulgar fraction in lowest terms. r . 1 „ ,„^ ,a 
 
 9. How many yards of carpeting Vi yard wide will cover a floor 27 feet long and 16 
 
 *'*io.'A'load of hay weighs 2,625 lbs. What is it worth at $15 per ton? 
 GEOGRAPHY 
 
 1 Where is Chicago situated? Cairo? Memphis? Pensacola? Richmond? 
 2. Where is Pike's Peak. 
 
 3 On what waters would vnu sail from Norwich to Baltimore.' 
 
 4. What separates the Red Sea from the Mediterranean? 
 
 c;. What is the length of a degree of longitude? , xt / n -ir- • • 5 
 
 6. What are the principal ports of the United States, south of Norfolk, Virginia? 
 
 7. Name the principal mountain ranges of Europe. 
 
 8. Praw a map of Virginia. r,- a 1 
 g. Through what State does the Connecticut River flow? 
 
 10. When it is noon at Norwich, what time is it 15 east of this place? 
 
 HISTORY 
 T. What were the motives which induced the colonists of Virginia and of New England 
 to form settlements in America? 
 
 2 What did Penn make the basis of his institutions? 
 
 3 What was the cause of the Revolutionary War? ^ „ , . , 
 
 4 What foreign assistance had the Americans during the Revolution.' 
 5' When was the battle of Bunker Hill fought? 
 
 % f:!;^ whaT Je^so'nT wif :" r^'Ked by the United States against Great Britain 
 
 '" 's'^In whose administration was Louisiana annexed to the United States, and from 
 whom purchased? 
 
 q What was the Missouri Compromise? _ 
 
 10. Which of the States is called the Old Dommion? 
 
 GR.\MMAR 
 ,, Give the principal parts of the verb lo love, and write out the inflection of the tenses 
 of the indicative mode. 
 
 ^3 '^Vr!ira'sttencTconce"rninrGeneral Lyon, ...ich shall contain a relative clause. 
 4.' Is the following sentence correct? If no,, make ,t so: ^''°"«,/*:,'; J'"' ^ "^"jf ^„ 
 \ "I intended to have been there." Is this setjtence correct? If not, make it so. 
 6. In the following stanza parse the words in italics: 
 
 The muse, disgusted at an age, and clime 
 
 Barren of every glorious theme. 
 In distant lands now waits a better time. 
 Producing subjects worthy fame. 
 
42 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 7. Analyze the stanza. 
 
 8. Compare Good, had, little, and strong. 
 
 9. Give the principal parts of go, strike, run, rise, and sit. 
 10. Name and define tenses. 
 
 It will be noted that in the fourth question of the arithmetic paper the 
 table of English money is involved. Since we no longer require this in our 
 entrance tests it is not usually taught in our grammar schools. Again in 
 the eighth question the term "vulgar" fraction is used, a term superseded by 
 "common" fraction in most of our textbooks. In history likewise the tenth 
 question involves a term no longer taught in our schools. In one of the 
 schools a substitute question was given instead of the fourth, and the word 
 "common" instead of "vulgar." No suggestion was made, however, as to 
 the tenth question in history. In the other two schools no comment whatever 
 was made on any of the questions, and many pupils registered a flat failure 
 on questions that they would have answered if worded in today's terms. The 
 results of the tests may be tabulated as follows : 
 
 School I II III Total Total 
 
 1909 1862-63 
 
 Number 31 25 35 91 88 
 
 Age 14 14 14 14 15 
 
 Arithmetic gsVo 90% 85% 90% 54% 
 
 Geography 85% 80% 70% 7^7c 66% 
 
 History 777" 82% 71% 76% 57% 
 
 Grammar 85% 74% 75% 78% 63% 
 
 Combined Average 8o7o 60% 
 
 I cannot say that the results were at all surprising in view of the previous 
 tests of iqo6. But that the average pupil of Norwich grammar schools today, 
 at the age of fourteen, is better fitted in all subjects than was the average 
 pupil of fifteen forty odd years ago, shows most clearly that modern fads have 
 not brought with them a loss of the much-praised disciplinary studies of 
 former times. 
 
 Even without the formal tests, a comparison of the old examinations 
 with those set today for entrance to our school is sufficient to show the 
 greater advancement of modern pupils. I do not submit for this brief sketch 
 any samples of our present papers, but have taken pains to collect such 
 samples from a number of the best high schools of New England. In every 
 case the examinations of today are more difficult than those of forty or fifty 
 years ago. 
 
 But someone may ask — as Cicero has it — "Did not the teachers of an 
 earlier day. even if they were not so well trained or so skillful as those of 
 today, did they not, after all, succeed in giving the pupil a stimulus to effort, 
 a spirit of ambition, that modern teachers fail to give? See the great men 
 that have come from those schools." 
 
 The reply must be that only time can tell what sort of men will come 
 from the schools of today. Doubtless it has always been true, and always 
 will be true, that men of great natural ability and energy will rise to prom- 
 inence, whether schools be good or bad. The only pertinent question is 
 whether the greatness of our leaders of today can be traced to the excellence 
 of their grammar school training. Have we any evidence that their teachers 
 roused them to power of thought? 
 
 A survey of the entrance records of those alumni of this school who have 
 shown great intellectual power fails to suggest any such power at the end 
 of their grammar school training. A few, out of many, examples must suffice 
 
BEGINNINGS OF EDUCATION 43 
 
 for illustration. One of the greatest oriental scholars of this country was 
 able to secure only 65 in geography and 62 in grammar on such examinations 
 as are printed above. Another alumnus, who stood among the very leaders 
 of his college class and has risen to a position of prominence in many public 
 affairs, secured marks of 55 in grammar. 60 in arithmetic, and 65 in geography. 
 A professor of history in one of our greatest universities was marked 39 in 
 grammar, and 60 in arithmetic, though he showed even then his natural bent 
 for history by getting a mark of 90. A well-known editor received 62 in 
 grammar. A prominent judge secured 60 in history. But further examples 
 are needless to show that the grammar schools of their day did not rouse 
 such men to intellectual achievements. 
 
 Another lesson is easily learned from the perusal of old records — it is 
 unsafe to estimate a child's mental capacity by the casual blunders he may 
 make, even if they seem to us colossal. To conclude that because a boy 
 cannot locate the Nile River he is therefore entirely ignorant of geography 
 is as unsafe as it is common today in the writings of critics of our schools. 
 To infer that because a boy makes some stupid blunders in judgment in his 
 examinations he is therefore unable to reason at all, is equally unwise. What 
 can be said of the intelligence of a boy who could make the following answers 
 in history? 
 
 1. When was the battle of Bunker Hill fought? Ans.: 1402. 
 
 2. When was the Constitution adopted? Ans.: The same year. 
 
 3. For what reasons was war declared by the United States against Great Britain in 
 1812? Ans.: Admission of Texas into the United States. 
 
 Yet in other studies, and in general intelligence, this boy seemed to be 
 above the average of his class. 
 
 One suspects that much so-called disciplinary study was of a wooden 
 and mechanical sort. Those were the days when pupils memorized geometry 
 propositions by number, recited history verbatim, and memorized in Latin 
 grammar exceptions that the}' would never meet in their reading of Latin. 
 The only argument in defense of the older grammar school training that 
 seems sound may be stated sornewhat as follows: All efifort that ends in 
 success has a strengthening effect on character. The grammar schools of 
 bygone days made learning difficult. Therefore they built up character. 
 
 For the few boys or girls who won the fight, surmounted the difficulties 
 of poor instruction, and worked out their own salvation, undoubtedly the 
 process was a strengthening one, but for the mass of the pupils the process 
 was not worthy of comparison with that of our modern schools. 
 
 On the whole the tests show us, not that we are perfect, for our imper- 
 fections are glaring and discouraging, but that we must look for aid to the 
 best educational thought of the present and future in our own land and 
 abroad, rather than to a past system on which we have made many im- 
 provements. 
 
 Speaking in broad terms, the progress since 1856 might be grouped under 
 the following heads: Better trained teachers, better text books, better school 
 buildings and equipment, better supervision, better teaching methods, com- 
 pulsory attendance laws, graded schools, evening schools, continuation 
 schools, trade schools, high schools, medical inspection, better financial sup- 
 port of schools, education of the deaf, care of the defective and the orphaned 
 and destitute, restriction of child labor, and many forms of welfare work 
 closely connected with education. These improvements are of course not 
 
44 XEW LOX^DON COUNTY 
 
 peculiar to our county, but have been worked out in many cases with a view 
 to the special needs of a given community. 
 
 New London county, too, has a history rich in private generosity. An 
 unusual number of institutions have been started by private bequests. As a 
 part of our outline of education we take pleasure in tracing the history of 
 some of these foundations. It is well for us to remember, however, that, 
 with all the modern devices for making education and life itself an easy 
 process, there is grave danger that in many cases the young people of today 
 fail to attain the strength of character and mind that comes through over- 
 coming difficulties and hardships. 
 
 The summary given below, based on a report of the State Board of Edu- 
 cation, shows the course of legislation since 1700, a period of 215 years. Most 
 of this legislation deals with support and maintenance. 
 
 Support of Public Schools. — The system of public instruction in Con- 
 necticut in 1700 embraced the following: 
 
 1. A tax of "forty shillings on every thousand pounds of the lists of 
 estates." was collected in every town with the annual tax of the Colony, and 
 payable proportionately to those towns only which should keep their schools 
 according to law; 
 
 2. A school in everv town having over seventy families, kept eleven 
 months in the year, and in every town with less than seventy families, kept 
 for at least six months in the year ; 
 
 3. A grammar school in each of the four "head county towns" to fit youth 
 for college, two of which grammar schools must be free; 
 
 4. A collegiate school, toward which the general court made an annual 
 appropriation of £120. 
 
 In 1773 an act was passed granting all the moneys that should arise from 
 the sale of seven townships, in what is now Litchfield county (viz. : Norfolk, 
 Goshen, Canaan. Cornwall, Kent, Salisbury and Sharon), to the towns of the 
 colony then settled for the support of schools, "to be divided in proportion 
 to the number of their polls and ratable estate." The amount realized from 
 the sale of all these townships cannot now be determined. Norfolk was 
 sold for £6,824 los. ; Kent for £1,225 ^9^- I" the revised statutes published 
 in 1750, the "Act for educating and governing children" remains nearly the 
 same as it was in 1650 with the addition made in 1670. The "Act for appoint- 
 ing, encouraging, and supporting Schools" was the same as in 1700, with the 
 additions mentioned above. In 1754 the amount to be paid from the treasury 
 was reduced to los. on each £1,000; in 1766 it was raised to 20s.; and in 
 1767 it was restored to 40s., where it remained till 1820. 
 
 In May, 1766, the selectmen in each town were authorized to collect any 
 sums which remained unpaid at that date for excise on liquors, tea, etc., and 
 pay the same to the school committee in the several towns and societies, to 
 be set apart as a fund to be improved for the encouragement of schools. And 
 at the October session, 1774, the treasurer of the colony is directed to pay 
 out to the several towns the principal sums paid in by them as excise money, 
 
BEGINNINGS OF EDUCATION 45 
 
 together with the interest due at the time of payment, "which moneys shall 
 be appropriated to the use of schools." The money received from this source, 
 with that received from the sale of the townships in Litchfield county, con- 
 stituted the principal part of the so-called School Society funds. 
 
 By the Charter of 1662, given by Charles II., Connecticut was bounded 
 on the north by the Massachusetts line, and on the south by the "sea" (Long 
 Island sound), and extended from Narragansett bay to the "South sea" 
 (Pacific ocean). The parts of this territory covered by the grants already 
 made to New York and New Jersey were never claimed by Connecticut; 
 and the part covered by Pennsylvania was given up to the claims of that 
 State; the remaining portion was held by Connecticut till after the Rx^volu- 
 tionary War, when it was all ceded to the United States, except about 3,300,- 
 000 acres in what is now the northwestern part of Ohio. The territory was 
 known as the "Western Reserve," or the "Lands west of Pennsylvania." In 
 May, 1795, an act was passed appropriating the interest on the moneys which 
 should be received on the sale of these lands to the support of schools, "to 
 be paid over to the said societies in their capacity of school societies according 
 to the lists of polls and ratable estate of such societies respectively." The 
 societies here referred to were formerly known only as parishes or societies, 
 and later as ecclesiastical societies. This act recognizes them in a distinct 
 capacity and denominates them school societies. 
 
 The "lands west of Pennsylvania" were sold August, 1795, for $1,200,000, 
 by a committee appointed for that purpose, and their report was accepted 
 by the legislature in October of the same year. 
 
 The first apportionment of the income of the school fund was made in 
 1779. In March, 1800, the dividends were $23,651. Up to this time the fund 
 was managed by the committee that negotiated the sale. In 1800, three 
 persons, with the treasurer, were appointed "managers" of this fund. In 1810 
 Hon. James Hilhouse was appointed commissioner of the school fund. Dur- 
 ing the fifteen years of his administration the annual dividend averaged 
 $52,061.35, and the capital was increased to $1,719,434.24. 
 
 In 1810 the expense of keeping a district school above the amount of 
 public money, was apportioned according to the number of days of attend- 
 ance of each person at school; in 181 1 this was so altered as to authorize the 
 apportionment according to the number of persons attending. 
 
 In 1820 an act was passed providing that the appropriation of $2 upon 
 every $1,000 (40s. on every £1,000) in the list of each school society should 
 not be paid whenever the income of the school fund equalled or exceeded 
 $62,000, which it did the next year. From this date the income of the fund 
 was apportioned to the several school societies and districts according to 
 the number of persons over four and under sixteen in each, on the first Mon- 
 day of August in each year. 
 
 In 1836 the United States revenue was in excess of the expenditures, and 
 Congress directed all the surplus except $5,000,000, to be divided and depos- 
 ited with the several States, according to their representation in Congress. 
 
46 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 The amount thus appropriated was $37,468,859.97, but owing to the financial 
 revulsions only three-fourths of this amount was paid to the States. This 
 State received as its share $764,670.60. At the session of the legislature the 
 same year an act was passed requiring this money to be distributed among 
 the several towns in the State in proportion to their population, and that one- 
 half at least of the entire income received from such funds should be annually 
 appropriated for the promotion of education in the common schools. This 
 is denominated the "Town deposit fund." The amount actually distributed 
 to the several towns was $763,661.83. 
 
 In 1841 an act authorized the school societies to divide the public money 
 either according to the number of persons in the districts between four and 
 sixteen, or according to the number who had attended the school ; but no 
 district was to receive less than $50; and dividends from the school fund were 
 not to be paid to any district unless its school had been kept at least four 
 months of the year. It was also provided that "two or more adjoining school 
 districts might associate together and form a union district with power to 
 maintain a union school, to be kept for the benefit of the older and more 
 advanced children of such united district." In 1842 the act constituting a 
 board of commissioners was repealed. 
 
 In 1846, the act passed in 1841 requiring the school societies to appro- 
 priate to each district at least $50 was amended, making the amount $35, pro- 
 vided there were not less than twelve children in the district. 
 
 In 1854, each town was required "annually to raise by taxation a sum 
 equal to one cent on the dollar on their grand list (as made up at that time) 
 for the support of schools," and the whole amount to be annually distributed 
 to the several school societies within each town, under the direction of the 
 selectmen and town treasurer. When the amount of public money received 
 by any district was less than thirty-five dollars, it was to be increased to that 
 amount from the money raised by the town for the purposes of education, 
 and the year for school purposes was to end on the 28th of February. 
 
 In 1858, school districts were authorized to fix a "rate of tuition" not 
 exceeding two dollars for any term ; but they might exempt therefrom all 
 persons whom they considered unable to pay the same, and the town was 
 to pay the amount abated. In 1862 this was raised to six dollars a year, and 
 to twelve dollars for high schools. 
 
 In i860 the amount to be raised by the town for schools was fixed at 
 not less than three-tenths of a mill on the dollar, which is about the same 
 as the amount fixed in 1854. In 1866 this was raised to four-tenths. In 1861 
 an act provided that the amount raised by towns for school and the income 
 of the town deposit fund should be distributed under the direction of tht. 
 selectmen and school visitors ; but that no district should receive less than 
 thirty-five dollars of the public moneys. 
 
 In 1868 the amount to be raised by the town was "such sums as each 
 town may find necessary to make the schools free, not less than six-tenths 
 of a mill on the dollar," and in addition to four-tenths of a mill before 
 
BEGINNINGS OF EDUCATION 47 
 
 required ; and the public money, with the exception of so much as was neces- 
 sary to make the amount to each district fifty dollars, was to be divided 
 "according to average daily attendance." 
 
 In 1869 the amount to be raised by the towns was fixed at not less than 
 one mill on the dollar; sixty dollars to be apportioned to each district, and the 
 balance of the public money to be "divided according to aggregate attendance." 
 
 In 1871 an annual appropriation was made from the State treasury of a 
 sum equal to fifty cents for each person between four and sixteen years of 
 age, to be paid to the several towns with the dividends of the school fund. 
 
 In 1872 the legislature voted an appropriation to schools from the State 
 treasury "equal in dollars to one-half the number of persons between four 
 and sixteen years of age." In 1872 the sum of $1.50 for every person between 
 the age of four and sixteen was voted. 
 
 In 1893 an act was passed providing that when the income of the school 
 fund did not warrant the payment of seventy-five cents per enumerated 
 scholar, making with $1.50 a grant of $2.25 to the towns for each enumerated 
 child, the deficiency should be paid from the State treasury. In 1897 it was 
 directed that the income of the school fund be covered into the treasury, and 
 that $2.25 be paid to the towns for each enumerated child. 
 
 In 1903, an act was passed giving towns having grand lists of less than 
 $500,000, a grant from the State treasury upon the basis of average attend- 
 ance in addition to the grant of $2.25 per child enumerated to enable them 
 to make an expenditure of $25.00 per child in average attendance for support 
 of schools. Each of these towns was required to expend the proceeds of a 
 four-mill tax for the support of the schools. This act was amended in 1907 
 so that all towns having grand lists of less than $1,000,000 could obtain the 
 grant. In 1909 this law was further amended so that all towns having grand 
 lists of less than $1,750,000 could obtain the grant. The tax rate for towns 
 having lists under $500,000 was reduced to three mills; those having lists 
 over $500,000 and less than $1,000,000, three and one-half mills; those having 
 lists over $1,000,000 and less than $1,250,000, four mills ; and those having lists 
 over $1,250,000 and under $1,750,000, six mills. In 191 1 this law was again 
 amended so that all towns having grand lists under $2,500,000 could obtain 
 the grant. Those having lists under $500,000 were required to expend two 
 and one-half mills; those having lists over $500,000 and less than $1,000,000, 
 three mills; those having lists over $1,000,000 and less than $1,500,000, three 
 and one-half mills; those having lists over $1,500,000 and less than $2,000,000, 
 four and one-half mills ; and those having lists over $2,000,000 and under 
 $2,500,000, six mills. 
 
 District System. — In May, 1717, the obligation heretofore imposed on 
 towns of seventy families to maintain a school for eleven months, was ex- 
 tended to parishes or ecclesiastical societies having that number of families; 
 and parishes having less than seventy families were to maintain a school 
 
48 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 for half the year; and the majority of householders in any parish were author- 
 ized to lay taxes for the support of the school. 
 
 In October, 1766, a law was passed authorizing each town and society 
 to "divide themselves into proper and necessary districts for keeping their 
 schools, and to alter and regulate the same from time to time, as they shall 
 have occasion ; which districts shall draw their equal proportion of all public 
 moneys belonging to such towns or societies, according to the list of each 
 respective district therein." In his report of 1853, Dr. Henry Barnard says 
 that "this act, with the operation of other acts transferring to school societies 
 the direction and control of schools, which should have been confined to towns, 
 has resulted in distributing the means of education most unequally over the 
 state, and lowering the standard of education." 
 
 In 1794 school districts were authorized "by vote of two-thirds of all the 
 qualified voters, passed at a meeting called for that purpose, to lay a tax to 
 build a schoolhouse, and to locate the same, and to choose a collector." 
 
 In May, 1798, the school societies were invested with the powers, and 
 subjected to the duties, which the former laws had given to and required of 
 towns and ecclesiastical societies relative to the same objects, and from this 
 date they are known in law as school societies — with territorial limits some- 
 times co-extensive with a town, or in some cases a part of a town, and in 
 other cases parts of two or more towns. These school societies not only had 
 the control of schools, but generally of the burying grounds within their 
 limits. In the revision of the laws respecting schools made in 1799, these 
 societies are required to appoint "overseers or visitors," whose duties were 
 nearly the same as those now required of school visitors. School societies 
 were authorized to form school districts, and these districts to tax themselves 
 for the purpose of building and repairing school houses, to appoint a clerk, 
 a treasurer, and a collector; but the "committee to employ teachers and 
 manage the prudentials" was appointed by the school societies. School soci- 
 eties were authorized to institute and support schools of higher order. The 
 law did not specify how long a time in each year the schools should be kept 
 open. 
 
 In 1886, towns were authorized to direct their school visitors to purchase 
 at the expense of the town the text books and other school supplies used in 
 the public schools. This act provided that the books and supplies should 
 be loaned to the pupils of the public schools free of charge. 
 
 In 1886 the employment of children under thirteen in mechanical, mer- 
 cantile, and manufacturing establishments was forbidden, and the State Boarc^ 
 of Education was authorized to enforce the law. In 1895 the age was changed 
 to fourteen. Under this law children under fourteen and unemployed children 
 between fourteen and sixteen are sent to school by the agents of the State 
 Board of Education. 
 
 In 1889, towns were authorized to discontinue small schools, and in 1893, 
 school visitors were authorized to provide transportation for children wher- 
 ever any school was discontinued. 
 
BEGINNINGS OF EDUCATION 
 
 49 
 
 In 1893, \vomen were given the right to vote for school officers, and also 
 to vote upon any matter relating to education or to schools. In the same year 
 women were made eligible to serve on the board of directors of any public 
 library or on the Connecticut Public Library Committee. 
 
 In 1893, the State Board of Education was directed to appoint a com- 
 mittee to be known as the "Connecticut Public Library Committee," and in 
 1895 acts were passed providing for the expenses of said committee and for 
 annual appropriations for public libraries. 
 
 In 1897 it was enacted that children residing in towns whose grand list 
 was less than $900,000 might, with the consent of the school visitors, attend 
 a non-local high school, and that a tuition fee not exceeding two-thirds of 
 $30 should be paid from the State treasury. In 1899 the $900,000 limit was 
 removed so that all towns might receive the State grant for scholars attending 
 non-local high schools. 
 
 In 1903, the State was authorized to pay one-half the expense of con- 
 veying children to and from non-local high schools, provided that not more 
 than twenty dollars be paid by the State for each scholar conveyed. 
 
 In 1921 the sum to be refunded towns for high school tuition was in- 
 creased to $50. 
 
 In 1899 it was provided that the eyesight of the pupils in the public 
 schools should be tested annually, and in 1901 this law was modified so that 
 after 1904 the test should be made triennially. 
 
 Supervision. — In 1903, the supervision of schools was authorized. Two 
 or more towns together employing not less than twenty-five nor more than 
 fifty teachers were authorized to form a supervision district which should 
 continue for three years at least, and employ a superintendent of schools. The 
 State was required to pay one-half of the annual salary of the superintendent 
 provided that one-half did not exceed $800. This act also provided that upon 
 the petition of the school board of any town employing not more than ten 
 teachers, the State Board of Education should appoint an agent who should 
 discharge the duties of superintendent of schools in said town Any town for 
 which a superintendent was appointed under this act was required to pay 
 one-quarter of the salary of the superintendent, and the State was required 
 to pay three-quarters. In 1907, this act was so amended that any town 
 having not more than twenty teachers could petition the State Board of 
 Education to appoint an agent to discharge the duties of superintendent, the 
 town to pay one-quarter of the salary and the State three-quarters A further 
 amendment to this act was made in 1909 so that towns having over twenty 
 and not more than thirty teachers could appoint a superintendent of schools 
 and obtain one-half of the salary of said superintendent from the State, pro- 
 vided the half should not exceed $800 per year. Another amendment pro- 
 vided that the State should pay the entire salary of superintendents appointed 
 for towns having not more than twenty teachers. 
 
 Trade Schools. — In 1907, the establishment of free public schools for 
 
 N.I..— 1-4 
 
50 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 instruction in the principles and practice of trades was authorized. The State 
 Board of Education was authorized to expend a sum not to exceed $50,000 
 for the support and maintenance of not more than two schools. No action 
 was taken under the provisions of this law, and it was repealed in 1909, when 
 an act authorized the State Board of Education to establish two schools, and 
 providing an annual appropriation of $50,000 for their support. 
 
 In 1913, the act of 1909 was amended so that town school committees 
 and district boards of education could establish and maintain schools or 
 courses of instruction in distinct trades, useful occupations and avocations, 
 and obtain from the State annually a grant not to exceed fifty dollars per 
 pupil in average attendance. This amendment also provided that the sum 
 of $125,000 should be appropriated for the maintenance of such schools. 
 
 Model Schools. — In 191 3, the State Board of Education was authorized 
 to organize one school in each town having twenty teachers or less as a model 
 school for observation and instruction of training classes conducted by 
 the supervisor, and it was provided that the board might pay the teacher 
 not to exceed three dollars per week, provided that the town in which the 
 model school is located should pay not less than ten dollars a week or not 
 less than the wage which was paid for teaching in said school during the 
 previous year. 
 
 In "An Act concerning schools," passed in 1839, a school district is for 
 the first time declared to be a "body corporate, so far as to be able to purchase, 
 receive, hold, and convey any estate, real or personal, for the support of 
 schooling in the same, and to prosecute and defend in all actions relating to 
 the property and affairs of the district." This act also empowered school 
 districts to appoint their committees. It named the branches (the same as 
 those now required) which a person must be found qualified to teach before 
 he could receive a certificate from the school visitors. This act also provided 
 that any school society might "apportion the public money among the dis- 
 tricts, either according to the number of persons between four and sixteen, 
 or according to the amount of attendance for a period of six months in each 
 year." It was also provided that school districts might tax themselves to 
 the amount of $30 the first year and $10 each year afterwards for school 
 libraries; and that two or more districts might associate for supporting a 
 high school. In 1856, school societies were abolished, and their property and 
 their obligations transferred to towns. 
 
 In 1865 towns were authorized to consolidate their school districts; and 
 the act constituting the State Board of Education was enacted. The act 
 making the principal of the normal school ex-officio superintendent of common 
 schools was repealed. 
 
 In 1870 the time schools must be kept in each year was made at least 
 thirty weeks in districts in which there were twenty-four or more persons 
 between four and sixteen years of age; and twenty-four weeks, at least, in 
 other districts; and the appropriation of funds was to be made under the 
 direction of the school visitors and selectmen. 
 
BEGINNINGS OF EDUCATION 51 
 
 In 1888 the towns were required to maintain schools thirty-six weeks 
 in each year in districts numbering one hundred or more children, and twenty- 
 four weeks in other districts. In 1889 this was changed to thirty-six weeks 
 for districts enumerating fifty or more, and thirty weeks for other districts. 
 In 1895 thirty-six weeks was prescribed for all schools. 
 
 In 1909, the district system was abolished in fifty-seven towns. Ninety- 
 one towns had voluntarily consolidated their districts previous to the passage 
 of this act and several had obtained special legislation under which con- 
 solidation in part had been established. 
 
 Normal Schools. — In 1849, the State Normal School was established at 
 New Britain. In 1889, a second normal school was established at Willimantic. 
 In 1893, normal schools were authorized at New Haven and Bridgeport. In 
 1895 so much of this act as provided for a normal school at Bridgeport was 
 repealed. In 1903, a normal school at Danbury was established. 
 
 In 1909, an act was passed providing that the State Board of Education 
 may at all times maintain, in any of the normal schools, one student, selected 
 on the basis of scholarship and general fitness, from each town in the State 
 having a valuation of less than one and one-half million dollars. The board 
 was authorized to pay the living expenses of each student, not to exceed $150 
 in any one year. Each student was required to enter into an agreement with 
 the State Board of Education to teach in one of the towns from which such 
 students are nominated or appointed for a period of three years after gradu- 
 ation unless excused by the State Board of Education. 
 
 In 1882 was enacted a law requiring "instruction concerning the effect of 
 intoxicating beverages" if "twelve persons of adult years" petitioned the 
 school visitors therefor. If the visitors did not grant the petition, an appeal 
 to town meeting was provided. In 1886 physiology and hygiene relating 
 especially to the effect of alcohol on the human system were made obligatory 
 subjects and put on the same plane as reading and writing; school officers 
 were required to examine teachers in these subjects. In the same year the 
 State Board of Education was authorized to prescribe the books and to pre- 
 pare a text-book and charts to be distributed to schools without charge. 
 Under the law about forty thousand copies of a text-book were distributed. 
 In 1893 the "nature of alcoholic drinks and narcotics" became an obligatory 
 study. Graded text-books must be used in every school and studied by all 
 pupils. In the lower grades one-fifth of each book must be devoted to "the 
 nature and effects" of alcohol and narcotics; in higher grades the books must 
 contain at least twenty pages relating to the subject. Massing these pages 
 at the end of a book is not compliance with the law. Teachers must have an 
 examination as to the "effects and nature of alcoholic drinks upon the human 
 system." Failure to comply with the provisions of the law is "sufficient 
 cause" for forfeiture of public money. 
 
 In 1884, the State Board of Education was authorized to grant certificates 
 of qualification to teach in any public school in the State and to revoke the 
 
52 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 same. In 1895, an act provided that certificates granted by the State Board 
 of Education should be accepted by local boards in lieu of any other ex- 
 amination. 
 
 In 1885, the establishment of evening schools was provided for by law. 
 Provision was made thereby for the instruction of persons over fourteen years 
 of age in spelling, reading, writing, geography, arithmetic, and such other 
 Studies as might be prescribed by the board of school visitors. A grant of 
 $1.50 per child in average attendance was fixed by this act to be paid from 
 the treasury of the State. In 1893, this law was amended so that it was com- 
 pulsory on every town and school district having ten thousand or more in- 
 habitants to establish and maintain evening schools. It was provided that 
 no person over fourteen and under sixteen years of age should be employed 
 in any manufacturing, mercantile, or mechanical occupation in any town where 
 evening schools were established, unless he had attended an evening school 
 twenty consecutive evenings in the current school year and was a regular 
 attendant. The State grant was increased to $3 per pupil in average attend- 
 ance. One hundred sessions of a school was required as a conditon of obtain- 
 ing the State grant. 
 
 In 1895, the law was amended so that only seventy-five sessions were 
 required to obtain the grant, and the grant was reduced from $3 per child 
 in average attendance to $2.25. A further amendment of the law was made 
 in 1909 so that on petition of at least twenty persons over fourteen years of 
 age, instruction in any study usually taught in a high school might be in- 
 troduced. The last legislation in Connecticut (1921) has been compiled by 
 the State Board of Education and the report may be secured by application 
 to the Commissioner of Education. It is too voluminous for us to print in 
 this chapter. 
 
 We have spoken of the importance placed on education by the early 
 settlers, and have enumerated many such schools in New London and Nor- 
 which. The settlers also felt a responsibility for the welfare of the Indians. 
 Many of these aborigines were suffering from drunkenness and ignorance, 
 and it was not easy to get them to take an interest in a higher life. The 
 pastors in New London and Norwich did their best. We submit a curious 
 document, signed by the Mohegan Chief, Uncas. 
 
 When King Charles the First sent his red-faced well-beloved cousin "a 
 Bible to show him the way to heaven, and a sword to defend him from his 
 enemies," Uncas valued the latter gift much more than he did the former. 
 But I am happy to bring forward one new fact to show that he w^s not at all 
 times indifferent to the other present. It has often been stated that Uncas 
 uniformly opposed the introduction of Christianity among the people of his 
 tribe. Within a few days past an original document has come to light which 
 bears important testimony on this interesting question. It is nothing less 
 than a bond in which, under his own signature, the sachem promises to 
 attend the ministrations of the Rev. Mr. Fitch, whensoever and wheresoever 
 
BEGINNINGS OF EDUCATION 53 
 
 he ma}' choose to appoint. This paper is so remarkable that I shall take the 
 liberty of reading it in full. If we cannot call it the sachem's creed or con- 
 fession of faith, it is at least his covenant : 
 
 Be it known to all men and in special to the Authority of The Colony of 
 Conecticott That I Uncas sachim of the Munheags, now resident in Pame- 
 chaug doe by these presents firmly engage and binde my selfe, that I will 
 from time to time and at all times hereafter, in a constant way and manner 
 attend up j\Ir. James Fitch Minister of Norwich, at all such seasons as he 
 shall appoint for preaching and to praying with the Indians either at my now 
 residence, or wheresoever els he shall appoint for that hoh' service, and 
 further I doe faithfully promis to Command all my people to attend the same, 
 in a constant way and solemn manner at all such times as shall be sett by the 
 sayd Mr. James Fitch minister, alsoe I promis that I will not by any wayes 
 or meanes what soe ever, either privatly or openly use any plots or contrive- 
 ances by words or actions to affright or discourage any of my people or others, 
 from attending the Good work aforesayd, upon penalty of suffering the most 
 grevious punishment that can be inflicted upon me, and Lastly I promis to 
 encourage all my people by all Good wayes and meanes I can, in the due 
 observance of such directions and instructions, as shall be presented to them 
 by the sayd !Mr. James Fitch aforesayd, and to the truth hereof this seaventh 
 day of June in the year one thousand six hundred seventy and three I have 
 hereunto set my hand or mark. 
 
 Wittnesed by us mark 
 
 John Talcott The * of Uncass 
 
 Tho: Stanton. Ser. 
 Samuell Mason. 
 
 Let us look with charity, my friends, upon this promise, remembering 
 that every man, red face and pale face alike, is accepted "according to that 
 which he hath, and not according to that which he hath not." 
 
 Of interest in education on the part of New London county citizens, the 
 following is a proof, quoted from Dr Gilman's address: 
 
 Yale College is even more indebted to Norwich. Before it was char- 
 tered by the State, Major James Fitch (another son of Reverend James) gave 
 to the new collegiate school a farm of 637 acres of land, and offered the glass 
 and nails for a house. The following is his proposal : 
 
 Majr. Fitch's Generosity Proposed 1701. — In that it hath pleased y Lord 
 our God as a token for Good To us and children after us to put it into the 
 hearts of his faithfull ministers: to take soe great paines, and be at soe con- 
 siderable charge for setting up a coledgeat schoole amongst us and now for 
 farther promoating, of this God pleasing worke I humbly, freely and heartily 
 offer, on demand to provid glass for a house and if people doe not come up 
 to offer what is reasonable and needfull that I will than provid nails of all 
 sorts: to be used in building a houes and hall: 2iy I give a farme, 637 Acrs 
 of land and when I come home I will send ye draft and laying out to Mr. 
 Danl. Taylor that he may make such a Deed proper in such a case the farme 
 of value at 150 f I will alsoe take some pains to put it in a way of yearely 
 profitt 30 i charge I hope will bring 20 £ p ycare in a little time. 
 
 Newhaven October 16 1701 James Fitch. 
 
54 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 It was this noble gift which insured at that time the establishment of the 
 now venerable institution. Not many years after. Dr. Daniel Lathrop, beside 
 a large donation to the public school of his native place, gave £500 to the 
 college without limitations ; and within the memory of most of those now 
 present, Dr. Alfred E. Perkins, impressed with the thought that "a true 
 university in these da}S is a collection of books," gave a fund of $10,000 to 
 the college library in New Haven, thus perpetuating his name in grateful 
 remembrance, and exerting an influence which will increase till the college 
 and the country are no more. Three citizens of Norwich, "to the manner 
 born," have thus given to Yale College the largest donations which, at each 
 successive time, its treasury had received from any individual, and their 
 example has been followed by many others, giving in proportion to their 
 means. 
 
 The most remarkable of the attempts to civilize the Indians is doubtless 
 that of Rev. Eleazer Wheelock of Lebanon. The remarkable results of his 
 effort with Samson Occum is shown in the following account of the origin 
 of Dartmouth College, taken from Kurd's "History of New London County, 
 Connecticut": 
 
 In 1735, Eleazer Wheelock, a clergyman of fine talents, of earnest char- 
 acter, and of devoted piety, was settled over the Second Congregational 
 Church, in the north part of the town of Lebanon. Like many other ministers 
 of the day and afterwards, he had several young men in his family, whom he 
 taught the higher branches of English and in the classics. 
 
 In December, 1743, a young Mohegan Indian, about twenty years of age, 
 Samson Occom, whose name has since become more famous than that of any 
 other of the tribe, unless perhaps the first Uncas, applied to Mr. Wheelock 
 for admission among his scholars. Occom was born in 1723, at Mohegan, 
 and grew up in the pagan faith and the rude and savage customs of his tribe. 
 During the great religious awakening of 1739-40 he had become convinced 
 of the truth of Christianity, and deeply alarmed for his own lost condition. 
 For six months he groaned in the gloom of his darkness, but then light broke 
 into his soul, and he was seized with an irresistible impulse to carry this great 
 light to his benighted race, and to become a teacher to his lost brethren, and 
 with his heart swelling with this impulse he now stood before Wheelock, 
 asking to be instructed for this great work. 
 
 It was not in the heart of Wheelock to resist this appeal, and he at once 
 admitted him to his school and family with open arms, and in the spirit of his 
 mission. Occom had already learned the letters of the alphabet, and could 
 spell out a few words, and such was his zeal and devotion to study that in 
 four years he was fitted to enter college; but his health had been so impaired 
 b)' intense application, and lacking also the means, he never entered. Leav- 
 ing school, he returned to his tribe, preaching and teaching salvation through 
 Christ alone, with power and effect, supporting himself meantime, like the 
 rest of his tribe, by hunting and fishing, and the rude Indian arts of making 
 baskets and other Indian utensils, and occasional!}' teaching small Indian 
 schools, but during all this time still pursuing his own studies in theology 
 and Bible literature. , 
 
 In this mission he visited other tribes. In 1748 he went over to Long 
 Island and spent several years there among the Montauk, the Shcnecock, and 
 other tribes, preaching and teaching with great success. At one time a great 
 
BEGINNINGS OF EDUCATION 55 
 
 revival occurred under his labors there, during which many Indians were 
 converted. August 29, 1759, he was ordained by the Suffolk Presbytery of 
 Long Island, and was ever after regarded as a regular member of that ecclesi- 
 astical body. 
 
 The case of Occom and its instructive results attracted wide attention 
 from the first start, and Mr. Wheelock determined to open his school to other 
 Indian youths who desired to engage in and be fitted for the same work, 
 and in a short time it became exclusively an "Indian School" for missionary 
 purposes, so that by 1762 he had more than twenty Indian students^ preparing 
 for the conversion of their countrymen. 
 
 This new movement attracted the earnest attention of the leading clergy- 
 men and Christian philanthropists throughout all New England and the 
 Northern colonies. To all who looked with anxiety for the conversion and 
 civilization of the aborigines of this part of North America, this school was 
 long considered the brightest and most promising ground of hope. Notes of 
 encouragement came pouring in from various sources throughout all the New 
 England colonies, from ministers' councils, from churches, and from eminent 
 leaders and philanthropists, with money contributions, cheering on the move- 
 ment, and all aiming to increase the numbers in training, and to give to the 
 school a wider sweep in its influence. Probably no school in this or any other 
 land or age ever awakened so widespread and intense an interest or seemed 
 freighted with such a precious and hopeful mission as did then this little 
 parochial school, kept in the obscure parsonage of a countr}' minister. 
 
 In 1765 a general conference of the friends of the school was held, at 
 which it was. determined to send Samson Occom to England to show to our 
 English brethren there what Christianity had done for him, and what it could 
 do for the natives of North America, and that Rev. Nathaniel Whitaker, of 
 Norwich, should go with him, to enlist co-operation in the cause and to 
 solicit contributions in its aid. Occom was then forty-three years old, well 
 educated, and spoke English clearly and fluently. His features and com- 
 plexion bore every mark of his race, but he was easy and natural in social 
 manners, frank and cordial, but modest in conversation, and his deportment 
 in the pulpit was such as to command deep attention and respect. He could 
 preach extemporaneously and well, but usually wrote his sermons. Such, 
 then, was this son of the forest, and such his sublime mission to the English 
 mother-land — to convert the natives of a pagan continent to Christianity 
 and civilization through the ministry of pagan converts of their own race. 
 
 His appearance in England produced an extraordinary sensation, and he 
 preached with great applause in London and other principal cities of Great 
 Britain and Scotland to crowded audiences. From the i6th of February, 1766, 
 to the 22d of July, 1767, he delivered between three and four hundred sermons, 
 many of them in the presence of the king and the roj'al family and the great 
 nobles of the land. Large contributions were taken up after each of thess 
 discourses ; the king himself gave £200, and in the whole enterprise £700 
 sterling were collected in England and about £300 in Scotland. 
 
 This success resulted in transferring Wheelock's Indian School to New 
 Hampshire, which it was thought would be a better place for an Indian sem- 
 inary, as being more retired and less exposed to disturbing influences than 
 the more thickly settled colony of Connecticut. It was then incorporated as 
 Dartmouth College (taking its name from the pious and noble Earl of Dart- 
 mouth, whom Occom's mission in England had warmly enlisted in the cause), 
 for the special object and purpose of educating and training Indian ^-ouths 
 for the ministrv and missionary work of their race; but after the death of 
 Eleazer Wheelock. its founder and president, and especially after the death 
 
56 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 of his son, John Whcelock, who succeeded him as president, its original and 
 distinctive character as an Indian seminary gradually changed until it became, 
 as it still remains, assimilated in character and purpose with the other colleges 
 of the country ; and so the glowing dream, the fervid zeal, and the sanguine 
 hopes and expectations of its great-souled founders faded away. 
 
 In 1771, a Mohegan Indian, named Aloses Paul, was tried at New London 
 and condemned to death for the murder, in a drunken brawl, of Moses Clark. 
 A large assembly of English and Indians collected to witness the execution. 
 At the recjuest of the prisoner, Samson Occom was appointed by the authori- 
 ties to preach a funeral sermon in the presence of the poor wretch, as was the 
 custom of the time, just before he was launched into eternity. Upon his own 
 coffin, in front of the pulpit, sat the doomed man. Next around him were 
 seated his brethren of the Mohegan tribe, the audience filling the rest of the 
 church, a great crowd surrounding it, and a military company acting as guard. 
 
 The sermon is still preserved in the library of the Connecticut Historical 
 Society at Hartford (Pamphlet No. 225) ; the text from Romans vi. 23: "For 
 the wages of sin is death ; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus 
 Christ our Lord." It is not eloquent, it is not grand oratory, but it is some- 
 thing higher than eloquence, and in its sad and solemn moaning over the 
 degraded and lost condition of his race, in their pagan darkness, their wicked- 
 ness, the awful consequences of drunkenness, their besetting sin, it has all the 
 moving power and pathos of a Hebrew wail. 
 
 The first part of the discourse dwells at length upon the peculiar mean- 
 ing and significance of the term "death," as used in the text, its endless char- 
 acter, and was addressed to the audience at large, and rising with the vast- 
 ness of the idea, he exclaimed, "Eternitv ! O Eternity! Who can measure itl* 
 Who can count the years thereof? Arithmetic fails, the thoughts of men and 
 angels are drowned in it. How shall we describe eternity? To what shall 
 we compare it? Were a fly to carry off one particle of this globe to such a 
 distance that it would take ten thousand years to go and return for another, 
 and so continue till he had carried off. particle by particle, once in ten thou- 
 sand years, the whole of this globe and placed it in that distant space, just 
 as it is now here, after all this, eternity would remain the same unexhausted 
 duration ! And this eternal death must be th.e certain portion of all impeni- 
 tent sinners, be they who they may. Negroes. Indians. English, or what nation 
 soever ; honorable or ignoble, great or small, rich or poor, bond or free, all 
 who die in their sins must go to hell together, 'for the wages of sin is death.' " 
 
 He next addressed the doomed prisoner upon his coffin, pointed out to 
 him the enormity of his crime, and how by drunkenness, and by despising 
 the warnings and counsels of Christian teachers, he had been led to it; ex- 
 plained to him the wav of salvation, urging him with pathos and earnest 
 energy at once to accept it, and like the dying thief upon the cross beside 
 the crucified Saviour, to throw himself upon the mercy of that same Saviour, 
 and so, even at the eleventh hour, escape eternal death. 
 
 PIc then turned to the Mohegans present: "My poor kindred!" he ex- 
 claimed, "you see the woful consequences of sin by seeing this, our poor, 
 miserable countryman, now before us, who is to die for his sins and his great 
 crime, and it was especially the sin of drunkenness that brought this destruc- 
 tion and untimely death upon him. There is a dreadful woe denounced from 
 the Almightv against drunkards; and it is this sin, this abominable, this 
 beastly sin of drunkenness that has stript us of every desirable comfort in 
 this life. By this sin we have no name or credit in the world ; for this sin we 
 are despised, and it is right and just, for we despise ourselves. By this sin 
 we have no comfortable houses, nor anything comfortable in our houses. 
 
BEGINNINGS OF EDUCATION 57 
 
 neither food, nor raiment, nor decent utensils; we go about with ragged and 
 dirty clothing and almost naked, most of the time half starved, and obliged 
 to pick up and eat such food as we can find ; and our poor children suffering 
 every day, often crying for food, and we have nothing for them, and in the 
 cold winter shivering and crying, pinched with cold. All this comes from the 
 love of strong drink. And this is not all the misery and evil we bring upon 
 ourselves by "this sin. for when we are intoxicated with strong drink we drown 
 our rational powers, by which we are distinguished from the brute creation ; 
 we unman ourselves, and sink not only to a level with the beasts of the field, 
 but seven degrees beneath them ; yea, we bring ourselves to a level with the 
 devils : and I don't know but we make ourselves worse than the devils, for I 
 never heard of a drunken devil." 
 
 He closed his discourse with a fervid exhortation to his IVIohegan brethren 
 to break ofT from their sins, and especially from their besetting sin of drunk- 
 enness, by a gospel repentance; to "take warning by the doleful sight now 
 before us," and from the dreadful judgments that have befallen poor drunk- 
 ards. "You that have been careless all your dav now awake to righteousness 
 and be concerned for your never-dying souls." Fight against all sin, and espe- 
 cially against your besetting sin, "and above all things believe in the Lord 
 Jesus Christ, and you shall have eternal life, and when you come to die your 
 souls will be received into hea-\-en, there to be with the Lord Jesus and all the 
 saints in glory, which God in His infinite mercy grant, through Jesus Christ, 
 our Lord. Amen." 
 
 In 1786 he gathered a few Mohegans and several other Indians from other 
 tribes in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Long Island, and went with them to 
 Oneida county. New York, and there formed the nucleus of the clan after- 
 wards known as the Brothertown tribe among the Six Nations. He con- 
 tinued as their minister, actin? also as a missionarv among the Six Nations, 
 until his death, which occurred in July, 1792. more than three hundred Indians 
 following him mournfully and tearfulh- to the grave. 
 
 Another young Mohegan. Joseph Johnson, educated in Wheelock's school, 
 became also a preacher of great power and influence. He was sent early as 
 a missionary to the Six Nations of New York, and afterwards co-operated 
 with Occom in the establishment there of the Brothertown clan. At the 
 breaking out of the war of the Revolution the Six Nations, a powerful and 
 warlike Indian confederacy, were at first much inclined to favor the English 
 side and to become the allies of the British forces of Canada, and to this 
 end were strongU' tempted by the insidious wiles of British emissaries, backed 
 by the glittering display and lavish use of British gold. 
 
 Against this danger both Johnson and Occom exerted the whole weight 
 of their great moral powers and their wide influence, the former especially 
 appealing for help, in averting this impending danger, to Governor Trumbull 
 and other friends here, and to the Assembly. His zeal and patriotic efforts 
 attracted the attention of Gen. Washington, and while at Cambridge, direct- 
 ing the siecre of Boston, he wrote him a letter with his own hand, dated Feb. 
 20, 1776, thanking him for his patriotic and important services, and in closing 
 he says. "Tell the Indians that we do not ask them to take up the hatchet for 
 us unless they choose it, we only desire that they will not fight against us. 
 We want that the chain of friendship should always remain bright between 
 our friends, the Six Nations, and us. We recommend you to them, and hope 
 by spreading the truths of the gospel among them it will always keep the 
 chain bright." 
 
 Another remarkable illustration of the importance of education to our 
 
58 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 forefathers is found in a sermon of Rev. Dr. Nott, pastor of the Franklin 
 church from 1782 till 1852. This pastorate of seventy years, linked with 
 those of Rev. Benjamin Lord and Rev. Dr. .Strong of Norwich, forms a note- 
 worthy chain of human lives. Together they served their parishes 187 years! 
 One succeeded another in turn in such a manner that these three men, each 
 well acquainted with the successor in the ministry though not in the same 
 parish, covered, and might well have conveyed by word of mouth, the history 
 of New London county from 1717 to 1852! The sermon referred to was 
 delivered on the fiftieth anniversary of Dr. Nott's settlement at Franklin. 
 He says: 
 
 That I have contributed to the general improvement of my people in knowledge, par- 
 ticularly the children and youth — as I have statedly visited the schools twice, usually three 
 times a year, and likewise taught many of the young men Arithmetic, English Grammar, 
 and Geography — I presume none will question. In the mean time, I trust I have con- 
 tributed, in a degree, to the improvement of many others. More than forty young men. ir» 
 whole or in part, have fitted for college under my direction ; twenty belonged to this 
 town. A considerable number of the whole entered quite advanced in standing. About 
 half a dozen of the scholars, who belonged to different colleges, have likewise spent con- 
 siderable time with me ; some of them a term or two. .About the same number of young 
 gentlemen have studied theology with me. A large number of school-masters, and some 
 persons who have studied physic, made merchants, mechanics, and farmers, I have aided, 
 more or less, in their education. I would be far from saying: "By the strength of my 
 hand I have done it, and by my wisdom " I would, with the most lively gratitude, say, 
 I have done it by the strength of that Almighty Being! "Who raiseth up the poor out 
 of the dust, and lif teth the beggar out of the dunghill : and I mention it in this public 
 manner that he may have the glory. (Since I began to fit for college, April, 1774, I have 
 contributed something towards the education, as nearly as I can recollect, of between two 
 and three hundred gentlemen, ladies, or children.) As a little wheel in mechanism sometimes 
 puts in motion one much larger, I have been instrumental, in the hand of Divine Providence, 
 of bringing forward into public life some persons who have given a far wider spread to 
 knowledge than I was ever able to do ; and some, who now hold in society, and in the Church 
 of Christ, a respectable standing. A wheel in the middle of a wheel. O, the depths of the 
 riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God ! How unsearchable are his judgments, 
 and his ways past finding out. 
 
 The first music school in this country was founded by Mr. Oramel Whit- 
 tlesey at Salem, in 1835, under the name of Music Vale Seminary, and was 
 maintained with great success for over forty years. Here were educated in 
 music many hundred young women from different parts of the country. 
 
 At the time when public high schools were starting in Massachusetts 
 under the leadership of Horace Mann and others, public-spirited citizens in 
 New London county had founded or soon afterwards founded private insti- 
 tutions of high school grade. As time has passed, these institutions have 
 survived, doing their work under private management, partly by means of 
 their original funds and partly by funds given by the public for the secondary 
 education of boys and girls. It is a curious fact that of the seven private 
 schools recognized by the State of Connecticut as doing satisfactorily the 
 work of a public high school, five are found in New London county. A brief 
 statement about each school has been prepared by the principal or by a 
 trustee of each and will be found elsewhere in this work. 
 
CHAPTER HI 
 AN ERA OF UNREST 
 
 The War for Independence — The Battle of Groton Heights — Narratives of Jonathan 
 Rathbun, Rufus Avery and Stephen Hempstead — The British Fleet off New London 
 — The War Marks the Beginning o£ Manufacture and Whaling. 
 
 Much of the detail of local history will be found under the separate his- 
 tories of various towns. New London county sent its full quota and more for 
 every colonial enterprise. It was a large partaker in all the efforts that make 
 Connecticut history glorious. We quote from Mr. Daniel Howard : 
 
 In the days of the Revolution, "Brother Jonathan" of Lebanon was Wash- 
 ington's right hand man. It used to be the custom to call the United States 
 "Brother Jonathan," just as we now call the country by the nickname of 
 "Uncle Sam." We do not know who was the first man to apply the name to 
 our country, but it was George Washington who caused the name to be 
 adopted. 
 
 When the Revolutionary War broke out in the thirteen colonies there 
 was one governor and only one who joined the patriots in their struggle 
 against the British king and his tyranny. That Governor was Jonathan Trum- 
 bull of Connecticut. When we read of what he did to help Washington and 
 his army, we can realize why Washington loved him, trusted him, and looked 
 to him for help and advice whenever he was in trouble. 
 
 The War for Independence began in 1775, and Governor Trumbull was 
 among the first men to encourage volunteers to go to Boston and Cambridge 
 in order to help form the American army. The next year, when Washington's 
 army went to New York, more than half of his 17,000 men were from Con- 
 necticut. Throughout the six years of the war, Washington depended upon 
 Jonathan Trumbull more than he did upon any other man to help him collect 
 troops, provide food, clothing, and ammunition, write letters to committees 
 of safety for their advice and assistance in carying on the war, and to do 
 everything that was necessary to keep the soldiers and the patriots united 
 and loyal to the army and its commander-in-chief. Washington soon formed 
 the habit of saying whenever he needed advice or assistance, "Let us consult 
 Brother Jonathan." "Brother Jonathan" seemed to represent the whole coun- 
 try, and in time public speakers, poets, authors, newspaper men, in fact every- 
 body, came to use "Brother Jonathan" as a nickname for the United States. 
 
 Nathan Hale's name will be honored as long as America endures. It was 
 April 20, 1775, in the Union Grammar School at New London, about thirty 
 boys were busy with their lessons. We can imagine how diligentl}^ they were 
 working, for many of them were anxious to enter college, win honors, and 
 eventually become as popular and highly esteemed as was their young teacher, 
 whom they idolized. This teacher was Nathan Hale. 
 
 Young Hale, although not quite twenty years of age, had already won 
 high reputation as a scholar, a teacher, a thinker, and a leader among the 
 people. He was born in the town of Coventry, June 6, 1775. He grew up 
 in a typical Connecticut home. Having been prepared for college by his good 
 pastor, he was graduated from Yale University in 1773 with the highest 
 honors. The first year after his graduation he taught in the little red school 
 house at East Haddam. His success there led to his engagement the next 
 
6o NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 year as teacher of the fine new grammar school at New London. He was 
 tall, broad-shouldered, graceful. Intelligence beamed from his large blue 
 eyes, and noble, good-natured face. A leader in athletics among the boys, a 
 leader in the discussion of public questions among the men, it was no wonder 
 that everybody loved him. 
 
 The political troubles between the American Colonies and England had 
 made him a bold and outspoken patriot, and often since the day he entered 
 college his eloquent words had roused his hearers to the highest enthusiasm 
 in defense of their rights and liberties. On this particular morning his 
 thoughts were with his pupils and their schoolroom discussions. Suddenly 
 there was heard the sound of excited voices in the street. One window was 
 open, and the boys caught some words that filled them with excitement. 
 The teacher counseled them not to let their thoughts wander from their 
 lessons. 
 
 The noise and excitement outside the building continued. The boys were 
 too much disturbed to work, and the teacher himself found that he was 
 as anxious as the bo}'S to know what was happening. He closed his school, 
 and with his boys rushed toward the crowd that had surrounded the statue 
 of King George. A man on horseback was speaking, but Llale was too far 
 away to hear what he was saying. When the speech was finished, the crowd 
 sent up a great shout. "What is it all about " asked Hale. "Haven't you 
 heard? It is a message from Lexington, where the British have fallen on our 
 brothers and sought to cut them to pieces. Yesterday there was a battle." 
 "Has it come to that?" asked Hale in astonishment. "Hush! Hark! he is 
 going to speak again. No, he is falling from his horse. This way!! Bring 
 him into the tavern. Give him something to revive him. No wonder after 
 such a ride!" Another man addressed the crowd: "Let all who wish to form 
 some plan to help Massachusetts, meet me tonight at Miner's Tavern." 
 
 Hale went to his lodgings. He was so absorbed with the terrible news 
 that had come from Lexington that he thought no more of school. In the 
 evening he joined the throng of serious, thoughtful men. assembled at Miner's 
 Tavern. After listening to an earnest speech by the Hon. Richard Law. Hale 
 asked permission to speak. He ascended the platform and began to talk. As 
 they listened to his eloquence and observed his manly bearing, his hearers 
 forgot all else in their desire to seize their muskets and swords and march to 
 the aid of their countrymen in Massachusetts. Hale closed with these words: 
 "Let us not lay down our arms until we have gained our Independence!" 
 Independence! That was a new thought. But it was a thought that would 
 soon be in thousands of minds. 
 
 That night Hale made arrangements to go with the two companies of 
 soldiers who were to be sent to Cambridge. The following morning they 
 left New London at sunrise. At Cambridge, Hale became a favorite with the 
 officers and men. For months he worked hard to train and exercise his com- 
 pany of soldiers, and his bravery, daring and resourcefulness won compli- 
 ments from his commander-in-chief, Washington. 
 
 The next year, 1776, Washington's army moved from Boston to New 
 York and fought the British at Long Island. The British won the battle, 
 and the Americans were forced to retreat to Harlem Heights, leaving New 
 York City in the hands of the enemy. Washington was in great distress. 
 If he onlv knew the plans of the British, he might prepare his armj^ to meet 
 them. If he could learn just how the city was fortified and guarded, he 
 might then capture it. There was only one way to get the needed information. 
 He must send a spy into the British camp. That spy must be no ordinary 
 soldier. He must be skilled in military affairs, able to make drawings and 
 
AN ERA OF UXREST 6i 
 
 descriptions of the fortifications, capable of understanding and reporting 
 everything he saw, and above all else fearless and willing to risk his life. 
 
 Washington asked Colonel Knowlton to endeavor to find such a man 
 among the officers. Colonel Knowlton called the officers together and asked 
 for a volunteer to undertake the dangerous task. No one responded. It was 
 the disgrace of being a spy that held them back. The Colonel pleaded elo- 
 quently for someone to undertake the work on which the fate of the whole 
 army might depend. Still, no answer. Nathan Hale, who had just risen 
 from a sick bed, was seen approaching. He asked, "What is going on?" 
 They told him. Without a moment's hesitation, he exclaimed: "I will under- 
 take it." 
 
 Captain Hull, his friend and former classmate in college, exclaimed, "You 
 do not know what you say. You a spy !" Another of the officers cried out, 
 "There is someone other than you for such service." "Who?" asked Hale. 
 There was no answer. 
 
 Hale repeated his offer, saying, "I wish to be useful, and every kind of 
 service for the public becomes honorable by being necessary." His brother 
 officers said no more. That afternoon Hale reported to Washington and 
 received his instructions. With a friend he left the room and walked from 
 Harlem Heights to Norwalk, fifty miles up the Sound on the Connecticut 
 shore. There he disguised himself as a Tory schoolmaster, and alone boarded 
 a sloop that took him to Huntington, Long Island. Having landed near the 
 Widow Chichester's tavern, and knowing this to be a resort for Tories and 
 friends of the British, he passed by and made his first stop at the home of 
 William Johnson, about a mile from his landing place. After resting a few 
 hours and obtaining such information as he could about the journey he wished 
 to make, he set out for the British camp, claiming to be looking for a position 
 to teach. He visited the British camp on Long Island, and crossed over to 
 New York City, where the British had taken full possession since he left 
 Washington's headquarters. Here he spent some days visiting with the 
 soldiers. .A.11 this time he was studying the plans of the fortifications, and 
 whenever he had an opportunity to be alone he drew sketches and wrote out 
 in Latin descriptions of what he had seen. 
 
 When he could learn no more, with these maps and sketches concealed 
 in his shoes, he started on his homeward journey. In safety he found his 
 way back to Huntington, where he arrived in the morning, and expecting a 
 boat to meet him. It was very early when he arrived, and seeing no boat he 
 decided to go to the Tory tavern for breakfast. At the tavern he talked with 
 the Tories, but he did not notice that one of them left the room after he 
 entered. Several hours later a boat was seen approaching. The Tories at 
 once scattered, fearing the boat might contain Connecticut Yankees, whom 
 they did not wish to meet. Hale assured them that the Yankees would not 
 hurt a poor schoolmaster, and offered to go and see what they wanted. 
 
 We can imagine how eagerly he hastened to the edge of the water, ex- 
 pecting to meet his friends, but alas! what a disappointment! W'hen he was 
 within range of the boat's crew a dozen men leveled their guns at him and 
 cried. "Surrender or die!" He was trapped. 
 
 The man who had left the tavern was a Tory relative who had recognized 
 him and sent word to a British ship. The commander of this ship had sent 
 the boat to capture Hale. He was at once rowed to the guardship, "Halifax." 
 "Are you a captain in the Continental army?" asked the commander. "I am," 
 replied Hale. "Why are you disguised?" was the next question. There was 
 no answer. "Search him," ordered the commander. The papers and drawings 
 were found in his shoes. That settled it. He was a spy. 
 
62 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 Hale was sent at once to the headquarters of General Howe in New 
 York City. Howe was dumbfounded. "Why did you, a man of learning and 
 fine appearance, attempt this sort of work?" Hale answered, "I am serving 
 my country, and for that reason I will do any service that my country de- 
 mands." Howe admired his spirit, and this thought came into his head, 
 "What a gain if this man would serve us. Surely ambition and place can 
 tempt him." "I will grant you full pardon, if you will join the British army, 
 and you shall be speedily promoted to a high position." Hale answered, 
 "Nothing so increases my loyalty to my country as this temptation to for- 
 sake her." "Then you must die for her," was the grim response of General 
 Howe. 
 
 Turning to his desk, he wrote out the commitment, which directed 
 William Cunningham to receive Nathan Hale, keep him in custody until 
 morning, and then see that he was hanged by the neck until dead. A British 
 officer then conducted Hale to the quarters of Cunningham, the provost mar- 
 shal. This cruel and brutal man was in the habit of treating his prisoners 
 most shamefully. He would insult them, kick them, and parade them up 
 and down the corridors, with Richmond, his negro hangman, carrying a coil 
 of rope behind them. Many were hanged in the yard back of the jail and 
 their bodies left to dangle for hours where other prisoners would see them 
 and shudder at the sight. 
 
 This man questioned Hale as to his age and history, and read the death 
 warrant telling him that he was to die at daybreak. Every minute of that 
 time would be needed to saj' good-bye to his father, brothers, and sisters, and 
 to write a last loving letter to Alice Adams Ripley, the young lady who 
 waited in her Connecticut home, longing and hoping for the time when he 
 would return from the war and make her his wife. He asked that his hands 
 might be untied and that he might have a light and some writing materials. 
 The heartless Cunningham refused his request. Hale asked for a Bible. 
 Again he was refused with jeers and insults. He was placed in his cell, and 
 after Cunningham had fallen into a drunken stupor, a kind-hearted British 
 officer who was his guard furnished him materials and a light. The hours 
 of that sad night were passed in writing his last letters to the dear ones 
 at home. 
 
 At daybreak the provost came. The prisoner had not slept, but was ready. 
 He handed his letters to Cunningham, who opened them, read them, tore 
 them into fragments, and stamped upon them, saying the rebels should never 
 see such letters. No one should ever know that a man died with such cour- 
 age. Oh, the anguish that pierced the soul of Nathan Hale! Yet he gave 
 no sign of his feelings. 
 
 He was ordered to prepare for the death march. He asked for a clergy- 
 man, but his request was refused. The line of march took him through a 
 vast crowd of men and women to the place of execution in Colonel Rutger's 
 apple orchard. Hale, clothed in white, with his arms bound behind him, was 
 preceded by a file of soldiers. The soldiers formed a hollow square, with 
 an apple tree in the center. Underneath the tree the grave had been dug. 
 The hangman placed his ladder against a limb of the tree and adjusted the 
 rope. Four negroes placed the coffin beneath the hanging noose. Hale was 
 ordered to stand upon the coffin. While the final preparations were being 
 made, he stood with his manly form erect and his beautiful face illuminated 
 with the glow of courage and heroism. Even the hardest of the soldiers were 
 awed by the sight. Cunningham hoped to destroy the impression produced 
 by the sublime spectacle and called to Hale to make his last confession. 
 
 The martyr, whose face had been turned upward in prayer, after casting 
 
AN ERA OF UNREST 63 
 
 upon Cunnin!2:ham a look of unutterable contempt, turned his eyes to the 
 spectators. The women were sobbinfj and the men had turned away their 
 faces. All became silent and his voice, strong, full, and ringing with the 
 energy of courage and patriotism, uttered these immortal words: "I only 
 regret that I have but one life to lose for my Country!" The provost was 
 stunned. His rage almost choked him. As soon as he could collect himself 
 he roared, "Swing the rebel ofiF!" 
 
 Noble, heroic death ! Thus passed away the martyred patriot spy, but 
 his name will live forever and furnish us with an inspiration for great and 
 noble deeds. 
 
 The battle of Groton Heights has often been described. But the account 
 found below, by Jonathan Rathbun, has been out of print for fifty years: 
 
 I was born in Colchester, Connecticut, in 1765. When 16 years of age, 
 I joined as a volunteer a company of militia, belonging to my native town, 
 and marched to the relief of New London, intelligence having just reached 
 us of an attack on that place by the British under the conduct of the traitor 
 Benedict Arnold. We left home to the number of about one hundred men 
 early in the morning of the 7th of September, 1781, the day after the battle. 
 Oo our arrival in New London we witnessed a scene of suffering and horror 
 which surpasses description. The enemy were not to be found, but they had 
 left behind them the marks of their barbarism and cruelty. The city was in 
 ashes. More than one hundred and thirty naked chimneys were standing in 
 the midst of the smoking ruins of stores and dwelling houses. Very little 
 property had escaped the conflagration except a part of the shipping which, 
 on the first alarm, was sent up the river. But though the city was destroyed, 
 it was far from being deserted. Numerous companies of militia from the 
 neighborhood were pouring into the town ; and the inhabitants, who had fled 
 from their burning dwellings, were returning to gaze with anguish on the 
 worthless remains of their property. Women were seen walking with con- 
 sternation and despair depicted in their countenances, leading or carrying 
 in their arms their fatherless and houseless babes, who in a few short hours 
 had been bereaved of all that was dear on earth. Their homes, their pro- 
 visions and even their apparel, were the spoils of the enemy or lay in ashes 
 at their feet. Some were inquiring with the deepest distress for the mangled 
 bodies of their friends, while others were seen following the carts which bore 
 their murdered fathers, husbands or brothers to the grave. More than forty 
 widows were made on that fatal day. Never can I forget the tears, the sobs, 
 the shrieks of woe which fell from the kindred of our brave countrymen who 
 then gave their lives to achieve our national independence. It was my melan- 
 choly duty to assist in the burial of the dead, which brought me directly into 
 the midst of these heart-rending scenes where the wife first recognized her 
 husband, the mother her son, the sister her brother, in the body of a mangled 
 soldier, so disfigured with wounds and clotted with blood and dust as to be 
 scarcely known ! Often on my visits to New London have I walked near the 
 spot where I helped to inter my slaughtered countrymen ; and, though many 
 years have since rolled away, the recollection is still fresh in my mind, awak- 
 ening anew the strong feelings of sympathy I then felt, and rousing into 
 activity the love of my country. 
 
 I recollect several interesting facts connected with the capture of Fort 
 Griswold and the burning of New London, which I believe are not mentioned 
 in the narratives of Messrs. Avery and Hempstead. 
 
 After the capture of the fort and the massacre which followed, the enemy 
 
64 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 laid a line of powder from the magazine of the fort to the sea, intending to 
 blow up the fort, and complete the destruction of the wounded within and 
 around it. Stillman Hotman, who lay not far distant, wounded by three 
 strokes of the bayonet in his body, proposed to a wounded man near him to 
 crawl to this line and saturate the powder with their blood, and thus save 
 the magazine and fort, and perhaps the lives of some of their comrades not 
 mortally wounded. He alone succeeded in reaching the line, where he was 
 found dead lying on the powder, which was completely wet with his blood. 
 I do not find his name among the killed in the list of Mr. Avery. 
 
 Another fact of a different character was currently reported at the time 
 and deserves to be recorded to the deeper disgrace of the infamous Arnold. 
 He had a sister living in New London, with whom he dined on the day of 
 the battle, and whose house was set fire to, as is supposed, by his orders, im"- 
 mediately afterwards. Perhaps he found her too much of a patriot for his 
 taste, and took this step in revenge. 
 
 The next year, 1782, I was led by the spirit which the scenes I had wit- 
 nessed in New London had fanned into a flame, to leave my father's house 
 and the peaceful pursuits of agriculture, and to enlist as a private in the 
 Connecticut State troops. Never shall I forget the impressive circumstances 
 under which I took the soldier's oath. With five others of my townsmen who 
 enlisted with me, I was marched into the meeting house on the first Monday 
 in April, it being Freeman's Day, and there in the presence of a large con- 
 course of people we swore to discharge our duty faithfull}-. We were ordered 
 to Fort Stanwich, in Stamford. Connecticut, where I remained during all but 
 the last month of my term of service. Here I was subjected to the usual 
 hardships of military life. Many a time have I been out for several days on 
 scouting parties, sometimes to the distance of twenty-five miles. These 
 were not only attended with fatigue, cold and hunger, but with no little peril 
 of life. On one occasion a rifle ball passed through my hat and cut away the 
 hair of my head, but a kind Providence protected me. 
 
 A party of fourteen men under Lewis Smith were surprised by a body 
 of mounted troops to the number of sixty, by whom they were ordered to 
 surrender. Lewis Smith, perceiving the hopelessness of resistance against 
 such an overwhelming force, inquired of the British officer in command 
 whether if they should surrender they would be treated as prisoners of war. 
 The answer was, "Yes," but no sooner had they lowered their muskets thart 
 the enemy shot them down. 
 
 As a specimen of the hardships to which the private soldier in time of 
 war is constantly liable, I may mention the following: One evening the 
 orderly sergeants passed around among the men and with a whisper com- 
 manded us to equip ourselves without noise; and then we were marched out 
 of the fort to a woods two miles distant and ordered to lie down on the frozen 
 ground, where we passed a bitter cold night with only a single blanket and 
 our overcoats to protect us. We afterwards learned that this step was taken 
 to avoid the enemy, who it was reported were that night to attack the fort 
 with an overwhelming force. From such exposures and hardships as these 
 my constitution received a shock from which I have never recovered. The 
 sickness of my father was considered a sufficient reason for giving me a dis- 
 charge ; and after eleven months' service I left Stamford for Colchester. On 
 reaching home I was immediately taken sick, and for six months was unable 
 to do any business. From that time mingled mercies and misfortunes have 
 attended' me. The infirmities thus contracted in the service of my country 
 disabled me from arduous manual labor, and much of my life has therefore 
 been spent in trade and other light employments. My heaviest misfortune, 
 
AN ERA OF UNREST 65 
 
 however, has been the sickness of my excellent wife, who for forty years has 
 been confined to her bed, and for whose medication and comfort, with the 
 other expenses of my family, the earnings of my industry have proved in- 
 sufficient, especially since the infirmities of old age have come upon me. But 
 of none cf these things do I complain. They are wisely appointed, and 
 have been greatly alleviated by the kindness of a generous community. I 
 mention them for the sole object of interesting my countrymen in my present 
 effort to supply my wants through this little book. 
 
 The following narrative by Rufus Avery, orderly sergeant under Captain 
 William Latham, containing an account of the transactions at New London 
 and Groton on the 6th of September, 1781, is in. his own words: 
 
 I had charge of the garrison the night previous to the attack. The enemy 
 had not yet appeared near us, nor did we expect them at this time more than 
 ever ; but it is true "we know not what shall be on the morrow." About 3 
 o'clock in the morning, as soon as daylight appeared, so as I could look off, 
 I saw the fleet in the harbor, a little distance below the light house; it con- 
 sisted of thirty-two in number — ships, brigs, schooners and sloops. It may 
 well be imagined that a shock of consternation and a thrill of dread appre- 
 hension flashed over me. I immediately sent for Capt. William Latham, who 
 was captain of said fort, and who was near by. He came and saw the fleet, 
 and sent notice to Colonel Ledyard, who was commander of the harbor, and 
 also of Forts Griswold and Trumbull. He ordered two large guns to be loaded 
 with heavy charges of good powder, &c. Captain William Latham took 
 charge of the one which was to be discharged from the northeast part of the 
 fort, and I had to attend the other on the west side, and thus we as speedily 
 as possible prepared to give alarm to the vicinity, as was to be expected in 
 case of danger, two guns being the specified signal for alarm in distress. But 
 a difficulty now arose from having all our plans communicated by a traitor! 
 The enemy understood our signal was two regular guns, and they fired a 
 third, which broke our alarm, and caused it to signify good news or a prize, 
 and thus it was understood by our troops, and several companies which were 
 lying back ready to come to our assistance in case of necessity were by this 
 measure deterred from coming. The reader may well suppose, though time 
 would not permit us to consider or anticipate long, that the sense of our 
 helplessness without additional strength and arms was dreadful ; but the try- 
 ing events of the few coming hours we had not known ! Colonel Ledyard 
 now sent expresses from both forts, to call on every militia captain to hurry 
 with their companies to the forts. But few came ; their excuse was that it 
 was but a false alarm, or for some trifling alarm. The enemy's boats now 
 approached and landed eight hundred officers and men, some horses, car- 
 riages and cannon, on the Groton side of the river, about 8 o'clock in the 
 morning; and another division on the New London side, below the light 
 house, consisting of about seven hundred officers and men. The army on 
 Groton banks was divided into two divisions. Colonel Ayres took command 
 of the division southeast of the forts, consisting of about half, sheltering them 
 behind a ledge of rocks about one hundred and thirty rods back ; Major 
 Montgomery, with his division about one hundred and fifty rods from the 
 fort, behind a high hill. The army on New London side of the river had 
 better and more accommodating land to march on than that on Groton side. 
 As soon as their army had got opposite Fort Trumbull, they divided, and 
 one part proceeded to the city of New London, plundered and set fire to the 
 shipping and buildings, the rest marched down to Fort Trumbull. Captain 
 
66 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 Adam Shapley, who commanded, seeing that he was likely to be overpowered 
 by the enemy, spiked his cannon and embarked on board the boats which 
 had been prepared for him in case of necessity; but the enemy were so 
 quick upon him that before he and his little handful of men could get out of 
 the reach of their guns, seven men were badly wounded in the boats. The 
 remaining ones reached Fort Griswold, where, poor fellows, they met a 
 mortal blow. 
 
 Ayres and Montgomery got their army stationed about 9 o'clock in the 
 morning. When they appeared in sight, we threw a number of shots among 
 them, but they would immediately contrive to disappear behind their hills. 
 About 10 o'clock they sent a flag of truce to demand the surrender of the fort. 
 When the flag was within about forty rods from the fort, we sent a musket 
 ball in front of them, and brought them to a stand. Col. Ledyard called a 
 council of war to ascertain the minds of his officers and friends about what 
 was best to be done in this momentous hour, when every moment indicated a 
 bloody anrl decisive battle. They all agreed in council to send a flag to them. 
 They did so, choosing Capt. Elijah Avery, Capt. Amos Staunton, and Capt. 
 John Williams, who went immediately to meet the British flag and receive 
 their demand, which was to give up the Fort to them. The council was then 
 inquired of what was to be done, and the answer returned to the British 
 flag was that "the Fort would not be given up to the British." The flag then 
 returned to their division commanded by Ayres, but soon returned to us 
 again ; when about a proper distance our flag met them and attended to 
 their summons, and came back to inform Col. Ledyard that the enemy 
 declared that "if they were obliged to take it by storm, they should put the 
 Martial Law in full force," that is, "what they did not kill by ball, they should 
 put to death by sword and bayonet!" Col. Ledyard sent back the decisive 
 answer that "we should not give up the Fort to them, let the consequences 
 be what they would." 
 
 While these flags were passing and repassing, we were exchanging shots 
 with the British at Fort Trumbull, as they had got possession of it before 
 the battle commenced in action at Fort Cjriswold. We could throw our shot 
 into Fort Trumbull without any difUculty, but the British could not cause 
 theirs to enter Fort Griswold, because they could not aim high enough. They 
 had got possession and in use some of our best pieces and ammunition, which 
 were left in Fort Trumbull, when Captain Shapley left it and retreated. About 
 II o'clock in the morning, when they perceived what we were about to do, 
 they started with both their divisions. Colonel Ayres advancing with his in 
 solid columns. As soon as they reached the level ground and in a proper 
 range, we saluted them with an eighteen-pounder, then loaded with two bags 
 of grape shot. Capt. Elias H. Halsey was the one who directed the guns, and 
 took aim at the enemy. lie had long practiced on board a privateer, and 
 manifested his skill at this time. I was at the gun with others when it was 
 discharged into the British ranks, and it cleared a very wide space in their 
 solid columns. It has been reported by good authority that about twenty 
 were killed and wounded by that one discharge of grape shot. As soon as 
 the column was broken by loss of men and officers, they were seen to scatter 
 and trail arms, coming on with a quick step towards the fort, inclining to 
 the west. We continued firing, but they advanced upon the south and west 
 sides of the fort. Colonel Ayres was mortally wounded. Major Montgomery 
 now advanced with his division, coming on in solid columns, bearing around 
 to the north, until they got east of the redoubt or battery, which was east 
 of the fort, then marching with a quick step into the battery. Here we sent 
 among them large and repeated charges of grape shot which destroyed a 
 
AN ERA OF UNREST 67 
 
 number, as we could perceive them thinned and broken. Then they started 
 for the fort, a part of them in platoons, discharging their guns; and some of 
 the officers and men scattering, they came around on the cast and north 
 side of the fort. Here Major Montgomery fell, near the northeast part of 
 the fort. We might suppose the loss of their commanders might have dis- 
 ma3'ed them, but they had proceeded so far, and the excitement and deter- 
 mination on slaughter was so great, they could not be prevented. As soofr 
 as their army had entirely surrounded the garrison, a man attempted to open 
 the gates ; but he lost his life in a moment, before he could succeed. There 
 was hard fighting and shocking slaughter, and much blood spilt before another 
 attempt was made to open the gates, which was at this time successful ; for 
 our little number, which was only one hundred and fifty-five, officers and 
 pri%-ates (the most of them volunteers), were by this time overpowered. There 
 was then no block house on the parade as there is now, so that the enemy 
 had every chance to wound and kill every man. When they had overpowered 
 us and driven us from our station at the breastwork into the fort, and Colonel 
 Ledyard saw how few men he had remaining to fight with, he ceased resist- 
 ance. They all left their posts and went on to the open parade in the fort, 
 where the enemy had a fair opportunity to massacre us, as there were only 
 six of us to an hundred of them ! This, this was a moment of indescribable 
 misery! We can fight with good hearts while hope and prospects of victory 
 aid us; but, after we have fought and bled, and availed nothing, to yield to 
 be massacred by the boasting enemy "tries men's hearts !" Our ground was 
 drenched w-ith human gore, our wounded and dying could not have any 
 attendance, while each man was almost hopeless of his own preservation; 
 but our country's danger caused the most acute anxiety. Now I saw the 
 enemy mount the parapets like so many madmen, all at once, seemingly. 
 They swung their hats around, and then discharged their guns into the fort, 
 and those who had not fallen by ball they began to massacre with sword and 
 bayonet. I was on the west side of the fort, with Capt. Edward Latham and 
 Mr. C. Latham, standing on the platform, and had a full view of the enemy's 
 conduct. I had then a hole through my clothes by a ball, and a bayonet 
 rent through my coat to the flesh. The enemy approached us, knocked down 
 the two men I mentioned, with the britch (breech) of their guns, and I 
 expected had ended their lives, but they did not. By this time that division 
 which had been commanded by Montgomery, now under charge of Bloom- 
 field, unbolted the other gates, marched into the Fort, and formed into a 
 solid column. I at this moment left my station and went across the parade 
 towards the south end of the barracks. I noticed Col. William Ledyard on 
 the parade stepping towards the enemy and Bloomfield, gently raising and 
 lowering his sword" as a token of bowing and submission; he was about six 
 feet from them when I turned my eyes off from him, and went up to the 
 door of the barracks and looked at the enemy, who were discharging their 
 guns through the windows. It was but a moment that I had turned my 
 eyes from Col. L. and saw him alive, and now I saw him weltering in his 
 gore! Oh, the hellish spite and madness of a man that will murder a reason- 
 able and noble-hearted officer, in the act of submitting and surrendering! I 
 can assure my countrymen that I felt the thrill of such a horrid deed more 
 than the honorable arid martial-like war of months ! We are informed that 
 the wretch who murdered him exclaimed as he came near, "Who commands 
 this fort?" Ledyard handsomely replied, "I did, but you do now." at the same 
 moment handing him his sword, which the unfeeling villain buried in his 
 breast! The column continued marching towards the south end of the 
 parade, and I could do no better than to go across the parade before them, 
 
68 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 amid their fire. They discharged three platoons, as I crossed before them 
 at this time. I believe there were not less than five or six hundred of the 
 British on the parade, and in the Fort. They killed and wounded every man 
 they possibly could, and it was all done in less than two minutes! I had 
 nothing to expect but to drop with the rest; one mad looking fellow put his 
 bayonet to my side, swearing, "by Jesus he would skipper me !" I looked him 
 earnestly in the face and eyes, and begged him to have mercy and spare my 
 life! I must say, I believe God prevented him from killing me, for he put his 
 bayonet three times into me, and I seemed to be in his power, as well as 
 Lieut. Enoch Staunton, who was stabbed to the heart and fell at my feet ali 
 this time. I think no scene ever exceeded this for continued and barbarous 
 massacre after surrender. There were two large doors to the Magazine, 
 whick made a space wide enough to admit ten men to stand in one rank. 
 There marched up a platoon of ten men just by where I stood, and at once 
 discharged their guns into the Magazine among our killed and wounded, 
 and also among those who had escaped uninjured, and as soon as these 
 had fired, another platoon was ready, and immediately took their place when 
 they fell back. At this moment Bloomfield came swiftly around the corner 
 of the building, and raising his sword with exceeding quickness, exclaimed, 
 "stop firing! or you will send us all to Hell together!" I was very near him 
 when he spoke. He knew there must be much powder deposited and scat- 
 tered about the Magazine, and if they continued throwing in fire we should 
 all be blown up. I think it must, before this, have been the case, had not 
 the ground and everything been wet with human blood. We trod in blood ! 
 We trampled under feet the limbs of our Countrymen, our neighbors and 
 dear kindred. Our ears were filled with the groans of the dying, when the 
 more stunning sound of the artillery would give place to the death shrieks. 
 After this they ceased killing and went to stripping, not only the dead, but 
 the wounded and those who were not wounded. They then ordered us all 
 who were able to march, to the N. E. part of the parade, and those who 
 could walk to help those who were wounded so bad as not to go of them- 
 selves. Mr. Samuel Edgcomb Jr. and myself were ordered to carry out 
 Ensign Charles Eldridge, who was shot through the knee joints; he was a 
 very large, heavy man, and with our fasting and violent exercises of the day, 
 we were but ill able to do it. or more than to sustain our own weight; but 
 we had to submit. We with all the prisoners were taken out upon the 
 parade, about two rods from the Fort, and ordered to sit down immediately, 
 or they would put their bayonets into us. The battle was now ended. It 
 was about i o'clock in the afternoon, and since the hour of eight in the 
 morning, what a scene of carnage, of anxiety, and of loss had we experienced ! 
 The enemy now began to take care of their dead and wounded. They 
 took off si.x of the outer doors of the barracks, and with four men at each 
 door, thev brought in one man at a time. There were twenty-four men thus 
 employed for two hours, as fast as they could walk. They deposited them 
 on the west side of the parade, in the Fort, where it was the most com- 
 fortable place, and screened from the hot sun which was pouring down upon 
 us, aggravating our wounds, and causing many to faint and die who might 
 have lived with good care. By my side lay two most worthy and excellent 
 officers, Capt. Youngs Ledyard, and Capt. N. Moore, in the agonies of death. 
 Their heads rested on my thighs, as I sat or lay there. They had their 
 reason well and spoke. They asked for water. I could give them none, as 
 I was to be thrust through if I got up. I asked the enemy, who were passing 
 by us, to give us some water for my dying friends and for m}self. As the 
 well was near they granted this request; but even then I feared they would 
 
AN ERA OF UNREST 69 
 
 put something poison into it, that they might get us out of the way the 
 sooner; and they had said, repeatedly, that the last of us should die before 
 the sun set! Oh what revenge and inhumanity pervaded their steeled hearts! 
 They effected what was threatened in the summons, sent by the flag in the 
 morning, to Colonel Ledyard, "That those who were not killed by the musket, 
 should be by the sword," &c. But I must think they became tired of human 
 butchery, and so let us live. They kept us on the ground, the garrison 
 charged, till about two hours had been spent in taking care of their men; 
 and then came and ordered every man of us that could walk, to "rise up." 
 Sentries were placed around with guns loaded, and bayonets fixed, and orders 
 given that ever}' one who would not, in a moment, obey commands, should 
 be shot dead or run through ! I had to leave the two dying men who were 
 resting on me, dropping their heads on the cold and hard ground, giving them 
 one last and pitying look. Oh God, this was hard work. They both died 
 that night. We marched down to the bank of the river so as to be ready 
 to embark on board the British vessels. There were about thirty of us sur- 
 rounded by sentries. Captain Bloomficld then came and took down the names 
 of the prisoners who were able to march down with us. Where I sat, I had 
 a fair view of their movements. They were setting fire to the buildings and 
 bringing the plunder and laying it down near us. The sun was about half 
 an hour high. I can never forget the whole appearance of all about me. New 
 London was in flames! The inhabitants deserted their habitations to save 
 life, which was more highly prized. Above and around us were our unburied 
 dead, and our dying friends. None to appeal to for sustenance in our ex- 
 hausted state but a maddened enemy — not allowed to move a step or make 
 any resistance, but with loss of life — and sitting to see the property of our 
 neighbors consumed by fire, or the spoils of a triumphing enemy! 
 
 Reader, but little can be described, while much is felt. There were still 
 remaining, near the fort, a great number of the British who were getting 
 ready to leave. They loaded up our large ammunition wagon that belonged 
 to the fort with the wounded men that could not walk, and about twenty of 
 the enem}^ drew it from the fort to the brow of the hill which leads down to 
 the river. The declivity is very steep for the distance of thirty rods to the 
 river. As soon as the wagon began to move down the hill, it pressed so hard 
 against them that they found they were unable to hold it back, and jumped 
 away from it as quickly as possible, leaving it to thrash along down the hill 
 with great speed, till the shafts struck a large apple tree stump, with a most 
 violent crash, hurting the poor dying, and wounded men in it, in a most 
 inhuman manner. Some of the wounded fell out and fainted away; then a 
 part of the company where I sat, ran and brought the men and the wagon 
 along. They by some means got the prisoners who were wounded badly 
 into a house nearby belonging to Ensign Ebenezer Avery, who was one of 
 the wounded in the wagon. Before the prisoners were brought to the house 
 the soldiers had set fire to it, but others put it out, and made use of it for 
 this purpose. Captain Bloomfield paroled, to be left at home here, these 
 wounded prisoners, and took Ebenezer Ledyard, Esq., as hostage for them, 
 to see them forthcoming when called for. 
 
 Now the boats had come for us who could go on board the fleet. The 
 officer spoke with a doleful and menacing tone, "Come, you rebels, go on 
 board." This was a consummation of all I had seen or endured through the 
 day. This wounded mv feelings in a thrilling manner. After all my suffer- 
 ings and toil, to add the pang of leaving my native land, my wife, my good 
 neighbors, and probably to sufTcr still more with cold and hunger, for already 
 I had learned that I was with a cruel enemy. But I was in the hands of a 
 
70 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 hig^her power — over which no human being could hold superior control — : 
 and by God's preservation I am still alive, through all the hardships and 
 dangers of the war, while almost every one about me, who shared the same, 
 has met either a natural or an unnatural death. When we, the prisoners, went 
 down to the shore to the boats, they would not bring them near, but kept 
 them off where the water was knee deep to us, obliging us, weak and worn 
 as we were, to wade to them. We were marched down in two ranks, one 
 on each side of the boat. The officer spoke very harshly to us, to "get aboard 
 immediately." They rowed us down to an armed sloop, commanded by one 
 Captain Thomas, as they called him, a refugee tory, and he lay with his 
 vessel within the fleet. As soon as we were on board, they hurried us down 
 into the hold of the sloop, where were their fires for cooking, and besides 
 being very hot, it was filled with smoke. The hatch-way was closed tight, 
 so that we were near suffocating for want of air to breathe. We begged them 
 to spare our lives, so they gave us some relief, by opening the hatch-way and 
 permitting us to come up on deck, by two or three at a time, but not without 
 sentries watching us with gun and bayonet. We were now extremely 
 exhausted and faint for want of food ; when after being on board twenty-four 
 hours, they gave us a mess of hogs brains ; the hogs which they took on 
 Groton banks when they plundered there. 
 
 After being on board Thomas's sloop nearly three days, with nothing 
 to eat or drink that we could swallow, we began to feel as if a struggle must 
 be made, in some way, to prolong our existence, which, after all our escapes 
 seemed still to be depending. In such a time, we can know, for a reality, how 
 strong is the love of life. In the room where we were confined were a great 
 many weapons of war, and some of the prisoners whispered that we might 
 make a prize of the sloop. This in some way was overheard, and got to the 
 officer's ears, and now we were immediately put in a stronger place in the 
 hold of the vessel ; and they appeared so enraged that I was almost sure we 
 should share a decisive fate, or suffer severely. Soon they commenced calling 
 us, one by one, on deck. As I went up they seized me, tied my hands behind 
 me with a strong rope-yarn, and drew it so tight that my shoulder-bones 
 cracked and almost touched each other. Then a boat came from a fourteen- 
 gun brig, commanded b}' one Steele. Into this boat I was ordered to get, 
 without the use of my hands, over the sloop's bulwarks, which were all of 
 three feet high, and then from these I had to fall, or throw myself into the 
 boat. My distress of body and agitated feelings I cannot describe; and no 
 relief could be anticipated, but only forebodings of a more severe fate. A 
 prisoner with an enemy, an enraged and revengeful enemy, is a place where 
 I pray my reader may never come. Thev made us all lie down under the 
 seats on which the man sat to row, and so we were conveyed to the. brig; 
 going on board, we were ordered to stand in one rank by the gunwale, and 
 in front of us was placed a spar, within about a foot of each man. Here we 
 stood, with a sentry to each of us, having orders to shoot or bayonet us if 
 we attempted to stir out of our place. All this time we had nothing to eat 
 or drink, and it rained and was very cold. We were detained in this position 
 about two hours, when we had liberty to go about the main deck. Night 
 approached, and we had no supper, nor anything to lie upon but the wet deck. 
 We were on board this brig about four days, and then were removed on board 
 a ship commanded by Capt. Scott, who was very kind to the prisoners. He 
 took me on to the quarter deck with him, and appeared to have the heart of 
 a man. I should think he was about sixty years of age. I remained with 
 him until I was exchanged. Capt. Nathaniel Shaw came down to N. York 
 with the American flag, after me and four others, who were prisoners with 
 
AN ERA OF UNREST 71 
 
 me, and belonged to Fort Griswold, and who were brave, and fine young men. 
 Gen. Mifflin went with the British flag to meet this American flag. I sailed 
 with him about twenty miles. He asked me many question.s, all of which I 
 took caution how I answered, and gave him no information. I told him I was 
 very sorry that he should come to destroy so many, many brave men, burn 
 their property, distress so many families, and make such desolation. I did 
 not think they could be said to be honorable in so doing. He said "we might 
 thank our own countrymen for it." I told him I had no thanks for him. I 
 then asked the Gen. if I might ask him a few questions. "As many as you 
 please." I asked him how many of the army who made the attack upon New 
 London and Groton were missing? As you, sir, are the commissary of the 
 British army, I suppose you can tell. He replied "that by the returns, there 
 were two hundred and twenty odd missing, but what had become of them he 
 knew not." We advanced, and the flags met and I was exchanged and per- 
 mitted to return home. Here I close my narrative; for, as I was requested 
 I have given a jjarticular and unexaggerated account of that which I saw 
 with mine own eyes. 
 
 The author of the following narrative of events, Stephen Hempstead, 
 entered the service of his country in 1775, and arrived in Boston on the day 
 of the battle of Bunker Hill. He was at Dorchester Point; was on Long 
 Island at the time of the retreat of the American army ; and was also a volun- 
 teer in the first ships that were to destroy the "Asia," 84-gun ship, and a 
 frigate lying above Fort Washington. In this attempt they were unsuccessful, 
 although grappled to the enemy's vessel twenty minutes. For the bravery 
 displayed by them they received the particular thanks of the commanding 
 officer in person and in general orders, and forty dollars were ordered to be 
 paid to each person engaged. He was afterwards wounded by a grapeshot 
 while defending the lines at Harlem Heights, which broke two of his ribs. He 
 continued in the service, and was again wounded on the 6th of September, 
 1781. He formerly resided in New London. He enjoyed the reception of 
 General LaFayette in that place during his last visit to this country, and 
 within a few years wrote this account in full, for publication : 
 
 On the morning of the 6th of September, 1781, twenty-four sail of the 
 enemy's shipping appeared to the westward of New London harbor. The 
 enemy landed in two divisions, of about 800 men each, commanded by that 
 infamous traitor to his country, Benedict Arnold, who headed the division that 
 landed on the New London side, near Brown's farms; the other division, 
 commanded by Col. Ayres, landed on Groton Point, nearly opposite. I was 
 first sergeant of Capt. Adam Shapley's company of State troops, and was 
 stationed with him at the time, with about 23 men, at Fort Trumbull, on the 
 New London side. This was a mere breastwork or water battery, open 
 from behind, and the enemy coming on us from that quarter, we spiked our 
 cannon, and commenced a retreat across the river to Fort Griswold in three 
 boats. The enemy was so near that they overshot us with their muskets, and 
 succeeded in capturing one boat with six men commanded by Josiah Smith, 
 a private. They afterwards proceeded to New London and burnt the town. 
 We were received by the garrison with enthusiasm, being considered experi- 
 enced artillerists, whom they much needed ; and we were immediately assigned 
 to our stations. The Fort was an oblong square, with bastions at opposite 
 angles, its longest side fronting the river in a N. W. and S. E. direction. Its 
 
72 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 walls were of stone, and were lo or :2 feet high on the lower side and sur- 
 rounded by a ditch. On the wall were pickets, projecting over 12 feet; above 
 this was a parapet with embrasures, and within a platform for the cannon, 
 and a step to mount upon, to shoot over the parapet with small arms. In the 
 S. \V. bastion was a flag-staff, and in the side near the opposite angle was 
 the gate, in front of which was a triangular breastwork to protect the gate; 
 and to the right of this was a redoubt with a three-pounder in it, which was 
 about 120 yards from the gate. Between the Fort and the river was another 
 battery, with a covered way. but which could not be used in this attack, as 
 the enemy appeared in a different quarter. The garrison with the volunteer;^ 
 consisted of about i6a men. Soon after our arrival, the enemy appeared in 
 force in some woods about half a mile S. E. of the Fort, from whence they 
 sent a flag of truce, which was met by Capt. Shapley, demanding an uncon- 
 ditional surrender, threatening at the same time to storm the F"ort instantly 
 if the terms were not accepted. A council of war was held, and it was the 
 unanimous voice that the garrison were unable to defend themselves against 
 so superior a force. But a militia Colonel who was then in the Fort and 
 had a body of men in the immediate vicinity said he would reinforce them 
 with 2 or 300 men in fifteen minutes, if they would hold out; Col. Ledyard 
 agreed to send back a defiance, upon the most solemn assurance of immediate 
 
 succor. For this purpose, Col. started, his men being then in sight; 
 
 but he was no more seen, nor did he even attempt a diversion in our favor. 
 When the answer to their demand had been rettirned by Capt. Shapley, the 
 enemy were soon in motion, and marched with great rapidity, in a solid 
 column, to within a short distance of the ?"ort, where, dividing the column, 
 they rushed furiously and simultaneously to the assault of the S. W. bastion 
 and the opposite sides. They were, however, repulsed with great slaughter, 
 their commander mortally wounded, and Major Montgomery, next in rank, 
 killed, having been thrust through the body whilst in the act of scaling the 
 walls at the S. W. bastion, by Capt. Shapley. The command then devolved 
 on Col. Beckwith, a refugee from New Jersey, who commanded a corps of 
 that description. The enemy rallied and returned the attack with great vigor, 
 but were received and repulsed with equal firmness. During the attack a 
 shot cut the halyards of the flag, and it fell to the ground, but was instantly 
 remounted on a pike pole. This accident proved fatal to us. as the enemy 
 supposed it had been struck by its defenders, rallied again, and rushing with 
 redoubled impetuosity, carried the S. W. bastion by storm. Until this mo- 
 ment, our loss was trifling in number, being 6 or 7 killed, and 18 or 20 
 wounded. Never was a post more bravely defended, nor a garrison more 
 barbarously butchered. We fought with all kinds of weapons, and at all 
 places with a courage that deserved a better fate. Many of the enemy were 
 killed under the walls by throwing simple shot over them, and never would 
 we have relinquished our arms, had we had the least idea that such a catas- 
 trophe would have followed. To describe this scene I must be permitted to 
 go back a little in my narrative. I commanded an i8-pounder on the south 
 side of the gate, and while in the act of sighting my gun, a ball passed through 
 the embrasure, struck me a little above the right ear, grazing the skull, and 
 cutting ofif the veins, which bled profusely. A handkerchief was tied around 
 it and I continued at my duty. Discovering some little time after that a 
 British soldier had broken a picket at the bastion on my left, and was forcing 
 himself through the hole, whilst the men stationed there were gazing at the 
 battle which raged opposite to them, cried, "my brave fellows," the enemy 
 are breaking in behind you," and raised my pike to despatch the intruder, 
 when a ball struck my left arm at the elbow, and my pike fell to the ground. 
 
AN ERA OF UNREST 73 
 
 Nevertheless I grasped it with my right hand, and with the men, who turned 
 and fought manfully, cleared the breach. The enemy, however, soon after 
 forced the S. \V. bastion, where Capt. Shapely, Capt. Peter Richards, Lieut. 
 Richard Chapman and several other men of distinction, and volunteers, had 
 fought with unconquerable courage, and were all either killed or mortally 
 wounded, and which had sustained the brunt of every attack. Capt. P. Rich- 
 ards, Lieut. Chapman and several others were killed in the bastion ; Capt. 
 Shapely and others wounded. He died of his wounds in January following. 
 
 Col. Ledyard, seeing the cnemj' within the fort, gave orders to cease 
 firing, and to throw down our arms as the Fort had surrendered. We did 
 so, but they continued firing upon us, crossed the fort and opened the gate, 
 when they marched in, firing in platoons upon those who were retreating to 
 the magazine and barrack rooms for safety. At this moment the renegade 
 Colonel B. commanding, cried out, who commands this garrison? Col. Led- 
 yard, who was standing near me, answered, "I did sir, but you do now," at 
 the same time stepping forward, handed him his sword with the point towards 
 himself. At this instant I perceived a soldier in the act of bayoneting me 
 from behind. I turned suddenl}' round and grasped his bayonet, endeavoring 
 to unship it, and knock off the thrust — but in vain. Having but one hand, 
 he succeeded in forcing it into my right hip, above the joint, and just below 
 the abdomen, and crushed me to the ground. The first person I saw after- 
 wards was my brave commander, a corpse by my side, having been run 
 through the body with his own sword by the savage renegade. Never was 
 a scene of more brutal wanton carnage witnessed than now took place. The 
 enemy were still firing upon us in platoons, and in the barrack rooms, which 
 were continued for some minutes, when they discovered they were in danger 
 of being blown up, by communicating fire to the powder scattered at the 
 mouth of the magazine, while delivering our cartridges; nor did it then 
 cease in the rooms for some minutes longer. All this time the bavonct was 
 "freely used," even on those who were helplessly wounded and in the agonies 
 of death. I recollect Capt. Wm. Seymour, a volunteer from Hartford, had 
 13 bayonet wounds, although his knee had previously been shattered by a 
 ball, so much so that it was obliged to be amputated the next day. But I 
 need not mention particular cases. I have already said that we had 6 killed 
 and 18 wounded previous to their storming our lines; 85 were killed in all, 35 
 mortally and dangerously wounded, and 40 taken prisoners to New York, 
 most of them slightly hurt. 
 
 After the massacre, they plundered us of everything we had, and left 
 us literally naked. When they commenced gathering us up together with 
 their own wounded, they put theirs under the shade of the platform, and 
 exposed us to the sun, in front of the barracks, where we remained over an 
 hour. Those that could stand were then paraded, and ordered to the landing, 
 while those that could not (of which number I was one) were put in one 
 of our ammunition wagons, and taken to the brow of the hill (which was very 
 steep, and at least 100 rods in descent), from whence it was permitted to run 
 down by itself, but was arrested in its course, near the river, by an apple tree. 
 The pain and anguish we all endured in this rapid descent, as the wagon 
 jumped and jostled over rocks and holes is inconceivable; and the jar in its 
 arrest was like bursting the cords of life asunder, and caused us to shriek 
 with almost supernatural force. Our cries were distinctly heard and noticed 
 on the opposite side of the river (which is a mile wide), amidst all the con- 
 fusion which raged in burning and sacking the town. We remained in the 
 wagon more than an hour, before our humane conquerers hunted us up, when 
 we were again paraded and laid on the beach, preparatory to embarkation. 
 
74 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 But by the interposition of Ebenezer Ledyard (brother to Col. L.), who 
 humanely represent our deplorable situation, and the impossibility of our 
 bein^ able to reach New York, 35 of us were paroled in the usual form, beinjj 
 near the house of Ebenezer Avery, who was also one of our number, we were 
 taken into it. Here we had not long remained before a marauding party set 
 fire to every room, evidently intending to burn us up with the house. The 
 party soon left it, when it was with difficulty extinguished and we were thus 
 saved from the flames. Ebenezer Ledyard again interfered and obtained a 
 sentinel to remain and guard us until the last of the enemy embarked, about 
 II o'clock at night. None of our own people came to us till near daylight the 
 next morning, not knowing previous to that time that the enemy had departed. 
 
 Such a night of distress and anguish was scarcely ever passed by mortal. 
 Thirty-five of us were lying on the bare floor — stifT, mangled, and wounded 
 in every manner, exhausted with pain, fatigue and loss of blood, without 
 clothes or anything to cover us, trembling with cold and spasms of extreme 
 anguish, without fire or light, parched with excruciating thirst, not a wound 
 dressed nor a soul to administer to one of our wants, nor an assisting hand 
 to turn us during these long tedious hours of the night; nothing but groans 
 and unavailing sighs were heard, and two of our number did not live to see 
 the light of the morning, which brought with it some ministering angels to 
 our relief. The first was in the person of Miss Fanny Ledyard, of Southold, 
 L. L, then on a visit to her uncle, our murdered commander, who held to my 
 lips a cup of warm chocolate, and soon after returned with wine and other 
 refreshments, which revived us a little. For these kindnesses she has never 
 ceased to receive my most grateful thanks and fervent prayers for her felicity. 
 
 The cruelty of our enemy cannot be conceived ; and our renegade country- 
 men surpassed in this respect, if possible, our British foes. We were at least 
 an hour after the battle, within a few steps of a pump in the garrison, well 
 supplied with water, and, although we were suffering with thirst, they would 
 not permit us to take one drop of it, nor give us any themselves. Some of 
 our number, who were not disabled from going to the pump, were repulsed 
 with the bayonet, and not one drop did I taste after the action commenced, 
 although begging for it after I was wounded, of all who came near me, until 
 relieved by Miss Ledvard. We were a horrible sight at this time. Our own 
 friends did not know us — even my own wife came in the room in search of 
 me, and did not recognize me, and as I did not see her, she left the room to 
 seek for me among the slain, who had been collected under a large elm tree 
 near the house. It was with the utmost difficulty that many of them could 
 be identified, and we were frequently called upon to assist their friends in 
 distinguishing them, by remembering particular wounds, &-c. Being myself 
 taken out by two men for this purpose, I met my wife and brother, who, after 
 my wounds were dressed by Dr. Downer, from Preston, took me — not to my 
 own home, for that was in ashes, as also every article of my property, fur- 
 niture and clothing — but to my brother's where I lay eleven months as help- 
 less as a child, and to this day I feel the effects of it severely. 
 
 Such was the battle of Groton Heights; and such, as far as my imperfect 
 manner and language can describe, a part of the sufferings which we endured. 
 Never, for a moment, have I regretted the share I had in it ; I would for an 
 equal degree of honor, and the prosperity which has resulted to my country 
 from the Revolution, be willing, if possible, to suffer it again. 
 
 Stephen Hempstead. 
 The following note in Allen's history of the "Battle of Groton Heights" 
 
AN ERA OF UNREST 75 
 
 shows that even today there is considerable doubt as to just how Colonel 
 Ledyard was killed. Mr. All}n's subscript to the note of Harris indicatec 
 again the lack of conclusive evidence on this point : 
 
 Since this transaction there has ever existed in the public mind great 
 uncertainty as to who was the murderer of Colonel Ledyard, the odium being 
 divided between Major Bromficld, who succeeded Major Montgomery in 
 command of the British troops on that occasion, and Captain Beckwith, of 
 the 54th regiment. No person who actually witnessed the deed survived the 
 battle,* or if any did they left no account of it behind them; and therefore 
 the version of the manner of Ledyard's death commonly received as the cor- 
 rect one is but merely a conjecture, at the most. By this, the deed is ascribed 
 to the officer who received Ledyard's surrender of the fort, supposed by the 
 greater number to have been Major Bromfield ; others at the time, and for 
 a long time subsequent, laid the infamous transaction to the charge of Captain 
 Beckwith, supposing him to have been the officer who met Ledyard and 
 demanded the surrender. 
 
 Let us consider the matter a little, and see if we be able to reconcile the 
 known facts and strong probabilities in the case, with this generally received 
 opinion. Upon the entry of the British officer to the fort, and at his demand 
 of who commanded it. Colonel Ledyard advanced to answer, "I did," etc., at 
 the same time tendering him the hilt of his sword in token of submission. 
 It is obvious that in this action Colonel Ledyard must have presented the 
 front of his person to that officer. Now, had the latter, in taking the sur- 
 rendered sword, instantly (as all accounts charge him with having done) 
 plunged it into him, is it not also evident that it must have entered in front 
 and passed out of the back of his person? The vest and shirt worn that day 
 by Colonel Ledyard, preserved in the Wadsworth Athenaeum at Hartford, 
 upon examination reveal two rough, jagged openings, one on either side, a 
 little before and in a line with the lower edge of the arm-holes of the vest. 
 The larger of these apertures is upon the left side; the difference in size 
 between it and that on the right corresponds with the taper of a sabre blade 
 from hilt to point, showing conclusively that the weapon entered from the 
 left and passed out at the right, and that the person by whom the wound was 
 inflicted must have stood upon the left side of the wearer when the plunge 
 was made. These holes are marked : that on the left as "where the sword 
 entered," and that on the right as "where the sword came out" — so marked, 
 doubtless, by the person who presented these memorials to the society, a near 
 relative of Colonel Ledyard, and who considered them as the marks of the 
 fatal wound. These are the only marks visible upon the garment. It is a 
 reasonable supposition that when the British officer entered and thundered 
 his demand he carried his drawn sword in his right hand ; for we can scarcely 
 imagine an officer rushing unarmed into a place of such danger and demand- 
 ing a surrender. Now. in case he did so carry his sword, he must necessarily 
 
 • Mr. Harris is in error here. I believe, as I myself have heard this action described 
 by three people whose fathers saw the murder, and often told of it to their children 
 (see notes on Andrew Gallup and Caleb Avery). This being the case, most of the 
 ground for Mr. Harris's argument is taken away. The argument, though ingenious, is 
 not conclusive, since no one can by reasoning be certain what positions would be 
 taken in moments of such excitement. The most natural positions are those which 
 agree with the popularly received account, as men of military experience and educa- 
 tion, I think, will agree. — A. 
 
76 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 cither have sheathed, dropped, or changed it to his left hand, in order to 
 receive Ledyard's with the right ; and this hardly seems possible. We must 
 therefore suppose that he received it in his left hand; and if so, does it not 
 appear as most unreasonable that, having a sword in either hand, he would 
 have used that in his left with which to make the thrust? Yet he must have 
 done so if it was by his own sword that Ledyard met his death. Neither does 
 it appear possible that in the heat and excitement of the engagement, coolly 
 calculating the chances, he would have passed around to the left of his victim 
 for the purpose of making the wound more surely fatal — the only reason for 
 which we can suppose it to have been done. 
 
 We have seen from the position occupied by the parties that the wound, 
 if inflicted instantly on the surrender of the sword, must have been given 
 in front ; the marks in the vest conclusively prove it to have been given in the 
 left side. We have seen the awkward position of the officer with his own 
 sword in his right and Ledyard's in his left hand — a situation almost pre- 
 cluding the idea of his making the stab with the latter. We have also seen 
 that no person who witnessed it left any testimony regarding the affair, and 
 that all the commonly received version of it is based upon is really but 
 the surmises of a people wrought almost to desperation by their losses and 
 wrongs, who in the first moments of exasperation would naturally attribute 
 an act of such enormity to the commander as the representative of the enemy. 
 Now, after considering all these facts and probabilities, is it not a more 
 rational conclusion that the wound was given by a by-standing ofificer — a 
 subaltern or aid, perhaps — than that it was inflicted by the officer to whom 
 Ledj'ard offered his sword? It certainly so appears to us. But in case that, 
 despite all these reasons for believing that officer innocent of the crime, he 
 was really guiltv of the two to whom it has been charged, against but one 
 is there any evidence to sustain the charge, and this is purely circumstantial. 
 Captain Beckwith acted as aid to Lieutenant-Colonel Ayres on the dav of the 
 battle, and was the officer sent to demand the surrender of the fort. He, with 
 Lord Dalrymple, was sent by Arnold as bearer of despatches to Sir Henry 
 Clinton, and in all probability furnished the account of the battle for Riving- 
 ton's Gazette, which appeared in that paper before the remainder of the 
 expedition had reached New York. In this account, in which the details of 
 the conference regarding the surrender are given with a minuteness with 
 which only an eye-witness could give them, personal malice toward Colonel 
 Ledyard is a salient feature, which the most unobservant reader cannot fail 
 to notice. The writer appears to have considered the flag and the officers 
 bearing it insulted in the conference; and in his reference to the garrison, 
 and to Colonel Ledyard in particular, he expresses himself in the most con- 
 temptuous and bitter terms. 
 
 If he was the officer to whom the surrender was made, it is possible that 
 on beholding the man who he fancied had insulted him he allowed his rage 
 to supplant his manhood, and. forgetting his military honor, plunged his 
 sword into his vanquished enemy. From Miss Caulkins' "History of New 
 London" we learn that he afterward passed through New York on his way 
 to Barbadoes. While there he was charged by the newspapers of that city 
 with the murder, which he indignantly denied. A correspondence was opened 
 between him and a relative of Colonel Ledyard in reference to the question, 
 when he produced documents which exculpated him. In view of this, how- 
 ever, as between him and Major Bromfield. circumstantial evidence is strongly 
 in favor of the latter, who doubtless could have furnished as full documentary 
 proof of his innocence, had he been called upon for it. — H. 
 
AN ERA OF UNREST 
 
 The population of New London county had grown by 1800 to about 
 40,000, Stonington at that time being its largest town. Commerce was carried 
 on extensively with the West Indies and with South America and Europe. 
 The war between England and France was at that time a source of much 
 profit to New England, but with the Embargo Act of 1807 the shipping 
 interests of the county were hard hit. It is small wonder that the Federalists 
 opposed Jefferson's policy. 
 
 One wonders, of course, why New England, in spite of impressment of 
 our seamen by the Mother Country and her renunciation of a well settled 
 shipping rule, was so luke-warm in its animosity against her and so hostile 
 to France. The reasons are three: In the first place, the French privateers 
 of the West Indies and their depredations on New England commerce; sec- 
 ondly, Jefferson was at the same time a French adherent, and author of a 
 commercial policy the stupidest conceivable from our standpoint. He had 
 called a halt in navy making and had forced on the country the embargo and 
 non-intercourse acts. But the third reason was by far the most important, 
 viz.: The feeling in every real New England man that Great Britain was 
 fighting the battle of Christendom against Bonaparte. "Suppose England 
 has changed her maritime rules," our fathers said, "let us in at the game, no 
 matter what rule she makes. Give us seaway, and give us a port ahead — we 
 will find our way in. Never mind the cruising frigates or the blockade, actual 
 or on paper. If we are caught, ours the loss." 
 
 The thought that, after all, Old England might not win hung like a cloud 
 over every New England hamlet. Open the limp sheets of those old Con- 
 necticut journals. Even in our actual fighting days from 1812 to 1815, clip- 
 pings from the English papers that slipped in via Halifax were what people 
 wanted most to read — not news of Chippewa and Lundy's Lane. Wellington 
 and Napoleon were the real figures on the world's stage. And our grand- 
 fathers judged rightly. 
 
 .Such were the feelings that gave birth to the Hartford Convention. Have 
 we in Connecticut anything to apologize for in that gathering? If so, it 
 doesn't appear in its journal— and Theodore Dwight was an honest man. 
 Do we wish it had never met? If that page were taken from New England 
 history, we should always miss something— a rare sample of her sober courage, 
 her four-square view of things as they are. If other events— the treaty, and 
 Jackson at New Orleans— had not come near at the time of its adjournment, 
 its name would never have been spoken with a sneer or written with nullifica- 
 tion in the context. 
 
 But with the end of the war of 1812 came the dying out of the Federalist 
 party and a new era for industrial New England. The New England of 
 commercial prosperity soon took up manufacturing on a large scale. New 
 London and Stonington still had their thriving fleets of merchantmen and 
 whalers, concerning which we quote from an article by Miss Charlotte M. 
 Holloway, in the "Connecticut Quarterly": 
 
78 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 The first ship fitted out from New London was the "Rising Sun," Squire, 
 captain, 1784; but the voyage was not a long nor eventful one, and to the ship 
 "Commerce," rather, which cleared from New London February 6, 1794, is 
 due the honor of having been the pioneer of the New London whaling fishery, 
 and the first to make for southern latitudes, and after a cruise of fifteen months 
 it returned July 6, 1798, with a full cargo of oil. It would have been inter- 
 esting to know more than the meagre record of the name of the captain. 
 Ransom, but the "Commerce" after another voyage was put into the West 
 Indian trade, and was lost of? Cape Henry, December 25, 1799. Gen. William 
 Williams, of the Williams family noted for benefactions to the city, had also 
 sent out the "Criterion," which was successful, but for some reason, though 
 endeavor was made to form a comjjany in New London to prosecute whaling, 
 the published call in "Green's Gazette" met with insufficient response, and 
 the project languished till 1805, when Dr. Samuel H. P. Lee purchased the 
 "Dauphin." built by Joseph Barber, at Pawkatuck Bridge, especially for whal- 
 ing. Dr. Lee organized a whaling company, but it is not alone through 
 service to her commerce that New London is debtor to this noble man, for 
 in the terrible yellow fever epidemic of 1798 which decimated the population, 
 he remained at his post working day and night to save life and stimulating 
 others to heroism and endurance. Soon three ships were in commission — the 
 "Daphne," "Leonidas" and "Lydia" — and their catches were sufficient to war- 
 rant the company in continuing; but there came the deterrents of the Em- 
 bargo and the War of 1812. So that the real birth of the whale fishing in 
 New London can be dated from 1819, when Thomas W. Williams fitted out 
 the "Mary" (Captain Davis), Daniel Dcshon and others the "Carrier," Doug- 
 las, and the "Mary Ann," Inglis ; in 1820, the "Pizarro," Elias Coit ; 1821, the 
 brig "Thames" and the ships "Commodore Perry" and "Stonington," the 
 latter so large that it was made a stock enterprise, divided into shares of one 
 thirty-second each. Both ships sailed the same year around the Horn, and 
 after an absence of twenty-eight months brought back, the "Carrier" 2,100 
 and the "Stonington" 1,550 barrels. By 1827 there were six ships fitted out 
 by T. W. Williams, and N. and W. W. Billings had three — the "Commodore 
 Perrv," which was the first copper-bottomed whaler sent from this port, and 
 the "Superior" and the "Phoenix." The "Commodore Perry" made seventeen 
 voyages and the "Stonington" thirteen before they were broken up in 1848. 
 The "Neptune," which T. W. Williams bought in 1824, was built in 1808, and 
 had returned from an unsuccessful voyage when it was purchased from its 
 New Bedford owner for $1,650. After its addition to the New London fleet 
 it made more than twenty voyages. It was in the "Neptune," 1829, that Capt. 
 Samuel Green, the oldest living whaling captain in New London, made his 
 first voyage. His last was in the "Trident," in 1871, and so frightful was his 
 experience that he determined, should he escape, never again to risk his life 
 in the fatal trap which had caught so many good men and ships. In Sep- 
 tember the fleet of 34 vessels was gathered in a narrow strip from two hund- 
 red yards to half a mile in width, from Point Belcher to two or three miles 
 south of Wainright Inlet. The whaling had been fairly good, and despite the 
 warnings of the Esquimaux, who told them the ice was closing in, they 
 remained until the wind changed and the ice floes were driven upon them; 
 the vessels were crushed, the crews abandoned them, glad to save their lives, 
 and after untold hardships, from the 29th of .August to the 14th of September, 
 when they abandoned the vessels, the devoted masters and crews started to 
 reach the "Arctic" and another vessel which was free of the ice. 
 
 From this firm and New London the first steam whaler was sent to the 
 whaling grounds, and the first steam sealer. In the whaler "Pioneer," Capt. 
 
AN ERA OF UNREST 79 
 
 Ebenezer Morgan, better known as '"Rattler" Morgan, was made the best 
 whaling voyage on record; sailing June 4, 1864, for Hudson's Bay, she 
 returned September 18, 1865, with 1,391 barrels of whale oil, and 22,650 
 pounds of whalebone, a cargo worth $150,000, while the outlay for vessel 
 and fitting was but $35,800. This was the best whaling voyage' ever made. 
 The principle on which whaling was conducted was co-operative, the owners 
 furnishing ship, outfit, and providing for the honoring of the captain's drafts; 
 the captain was quite often a part or whole owner. Capital had two-thirds of 
 the gain and the other third was divided proportionately among the officers 
 and men. There being no wages settled, every incentive was furnished for 
 diligence, and somtimes a bonus was offered to the first man who sighted a 
 whale. There were very many daring and successful whalers from New 
 London ; indeed, the solid comfort and foundation of many of her homes came 
 from the splendid fortitude and perseverance of these heroes of the sea. There 
 were no more brave and successful captains than the three brothers Smith — 
 Capt. Robert Smith, who was killed on his sixth voyage, in 1828, while captur- 
 ing a whale; Capt. Frank Smith, in seven successive voyages, in 1831-37, 
 brought home 17,301 barrels of oil; and Capt. James Smith, the third brother, 
 made fame and fortune, but left whaling for commander of a packet between 
 Honolulu and San Francisco. Capt. "Jim" Smith, of the "Manhansett," who 
 is really known wherever a college boy goes for his skill and urbanity, is the) 
 youngest ex-whaler in New London. The names of Morgan, Smith, Blyden- 
 iDurgh. Davis, Chapell, Green, Ward, Tinker, Buddington, Hempstead, Baker, 
 Brown. Allyn, Spicer, Fuller, Rice, Benjamin, Tyson, Pendleton, Fish, and 
 others are sure to be thought of when whaling is mentioned. Today there 
 is very little done, save for the obtaining of whalebone, and whaling is 
 practically a past industry as far as New London is concerned. 
 
 The water power of the county soon began to turn the wheels of cotton 
 mills. The race of merchants still continued to thrive, but the cotton industry 
 added to population more rapidly. In 1840 Norwich was the largest town of 
 the county. During the early part of the nineteenth century many a man left 
 the county to engage in foreign trade and return with his "pile." 
 
 In the interesting life of Daniel Wadsworth Coit, edited by his nephew, 
 Mr. William C. Oilman, may be found a very interesting proof that the Pil- 
 grim blood still ran in the veins of their descendants. The indenture, signed 
 and sealed by all the parties to it, bound his employers to teach him "the 
 trade, art, and mystery of a merchant" ; he on his part, and his father for him, 
 agreeing that "he shalf of his own free will and accord his master faithfully 
 serve, his secrets keep, and his lawful commands everywhere readily obey; 
 shall not contract matrimony; shall refrain from vice, and from business on 
 his owm account; and in all things shall behave himself as a faithful apprentice 
 ought to do during his term of service." His only compensation was to be 
 his board and washing. The theory was that the employer stood in the place 
 of a parent to the apprentice, was interested in his welfare, gave him special 
 opportunities for advancement and improvement, with a commercial educa- 
 tion that was a full equivalent for his services. By this system, now almost 
 obsolete, except as it may be suggested by the youthful experience of Admiral 
 Sir Joseph Porter in "Pinafore," he received a training that was invaluable 
 in the important and complicated transactions in which he was concerned in 
 
8o NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 later years. The art of writing a faultless business letter, acquired early in 
 life, was an accomplishment not to be despised, in which he excelled. 
 
 The particular duties of the youngest clerk, as he describes them, were 
 "to open the store at an early hour, to sweep and dust the floors, to make fires 
 throughout the winter, and not infrequently to roll empty hogsheads and 
 barrels through the streets for packing, and to shoulder and carry goods from 
 one part of the city to another." If the hours were no more than sixty minutes 
 long there were more working hours in twenty-four than there are now, and 
 that work was often carried well into the night, appears by letters to his 
 parents, written when he was "so sleepy he could hardly keep his eyes open." 
 His career is embodied to some degree in the "Notes of Daniel Wadsworth 
 Coit," as follows: 
 
 1787 — November 29. Born, Norwich, Conn. 
 
 1803 — Apprenticed to merchants in New York. 
 
 1808 — Began business on his own account. 
 
 1818— September 27. Sailed from New York for Peru. 
 
 1819 — January 14. Arrived at Lima. 
 
 1820 — April. Sailed from Guayaquil for Gibraltar. 
 
 1820 — September 27. Arrived at Gibraltar. 
 
 1820-22 — Traveled in Spain, France, and England. 
 
 1822— June. Sailed from London for South America. 
 
 1822 — October. Arrived at Buenos Ayres. 
 
 1822— December. Crossed the Andes to Valparaiso. 
 
 1823 — December. Arrived at Lima. 
 
 1828 — June. Sailed from Lima for New York. 
 
 1829 — May. Sailed from New York for England. 
 
 1829-32 — Traveled in Europe. 
 
 1832 — June. Returned to Norwich. 
 
 1833 — October. Visited Grand Rapids. 
 
 1834 — September i. Married Harriet Frances Coit. 
 
 1834-41 — Lived in New York and New Rochelle. 
 
 1841-47 — Lived in Norwich. 
 
 1848 — January. To Mexico for Howland and Aspinwall. 
 
 1849 — March. From Mexico to San Francisco. 
 
 1849-52 — In business in San Francisco. 
 
 i8s2 — Tune. Returned to his home in Norwich. 
 
 1876— July 18. Died. Norwich. 
 
 From the above it can be seen that he left home in 1818 to be gone ten 
 years! That he left again in 1829 to be gone three years; traveled; lived in 
 Norwich, 1841-1847; left home for four years, and returned to remain twenty- 
 four years, dying at the age of eighty-nine ! 
 
CHAPTER IV 
 LITTLE KNOWN FACTS ABOUT NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 The Beginnings of Railroads and Telegraphs — Old-Time School Reminiscences — Celeb- 
 rities in All Walks of Life. 
 
 The history of New London County in education has been touched upon. 
 Its history in banking, in the professions, in public improvements, in religious 
 affairs, in industrial development, and in various other aspects of community 
 life, will be discussed in special articles. It is fair to say that the county has 
 been progressive in its activities. 
 
 As early as 1800 was built the turnpike between Norwich and New 
 London, "the first turnpike built in the United States," states Dr. Dwight in 
 his "Travels." Adams Express Company was started as an enterprise in 
 Norwich and New London. Regular steamship connection with New York 
 started as early as 1816. The tunnel on the Norwich & Worcester railroad, 
 just outside of Norwich, is the first railroad tunnel constructed in the United 
 States. The Norwich & Worcester railroad was one of the earliest in the 
 country. As early as 1847 a telegraph company was started by citizens of 
 New London and Norwch. The railroad from New London to New Haven 
 (1849-52) completed the first railroad connection between Boston and New 
 York. The New London, Willimantic & Springfield railroad was built 
 by 1850. In whaling and seal fisheries the hardy navigators of New London 
 and Stonington were pioneers in southern waters. The Rogers Brothers were 
 captain and sailing master of the "Savannah," the first steamship to cross the 
 ocean. The abundant water power of the county gave it an early start in 
 manufacturing, especially in the paper and cotton industries. The two largest 
 steamships ever built in America, "The Minnesota" and "The Dakota," each 
 of 3.300 tons, were built in Groton. 
 
 In the Civil War the county was the home of the Connecticut War Gov- 
 ernor, and sent far more men than its quota. In the period of reconstruction 
 after the war. New London county throve in wealth and population. To 
 recount the new enterprises started, the patents granted to men of the county, 
 the public improvements made, would be beyond the scope of this outline 
 history of the county. Suf^fice it to say that by 1910 the population had 
 increased to 91,253. 
 
 The effects of steam transportation by land and sea were soon felt in 
 the prosperity of the county. Before 1850, the Norwich & Worcester, the 
 New London Northern, the New York, Providence & Boston railroad, the 
 Shore Line, had been chartered, and regular steamboat service established 
 with New York. The age of steam brought prosperity and increasing popu- 
 lation. The census of i860 shows a population of over 60,000 in the county. 
 Schools had been built generally, college training had become not unusual, 
 the press had developed. New London county still continued to furnish men 
 
82 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 of influence in the nation. Before 1850 the county had sent eight men to be 
 governors of Connecticut, five men to be chief justices of the Supreme Court 
 of the State, and three United States Senators, and twelve members of Con- 
 gress. From the old home had gone forth men who made their mark in 
 other parts of the Union. 
 
 What life was at that time may be seen by a letter sent to Norwich by 
 Donald G. Mitchell, "Ik Marvel," called "Looking Back at Boyhood": 
 
 I pity those young folks who pass their early years without having any 
 home knowledge of gardens or orchards. City schools and city pavements 
 are all very well ; but I think if my childish feet had not known of every-day 
 trampings through garden alleys or on wood walks, and of climbings in 
 hay-lofts or among apple boughs when fruit began to turn, half of the joys 
 of boyhood, as I look back at them, would be plucked away. 
 
 So it happens, that when I am asked for some reminiscences of those 
 early days, gone for sixty years or more, the great trees that sheltered my 
 first home stir their branches again. Again I see the showers of dancing 
 petals from the May bloom of apple or peach trees strewing the grass, or the 
 brown garden mold, with a little of that old exultation of feeling which is 
 almost as good as a prayer — in way of thanksgiving. 
 
 I think I could find my way now through all the involvements of new 
 buildings and new plantings on ground that I have not visited for fifty years, 
 to the spot where the blood peach grew, and where the mulberry stood and 
 the greengage loaded with fruit in its harvest time, and the delightful white- 
 blooming crab, lifting its odors into the near window of the "boys' room." 
 
 Then there was a curiouslj' misshapen apple tree in the far orchard, 
 with trunk almost prone upon the ground, as if Providence had designed it 
 for children to clamber upon. What a tree it was to climb ! There many a 
 time we toddlers used to sit, pondering on our future, when the young robins 
 in the nest overhead would be fully fledged, catching glimpses, too, before 
 yet leaves were fully out, of the brown hermitage or study upon the near 
 wooded hillside, where my father, who was a clergyman, wrought at his 
 sermons. 
 
 It is only a dim image of him that I can conjure up as he strode at 
 noontime down the hill. Catching up the youngest of us with a joyous, 
 proud laugh, he led the toddling party — the nurse bringing up the rear — in 
 a rollicking procession homeward. 
 
 A more distinct yet less home-like image of this clergyman I have in 
 mind as he leaned over the pulpit of a Sunday, with a solemnity of manner 
 that put one in awe, and with an earnestness of speech that made the Bible 
 stories he expounded seem very real. 
 
 But the sermons of those davs were very long for children. It must 
 have been, usually, before the middle of the discourse that I went foraging 
 about the square pew, visiting an aunt who almost always had peppermints 
 in her bag. or in lack of this diversion I could toy with the foot-stove under 
 my mother's gown, or build fortifications with the hymn-books. 
 
 The "lesser" Westminster Catechism also, with which we had wrestlings, 
 was somewhat heavy and intellectually remote. But it was pleasantly tem- 
 pered by the play of the parlor fire, or the benignly approving smiles when 
 answerings were prompt. In summer weather the song of a cat-bird or 
 brown-thrasher in the near tulip-tree chased away all the tedium of the West-' 
 minster divines, or perhaps lifted it into a celestial atmosphere. 
 
 The Bible stories, though, as they tripped from my mother's tongue, were 
 
LITTLE KNOWX FACTS 83 
 
 always delightful. I thought then, and still think — at sixty-nine! — that her 
 ways of religious teaching were by many odds better than that of the West- 
 minster divines. And there were some of her readings from the hymn-book 
 that tingle in my ears today. 
 
 That compulsory Bible-reading, chapter after chapter, and day by day, 
 so common in well-regulated families of those times, has for me a good many 
 ungrateful memories. Wrathful, unwholesome burnings were kindled by this 
 enforced rote reading of a book wherefrom gladsome and hopeful spfendors 
 ought to shine. 
 
 Of other earliest reading I remember with distinctness that great budget 
 of travel and adventure, good for week-days or Sunday, called "The Pilgrim's 
 Progress." Mercy, and Great-heart, and Christian, and Giant Despair, too. 
 were of our family. Nor can I cease to call to mind gratefullv the good 
 woman (Maria Edgeworth) who in the earliest days of our listening to 
 stories made us acquainted with the "Basket-maker's" children who scotched 
 the carriage wheels, and with "Lazy Lawrence" and "Eton Montem." 
 
 At what precise age I went to my first school I cannot say. It may have 
 been five or six. A roundabout blue jacket with bell buttons I know I had, 
 and a proud tramp past the neighbors' houses. 
 
 The mistress was an excellent woman, everybody said, with a red ruler 
 and discipline, and spectacles. A tap from her spectacle-case was a sum- 
 mons every morning to listen to her reading, in quiet monotone, of a chapter 
 in the Bible; after which, in the same murmurous way, she said a prayer. 
 
 She taught arithmetic out of Colburn, I think, and Woodbridge's Geog- 
 raphy to the older ones ; but her prime force was lavished upon spelling. We 
 had field-days in that, for which we were marshalled by companies, toeing 
 a crack in the oaken floor. What an admiring gaze I lifted up upon the 
 tall fellows who went with a wondrous glibness through the intricacies of 
 such words as "im-prac-ti-ca-bil-i-ty" ! 
 
 The mistress had her own curious methods of punishment ; and I dimly 
 remember how an obstreperous boy was once shut under the lid of the big 
 writing-desk — not for very long, I suspect. But the recollection of it, and 
 of his sharp wail of protest, gave a very lively emphasis to my reading, years 
 after, of Roger's story of the Italian bride Ginevra who closed the lid of a 
 Venetian chest upon herself in some remote loft where her skeleton, and 
 her yellowed laces, were found years afterwards by accident. 
 
 Another of the mistress's methods of subduing masculine revolt was in 
 tying a girl's bonnet upon a boy's head. I have a lingering sense now of 
 some such early chastisement, and of the wearisome pasteboard stiffness, and 
 odors of the bonnet ! 
 
 Of associates on those school benches. I remember with most distinctness 
 a tallish boy, my senior by two years or so, who befriended me in many 
 skirmishes, decoyed me often into his leafy dooryard. half-way to my home, 
 where luscious cherries grew, and by a hundred kindly offices during many 
 succeeding years cemented a friendship of which I have been always proud. 
 A photograph of his emaciated, but noble face, as he lay upon his death- 
 bed in Paris, is before me as I write. 
 
 Another first school which I knew as privileged pupil — not esteeming the 
 privilege largely — was in the old town of Wethersfield, where I went on 
 visits to my grandfather. I remember his great shock of snowy white hair, 
 and how he was bowed with age. He wore most times long gray hose, with 
 knee buckles, and a huge coat like those in Franklin pictures, whose pockets 
 were often bulged out with a biscuit or an ear of corn. With these he loved 
 to pamper his white pony, or other favorite beast. 
 
84 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 The school to which the old gentleman introduced me solemnly was near 
 by, and of the Lancastrian order. Mr. Joseph Lancaster had come over 
 from England not many years before to indoctrinate America. 
 
 There was great drill of limbs and voices ; but what specially impressed me 
 was a long tray or trough of moistened sand, where we were taught to print 
 letters. I think I came there to a trick of making printed letters which was 
 never lost. 
 
 There was a quiet dignity about Wethersfield streets in that day. There 
 were great quiet houses before which mighty trees grew — houses of the 
 Welles, of the Chesters, of the Webbs — in some of which Washington had 
 lodged in his comings or goings. 
 
 It was through that quiet Wethersfield street, and by way of the "Stage" 
 office at Slocomb's Hotel in Hartford, that I must have traveled first to Judge 
 Hall's Ellington school. There for six ensuing years, off and on, I wrestled 
 with arithmetic and declamation, and Latin and Greek. It was a huge build- 
 ing — every vestige gone now — upon a gentle eminence overlooking a peace- 
 ful valley town. I am sure some glimpses of the life there must have found 
 their way into some little books which I have had the temerity to publish. 
 
 The principal, a kindly, dignified old gentleman, lived apart, in a house 
 amongst gardens and orchards ; but the superintendent, the English master, 
 the matron and the monitors, were all housed with us, and looked sharply 
 after discipline. 
 
 When I hear boys of near kith complaining of the hardships they endure, 
 I love to set before them a picture of the cold chambers opening upon the 
 corridors in that huge building. 
 
 We dressed there by the dim light coming through ventilators over the 
 doors, from lamps swinging in the hall. After this it was needful to take a 
 swift rush out of doors, in all weathers, for a plunge into the washroom door, 
 where we made our ablutions. Another outside rush followed for the doors 
 opening upon the dining-hall, where morning prayers were said. Then an 
 hour of study in a room reeking with the fumes of whale-oil lamps went 
 before the summons to breakfast. 
 
 There were two schoolrooms. The larger was always presided over by 
 a teacher who was nothing if not watchful. The smaller was allotted to a 
 higher range of boys, and here the superintendent appeared at intervals to 
 hear recititations. 
 
 I shall never forget the pride and joy with which I heard the superin- 
 tendent — I think it was Judge Taft, thereafter Attorney General, and Minister 
 to Russia-^announce, once upon a time, my promotion to the south school- 
 room. Frank Blair, the general of Chickamauga, was a bench-mate with 
 me there. Once upon a "composition" day we were pitted against each other ; 
 but who won the better marks I really cannot say. 
 
 Teacher Taft was an athlete. He could whip with enormous vigor (some 
 boys said), but I have onlv the kindest recollections of him. I used to look 
 on with amazed gratification as he lifted six "fifty-sixes," strung upon a 
 pole, in the little grocery shop past which we walked on our way to swim 
 in Snipsic Lake. 
 
 What a beautiful sheet of water it was in those days ! Its old shores are 
 now all submerged and blotted out by manufacturers' dams. What a joyous, 
 rollicking progress we made homeward, of a Saturday afternoon, with the 
 cupola and the great bulk of building lifting in our front against the west- 
 ern sky! 
 
 The strong point of the teaching at Ellington was, I think, Latin. I am 
 certain that before half my time there was up, I could repeat all the rules 
 in Adams' Latin Grammar verbatim, backward or for^vard. 
 
LITTLE KNOWN FACTS 85 
 
 As for longs and shorts and results and quantities and the makeup of 
 a proper hexameter, these were driven into my brain and riveted. Even 
 now I am dimly conscious on uneasy nights, of the Quadrupcdante putretn 
 sonitu making its way through my dreams with the old schoolboy gallop. 
 
 I could stretch this screed farther, but the types forbid. The home, with 
 a glimpse of which I began the paper, had been broken up a long time before 
 the high school experience came to an end. Later, in the spring of 1837, the 
 shattered, invalid remnant of its flock was sailing homeward from a winter 
 in Santa Cruz. In July of the same year I set off from Ellington, by the 
 "Hartford, Ware and Keene Dispatch Line" of stages, seated beside the 
 driver, with twenty dollars in my pocket and my trunk on the roof of the 
 coach, to enter Yale College. 
 
 The military history of the county will be given elsewhere. The great 
 "war governor," William A. Buckingham, was a resident of Norwich, born 
 at Lebanon. 
 
 Since Civil War days, the county has grown in population to over 155,000 
 in 1920. The remarkable feature in the growth of population of the country 
 for the past fifty years has been the influx of foreign born. This county, 
 like the rest of New England, has been engaged in absorbing a mixed foreign 
 population into the institutions with which they are unfamiliar. The great 
 instrument for doing this has been the public school system, which will be 
 treated of in a special chapter on education. 
 
 The county history is very rich in biography. Sketches of the lives of 
 many famous individuals are inserted hereinafter. The list is by no means 
 exhaustive, for it is safe to say that no equal area and population in our 
 country is richer in ties of relationship with the makers of American history. 
 
 Alexander Von Humboldt once wrote that, "judged by the number of 
 centenarians," a semicircular region with New London as its center and a 
 radius of fifteen miles was "the most healthful spot on the globe." 
 
 The first railroad tunnel in America was made in this county. 
 
 From New London county have come ancestors of at least six Presidents: 
 Fillmore, Grant, Garfield, Hayes, Cleveland, and Harding. 
 
 The father of Oliver Perry, of Lake Erie fame, and of Matthew Perry, 
 who made the historic voyage opening up Japan to western civilization, kept 
 a store in Norwich. 
 
 The two largest vessels ever built in America, the "Minnesota" and 
 "Dakota," said to be each of 3,300 tons burden, were built at Groton. 
 
 Dartmouth College was founded in what was then Lebanon, now the 
 town of Columbia, in Windham county. 
 
 The oldest burial ground in the county is in New London, dating 
 from 1653. 
 
 Wolves were once so abundant in the county that the early settlers 
 paid a bounty of twenty shillings for each one killed. 
 
 The commerce of New London was at one time excelled by only two 
 ports in the country — Boston and New York. 
 
 The Shaw mansion in New London was constructed by Acadians driven 
 
86 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 from home at the time described by Longfellow in "Evangeline." 
 
 The first Naval Expedition sent out by the Continental Congress left 
 New London in January, 1776. 
 
 The "Savannah," officered by the Rogers Brothers of New London, was 
 the first vessel to "steam" across the Atlantic. 
 
 Silas Deane, who was appointed one of the Peace Commission at the 
 end of the Revolutionary War, came from Preston. 
 
 In early days in this county, as elsewhere, churches were often founded 
 by lotteries, and the expenses of installing clergymen frequently included a 
 considerable item for "liquor." 
 
 Stephen Whitney, one of the promoters of the Great Pacific railway, 
 came from this county, as did President Tuttle, of the Boston & Maine rail- 
 road. 
 
 Andrew Jackson visited Norwich at the dedication of the Un-cas Monu- 
 ment. He pronounced the parade one of the longest he had seen in a place 
 of the size (the boys circled around behind him and rejoined the procession 
 in a well nigh endless chain). 
 
 The two leading men of the colony of Connecticut, John Winthrop, the 
 younger, and John Mason, were long residents of this county. 
 
 This county contains two of the five oldest cities in the State, and is one 
 of the four original counties in Connecticut. 
 
 In 1799 New London was almost depopulated by yellow fever. 
 
 Three citizens of Norwich have given to Yale College the largest dona- 
 tions which, at each successive time, its treasury had received from any indi- 
 vidual. These men were Major James Fitch, Dr. Daniel Lathrop, and Dr. 
 Alfred E. Perkins. 
 
 Norwich has an unpleasant distinction in one instance in being the 
 birthplace of Benedict Arnold. There is nothing to be added. 
 
 Avery Waitstill, a native of Groton, removed to North Carolina, where 
 in 1775 he became a member of the Mecklenburg Convention, and as such 
 was one of the signers of the famous Mecklenburg Declaration of Indepen- 
 dence. 
 
 James Cook Ayer, the father of the "patent medicine" business, was born 
 in Groton. He established a medicine factory in Lowell, and accumulated a 
 fortune estimated at $20,000,000. For years he published and distributed free 
 five million copies of "Ayer's Almanac," largely devoted to advertising his 
 goods. For some years before his death, he was confined in an asylum, his 
 brain having become affected. 
 
 Isaac Backus, a Baptist minister, was born in Norwich, 1724. He led in 
 the "Separatist" movement, for years held to open communion, but at length 
 abandoned it. He was a voluminous writer on historical as well as religious 
 subjects. For thirty-four years he was a trustee of Rhode Island College, 
 now Brown University. 
 
 Anna Warner Bailey, born in Groton, 1758, and died there in 1850, wife 
 of Captain Elijah Bailey, of that place, witnessed the massacre by the British 
 
LITTLE KNOWN FACTS 87 
 
 at Fort Griswold, September 6. 1781. The next clay she visited the spot, 
 searching for an uncle, whom she found fatally wounded, and to whom she 
 brought his wife and child. When the British were threatening New London 
 in July, 1813, "Mother Bailey," as she was known, aided the patriots by 
 tearing up garments for cartridge making. 
 
 Edward Sheffield Bartholomew, born in Colchester, 1822, died in Italy, 
 1858, a sculptor of great ability, performed his work in Rome during his 
 later years. Many of his productions are in the Wadsworth Gallery, Hartford. 
 
 Dr. Timothy Dwight, twelfth president of Yale College, was a native 
 of Norwich, son of James Dwight, and grandson of Timothy Dwight, the 
 third president of the institution. It was under the presidency of him whose 
 name heads this paragraph, that the college received the legal title of Uni- 
 versity. President Dwight was highly successful in extending the curriculum 
 of the institution, and in advancing its material interests. He was a member 
 of the American committee for the revision of the English version of the 
 Bible from 1872 to its completion in 1885. He was the author of several 
 volumes, notably one on "The True Ideal of an American University," which 
 appeared serially in 1871-72 in "The New Englander," of which he was then 
 editor, and which had much to do in efTecting the transition of Yale from a 
 collegiate to a university status. 
 
 Daniel Coit Oilman, first president of Johns Hopkins University, was 
 born in Norwich, July 6, 1831. 
 
 Frederick Stuart Church, famous as a painter and etcher, was a resi- 
 dent here. 
 
 Jedidiah Huntington, soldier of the Revolution and one of the signers of 
 the Declaration of Independence, was born in Norwich, August 4, 1743, and 
 died in New London, September 25, 1818. Jabez Huntington, his father, was 
 a wealthy merchant and a patriot leader; he served three years in the Revo- 
 lutionary army, and only leaving it on account of failing health. The son, a 
 Harvard graduate, entered the army as a captain in April, 1775, two years 
 later was made a brigadier-general, and served in New York and Pennsylvania 
 until the close of the war, and was breveted major-general. He was a mem- 
 ber of two courts-martial — that which tried General Charles Lee, and that 
 which convicted Major Andre. He was sheriff of New London county, State 
 treasurer of Connecticut, and collector of customs at New London. He was 
 one of the founders of the Society of the Cincinnati, and a man of deep piety 
 and charitable disposition. 
 
 The famous explorer, John Led\ard, was a native of Groton, born in 
 1751, son of John and Mary (Hempstead) Ledyard, his father a ship captain. 
 Young Ledyard w-as a mere child when his father died, and he was brought 
 up in the home of his grandfather. At the age of eighteen, his benefactor 
 having died, Ledyard entered Dartmouth College as a divinity student, with 
 a desire to fit himself for missionary work among the Indians, to whom he 
 was so drawn that he soon abandoned his studies and made his abode among 
 them. This was the beginning of his venturesome career. Making a canoe 
 
88 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 voyage down the Connecticut river to Hartford, he went on to New London, 
 where he shipped as a common sailor in a vessel bound for Gibraltar. There 
 he enlisted in the British army, and after his discharge therefrom voyaged 
 to the West Indies and thence to New York and London. In the latter place 
 he fell in company with Captain Cook, who was preparing for his third and 
 what was destined to be his last great voyage. The two were mutually 
 pleased with each other, and the younger man became the commander's most 
 trusted lieutenant, and was by his side when Captain Cook was killed on 
 one of the Hawaiian Islands, February 14, 1779. Returning with the expedi- 
 tion to England by way of Kamtchatka, the British authorities in accordance 
 with its naval rules took from Ledyard his notes of the expedition. For two 
 years Ledyard remained in the British navy, leaving it at the outbreak of the 
 Revolution rather than do battle against his countrymen. In 1784 he con- 
 ceived an idea of fitting out an expedition to explore the northwestern Amer- 
 ican coast, and visited Spain and France in hopes of securing necessary means, 
 but without success. Finally, at London, he found friendly scientists who 
 furthered his purpose, and he voyaged to Finland and thence to St. Peters- 
 burg, where he started for Siberia, but under suspicion of being a spy was 
 harried out of Russia into Poland. Returning to London, an expedition was 
 outfitted for him to explore the interior of Africa, and he sailed in June, 1788, 
 but at Cairo sickened and died, January 17, 1789. His notes of travel were 
 of value, and to this day his narrative of Captain Cook's voyage is famed for 
 its vividness and brilliance. He was a nephew of William Ledyard, who was 
 brutally murdered by the Tory Major Bromficld, at Fort Griswold, Groton 
 Heights, Connecticut, after its surrender, in 1781. 
 
 Isaac H. Bromley, whom Chauncey M. Depew spoke of as "a most con- 
 scientious journalist, and with whom no personal relations interfered with 
 what he felt was a public duty," was born at Norwich, March 6, 1833, and 
 died there, August 11, 1898; his parents were Isaac and Mary (Hill) Bromley. 
 He was also married in Norwich, to Adelaide, daughter of Jabez and Clarissa 
 T. Roath. He was admitted to the bar, but journalism claimed the greater 
 part of his life work. During the Civil War he was a captain in the i8th 
 Connecticut Regiment. In 1858 he established the Norwich "Morning Bulle- 
 tin," and conducted it until 1868, when he left it to become editor and part 
 owner of the Hartford "Evening Post." After leaving the paper last named 
 he served in turn on the editorial staff of the New York "Sun" and "Tribune," 
 and after ten years on the latter paper became editor of the "Commercial 
 Advertiser," a position which he relinquished to accept appointment as a 
 government director of the Union Pacific railroad, serving as such until 1884, 
 when he took the editorial management of the Rochester "Post-Express." In 
 October, 1891, he returned to the New York "Tribune," with which he was 
 associated until a few months before his death. He was one of the organizing 
 members of Sedgwick Post, G. A. R., of Norwich. 
 
 Charles Harold Davis, one of America's foremost landscape painters, a 
 native of Massachusetts, following ten years' professional studies in France 
 
LITTLE KNOWN FACTS 89 
 
 and other art centers, for five years resided continually at Mystic, winter as 
 well as summer, painting directly from nature. His fame is world-wide. 
 
 Samson Occum is a name famous in association with what became Dart- 
 mouth College. He was a Mohegan Indian living in New London county, 
 who was converted and educated by Eleazer Wheelock, the founder of the 
 above named institution. Occum came to fame as a preacher, and was a 
 valuable aid to his instructor in his educational work and in laying the founda- 
 tions of schools and academies. In 1766 Occum and Rev. Nathaniel Whitaker, 
 of Norwich, visited Great Britain and raised nearly £12,000 (a large sum in 
 those days) for these purposes. 
 
 Rev. Lyman Abbott, famous as divine and author, and especially as an 
 exponent of the so-called liberal theology, born in Roxbury, Massachusetts, 
 was fitted for college in Norwich. 
 
 Bela Lyon Pratt, the well-known sculptor, was a native of Norwich, a 
 son of George and Sarah Victoria (Whittlesey) Pratt, his father one of the 
 most accomplished lawyers in Connecticut. Young Pratt began drawing and 
 modeling at home while but a child, and received his technical training in the 
 School of Fine Arts of Yale University, in the Art Students' League of New 
 York City under St. Gaudens, and in Paris under Chapin and Falguiere, 
 finally entering the Ecole des Beaux Arts at the head of his class and winning 
 three medals and two prizes. He was soon afterward made instructor in 
 modeling in the Muesum of Fine Arts, Boston. Among his many fine works 
 are some of great local interest — the Avery bust, "the Puritan," at Groton, 
 and the bronze statue of John Winthrop at New London. 
 
 Christopher R. Perry, who served with credit in both the American army 
 and navy during the Revolution, was for a time a resident of Norwich, where 
 he conducted a store. Two of his sons are among the most conspicuous 
 figures of their day — Oliver Hazard Perry, the "Don't give up the ship" hero 
 of Lake Erie during the war with Great Britain in 1812-14; and Matthew 
 Galbraith Perry, who crowned a notable naval career with the opening up 
 of Japan *to the commerce of the world. 
 
 The brilliant Commodore Stephen Decatur, of Tripoli fame, and captor 
 of the British frigate "Macedonian," was for a long period during the war of 
 1812-14 an enforced sojourner in the Thames river, the mouth of which was 
 blockaded by a squadron of the enemy. His fall in the duel with Commodore 
 Barron is one of the pitiful tragedies of our naval history. 
 
 Henry Ward Beecher was a frequent visitor to our county, and scenes 
 and reminiscences of Norwich figure throughout his famous "Star Papers." 
 Lebanon was the home of the famous Trumbull family, which had as 
 one of its most distinguished representatives Colonel John Trumbull, of 
 Revolutionary fame, but more famous as the historical painter of that stupen- 
 dous period, most of which are in the Art Gallery at Yale University. 
 
 Dr. William Thompson Lusk, one of the world's greatest physicians, 
 and a distinguished professional instructor and author, was born in Norwich, 
 May 23, 1838, and died June 12, 1897, son of Sylvester Graham and Elizabeth 
 
90 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 Freeman (Adams) Lusk. His father was a well-known merchant, senior 
 member of the Norwich firm of Lusk, Lathrop & Co. The son received his 
 elementary education in the city of his birth, but on account of an eye 
 affection was obliged to leave college in his freshman year. Going to Switzer- 
 land for treatment, and experiencing benefit, he studied medicine in Heidel- 
 berg and Berlin. Returning home he entered the army shortly after the 
 outbreak of the Civil War, and served about two years, rising to a captaincy. 
 At Bull Run, under fire, he carried his wounded captain from the field. He 
 completed his professional studies at Bellevue Medical College, New York 
 City, and graduated valedictorian of his class. He then pursued post-graduate 
 studies in Edinburgh, Paris, Vienna and Prague. On his return home he 
 engaged in practice in Bridgeport, Connecticut, later locating in New York 
 City, where he held first rank as an operator and instructor. He was the 
 first in America to successfully perform the Caesarian section, which he re- 
 peated on several occasions with a very small percentage of mortality. He 
 was a prolific professional writer, and one of his principal works, "Science and 
 Art of Midwifery," was translated into French, Italian, Spanish, Arabic and 
 other languages. 
 
 The village of Lyme was the birthplace of the distinguished lawyer and 
 jurist, Morrison R. Waite. who succeeded Salmon P. Chase as Chief Justice 
 of the United States Supreme Court, appointed by President Grant. 
 
 Governor William Alfred Buckingham, famous as one of the "War Gov- 
 ernors" of the Civil War period, and one of the most trusted of President 
 Lincoln's supporters, was born May 28, 1804, in Lebanon, New London 
 county. He was educated in the local schools and at Bacon Academy, Col- 
 chester. He taught school for a time, afterward serving as clerk in a store 
 in Norwich. After similar service for a short time in New York City, he 
 returned to Norwich, and established a drygoods business, afterward becom- 
 ing a large and successful manufacturer of ingrain carpets, and then of rubber 
 shoes. He was mayor of the city for four terms ; and in 1858 was elected 
 governor, to which office he was returned for eight consecutive terms. At 
 the opening if the Civil War, he was the first governor to send to the front 
 a completely equipped regiment, pledging his personal credit to cover the 
 expense until the legislature could be assembled. The successive quotas of 
 troops were always more than filled, and under his leadership the State 
 contributed to the army and navy almost one-half of her able-bodied popu- 
 lation. President Lincoln and Secretary of War Stanton held him in the 
 highest esteem. The war having ended. Governor Buckingham declined 
 further service as such, and was elected to the United States Senate, in which 
 he served with conspicuous ability until his death, February 5, 1875, a short 
 time before the end of his senatorial term. He was one of the founders of the 
 Broadway Congregational Church of Norwich and of the Norwich Free 
 Academy, and was devoted to religious and charitable work. His home in 
 Norwich was purchased by Sedgwick Post of the Grand Army of the Republic, 
 and is known as the Buckingham Memorial. 
 
LITTLE KNOWN FACTS 91 
 
 Donald Grant Mitchell, who as "Ik Marvel" gave untold delight to readers 
 of a generation now well nigh passed away, with his "Dream Life" and 
 "Reveries of a Bachelor," was a native of Norwich, born April 12, 1822, son 
 of Pastor Mitchell, of the Second Congregational Church in Norwich, and 
 grandson of the distinguished Judge Stephen M. Mitchell, of Western Re- 
 serve fame. After graduating from Yale, finding his health somewhat im- 
 paired, he passed three years on the farm of his grandfather, in Salem, where 
 he undoubtedly received impressions of rural beauties and pleasures which 
 he later pictured so beautifully in his writings. He traveled on foot in Eng- 
 land for more than a year, and out of his observations wrote his "Fresh 
 Gleanings; a New Sheaf from Old Fields." Meantime he had taken up law 
 studies, but unable to bear office confinement, made another voyage to Europe, 
 and was in Paris during the revolution of 1848. Returning home, he engaged 
 in literary work, as founder and editor of "The Lorgnette," a weekly; and 
 then producing in turn the two volumes entitled above, and for which he is 
 most famous. In 1854 President Pierce appointed him Consul to Venice, 
 and where he collected material of which he made good use in volumes and 
 magazine contributions written later. His earlier works were published under 
 his nom de plume of "Ik Marvel," but when he came to "My Farm of Edge- 
 wood" and "Rural Studies," and others, he assumed his proper name. All his 
 writings were characterized by tender yet manly sentiment, and his descrip- 
 tions of rural life were enlightening and* inspiring. 
 
 The name of Oliver Wendell Holmes awakens a pathetic interest in con- 
 nection with that of Abraham Lincoln. About the time that gem of American 
 literature. Dr. Holmes' "Autocrat of the Breakfast Table," was appearing 
 serially in "The Atlantic Monthly," then in its second year, the delightful 
 essayist and poet wrote "The Last Leaf." one stanza of which appealed so 
 deeply to the martyred President that he frequently repeated it: 
 
 "The mossy marbles rest 
 On the lips that he has pressed 
 
 In their bloom; 
 And the names he loved to hear 
 Have been caned for many a year 
 On their tomb." 
 
 Dr. Holmes was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and finished his 
 literary education at Harvard. His grandfather, a resident of Woodstock, 
 wrote as follows in his diary under date of August 4, 1803, as quoted in the 
 "Life of Oliver Wendell Holmes," by John More, Jr. : "Mrs. Temperance 
 Holmes, my much honored and beloved mother (she was therefore Oliver 
 Wendell Holmes' grandmother), was born at Norwich in Connecticut, A. D. 
 1733. . . . My mother was an admirer of learning, though she received 
 her education in a part of the town of Norwich (Newcnt parish) which did 
 not probably furnish her any signal advantages at school, yet she had a 
 mother who was at once a school and library to her." It is worthy of note 
 that Holmes, in his "Autocrat of the Breakfast Table," speaks of the "Coit 
 Elms" of Norwich. 
 
92 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 Edmund Clarence Stedman, who ranked very high as a poet and essayist, 
 lived in Norwich during all his boyhood. He was born in Hartford, son of 
 Edmund Stedman, a merchant of that city; his mother was Elizabeth C. 
 Dodge, the poetess. His father died when he was but two years old, and 
 he was sent to his great-uncle, James Stedman, at Norwich, and where he 
 began and continued his education until his sixteenth year, when he entered 
 Yale College. An incident of his literary career was his service as a corre- 
 spondent of the "New York World," from the Army of the Potomac, during 
 the Civil War. He became a member of the New York Stock Exchange, and 
 much of his most excellent literary work was accomplished during the hours 
 that most busy men give to recreation. During his later years he gave him- 
 self entirely to literary work. 
 
 Lydia Sigourney, an author and poet who has been called "the American 
 Hemans," was a native of Norwich, born September I, 1791, only daughter 
 of Ezekiel and Sophia (Wcntworth) Huntley. She was an ardent student 
 from her very youth, and became proficient in Latin and Greek. In associa- 
 tion with Miss Ann M. H}de, she opened a select school for young ladies, 
 and made it so much of a success that after four years, at the earnest solicita- 
 tion of leading families in Hartford, she removed her school to that city. 
 When about twenty-four, on the suggestion of a friend, she published "Moral 
 Pieces in Prose and Verse," a collection of her occasional writings. The 
 volume was well received, and paved the way for her life occupation. In 
 1819 she gave up her school, and became the wife of Charles Sigourney, a 
 merchant of Hartford. Her husband, a most congenial mate, failed in both 
 health and business, and out of necessity she gave herself unreservedly to 
 pen work, becoming one of the most voluminous writers of her day, her 
 published volumes numbering nearly sixty, and her contributions to maga- 
 zines and periodicals some two thousand. Much of her verse work was on 
 the solicitation of friends, on special occasions, and generally unrecompensed. 
 She was a graceful writer, and all that she produced was marked with lofty 
 sentiment. She was a devoted friend of the sorrowing and afflicted, and in 
 Hartford her memory is held as highly in honor for her charitable work as 
 for her literary talent. She lived many years in widowhood, and died at 
 Hartford, June 10, 1865, in her seventy-fifth year. 
 
 Captain Samuel Chester Reid, one of the most brilliant officers of the 
 old American Navy, was born in Norwich, August 25, 1783. His father, 
 Lieut. John Reid, of the British Navy, was taken prisoner at New London 
 on a night in October, 1778, while in command of a night boat expedition 
 sent out from the British squadron. While in custody, he resigned his com- 
 mission, and on being exchanged took sides with the Americans. In 1781 
 he married Rebecca Chester, a descendant in the fourth generation of Captain 
 Samuel Chester, of the British Navy, who settled in New London. Her 
 father, John Chester, was among the American soldiers at Bunker Hill, and 
 afterward a member of the Connecticut convention which ratified the Con- 
 stitution of the United States. Such was the parentage of Samuel Chester 
 
imO.NCK OK W 1 1,1^1 AM 
 
LITTLE KNOWN FACTS 93 
 
 Reid. Following in the footsteps of the father, he took to the sea at the 
 age of eleven, but was soon among the prisoners taken during the difficulties 
 between France and the United States. Later he served under Commodore 
 Truxton. In the war of 1812 he held the rank of captain, and as commander 
 of the brig "General Armstrong" performed one of the most notable feats 
 in naval annals, off Fayal, fighting with his nine guns and ninety men a 
 British squadron of three vessels with 130 guns and 200 men, finally scuttling 
 his ship rather than surrender. Swimming ashore, he was taken into custody 
 by the Portuguese authorities, who refused to surrender him to the British, 
 and out of which refusal grew an extended diplomatic discussion which was 
 finally settled by Louis Napoleon as arbitrator, who decided against the 
 American claim as to neutral rights. The gun with which Reid sank his 
 vessel was presented to the United States by the King of Portugal. In peace 
 times Captain Reid performed services of the highest usefulness — the inven- 
 tion and construction of the signal telegraph at the Battery in New York 
 and the Narrows between the upper and lower bays; and the perfecting of 
 the pilot boat system at Sandy Hook. He designed the American flag as it 
 is today — the thirteen stripes representing the original States, and a star for 
 each of all. The flag of his designing was first raised over the National Hall of 
 Representatives in Washington City on April 13, 1818. Captain Reid mar- 
 ried Mary, daughter of Captain Nathan Jennings, of Willington, Connecticut, 
 who fought at Lexington, crossed the Delaware with Washington, and was 
 commended for gallantry at Trenton. 
 
 Mrs. Leland Stanford, wife of the late Senator Stanford of California, was 
 a member of the Lathrop family of Norwich. In memory of a son who died 
 at the age of sixteen, named for the father. Senator and Mrs. Stanford founded 
 the Leland Stanford University, contributing for the purpose an eighty- 
 three thousand acre tract of land, valued at eight millions of dollars. 
 
 Francis Hopkinson Smith, a most talented artist, excelling in water 
 color landscapes, also successful as an author and platform lecturer, added 
 to his varied accomplishments surpassing skill as a mechanical engineer, his 
 most famous piece of work in that line being the foundation and pedestal of 
 the Statue of Liberty in New York harbor. He was the designer and builder 
 of the Race lighthouse off New London, a task which occupied him for six 
 years. He was a native of Marv'land. 
 
 Richard Mansfield lived in New London some years before his death. 
 His widow, whose stage name was Beatrice Cameron, continues to make it 
 her legal residence. 
 
 David Ames Wells, an economist of the highest rank, a native of Massa- 
 chusetts, was for many years identified with Norwich, which was his place 
 of residence for over twenty years, and where he died, November 5, 1898. He 
 was known as a high-class mechanician and inventor before coming into the 
 field in which he attained international repute; one of his inventions was 
 the machine for folding book and newspaper sheets, and which is practically 
 the same as used at the present time. Giving his attention to taxation prob- 
 
94 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 lems, he produced his economic work, "Our Burden and Our Strength" (1864), 
 which was an important factor in the restoration of the government credit, 
 which had been seriously inspired during the Civil War. This led to his being 
 appointed chairman of a congressional commission to devise a revenue taxa- 
 tion system, and which eventuated in the creation of a special Commissioner 
 of the Revenue, and his appointment as such official. Among his important 
 public services were the redrafting and perfecting of the internal revenue 
 laws, the introduction of the stamp system for taxes on tobacco, liquors, etc. ; 
 and the organization of the Bureau of Statistics of the United States Treas- 
 ury Department. From a Protectionist, he became a Free Trader, and to 
 this was due his failure of reappointment to his revenue commissionership, 
 in 1870. However, that year he was called to the chairmanship of a com- 
 mission on the New York State tax laws, for which he prepared two elab- 
 orate reports and a revised code. In 1872 he became a lecturer on economics 
 in Yale Universit}'. The remainder of his life was passed in railroad arbitra- 
 tions and railroad and canal taxation questions, and in writing various vol- 
 umes on these and similar topics. 
 
 The Rev. Horace Bushnell. a divine of the loftiest spirituality and a 
 graceful author, in young manhood was a school teacher in Norwich. His 
 "Nature and the Supernatural," published in 1858, daring in its time, became 
 profoundly suggestive in the vast field now illumined by the revelations of 
 evolution. This was but one of several fine volumes from his pen. His 
 clerical life was passed with the North Congregational Church in Hartford, 
 but he was frequently heard in public addresses in principal eastern cities. 
 In 1855, his health being seriously impaired, he visited California, and was 
 there tendered the presidency of the State University, which he declined, 
 fn 1859 he resigned his pastorate in Hartford, and devoted himself to literary 
 labors. He died in Hartford, February 17, 1876. 
 
 John Fox Slater, a liberal contributor to educational and other philan- 
 thropic objects, was a native of Rhode Island, but his life was principally 
 passed in Norwich. He was a principal figure in manufacturing enterprises, 
 displaying therein a capacity similar to that of his distinguished uncle, Samuel 
 Slater, "the father of American manufactures." He was chiefly instrumental 
 in the establishment of the Free Academy in Norwich, for which as a tribute 
 to his memory, two years after his death in Norwich, May 7, 1884, his son, 
 William Albert Slater, erected a memorial building. Mr. Slater's greatest 
 benefaction was his gift of a million dollars in 1882 as a fund for industrial 
 education of the freedmen — the blacks emancipated during the Civil War 
 by President Lincoln. 
 
 Joseph Lemuel Chester, antiquarian, born in Norwich, 1821, after some 
 years devoted to journalism in Philadelphia, went to England and died in 
 London, May 28, 1882. He took up his residence there in order to search out 
 the genealogical history of early New Englanders, and among his works was 
 "Marriage, Baptismal and Burial Registers of the Collegiate Church or 
 
LITTLE KNOWN FACTS 95 
 
 Abbey of St. Peter, Westminster," in which edifice a tablet to his memory 
 was placed after his death. 
 
 Thomas Winthrop Coit, Episcopal clergyman, was born in New London, 
 June 28, 1803, and died in Middletown in 1885. After occupying several 
 important rectorates and college lectureships, he became a professor in the 
 Divinity School at Middletown. He made many contributions to church lit- 
 erature, and was regarded as one of the best scholars and ablest writers of 
 his denomination. 
 
 John Lee Comstock (1789-1858), born in Lyme, was an industrious 
 writer of te.xt-books on the natural sciences, and a skilled draughtsman, mak- 
 ing most of the illustrations for his books. His "Mineralogy" was used at the 
 \\'cst Point Military Academy, and his "Natural Philosophy," which was 
 republished in London and Edinburgh, had a sale of nearly nine thousand 
 copies. 
 
 Erastus Corning (1794-1872), born in Norwich, became one of the leading 
 ironmasters and bankers of his day. His master work was in the development 
 of the railroad system of the State of New York and of Hudson river trans- 
 portation. He held various public offices, including several terms in Congress. 
 
 John Gardiner Calkins Brainard, of New London (1796-1828), studied 
 for the bar, but forsook it for journalism. He wrote much verse which 
 brought him a certain celebrity. His brother. Dr. Dyar Throop Brainard, a 
 physician (1810-1863), was a chemist, and an eminent botanist. 
 
 Mary Lydia (Holies) Branch, her husband a lawyer in New York, 
 beginning in 1865 wrote much for periodicals, principally stories and verse 
 for young people. 
 
 John Newton Brown (1803-1868), born in New London, Baptist clergy- 
 man, held pastorates in Providence, in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and 
 Virginia. In Boston he edited the "Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge," 
 which was republished in England. He was afterward editor of the "Chris- 
 tian Chronicle" and the "National Baptist," and was editorial secretary of 
 the Baptist Publication Society. 
 
 Asa Burton (1752-1836), was born in Stonington and passed his child- 
 hood there and in Preston. He became a Congregational minister, was noted 
 as a theological teacher, and prepared some sixty young men for the ministry. 
 He published a volume on "First Principles of Metaphysics, Ethics, and 
 Theology." 
 
 George Deshon, born in New London (1823), was a West Point graduate, 
 a room-mate of Gen. U. S. Grant. He was converted to Catholicism, and 
 resigned from the army to enter the Order of Redemptorists, and was one of 
 its most efficient missioners. 
 
 The Daboll family of Groton was remarkable for three generations of 
 most useful men. Nathan Daboll (1750-1818), was a famous teacher, and 
 instructed as many as fifteen hundred persons in navigation. His treatise 
 on arithmetic, published at New London in 1799, was long a standard text- 
 book, as was also his "Practical Navigator." In 1773 he began the publication 
 
96 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 of the "Connecticut Almanac." His son Nathan (1782-1863) was a State 
 legislator; he aided his father compiling his "Arithmetic," and published the 
 "Almanac" from the death of the father and until his own. His son, of the 
 same name, was also a State legislator, aided his father in both of the works 
 before named, and also continued the "Almanac." Celadon Leeds Daboll, 
 another son of the second Nathan, was an inventor and was father of the 
 application of the principle of the clarionet to the construction of the fog- 
 horn as a coast signal. This device was perfected by his brother, Charles 
 Miner Daboll, in the steam fog-horn. 
 
 James Deane, Indian missionary (1748-1823), born in Groton, during the 
 Revolutionary War was an Indian interpreter at Fort Stanwix, and later was 
 employed by Congress to pacify the northern Indians. He wrote an essay 
 on Indian mythology, which has been lost. 
 
 Charles Wheeler Denison (1809-1881), born in New London, edited a 
 newspaper there before he was of age. He became a minister, and edited 
 "The Emancipator," the first anti-slavery paper published in New York City. 
 He was a potent advocate of the Union during the Civil War, before the 
 cotton operatives in England. 
 
'i.> 
 
CHAPTER V 
 THE CITY OF NEW LONDON 
 
 Its Founding — First House Lot Ov/ncrs — The Winthrops — Dealings with th; Indians 
 
 During the Revolutionary War— Development of Whaling — Some Remarkable Voy- 
 ages — The War of 1812 — Steam Navigation — Early Newspapers — Manwaring Hill. 
 
 From "The Edelwiss," a poem by John G. Belles, the following extract 
 is taken, illustrative of the river Thames, and of incidents in the history of 
 New London and vicinity : 
 
 But I do love my own fair Thames, 
 
 E'er fed by living fountains 
 And noble streams of Indian name 
 
 Upspringing in the mountains. 
 
 All gliding through the valleys sweet 
 
 To that delightful river. 
 By airy wing of zephyr touched, 
 
 I've seen its waters quiver. 
 While jauntily upon its breast 
 My little skiff would rock and rest; 
 And I have seen its quiet depths 
 
 Reflecting cloud and sky, 
 And gazed along its winding course 
 
 Far as could reach the eye, 
 Where, nestled 'mid the distant hills. 
 
 Its cradled waters lie. 
 I ne'er beheld a lovelisr scene, 
 Or skies more bright, or hills more green, 
 Or blissful morning more serene. 
 While islands in the distance rest 
 A-S emeralds on the water's breast. 
 The traveler, with admiring eyes, 
 E.xclaims, "Can this be Paradise?" 
 
 There towers that lofty monument 
 
 On Groton's tragic height, 
 To mark the spot where martyrs fell 
 
 Undaunted in the fight. 
 
 There Ledyard sleeps, and many a score 
 
 Of heroes each renowned. 
 Who midst the battle's wildest roar 
 
 Were firm and foremost found. 
 
 Amid the storm of fire they sang 
 
 "Columbia sha'il be free," 
 And every whizzing bullet rang 
 
 For honor, liberty. 
 
98 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 Allyns and Edgecombs left their plow 
 
 To win immortal fame, 
 And glory sets on many a brow 
 
 I need not call by name. 
 
 Let Hempstead's memory be bright 
 
 Who wrote the battle's story, 
 Wounded and bruised and down the steep 
 
 Hurled in that wagon gory; 
 
 And left for dead among the dead 
 
 Till, touched by gentle hands, 
 He saw his wife and rose again 
 
 To live long in the land. 
 
 'Twas there Decatur with his fleet 
 
 Held hostile ships at bay, 
 And guarded well the sacred place 
 
 Where patriot ashes lay. 
 
 The town of New London is at once the oldest and the smallest in area 
 of New London county. Its boundaries are the same as those of the city 
 of New London, namely : On the north, the town of Waterford ; on the east, 
 the town of Groton, from which it is separated by the estuary of the Thames 
 river, forming beautiful New London harbor; on the south by Long Island 
 Sound; on the west by Waterford. 
 
 Its founder, John Winthrop the younger, was the son of the John Win- 
 throp who, leading the second Puritan emigration from England, became 
 governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The son John, born in 1606, 
 spent the years 1622 to 1625 at the LTniversity of Dublin. At the age of 
 twenty-one (1627) he served under the Duke of Buckingham in France, was 
 married in 163 1, and the saine }ear arrived in Massachusetts. After the 
 death of his first wife in 1634, he returned to England, married again in 
 1635, and returned to take charge of the settlement at Saybrook in 1636; 
 from Massachusetts he obtained a grant of Fisher's Island in 1640, confirmed 
 by Connecticut in 1641, and later by New York in 1668. In 1644, shortly 
 after his first settlement on Fisher's Island, he obtained from Connecticut a 
 grant of a plantation "at or near Pequod." This grant he began to occupy 
 in 1645. 
 
 The Natal Day of New London is thus described by Miss Caulkins: 
 
 At a General Court held at Boston, 6th of May, 1646. Whereas Mr. 
 John Winthrop, Jun., and soine others, have by allowance of this Court 
 begun a plantation in the Pequot country, which appertains to this juris- 
 diction, as part of our proportion of the conquered country, and whereas this 
 Court is informed that some Indians who are now planted upon the place, 
 where the said plantation is begun, are willing to remove from their planting 
 ground for the more quiet and convenient place appointed — it is therefore 
 ordered that Mr. John Winthrop may appoint unto such Indians as are 
 willing to remove, their lands on the other side, that is, on the east side of 
 
CITY OF NEW LONDON 99 
 
 the Great River of the Pequot country, or some other place for their con- 
 venient plantinf^ and subsistence, which may be to the good liking and 
 satisfaction of the said Indians, and likewise to such of the Pequot Indians 
 as shall desire to live there, submitting themselves to the English govern- 
 ment, &c. 
 
 And whereas Mr. Thomas Peters is intended to inhabit in the said 
 plantation, — this Court doth think fit to join him to assist the said Mr. 
 Winthrop, for the better carrying on the work of said plantation. A true 
 copy, &c. — (New London Records, Book VI.) 
 
 The elder Winthrop records the commencement of the plantation under 
 date of June, 1646: 
 
 A plantation was this year begun at Pequod river by Mr. Winthrop, 
 Jun., (and) Mr. Thomas Peter, a minister, (brother to Mr. Peter, of Salem,) 
 and (at) this Court, power was given to them two for ordering and govern- 
 ing the plantation, till further order, although it was uncertain whether it 
 would fall within our jurisdiction or not, because they of Connecticut chal- 
 lenged it by virtue of a patent from the king, which was never showed us. 
 It mattered not much to which jurisdiction it did belong, seeing the con- 
 federation made all as one; but it was of great concernment to have it planted, 
 to be a curb to the Indians. 
 
 The uncertainty with respect to jurisdiction hung at first like a cloud 
 over the plantation. The subject was discussed at the meeting of the com- 
 missioners at New Haven in September, 1646. Massachusetts claimed by 
 conquest, Connecticut by patent, purchase and conquest. The record says: 
 
 It was remembered that in a treaty betwixt them at Cambridge, in 1638. 
 not perfected, a proposition was made that Pequot river, in reference to the 
 conquest, should be the bounds betwixt them, but Mr. Fenwick was not then 
 there to plead the patent, neither had Connecticut then any title to those 
 lands by purchase or deed of gift from Uncas. 
 
 The decision at this time was, that unless hereafter, Massachusetts should 
 show better title, the jurisdiction should belong to Connecticut. This issue 
 did not settle the controversy. It was again agitated at the Commissioners' 
 Court, held at Boston, in July, 1647, at which time Mr. Winthrop, who had 
 been supposed to favor the claims of Massachusetts, expressed himself as 
 "more indifferent," but affirmed that some members of the plantation, who 
 had settled there in reference to the government of Massachustts and in 
 expectation of large privileges from that colony, would be much disappointed 
 if it should be assigned to any other jurisdiction. 
 
 The majority again gave their voice in favor of Connecticut, assigning 
 this reason — "Jurisdiction goeth constantly with the Patent." 
 
 Massachusetts made repeated exceptions to this decision. The argument 
 was in truth weak, inasmuch as the Warwick Patent seems never to have 
 been transferred to Connecticut, the colony being for many years without 
 even a copy of that instrument. The right from conquest was the only valid 
 foundation on which she could rest her claim, and here her position was 
 impregnable. 
 
loo NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 Mr. Peters appears to have been from the first associated with Winthrop 
 in the projected settlement, having a co-ordinate authority and manifesting 
 an equal degree of zeal and energy in the undertaking. But his continuance 
 in the country, and all his plans in regard to the new town, were cut short 
 by a summons from home inviting him to return to the guidance of his 
 ancient flock in Cornwall. He left Pequot, never to see it again, in the 
 autumn of 1646. In November he was in Boston preparing to embark. 
 
 Mr. Winthrop removed his family from Boston in October, 1646; his 
 brother, Deane Winthrop, accompanied him. They came by sea, encounter- 
 ing a violent tempest on the passage, and dwelt during the first winter on 
 Fisher's Island. Some of the children were left behind in Boston, but joined 
 their parents the next summer, at which time Mr. Winthrop, having built a 
 house, removed his family to the town plot. Mrs. Lake returned to the 
 plantation in 1647, and was regarded as an inhabitant, having a home lot 
 assigned to her and sharing in grants and divisions of land as other settlers, 
 though she was not a householder. She resided in the family of Winthrop 
 until after he was chosen governor of the colony, and removed to Hartford. 
 The latter part of her life was spent at Ipswich. 
 
 Governor Winthrop, of Massachusetts, regarded the new plantation with 
 great interest. As a patriot, a statesman and a father, his mind expatiated 
 upon it with hope and solicitude. A few days after the departure from 
 Boston of his son, with his family, he wrote to him: "The blessing of the 
 Lord be upon you, and He protect and guide you in this great undertaking. 
 I commend you and my good daughter, and your children, and 
 Deane, and all your company in your plantation (whom I desire to salute,) 
 to the gracious protection and blessing of the Lord." 
 
 To this chapter may properly be added the relation of a romantic incident 
 that occurred at an early period of the settlement, and which had an important 
 bearing on the western boundary question that subsequently threw the town 
 into a belligerent attitude toward Lyme. 
 
 In March, 1672, when the controversy in respect to bounds between New 
 London and Lyme was carried before the legislature, Mr. Winthrop, then 
 governor of the colony, being called on for his testimony, gave it in a narra- 
 tive form, his object being to show explicitly that the little stream known 
 as Bride Brook was originally regarded as the boundary between the two 
 plantations. The preamble of his deposition is in substance as follows: 
 
 When we began the plantation in the Pequot country, now called New 
 London, I had a commission from the Massachusetts government, and the 
 ordering of matters was left to myself. Not finding meadow sufficient for 
 even a small plantation, unless the meadows and marshes west of Nahantic 
 river were adjoined, I determined that the bounds of the plantation should 
 be to the brook, now called Bride Brook, which was looked upon as certainly 
 without .Saybrook bounds. This was an encouragement to proceed with the 
 plantation, which otherwise could not have gone on, there being no suitable 
 accommodation near the place. 
 
CITY OF NEW LONDON loi 
 
 In corroboration of this fact, and to show that the people of Saybrook 
 at first acquiesced in this boundary line, the governor related an incident 
 which he says "fell out the first winter of our settling- there." This must have 
 been the winter of 1646-47, which was the first spent by him in the plantation. 
 The main points of the story were these: 
 
 A young couple in Saybrook were to be married ; the groom was Jonathan 
 Rudd. The governor does not give the name of the bride, and unfortunately 
 the omission is not supplied by either record or tradition. The wedding day 
 was fixed, and a magistrate from one of the upper towns on the river was 
 engaged to perform the rite : for there was not, it seems, any person in Say- 
 brook duly qualified to officiate on such an occasion. But, "there falling out 
 at that time a great snow," the paths were obliterated, traveling obstructed, 
 and intercourse with the interior interrupted ; so that "the magistrate in- 
 tended to go down thither was hindered by the depth of the snow." On the 
 seaboard there is usually a less weight of snow, and the courses can be more 
 readily ascertained. The nuptials must not be delayed without inevitable 
 necessity. Application was therefore made to Mr. Winthrop to come to 
 Saybrook and unite the parties. But he, deriving his authority from Massa- 
 chusetts, could not legally officiate in Connecticut. "I saw it necessary (he 
 observes) to deny them in that way, but told them for an expedient for their 
 accommodation, if they come to the plantation it might be done. But that 
 being too difficult for them, it was agreed that they should come to that place, 
 which is now called Bride Brook, as being a place within the bounds of that 
 authority whereby I then acted ; otherwise I had exceeded the limits of my 
 commission." 
 
 This proposition was accepted. On the brink of this little stream, the 
 boundary between the two colonies, the parties met Winthrop and his friends 
 from Pequot, and the bridal train from Saybrook. Here the ceremony was 
 performed, under the shelter of no roof, by no hospitable fireside; without any 
 accommodations but those furnished by the snow-covered earth, the over- 
 arching heaven, and perchance the sheltering side of a forest of pines or 
 cedars. Romantic lovers have sometimes pledged their faith by joining 
 hands over a narrow streamlet; but never, perhaps, before or since, was the 
 legal rite performed in a situation so wild and solitary and under circum- 
 stances so interesting and peculiar. 
 
 We are not told how the parties traveled, whether on horseback, or on 
 sleds or snow-shoes; nor what cheer they brought with them, whether cakes 
 or fruit, the juice of the orchard or vineyard, or the fiery extract of the cane. 
 We only know that at that time conveniences and comforts were few, and 
 luxuries unknown. Yet simple and homely as the accompaniments must have 
 been, a glow of hallowed beauty will ever rest upon the scene. We fancy 
 that we hear the foot tramp upon the crisp snow ; the ice crack as they 
 cross the frozen stream; the wind sighs through the leafless forest; and the 
 clear voice of Winthrop swells upon the ear like a devout strain of music, 
 now low, and then rising high to heaven, as it passes through the varied 
 
I02 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 accents of tender admonition, legal decision and solemn prayer. The im- 
 pressive group stand around, wrapped in their frosty mantles, with heads 
 reverently bowed down, and at the given sign the two plighted hands come 
 forth from among the furs and are clasped together in token of a lifelong, 
 affectionate trust. The scene ends in a general burst of hearty hilarity. 
 
 Bride Brook issues from a beautiful sheet of water known as Bride Lake 
 or Pond, and runs into the Sound about a mile west of Giant's Cove. In a 
 straight line it is not more than two miles west of Niantic Bay. The Indian 
 name of the pond, or brook, or of both, was Sunk-i-paug, or Sunkipaug-suck. 
 
 The names of those who first received house lots in the new settlement 
 numbered thirty-six: John Gager, Cary Latham, Samuel Lathrop, John Steb- 
 bins, Isaac Willey, Thomas Miner, William Bordman, William Morton, Wil- 
 liam Nicholls, Robert Hemstead, Thomas Skidmore, John Lewis, Richard 
 Post, Robert Bedeel, John Robinson, Deane Winthrop, William Bartlett, 
 Nathaniel Watson, John Austin, William Forbes, Edward Higbie, Jarvis 
 Mudge, Andrew Longdon, William Hallett, Giles Smith, Peter Beesbran, 
 James Bemis, John Fossecar, Consider Wood, George Chappell. Of these 
 grants not all were taken up ; apparently Watson, Austin, Higbie, Hallett, 
 Smith, Busbraw, Fossecar, and Wood did not settle in the town. Mudge and 
 Chappell came a little late, as did Jonathan Brewster, Thomas Wells, Peter 
 Blatchford, Nathaniel Masters, all by 1650. The location of the lots may be 
 found in Miss Caulkins' "History of New London." A considerable colony 
 of people came with Rev. Mr. Blinman from Gloucester. Other settlers came 
 in from time to time, and by the end of 1651 the settlers from Cape Ann 
 had received house lots. The original town plot is thus described by Miss 
 Caulkins : 
 
 The first home lots were laid out chieflj' at the two extremities of the 
 semicircular projection which formed the site of the town. Between these 
 were thick swamps, waving woods, ledges of rock, and ponds of water. The 
 oldest communication from one to the other was from Mill Brook over Post 
 Hill, so called from Richard Post, whose house lot was on this hill, through 
 what is now William street to Manwaring's Hill, and down Blackball street 
 to Truman street was the harbor's north road. Main street was opened, and 
 from thence a cut over the hill westward was made (now Richards and 
 Granite streets). Bank street was laid out on the very brink of the upland, 
 above the sandy shore, and a space (now Coit street) was carried around 
 the head of Beacon Cove to Truman street, completing the circuit of the 
 town plot. No names were given to any of the streets for at least a century 
 after the settlement, save that Main street was uniformly called the Town 
 street, and Bank street the Bank. Hempstead street was one of the first 
 laid out, and a pathway coincident with the present State street led from the 
 end of the Town street west and northwest to meet it. Such appears to 
 have been the original plan of the town. The cove at the north was Mill 
 Cove; the two coves at the south, Bream and Close. Water street was the 
 beach, and the head of it at the entrance of Mill Cove, now Sandy Point. 
 
 In 1657 Mr. Winthrop removed to Hartford, as governor of the Colony. 
 
 The patent of New London issued by Deputy Governor Robert Treat 
 
CITY OF NEW LONDON 103 
 
 gives the names of seventy-seven men, but Miss Caulkins is of the opinion 
 that at that time (1704) there must have been approximately one hundred 
 and sixty full-grown men in the town. 
 
 It is not the purpose of this volume to enter into the full details of early 
 history, which have been so admirably compiled for New London and Nor- 
 wich by Miss Caulkins. We print such selections rather to give a general 
 picture of this period of county history. The names found on the rate lists, 
 in the town records, and in various public places, are names famous in the 
 history of New England, and indeed of the United States as a whole. The 
 descendants of these settlers have been the builders of America. From Kurd's 
 "History of New London County" we print the will of Mary Harris, "one 
 of the oldest wills extant in the county" : 
 
 The last Will and Testament of Mary Harries, taken from her owne 
 mouth this 19th of Jan., 1655. 
 
 I give to my eldest daughter, Sarah Lane, the bigest brass pan, and to 
 her daughter Mary, a silver spoone. And to her daughter Sarah, the bigest 
 pewter dish and one silken riben. Likewise I give to her daughter Mary, a 
 pewter candlesticke. 
 
 I give to my daughter, Mary Lawrence, my blew mohere peticote and 
 my straw hatt and a fether boulster. And to her eldest Sonne I give a silver 
 spoone. To her second sonne a silver whissle. I give more to my daughter 
 Mary, my next brasst pann and a thrum cushion. And to her youngest sonne 
 I give a pewter bassen. 
 
 I give to my youngest daughter, Elizabeth Weekes, a peece of red broad 
 cloth, loeing about two yards, alsoe a damask livery cloth, a gold ring, a silver 
 spoone, a fether bed and a boulster. Alsoc, I give to my daughter, Elizabeth, 
 my best hatt, my gowne, a brass kettle, and a woolen jacket for her husband. 
 Alsoe, I give to my daughter Elizabeth, thirty shillings, alsoe a red whittle, 
 a white apron, and a new white neck-cloth. Alsoe, I give to my three daugh- 
 ters aforesaid, a quarter part to each of them, of the dyaper table-cloth and 
 tenn shillings apeece. 
 
 I give to my sister Migges, a red peticoat, a cloth jacket, a silke hud, a 
 quoife, a cross-cloth, and a neck-cloth. 
 
 I give to my cosen Calib Rawlyns ten shillinges. 
 
 I give to my two cosens, Mary and Elizabeth ffry, each of them five 
 shillings. 
 
 I give to Mary Barnet a red stufif wascote. 
 
 I give to my daughter, Elizabeth, my great chest. To my daughter, 
 Mary, a ciffer and a white neck-cloth. To my sister, Hannah Rawlin, my 
 best cross-cloth. To my brother, Rawlin, a lased band. To my two kins- 
 women. Elizabeth Hubbard and Hilary Steevens, five shillinges apeece. 
 
 I give to my brother, Migges, his three youngest children, two shillinges 
 sixe pence apeece. 
 
 I give to my sonne Thomas, ten shillinges, if he doe come home or be 
 alive. 
 
 I give to Rebekah Bruen, a pynt pott of pewter, a new petticoate, and 
 wascote wch she is to spin herselfe; alsoe an old byble, and -a hatt wch was 
 my sonn Thomas his hatt. 
 
 I give to my sonne Gabriell, my house, land, cattle, and swine, with all 
 other goodes reall and psonall in Pequet or any other place, and doe make 
 
I04 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 him my sole executor to this my will. Witness my hand. 
 
 The mark X of Mary Harries. 
 Witness hearunto: John Winthrop, Obadiah Bruen, Willm Nyccolls. 
 
 An account of the estate left by John Winthrop, Jr., will show how wide 
 were the interests of these early settlers : 
 
 John Winthrop, Esq.. the patron and founder of New London, and gov- 
 ernor of Connecticut for nearly eighteen years, died in Boston, April 5th, 1676. 
 He had been called to Boston to attend the meeting of the commissioners, to 
 which he was the delegate from Connecticut. His remains were deposited 
 in the tomb of his father, in the cemetery of King's Chapel, where afterward 
 his two sons were gathered to his side. His wife, who deceased not long 
 before him, is supposed to have been buried in Hartford. 
 
 Governor Winthrop's family consisted of the two sons so often men- 
 tioned, Fitz-John and Wait-Still, and five daughters. The sons were residents 
 in New London at the time of their father's decease. Wait-Still succeeded 
 his brother as major of the county regiment, but at a period ten or twelve 
 years later, removed to Boston. Lucy, the second daughter, the wife of 
 Edward Palmes, belongs to New London ; but her death is not on record, 
 neither is there any stone to her memory in the old burial-ground, by the side 
 of her husband. It is therefore probable that she died abroad, and from 
 other circumstances it is inferred that this event took place in Boston, after 
 the death of her father, in 1676. She left a daughter Lucy, who was her only 
 child, and this daughter, though twice married, left no issue. Her line is 
 therefore extinct. 
 
 The very extensive landed estate of Governor Winthrop, which fell to 
 his two sons, was possessed by them conjointly, and undivided during their 
 lives. Fitz-John, having no sons, it was understood between the brothers 
 that the principal part of the land grants should be kept in the name, and 
 to this end be reserved for John, the only son of Wait Winthrop. These 
 possessions, briefly enumerated, were Winthrop's Neck, 200 acres ; Mill-pond 
 farm, 300; land north of the town of Alewife Brook and in its vicinity, 1,500; 
 land at Pequonuck (Groton), 6,000; Little-cove farm, half a mile square, on 
 the east side of the river — these were within the bounds of New London. 
 On Mystic river, five or six hundred acres ; at Lanthorn Hill and its vicinity, 
 3,000; and on the coast, Fisher's Island and its Hommocks, and Goat Island. 
 Governor Winthrop had also an undisputed title from court grants to large 
 tracts in Voluntown, Plainfield, Canterbury, Woodstock and Saybrook, 
 amounting to ten or twelve thousand acres. He also claimed the whole of 
 what was called Black-lead-mine Hill in the province of Massachusetts Bay, 
 computed to be ten miles in circumference. Magnificent as was this estate 
 in point of extent, the value, in regard to present income, was moderate. By 
 the provision of his will, his daughters were to have half as much estate as 
 his sons, and he mentions that Lucy and Elizabeth had already been por- 
 tioned with farms. The above sketch of his landed property comprises only 
 that which remained inviolate as it passed through the hands of his sons, and 
 his grandson John, the son of Wait, and was bequeathed by the latter to his 
 son, John, John Still Winthrop, in 1747. 
 
 Reference has already been made to the relations of Uncas and the early 
 .settlers of the county. After the destruction of the Pequot power, the few 
 survivors of the tribe, having been distributed amongst the Narragansetts 
 
CITY OF NEW LONDON 
 
 105 
 
 and the Mohegans, were settled, some in what is now Westerly, some in 
 what is now Waterford and New London, under the name "Nameaugs." 
 These remnants of a once powerful tribe sufifered under the severe treatment 
 meted out to them by Uncas, who disliked Governor Winthrop for his pro- 
 tection of the "Nameaugs," 
 
 The jealousy of Uncas precipitated several conflicts with the settlers at 
 New London. When the commissioners of the United Colonies (noteworthy 
 as a step toward the Albany Congress and toward later confederation) were 
 asked by Governor Winthrop to free the Pequots from the control of Uncas, 
 they refused to do so, but reprimanded and fined Uncas for misdeeds. 
 
 Until the settlement of Norwich, Uncas led an unsettled life, evading the 
 attacks of his Indian foes and disputing with his white neighbors regarding 
 his rights. The commissioners, after many attempts at settling Indian affairs, 
 made certain awards of lands to the surviving Pequots, which awards were 
 never carried out by the towns concerned. After the charter of 1662, whereby 
 Stonington became a part of Connecticut, the settlement of Indian affairs 
 became subject to the General Court of Connecticut. The records of the 
 General Court show a long list of petitions and awards pertaining to the 
 Indian affairs of New London county, extending over a period from 1662 
 to Revolutionary times. The early history of Groton and Stonington shows 
 that the Pequots were provided with reservations and treated as wards of 
 the State. 
 
 The Mohegans, for their fidelity at all times, were more generously 
 treated by the State, admitted to full citizenship finally (1873), ^nd granted 
 absolute ownership of certain lands, much of the rest of the tribal domain 
 being sold from time to time to settlers of New London, Norwich, and adjoin- 
 ing towns. 
 
 Of the primitive life of the settlers we get many glimpses, by the votes 
 of town meetings, wills, and diaries. We find in the town records the follow- 
 ing entry : 
 
 Memorandum : that upon the i6th day of January, 1709-10, being a very 
 cold day, upon the report of a kennel of wolves, mortal enemies to our sheep 
 and all our other creatures, was lodged and lay in ambuscade in the Cedar 
 Swamp, waiting there for an opportunity to devour the harmless sheep; 
 upon information whereof, about thirty of our valiant men, well disciplined 
 in arms and special conduct, assembled themselves and with great courage 
 beset and surrounded the enemies in the said swamp, and shot down three 
 of the brutish enemies, and brought their heads through the town in great 
 triumph. 
 
 The same day a wolfe in sheepe's cloathing designed to throw an innocent 
 man into the frozen water, where he might have perished, but was timely 
 prevented, and the person at that time delivered frome that danger. 
 
 As the subject of wolves is thus again introduced, we may observe that 
 at this period and for thirty years afterward a wolf-hunt was a customary 
 autumnal sport. From ten to forty persons usually engaged in it, who sur- 
 rounded and beat up some swamp in the neighborhood. Mill-pond Swamp 
 
io6 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 and Cedar Swamp were frequently scoured for wolves in November or the 
 latter part of October. George, son of John Richards, had a bounty of ill 
 for wolves killed during the year 1717; these were probably insnared. The 
 bounty had been raised to twenty shillings per head. The bounty for killing 
 a wildcat was three shillings. 
 
 The settlement at New London prospered, till at the outbreak of the 
 Revolutionary War it numbered approximately 6,000. New London's part 
 in that struggle has been fully set forth elsewhere. The Shaw Mansion, the 
 Nathan Hale School, Fort Trumbull, the many anecdotes of local happenings, 
 are rich in historic interest. Miss Caulkins remarks: 
 
 So many of the inhabitants of New London had been trained as fisher- 
 men, coasters, and mariners, that no one is surprised to find them, when the 
 trying time came, bold, hardy, and daring in the cause of freedom. In all 
 the southern towns of the county — Stonington, Groton, New London, Lyme — 
 the common mass of the people were an adventurous class, and exploits of 
 stratagem, strength, and valor, by land and sea, performed during the war 
 of independence by persons nurtured on this coast, might still be recovered 
 sufificient to form a volume of picturesque adventure and exciting interest. 
 At the same time many individuals in this part of the country, and some, too, 
 of high respectability, took a different view of the great political question and 
 sided with the Parliament and the king. In various instances families were 
 divided ; members of the same fireside adopted opposite opinions and became 
 as strangers to each other ; nor was it an unknown misery for parents to 
 have children ranged on different sides of the battle-field. At one time a 
 gallant young officer of the army, on his return from the camp, where he 
 had signalized himself by his bravery, was escorted to his home by a grateful 
 populace that surrounded the house and filled the air with their applausive 
 huzzas, while at the same time his half-brother, the son of the mother who 
 clasped him to her bosom, stigmatized as a Tory, convicted of trade with the 
 enemy, and threatened with the wooden horse, lay concealed amid the hay 
 of the barn, where he was fed by stealth for many days. 
 
 This anecdote is but an example of many that might be told of a similar 
 character. 
 
 The position of New London was such that it was easily blockaded, and 
 constantly threatened with destruction. Many fleets of hostile ships sailed by. 
 Many a privateer slipped out of the harbor in spite of the blockade. "So 
 great, however, was the vigilance of the British squadron on the coast that 
 not a single prize was brought into the harbor of New London from 1776 
 to 1778." Of the famous attack of Arnold on the town, Miss Caulkins says: 
 
 Although New London had been repeatedly threatened, no direct attack 
 was made upon the town till near the close of the war in 1781. General 
 Arnold, on his return from a predatory descent upon the coasts of Virginia, 
 was ordered to conduct a similar expedition against his native State. A large 
 quantity of West India goods and European merchandise brought in by 
 various privateers was at this time collected in New London; the quantity 
 of shipping in port was also very considerable, and among the prizes recently 
 taken was the "Hannah" (Captain Watson), a rich merchant ship from Lon- 
 don bound to New York, which had been captured a little south of Long 
 
CITY OF NEW LONDON 107 
 
 Island by Capt. Dudley Saltonstall, of the "Minerva." privateer. The loss 
 of this ship, whose cargo was said to be the most valuable brou}.?ht into 
 America during the war. had exasperated the British, and more than any other 
 single circumstance is thought to have led to the expedition. At no other 
 period of the war could they have done so much mischief, at no other had 
 the inhabitants so much to lose. 
 
 The expedition was fitted out from New York, the headquarters of Sir 
 Henry Clinton and the British army. The plan was well conceived. Arnold 
 designed to enter the harbor secretly in the night, and to destroy the shipping, 
 public ofifices, stores, merchandise, and the fortifications on both sides of 
 the river, with such expedition as to be able to depart before any considerable 
 force could be collected against him. Candor in judging forbids the supposi- 
 tion that the burning of the town and the massacre at Groton fort entered 
 into his original design, though at the time such cruelty of purpose was 
 charged upon him and currently believed. As flowing from his measures and 
 taking place under his command, they stand to his account, and this responsi- 
 bility is heavy enough without adding to it the criminal forethought. 
 
 The official report by Arnold reads as follows: 
 
 Sound, off Plumb Island, 8th Sept., 1781. 
 
 Sir, — I have the honor to inform }our Excellency that the transports 
 with the detachment of troops under my orders anchored on the Long Island 
 shore on the 5th instant, at two o'clock P. M., about ten leagues from New 
 London, and having made some necessary arrangements, weighed anchor at 
 seven o'clock P. M. and stood for New London with a fair wind. At one 
 o'clock the next morning we arrived off the harbor, when the wind suddenly 
 shifted to the northward, and it was nine o'clock before the transports could 
 beat in. At ten o'clock the troops in two divisions, and in four debarkations, 
 were landed, one on each side of the harbor, about three miles from New 
 London, that on the Groton side, consisting of the Fortieth and Fifty-fourth 
 Regiments and the Third Battery of New Jersey volunteers, with a detach- 
 ment of yagers and artillery, were under the command of Lieut. -Col. Eyre. 
 The division on the New London side consisted of the Thirty-eighth Regi- 
 ment, the Loyal Americans, the American Legion, refugees, and a detach- 
 ment of sixty yagers, who were immediately on their landing put in motion, 
 and at eleven o'clock, being within half a mile of Fort Trumbull, which 
 commands New London Harbor, I detached Capt. Millett, with four com- 
 panies of the Thirty-eighth Regiment, to attack the fort, who was joined on 
 his march by Capt. Frink with one company of the American Legion. At 
 the same time I advanced with the remainder of the division west of Fort 
 Trumbull, on the road to the town, to attack a redoubt which had kept up a 
 brisk fire upon us for some time, but which the enemy evacuated on our 
 approach. In this work we found six pieces of cannon mounted and two 
 dismounted. Soon after I had the pleasure to see Capt. Millett march into 
 Fort Trumbull, under a shower of grape-shot from a number of cannon which 
 the enemy had turned upon him; and I have the pleasure to inform your 
 Excellency that by the sudden attack and determined bravery of the troops 
 the fort w'as carried with the loss of only four or five men killed and wounded. 
 Capt. Millett had orders to leave one company in Fort Trumbull, to detach 
 one to the redoubt we had taken, and join me with the other companies. 
 No time was lost on my part in gaining the town of New London. We 
 were opposed by a small body of the enemy, with one field-piece, who were 
 so hard pressed that they were obliged to leave the piece, which, being iron, 
 was spiked and left. 
 
io8 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 As soon as the enemy were alarmed in the morning we could perceive 
 they were busily engaged in bending sails and endeavoring to get their pri- 
 vateers and other ships up Norwich River out of our reach, but the wind 
 being small and the tide against them they were obliged to anchor again. 
 From information I received before and after my landing, I had reason to 
 believe that Fort Griswold, on Groton side, was very incomplete, and I was 
 assured by friends to government, after my landing, that there were only 
 twenty or thirty men in the fort, the inhabitants in general being on board 
 their ships and busy in saving their property. 
 
 On taking possession of Fort Trumbull, I found the enemy's ships would 
 escape unless we could possess ourselves of Fort Griswold. I therefore dis- 
 patched an officer to Lieut. -Col. Eyre with the intelligence I had received, 
 and requested him to make an attack upon the fort as soon as possible, at 
 which time I expected the howitzer was up and would have been made use of. 
 On my gaining a height of ground in the rear of New London, from which I 
 had a good prospect of Fort Griswold, I found it much more formidable than 
 I expected, or than I had formed an idea of, from the information I had before 
 received. I observed at the same time that the men who had escaped from 
 Fort Trumbull had crossed in boats and thrown themselves into Fort Gris- 
 wold, and a favorable wind springing up about this time, the enemy's ships 
 were escaping up the river, notwithstanding the fire from Fort Trumbull and 
 a six-pounder which I had with me. I immediately dispatched a boat with 
 an officer to Lieut. -Col. Eyre to countermand my first order to attack the fort, 
 but the officer arrived a few minutes too late. Lieut. -Col. Eyre had sent Capt. 
 Beckwith with a flag to demand a surrender of the fort, which was per- 
 emptorily refused, and the attack had commenced. After a most obstinate 
 defense of near fortv minutes, the fort was carried by the superior bravery 
 and perseverance of the assailants. On this occasion I have to regret the loss 
 of Maj. Montgomery, who was killed by a spear in entering the enemy's 
 works ; also of Ensign Whitlock, of the Fortieth Regiment, who was killed 
 in the attack. Three other officers of the same regiment were wounded. 
 Lieut. -Col. Eyre, and three other officers of the Fifty-fourth Regiment, were 
 also wounded, but I have the satisfaction to inform your Excellency that they 
 are all in a fair w^ay to recover. 
 
 Lieut.-Col. Eyre, who behaved with great gallantry, having received his 
 wound near the works, and Maj. Montgomery being killed immediately after, 
 the command devolved on Maj. Bromfield, whose behavior on this occasion 
 does him great honor. Lieut.-Col. Buskirk, with the New Jersey volunteers 
 and artillery, being the second debarkation, came up soon after the work was 
 carried, having been retarded by the roughness of the country. I am much 
 obliged to this gentleman for his exertions, although the artillery did not 
 arrive in time. 
 
 I have enclosed a return of the killed and wounded, by which your Ex- 
 cellency will observe that our loss, though very considerable, is short of the 
 enemy's, who lost most of their officers, among whom was their commander, 
 Col. Ledyard. Eighty-five men were found dead in Fort Griswold and sixty 
 wounded, most of them mortally; their loss on the opposite side must have 
 been considerable, but cannot be ascertained. I believe we have about seventy 
 prisoners, besides the wounded who were left paroled. 
 
 Ten or twelve ships were burned, among them three or four armed vessels, 
 and one loaded with naval stores; an immense quantity of European and 
 West India poods were found in the stores, among the former cargo of the 
 "Hannah," Capt. Watson, from London, lately captured by the enemy, the 
 
jirxnciPAL ni' 
 
 CITY COlMtT HOl'SE (17S 
 
CITY OF NEW LOXDOX 109 
 
 whole of which was burnt with the stores, which proved to contain a large 
 quantity of powder unknown to us. The explosion of the powder and change 
 of wind, soon after the stores were fired, communicated the flames to part 
 of the town, which was, notwithstanding every efTort to prevent it, unfor- 
 tunately destroyed. 
 
 After the Revolution, New London developed its fisheries and commerce 
 and became a famous whaling center. With its shipbuilding and coasting 
 trade, New London became a center of trade for merchants further inland. 
 Trade with the West Indies sprang up and flourished. One hundred and 
 fifty sail of merchant vessels entered and cleared at the port of New London. 
 The first collector of the port was Gen. Jedediah Huntington, of Revolu- 
 tionary fame. The war of 181 2 greatly interfered with this commerce, but 
 at the close of the war commerce again revived. In 1816 was made the first 
 trip from New York to New London by steam. The time, tt^'enty-one hours, 
 was considered remarkable. Two natives of New London, Capt. Moses 
 Rogers and Capt. Stevens Rogers, were the first to navigate a steam vessel 
 across the Atlantic. The "Savannah" made the trip to Liverpool in twenty- 
 one days, starting May 26, 1819. 
 
 To Miss Caulkins' History we are indebted for an outline of the whaling 
 industry: 
 
 In tracing the whale fishery, so far as it has been prosecuted by the 
 people of Connecticut, back to its rise, we come to the following resolve of 
 the General Court at Hartford, May 25th, 1647: "If Mr. Whiting with others 
 shall make trial and prosecute a design for the taking of whale, within these 
 liberties, and if upon trial within the term of two years, they shall like to go 
 on, no others shall be suffered to interrupt them for the term of seven years." 
 
 The granting of monopolies and exclusive privileges was the customary 
 mode of encouraging trade and manufactures in that day. Of Mr. Whiting's 
 project nothing further is known. Whales in the early years of the colony 
 were often seen in the Sound ; and if one chanced to be stranded on the 
 shore, or to get embayed in a creek, the news was soon spread, and the fisher- 
 men and farmers from the nearest settlements would turn out, armed with 
 such implements as they possessd, guns, pikes, pitchforks, or spears, and rush 
 to the encounter. Such adventures, however, belong more particularly to 
 the south side of Long Island than to the Connecticut shore. 
 
 A whale boat is mentioned in an enumeration of goods before the end 
 of the seventeenth century, and this implies that excursions were sometimes 
 made in pursuit of whales, but probably they were not extended much beyond 
 Montauk. Even at the present day a whale sometimes makes its appearance 
 in the eastern part of the Sound. 
 
 We have no statistics to show that the whale fishery was on except in 
 this small way, from any part of the Connecticut coast, before the Revolu- 
 tionary War. At Sag Harbor, on the opposite coast of the Sound, something 
 more had been done. It is said that as far back as 1760, sloops from that place 
 went to Disco Island in pursuit of whales ; but of these voyages no record has 
 been preserved. The progress of whaling from the American coast appears 
 to have been pursued in the following order : 
 
 1st. Whales were killed on or near the coast, and in all instances cut up 
 and dried upon land. Boats only used. 
 
no NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 2nd. Small sloops were fitted out for a cruise of five or six weeks, and 
 went as far as the Great Banks of Newfoundland. 
 
 3rd. Longer voyages of a few months were made to the Western Islands, 
 Cape Verde, West Indies and Gulf of Mexico. 
 
 4th. After 1745. voyages were made to Davis' Straits, Baffin's Bay, and 
 as far south as the coast of Guinea. 
 
 5th. After 1770, voyages were made to the Brazil Banks, and before 1775 
 vessels both from Nantucket and Newport had been to the Falkland Islands. 
 Nantucket alone had at that time 150 vessels and 2,000 men employed in the 
 whaling business. Some of the vessels were brigs of considerable burden. 
 
 The war totally destroyed the whale fishery, and the depression of busi- 
 ness after the war prevented it from being immediately resumed. In Nan- 
 tucket it revived in 1785, under legislative encouragement. This brings tis 
 to the period when the first whaling expedition into south latitude was fitted 
 out from Long Island Sound. 
 
 In the year 1784 we find the following notice in the "New London 
 Gazette": "May 20. Sailed from this port, sloop 'Rising Sun,' Squire, on a 
 whaling voyage." Of this voyage there is no further record ; it was probably 
 of the short description. At Sag Harbor a more extended expedition was 
 undertaken the same year. Nathaniel Gardiner and brother fitted out both 
 a ship and a brig on a whaling adventure. They were both unsuccessful, but 
 this is supposed to have been the first expedition after whales from Long 
 Island Sound into south latitudes. In 1785, Messrs. Stephen Howell and 
 Benjamin Hunting, of Sag Harbor, purchased the brig "Lucy," of Elijah 
 Hubbard, of Middletown, Connecticut, and sent her out on a whaling voyage, 
 George McKay, master. The same season the brig "America," Daniel 
 Havens, master, was fitted out from the same place. Both went to the Brazil 
 Banks. 
 
 1785. — The "Lucy" returned May 15th, with 360 barrels. The "America" 
 returned June 4th, with 300 barrels. These arrivals were announced in the 
 "New London Gazette," in the marine list kept by Thomas Allen, who there- 
 upon breaks forth: "Now, my horse jockeys, beat your horses and cattle into 
 spears, lances, harpoons and whaling gear, and let us all strike out ; many 
 spouts ahead ! Whales plenty, you have them for the catching." 
 
 The first vessel sailing from New London on a whaling voyage to a 
 southern latitude was the ship "Commerce," which was owned and fitted out 
 at East Haddam, in Connecticut river, but cleared from New London Feb- 
 ruary 6th, 1794. An attempt was made to form a whaling company in New 
 London in 1795, and a meeting called at Miner's tavern for that purpose, 
 but it led to no result. Norwich next came forward, and sent out on a whaling 
 voyage a small new ship built in the Thames river, below Norwich, and 
 called the "Miantinomoh." She sailed from New London September 5th, 1800 
 (Captain Swain), and passing round Cape Horn, was reported at Massafuero 
 August 9th, 1801. She spent another year on the South .American coast, but 
 in April, 1802, was seized at Valparaiso by the Spanish authorities and con- 
 demned, the ship "Tryal," Coffin, of Nantucket, sharing the same fate. 
 
 In 1802, the ship "Despatch," Howard, was fitted out at New London, 
 to cruise in the south seas after whales ; but the voyage was not repeated. 
 The year 1805 mav therefore be considered as the period when the whaling 
 business actually commenced in the place, and the ship "Dauphin" the pioneer 
 in the trade. This vessel was built by Capt. John Barber, at Pawkatuck 
 Bridge, with express reference to the whale fishery. Her burden was two 
 hundred and forty tons, and when completed she was filled with wood and 
 sent to New York for sale. Not meeting with a purchaser, she returned and 
 
CITY OF NEW LONDON in 
 
 came into New London Harbor in the autumn of 1804. Here a company was 
 formed, chieflv through the exertions of Dr. S. H. P. Lee, the first mover 
 in the enterprise, who bought the ship and fitted her for whaling. 
 
 The "Dauphin." Capt. Laban Williams, sailed for the Brazil Banks Sep- 
 tember 6th, 1805. and arrived with her cargo June 14th, 1806. Dr. Lee then 
 bought the ship "Leonidas," in New York, and fitted her also for whaling. 
 Both ships sailed in August; Williams in the "Leonidas," and Alexander 
 Douglas in the "Dauphin." The "Dauphin" arrived in April, 1807, full. The 
 "Leonidas" arrived in June, 1807, 1,050 barrels. 
 
 In 1807 the ship "Lydia" was bought in New York, and put into the 
 business. The three ships went to the coast of Patagonia. The "Lydia" 
 (Douglas) arrived June 9th, 1808, 1,000 barrels. The "Dauphin" (Savre) 
 arrived June 13th, 1808, 900 barrels. The "Leonidas" (Wm. Barnes) arrived 
 June 23d, 1808, 1,200 barrels. The "Leonidas" left six of her crew on the 
 uninhabited island of Trinidad ; they had landed for refreshment, and the 
 weather becoming very boisterous, the wind blowing ofif from the island 
 and so continuing for many days, the vessel sailed without them. In July, 
 the schooner "Experiment" (S. P. Fitch) was sent to bring them away. The 
 "Leonidas" (Douglas) sailed again August 31st, 1808. 
 
 The embargo, non-intercourse and war, following close upon each other 
 from this period, entirely broke up this, as well as every other species of 
 commerce. The West India trade, which in former times had been the 
 source of so much wealth and prosperitj^ to the town, was never again ex- 
 tensively revived. After the conclusion of peace, only a few vessels were 
 engaged in that traffic, and everv year diminished the number. The whale 
 fishery seemed to ofTcr itself to fill the void of this declining trade. 
 
 In 1819 the whaling business was commenced anew by T. W. Williams 
 and Daniel Deshon ; the first officers employed consisted principally of per- 
 sons who had gained some experience in the former short period of the busi- 
 ness between 1805 and 1808. The brig "Mary" (James Davis) was sent out 
 by Williams; the brig "Mary Ann" (Inglis) and the ship "Carrier" (Alex- 
 ander Douglas) by Deshon. The "Mary" came in the next season, June 7th, 
 and brought the first results of the new enterprise. She was out ten months 
 and twenty days, and brought in 744 barrels of whale-oil and 78 of sperm. 
 The "Carrier" brought 028 barrels of whale ; the "IMary Ann" only 59. 
 
 In 1820, the brig "Pizarro" (Elias L. Coit) was added to the fleet, and 
 in 1821 the brig "Thames" (Bernard) and the ship "Commodore Perry" 
 (Davis). The last-named vessel was built in 1815, at East Greenwich. Rhode 
 Island, but coppered in New London, after she was engaged in the whaling 
 business. It was the first time that this operation was performed in the 
 place, and the "Commodore Perry" was the first copper-bottomed whaling 
 vessel sent from the port. On her first voyage she was out eigKr months and 
 four days, and brought in 1,544 barrels of whale oil and 81 of sperm. 
 
 The "Carrier" (O. Swain), 340 tons burden, was the first vessel from the 
 port that went out on the long voyage for sperm whale. She sailed for the 
 Pacific Ocean February 20th. 1821. and arrived July 12th, 1823, with 2,074 
 barrels. In November, 1821, sailed also for the Pacific the new ship "Ston- 
 ineton" (Ray), built at Stonington. but sent from New London. In 1822 the 
 ships "Connecticut." "Ann Maria" and "Jones" were added to the fleet, and 
 in 1824 the "Neptune." The four brigs and the ship "Carrier," after making 
 three and four voyages each, were withdrawn from the business; and as no 
 other vessels were added till 1827, at the commencement of that year the 
 whaling list of the port consisted of six ships only — three of them right whale 
 and three sperm cruisers. Of these, five were fitted out by T. W^ Williams, 
 
112 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 and the "Commodore Perry" by N. and W. W. Billings, who were then just 
 launching into the business, and who purchased the same year the "Superior" 
 and the "Phenix." 
 
 A fine ship that has for many years braved the storms of ocean cannot 
 be regarded with indifference. She has a history which, if it could be written, 
 would be full of interest. A few brief notes respecting the older ships belong- 
 ing to the port may therefore be acceptable. 
 
 The "Commodore Perry" made seventeen voyages, and the "Stonington" 
 thirteen. They both gave out. and were broken up in 1848. The "Con- 
 necticut" was condemned in a foreign port in 1848, was sold, and is still 
 afloat in the Pacific Ocean. The "Ann Maria" was run down by a French 
 whaler in the Indian Ocean in 1842. The "Jones" made sixteen voyages, and 
 was condemned in 1842. The "Neptune" and "Superior," two ships that 
 belonged to the whaling fleet of New London in 1852, were both built in 1808. 
 The "Superior" was built in Philadelphia, and purchased by N. and W. W. 
 Billings in 1827; the "Neptune" in New Bedford, and purchased by T. W. 
 Williams in 1824, for $1650. She had just returned from an unsuccessful 
 whaling voyage, fitted out from New York, and, being sixteen years old, the 
 sum paid for her was considered fully equal to her value. She sailed on her 
 first voyage from New London, June 7th, 1824, has made eighteen voyages, 
 and is now absent (1852) on her nineteenth, having been forty-four years 
 afloat. She has been more than once during that period rebuilt, but has not 
 lost her identity; her keel, stern-post and some of her floor-timbers belong 
 to the original frame. 
 
 No other service admits of such rapid promotion as whaling. In 1821, 
 Robert B. Smith went captain of the "Mary." His experience in the business 
 had been gained in two voyages only, but he proved to be one of the most 
 successful and enterprising masters in the trade. He was the first to reach 
 the amount of 2,000 barrels in one voyage, which he did in the "Ann Maria" 
 in 1823, the second time that he went out commander. He was absent eight 
 months and twenty-two days, and brought in 1.919 barrels of whale and 145 
 of sperm. In his sixth voyage he was unfortunately drowned in the Pacific 
 Ocean, being drawn overboard by a whale, to which he had just made fast 
 with his harpoon and line, December 28th, 1828. Captain Smith's four 
 brothers pursued the same line of enterprise. 
 
 Capt. James Smith made ten voyages as captain, and several of them 
 were eminently successful. In three successive voyages in the "Columbia," 
 made to the island of Desolation, from which he returned in 1840, 1842, and 
 1844, he brought in each time more than 4,000 barrels of oil. 
 
 Capt. Franklin Smith, another of the brothers, made the most successful 
 series of voyages to be found in the whaling annals of the port and probably 
 of the world I In seven voyages to the South Atlantic, in the employ of N. 
 and W. W. Billings, and accomplished in seven successive years, from 1831 
 to 1837, inclusive^ — one in the "Flora," one in the "Julius Cesar," and five in 
 the "Tuscarora" — he brought home 16,154 barrels of whale, 1,147 o^ sperm. 
 This may be regarded as a brilliant exhibiiton of combined good fortune and 
 skill. Two subsequent voyages made by him in the "Chelsea" were also 
 crowned with signal success. These nine voyages were accomplished between 
 June. 1830. and August, 1841. 
 
 Capt. John Rice was one of the crew of the brig "Mary" in 1819, and 
 sailed commander of the "Pizarro," June 9th, 1822. He is still in the service 
 (1852), in date of commission the oldest whaling captain of the port. 
 
 The single voyage that perhaps before any other merits special notice 
 is that of the "Clematis" (Capt. Benjamin), fitted out by Williams and Barnes, 
 
CITY OF NEW LONDON 113 
 
 and arriving July 4th, 1841. She was out ten months and twenty-nine days; 
 went round the world, and brought home 2,548 barrels of oil. This voyage, 
 when the time, the distance sailed, and the quantity of oil brought home are 
 considered in connection, merits to be ranked among remarkable achieve- 
 ments. 
 
 There is no associated line of business in which the profits are more 
 equitably divided among those engaged in it than in the whale fishery. The 
 owners, agents, officers and crew are all partners in the voyage, and each has 
 his proportionate share of the results. Its operation, therefore, is to enlarge 
 the means and multiply the comforts of the many, as well as to add to the 
 wealth of the wealthy. The old West India trade, which preceded it, was 
 destructive in a remarkable degree to human life and health, and engendered 
 habits of dissipation, turbulence, and reckless extravagance. The whaling 
 business is a great advance upon this, not only as it regards life, but also in 
 its relation to order, happiness and morality. The mass of the people, the 
 public, gained by the exchange. 
 
 In 1845, the whaling business reached its maximum ; seven vessels were 
 added that year to the fleet, which then consisted of seventy-one ships and 
 barks, one brig, and five schooners. In January, 1846, the "McLellan," of 
 336 tons, was purchased by Perkins and Smith, with thf design of making 
 an experiment in the Greenland fishery. This made the seventy-eighth vessel 
 sailing from New London in pursuit of whales, and ranked the place more 
 than 1,000 tons before Nantucket in the trade. New Bedford was still far 
 ahead, but no other port in the world stood between. 
 
 The "McLellan" has made six voyages to Davis' Straits; but the seasons 
 have been peculiarly unfavorable, and she has met with little success. She 
 is now absent (1852) on her seventh voyage. 
 
 Employed in the whale fishery from New London: 1820, one ship, three 
 brigs, 950 tons. 1846, seventy-one ships and barks, one brig, six schooners, 
 26,200 tons; capital embarked, nearly $2,000,000. In 1847, the tide began 
 to ebb ; the trade had been extended beyond what it would bear, and was 
 followed by a depression of the market and a scarcity of whale. The fleet 
 was that year reduced to fifty-nine ships and barks, one brig and six schoon- 
 •rs: total, sixty-six; tonnage, 22,625. I" 1850, about fifty vessels were em- 
 ployed, or 17,000 tons, and the capital about $1,200,000. In 1849 and 1850, 
 twenty-five whaling captains abandoned the business and went to California. 
 Value' of imports from the whale fishery, as exhibited by the custom-house 
 returns: 1850, $618,055; 1851, $1,109,410. 
 
 The following table of imports of whale and sperm oil into the port of 
 New London, from 1820 to 1851, inclusive, and most of the statistics of the 
 whale fishery since 1820, are taken from the Whaling Record of Henry P. 
 Haven, which exhibits the date, length, and results of every whaling voyage 
 made from New London since that period : 
 
 
 Ships and 
 
 
 Schooners 
 
 Barrels of 
 
 Barrels of 
 
 Year 
 
 Barks 
 
 Brigs 
 
 and Sloops 
 
 Whale Oil 
 
 Sperm Oil 
 
 1820 
 
 I 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 1. 731 
 
 78 
 
 1821 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 2,323 
 
 105 
 
 T822 
 
 I 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 4,528 
 
 194 
 
 1823 
 
 4 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 6,712 
 
 2.318 
 
 1824 
 
 3 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 4,996 
 
 1.924 
 
 1825 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 
 
 5483 
 
 '•'2^ 
 
 1826 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 2,804 
 
 88 
 
 1827 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 
 
 3.375 
 
 6.166 
 
 1828 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 
 
 5435 
 
 168 
 
 1829 
 
 9 
 
 
 
 
 
 11.325 
 
 2,20s 
 
NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 1S30 
 
 u 
 
 I83I 
 
 14 
 
 1832 
 
 12 
 
 1833 
 
 17 
 
 1834 
 
 9 
 
 183s 
 
 13 
 
 1836 
 
 12 
 
 1837 
 
 17 
 
 1838 
 
 15 
 
 1839 
 
 IS 
 
 1840 
 
 17 
 
 I84I 
 
 IS 
 
 1842 
 
 16 
 
 184a 
 
 20 
 
 1844 
 
 18 
 
 184s 
 
 21 
 
 1846 
 
 13 
 
 1847 
 
 35 
 
 1848 
 
 20 
 
 1849 
 
 17 
 
 1850 
 
 17 
 
 I85I 
 
 26 
 
 15,248 
 
 9.792 
 
 19,402 
 
 5,487 
 
 21,375 
 
 703 
 
 22,395 
 
 8,503 
 
 12,930 
 14,041 
 
 ,ti§ 
 
 18,663 
 
 3,198 
 
 26,774 
 
 8,469 
 
 25.523 
 
 3,426 
 
 26,278 
 
 4,094 
 
 32,038 
 
 4,110 
 
 26,893 
 
 3.920 
 
 28,165 
 
 4,055 
 
 34,677 
 
 3,598 
 
 39,816 
 
 2,296 
 
 52,576 
 
 1,411 
 
 27,441 
 
 1,306 
 
 76,287 
 
 4,765 
 
 54,115 
 
 3,606 
 
 38.030 
 
 1,949 
 
 36,545 
 
 1,603 
 
 67,508 
 
 2,914 
 
 Shortest voyage, ship "Manchester Packet," 1832; seven months and 
 nineteen days (not including voyages of the "McLellan" to Davis' Straits). 
 Longest voyage, ship "William C. Nye," arrived February loth, 1851 ; out 
 fifty-seven months and eleven days. Largest quantity of oil in one voyage, 
 ship "Robert Bowne," 1848, 4,850 barrels. Largest quantity of whale-oil in 
 one voyage, ship "Atlantic, 1848, 4,720 barrels. Largest quantity of sperm- 
 oil in one voyage, ship "Phoenix," 1833, 2,971 barrels. Largest quantity of 
 oil imported in any one ship, ship "Neptune," 27,845 whale, 2,710 sperm. 
 
 In 1847, the number of vessels employed from New London in freighting, 
 coasting and home fisheries was 171, viz., nine ships and barks, three brigs, 
 fifty-six schooners, 103 sloops and smacks ; whole burden, 12,300 tons.* The 
 number of seamen employed in the whale fishery and domestic trade was 
 about 3,000. 
 
 The year 1849 was distinguished by the general rush for California; 
 nineteen vessels sailed for that coast from New London, but of these one 
 schooner was fitted in Norwich, and two or three others were in part made 
 up from adjoining towns. The statistics of the business with California for 
 two years have been estimated as follows ("New London Democrat") : Sent 
 in 1849, four ships, three barks, twelve schooners; 3,745 tons. Passengers, 
 152; seamen, 186. Value of goods: merchandise, $3,->28; domestic products, 
 $70,418; domestic manufactures, $45,520. 
 
 Sent in 1850, one ship, one brig, three schooners ; 803 tons. Passengers. 
 15; seamen, 53. Value of merchandise, $1,905; domestic products, $19,598; 
 domestic manufactures, $10,524. 
 
 About fifty persons from New London went in steamers or vessels from 
 other ports. (Nine or ten vessels sailed for California from Mystic.) The 
 whole number that went from the place to California in those two years, as 
 
 * From statistics furnished the Harbor and River Convention, at Chicago, 
 1S47, by T. W. Williams. 
 
CITY OF NEW LONDON 115 
 
 seamen and passengers, could not have been less than 450. 
 
 Of the effect of the war of 1812 on New London, Miss Caulkins tells 
 many interesting anecdotes. One instance must serve: 
 
 Varied and numerous were the events of the town and neighborhood 
 during these three successive years of constant rigorous blockade. The slooj) 
 "Juno," Captain John Howard, continued to pi}- back and forth between New 
 London and New York during the whole war with but a single serious acci- 
 dent ; that was the loss of her mast b}' a shot of the enemy after being driven 
 into Saybrook Harbor. Her enterprising commander was well acquainted 
 with the Sound, made his trips during the darkest nights and in severest 
 storms, guided often by the lantern lights of the enemy's ships as he repeat- 
 edly ran through their blockading squadron. He was narrowly watched and 
 several times pursued by their boats and barges, but always eluded capture. 
 Sometimes when too closely pursued, a spirited fire from his cannon, four 
 pieces of which he always carried on deck, only to be used in defense, would 
 drive away his pursuers and secure his little craft from further molestation. 
 The fact that the enemy were fully apprised of his times of departure and 
 expected arrival, and in fact all his movements, through the newspapers, 
 which they could easily obtain, renders it the more remarkable that she 
 escaped their vigilance. 
 
 It is remarkable that during the whole war not a man in Connecticut 
 was killed, notwithstanding the long and vigorous blockade and the many 
 encounters between detachments of the enemy and the inhabitants. One 
 person only, a Mr. Dolph, lost his life on the waters of the coast, ofif Say- 
 brook, while engaged with others in recovering two prizes taken by the 
 enemy. Such a fact appears almost miraculous. 
 
 Commodore Decatur entertained the hope that some opportunity would 
 offer for his escape with his vessels during the winter, and watched for an 
 opportunity favorable to his design. His vessel dropped down and remained 
 at anchor opposite the town, and quietly remained waiting for some remiss- 
 ness of vigilance on the part of the enemy. At length the favorable time 
 seemed to have arrived. A dark night, a favorable wind, and fair tide, all 
 gave every expectation of success. But just as the little fleet were about 
 to start, "blue-lights" appeared on both sides of the river. Such an unusual 
 occurrence gave strong suspicions that these were concerted signals to the 
 enemy, and notwithstanding every preparation had been made with the most 
 profound secrecy, the commodore considered himself betrayed, and relin- 
 quished his intentions, making no further effort to run the blockade. Al- 
 though he was firm in his belief that his intentions were thus signaled to 
 the enemy, it was indignantly denied by the citizens that any traitorous 
 designs existed, and that the lights were accidental, or that those who 
 reported them to the commodore were mistaken. He, however, removed his 
 two large vessels up the river, where they were dismantled and only a guard 
 left on board. The "Hornet" remained at New London, and subsequently 
 slipped out of the harbor, and, eluding capture, reached New York in safety. 
 The restoration of peace in 1815 was an occasion of general rejoicing. 
 Our enemies became friends, and receptions, balls, and public rejoicings sig- 
 
ii6 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 nalized the event, in which the officers of the British squadron cordially par- 
 ticipated, and who were as cordially received by the citizens of the town. 
 Such was the close of the war of 1812. 
 
 We extract from Miss Caulkins' history the following accounts of early 
 e»terprise : 
 
 The first regular line of steamboats from New York to New London was 
 established in 1816. On the 28th of September in that year, the "Connecticut" 
 (Bunker) arrived from New York in twenty-one hours, which was regarded 
 as a signal triumph of steam, the wind and a swell of the tide being against 
 her. In October the regular line commenced, making two trips per week to 
 New Haven. The "Fulton" (Captain Law) was running at the same time 
 between New York and New Haven. The price of passage was five dollars 
 to New Haven, and from thence to New York, four dollars. Steam pro- 
 pellers, carrying principally freight, but some passengers, commenced navi- 
 gating the Sound in 1844. The first was the "Quinebaug." 
 
 In one respect New London stands in honorable connection with the 
 history of steam navigation. Capt. Moses Rogers, the commander of the 
 steamship "Savannah," the first steam vessel that ever crossed the Atlantic, 
 and Capt. Stevens Rogers, sailing-master of the same and brother-in-law of 
 the captain, were both natives of New London. The "Savannah" was built 
 in New York, under the direction of Captain Rogers, for a company in 
 Savannah, and was a full-rigged ship of about 350 tons burden, and fur- 
 nished with an engine of eighty or ninety horse-power, by which she made 
 about eight knots to the hour. She sailed for Savannah, May 26th, 1819, for 
 the sole purpose of making the grand experiment of ocean steam navigation. 
 Mr. Scarborough, of Savannah, one of the company that owned the steamer, 
 asserted that they had no other object in view; that anticipating the use of 
 steam-enginery in that line, and having a surplusage of profit on hand from 
 some successful operations of the company, instead of dividing it, they built 
 and fitted out the "Savannah," in order to give to America the honor of 
 making the first attempt to navigate the Atlantic by steam. 
 
 The passage to Liverpool was made in twenty-two days, fourteen by 
 steam and eight by sails, the latter being used solely through the prudence 
 of the captain to save the consumption of fuel, lest some emergency might 
 occur and the supply be exhausted. From Liverpool the steamer proceeded 
 to Copenhagen, and from thence to Stockholm and to St. Petersburg. At 
 these ports she excited universal admiration and interest. Lying at anchor 
 like a public vessel, with no business to accomplish, no port charges to defray, 
 no cargo to take on board, her stay was a continued reception of visitors, and 
 her whole passage through the Baltic might be likened to a triumphant pro- 
 cession. Bernadotte, King of Sweden, and the Emperor of Russia, with their 
 nobles and public officers, not only came on board to examine the wonderful 
 American steamer, but tested her performance by short excursions in the 
 neighboring waters. On the return home, the last place left in Europe was 
 Arendel, in Norway, from whence the passage to Savannah was made in 
 twenty-five days, nineteen by steam and six by sails. 
 
 Capt. Moses Rogers gained his experience as a steam engineer on the 
 Hudson river, where he had been engaged in some of the earliest experiments 
 in propelling vessels by steam. After his return from the voyage in the 
 "Savannah," he took command of a steamboat running on the Great Pedee 
 river, and died suddenly at Cheraw, South Carolina, September 15th, 1822, 
 at the age of forty-two years. 
 
CITY OF NEW LONDON 117 
 
 Capt. Stevens Rogers is now an officer of the customs in New London, 
 and from him the foregoing account of the first voyage by steam across the 
 Atlantic is derived. He has in his possession a massive gold snuff-box pre- 
 sented to him by Lord Lyndock, an English nobleman who took passage in 
 the steamer from Stockholm to St. Petersburg, through an arrangement made 
 for him by Mr. Hughes, the American Minister at the Swedish court. On the 
 inside of the lid is the following inscription: "Presented by Sir Thomas 
 Graham, Lord Lyndock, to Stevens Rogers, sailing-master of the steam-ship 
 'Savannah,' at St. Petersburg, October loth, 1819." 
 
 Capt. Moses Rogers, among other costly presents, received from the 
 Emperor of Russia an elegant silver tea-urn. The log-book kept during this 
 voyage is deposited in the National Institute at Washington. 
 
 The development of New London county since the Civil War days has 
 been mostly along the lines of manufacturing, though many of our smaller 
 towns are still chiefly agricultural in their interests. Special articles have 
 been prepared on many topics, but in general it may be said that our enter- 
 prises are characterized by their variety. The main industries are cotton 
 and woolen manufactures, with many others of great importance, among 
 them the making of quilts, of leather goods, of paper, of bleaching and 
 printing, of shipbuilding, the making of engines, of velvet, of machinery of 
 many sorts, of cutlery, of guns, of hardware, of birch and witch hazel oils, 
 of menhaden oil, of silk, of soap, of lace, and many other articles too numerous 
 to mention. The inventive genius of the Connecticut Yankee has been re- 
 vealed in our county as clearly as in the rest of the State. 
 
 The account of early newspapers is likewise of interest. The first news- 
 paper of the town bore the following title: "The New London Summary, or 
 The Weekly Advertiser, With the Freshest Advices, Foreign and Domestic." 
 
 At the close of the paper was the notification, "Printed by Timothy 
 Green." It was a folio sheet ; the size of the page about twelve inches by 
 eight, with two columns of print. The heading was adorned with an orna- 
 mented cut of the colony seal, with the escutcheon of the town added by 
 way of crest, viz., a ship in full sail. The first number was issued August 
 8th, 1758. The editor died August 3d, 1763, and the paper was discontinued. 
 
 2. "The New London Gazette," with a stamp of the king's arms, appeared 
 in November, 1763. The size was considerably increased, the print arranged 
 in three columns, and the price 6s. per annum, one-half to be paid on the 
 delivery of the first number. This was in fact the same paper under another 
 name, being a continuation by Timothy Green, nephew and assistant of the 
 former publisher; but as the numerical series of the summary was not con- 
 tinued, the numbers being commenced anew, it may be classed as another 
 paper. It was soon enlarged in size, and the name changed in the course of 
 a few years to "The Connecticut Gazette." This had been the title of the 
 first newspaper in the colony, established in New Haven, 1755, by James 
 Parker and Co., John Holt, editor, but discontinued in 1767, and there being 
 then no paper in the colony bearing that title, it was adopted by the pro- 
 
ii8 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 prietor of the New London paper. In 1789 Mr. Green took his son Samuel 
 into partnership with him, and the "Gazette" was issued by Timothy Green 
 and Son to 1794, when Samuel Green assumed the whole business. In 1805 
 he retired a while from the paper, and it was issued by Cady and Eells (Eben- 
 ezer P. Cady and Nathaniel Eells). In May. 1808, it was resumed by Green, 
 and continued to January, 1838, when it passed for two years into the hands 
 of John J. Hyde, who was both editor and publisher. In 1840 it reverted to 
 the former proprietor, or to his son, S. H. Green, and was conducted by the 
 latter to July, 1841. The next editor was A. G. Seaman, by whom it was 
 continued about three years, after which the existence of the "Gazette" en- 
 tirely ceased. It had been issued regularly under the name of the "Gazette" 
 for more than eighty years. 
 
 We would here notice that the Spooner family, which is connected with 
 the history of newspapers in this country, was linked both by marriage and 
 occupation with the Greens. Judah P. Spooner and Alden Spooner, early 
 printers in Vermont, were sons of Thomas Spooner (who came to New- 
 London from Newport in 1753), and brothers-in-law of Timothy Green. 
 Alden Spooner (2d), son of the first-named of the brothers, was a native of 
 New London. He is known as the editor of the "Suffolk Gazette," published 
 at Sag Harbor from 1804 to 181 1, and of the "Long Island Star," which he 
 conducted from i8il to his death, a period of about thirty-five years. 
 
 Charles Miner, long a noted printer in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, 
 obtained his knowledge of the business in the "Gazette" office at New London. 
 He was for a number of years a member of Congress, and has left an endur- 
 ing memorial of his talents and research in the "History of Wyoming," of 
 which he is the author. 
 
 Green's "Connecticut Register" was first published in 1785, and again 
 in 1786; it was then intermitted for one year, but has regularly appeared every 
 year since, making, inclusive of 1852, seventy-six volumes.* 
 
 After the year 1750, the Greens annually printed an "Almanac or Astro- 
 nomical Diary." The first numbers were prepared by James Davis, and 
 calculated for the meridian of New London. Next to the series of Davis, 
 they reprinted the "Boston Almanac" of Nathaniel Ames, until 1766, when 
 Clark Elliott, a mathematician and instrument maker who had settled in 
 New London, commenced an independent series of almanacs which were at 
 first published with his own name but afterward with the assumed one of 
 Edmund Freebetter. This change is said to have been caused by a mistake 
 which Elliott made in one of his astronomical calculations, which so much 
 disconcerted him that he refused ever after to affix his name to the almanac. 
 He died in 1793, and Nathan Daboll, of Groton, began his series of almanacs 
 with that year, which were continued by him during his life, and have been 
 
 * Col. Samuel Green, for so many years editor and proprietor of the "Gazette," though 
 no longer a resident in New London, is still living (1852), eighty-four, realizing that happy 
 enjoyment of health, cheerfulness and prosperity which is designated as a green old age. 
 
CITY OF NEW LONDON 119 
 
 prepared by successors of the same name and family to the present year, 1852. 
 Nathan Daboll was a self-taught mathematician. He compiled an arith- 
 metic which was extensively used in the schools of New England, and a 
 system of practical navigation that was also highly esteemed. He opened a 
 school in New London for the common and higher branches of mathematics, 
 and the principles of navigation. He died in Groton, March 9th, 1918, aged 
 sixty-eight. 
 
 3. "The Weekly Oracle, printed and published by James Springer, oppo- 
 site the Market," was the title of a newspaper commenced at New London in 
 October, 1796, and continued four years. 
 
 4. "The Bee, printed and published by Charles Holt." This paper was 
 commenced June 14th, 1797, and discontinued June 30th, 1802. The editor 
 immediately issued proposals for publishing a paper with the same title at 
 Hudson, New York. "The Bee" may therefore be considered as transferred 
 to that place. This paper was a prominent organ of the Democratic party, 
 and under the administration of the elder Adams the editor was arrested for 
 a libel, tried by the United States Court then sitting at New Haven, and 
 under the provisions of the sedition law condemned to six months' imprison- 
 me;it and to pay a fine of $200. Charles Holt was a native of New London ; 
 he died in Jersey City, opposite New York, in August, 1852, aged seventy- 
 eight. 
 
 5. "The Republican Advocate," established in February, 1818, continued 
 about ten years. It was first issued by Clapp and Francis (Joshua B. Clapp 
 and Simeon Francis), but after four or five years the partnership dissolved. 
 Francis removed to the west, and for a number of years published a news- 
 paper in Springfield, Illinois. Clapp continued the "Advocate" alone until 
 about the close of the year 1828, when he sold the establishment to John 
 Eldridge. The latter changed the name to "The Connecticut Sentinel," but 
 the publication was not long continued. 
 
 6. "The People's Advocate, and New London County Republican." This 
 paper was commenced August 26, 1840, with the immediate object in view 
 of promoting the election of William Henry Harrison to the presidency. The 
 proprietor was Benjamin P. Bissell. The editor for 1840, John Jay Hyde; 
 for 1841, Thomas P. Trott. Bissell then took the whole charge of the paper 
 till his death, September 3d, 1842. In 1843, J. G. Dolbeare and W. D. Man- 
 ning appeared as associate editors and proprietors, but the next year Dol- 
 beare assumed the sole editorship. In November, 1844, he commenced the 
 first daily paper published in New London; it was a folio sheet, the page 
 twelve inches by nine, and called "The Morning News." In April, 1848, the 
 "Advocate" and the "News" were merged in the "Weekly and Daily Chron- 
 icle," which, commencing a new series of numbers and bearing a different 
 name, must be considered as altogether a new undertaking. 
 
 7. "The New London Democrat" was commenced March 22d, 1845, by 
 J. M. Scofield and S. D. Macdonald ; but the second editor retired with the 
 publication of the forty-fourth number. January ist, 1848, Scofield, in con- 
 
I20 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 nection with the "Democrat," commenced a daily paper entitled "The Morn- 
 ing Star." He has since emigrated to California, having assigned his whole 
 printing establishment, January ist, 1849, to D. S. Ruddock, the present editor 
 and proprietor of the "Star and Democrat." 
 
 8. "The New London Weekly and Daily Chronicle" were first issued in 
 May, 1848, by C. F. Daniels and F. H. Bacon, an association which continued 
 for three years. Since August, 1851, C. F. Daniels has been sole editor and 
 proprietor. 
 
 The above are all the serial publications of the town that have been 
 continued long enough to count their existence by years. Transient under- 
 takings for a special purpose, and some occasional papers not issued at regular 
 intervals have been omitted. 
 
 The following passage is selected from an article by Miss Charlotte M. 
 Holloway, written in 1897: 
 
 New I,ondon fairly teems with well authenticated anecdotes of the Revo- 
 lution, and it is hard to pass through the older part of the town without find- 
 ing objects of interest ; but the Revolutionary part of local history has been 
 so thoroughly covered that but passing mention can be made of the houses 
 which stood in that period. 
 
 On Main street are the Guy Richards, corner Main and Richards streets; 
 the Red Fox Tavern, where Washington stopped in 1756; the Episcopal par- 
 sonage, the home of Mather Byles; and the Burbeck house, all between Fed- 
 eral and Masonic streets. The latter was the home of Maj.-Gen. Henry 
 Burbeck, brevet brigadier-general of the United States army, the founder of 
 the United States Military Academy, and second chief of artillery, and the 
 man who did so much to bring that branch of service to its splendid rank. 
 He served with distinction in the Revolution, was a personal friend of Wash- 
 ington, served with great distinction as chief of artillery to General Wayne 
 in the war with the Miamis, was thanked in general orders, and in 1800 was 
 in military command of all the Atlantic seaboard and Eastern and Middle 
 States, with his headquarters at Washington, and in 1801 began the Academy 
 at West Point. After a faithful, continuous service in the most useful and 
 arduous labor for the advancement of the army, he was retired, and devoted 
 himself to his home in New London. On July 4, 1846, he was made president 
 of the Massachusetts Society of the Cincinnati. He died in October, 1848, 
 and the Cincinnati erected the fine shaft to his memory in Cedar Grove. The 
 town had a taste of his quality. It had decreed that the three elms which 
 stand before the house should fall. The General determined they should not, 
 and when he placed himself before them, gun in hand, and swore to shoot 
 the first who touched them, he persuaded the selectmen that he was right. 
 Within the old house now dwell his sons, William Henry, a member of the 
 Cincinnati and the Sons of the American Revolution ; John ; and Charlotte, 
 who is nearing one hundred years, an honorary member of the Lucretia Shaw 
 Chapter, D. A. R., which has three daughters of Revolutionary soldiers on 
 its list. 
 
 The Hempstead house, built and fortified in 1678, is the third oldest in 
 the State. It was the home of Sheriff Hempstead, famous for his skill and 
 courage, and of the Joshua whose diary is such a mine of gossip and informa- 
 tion. It is preserved faithfully, as it was known to generations of Hemp- 
 stead, its quaint interior unmarred by modern touch by its owner, the well- 
 
CITY OF NEW LONDON 121 
 
 known author, Mary Bolles Branch, a descendant of Hempsteads. The old 
 stone house wreathed with ivy, its neighbor, was built by Huguenots, in 1697. 
 On the plateau of Manwaring Hill, commanding a magnificent view of 
 the Sound, a site of surpassing beauty, stands the old Manwaring manor. 
 Since 1660 the land has been in possession of the family. No one has read 
 Miss Caulkins' "History of New London" without being impressed with the 
 limpid clearness of her style and the pleasant humor which made her digress 
 occasionally from the dry-as-dust pathway of fact to pluck some of the fra- 
 grant flowers of tradition. Frances Manwaring Caulkins was born in New 
 London, April 26, 1795, and died here, February 3, 1869. Through her father 
 she was a descendant of Hugh Caulkins, who came with Richard Blinman, 
 the first minister of the colony. On her mother's side her ancestry was noted 
 in early English history, Sir Ranulphus de Manwaring being justice of Ches- 
 ter in 1189-99; another, Sir William, was killed in the streets of Chester, 
 defending Charles L, October 9, 1644. For thirty generations the Manwarings 
 held Over Peover, the family seat. Her father died before she was born, and 
 her uncle, Christopher Manwaring, a gentleman noted for generosity, culture 
 and literary tastes, was exceedingly fond of his talented niece, aiding her with 
 his library, and for seven years she dwelt with him. When she desired tij 
 teach, he set apart a room, still called her schoolroom. He married for his 
 second wife Mary Wolcott, a noted beauty, and daughter of the famous Wol- 
 cott family. The widow of his son. Dr. Robert Alexander Manwaring, Ellen 
 Barber Manwaring (daughter of Noyes Barber, for eighteen years Congress- 
 man from this district, the friend of Henry Clay, Daniel Webster and William 
 Henry Harrison, who was to have had him in his cabinet), occupies the 
 mansion with her only son, Wolcott B. Manwaring. 
 
 No landmark in New London is more interesting than its old mill. The 
 following poem by M. G. Brainard, in the "New London Day," is rich in 
 suggestion : 
 
 THE OLD MILL AT NEW LONDON 
 
 The same old mill that Winthrop built; 
 
 Few were the men that saw it rise ; 
 Today it passes on their life, 
 
 Transmitted through the centuries. 
 
 In quietude this lowly house 
 
 Has stood beside the peaceful glen. 
 And seen the busy years go by, 
 
 Full of the toils of busy men. 
 
 Has stood through revolution's blood 
 
 Recorded Arnold's guilty raid, 
 And looked on England's ships of war, 
 
 From out its oft secluded shade; 
 
 Has seen our churches and our schools 
 
 With tower and spire rise one by one; 
 Has heard the chimes of Sabbath bells 
 
 Ring out their call from sire to son. 
 
 Has heard the rising city's din. 
 
 The railroad's shriek, the steamboat's call. 
 Yet never through the tumult lost 
 
 The dash of its own waterfall. 
 
NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 And men have rome and men have gone, 
 Houses been built and homes laid low; 
 
 And now, the same old mill-stone turns 
 E'en as two centuries ago. 
 
 How many through this wild ravine 
 Have wandered in their youthful day, 
 
 And where the water rushed between, 
 
 Have skipped from rock to rock their way. 
 
 Then, from the miller's humbler door, 
 With borrowed cup, have rushed in haste 
 
 To where the ever-flowing trough 
 Poured for each thirsty lip a taste. 
 
 How many by the placid pond. 
 The little wharf, the dainty bridge. 
 
 Have watched the willows as they dipped 
 Their fringes in the water's edge. 
 
 Or, lingering near this quiet spot 
 In the soft moonlight pale and still, 
 
 Have listened to the water's gush 
 And drank the peace of the old mill. 
 
 Some changes — 'tis not all the same; 
 
 The years could never leave us all ; 
 Time's footsteps make their impress felt, 
 
 However silent be their fall. 
 
 Some little, low, deserted room, 
 With lacy cobwebs hanging o'er 
 
 Some widening rifts among the laths 
 Show what was once that is no more. 
 
 And still the water wends its way 
 With rush and gush of happy sound, 
 
 And throws its arch of sparkling spray. 
 And pushes the big wheel around. 
 
 Long may the ancient mill-stone grind ! 
 
 Long may the ancient mill be seen ! 
 Long wave the trees, long flow the pond ! 
 
 Long rest the rocks in their ravine! 
 
 Long, through the narrow, open door 
 And little window o'er the wheel, 
 
 May sunshine gleam upon the floor 
 O'er golden heaps and bags of meal. 
 
 Soft be the touch of rushing time, 
 Swift as they need the prompt repairs ; 
 
 Reverent the care shall pass thee on 
 As thou hast been, to waitmg years. 
 
CHAPTER VI 
 
 THE CITY OF NORWICH 
 
 Its Founding — First Settlers— Development of th: Town— During the Revolution- 
 Reminiscent Letters from Former Residents — Beginnings of Manufacturing— Early 
 Newspapers — The Jubilee of 1859 — Abraham Lincoln Visits the City — Roll of Noted 
 People — Description of the Town by Henry Ward Beecher. 
 
 The following is from the pen of Edmund Clarence Stedman: 
 THE INLAND CITY (1851) 
 
 Guarded by circling streams and wooded mountains 
 
 Like sentinels round a queen, 
 Dotted with groves and musical with fountains, 
 
 The city lies serene. 
 
 Not far away the Atlantic tide diverges, 
 
 And, up the southern shore 
 Of gray New England, rolls in shortened surges, 
 
 That murmur evermore. 
 
 The fairy city ! not for frowning castle 
 
 Do I extol her name; 
 Not for the gardens and the domes palatial 
 
 Of Oriental fame; 
 
 Yet if there be one man who will not rally, 
 
 One man, who sayeth not 
 That of all cities in the Eastern valley 
 
 Ours is the fairest spot; 
 
 Then let him roam beneath those elms gigantic, 
 
 Or idly wander where 
 Shetucket flows meandering, where Yantic 
 
 Leaps through the cloven air, 
 
 Gleaming from rock to rock with sunlit motion, 
 
 Then slumbering in the cove ; 
 So sinks the soul from Passion's wild devotion, 
 
 To the deep calm of love. . 
 
 And journey with me to the village olden. 
 
 Among whose devious ways 
 Are mossy mansions, rich with legends golden 
 
 Of early forest days; 
 
 Elysian time ! when by the rippling water. 
 
 Or in the woodland groves. 
 The Indian warrior and the Sachem's daughter 
 
 Whispered their artless loves; 
 
124 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 Legends of fords, where Uncas made his transit. 
 
 Fierce for the border war, 
 And drove all day the alien Narragansett 
 
 Back to his haunts afar; 
 
 Tales of the after time, when scant and humble 
 
 Grew the Mohegan band. 
 And Tracy, Griswold, Huntington and Trumbull, 
 
 Were judges in the land. 
 
 So let the caviler feast on old tradition, 
 
 And then at sunset climb 
 Up yon green hill, where, on his broadened vision 
 May burst the view sublime 1 
 
 The city spires, with stately power impelling 
 
 The sou] to look above. 
 And peaceful homes, in many a rural dwelling. 
 
 Lit up with flames of love;— 
 
 And then confess, nor longer idly dally, 
 
 While sinks the lingering sun. 
 That of all cities in the Eastern valley 
 
 Ours is the fairest one. 
 
 The town of Norwich is bounded on the north by Sprague and Franklin, 
 on the east by Lisbon and Preston, on the south by Preston and Montville, 
 and on the west by Bozrah and Franklin. The original town of nine miles 
 square has lost its area by the setting off of Bozrah, Franklin and Lisbon in 
 1786, and by the loss of a portion of the present Preston in 1687. The deed 
 of the town land was executed by Uncas, Owaneco, and Attawanhood June 
 6, 1659, and reads as follows : 
 
 Deed of Norwich. 
 Know all men that Onkos, Owaneco, Attawanhood, Sachems of Mohegan 
 have Bargined, sold, and passed over, and doe by these presents sell and pass 
 over unto the Towne and Inhabitants of Norwich nine miles square of land 
 lying and being at Moheagan and the parts thereunto adjoyneing, with all 
 ponds, rivers, woods, quarries, mines, with all royalties, privileges, and appur- 
 tenances thereunto belonging, to them the said inhabitants of Norwich, theire 
 heirs and successors forever — the said lands are to be bounded as followeth. 
 (viz.) to the southward on the west side of the Great River, ye line is to begin 
 at the brooke falling into the head of Trading Cove, and soc to run west 
 norwest seven miles — from thence the line to run nor north east nine miles, 
 and on the East side the afores'd river to the southward the line is to joyne 
 with New London bounds as it is now laid out and soe to run east two miles 
 from the foresd river, nor norwest nine miles to meet with the western line. 
 
 In consideration whereof the sd Onkos. Owaneco and Attawanhood doe 
 
 acknowledge to have received of the parties aforesd the full and juste sum 
 of seventy pounds and doe promise and engage ourselves, heirs and succes- 
 sors, to warrant the sd bargain and sale to the aforesd parties, their heirs and 
 successors, and them to defend from all claimes and molestations from any 
 
CITY OF NORWICH 125 
 
 whatsoever. — In witness whereof we have hereunto set to our hands this 6th 
 of June, Anno 1659. 
 
 Unkos 
 
 OWANECO 
 
 Attawanhood 
 Witness hereunto, John Mason, Thomas Tracy. 
 
 This deed is recorded in the Country Booke, August 20th, 1663: as attests 
 John Allyn, secretary. The bounds of this tract, as more particularly de- 
 scribed in the first volume of the Proprietors' Records, were as follows: 
 
 The line commenced at the mouth of Trading Cove, where the brook falls 
 into the cove ; thence W. N. W. seven miles to a Great Pond (now in the 
 corner of Bozrah and Colchester), the limit in this direction being denoted 
 by a black oak marked N that stood near the outlet of "Great Brook that runs 
 out of the pond to Norwich river," thence N. N. E. nine miles to a black oak 
 standing on the south side of the river (Shetucket), "a little above Maw-mi- 
 ag-waug"; thence S. S. E. nine miles, crossing the Shetucket and the Quine- 
 baug, and passing through "a Seader Swamp called Catantaquck," to a white 
 oak tree, marked N. thirteen rods beyond a brook called Quo-qui-qua-soug, 
 the space from the Quinebaug to this tree being just one mile and fifty-eight 
 rods; thence S. S. W. nine miles to a white oak marked N. near the dwelling- 
 houses of Robert Allyn and Thomas Rose, where Norwich and New London 
 bounds join ; thence west on the New London bounds, crossing the southern 
 part of Mr. Brewster's land, two miles to Mohegan river, opposite the mouth 
 of Trading Cove brook where the first bounds began. 
 
 Such were the bounds, as reviewed and renewed in October, 1685, by an 
 authorized committee, accompanied by the two sachems and some of the 
 chief men of Mohegan. The former deed of 1659, with the boundaries thus 
 described and explained, was then ratified and confirmed by "Owaneca, 
 sachem of Mohegan, son and heire unto Vnchas deceased," and "Josiah, son 
 and heire unto Owaneca," in a new deed, signed by them October 5th, 1685, 
 witnessed by John Arnold and Stephen GifTord, and acknowledged before 
 James Fitch, assistant. 
 
 The southern boundary line, it will be observed, is nine miles in length, 
 two east of the river, and seven west, without counting the breadth of the 
 Thames, and the length of Trading Cove to the mouth of the brook, which 
 would make this line nearly ten miles long. This is explained in the deed to 
 be designed as a compensation for "the benefit and liberty of the waters and 
 river for fishing and other occasions," reserved to the Indians. 
 
 Of the original so-called "thirty-five proprietors," Miss Caulkins writes 
 as follows : 
 
 Who were the original proprietors of Norwich? The current statement 
 that they were just thirty-five in number is based upon the authority of his- 
 torians writing more than a century after the settlement. Dr. Trumbull in 
 his "History of Connecticut" gives this number, relying, it is supposed, upon 
 a list furnished in 1767 by the Rev. Dr. Lord, pastor of the First Church of 
 Norwich. Dr. Lord's manuscript is extant. He says: "The town of Norwich 
 was settled in the spring of 1660: the Purchase of sd Town was made in ye 
 month of June, 1659, by 35 men." 
 
126 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 He then gives a list of the names, which includes several who were 
 minors at that time, and one at least (John Elderkin) whose earliest grant 
 at Norwich was in 1667. 
 
 Laying aside, therefore, all subsequent statements and recurring to the 
 oldest records remaining at Norwich from which these abstracts must have 
 been derived, it is found that the original records were very deficient in giving 
 dates to the early grants. Resolutions passed at different periods in the 
 town meetings refer to this defect. 
 
 In 1672 a new record of lands was made under direction of the town 
 authorities, by James Fitch, Jr. It was commenced May ist of that year, 
 and the book contains a registry of the town lands and grants, "so far as 
 copies of said lands were brought in by the inhabitants." The number of 
 land-owners recorded is seventy-eight, three or four of whom were non- 
 residents. In 1681 the inhabitants declaring themselves sensible of a defi- 
 ciency in their original records, appointed three of the first-comers, Thomas 
 Leffingwell, Thomas Adgate, and John Post, to search for the original dates 
 of former acts and grants, but nothing appears to have been done under this 
 commission. 
 
 May 3d, 1684, Christopher Huntington, recorder, at the request of John 
 Olmstead, who, he says, "desireth to have the primitive date set to his record 
 of land, which hath not been done heretofore for the want of an orderly dating 
 by the first recorder, Mr. Birchard," ascertains the true date, and affixes it 
 under his signature — "which date we find out of an antient wrighting which 
 respects our purchase interest, and right, to be in the yeare of our Lord upon 
 the 30th day of June 1659." Again, December i8th, 1694, the town, after 
 adverting to their former negligence in the record of proprietary lands, 
 nominated a committee of six men "to search out and do the best they can 
 to find the names of first purchasers, and what estate each of them put in, 
 and report to the town." 
 
 The striking fact is here disclosed that in little more than thirty years 
 after the settlement, the number of the first proprietors, the amount of each 
 one's subscription, and the names of all the purchasers, were not generally 
 known and could not be determined without some difficulty. 
 
 No report of the last commission is recorded. Not long afterwards, 
 Capt. James Fitch was employed in the same business. He began a new 
 registry of lands, copying original records where he could find them, stating 
 bounds as they then existed, and affixing dates as nearly accurate as could 
 be ascertained. It is from this registry that the various lists of the thirty-five 
 proprietors have been gathered. Home lots, that seem to have constituted 
 original grants, not having been alienated or purchased, were m general dated 
 November, 1659. But the whole number that appears to be included under 
 this date, either expressly or by implication, is thirty-eight, and it is difficult 
 to decide which of these should be rejected, so as to leave the number just 
 thirty-five. 
 
 The following list comprises those against whom not only nothing is 
 found to militate against their being ranked as first proprietors, but, on the 
 contrary, the records either prove conclusively, or favor the idea, that they 
 belonged to that class: Rev. James Fitch, Major John Mason, Thomas Adgate, 
 Robert Alhn, William Backus, William Backus, Jr., John Baldwin, John 
 Birchard, Thomas Bliss. Morgan Bowers. Hugh Calkins^ John Calkins, Rich- 
 ard Edgerton, Francis Griswold, Christopher Huntington, Simon Huntington, 
 William Hyde, Samuel Hyde. Thomas Leffingwell, John Olmstead, John 
 Pease, John Post. Thomas Post, John Reynolds, Jonathan Royce, Nehemiah 
 Smith, Thomas Tracy, Robert Wade. 
 
A 
 
 Lhrn^A 
 
 h^' 
 
 
 if-j^'.rj 
 
 \n OF THr C REDN NOP\MCH IM IS I 
 W \S THE OLD COURT HOI SE AFTER\\ \ 
 TH \r ON THF roRNEI A TAVI F N THE 
 
 THi MFrriNc Housr of thp rocK 
 
 IN THI SI TTLFMFNT 
 
CITY OF NORWICH 127 
 
 Others having original home-lots and all the privileges of first pro- 
 prietors were: Thomas IBingham, John Bradford, John Gager, Stephen Giflord, 
 Richard Hendv. Thomas Howard, Thomas Waterman, John Tracy, Josiah 
 Reed. Richard "Wallis. 
 
 Of this second class, Bingham, GifTord, Howard, Reed, Tracy and Water- 
 man, were probably minors when the plantation commenced. They were all 
 married between 1666 and 1670. inclusive, and were all living, except Howard) 
 in 1702, when a roll of the inhabitants was made in reference to a division of 
 land which distinguished the surviving first proprietors from the list of ac- 
 cepted inhabitants. Bingham, GifFord, Reed, Tracy and Waterman were 
 enrolled with the latter, which would seem to settle the point that they were 
 not original proprietors. 
 
 Most of these names, however, are necessary in order to make up the 
 charmed number thirty-five. From the position these young men took, and 
 the prominence of their descendants in the history of the town, they seem to 
 have a higher claim to be ranked as proprietors than some of the earlier class. 
 Hendy and Wallis, for instance, of whom we know little more than their 
 names, and, accepting the six minors, we are brought back to the time-honored 
 prescriptive number, thirty-five. Stephen Backus, another minor, became a 
 proprietor in the right of his father, William Backus, who died soon after 
 the settlement. 
 
 The Town-plot was laid out in a winding vale, which followed the course 
 of the rapid, circuitous Yantic, and was sheltered for the greater part of the 
 way, on either side, by abrupt and rocky but well-wooded hills. A broad 
 street or highway was opened through this valley, on each side of which the 
 home-lots were arranged. A pathway was likewise cleared from the center 
 of the settlement to the Indian landing place below the Falls of the Yantic. 
 near the head of the Cove, following the old Indian trail from Ox-hill to 
 Yantic ford. This path, called by the settlers Mill-Lane, was the most eligible 
 route by which the effects of the planters could be conveyed. In some places 
 the forests had been thinned of their undergrowth by fires, to afford scope 
 for the Indians in their passionate love of the chase, and the beaver had done 
 his part towards clearing the lowlands and banks of the rivers. A few wig- 
 wams were scattered here and there, the occasional abodes of wandering 
 families of Indians at certain seasons of the year, who came hither for sup- 
 plies of fish, fruit, or game; and the summits of some of the hills were 
 crowned with disorderly heaps of stones, showing where some rude defense 
 had been constructed in the course of their wars. But in every other respect 
 the land was in its natural wild state. It was a laborious task to cut down 
 trees, to burn the underbrush, to mark out roads and pathways, to throw 
 temporary bridges over the runs of water, and to collect materials for 
 building. 
 
 The home-lots comprised each a block of several acres, and were in 
 general river-lands, favorable for mowing, pasture and tillage. Here lay the 
 prime advantage to be gained by a change of residence, the first proprietors 
 being, with scarcely a single exception, agriculturists and farmers. 
 
 Of the coming of the settlers from Saybrook, no better description has 
 
128 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 been given than that of Rev. Dr. Lewellyn Pratt, delivered at the two hundred 
 and fiftieth anniversary of the founding. He says : 
 
 I presume that I have been selected to speak this opening word in the 
 public services of this 250th anniversary, as a native and representative of the 
 old town of Saybrook. I am to remind you of "the rock whence ye were 
 hewn and the hole of the pit whence ye were digged." 
 
 As we all know, the band of pilgrims who came here in 1659-60 came for 
 the most part from Saybrook. An independent colony had been established 
 there under the leadership of Gov. John Winthrop the younger. It was a 
 colony animated by great expectations. The importance of the location at 
 the mouth of the great river, the prospect and the purpose of building there a 
 large city, and the hope that many prominent men would soon follow, made 
 it an attractive spot to enterprising souls. That settlement was begun in 
 1635, the same year that Hooker brought his colony through the wilderness 
 to Hartford. Lion Gardiner, an engineer who had seen service under the 
 Prince of Orange in the Netherlands, was induced by Governor Winthrop 
 to come to fortify the place, to lay out the ground for a city, and to "make 
 preparation for the reception of men of quality" who were soon to follow 
 from England. He remained four years and was succeeded by Col. George 
 Fenwick, and he in turn by Maj. John Mason. During the first years, trouble- 
 some years of defence aj^ainst the frequent assaults of the Indians, the settle- 
 ment had for its center and principal feature the fort which Gardiner had 
 built at the first. About this were clustered the houses, and in this, in the 
 Great Hall, was the gathering place for defense, for transaction of business, 
 and for worship. No church was formed at first, for it was principally a 
 military post, and the chaplain of the post. Rev. John Higginson, was the 
 spiritual guide of the colony. Col. George Fenwick, after the failure of "the 
 men of quality" who were expected to join him in the enterprise, transferred 
 his colony, in 1644, to Connecticut, and soon after, saddened by the death of 
 his wife, Lady Alice, returned with his children to England, and Maj. John 
 Mason was persuaded to receive the investment and to make Saybrook his 
 home. There he remained as leader for twelve years. 
 
 Under his administration the colony thrived, and a more extended settle- 
 ment was made north, east and west. In 1646 a church was formed, and the 
 Rev. James Fitch, who had studied with the Rev. Thomas Hooker and who 
 was recommended by him, became pastor, and Thomas Adgate deacon. Mr. 
 Fitch's ministry, whom Trumbull speaks of as a "famous young gentleman" 
 (he was in his twenty-fourth year when he was settled), proved to be a very 
 happy and successful one. Notwithstanding the hostility of the Dutch and 
 the Indians, the plantation grew by the moving in of choice families, some 
 of them from Windsor and Hartford, attracted in part by the popularity of 
 the young preacher. We have meager records of that period, but it seems 
 to have been one that promised well for the settlement, which was now 
 assuming the consequence of a real plantation and becoming something more 
 than a military post. 
 
 After a lapse of fourteen or fifteen years, however, we find that a check 
 is to be given to this progress, the intimation of which is clearly marked by 
 this order of the General Court of Connecticut, dated May 20, 1659: "This 
 court having considered the petition presented by the inhabitants of Seabrook, 
 doe declare yt they approve and consent to what is desired by ye petitioners 
 respecting Mohegin, provided yt within ye space of three years they doe effect 
 a Plantation in ye place prpounded." 
 
 We would like to know more of his petition and of the list of names 
 
CITY OF NORWICH 
 
 129 
 
 signed to it, but no copy has been preserved. The order speaks of the "in- 
 habitants of Seabrook," which seems to imply that a majority proposed to 
 remove ; and the fact that Mr. Fitch, their pastor, decided to come with them, 
 also lends color to that view. It is doubtful, however, if the majority actually 
 came. Mr. Fitch may have recognized the greater need of those who were 
 to go into new conditions and who would require his experience and counsel 
 in the organizations they must effect. Apparently, it was not regarded as 
 the removal of the church, although its pastor and deacon came— Saybrook 
 has always dated the organization of its church in 1646, and Norwich 1660 — 
 but in all probability the younger and more enterprising of the colony came, 
 and the loss to Saybrook was most seriously felt. For several years, till 1665, 
 the colony and church that were left behind were in a disheartened state. 
 
 Many reasons have been surmised for the removal, some of them too 
 frivolous to be accepted, as that which has been so often repeated — that these 
 Norwich pioneers, with Major Mason and James Fitch at their head, were 
 "driven out by the crows and blackbirds that destroyed their corn." We 
 may imagine many reasons ; among them, perhaps, was the disappointment 
 that the men who had planned to settle at Saybrook and who would have 
 given peculiar character and standing to that colony had failed to come ; and 
 even their representative. Colonel Fenwick, had lost heart in the enterprise 
 and abandoned it. Then, there were the inducements which the friendly 
 Indians here held out and the offer of a large tract of land for settlement. 
 
 The peculiar beauty of this section, with its wooded hills, its fertile plains 
 and running brooks, attracted them. The pioneer spirit appealed to them, 
 was in their blood, as in all the colonies at that time. They must go some- 
 where. So Hooker had come to Hartford, Pynchon to Springfield, Roger 
 Williams to Rhode Island, Jonathan Brewster to Windsor and Brewster's 
 Neck. Probably this Norwich colony had as reasons for the removal some 
 like those given by Hooker's companv in their petition for permission for 
 removal to Flartford, which were: i. "Want of room where we are." 2. "The 
 fruitfulness and commodiousness of Connecticut and the danger of having 
 it possessed by others." 3. "The strong bent of our spirit to remove thither." 
 Probably the "bent of their spirit" was the motive more potent than either 
 of the others of them or both of them together. 
 
 The act of the General Court of May. 1659, which I have quoted, made 
 as its condition that the settlement must be made within the three years there- 
 after. Apparently no time was lost ; and the advance guard came in the sum- 
 mer of 1659, followed by the remainder of the company the next year. 
 
 It was a valiant and goodly band of well-to-do folk of good ancestry, 
 that had been trained by strong leaders, such as Winthrop, Fenwick, Gardiner, 
 Mason, Higginson and Fitch, had been inured to service in a new country, 
 had already attained to a well ordered life under a constitutional government, 
 and were united under the restraining and refining power of the Christian 
 faith. This colony did not begin in a random way, like so many of the early 
 settlements or like so many of the later frontier ventures, by receiving acces- 
 sions of restless adventurers from this quarter and that till it gradually grew 
 into stable form and condition : it came upon the ground a town and a church. 
 The people were not a miscellaneous company thrown together by chance, 
 needing to be trained and assimilated, but an association carrying their laws 
 as well as their liberties with them; not strangers, each seeking his own 
 advantage, staking out his own claim and defending it by arms ; but a band 
 of God-fearing men and women united into a brotherhood each bound to act 
 for the common good. They were not mere fortune hunters or buccaneers 
 coming to wrest their speedy gain and then retire, but founders of a civilized 
 
I30 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 and Christian state in which they could establish homes, and which they could 
 bequeath to their children as a priceless inheritance. They were looking 
 forward to permanence and a future, and they knew that steady habits, manly 
 toil and fine fraternity of feeling must enter into that to make it stable. All 
 the enactments and procedings of those early days reveal a community in 
 which good order, decorum of manners, self-respect and high ideals prevailed. 
 The Christian church was the unifying bond and the guide of their lives. 
 They were cheered and strengthened by the constant charm of its promises, 
 and the rigor of the wilderness and the privations of frontier life were soft- 
 ened by its hopes. I do not know how much they thought of the names they 
 were to transmit. I think some of them would have smiled at the coat-of- 
 arms and the kind of heraldic glory with which they have been crowned, 
 and would have been incredulous of the "genuine" heirlooms that have been 
 handed down ; but they did aim to lead honest and honorable lives and to 
 make a community in which it would be safe and wholesome for their children 
 to grow. 
 
 It was sifted seed that was brought by Winthrop to his first settlement ; 
 and it was sifted again when Fitch and Mason brought it here. Who they 
 were, how they fared, what hostages they have given to history in the lines 
 of noble descent, we are to hear in the days that are to follow. It is a goodly 
 story — the orderly life of those early days; then, the patriotic spirit of the 
 time when the nation was born; then, the enterprise of this later time. Nor- 
 wich, proud of her ancestry, of the achievements of her sons and daughters, 
 of her well-earned name, and of her lines running out to the ends of the earth, 
 comes to her quarter millennium with devout gratitude to Him who brought 
 us here and who has sustained us. And it surely is not amiss, while, standing 
 by their graves, we honor the memories of those heroic men and women and 
 congratulate ourselves on our heritage, to remind ourselves that 
 
 "They that on glorious ancestors enlarge 
 Produce their debt instead of their discharge," 
 
 and, that though these have witnesses borne to them through their faith, 
 "God has provided some better thing for us, that apart from us they should 
 not be made perfect." 
 
 Of the life of Captain John Mason, Miss Caulkins gives a full outline so 
 far as it is known : 
 
 Every memoir of Mason is obliged to take him up at the prime of life, 
 for of his birth, parentage, and early vears. no certain information has been 
 obtained. When he first appears in history, he is in the English army under 
 Sir Thomas Fairfax, fighting in the Netherlands in behalf of the Dutch 
 patriots, against the bigotry and tyranny of Spain. 
 
 He is supposed to have emigrated to this country in 1630, with Mr. 
 Warham's company that sailed from Plymouth, England, March 20th, and 
 arrived at Nantasket May 30th of that year. But this cannot be stated with 
 absolute certainty, as he has not been actually traced on this side of the 
 ocean before December, 1632, when he was engaged in a cruise with John 
 Gallop, under a commission from the Governor and Magistrates of Massa- 
 chusetts to search for a pirate called Dixy Bull, who had for some time 
 annoyed the coast with petty depredation. He was then called Lieutenant 
 Mason, but soon afterward attained the rank of captain. In 1634 he was one 
 of a committee appointed to plan the fortifications of Boston Harbor, and was 
 specially employed in raising a battery upon Castle Island. 
 
CITY OF NORWICH 131 
 
 In March, 1635, he was the representative of Dorchester to the General 
 Court, but in the latter part of the same year or early in the next, removed 
 with the major part of Mr. Warham's people to the Connecticut Valley. Here 
 the emigrants planted themselves on the western bank of Connecticut river, 
 above Hartford, and founded the pleasant and honorable town of Windsor. 
 
 With the residence of Captain Mason at Windsor, all the stirring scenes 
 of the Pequot war are connected. This was the great event of the early his- 
 tory of Connecticut, and the overshadowing exploit of Mason's life. He was 
 instrumental in originating the expedition, formed the plan, followed out its 
 details, fought its battles, clinched, as it were with iron screws, its results, 
 and wrote its history. This war was begun and ended when Connecticut had 
 only 250 inhabitants, comprised principally in the three towns of Hartford, 
 Wethersfield and Windsor. Out of these Mason gathered a band of seventy 
 men, and, passing down Connecticut river, landed in the Narragansett coun- 
 try, and being joined by a band of friendly Indians, marched directly into the 
 heart of the hostile territory, assailed the Pequots in their strongest fortress, 
 destroyed it, laid waste their dwellings, and killed nearly half of the whole 
 nation. This expedition occupied three weeks and two days. The skill, 
 prudence, firmness and active courage displayed by Mason in this exploit 
 were such as to gain him a high standing among military commanders. From 
 this period he became renowned as an Indian fighter, and stood forth a buckler 
 of defence to the exposed colonists, but a trembling and a terror to the wild 
 people of the wilderness. 
 
 In 1637 he was appointed by the General Court the chief military officer 
 of the colony, his duty being "to train the military men" of the several plan- 
 tations ten days in every year: salary, forty pounds per annum. At a later 
 period (1654) he was authorized to assemble all the train-bands of the colony 
 once in two years for a general review. The office was equivalent to that of 
 major-general. He retained it through the remainder of his life, thirty-five 
 years, and during that time appears to have been the only person in the colony 
 with the rank and title of major. 
 
 When the fort at Saybrook was transferred by Colonel Fenwick to the 
 jurisdiction of the colony, Mason was appointed to receive the investment, 
 and at the special request of the inhabitants he removed to that place and 
 was made commander of the station. Here he had his home for the next 
 twelve years. 
 
 The people of New Haven were not entirely satisfied with their location, 
 and formed a design of removing to a tract of land which they had purchased 
 on the Delaware river. In 1651 they proposed this matter to Captain Mason. 
 urgently requesting him to remove with them, and take the management of 
 the companv. This invitation is a proof of the high opinion his contempo- 
 raries had formed both of his civil and military talents. The offers they 
 made him were liberal, and he was on the point of accepting, when the 
 Legislature of Connecticut interfered, entreating him not to leave the colony, 
 and declaring that they could by no means consent to his removal. Finding 
 that his presence was considered essential to the safety of Connecticut, h€ 
 declined the offers of New Haven. If he went, there was no one left who could 
 make his place good ; neither had New Haven any person in reserve, who 
 could fill the station designed for him. and therefore the projected settlement 
 never took place. The active disposition of Mason, however, never lacked 
 employment. There was scarcely a year in which he was not obliged to go 
 on some expedition among the Indian tribes, to negotiate, or to fight, or to 
 pacifv their mutual quarrels. At one time, his faithful friend Uncas was in 
 danger from a powerful league of the other tribes, but the seasonable prepara- 
 
132 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 tions of Mason for his relief frightened the foe into peace and submission. 
 At another time he was sent with arms and men to the assistance of the 
 Long Island Indians, against Ninigrate, the powerful sachem of the Nahan- 
 ticks, who threatened them with extirpation. This service he gallantly per- 
 formed ; but only two years afterwards was compelled to appear again on that 
 Island with a band of soldiers in order to chastise the very Indians, mischiev- 
 ous and ungrateful, whom he had before relieved. 
 
 We find him, at the same time, and for several years in succession, hold- 
 ing various public offices, all arduous and important. He was Indian agent, 
 Indian umpire, and the counselor of the government in all Indian concerns ; 
 captain of the fort, justice of the peace, and empowered to hold courts as a 
 judge ; a member likewise of two deliberative bodies, the Connacticut Legis- 
 lature and the Board of Commissioners of the United Colonies ; major-general 
 of the militia at home, and the acting commander in all expeditions abroad. 
 In 1660 he was chosen deputy governor, to which office he was annually 
 re-elected for eight years, five under the old form and three under the king's 
 charter, which united Connecticut with New Haven. The same year he was 
 actively emploj^ed, in conjunction with Mr. Fitch and others, in effecting the 
 settlement of Norwich, and also in purchasing of the Mohegans a large tract 
 of land, in behalf of the colony. At this time, also, for nearly two years, he 
 performed all the duties of the chief magistrate of the colony — Winthrop, the 
 governor, being absent in England, engaged in negotiations respecting the 
 charter. 
 
 Thus the life of Mason on this continent may be distributed into four 
 portions. The first was given to Dorchester, and the remainder in nearly 
 equal parts to the three towns in Connecticut that he assisted in planting — 
 lieutenant and captain at Dorchester, five and a half years; conqueror of the 
 Pequots, magistrate and major at Windsor, twelve years : captain of the fort, 
 and commissioner of the United Colonies at .Saybrook, twelve; Deputy Gov- 
 ernor and Assistant at Norwich, twelve. He was not chosen Deputy Governor 
 after 1668, but continued in duty as an Assistant, and was jircscnt for the 
 last time at the election in May, 1671. 
 
 Of the original band of Norwich purchasers. Mason was one of the 
 earliest laid in the grave. He died January 30, 1671-72. According to Trum- 
 bull, he was in the seventy-third year of his age. His last hours were cheered 
 by the prayers and counsels of his beloved pastor and son-in-law, Mr. Fitch. 
 Two years before, he had requested his fellow-citizens to excuse him from all 
 further public services on account of his age and infirmity ; so that the close 
 of his life, though overshadowed by suffering from an acute disease, was 
 unharrassed by care and responsibilitv. There is no coeval record that points 
 out his burial-place, but uniform tradition and current belief in the neighbor- 
 hood from generation to generation leave no reason to doubt that he was 
 interred where other inhabitants of that generation were laid, that is, in the 
 Post and Gager burial ground, or first cemetery of Norwich. 
 
 From early times, Norwich commerce prospered, since it was the natural 
 outlet for a considerable farming region and, at the same time, had an excel- 
 lent position at the head of the Thames. Live stock, provisions, lumber, were 
 exchanged at the West Indies for sugar, molasses and rum. 
 
 .Shortly after the Revolution, Norwich citizens owned over forty vessels 
 engaged in commerce. From the "Norwich Packet" (editor Jonathan Trum- 
 bull), we get some idea of the business in the town. The merchants com- 
 bined shrewdness with industry. The adventurous spirit of the early settlers 
 
CITY OF NORWICH 133 
 
 was not lacking. New industries were startinj^ up. The original settlers harl 
 laid out their plots "up town," two miles from the "landing." But with the 
 development of commerce and industry came an increase in the activity of 
 the people of "Chelsea" (the landing). Business interests came to be stronger 
 than the farming interests. The city of Norwich, with its center near the 
 landing, had been incorporated in 1784 as a first step in this growth, and by 
 the middle of the nineteenth century "Norwichtown" had become one of its 
 suburbs. 
 
 During the Revolutionary War, Norwich, while not subject to imme- 
 diate danger, as was New London, was nevertheless very active in assisting 
 the Revolutionary troops and in furnishing its own quota. As an interesting 
 extract we quote from Miss Caulkins: 
 
 Detachments from the Continental army frequently passed through Nor- 
 wich. In 1778 a body of French troops, on the route from Providence to the 
 South, halted there for ten or fifteen days, on account of sickness among 
 them. They had their tents spread upon the plain, while the sick were 
 quartered in the court-house. About twenty died and were buried each 
 side of the lane that led into the old burying-yard. No stones were set up, 
 and the ground was soon smoothed over so as to leave no trace of the narrow 
 tenements below. 
 
 General Washington passed through Norwich in June, 1775, on his way 
 to Cambridge. It is probable that he came up the river in a packet-boat with 
 his horses and attendants. He spent the night at the Landing, and the next 
 day pursued his journey eastward. In April, 1776, after the evacuation of 
 Boston by the enemy, the American troops being ordered to New York, came 
 on in detachments by land, and crossing the Shetucket at the old fording- 
 place below Greenville, embarked at Norwich and New London to finish the 
 route bv water. General Washington accompanied one of the parties to 
 Norwich and met Governor Trumbull by appointment at Col. Jedediah Hunt- 
 ington's, where they dined together, and the general that evening resumed 
 his route to New York, going down to New London by land. 
 
 The inhabitants also had an opportunity of seeing Lafayette, Steuben, 
 Pulaski, and other distinguished foreigners in our service. There was some 
 who long remembered the appearance of the noble Lafayette, as he passed 
 through the place on his way to Newport. He had been there before, and 
 needed no guide: his aides and a small body-guard were with him, and he 
 rode up to the door of his friend. Col. Jedediah Huntington, in a quick gallop. 
 He wore a blue military coat, but no vest and no stockings; his boots being 
 short, his leg was consequently left bare for a considerable space below the 
 knee. The speed with which he was traveling and the great heat of the 
 weather were sufficient excuse? for this negligence. He took some refresh- 
 ment and hastened forward. 
 
 At another period he passed through with a detachment of two thousand 
 men under his command, and encamped them for one night upon the plain. 
 In the morning, before their departure, he invited Mr. Strong, the pastor of 
 the place, to pray with them, which he did, the troops being arranged in three 
 sides of a hollow square. 
 
 Nearly fifty years afterwards, -August 2T, 1824, the venerable Lafayette 
 again passed through Norwich. Some old people, who remembered him, 
 embraced him and wept; the general wept also. 
 
 At one time during the war the Duke de Lauzun's regiment of hussars 
 
134 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 was quartered in Lebanon, ten miles from Norwich. Col. Jedediah Hunting- 
 ton invited the officers to visit him, and prepared a handsome entertainment 
 for them. They made a superb appearance as they drove into town, being 
 young, tall, vivacious men, with handsome faces and a noble air, mounted 
 upon horses bravely caparisoned. The two Dillons, brothers, one a major 
 and the other a captain in the regiment, were particularly distinguished for 
 their fine forms and expressive features. One or both of these Dillons suffered 
 death from the guillotine during the French Revolution. 
 
 Lauzun was one of the most accomplished but unprincipled noblemen of 
 his time. He was celebrated for his handsome person, his liberality, wit, 
 bravery, but more than all for his profligacy. He was born in 1747, inherited 
 great wealth and high titles, and spent all his early years in alternate scenes 
 of dissipation and traveling. He engaged in no public enterprise till he came 
 to America and took part in the Revolutionary contest. The motives which 
 actuated this voluptuous nobleman to this undertaking are not understood, 
 very probably the thirst for adventure and personal friendship for Lafayette. 
 He had run the career of pleasure to such an extent that he was perhaps 
 willing tG pause awhile and restore the energy of his satiated taste. Certain 
 it is that he embarked in the cause of the Americans with ardor, bore priva- 
 tions with good temper, and made himself very popular by his hilarity and 
 generous expenditure. 
 
 After Lauzun returned to Europe he became intimate with Talleyrand, 
 and accompanied him on a mission to England in 1792, where one of his 
 familiar associates was the Prince of Wales, afterwards George IV. On the 
 death of his uncle, the Duke de Biron, he succeeded to the title, quarreled with 
 the court, and became a partisan of the Duke of Orleans. Afterwards he 
 served against the Vendeans, but being accused of secretly favoring them, 
 was condemned, and executed the last day of the year 1793. Such was the 
 future stormy career of this celebrated nobleman, who as already mentioned, 
 in the midst of friends and subordinates, enjoyed the banquet made for him 
 by Colonel Huntington. After dinner the whole party went out into the yard 
 in front of the house and made the air ring with huzzas for liberty. Numerous 
 loungers had gathered around the fence to get a sight of these interesting 
 foreigners, with whom they conversed in very good English, and exhorted 
 to live free or die for liberty. 
 
 As to the effects of the Revolution on Norwich, Miss Caulkins says: 
 After recovering from the first stunning blow of the Revolution, the 
 inhabitants of Norwich were not only alert in turning their attention to various 
 industrial pursuits, but engaged also in the brilliant chance game of privateer- 
 ing. The war, therefore, while it exhausted the strength and resources of 
 neighboring towns that lay exposed upon the seacoast, acted like a spur to 
 the enterprise of Norwich. New London, at the mouth of the river, was 
 depressed in all her interests, kept in continual alarm, and finally, by the 
 blazing torch of the enemy, almost swept from the face of the earth ; but 
 Norwich, securely seated at the head of the river, defended by her hills and 
 nourished by her valleys, planting and reaping without fear of invasion or 
 loss, not only built new shops and dwelling-houses, and engaged with spirit 
 and success in a variety of new manufactures, but entered into ship-building, 
 and boldly sent out her vessels to bring in spoils from the ocean. 
 
 In 1781 and 1782 the town was overflowing with merchandise, both trop- 
 ical and European. New mercantile firms were established — Daniel Rodman, 
 Samuel Woodbridge, Lynde McCurdy, and others— and lavish varieties of 
 fancy texture, as well as the substantial products of almost every climate, were 
 
CITY OF NORWICH 135 
 
 offered for sale. The shelves and counters of the fashionable class of shops 
 displayed such articles as superfine broadcloths, men's silk hose, India silks, 
 blonde lace, Damascus silks, taffetas, satins, Persians, and velvets, gauzes, 
 and chintzes. These snoods were mostly obtained by successful privateering. 
 
 Another class of merchandise, generally of a cheaper kind, and not dealt 
 in by honorable traders, but covertly offered for sale in various places or 
 distributed by pedlers, was obtained by secret and unlawful intercourse with 
 the enemy. 
 
 The coast of Connecticut being entirely girdled by Long Island and New 
 York, and the British and Tories having these wholly under their control, 
 it was very difficult to prevent the secret intercourse and traffic of the two 
 parties through the Sound. In the latter years of the war especially, a corrupt, 
 underhand, smuggling trade prevailed to a great extent, which was embold- 
 ened by the indifference or connivance of the local authorities, and stimulated 
 by the readiness of people to purchase cheap goods without asking from 
 whence they came. Remittances for these goods must be made in coin, 
 therefore they were sold only for cash, which, finding its way back to the 
 enemy's lines, impoverished the country. Thus the traffic operated against 
 agriculture and manufactures, against honest labor and lawful trade. More- 
 over, it nullified the laws and brought them into contempt. 
 
 Against this illicit traffic a strong association was formed at Norwich 
 in July, 1782. The company bound themselves by solemn pledges of life, 
 fortune and honor to support the civil authority ; to hold no intercourse, 
 social or mercantile, with persons detected in evading the laws; to furnish 
 men and boats for keeping watch in suspected places, and to search out and 
 break up all deposits of smuggled goods; such goods to be seized, sold, and 
 the avails devoted to charitable purposes. 
 
 The vigorous manner in which this company began to carry out their 
 principles caused great commotion in the ranks of the guilty parties. Sus- 
 pected persons suddenly disappeared ; sales were postponed ; goods which 
 before had been openly exposed withdrew into cellars and meal-chests, or 
 were concealed in barns under the hay, and in hollow trees, thickets, and 
 ravines. Several seizures were made during the season, but the treatv of 
 peace soon put an end to this clandestine traffic, and the association had but 
 a brief existence. Its object, however, was creditable to the patriotism and 
 efficiency of the inhabitants, and a list of the signers gives us the names of 
 sixty-eight prominent men who were on the stage of life at the close of the 
 war, and all within the bounds of the present town. 
 
 The following is a list of the members of the Association against Illicit 
 Trade: Samuel Abbott, Elijah Backus, Ephriam Bill, Jonathan Boardman, 
 John M. Breed, Shubael Breed, Samuel Capron, Eliphalet Carew, Joseph 
 Carew. Simeon Carew, Thomas Coit, William Coit, John Crary, Jacob 
 De Witt, Michael Dumont, Thomas Fanning, Jabez Fitch, Joseph Gale, 
 Joseph Peck, Andrew Perkins, Jabez Perkins, Jabez Perkins, Jr., Joseph Per- 
 kins, Joseph Perkins, Jr.. Erastus Perkins, Hezekiah Perkins, Levi Perkins. 
 Daniel Rodman, Theophilus Rogers, Zabdiel Rogers, Ransford Rose. Joseph 
 Rowland, Andrew Huntington. Eliphalet Huntington, Jonathan Huntington, 
 Joshua Himtington, Levi Huntington, Simeon Huntington, William Hubbard, 
 Russell Hubbard &• Son, Ebcnezer Jones, Joshua Lathrop, Rufus Lathrop, 
 Christopher Leffingwell, Bcnajah Leffingwell, Jonathan Lester, Elihu Marven, 
 John McCall, Lvnde McCurdy, Seth Miner, Thomas Mumford, Nathaniel 
 Njles, Robert Niles, Timothy Parker. Asa Pcabody, Nathaniel P. Peabody, 
 Andre Tracy, Jr.. Mundator Tracy, Samuel Tracy, Asa Waterman, Samuel 
 Wheat, Joseph Whitmarsh, Benajah Williams, Joseph Williams, Jacob Witter, 
 
136 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 Dudley Woodbridge, Samuel Woodbridge, Alexander Youngs. 
 
 In Januar}', 1781, the inhabitants were divided into forty classes to raise 
 forty soldiers, which was their quota for the Continental army; and again 
 into twenty classes for a State quota to serve at Horseneck and elsewhere. 
 A list of persons in each class was made out, and each taxed in due proportion 
 for the pay and fitting out of one recruit, whom they were to procure; two 
 shirts, two pairs of woolen stockings, shoes, and mittens were requisite for 
 every soldier ; arms and uniforms were furnished by the State or country. 
 Each soldier's family was in charge of a committee to see that they were 
 supplied with the necessaries of life, for which the soldier's wages to a certain 
 amount were pledged. The whole number of classes this year to produce 
 clothing was sixty-six. In 1782 only thirty-three classes were required. 
 
 In 1783, instructions were given to the representatives to use their influ- 
 ence with the Assembly to obtain a remonstrance against the five years' pay 
 granted by Congress to the officers of the Continental army. The manifesto 
 of the town on this subject was fiery, dictatorial, and extravagant. A few 
 paragraphs will show in strong relief the characteristics of the people — 
 jealous of their rights, quick to take alarm and sensitively watchful over their 
 cherished liberties: 
 
 Where is the free son of America that ever had it in idea when adopting 
 the Articles of Confederation to have pensions bestowed on those characters 
 (if any such there be) whose virtue could not hold them in service without 
 such rewards over and above the contract which first engaged them? 
 
 For a free people, just rising out of a threatening slavery into free 
 shining prospects of a most glorious peace and independence, now to be 
 taxed without their consent to support and maintain a large number of 
 gentlemen as pensioners in a time of universal peace is, in our view, uncon- 
 stitutional and directly in opposition to the sentiment of the States at large, 
 and was one great spoke in the wheel which moved at first our late struggle 
 with our imperious and tyrannical foes. 
 
 Further instructions were given at the same time to the representatives 
 to urge upon the Assembly the necessity of keeping a watchful eye upon the 
 proceedings of Congress, to see that they did not exceed the powers vested 
 in them, and to appoint a committee at every session to take into consider- 
 ation the journals of Congress, and approve or disapprove, applaud or censure 
 the conduct of the delegates. 
 
 Norwich has the questionable distinction of being the birthplace of 
 Benedict Arnold. We quote from Dr. Kurd's History: 
 
 The painful task now devolves upon the writer to chronicle some of the 
 leading events in the career of one whose baseness has been unequaled since 
 the day that his prototype betrayed his master for thirty pieces of silver. 
 The faithful historian will be just to all; hence no attempt will be made to 
 remove the stain which has long tarnished the history of this fair section 
 of country. Benedict Arnold descended from an honorable Rhode Island 
 family, where one of his ancestors, bearing the same name, held the office of 
 Governor for fifteen years. Two brothers of this family, Benedict and Obver, 
 
CITY OF NORWICH j.^7 
 
 removed from Newport to Norwich in 1730. The elder Benedict, the fathei- 
 tf the traitor, soon became engaged in business, and not long after his arrival 
 in Norwich, married Mrs. Hannah King, whose maiden name was Lathrop. 
 Benedict, the subject of this sketch, was born in Norwich, January 3, 1741. 
 Early in life he was apprenticed to Dr. Lathrop, a druggist in Norwich, with 
 whom he remained during his minority. He subsequently embarked in the 
 same business in New Haven, and while there became the captain of a com- 
 pany of militia. After the battle at Lexington he made a hasty march to 
 Cambridge at the head of his company, and volunteered his services to the 
 Massachusetts Committee of Safety. With the rank of colonel in the Con- 
 tinental army, he joined Ethan Allen and assisted in the taking of Ticon- 
 deroga in May, 1775. In the expedition against Quebec, in the autumn and 
 winter of 1775, he took a leading part. Having been wounded at Quebec 
 and at Saratoga, his disability was of a character to render him unfit for 
 active field service, and he was consequently, by Washington, placed in 
 command at Philadelphia after the place had been evacuated by Clinton 
 in 1778. He was at this date a major-general in the Continental army. While 
 in Philadelphia he lived in a style far above his means, and his haughty 
 and overbearing manner involved him in a quarrel with the authorities of 
 Pennsylvania, who accused him before Congress of abusing his official posi- 
 tion and misusing the public funds. After a long delay he was tried by a 
 court-martial and was sentenced to be reprimanded by the commander-in- 
 chief. Washington performed this disagreeable task as delicately as possible, 
 but did not lose his confidence in Arnold. While in Philadelphia, Arnold 
 married the daughter of Judge Shippen. a Tory, which connection enabled 
 him to communicate without discovery with the British officers. He opened 
 a correspondence with Sir Henry Clinton, signing himself "Gustavus." 
 
 In the meantime, at his earnest solicitation, he was appointed by Wash- 
 ington, in August. 1780, to the command of West Point, the strongest and 
 most important fortress in America. He sought this command with the 
 deliberate intention of betraying the post into the hands of the enemy. In 
 compliance with a previous understanding, Arnold and Major Andre met at 
 Haverstraw, on the west bank of the Hudson. September 22, 1780, and arrange- 
 ments were fully completed for an easy conquest of the fortress by the 
 English. 
 
 On his return to the city of New York, Andre was arrested as a spy at 
 Tarrytown, was tried by court-martial, and sentenced to be executed by hang- 
 ing. 'He suffered the penalty of his crime October 2, 1780. When it became 
 known to Arnold that Andre had been arrested, he fled from West Point in 
 the utmost haste, and in his flight took passage to New York City in the 
 "Vulture," a British sloop-of-war. He was immediately made a brigadier- 
 general in the British service, which rank he preserved throughout the war 
 as a stipulated rew-ard for his treachery. 
 
 Norwich had one signer of the Declaration of Independence, and many 
 men famous in Revolutionary times. General Jedediah Huntington was a 
 leader in the country. 
 
 He was born. August 4. 1743, in Norwich, where he was prepared for a 
 collegiate course, and graduated at Harvard College with distinguished honor 
 in the class of 1763. The high social rank of his family is indicated by the 
 order of his name on the college catalogue, it being the second in the list of 
 his class, above that of John Ouincy. The master's degree was also con- 
 ferred on him by Yale College in 1770. After leaving college he became asso- 
 
138 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 ciated with his father in commercial pursuits, and was engaged in this busi- 
 ness when the Revolutionary cloud began to lower, and he soon became 
 noted as a Son of Liberty, and an active captain of the militia. The bursting 
 of the storm found him ready, and just one week from the firing of the first 
 shot at Lexington he reported at Cambridge with a regiment under his com- 
 mand, and was detailed to occupy Dorchester Heights. After the evacuation 
 of Boston by the British he marched with his army to New York, and enter- 
 tained the commander-in-chief on the way at Norwich. 
 
 During the year 1776 he was at New York, Kingsbridge, Northcastle. 
 Sidmun's Bridge, and other posts. In April of that year he assisted in repuls- 
 ing the British at Danbury, Connecticut, assailing the enemy's rear, and effect- 
 ing a junction with his fellow-townsman, Benedict Arnold. 
 
 In July he joined General Putnam at Peekskill with all the Continental 
 troops which he could collect, and in the following September was ordered 
 to join the main army near Philadelphia, where he remained at headquarters, 
 at Worcester, Whippin, Whitemarsh, Gulph Hills, etc. In November, on 
 receiving information of the enemy's movement upon Red Bank, he was de- 
 tached with his brigade, among other troops, to its relief, but Cornwallis had 
 anticipated them. Having shared the hardships of his companions in arms 
 at Valley Forge through the winter of 1777-78, he, together with Colonel 
 Wigglesworth, was in March appointed by the commander-in-chief "to aid 
 General McDougal in inquiring into the loss of Forts Montgomery and Clin- 
 ton, in the State of New York, and into the conduct of the principal officers 
 commanding these posts." In May he was ordered with his brigade to the 
 North river, and was stationed successively at Camp Reading, Highlands, 
 Neilson's Point, etc. In July he was a member of the court-martial which 
 tried Gen. Charles Lee for misconduct at the battle of Monmouth, and in 
 September he sat upon the court of inquiry to whom was referred the case 
 of Major Andre. In December, 1780, his was the only Connecticut brigade 
 that remained in the service. On the loth of May, 1783, at a meeting of 
 officers, he was appointed one of a committee of four to draft a plan of organ- 
 ization, which resulted in their reporting on the 13th the constitution of the 
 famous Society of the Cincinnati. On the 24th of June, Washington writes 
 that the army was "reduced to a competent garrison for West Point ; Patter- 
 son, Huntington and Greaton being the only brigadiers now left with it, be- 
 sides the adjutant-general." General Huntington was also one of the founders 
 of West Point Academy. 
 
 On returning from the army he resumed business in his native town, and 
 was successively chosen sheriff of the county, State treasurer, and delegate 
 to the State Convention which adopted the Constitution of the United States. 
 In 1789 he was appointed by President Washington collector of customs at 
 New London, then the port of entry for Eastern Connecticut and Connecticut 
 River, which office he retained under four administrations, and resigned 
 shortly before his death. 
 
 Following the Revolutionary War. Norwich developed the West India 
 
CITY OF NORWICH 139 
 
 Trade, but after the War of 1812 came more and more to develop its water 
 power and went into manufacturing. For the Civil War it furnished over 
 1,400 men. 
 
 The following letters, sent for the 200th anniversary of the settlement of 
 Norwich, give a vivid picture of life in Norwich in the early part of the nine- 
 teenth century. 
 
 (From Rev. Erastus Wentworth, Missionary to China.) 
 
 Foo-Chow, China, June 15th, 1859. 
 
 Gentlemen :— After looking forward with pleasurable anticipations for 
 many years to personal participation in the celebration of the bi-centennial 
 birthday of Norwich, the place associated with my earliest and dearest recol- 
 lections, I find myself, on the eve of that event, sixteen thousand miles 
 away, and effectually debarred from the intellectual treats and social festivi- 
 ties promised by that occasion. It will be some compensation for the disap- 
 pointment, and no slight gratification, if I may be allowed to contribute by 
 letter a trifle to the interest of the family gathering. It will not, at such a 
 time, be deemed egotistical in me to state that I spent the first eighteen years 
 of my life in Norwich ; that my father was born there seventy years, and my 
 grandfather a hundred and seven years ago; and that my family name, by 
 no means an obscure one, in either English or American history, has stood 
 on the town records for one hundred and eighty, out of the two hundred 
 years you are now assembled to commemorate. 
 
 Old Norwich ! — Who that has been a denizen of the place, especially in 
 early youth, can ever forget its winding valleys and rugged hills; its stony 
 pastures and green meadows, enameled with violets, and buttercups, and 
 daisies, and goldened with cowslips and dandelions ; its spreading elms and 
 sycamores ; its clear streams, alternating with babbling shallows and cool 
 depths, overhung with willows and alders, and the favorite haunts of roach, 
 trout and pickerel ; its gray precipices and romantic falls ; its striking contrasts 
 of village quiet and country seat retirement, with commercial activity and city 
 bustle. All these can never be forgotten. With me, neither the pellucid St. 
 Lawrence or noble Mississippi, nor those floating seas of alluvion, mightiest 
 of the brotherhood of rivers in the northern hemisphere, the Missouri and 
 Yang-tse-keang, have ever served to obliterate, or even to dim the images 
 of the Yantic, Shetucket and Thames. The mammoth tree growths of the 
 prairie bottoms of the west, or the giant banians that greet my vision as I 
 write, have never overshadowed the memory of Norwich sycamores and elms. 
 The billowy seas of granitic elevations which stand, a wall of azure, about 
 the valley of the Min, and roll away in endless undulations over the entire 
 surface of the Fo-ke-cn province, are not so charming to me as the hills of 
 New England. Society changes, but these natural features remain, and im- 
 press themeslves upon the minds of successive generations. My earliest 
 recollections of Norwich antedate steamboats and railroads, canals and tele- 
 graphs, temperance and anti-slavery. The Yantic, was Backus's iron works ; 
 the Falls, Hubbard's paper mills; Greenville, pastures on the banks of the 
 Shetucket, in which curious antiquarians sought for the pile of stones that 
 marked the grave of Miantinomoh. The first and second Congregational 
 were the only edifices really worth the name of churches ; and I remember a 
 Christmas pilgrimage on foot from Bean Hill to the Landing to hear the 
 little organ, the only one in town, in the little wooden Episcopal church, that 
 preceded the present elegant structure. Elder Sterry, Baptist, had a little 
 wooden chapel at the Landing, where, as one of his sons said to me in our 
 
I40 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 schoolboy days. "He preached for nothing and furnished his own meeting 
 house." Elder Bentley had a little church on the wharf bridge, which took 
 a fancy to go to sea in the great freshet of 1815. Court house and jail were 
 up town, and the stocks and whipping post still maintained their position at 
 the corner of the old court house. I have seen a woman in jail for debt and 
 heard my grandmother tell of the last woman who was taken to the whipping 
 post, and how the people laughed at the sheriff for merely going through the 
 forms of the law, actually flogging the fair culprit "with a tow string." 
 
 In my youth. Strong and Goddard were at the head of the bar, and gentle 
 parson Paddock, earnest parson Mitchell, and the solemn parson Strong, 
 occupied the sacred desk. Through life, I have counted it no small privilege 
 to have received the first rudiments of education in Norwich. I mean those 
 initial lessons which preceded colleges and schools, and the rudimental train- 
 ing of pedagogues Smith. Bliss, and Lester, of cruel memory. A child i."; 
 educated by all those with whom he comes in contact, and the personal 
 excellences, defects and peculiarities of his earliest acquaintances become his 
 models and measuring rods for all the rest of mankind. Bonaparte said, "The 
 world is governed by nicknames": and the nicknames of a community are a 
 surer index of the character of the wearers than cognomens of illustrious 
 descent or appellations bestowed by godfathers and godmothers. While a 
 few of the nicknames which still cling to the memory of men long since 
 passed from the stage of action, recall eccentricities, peculiarities, and in some 
 instances the meannesses with which our humanity is afflicted, the .great 
 majority of them revive the memory of nobleness and excellences worthy 
 of remembrance and worthy of imitation. It is more blessed to be surrounded 
 by good men than great men, by examples of worth than displays of wealth. 
 My memory retains a whole gallerv of daguerreotypes of those whom I loved 
 or hated, reverenced or despized, in the days of my youth. I would like to 
 pay a passing tribute of respect to those who for eminent virtues commanded 
 my most unqualified regard. I can only mention Parsons Strong and Austin, 
 Judges Spalding, Shipman and Hude, Erastus Huntington, James Stedman, 
 and Deacon Charles Lathrop, all of whom have gone to the land from which 
 there is no return. It would be easy to extend the list, but my limits will 
 not allow. I cannot refrain from a passing tribute to the memory of two of 
 my schoolmates, recently deceased — Reverend Z. H. Mansfield and Honor- 
 able Thomas L. Harris. I would like also to extend the compliments of the 
 occasion to my old Norwich schoolmates, John T. Wait, J. G. Lamb. Rev. 
 William Havens, Hon. H. P. Haven, Huntingtons, Tracys, and others whom 
 I mav not here enumerate. I was in Shanghai last year, and on a rude wooden 
 slab at the head of a recent grave I read. "Charles Bailey. Norwich, Con- 
 necticut," son of the old uptown jail keeper, and seaman on one of our ships 
 of war. In what part of the world do not the bones of the sons and daughters 
 of Norwich repose! Black-eyed "Tom Leffingwell" lies with his father at 
 the bottom of the ocean, and curly-headed "Bob Lee." slain by Comanches 
 on the plains of Texas, while Ceylon embalms, with the fragrance of Paradise, 
 the remains and memories of Harriet Joanna and Charlotte H. Lathrop. How 
 brief the space over which the life of any one individual extends in the history 
 of our beloved town. Perhaps not a single soul survives that saw its last cen- 
 tennial. Will any single soul live to connect this centennial with that of 
 1959? This occasion should not pass away without providing enduring 
 monuments of itself for the use of coming generations. If the idea has not 
 alreadv occurred, as I presume it has. I would suggest the erection of a cen- 
 tennial hall of Norwich granite, fire proof, if possible, to contain a museum 
 of town and State relics, and mementos of the past, of our fathers, of the 
 
CITY OF NORWICH . 141 
 
 Indian tribes, and the present generation. In this way, 1859 may shake hands 
 with iQ5g. especially if sealed boxes and coders containing: the sayings and 
 doing-s, speeches and sentiments of this day, are secured there to be opened 
 only on the occasion of the next centennial. Books, records, portraits, &c., 
 would find their appropriate place there, and it would become the favorite 
 resort of all those who reverence the past and desire to deduce from it useful 
 lessons for the future. 
 
 With a sigh for the Norwich that was, a greeting to the Norwich that is, 
 and a hail of welcome for the Norwich that is to be, I remain, gentlemen, 
 
 EuASTtrs Wentworth. 
 (From Hon. Charles Miner, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.) 
 
 Wilkes-Barre, July 17, 1859. 
 
 Gentlemen of the Committee : — Your invitation to be present at the com- 
 memoration of the two hundredth anniversary of the settlement of Norwich 
 was received by last evening's mail. You are pleased to add: "Should you, 
 however, be unable to attend, will you favor us with a letter containing any 
 facts of interest in your possession in relation to the town or its inhabitants?" 
 
 I beg to return my most respectful acknowledgements. I can scarcely 
 conceive anything left in life that would afford me so much pleasure. But 
 the feebleness of near eighty years admonishes me that, not only is the 
 visit hopeless, but that if I have anything to say, it should not be a moment 
 delayed. 
 
 Affection for Norwich is entwined with every fiber of my heart. Having 
 emigrated to Pennsylvania while yet a boy, my time of observation is limited ; 
 and my scene of observation, to little more than the old town or round the 
 square, fitted, rather, to amuse the grandchildren, than impart instruction or 
 pleasure to the present generation. 
 
 Born February i, 1780; peace proclaimed 1784; consciousness of memory 
 is first awakened to the shouts of triumph and the thundering of cannon, at 
 the old Peck house (then, I think, doubtingly), kept by Mr. Trott (a fiery old 
 patriot). I mention this as connecting me with the Revolutionary period, 
 and to say, the drum, the fife, military display, was the pervading fashion. 
 Almost all the older men had served in the French war. Ticonderoga was 
 yet a familiar theme. Nearly the whole of the (then) present generation, 
 moved by a common impulse, had been down to Boston. The talk was of 
 Lexington and Bunker Hill. General Putnam is recorded as having stopped 
 his plow in mid-furrow and started. So had it been in Norwich. An anecdote 
 often told me shows the universal enthusiasm. My father, a house carpenter, 
 and his journeyman, dropped their tools on the alarm. As the broad-axe 
 rang, the journeyman said, "That is my death knell!" Breathing the common 
 spirit, he hied away cheerfully, but returned no more. 
 
 My father was on Dorchester heights, as orderly sergeant waiting on 
 Mr. Huntington, afterwards general Jed. He used to relate that going the 
 rounds, or reconnoitering, the British opened fire upon them from Boston. 
 While ever and anon the balls would scatter the earth over them. General 
 Huntington moved as unconcernedly as if at home in his own meadow. 
 
 At the close of the war half the men on the square wore the title of cap- 
 tain. .Starting on the south side of the green going down the road east, 
 taking them in order, there were Captain Bela Peck, Captain Carew, Captain 
 Nevins. Captain Simeon Huntington, all in sight and nearly adjoining. The 
 British in possession of New York : the Sound and a hundred miles of the 
 coast of Connecticut being subject to their invasion, Norwich may be said 
 
142 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 to have slept on their arms, liable every minute to be called out. Horse Neck, 
 Rye, Seabrook, New London, were familiar to every man of them. To be 
 sure, as I listened to their war stories, always with interest, sometimes with 
 awe, occasionally with a smile, for they remembered the jokes of the camp, 
 I do not recollect an imputation upon a single man present or absent as want- 
 ing in courage or patriotism. It is a pleasure to record anew the assurance 
 that Norwich did its whole duty. 
 
 The plays of the boys were battles with the regulars. The charge — the 
 ambuscade — the retreat — "The regulars are coming!" — "The regulars are com- 
 ing !" Then the rally and renewed charge. Their songs : 
 
 "Don't you hear your gen'ral say. 
 Strike your tents and march away." 
 
 But to the schools. The old brick school house at the bottom of the 
 lane, below the spacious new jail, knew no recess. Among the earliest teach- 
 ers within my recollection was Charles White, a young gentleman from 
 Philadelphia, handsome and accomplished. Of his erudition I was too young 
 to judge, but popular he certainly was among the ladies. Newcomb Kinney 
 awakened a high degree of emulation, especially in writing. A sampler was 
 pasted up before six or seven scholars, near the ceiling, qu fine paper, on a 
 double arch sustained by Corinthian columns, the upper corners of each sheeti 
 bearing a neatly painted quill, with the motto, "Vive la Plume." Within 
 each half arch, near the upper part, in fine hand, a poetical quotation, as sug- 
 gested by fancy, probably from Hannah Moore's "Search After Happiness," 
 then highly popular. Beneath, in larger hand, successive lines in beautiful 
 penmanship, filling the whole. The Piece painted in water colors — the pride 
 of mothers — master and scholars. 
 
 Mr. Hunt, a graduate of Yale, followed. Mr. Macdonald succeeded, and 
 then Mr. Baldwin became the preceptor. The obedience fair — teachers capa- 
 ble and attentive. Discipline preserved without undue severity. Plasant were 
 our school hours. But school is let out. Boyish sports abound, 
 
 "Some chase the rolling circle's speed. 
 Or urge the flying ball." 
 
 In winter the plain offered a capital opportunity for a trial of skill and 
 courage. Sides were chosen. Each party built a semi-circular fort of vast 
 snow balls, eight or ten rods apart. When the snow was soft and would 
 adhere, all hands were summoned to the work. A line of balls as big as could 
 be rolled was laid in a crescent ; outside that another as large. Then with 
 skids a row on the top — then a third row large as could be raised on the 
 submit to crown the work, making a formidable breastwork. Lockers were 
 cut out in the inside to hold great quantities of balls made ready for action. 
 When both sides were prepared, a proclamation was made, and then came the 
 "tug of war." The sport was manly and exciting. 
 
 Other plays were popular — most I have seen elsewhere — "Thornuary," 
 nowhere else. Here the uptown and downtown boys were sometimes pitted 
 against each other. There was among us an active fellow named Choate, 
 "Jabe Choate" we called him. Not of Norwich, he was a down-easter. Froni 
 Boston, I understood. In our little circle he was a Coriolanus, for "When 
 he moved he moved like an engine" — and like our modern crinoline-clad 
 ladies, swept all before him, yet a favorite, for he was brave and clever. I 
 have wondered, if not the father, was he not, probably, the uncle of Rufus, 
 the present idol of Boston? 
 
 Mrs. Gildon kept a school a few rods below the plain for small children — 
 
CITY OF NORWICH 143 
 
 she had a son Charles growing up to early manhood. I do not know theit 
 fate. The name is rare. The good school mistress has often been brought 
 to mind when reading Poe: 
 
 "If hungry Gildon drew his venal quill, 
 I wish the man a dinner and sit still." 
 
 But Pope's shaft was no dishonor. So eminent an archer stooped to no 
 ignoble game. 
 
 Hark! The whole town is in commotion. A company of strolling play- 
 ers have taken possession of the lower part of the court house, and it is con- 
 verted into a commodious theater. Where slept our puritan thunder! The 
 tragedy of George Barnwell drew many a tear, soon wiped away in smiles 
 by the shrewd follies of Tony Lumpkin, in "The mistakes of a night." The 
 grown-up beaux of Norwich, especially those who had visited New York 
 and got their cue, were in high glee. I have a good mind to name seven or 
 eight. The comic singer of the company displayed some tact — had a good 
 voice, and sang, "Ye Bucks! have att — ye all." (Never having seen the song 
 nor heard it since, I pretend to give only the sound.) 
 
 Instead of the pit, the critic's place, the roaring boys had taken posses- 
 sion of seats far back and high up in the amphitheater, and when he came 
 with all the proper accompaniments of tone and gesture to 
 
 "D n ye ! I know ye — 
 
 Ye are of att ye all," 
 
 It was a signal for a general cheer! And brought down the house with 
 an "Encore." 
 
 Several new songs were introduced by the company, and among them 
 the many year popular "A rose tree in full bearing," which Miss Mary Nevins, 
 the fairest rose that ever bloomed, used so sweetly to sing. Passingly — the 
 songs of the period were mainly the hunting songs borrowed from England — 
 
 "Bright Phoebus has mounted his chariot of day, 
 With hounds and horns each jovial morn when Bucks a hunting go." 
 
 But these were giving place to the more modern sailor songs of Dibdin. My 
 intimate and ever dear friend, Gerard Carpenter, used to sing admirably — 
 
 "To England when with fav'ring gale, 
 Our gallant ship up channel steered." 
 
 What noise is that, which makes the whole green ring again? Mr. 
 Jones, the cooper, residing next to Captain Peck's on the south side of the 
 plain, with his adz and double-driver, holding it in the middle and playing 
 it rapidly on the empty barrel, as he drives the hoop, sounds a reveille to 
 the whole neighborhood, regular as the strains of Memnon. 
 
 A truce to these trifles. The Sabbath has come. Everybody went to 
 meeting. It was the pleasantest day of the week. Manning is ringing the 
 bell. Let us note the carriages as they come up. The chaise drawn by that 
 bay. so sleek, he looks as if he had been varnished for the occasion, brings 
 Captain Thomas Fanning and (pardon me, I was then a young man) his two 
 charming daughters. I think he was the attendant of our uptown meeting 
 who came from the nearest landing. That stout black in ? wider chaise brings 
 T.ady Lathrop. attended by Mr. Huntley and his daughter, a pretty little girl 
 of eight or nine, whoes poetic genius and sweet moral strains have shed a ray 
 of glorv, not only on her native town (as Lydia ?Iuntley and Mrs. Sigourney), 
 but over her whole country, and rendered her name a praise throughout the 
 
i^ NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 republic of letters. Here drives up a double carriage, plain, yet neat. Those 
 spanking- bavs are full of spirit, they move admirably. They bring the family 
 of Mr. Thomas Lathrop, who occupies the very handsome white mansion on 
 the southern hill bounding the square. 
 
 (Note.— Manning has ceased ringing, and is tolling the bell. Mr. Strong 
 will be here presently. He comes with his lady, drawn in a plain chaise by 
 a stalwart brown horse, the favorite of many years.) 
 
 Observe, as Mr. Strong ascends the steps numbers press round and hand 
 him scraps of paper. They are received as matters of course— six— seven — 
 or eight, as it may happen. We shall see directly what they are. _ While the 
 psalm is being sung, which precedes the morning prayer, the minister's head 
 is inclined forward as if reading. He rises and reads the slips of paper — one 
 after another, running in this wise: "Z. D. being about to take a voyage to 
 sea, asks the prayers of this congregation that he may be preserved anc' 
 restored in safety to his family." 
 
 Several desiring to return thanks for mercies received. I dare not allovv 
 myself to state the variety of petitions, relating to ordinary circumstances in 
 life. It would seem to have required long habit and a retentive memory to 
 recall them, yet Mr. Strong would touch each, briefly, but appropriately, and 
 with such earnestness and pathos, especially when praying for the sick, as by 
 svmpathy swelling in every breast, and made the petition, the prayer indeed 
 of the whole congregation. 
 
 Of the church music. Roberts, the famed singing master, had been among 
 the voices, and infused his own impassioned soul into the school. The front 
 seats of the gallery — treble — counter — tenor — bass — were all full. "O, that 
 I could describe them to you!" In the pews below were numbers who had 
 caught the inspiration. Nay, more. Colonel Zack was among them, himself 
 an organ full of melody and power. Did "The Pilgrims' Song" close the 
 worship of the day, an hundred voices attuned to perfect harmony, joining 
 to swell the strain, 
 
 "Rise, my soul, and stretch thy wings, 
 To seats prepared above," 
 
 The whole congregation rose to their feet— entranced. 
 
 The life of Mr. Strong, the revered, the beloved, his precepts and exam- 
 ple, however imperfectly regarded, have been with me through life. His influ- 
 ence for good is yet felt among hundreds of the descendants of emigrants from 
 Norwich. 
 
 Monday has come and brings its usual busy throng and varying scenes. 
 
 Two printing presses were in full operation, that of Mr. Trumbull had 
 been long established, and his paper was always read with pleasure. Busy 
 memory, clinging to everything with child-like delight that relates to Nor- 
 wich, calls up the anecdote. The fashion of the day was for advertisers to 
 close — "Inquire of the printer." The wit of the town was dying. Mr. Trum 
 bull bent over him with his wonted kindness and asked softly, "Do you know 
 me, Mr. Barney?" "If I don't I'll inquire of the printer." Samuel Trumbull, 
 the oldest son, was a young man of a good deal of reading, and of ready wit. 
 He wrote several essays under the head of "From the desk of Beri Hesden." 
 The hint and the name of the essays— "From the desk of poor Robert 
 the Scribe," I am sure I owed him. William Pitt Turner was the Aesop of 
 the press, the poet and satirist, and lashed the foibles of the Bucks of "Att 
 ye all," with no stinted measures. Young Trumbull, following in his wake, 
 satirized the younger brood, and I came in, fairly enough, for my share, more 
 proud of the notice than angry at the rod. 
 
CITY OF NORWICH 
 
 145 
 
 The recent member of the Assembly, Gurdon Trumbull, esq., it was 
 my good fortune to form an intimate acuqaintance with, in 1839, at Hartford. 
 (I hope he is with you.) I cannot deny myself the pleasure of adding, that 
 I was subsequently indebted to his partial kindness for several favors done 
 so considerately, and performed in a manner so delicate, as to demand a 
 renewed and more open acknowledgement ; mentioned to show how naturally 
 and kindly the heart of the Norwich boys "warm to the tartan." 
 
 The other printing office was nearly opposite that of Mr. Trumbull's, 
 close to Collier's brass foundry. The paper published by Bushnell & Hub- 
 bard. Mr. Bushnell was afterwards appointed a purser in the navy, and died 
 of yellow fever at sea. I mention the fact to add, that when in the West 
 Indies, several gentlemen were inscribing the names of wives and sweethearts 
 in a mountain grove — Bushnell declined to do so, lest the thoughtless should 
 desecrate the place by obscene additions, but he wrote a poem addressed to 
 his wife, it is said, of remarkable delicacy and beauty. A man of genius and 
 learning, few were more capable. Has Norwich preserved it? 
 
 The rival houses are at war. Small pox has broken out. There is not 
 a moment to delay. Two establishments for inoculation start into existence 
 
 on the Thames, in Mohegan. Dr. Tracy and Dr. preside over that 
 
 at famed Massapeage. Dr. Marvin and Dr. Jewett over the other, at Adgate's. 
 These were prominent points of interest in their day. 
 
 "Friendship to everj' willing mind, 
 Opens a heavenly treasure," 
 
 From lady voices I still recollect as soothing to my feverish and restless 
 spirits. In the main the remembrances were agreeable, redolent rather of 
 frolic and fun than of pain. 
 
 Do you see those strange looking men hawking pictures, in broken 
 English? They are French emigrants, thus seeking to win their bread, 
 exiled from home by the revolution, now raging. Listen: "Louis de 16 — 
 madame Elizabet." They have pictures of the guillotine, with their execu- 
 tioner, and the head of the king, all ghastly, streaming with blood, which he 
 is holding up. Look again — what have they? Beautiful pictures, but so 
 nearly immodest as to make me hesitate to bring to recollection, what was 
 then familiar to everyone in open market. The revolutionists, to cast odium 
 on the royal family, represented an intimacy between the infamous Duke of 
 Orleans and the queen, Maria Antoinette. The polished verse runs thus: 
 
 "Avaunt, rash hoy, while I my homage pay, 
 Where joys are bred and nestling cupids play." 
 
 Another — a sans-cullote sailor, with a red cap and shirt — emblems of 
 liberty and courage. A French man-of-war has captured an English frigate. 
 The sailor sings: 
 
 "When e'er on French decks shouts of victory roar. 
 Your crown's a red cap, and tyrants are no more." 
 
 The winter assemblys demand special notice. Managed with such scru- 
 pulous care, every lady who might desire it was not only invited, but provided 
 with a carriage and agreeable escort. Mr. Lathrop had built an assembly 
 room, with a spring floor, on purpose. There was no formal supper, but tea, 
 coffee, tongue, ham, cakes, and every suitable refreshment in abundance. 
 Collier, with his inimitable violin— Manning with his drum. Order, the most 
 perfect, never for a moment, that I saw or heard of, infringed. Contra dances 
 
 XL.— 1-10 
 
146 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 occupied the evening. The stately minuet had gone out of fashion, and the 
 cotillion not yet introduced. The lines of a modern song express what was 
 universally felt: 
 
 "The reign of pleasure is restored, 
 Of ease and gay delight." 
 
 In their apology, if one be needed, let me add, Washington would have 
 approved, and entered the pleasant occurrence in his journal. The musicians 
 knew their hour, and at i the assembly closed. They did not escape the keen 
 edge of satire. The poem of W. P. Turner could be repeated by many emi- 
 grants to the Susquehanna, forty years afterward. 
 
 The hum of industry is everywhere. Norwich uptown is a bee hive. 
 Every mechanic, and there are few idlers, with every workman, was employed 
 manufacturing hats, tin ware, pewter ware, boots, shoes, harness, coaches, 
 chaises, small carriages, for slaves to draw the children — everything. The 
 West Indies demanded many cargoes. Such was the prosperity of the country 
 around, nearly every farmer would have his chaise. The fact that there were 
 two coach and chaise manufactories in the town fully employed, showing 
 the activity of one branch, will indicate that of others. 
 
 Take your stand on the school house steps, and suppose a circulating 
 panorama. Note that drove of horses dashing by. The driver is Lazelle, 
 from the north. Twenty of the sixty are Canadian. They are for Howland's 
 brig. Jesse Brown will see they are cared for a week, and send them to New 
 London, when the brig is nearly ready to sail. A dozen vessels are preparing 
 at the landing for cargoes, and droves are daily arriving. 
 
 Such a demand for horses must create a demand for sires. Luckily, here 
 they pass, each with his groom. That superlatively beautiful bright bay, 
 fourteen hands high, is "Figure," belonging to Haynes, of New London. 
 That monster dark bay following, seventeen hands high, is "Nimrod." The 
 dark chestnut is a favorite Rhode Island pacer. "Count Pulaski" is the last. 
 
 What mean those two covered carts with tinkling bells? They are our 
 market. The single one, a daily, from Bean Hill. The double is from Wind- 
 ham, a weekly, but loaded with mutton that would tempt an epicure. 
 
 Note that dashing gentleman and lady on the fine pair of blacks. They 
 have a foreign air. It is Jackson Brown, supposed to be an agent of the 
 British commissary department. They do not stop to have the gate openedj 
 but bound over it as if in pursuit of a fox. 
 
 Note that splendid chariot, with servants in livery as out riders. There 
 are two or three pairs of elegant English hunters. They are bounding away 
 in pursuit of pleasure, to the Bozrah great pond, a fishing. It is the establish- 
 ment of the noted English Lord Bellisais. 
 
 Hark! There is music in the court house. An Irish gentleman of titled 
 family, whom the war has embarrassed, with a noble spirit of independence, 
 rather than sit down in indigence and despair, has opened a dancing school, 
 not only here, but in Bozrah, Franklin, and two or three neighboring towns. 
 Ordering his tim.e that he may attend here twice a vveek, and visit the others 
 once a week, not a minute was wasted. 
 
 John C. De Vereaux ; that is the gentleman in the open carriage with the 
 hump-backed musician, Howell, by his side. The general prosperity rendered 
 it easy for parents, all round to country, to gratify their children. Would any- 
 one ask — "How did he succeed ?" Enquire who, forty years afterwards, was 
 the wealthiest merchant in Utica, and president of the United States branch 
 bank? The answer would be John C. De Vereaux. 
 
 Evening approaches — Vvfhere are the stages? O! here they come up in 
 
CITY OF NORWICH 147 
 
 style to Brown's hotel. That from the east, the horses all in a foam, has come 
 all the way from Providence, since morning! 
 
 The one from the west is from Hartford. What is that under the Hart- 
 ford stage? It looks like the fore-top-sail of a brig. Lo ! it is a sail cloth, so 
 nailed under the bottom as to hang loose and bring down salmon from Hart- 
 ford, without being bruised, for Brown, like Lathrop, had a pride in setting 
 a capital table, and it is lucky today, as President Adams has just arrived. 
 
 Party, the twin sister of freedom, then prevailed, as it ever will, and the 
 morning salute, confidently expected, was marred, as we black cockade federal 
 boys charged, by the intentional failure of our opponents to — "keep their 
 powder dry." 
 
 Training day, especially regimental, or brigade, was a great event. The 
 Matross company, commanded then by Roger Griswold, afterwards by Cap- 
 tain Bailey paraded in front of the meeting house; the light infantry, in 
 uniform, near the old Perit house; the common militia company, facing west) 
 on the lower point of the green ; companies from the neighboring towns arriv- 
 ing, where the adjutant assigned them their position. From an early hour 
 the plain was thronged ; the line formed — mark that fine soldier-like bearing 
 man on that stately war steed — that is General Marvin. Accompanied by his 
 aides, in splendid uniform and nodding plumes, music filling the air, the line 
 is passed, the salute given, the column formed; the march is down east and 
 round the square. The band and the brigade of drums and fifes under Collier 
 and Manning, alternating. Passing Governor Huntington's, the salute is 
 repeated, and could not be paid to a worthier, unless Washington were him- 
 self present. The windows all round are sparkling with beauty, and we little 
 bo\ s were thrice happy to trudge round on foot, hear the music, and see the 
 pageant. 
 
 A marked incident in the exhibition was the assemblage of all Mohegans 
 and Betty Uncas, their queen, with brooms, baskets, blankets, papooses with- 
 out number. They lined the fence from Eli Lord's to Lathrop's. The military 
 dismissed, still the plain is thronged. Here is Captain Griswold, with a dozen 
 of the most active fellows, playing a game of cricket. Yonder is Captain 
 Slocum and a party intent on a wrestling match. Each right hand hold of his 
 opponent's right shoulder. It was a game of skill, rather than of strength — 
 the trip and twitch — the steel trap quickness. The Zouaves could hardly beat 
 them. An adroitness that would seem unrivaled. Let the unpracticed, how- 
 ever strong and courageous, beware how he enters the lists, or he will find 
 himself sprawling in mid-air, seeking a resting place on the green turf, flat 
 on his back, amid the cheers of hundreds. 
 
 Look ! There is a daring fellow climbing up to the ball on the steeple. 
 It makes one's head dizzy to gaze on him. That is John Post — fearless and 
 spry as a wild cat. 
 
 Hark ! The sounds of revelry proceed from Lathrop's chamber windows. 
 The officers have dined, and prefer punch, such as Lathrop only could make, 
 to indifferent wine. The choicest Antigua, loaf sugar by the pail full, lemons, 
 oranges, limes. Merrier fellows, within tempered mirth, never wore cockade 
 or feather. 
 
 So with "sports that wrinkled care derides," closed the day. The half 
 is not said, yet I feel that I am abusing your patience. When did a native ever 
 begin to talk of Norwich and know when to stop? 
 
 From the time the Jewish maidens hung their harps on the willows, and 
 sang of Jerusalem, to the lav of the sweetest modern minstrel, "Mv native 
 land" has been a cherished theme. Thus with singular pleasure have T run 
 over the scenes of mv childhood, and endeavored to sketch, with rapid pencil, 
 
148 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 "Norwich uptown, the plain, and round the square," as memory recalls it, 
 seventy years ago, which, with cordial good wishes, is respectfully sub- 
 mitted. 
 
 From Miss Caulkins we quote the following account of the industrial 
 growth of Norwich : 
 
 The enterprise of the inhabitants in the line of manufactures has been 
 frequently mentioned in the course of this history. But the subject will here 
 be retraced, and various undertakings chronicled in their order, as far as data 
 for this purpose have been obtained. 
 
 Iron works were established in the parish of New Concord in 1750 by 
 Captain Joshua Abell and Nehemiah Huntington. They contracted with 
 Robert Martin, of Preston, to become the overseer or operator of their works, 
 engaging him to make and refine iron into anconie, to be done workmanlike, 
 and binding themselves to remunerate him with lOO lbs. of bar iron for every 
 200 anconies he shall make. 
 
 Elijah Backus commenced a similar work at Yantic nearly at the same 
 time. These are supposed to have been the first forges erected in New 
 London county. They manufactured blooming and bar iron for anchors, 
 mills, and other uses. 
 
 In the year 1766, cutlery as a business made its appearance, and various 
 implements of husbandry, that had before been imported, were manufactured 
 in the town. The Backus iron works obtained great repute, and during the 
 Revolutionary war all kinds of iron work necessary for domestic use, and 
 various instruments of warfare, were made and repaired at the Yantic forges. 
 The same year a potterv for the manufacture of stone ware was established at 
 Bean Hill, which continued in operation far into the present century, seldom, 
 however, employing more than four or five hands. 
 
 The making of linseed oil was commenced at Bean Hill in 1748 by 
 Hezekiah Huntington. In October, 1778, Elijah and Sirr^on Lathrop gave 
 notice in the "New London Gazette" that they had erected an oil-mill at 
 Norwich Falls, and were ready to exchange a gallon of oil for a bushel o5 
 well-cleaned flaxseed. In 1786, Silas Goodell set up another oil-mill near the 
 falls. This was probably the same that in 1791 was owned by Joshua Hunt- 
 ington. Lathrop's mill was destroyed by fire November 9, 1788. The loss 
 was estimated at $1,500, a considerable quantity of oil and flaxseed being con- 
 sumed. It was rebuilt the next year. In these mills flaxseed was used to 
 produce the best kind of oil, but inferior kinds of seed were often substituted. 
 The three mills together produced about 9,000 gallons annually, which sold 
 at three or four shillings per gallon. 
 
 During the Revolutionary war, iron wire and cards were made at the 
 falls, under the supervision of Nathaniel Niles. Edmund Darrow established 
 at the same period a nailery, which continued in operation nearly to the 
 close of the century. 
 
 The business of weaving stockings was begun in 1766, under the patron- 
 age of Christopher Lefifingwell. William Russell, an Englishman, was the 
 first operator. For many years it was a small concern. limited to two or 
 three looms. But in 1791, Leffingwcll had nine looms in operation, produc- 
 ing annually from 1,200 to 5,000 pair of hose, and employing in the manufac- 
 ture worsted, cotton, linen, and silk. The silk hose ranged in value from 
 I2S. to 20s. per pair. Gloves and purses were also woven at these mills, the 
 whole business emplojnng only five operatives. At a later period the business 
 was continued successively by Louis Baral, Leonard Beattie, and William 
 
CITY OF NORWICH 149 
 
 Coxe. all foreijrners. and still later by Jeremiah Griffing, a native of New 
 London. 
 
 Stocking'-looms were not only employed here, but constructed. Before 
 1790, looms that had been made in Norwich were set up at Hartford and 
 Pou£2fhkeepsie — two at each place. Looms were in operation at that period 
 in New Haven. Litchfield, and Wallingford, and it is not improbable that 
 these also were made in Norwich. To accommodate his stocking-looms and 
 other utilitarian projects. Colonel Leffingjwell built, after 1780, the range of 
 shops called Leffingwell's row. In 1785. wool-cards were made by James 
 Lincoln in Leffingwell's row. 
 
 Paper. — In the early manufacture of this article in Norwich, Christopher 
 Leffingwell stands pre-eminent. His mill upon the Yantic, near No-man*s 
 Acre, was erected in 1766. This was the first paper-mill in Connecticut. Lef- 
 fing^vel^s mill in a short period produced various kinds of paper for wrap- 
 ping, writing, printing, cartridges, and sheathing. The quantity annually 
 turned out was estimated at 1,300 reams, the prices varying from 4s. 6d. to 
 45s. per ream. Ten or twelve hands were employed. At the outset of this 
 undertaking, a small bounty was granted by the government, to continue for 
 three years. It was not renewed. After the year 1790. Andrew Huntington 
 engaged in the manufacture of paper, and erected a new mill upon the Yantic, 
 either on the site of Leffingwell's oil mill, or very near it. Ebenezer Bushnell 
 was for a few years his partner. 
 
 Chocolate IMills. — Christopher Leffingwell was first in this department 
 also. His chocolate-mill was in operation in 1770. Another was erected in 
 1779 by Simon Lathrop. They were both moved by water-wheels, and 
 could be tended each by a single workman. The chocolate made was of the 
 best quality and the quantity produced was estimated at 4,000 and 5,000 
 pounds annually. It sold in considerable quantities at I4d. per lb.; retail- 
 ers asked i8d. 
 
 Clocks and Watches. — This business was commenced in 1773 by Thomas 
 Harland, a mechanician of great skill and efficiency. His watches were pro- 
 nounced equal to the best English importations. In 1790 he had ten or 
 twelve hands in constant employ, and it was stated that he made annually 
 two hundred watches and forty clocks. His price for silver watches varied 
 from £4 los. to £7 los. As at that period watches were far from being 
 common, and it was even a mark of distinction to wear one, Mr. Harland's 
 establishment was a center of the business for a considerable extent of 
 country. Barzillai Davidson, 1775, N. Shipman, Sen., 1789, Eliphaz Hart on 
 the Green by the court house, and Judah Hart at the Landing, in 1812, 
 though not probably to any great extent manufacturers, were yet "workers 
 in gold and silver," and offered for sale handsome assortments of jewelry and 
 time-keepers. 
 
 Between the years 1773 and 1780, four fulling-mills with alothicrs' 
 shops and dye-houses went into operation — one in the parish of New Con^ 
 cord, one in Franklin, a third at the falls, "near Starr and Leffingwell's works 
 adjoining the Paper Mill," and a fourth on Bean Hill. 
 
 In a statement made of the industrial pursuits of the town in 1791, in 
 addition to several establishments already noticed, are the following items: 
 Two nailleries. or machines for making nails, employing eight or ten hands. 
 Fifteen blacksmiths, who make annually about 50 dozen scythes, 150 dozen 
 hoes, 50 dozen axes, and other implements for domestic and agricultural use. 
 Threedistilleries. Two tobacconists. Two braziers, and a bell-foundry. 
 
 Cotton. — In 1790, Dr. Joshua Lathrop established a cotton factory in the 
 town-plot. He began with five jennys, one carding-machine, and six looms. 
 
I50 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 This machinery was afterward increased, and a great variety of goods manu- 
 factured, probably to the amount of 2,000 yards per year while the project was 
 continued. In 1793. the firm was Lathrop & Eells. The following is one of 
 their advertisements, March 19, 1793: 
 
 Lathrop & Eells have just finished a variety of Cotton Goods, consisting of Royal Ribs, 
 Ribdelures, Ribdurants, Ribdenims, Ribbets, Zebrays, Satinetts, Satin-Stripes, Satin Cords, 
 Thick-setts, Corduroys, Stockinetts, Dimotys, Feathered Stripes, Birds-Eye, Denims, Jeans, 
 Jeanetts, Fustians, Bed Tickings that will hold feathers. 
 
 The above Goods are well finished, and for durability undoubtedly superior to European 
 manufactured. Gentlemen, merchants, and others, who feel disposed to encourage home 
 manufactures, are invited to call and see for themselves, and may be assured they shall be 
 supplied as low as they can furnish themselves from any quarter. 
 
 This business could not be made remunerative, and after a trial of eight 
 or ten years was discontinued. 
 
 The manufacturing spirit had been called into exercise to meet the ex- 
 igencies of the Revolution. Before that time the country had been dependent 
 upon England for all articles that required combination, capital and machi- 
 nery for their production. When the intercourse with Europe was renewed, 
 and commerce again brought the lavish results of foreign labor to our shores, 
 the crude manufactures of the country declined, most of the imported articles 
 being cheaper than those made at home. The spinningwheel and loom still 
 kept their place in families, fulling-mills and carding-machines were patron- 
 ized, ropes and nails were made: but as a general fact, the workshops and 
 factories of the country were in Europe. The spirit and enterprise of Norwich 
 had been wholly diverted into the channels of commerce, and future pros- 
 perity seemed to be expected only from the ocean. 
 
 At the commencement of the present century, the paper-mill at the falls 
 was the only establishment of any kind in Norwich worthy the name of a 
 factory. 
 
 The Norwich Falls district, now so busy, bustling, and crowded with 
 inhabitants, was then a wild, secluded hamlet, consisting of two or three 
 old mills and the dwelling house of Elijah Lathrop. Beautiful was the place 
 fur all the purposes of romance and lonely meditation — renowned for echoes 
 and evergreens, the chosen resort of moonlight parties, curious travelers, and 
 wandering lovers — but the Genius of Manufacture had only marked it for 
 his own ; he had not yet erected his standard and marshaled his legions in 
 the valley. In relation to manufactures, and in some respects it would apply 
 to the whole business of the town, this was a period when old things passed 
 away, and all things became new. 
 
 Hemp. — In the year 1S03, Nathaniel Rowland & Co. erected a building 
 at the falls for hemp-spinning. Mr. Timothy Lester was engaged as machin- 
 ist; the best of hatcheled hemp was used, and the warps were spun by a 
 recently improved machine. Looms were soon introduced, duck and canvas 
 offered for sale in 1804. 
 
 The Hov.'lands appear to have been stimulated to this undertaking by a 
 visit from Mr. Baxter, a noted hemp-spinner from Great Britain, who was 
 engaged in introducing the manufacture of cordage and duck, by machinery, 
 into this country. He came to Norwich to survey the situation, and was 
 satisfied with its facilities, but was not himself sufficiently encouraged to 
 remain and conduct the experiment. 
 
 Colonel Rowland's mill kept on its way for a few years, employing from 
 twelve to twenty hands, and throwing a considerable quantity of hempen 
 cloth into the market. He was encouraged in his operations by the govern- 
 ment. Proffers were made to him to supply the navy upon cash advances. 
 
CITY OF NORWICH 151 
 
 and a small bounty was granted by Congress for every bolt of duck pro- 
 duced. But the business could not withstand the pressure of the times, and 
 was overwhelmed in the general wreck of mercantile affairs, connected with 
 the embargo and other commercial restrictions of that period. 
 
 Manufactures at the Falls. — The rise of manufactures after this period 
 is intimately connected with several prominent individuals who removed 
 to the place from other parts of New England — Calvin Goddard in 1807, Wil- 
 liam Williams in 1809, William C. Oilman in 1816. William P. Greene in 
 1824. These all in their first coming to Norwich were connected with the 
 manufacturing interest at the Falls. Though not natives, they are wholly 
 identified with the place, and by their enterprise and their liberal and enlight- 
 ened course as citizens, have contributed largely to its prosperity. 
 
 Mr. Goddard was a lawyer and statesman, connected with the manufac- 
 turing interest only as a proprietor and patron. Having projected an estab- 
 lishment at the Falls, he purchased in 1800 the old Lathrop house and mill- 
 seats of that district, the saw, grist and oil mills, with the ancient distillery 
 and tannery lots and privileges, and formed a partnership with William 
 Williams. Sen., of Stonington, and his sons (Wm., Jr., and Thos. W.), 
 under the firm of William Williams, Jr., & Co., one of the younger partners 
 taking the principal agency in the business. In common parlance, however, 
 the firm was Goddard & Williams. 
 
 This company set up the machinery necessary for grinding and bolting 
 "Virginia wheat and Southern corn"; imported their grain, and obtained 
 William Weller, an experienced miller from Pennsylvania, for their foreman. 
 They kept two or three sloops in their employ, sailing to Norfolk, Peters- 
 burg, Fredericksburg, and Richmond. In 1812, they fitted out the schooner 
 "Ann and Mary," and sent her to Cadiz with flour. This was their only 
 foreign adventure. The war with Great Britain throwing obstacles in the 
 way of trade with the South, the flour business was broken up, and the com- 
 pany turned their attention to the manufacture of cotton cloth. 
 
 The Howland duck factory was changed by this company into a cotton 
 mill, which began to run in December. 1813, preceding by a few months the 
 cotton factories at Jewett City and Bozrahville. They began with carding 
 and spinning, giving out the yarn from the factory to be woven in hand-looms, 
 but after three^ or four years the power-loom was introduced, and they turned 
 out mattresses, nankeens and shirtings in a completed state. 
 
 This mill, though of small account in comparison with the gigantic opera- 
 tions of modern times, and by no means a money-making experiment to the 
 proprietors, merits notice as one of the first cotton mills successfully estab- 
 lished in the country, and as leading the way to undertakings in the same 
 line far more extensive and important. The title of this company was changed 
 in 1819 to Williams Manufacturing Co. It continued only a few vears in 
 active operation, but its affairs were not settled and the partnership "dissolved 
 till 1833, when they sold out to Amos Cobb and others, agents of the Norwich 
 and New York Manufacturing Co. 
 
 In Mav, 1813, William C.'Cilman, "late of Boston," purchased a privilege 
 at the Falls of Goddard S: Williams, and in connection with the Iron and 
 Nail Co. established a nailerv. which went immediately into successful opera- 
 tion. In this factory the nails were cut by a newly-invented machine with 
 great rapiditv, and while the novelty lasted, visitors were attracted to the 
 falls to hear the clink of the machine and view the continual dropping of the 
 nails. 
 
 The next company that was formed commenced business with promising 
 aspects upon a large' capital. This was the Thames Manufacturing Com- 
 
152 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 panv, incorporated in June, 1823. It consisted of six members, viz., Wm. 
 C. Oilman, Samuel, Henry and John Hubbard, Wm. P. and Benjamin Greene. 
 Five of these partners were Boston men. to whose favorable notice the water 
 privileges that lay unemployed at the falls had been forcibly presented by 
 Mr. Oilman. 
 
 This company purchased the naillery and several other water privileges 
 at the falls, and erected a large cotton factory, preparing for a business of 
 considerable extent and value. The corner-stone of the building was laid 
 with interesting ceremonies, and Judge Goddard delivered an address, wel- 
 coming the new company to that secluded seat. William P. Greene, one of 
 the Boston partners, became a resident in Norwich, and for a few years Mr. 
 Greene and William C. Oilman transacted together the business of the com- 
 pany. Mr. Greene then resigned, and Mr. Oilman was afterward the sole 
 agent of the concern. 
 
 The Ouinebaug Company, for the manufacture of cotton and woolen 
 goods, was chartered in 1826. The mill erected by this company on the 
 Shetucket river was purchased by the Thames Company before it went into 
 operation, and was considered by its new owners as the most valuable of 
 their possessions. This mill was the beginning of Greenville. 
 
 The Thames Company purchased likewise the mill at Bozrahville, built 
 by Messrs. Dodge and Hyde in 1815, and in their best days had the three 
 mills — in Bozrah, at the Falls, and on the Shetucket — in successful operation. 
 
 Another company with similar objects and expectations, called the Nor- 
 wich & New York Manufacturing Co., was incorporated in 1829. Some of 
 the partners belonged also to the Thames Company, but they were distinct 
 concerns. To this new incorporation the Thames Company sold the Falls 
 mill. This company purchased also the mills and machinery of Huntington 
 and Backus on Bean Hill. 
 
 In 1833, a large cotton mill, two paper mills, an iron foundry, nail fac- 
 tory and rolling mill were reported in successful operation at the Falls. 
 
 But this prosperity was of short duration. Both the Thames Company 
 and the Norwich and New York Company became involved in the mercantile 
 disasters that so widely affected ihe business of the country, and went down 
 in the financial crash of 1837. The two mills belonging to the Thames Com- 
 jjan}' were purchased nominally by Mr. Oilman — the mortgages nearly equal- 
 ing the value — and conveyed by him to other parties: the Ouinebaug mill to 
 Mr. Caliph, and the mill at Bozrah to Mr. James Boorman of New York. A 
 period of great depression and stagnation of business ensued. 
 
 Fresh undertakings of a more enduring nature arose out of these reverses. 
 Two new companies were formed under the auspices of Wm. P. Greene — the 
 Shetucket Company and the Norwich Falls Company. Both went into pros- 
 perous operation between 1838 and 1842. , 
 
 The Shetucket Company purchased the misnamed Ouinebaug mill on 
 the Shetucket. The building was burnt down in May, 1842, and the present 
 mill, of far greater capacity, standing on the same spot, is called the She- 
 tucket mill. It is the great cotton mill of Greeneville. 
 
 The Falls Company purchased the mill at the Falls, which had formerly 
 belonged to the Thames Company. This has since been enlarged to almost 
 three times its former size and power, and has kept on from that time to 
 the present, without any suspension of its acitvitv or check to its prosperity. 
 
 These companies were established by Mr. Greene, chiefly upon his own 
 credit, and were kept while he lived under his management and direction. 
 The business has been gradually extending, and for several years each mill 
 has had 15,000 spindles in operation. 
 
CITY OF NORWICH 153 
 
 The manufacture of paper at the Falls has of late years been connected 
 exclusively with the name of Hubbard. Amos H. Hubbard entered into the 
 business in 1818. Paper was at that time made in the old way; not by 
 machinery, but by hand, sheet by sheet. Mr. Hubbard very soon furnished 
 his establishment with the modern improvements that diminish the amount 
 of manual labor required. In 1830 he successfully introduced Fourdrinier's 
 machine into his factory. This was the first paper-making machine used in 
 Norwich. 
 
 The brothers Russell and A. H. Hubbard were in partnership in this 
 business for twenty years, but dissolved in 1857. They had two mills — the 
 old wooden building erected by Messrs. Huntington and Bushnell in 1 790, 
 and a modern one, built of brick and stone, both of which, with various lots, 
 tenements and water-privileges, were sold by A. H. Hubbard in i860 to 
 the Falls Company. Mr. Hubbard then removed his establishment to Greene- 
 ville on the Shetucket. 
 
 According to the census of i860, the great cotton mill at the Falls em- 
 ployed 125 males and 375 females; producing annually six and a half million 
 yards, valued at $450,000. 
 
 The Falls Company has from time to time purchased the various privi- 
 leges in its neighborhood, and now controls nearly the whole water power 
 at Yantic Falls, and at the old paper-mill above the falls. The nailleries, 
 foundries, pistol factories, the paper, flour and oil mills, have all disappeared, 
 '.heir seats and privileges passed over to this company, and their various 
 :rafts transferred to other localities. In this valley of the roaring waters, 
 in i860, Cotton reigned the sole and undisputed king. 
 
 This sovereignty has been recently invaded by the occupation of a 
 hitherto unemployed mill-seat near the railroad bridge. Here a large brick 
 building, erected by C. A. Converse in 1864, furnishes accommodation to a 
 grist mill and the thriving cork factory of Messrs. J. H. Adams and James 
 E. Learned. 
 
 The cork-cutting business is one of the specialties of Norwich, this 
 being the place where an ingenious machine for transforming sheets of 
 bark into well-shaped corks was invented and set in operation, and where 
 the business is prosecuted with a success that promises to make it one of 
 the permanent industrial pursuits of the town. 
 
 The corks used in this country had been mostly imported from Europe, 
 where they were all made by hand. Vast quantities were required to supply 
 the market, and a machine that would abridge the labor and cheapen the 
 irticle was a desideratum. This furnished by the machines invented and 
 patented by the brothers Crocker, of Norwich. 
 
 William R. Crocker, the first inventor, after many experiments, brought 
 his machine into successful operation, and procured a patent for it, bearing 
 the date of October 30, 1855. "''his machine produced from twenty to thirty 
 finished corks per minute, turning them out in better condition than those 
 made bv hand. In 1859 the inventor went to Europe, accompanied by a 
 j'oungcr brother, to dispose of rights in his patent. On their return in the 
 steamer Hungarian, they both perished in the wreck of that vessel on the 
 coast of Newfoundland, February 15, i860. 
 
 But the business of cork-cutting, commenced by them in Norwich, has 
 been continued by Messrs. Barnes & Spalding, the proprietors of their pat- 
 ented machine. 
 
 Another machine of different structure, but for the same purpose, was 
 mvcnted by a third brother, John D. Crocker, and patented in 1862. This 
 patent is the one employed in the factory at Yantic Falls. 
 
154 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 Uncas j\Ii!I. — In the early part of the century, at Bean Hill, in a turn of 
 the Yantic and on both sides of it, we find a grist mill of ancient date, the 
 fulling mill and carding macliine of Erastus Huntington and Eber Backus, 
 the stone ware factory of Armstrong & W'entworth, and the machine shop 
 of James Burnham. Mr. Burnham constructed carding machines, looms, 
 and other kinds of machinery, but died on the island of Madeira in 1813. 
 
 The establishment of Huntington & Backus was purchased in 1828 for 
 $9,000, by a company organized that year and called the Norwich Manufac- 
 turing Company. This company established a woolen mill on the premises, 
 since known as the Uncas Woolen Mill. The ownership has since been 
 several times changed. In 1859, F. B. Loomis, proprietor, the census reported 
 the annual produce 150,000 yards of doeskins, valued at $175,000. Mr. Loomis 
 sold out in 1860 to Wm. Elting & Company. The Kiting Woolen Company 
 has since been organized, with a capital of $150,000. 
 
 Another woolen mill, at a lower point on the river in Norwich-Town, was 
 run for several }e3rs by Peter Lanman. The site is now occupied by a mill 
 of larger size and a group of neat tenements built by A. T. Sturtevant. 
 
 Timothy Green, of New London, who was then printer to the colony, 
 opened a printing office in this town early in 1773, and in company with 
 Judah Paddock Spooner, his brother-in-law, prosecuted the business until 
 1778. At that time the people of Vermont had just completed an independent 
 State government, although they were in the asserted limits of the State of 
 New York. Upon invitation of the government of the new State, Green and 
 Spooner removed their office from Norwich to Westminster, Vermont, where 
 they established the first newspaper printed in that State, under the title of 
 "The Vermont Gazette, or Green Mountain Post Boy." The motto of this 
 paper was indicative of the spirit of the times: , 
 
 "Pliant as reeds where streams of Freedom glide; 
 Firm as the hills to stem oppression's tide." 
 
 The other printing office established in this town in 1773 was by a com- 
 pany consisting of Alexander and James Robertson, who had emigrated from 
 Scotland to Albany, and from Albany came here, and John Trumbull, a 
 native of Charlestown, Mass. In the month of October, in that year, they 
 issued the first number of "The Norwich Packet, and the Connecticut, Massa- 
 chusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island Weekly Advertiser." "The 
 Packet" was continued by this company until 1776, when the Robertsons, 
 being Tories, were obliged to leave Norwich. They went to New York, and 
 on the conclusion of the war took up their residence in the British province 
 of Nova Scotia. Trumbull conducted the paper alone till his death in 1802. 
 The title was then changed to the "Connecticut Centinel," and printed but 
 a short time for the benefit of his widow, Lucy Trumbull. 
 
 On the 29th of November, 1791, Ebenezer Bushnell issued the first num- 
 ber of "The Weekly Register." In the issue of that paper of the 7th of 
 June following, Bushnell announces that he has associated with himself 
 Thomas Hubbard "In the Printing and Stocking Weaving business." This 
 firm continued until October i, 1793, when Bushnell retired, leaving the busi- 
 ness in the hands of Hubbard. In 1796, the office was removed from the 
 
CITY OF NORWICH 155 
 
 Town to the Landing, then called Chelsea Landing, and the title of the 
 paper changed to "The Chelsea Courier." On the 20th of November, 1805, 
 Thomas Hubbard retired from the paper, leaving as his successor his son, 
 Russell Hubbard, who soon changed the title to "The Norwich Courier," by 
 which title it has ever since been known. In February, 1817, Mr. Hubbard 
 formed a co-partnership with Theophilus R. Marvin, and under the firm of 
 Hubbard & Marvin, the "Courier" was continued until 1819, when Marvin 
 removed to Boston. In April, 1822, the paper was purchased by Thomas 
 Robinson and John Dunham, and continued by them until March, 1825, 
 when it passed into the hands of Dunham, who retained it until 1842. In 
 September, 1842, Dorson E. Sykes assumed the control of the "Courier," 
 and retained it until March, 1859, when he retired, and the paper was pur- 
 chased by George B. Smith. In the August following. Smith's affairs were 
 involved in bankruptcy, and the "Courier" was managed by his trustee. 
 
 In 1803, John Sterry and Epaphras Porter issued the "True Republican," 
 of which Consider Sterry was editor, and continued the same for about four 
 years. 
 
 In January, 1829, the "Norwich Republican," by Boardman & Faulkner, 
 made its appearance. It soon passed into the possession of Adams & Faulk- 
 ner; they retiring, it was published till April, 1835, by Melza Gardner. At 
 that time it was purchased by Marcus B. Young, its political character was 
 changed, and L. F. S. Foster assumed the editorial charge. The "Republican" 
 was discontinued in 1838. 
 
 In May. 1835, James Holbrook issued the first number of "The Norwich 
 Aurora." He continued its publication till June, 1838, when Gad S. Gilbert 
 purchased it and conducted it till March 24, 1841. From that time until 
 August 8, 1844, it was successively conducted by William Trench and Trench 
 & Conklin. 
 
 From 1843 till 1848, "The Norwich News" was published by William 
 Faulkner. 
 
 Of the other newspapers which have had an ephemeral existence in 
 Norwich, the following may be mentioned : 
 
 "The Canal of Intelligence," by Levi Huntington Young, commenced 
 in 1826. "The Norwich Spectator," by Park Benjamin and M. B. Young, 
 commenced in November, 1829; revived in 1842 by John G. Cooley, and con- 
 tinued for a short time. "The Norwich Free Press," by M. B. Young, 
 February, 1830. "The Norwich Gleaner," by B. F. Taylor, in 1845. "The 
 American Patriot," by the friends of General Taylor, 1848. "The Norwich 
 Tribune," by Charles B. Piatt and Edmund C. Stedman. in 1852. "The Nor- 
 wich Examiner," by Andrew Stark, in 1853. "The State Guard," by the same 
 publisher, in 1855. 
 
 In August, 1859, the press of Norwich was as follows: "The Norwich 
 Courier." published by the trustee of the estate of George B. Smith. "The 
 TCorwich Aurora," by John W. Stedman. "The Morning Bulletin," by Man- 
 ning. Perry & Co., established in December, 1858. "The Weekly Reveille," 
 
156 NFAV LONDON COUNTY 
 
 by Walter S. Robinson (suspended). "The Free Academy Journal," pub- 
 lished by the students of the Free Academy. 
 
 For the Norwich Jubilee in 1859 the following article was prepared by 
 Ashbel Woodward, M.D., president of the Connecticut Medical Society: 
 
 Of the physicians generally of the American colonial period, little is now 
 known. As a class they were unambitious to participate in the deliberations 
 of public councils, or take the lead in advocacy of popular measures, so that 
 only few names became prominently identified with local or general history. 
 Many devoted to the duties of their calling the undivided energies of long 
 and laborious lives, reaping only a scanty pecuniary recompense for the 
 present, and no place at all in the grateful recollection of posterity. Respected 
 and loved by cotemporaries with that respect and love which strikes such 
 deep root and blossoms so beautifully in the chamber of suffering, they were 
 too frequently forgotten when their own generation had passed away. 
 
 No systematic account of the early physicians of Norwich has hitherto 
 been given. The materials for such a work are fragmentary, and collectible 
 onlv with great difficulty and labor. Public records aftord little assistance, 
 while the scanty aid they might otherwise render is still further impaired by 
 the general absence of the titular appendage from the names. Another 
 peculiar circumstance of the present case cuts us of? from one source of 
 information, which, in many localities, is highly fruitful. During the early 
 colonial period (as has almost always been true in the infancy of nations) 
 the professions of theology and medicine frequently met in the hands of the 
 same incumbent, the cure of fleshly ills being esteemed an incidental con- 
 comitant to the cure of the more dangerous maladies of the soul. These 
 clerical physicians, exercising their double vocation amid a people justly 
 celebrated for affectionate attachment to the expounders of the divine oracles, 
 were often minutely remembered and described for after time, in virtue of the 
 popularity of the priestly office. But in Norwich, the two professions were 
 kept entirely distinct from the beginning, so that ecclesiastical writings in al! 
 the multifarious forms they then assumed, are wholly unavailing to the biog- 
 rapher of her early doctors. 
 
 Of some of these, almost the only memorials are the precarious inscrip- 
 tions of moss-grown and neglected tomb stones. Others whose days of toil 
 and nights of watching in alleviation of human pain were otherwise forgotten, 
 still li\-e in the hearts of their descendants, and in traditions floating downward 
 in the same current with their blood. The names of several enter largely 
 into cotemporary records, whereby we may infer the prominency of their 
 influence, though the various proceedings they shared in, and the trusts 
 imposed upon them must here be passed in silence as too commonplace for 
 exhumation in our brief tribute to their memory. Yet it should not be for- 
 gotten that, as a citizen, one may be pre-eminently useful, and still perform 
 few actions whose recital either interests the attention or quickens the pulses 
 of postrity. 
 
 The medical profession in ancient Norwich was more than respectable; 
 was distinguished. As practitioners and teachers, several of its members 
 had few superiors on the continent. As reformers of abuses and fearless 
 advocates of salutary though unpopular changes, they held pace in the fore- 
 most rank. In the year 1763, prior to any attempts at medical organization 
 elsewhere on the continent. Thcophilus Rogers, with ten others, petitioned 
 the colonial legislature for the charter of a medical society. This movement, 
 made in advance of the age, was negatived in the lower house. Still it indi- 
 
CITY OF NORWICH 157 
 
 cates one of the most important crises in the history of the profession. The 
 presentation of that unpretending Norwich memorial was the initiative step 
 in a series of efforts which have since resulted in the permanent establish-' 
 ment of many flourishing State associations, and within a few years of the 
 national society, which has contributed in a high degree to purify the ranks, 
 elevate the aims and make a real unit and fraternity of the profession in 
 America. In the attempt alluded to, it was not the object of the petitioners 
 to secure any immunities or exclusive privileges for themselves, but to pro- 
 tect the health of the community by additional securities. At that time there 
 was no authority in the state legally qualified to confer degrees in a way 
 to discriminate the man of solid acquirements from the ignorant pretender. 
 Many, without either study or natural aptitude for the exercise of the calling, 
 by shameless vauntings imposed upon a credulous populace, and by assuming 
 their title brought discredit upon honorable men. Our Norwich memorialists 
 wished to strike at the root of this disgusting and rampant empiricism. To 
 shut down the flood gates through which their ranks were inundated by 
 incessant streams of ignorance and charlatanry, to establish a standard of 
 education by making a respectable amount of attainments an indispensable 
 requisite to the acquirement of the title, they asked for the appointment of 
 a committee legally authorized to examine and approve candidates, if found 
 qualified. Thus Norwich, though unsuccessful in her first attempt, was the 
 pioneer in the cause of American medical organization. 
 
 As early as 1785, when there were but two medical schools in the whole 
 country, Drs. Philip Turner and Philemon Tracy issued proposals for the 
 delivery of a series of lectures to students on "Anatomy, Physic, Surgery, &c." 
 As additional incentives to induce the "rising sons of ^sculapius" to improve 
 the facilities proffered to them, they tendered the free use of a "complete 
 library of ancient and modern authors," together with "the advantage of 
 being present at capital operations, dissections, &c." The prospectus goes 
 on to state, "Every attention will be paid by the subscribers to render their 
 lectures both useful and pleasing, their constant endeavors will be to facilitate 
 the instruction, direct with propriety the judgment, correct the errors, and 
 increase the knowledge of the pupils in their study." 
 
 Another interesting point in the history of Norwich was the long and 
 bitter controversy between the advocates and opponents of inoculation for 
 small pox. At that period this disease was the most formidable scourge of 
 humanity. There was no place of refuge from its ravages, nor means of 
 mitigating the fury of its poison. Inoculation having been practiced with suc- 
 cess" in furkev, had recently, through Cotton Mather's influence, been intro- 
 duced into the colonies. Commencing in 1760, for many years severalof the 
 more prominent physicians of Norwich struggled assiduously to e.stablish the 
 practice against the inveterate prejudices of the community. A popular vote 
 authorized pest houses, passed after the lapse of a third of a century, shows 
 how obstinately the public contended before yielding to the superior argu- 
 ments of the profession. 
 
 The following account of Lincoln's visit to Norwich, prepared by Mr. 
 Francis T. Leavens, has never been published : 
 
 One morning in March, i860, I was standing with three or four of iny 
 classmates of the junior class in the Norwich Free Academy when one of the 
 older boys of the senior class came up to us and said, "Boys, if vou want to 
 hear a regular western stump speaker, go down to the Town Hall tomorrow 
 night." "Who is he?" we asked, and the answer came, "A man from Illmois 
 named Lincoln, and they say he is great." 
 
158 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 A man from Illinois named Lincoln meant nothing- to us. \\"e had never 
 heard of him, but we had heard of stump speakers, though we had not seen 
 or heard one. Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show had not begun to make its 
 annual visits to New Eng-land, and none of us had been west. "Stump speaker" 
 sounded good to us and we decided to go. 
 
 Boys are not apt to be late at anything likely to interest them, and four 
 of us were among the earliest arrivals at the Town Hall. We seated our- 
 selves on the front bench, and when Mr. Lincoln took his place behind the 
 bar that ran along the front of the platform he was not six feet away from 
 us. In fact, when he leaned forward and swung his long arms in gestures it 
 seemed as if we were in danger of being struck. 
 
 I will not attempt to describe his appearance; that has been done by 
 many who were intimately associated with him, while artists and sculptors 
 have faithfully portrayed his form and features. I remember that he was 
 dressed in a black suit and that he wore a wide turnover collar and a black 
 silk sailor's tie, both of which were striking and unusual in this region. 
 
 At this distance of time I cannot undertake to report what he said, but 
 we four boys sat on that front bench till ten o'clock, our eyes never leaving 
 him, notwithstanding we had to keep our heads raised at an uncomfortable 
 angle as he towered above us. I have heard many famous orators since, but 
 never have I listened to one with such rapt attention, and no one ever made 
 such a deep and lasting impression upon me. 
 
 His speech was richly illustrated with stories and was frequently inter- 
 rupted by vigorous applause. One story I remember was about a young 
 farmer who in some way opened up a nest of large and active black snakes, 
 and as Mr. Lincoln described the terrible combat that followed his body 
 swayed, his long black arms and his fingers were writhing and twisting till 
 even the Laocoon itself was not more realistic. That picture is as plain in 
 my mind's eye today as it was fifty-seven j'cars ago. 
 
 The next morning two of us on our way to school reached a cross street 
 and looking down saw two other bo' s approaching who had also been there. 
 In an instant, without a word, four pairs of arms were writhing in the air 
 and any stranger who had seen us would have surely thought us crazy. All 
 that day, and for many days, those writhing arms were the countersign, and 
 "snakes" the password for the boys who had heard Abraham Lincoln. 
 
 After the meeting was over a large number of citizens adjourned to the 
 Wauregan House where Mr. Lincoln was entertained, and had a most enjoy- 
 able after meeting with refreshments and more stories from Lincoln. About 
 midnight, as it was known that Mr. Lincoln had to leave for New Haven at 
 six the next morning, the company reluctantly broke up and bid him good 
 night. 
 
 There was left, however, one gentleman, Mr. John F. Trumbull, of 
 .Stonington, who had come some distance to attend the meeting and was spend- 
 ing the night at the Wauregan. Mr. Trumbull had a very considerable repu- 
 tation as a political speaker and story teller, and after the others were gone 
 he and Mr. Lincoln sat and talked for an hour in the parlor and then went 
 up stairs together. When they reached the door of Mr. Lincoln's room some- 
 thing interesting was unfinished, so Trumbull went in and they talked on 
 till the town clock in the Baptist church nearby struck two, when Mr. Trum- 
 bull apologized and went out. Mr. Lincoln had removed his coat, vest, 
 collar and shoes and was rapidly preparing for bed when there was a knock 
 on the door and there stood Trumbull. "Oh !" he said. "I have just thought 
 of one more story I must tell you." And they sat down beside each other on 
 the bed and swapped stories for three-quarters of an hour more. It was 
 
CITY OF NORWICH 159 
 
 nearly three when tlie final adjournment took place, and Lincoln was called 
 at five to make ready for New Haven. 
 
 This latter part of the stor}- was told me years after by my friend, Col. 
 H. H. Osgood, who was a member of Governor Buckingham's military staff. 
 The Connecticut State elections at that time were held in April, and Lincoln's 
 speeches in our State were part of the campaign for Governor Buckingham's) 
 re-election. 
 
 It was through the efforts of Colonel Osgood that Mr. Lincoln came to 
 Norwich. He had heard of the wonderful impression made by the Cooper 
 Union speech, and, as Hartford was one of his first assignments in New 
 England, Colonel Osgood went there and heard him, then, procuring an intro- 
 duction, invited him to come to Norwich. Mr. Lincoln was pleased with the 
 invitation, but said that it was absolutely impossible, as his route had been 
 carefully laid out and there was no possibility of taking on another engage- 
 ment. At that time railroad trains were very few and very slow, but Colonel 
 Osgood was familiar with time tables, and he looked over the speaker's 
 schedules and at last said, "You can do it. You can come between Providence 
 and New Haven." "Young man," said Mr. Lincoln, "demonstrate it." So 
 thoroughly did Colonel Osgood demonstrate it that Mr. Lincoln promised to 
 come, and he did come. I shall never cease to be thankful that I was per- 
 mitted to see and hear him. 
 
 Once again I saw him. It was in the spring of 1864, during my vacation 
 from college. I was making a visit with relatives in Baltimore and they 
 took me for a day in Washington. We went, of course, to the White House, 
 and while looking about in the East Room, which is always open to the 
 public, the usher stationed in the hall came to me and said, "The President 
 is just coming in from the War Department. If you would like to see him, 
 just come and stand in the doorway of this room." It was at a dark period 
 of the war, heavy fighting had been going on for several days, but without 
 any satisfactory results. The porch door was opened and the President 
 came in, but oh ! how changed. His step was slow, his shoulders were bent, 
 and his face told most plainly the story of the great burden that he was 
 carrying. He started slowly up the broad staircase, when a small man who 
 had been standing in thje hall ran quickly up behind him and spoke to him as 
 he reached the broad stair, introducing himself as a professor in some fresh 
 water college in Ohio. I could not hear much that he said, and I think that 
 the President heard none of it, for he stood there very quiet, but with such a 
 faraway weary look in his burdened face that I felt his thoughts were with 
 the boys in blue and the boys in gray fighting the battle of the Wilderness, 
 
 while the little man's tongue babbled on. Why is it that there are some 
 
 who will rush in where angels dare not tread? 
 
 A year later, during my spring vacation, the dreadful news of the assas- 
 sination came one Saturday morning. It was like a national stroke of par- 
 alysis, men stopped whatever they were doing and little business was resumed 
 that daj'. That Saturday night, three other members of the Broadway 
 Church, "with myself, having secured several pieces of black cloth, by working 
 till midnight, managed to drape the interior of the church, and Sunday morn- 
 ing Rev. John P. Gulliver, who always rose to a great occasion, preached a 
 masterful discourse on the text, "It must needs be that otifences come, but 
 woe unto him by whom the offence cometh."* 
 
 The following data covering the founders of Norwich were compiled from 
 various sources for the quarter-millenial celebration in 1909: 
 
 I. Deacon Thomas Adgate, 1649. Born about 1620; died 1707. One of 
 
i6o NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 those appointed to "dignify the pues." His house was on north end of 
 Lowthrope Meadows. 
 
 2. Robert Allyn, 1659. "First constable in the Town." Died 1683, at 
 Allyn's Point. 
 
 3. Wm. Backus, 1659. Died soon after the settlement. His home-lot 
 was next north of Thomas Bliss, from Washington street to the river. Father 
 of Stephen Backus. 
 
 4. Lieut. Wm. Backus, Jr., 16.^9. He styled himself "yeoman," but was 
 known successively as sergeant, ensign and lieutenant. 
 
 5. John Baldwin. 1659. Constable in 1696. Ancestor of Judge Simeon 
 E. Baldwin of New Haven. Home-lot on West Town street, near the river. 
 
 6. Deacon Thomas Bingham, 1659. Born 1642; died 1730. Home-lot on 
 West Town street above Thomas Waterman and extending to the river. 
 
 7. John Birchard, 1659. Born 1628; died 1702. First schoolmaster. 
 Home-lot on West Town street, opposite Samuel and William Hyde. 
 
 8. Thomas Bliss, 1659. Died 1688. Home-lot on Washington street 
 adjoining John Reynolds. His house is still standing. 
 
 9. Morgan Bowers, 1659. Home-lot on West Town street adjoining 
 John Post. 
 
 10. John Bradford, 1659. Son of Governor Bradford, of Plymouth. 
 Townsman in 1671. Home-lot on East Town street west of Huntington lane. 
 
 11. Deacon Hugh Caulkins, 1659. Born 1600; died 1690. One of the most 
 useful men of his time. Home-lot on West Town street. 
 
 I. John Caulkins, 1659. Born 1634; died 1703. Active in town affairs. 
 Home-lot on W^est Town street. 
 
 13. Richard Edgerton, 1659. Died in 1692. Townsman and constable. 
 
 14. Rev. James Fitch, 1659. Born 1622; died 1702. First pastor of 
 r'irst Church in Norwich; held the ofSce fifty-six years. Called by Cotton 
 Mather, "the holy, acute and learned Mr. Fitch." Home-lot from Simon 
 Huntington to the river. 
 
 15. John Gager, 1659. Died 1703. Constable in 1674 and 1688. He was 
 son of William Gager, "a right godly man and skillful chyrurgeon." 
 
 16. Lieut Francis Griswold, 1659. Born 1622; died 167.'. Representer' 
 the town in the General Court in eleven sessions. Home-lot on West Towft 
 street. 
 
 17. Christopher Huntington, 1659. First townsman. Died 1691. One 
 of the most useful of the pioneers. Home-lot on Washington street corner 
 of East Town street. 
 
 18. Deacon Simon Huntington, 1659. Born 1629; died 1706. Townsman 
 in 1690 and 1696. Home-lot on south side of East Town street west of Lieut. 
 Thomas Tracy. 
 
 19. Samuel Hyde, 1659. Died 1677. Home-lot on north side of West 
 Town street above the rocks. 
 
 20. Wm. Hyde, 1659. Died 1682. Townsman in 1673 and 1679. Home- 
 'ot on West Town street. 
 
 21. Thomas Howard, 1659. .Slain at the Narragansett fort fight in 1673. 
 Home-lot on north side of West Town street below Bean Hill church. 
 
 22. Lieut. Thomas Leffingwell. Born about 1622 : died after 1714. Home- 
 lot located on the corner of the present Washington street and Harland road. 
 House occupied by D. H. Torosian in 1909. Leffingwell was famous for 
 bringing relief to Uncas when he was besieged by the Narragansetts. Rep- 
 
 * There is to be found in Holland's "Life of Lincoln" a brief account of the New England 
 trip, including the visit to Norwich, and also an interview between Mr. Lincoln and Dr 
 Gulliver that took place on the train to New Haven the morning after his speech in Norwich 
 
CITY OF NORWICH i6i 
 
 resented the town in fifty-six sessions of the General Court. 
 
 23. Major John Mason, 1659. Born in England ; died in Norwich, 1672. 
 Deputy Governor of Colony of Connecticut. Distinguished among the 
 Founders of Norwich. In his hand the sword of the Lord was mighty against 
 the savage Pequots. Firm friend of Uncas and the Mohegans. Valiant 
 soldier ; wise counsellor. Home-lot corner of Town street and New London 
 turnpike. 
 
 24. Dr. John Olmstead, 1659. Born about 1626; died 1686. The first 
 doctor in the town. Home-lot where the Oilman family live, at 380 Wash- 
 ington street. 
 
 25. John Pease, 1659. "A sea faring man." Home-lot the last on West 
 Town street at the river crossing. 
 
 26. John Post, 1659. "A sea faring man." Home-lot the last on West 
 street next above Thomas Bingham. 
 
 27. Thomas Post, 1659. Died 1701. Constable. Home-lot on West 
 Town street, adjoining John Gager. 
 
 28. Josiah Read, 1659. Died 1717. Constable. Home-lot on Washington 
 street east of the Coit Elms. 
 
 29. John Reynolds, 1659. Died 1702. His dwelling, on Washington 
 street, is one of the oldest in Norwich. Home-lot included Backus Hospital 
 grounds. 
 
 30. Jonathan Royce, 1659. Died 1689. Home-lot on West Town street 
 between Allyn and J. Tracy. 
 
 31. Rev. Nehemiah Smith. 1659. Born about 1605; died 1686. Home-lot 
 on West Town street north side opposite T. Post. 
 
 32. Sergeant John Tracy, 1639. Died 1702. Home-lot on south side of 
 West Town street between John Baldwin and John Pease. 
 
 33. Lieut. Thomas Tracy, 1659. Born about 1610; died 1685. Home-lot 
 on East Town street adjoining Christopher Huntington. One of the most 
 distinguished of the Founders of Norwich. He and John Mason were wit- 
 nesses of the deed of Unkos. Owaneco, and Attawanhood, granting nine miles 
 square to the inhabitants of Norwich, for the sum of seventy pounds. First 
 representative to the General Court. 
 
 34. Robert Wade. 1659. Date of birth and death unknown. Home-lot 
 south side of West Town street between John Birchard and John Gager. 
 
 35. Sergeant Thomas Waterman, 1659. Born 1644; died 1708. Home-lot 
 on West Town street adjoining John Mason. Youngest of the Founders, 
 sixteen years of age. He represented the town in the General Court in 1679. 
 
 OTHER EARLY SETTLERS 
 
 36. Caleb Abell, died August 7, 1731. Three of this name are found at 
 an early period among the inhabitants of Norwich — Caleb, Benjamin and 
 Joshua.' Caleb married in July, 1669, Margaret, daughter of John Post. 
 Robert Wade transferred to Caleb Abell his house lot. Town street. It was 
 located between John Birchard and Morgan Bowers. He was chosen con- 
 stable 1684: townsman i68g; appointed to keep tavern in 1694. Gen. Elijah 
 Abell, a gallant officer in the Revolutionary War, born in Norwich, was a 
 descendant of Caleb Abell. 
 
 37. Richard Bushnell was born September, 1652; died 1727. Came to 
 Norwich with his step-father, Thomas Adgate. In the earlier part of the 
 eighteenth ccnturv, Richard Bushnell was one of the most noted and active 
 men in Norwich.' He performed the duties of townsman, constable, school- 
 master, poet, deacon, sergeant, lieutenant and captain, town agent, town 
 
 N.L.— i-u 
 
i62 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 deputy, court clerk, and justice of the peace. His dwelling was on the Mont- 
 ville road a mile south of the city. Married, in 1672, Elizabeth Adgate. 
 
 38. Samuel Lathrop, died February 29, 1700. Was son of Rev. John 
 Lathrop, of London ; came with his father to America in 1634 when about 
 fourteen years of age. He married at Barnstable, Mass., November 28, 1644, 
 Elizabeth Scudder. He was a house carpenter, and came to Norwich in 1668. 
 He had nine children by his first wife. His second wife, Abigail Doane, sur- 
 vived him and lived to the age of 103 years. 
 
 39. John Elderkin, died June 23, 1687. Elderkin's earliest grant at Nor- 
 wich was in 1667, and was conveyed in 1668 to Samuel Lathrop. The next 
 was at the old landing place below the Falls, where he built a grist mill for 
 the convenience of the town. Here for a long course of years stood the 
 mill and the miller's house. Elderkin built the second meeting-house for the 
 town. Of his first wife nothing is known. His second wife was Elizabeth, 
 relict of William Gaylord, of Windsor. 
 
 40. Stephen GifTord, born about 1641 ; died 1724. He was an early settler 
 and is classed as a proprietor by Miss Caulkins. Constable in 1686. His 
 home-lot extended from Mediterranean lane to the chapel of First Congre- 
 gational church. 
 
 41. Christopher Huntington, Junior, born 1660; died 1735. "The first 
 born of males in Norwich." Son of Christopher Huntington the Founder. 
 A man of the highest character, and a prominent contributor to the pros- 
 perity of the most vital interests of the town. For near forty years he "used 
 the office of a deacon well." Town Clerk 1678 to 1691. 
 
 42. Elizabeth Hyde, born August, 1660; died at Lyme, 1736. Daughter 
 of Samuel and Jane (Lee) Hyde, the first child of English parentage born 
 in Norwich. Married, in 1682, Richard Lord, of Lyme. 
 
 43. Col. Christopher LefTingwell, born 1734; died 1810. Pioneer paper 
 manufacturer. Soldier and patriot in the Revolution. Prominent citizen. 
 
 44. Major James Fitch, Jr.. born in Saybrook, 1647; died 1727; married 
 (i) 1676, Elizabeth Mason; married (2) 1687, Mrs. Alice (Bradford) Adams. 
 During his residence in Norwich "he took a leading part in all town affairs, 
 and served as land-surveyor, registrar, captain of the train-band, and com- 
 missioner of boundaries." In 1698-99 he sold his house and home-lot to 
 Samuel and Simon Huntington, and later made his home in Canterbury. His 
 home-lot was on the east side of the town Green, and his house probably stood 
 south and near to the present residence of Wallace S. Allis. 
 
 45. Governor Samuel Huntington, LI^.D., born 1731 ; died 1796. Repre- 
 sentative in Legislature 1764, and Senator 1773; Associate Judge Supreme 
 Court of Connecticut 1774; member of Congress 1775-1780 and member of 
 the Marine Court; signer of the Declaration of Independence; President of 
 Congress 1779-1781 and 1783; Chief Justice of Connecticut 1784; Lieutenant- 
 Governor 1785; Doctor of Laws, Yale College, 1779; Governor 1786-96. 
 
 46. Benjamin Huntington, LL.D., born 1736; died October 16, 1800. 
 Graduated at Yale 1761 ; married daughter of Jabez Huntington, of Wind- 
 ham ; State Counsellor during Revolutionary War; director of battery built 
 on Waterman's Point 1775; agent of colony to purchase the "Spy," bought 
 to watch British; superintended building of the "Defence" 14-gun brig, 1776; 
 representative from Norwich 1775; member Continental Congress 1784 and of 
 Constitutional Congress 1789; Judge Superior Court 1793; LL.B. from Dart- 
 mouth College 1782; moved to Rome, N. Y., 1796. His body was brought to 
 Norwich for burial. First Mayor of Norwich, 1784 to 1796. 
 
 47. Benedict Arnold, born Norwich, 1741 ; died in London, 1801. Gen- 
 eral in the Revolutionary army. Distinguished for his heroism at Quebec, 
 
CITY OF NORWICH 163 
 
 Lake Champlain, Ridgefield, and Saratoga. Detested for his treason and for 
 the burning of New London. The house where he was born, on east side of 
 Washington street, below LaFayctte street, was destroyed sixty years ago. 
 
 48. Aaron Cleveland. The Aaron Cleveland house is now standing on 
 West Town street at Bean Hill next below the meeting-house. Here Aaron 
 "carried on" the hat business, and at the same time wrote poems, essays, 
 lectures, and sermons upon all subjects of the day, social, political and reli- 
 gious. Aaron was great-grandfather of Grovcr Cleveland (see No. 78). 
 
 49. William Cleveland, died in 1837. Rev. Benjamin Lord purchased a 
 house on the site, next to the Johnson home. This was his residence. This 
 property was held by the Lord heirs until 1830, when it was sold to William 
 Cleveland, grandfather of the President. William built a shop east of the 
 house where he carried on the business of gold or silversmith. This dwelling 
 house was burned in 1852. (See No. 79.) 
 
 50. Dr. Philip Turner, born in Norwich, 1740; died in New York in 181 5 
 and was buried in St. Paul's churchyard. He was highly distinguished for 
 his professional skill. 
 
 51. Joseph Trumbull, the eldest son of Governor Trumbull, and the 
 first Commissary General Continental Army; in 1778 bought the property 
 between the present residence of A. W. Dickey and the house of Mrs. Kelley. 
 
 52. Diah Manning. 1760-1815, drum-major of Washington's Body Guard. 
 He carried to Major Andre his breakfast on the day of his execution, bringing 
 it from the table of General Washington. House on Town street, corner Old 
 Cemetery lane. 
 
 53. R.ev. Benjamin Lord, D.D., was born at Saybrook, Conn., in 1694, 
 and died at Norwich in 1784. For sixty-seven years pastor of the First Church 
 in Norwich. He was graduated at Yale in 1714 and received the degree of 
 D.D. in 1774. 
 
 54. Dr. Solomon Tracy, born in 1650; died in 1732. He was a youth at 
 the settlement of the town. In addition to the duties of his profession he 
 served the town as representative in the General Assembly and as lieutenant 
 in the train-band. 
 
 55. Madam Knight (Mrs. Sarah Kemble Knight), born in Boston in 
 1666, and died in New London in 1727. The greater part of her life was 
 spent in New London and Norwich, where she stood high in social rank and 
 was respected both in church and civil affairs. In 1717 the town of Norwich 
 granted her liberty "to sitt in the pue where she use to sitt in ye meeting- 
 house." A silver tankard which she presented to the church is still preserved. 
 She was remarkable for her versatile gifts and is remembered by her journal 
 of a journey alone on horseback from Boston to New York in 1704. 
 
 56. General Andrew Huntington, born 174S; died 1824. John Elderkin 
 sold "land on East Town street to Samuel Lothrop, who built a house upon 
 it soon after 1668. Portions of his house were probably incorporated in the 
 present building now owned by Mr. Fitch, which was constructed about 1740, 
 by Joshua Huntington (1698-1745). (See No. 61.) Cornmissary General, 
 judge and merchant. Lived in this house from 1766 until his death. 
 
 57. Simon Huntington, Jr., born 1659; died 17^6. In 1688-89 Simon 
 Huntington, the proprietor, granted land on East Town street to his son, 
 Simon, who held many civil ofiRces. was deacon of the church from 1696 to 
 1736. and in 1706 opened "a house of public entertainment." Captain Joseph 
 Carew probably used parts of the house built by Simon Huntington, Jr., 
 when he constructed in 1782-83 the house now occupied by Mr. Kelly. Joseph 
 
i64 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 and Eunice Carevv Huntington and their children occupied this house until 
 
 1854- 
 
 58. Hon. Jabez W. Huntington, born 1788; died 1847. United States 
 Senator from 1840 to 1847, lived in the Simon Huntington house (see No. 57) 
 after his marriage in 1833 to a daughter of Joseph Huntington. "A statesman 
 of unbending integrity and unswerving fidelity to the interests of the Union." 
 
 59. General Jedidiah Huntington, born 1743; died 1818. Fought at 
 Bunker Hill and in many of the most important battles of the Revolution. 
 He entertained both Washington and Lafayette in the house on the corner 
 of East Town street and Huntington lane. He married, in 1766, Faith Trum- 
 bull, the daughter of the famous war governor. After the war he held many 
 important positions and in 1789 was appointed Collector of Customs at New 
 London and held that office until his death. 
 
 60. General Ebenezer Huntington, born 1754; died 1834. Was the half- 
 brother of Jedidiah. After Jedidiah removed to New London his house was 
 occupied by Ebenezer. He left Yale College when the war commenced and 
 served until the troops were disbanded in 1783. In 1810 and in 1817 he was 
 elected a member of Congress. Major General, Connecticut militia, over 
 thirty years. His four unmarried daughters were "the Ladies Huntington." 
 
 61. Colonel Joshua Huntington, born 1751 ; died 1821. Married, in 1771, 
 Hannah, daughter of Col. Hezekiah Huntington. He was in business at the 
 Landing, but at the call to arms he followed his brothers in giving himself 
 to the service of his country. He was high sheriff of New London county 
 and had charge of the first United States census (1709) in this region. He 
 lived in the house on Huntington lane now owned by Mrs. Theodore F. 
 McCurdy. 
 
 62. General Jabez Huntington, born 1719; died 1786. Graduated at 
 Vale College, 1741. "The house in the lane" is today practically unaltered 
 from its condition when it was occupied by Gen. Jabez Huntington, who as 
 the head of the Connecticut troops did much for American freedom. It 
 surely includes a portion of the whole of the house of his father, the first 
 Joshua Huntington, and may include the house built by the founder, John 
 Bradford. General Jabez Huntington was the father of Jedidiah, Andrew, 
 Joshua, Ebenezer and Zachariah. "If the annals of the Revolution record 
 the name of any family that contributed more to that great struggle, I have 
 yet to learn it." 
 
 63. Colonel John Durkee, born in Windham, 1728; died May 29, 1782. 
 Leader of 500 men who compelled Ingersoll to resign the office of stamp 
 master for Connecticut. Colonel at Long Island, Harlem, White Plains, 
 Trenton and Monmouth. He was in Sullivan's Indian expedition. Durkee's 
 tavern at Bean Hill was "opposite the home-lot of Mr. Samuel Abell." He 
 was known as "the Bold Bean Hiller." 
 
 MEETING HOUSES AND BURYING GROUNDS 
 
 64. The first meeting-house stood near the southeast corner of the 
 Green, "with the open Common around it." Of its erection there is no record. 
 It was probably built by a "general turn-out of the inhabitants." In 1668 a 
 small rate was collected to pay Samuel Lathrop "for repairing the Meeting- 
 house." It was in use only twelve or fourteen years. Opposite present 
 Norwich Town post office. 
 
 65. In 1673 the town contracted with John Elderkin to build "forthwith 
 a new meeting-house." The building committee were Deacon Hugh Calkins, 
 
CITY OF NORWICH 165 
 
 Ensiern Thomas Leffinsrwcll, Ensign Thoman Tracy, Simon Huntington and 
 William Backus. It was completed in two years. Elderkin contracted to 
 build it for £428. This building was repaired and a "leanto" added, in which 
 several new pews were made. These improvements being completed in 
 March, 169S. five of the oldest and most respected inhabitants were directed 
 "to seat the people with due regard to rank." The site of this second meeting- 
 house was on the summit of the hill. It was to serve as a watch-tower, and 
 a garrison post, as well as a house of worship. 
 
 66. December 6, 1709, a vote was passed to build a third meeting-house, 
 the dimensions not to exceed 55 feet by 45, to be modeled by a committee of 
 the church, and completed by March i, 1712. This building was on the 
 rocks near the site of the second meeting-house. John Elderkin, 2d, son of 
 the old church builder, was the architect. It was completed in December, 
 1713. A vote was passed to sell the old edifice, which had lasted forty years. 
 
 67. The site of the fourth meeting-house was at the corner of the Green, 
 under the rocks, where the present church stands. It is said to have been 
 a "square building, with a front porch or platform," with doors on three 
 sides. It was voted for in 1748, but was not begun until 1753; it remained 
 unfinished for several years. It was completed in 1770. On the 7th of Feb- 
 ruary, 1 801, it was destroyed by fire, with several other buildings. The 
 present building, the fifth meeting-house, was built partly by subscription 
 and partly by a lottery. 
 
 68. Post-Gager Burial Ground, 1661. In 1661 the town bought this land 
 for a common burial-place. Many of the proprietors and early settlers were 
 interred in this "regular oblong plot," 11 rods long and 7 wide. The last 
 interment was in 1740. In 1872 the present monument was erected to the 
 memory of Major John Mason and the other proprietors. It is on West 
 Town street, half a mile above the Uptown Green. No traces of graves 
 remain. 
 
 69. Entrance to Old Burying Ground, 1699. At Norwich Town through 
 Old Cemetery lane near the corner of Town street (the River road), and the 
 Uptown Green; a portion of the home-lot of Rev. James Fitch. 
 
 70. Entrance to the Old Burying Ground, 1796. On East Town street, 
 adjacent to the Governor Huntington house, through the Hubbard gates, 
 inscribed by Faith Trumbull Chapter, D. A. R., with names of soldiers of the 
 Revolution buried within. A portion of the home-lot of Simon Huntington. 
 
 PUBLIC BUILDINGS 
 
 71. Court House, 1762. In 1735 the first court house was erected on the 
 south side of the parsonage lot. In 1762 a new one was built on the Green 
 near the present watering trough. This was moved across the street in 1798 
 near the present school, used until 1S33, when courts were moved to the 
 Landing, and then used as a school building until 1891. 
 
 72. Town and Court House, 1829. Built on north side of Church street. 
 Burned April 11, 1865. 
 
 74. Jail. 181 5. A third location was chosen in 1815, when the Perit house 
 on the opposite side of the Green was purchased for the county house, and a 
 jail was built on the adjoining lot a short distance back of where the store now 
 stands. This lasted until the courts were moved to the Landing, in 1833. 
 
 73. Jail, 1759. First jail was at southeast corner of Green. About 1759 
 a new one was built back of old brick schoolhouse. This was burned in 
 1786 and rebuilt and used until 181 5. 
 
i66 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 75. Office of Town Clerks. The first town clerk was John Birchard. 
 We have no record of his appointment. He was in office eighteen years. 
 Christopher Huntington, appointed 1678, was in office until his death, 1691. 
 Richard Bushnell, 1691, for seven years. Christopher Huntington, Jr., 1698, 
 for four years. Richard Bushnell again in 1702, in office for twenty-four 
 years. Isaac Huntington, 1726 till his death, 1764. Benj. Huntington, 1764, 
 in office nearly two years. Benj. Huntington, son of Isaac, 1765, in office 
 thirteen years. Samuel Tracy, 1778, in office one year. Benj. Huntington, 
 1779, in office until his death, 1801. Philip Huntington, 1801, until his death 
 in 1825, and his son, Benjamin, born 1798, was in office nearly continuously 
 until 1830. 
 
 76. Dudley Woodbridge's Store. Dudley Woodbridge, in 1774, pur- 
 chased of Ebenezer Lord his house and shop on the Green, north and next 
 to where the present chapel stands. He sold goods of every description, 
 groceries, shoes, dress goods, hardware, etc. In 1782, the first post office was 
 established in Norwich ; Dudley Woodbridge was the first postmaster, and 
 held the office until 1789. The mails had previously been delivered by post 
 riders. Mr. Woodbridge removed to Ohio in 1789 or 1790. 
 
 In 1790 Gurdon Lathrop occupied this store, as a general trader. In 
 1791 it was sold to Joseph Huntington and he formed a partnership with 
 Joseph Carew. After October, 1800, the business was carried on by the firm 
 of Joseph and Charles P. Huntington. On February 7th, 1801, this store and 
 the meeting-house with several other buildings were burned. The Huntington 
 Brothers moved their goods to the store "a few rods N. E. from the Court 
 House." In August they moved to the large, new brick store, which they 
 had had built on the site of the old Woodbridge shop. This building is now 
 the chapel of First Congregational Church. 
 
 "JJ. Tracy & Coit's Store. About 1780, Uriah Tracy and Joseph Coit 
 leased from Thomas Leffingwell land upon which they built a shop 50x32, 
 in which they carried on for many years an extensive business. It was a long, 
 gambrel-roofed, one-story-and-half structure. Uriah Tracy bought in 1790 
 the Benedict Arnold house, where he lived until his death. Tracy & Coit's 
 Store was one of the representative stores of Norwich. 
 
 78. Aaron Cleveland Shop. This building formerly stood the next but 
 one below the meeting-house. Bean Hill. It was the shop of Aaron Cleveland, 
 in which he carried on the business of hat making. It was moved across the 
 road and is now known as "Adam's Tavern." President Cleveland was his 
 great-grandson (see No. 48). 
 
 79. William Cleveland Shop. This building was the one used by William 
 Cleveland as a goldsmith shop, 1830-37. It stood between the sc'hoolhouse 
 and the Johnson home facing the Green (see No. 49). 
 
 80. Brick School House. On Norwich Town Green. Founded by 
 Doctor Daniel Lathrop in 1783. Now occupied by the Noah Webster Lit- 
 erarv Association. 
 
 81. Brick School House. On Washington street. Built in 1789. THe 
 first school attended by Lydia Huntley (Mrs. Sigourney). Now used by the 
 School-house Club. 
 
 82. Leffingwell Row. Sometimes called "the Long Shop," built by 
 Christopher Leffingwell about 1780. was burned in 1882 with the red store 
 adjoining. Its position near the fork of the roads opposite the residence of 
 General Edward Harland made it a conspicuous landmark. It was occupied 
 at different times by Leffingwell's stocking factory, various small shops, by 
 the judge of probate and by the post office. 
 
 83. The Teel House, "Sign of General Washington." Built for a hotel 
 
CITY OF NORWICH 167 
 
 in 1789 on Chelsea Parade; afterwards occupied for a school by William 
 Woodbridpe, now the parsonag;e of Park Church, for many years the resi- 
 dence of General ^^^illiam Williams, who was distinguished for his benevo- 
 lence and for his interest in the Mohegan Indians. He and his wife, Harriet 
 Peck Williams, gave five acres now the grounds of the Norwich Free Acad- 
 emy, and she founded the Peck Library, now in the Slater Memorial Building. 
 He was born in 1788 and died in 1870. 
 
 EARLY INDUSTRIES 
 
 84. Stocking Weaving. The business of weaving stockings was begun 
 in 1766 b>- Christopher Leffingwell with two or three looms. In 1791 nine 
 looms were in operation producing 1.200 to 1,500 pairs of hose annually. 
 
 85. Grist Mill. A grist mill built by John Elderkin at No Man's Acre 
 about 1661 ; was removed about 1667 under agreement with the town, to 
 the Yantic river below the Falls, and a large tract of land was granted to 
 him as compensation in the vicinity of the Indian burying place on Sachem 
 street. 
 
 86. Iron Works. The first iron works were established at Yantic in 1750 
 by Elijah Backus. He manufactured bloom and bar iron for anchors, mills 
 and other uses. The Backus Iron Works obtained great repute and during 
 the Revolutionary War all kinds of iron work for domestic uses and warfare 
 were made and repaired here. 
 
 87. Pottery. A pottery was established in 1766 at Bean Hill and con- 
 tinued in operation far into the 19th century. Specimens of this pottery are 
 among the treasured possessions of some of the old residents of Norwich. 
 
 88. Linseed Oil Mills. The first linseed oil mill was established at Bean 
 Hill, in 1748. by Hezekiah Huntington, and at a later period the manufacture 
 was carried on extensively at the Falls. 
 
 89. Cotton Mill. A cotton mill was established by Joshua Lathrop in 
 1790 on Lowthorpe Meadows with one carding machine, five jennies and six 
 looms. This machinery was gradually increased and a great variety of goods 
 manufactured. In 1703 the firm was Lathrop & Eells. 
 
 90. Chocolate Mill. The first chocolate mill was established in 1770 by 
 Christopher Leffingwell on the Yantic flats below the Falls. In 1772 Simon 
 Lathrop erected another. This industry was of considerable importance. 
 
 91. Paper Mill. In 1766 Christopher Leffingwell began to manufacture 
 paper at his mill on the west side of the Yantic above the Falls, near what 
 are now called Paper Mill rocks. This was the first paper mill in Connecticut. 
 The annual output was about 1,300 reams. 
 
 02. Clocks and Watches. Clocks and watches were manufactured by 
 Thomas Harland in 1773. He employed ten or twelve hands and made an- 
 nually two hundred watches and forty clocks, which were pronounced equal 
 to any imported from England. 
 
 93. Fulling ]\lill. A fulling mill with clothier's shop and dye house went 
 into operation near the present site of the Falls mill in 1773. 
 
 TAVERN'S 
 
 94. Caleb Abel, the third innkeeper of Norwich, probably came from 
 Dedham : he bought the Wade lot in 1677; was constable in 1684, townsman 
 in 1689, and often thereafter; enrolled among the dignitaries with title o£ 
 Sergeant in 1702. married Margaret, daughter of John Post, 1669, and after 
 her death married Mary Loomer; died August 7, 1731. He was appointed 
 
i68 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 innkeeper under the date of December i8. 1694, as follows: "The towne 
 makes choise of caleb abell to keep ordinari or a house of entertainment for 
 this yeare or till another be choosen." 
 
 95. Deacon Simon Huntington, the first of four successive generations 
 of deacons was the second innkeeper of Norwich. He was married to 
 Sarah, daughter of Joseph Clarke, of Saybrook, in October. 1653; appointed 
 innkeeper i6go; died 1706, leaving an estate valued at ^275, including a 
 library of fourteen or fifteen volumes, of the value of about 30 shillings, which 
 we are told was probably a fair library for a layman at that time. 
 
 96. Joseph Reynolds, son of John Reynolds, the Founder, kept the 
 ordinary in 1709. He was born in Norwich, March, i56o; married Sarah 
 Edgerton, 1688. 
 
 97. Thomas Waterman, born 1644, came to Norwich in 1659 with John 
 Bradford, whose wife's nephew he was; only townsman in 1675, '81, '84; made 
 a freeman in 1681 ; died June i, 1708; buried in Society Burial Ground. He 
 was appointed innkeeper in 1679. "Agreed and voted by ye town yt Thomas 
 Waterman is desired to keep the ordinary. And for his encouragement he 
 is granted four akers of paster land where he can conveniently find it ny 
 about the valley going from his house to the woods." 
 
 98. Eleazer Lord's tavern on the corner of Town street and the New 
 London turnpike was built about 1770 and for many years was frequented by 
 the lawyers who came to Norwich to attend court. 
 
 99. Joseph Peck's tavern on the east side of the Green, overshadowed 
 by a large elm tree, among whose central boughs an arbor was formed and 
 seats arranged, to which on public days friendly groups resorted and had 
 refreshments served- -a plank gallery being extended from a window of the 
 house to the bower as a means of access. 
 
 100. Thomas Leffingv^'ell, the fourth innkeeper of Norwich, was given 
 liberty to keep a "publique house of entertainment of strangers" in 1700. This 
 tavern was continued for more than one hundred years, and was at the east 
 end of the town plot, and was a noted place of resort in war times. Married 
 Marv Bushnell, September, 1672; died March 5, 1723-24, leaving an estate of 
 nearly iio.ooo. The interesting features of this quaint old house, within and 
 without, are remarkably well preserved. 
 
 loi. On the site of the present "Johnson home" was located Lathrop's 
 tavern. Built in 1737 by Nathaniel Lathrop, its prosperity was maintained 
 by his son. Azariah. From here was started the first stage coach to Provi- 
 dence in 1768. In 1829 the property was sold to the Union Hotel Company, 
 who erected the present building, which was later used for a boarding school. 
 
 102. Jesse Brown's tavern was erected in 1790 and its proprietor estab- 
 lished a stage route from Boston to New York via Norwich. On August i, 
 1797, President John Adams and wife stopped over night here. In 1855 the 
 property was purchased by Moses Pierce, who later gave it to the United 
 Workers for the Rocknook Children's Home. 
 
 103. It is said that Capt. Samuel Bailey was jailor about 1800, and the 
 accommodations for the jail were on the second floor, and that on the first 
 floor the captain kept what was called "Cross Keys Tavern." 
 
 PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES 
 
 104. Millard Fillmore. Capt. John Fillmore, son of John Fillmore, "Mari- 
 ner," of Ipswich, Mass., born Morch 18, 1702. He married, November 24, 1724. 
 Mary Spiller, and removed to Norwich West Farms; died there February 
 22, 1777. Captain John's grandson was Nathaniel, whose eldest son was Mil- 
 lard, born January 7, 1800, in Summer Hill, N. Y. 
 
CITY OF NORWICH 169 
 
 105. Ulysses S. Grant. On the site of the house of Herbert L. Yerrington 
 stood the original Christopher Huntington homestead. After the death of the 
 first Christopher this was inherited by his son, John (born 1666), who mar- 
 ried, in 1686, Abigail, daughter of Samuel Lathrop. John had three daughters 
 and two sons. One daughter, Martha, was married to Noah Grant, of Tolland, 
 and became the ancestress of Ulysses S. Grant. 
 
 Martha Huntington married, June 12, 1717, Noah Grant, born December 
 16, 1693. Their son, Noah, Jr., born July 12, 1718, married Susannah Delano, 
 November 5, 1746. Their son, Noah, 3rd, born June 20, 1748, married Rachel 
 Kelly, March 4, 1792. Their son, Jesse, born January 23, 1794, married 
 Hannah Simpson, June 24, 1821. Ulysses S. Grant was born April 27, 1822. 
 
 106. Rutherford B. Hayes. George Hayes left Scotland in 1690 and set- 
 tled at Windsor, Connecticut, 1682. His great-great-great-grandson, Ruther- 
 ford Hayes, settled at Brattleboro, Vt., and married, in September, 1813, 
 Sophia Birchard. Her ancestry on the male line is traced to John Birchard, 
 one of the thirty-five founders of Norwich. Both of her grandfathers were 
 soldiers in the Revolutionary War. Rutherford Hayes removed in 1817 to 
 Delaware, Ohio, where he died five years later, leaving two children. On 
 October 4, 1822, Rutherford Birchard Hayes was born three months after his 
 father's death. 
 
 107. James A. Garfield. Was the descendant of Major John Mason and 
 Reverend James Fitch, who are recorded among the founders of Norwich 
 (see Nos. 14 and 23). 
 
 108. Grover Cleveland. William Hyde. Samuel Hyde married Jane Lee. 
 John Hyde married Experience Abel. James Hyde married Sarah Marshall. 
 Abiah Hyde married Rev. Aaron Cleveland. William Cleveland married 
 Margaret Falley. Richard Falley Cleveland, born at Norwich, 19 June, 1805. 
 He married Anne Neale, 10 September, 1820, of Baltimore. They removed 
 to Holland Patent, New York, where he died i October, 1853. Grover Cleve- 
 land was born at Holland Patent, 31 July, 1853 (see Nos. 48, 49, 78 and 79). 
 
 109. Mrs. Theodore Roosevelt. Edith Kermit Carow, born New York, 
 August 6, 1862, daughter of Charles and Gertrude Elizabeth (Tyler) Carow. 
 She was married at St. George's Church, Hanover square, London, England, 
 1886. to Theodore Roosevelt. Her grandfather was General Daniel Tyler 
 of Norwich. 
 
 OTHER MEN OF DISTINCTION 
 
 1 10. Rev. Hiram P. Arms, D.D., pastor and pastor emeritus First Congre- 
 gational Church, 1836-82. Born in Sunderland, Mass.. 1799. Died at Nor- 
 wich, 1882. 
 
 111. Major-General Henry Warner Birge, born in Hartford, August 25, 
 1825. Died in New York, July i, 1888. In the War for the Union he passed 
 through the successive ranks from major to brevet major-general. He ren- 
 dered distinguished services at Irish Bend, in the Red River campaign, and 
 led the forlorn hope at Port ?Iudson, and was actively engaged in battles of 
 Winchester, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek. 
 
 112. Isaac Hill Bromley, born in Norwich, March 6. 1833. Captain l8th 
 Regiment Connecticut Volunteers; provost marshal. First editor "Norwich 
 Bulletin"; journalist; humorist; chief editor New York "Tribune," 1891-98. 
 Died at Norwich, August 11, 1898. 
 
 113. Hon. William Alfred Buckingham, born in Lebanon, Connecticut, 
 Mav 28, 1804; died in 1875. Mayor of Norwich 1849-50, 1856-57. Presidential 
 elector. 1856. Governor of Connecticut, 1858-66. U. S. Senator, 1869-75. 
 
I70 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 Merchant, manufacturer, philanthropist, generous benefactor of Yale Uni- 
 versity, the Broadway Church and Norwich Free Academy. 
 
 114. Thomas Fanning, born at Norwich, Conn., July 18, 1750; died 
 May 24, 1812. Soldier in the Revolution. Merchant. One of the donors of 
 Chelsea Parade, 1791. 
 
 115. Lafayette Sabin Foster, LL.D., born in Franklin, Conn., November 
 22, 1806; died in 1880. Graduated Brown University 1828. Mayor of Nor- 
 wich, 1851-53. Speaker Connecticut House Representatives, 1847. United 
 States Senator, 1854-66. After death of President Lincoln, acting Vice- 
 President of the United States. Professor of Law at Yale 1868; judge 
 Supreme Court of Connecticut 1870-76. Benefactor of Yale University, Free 
 Academy and Otis Library. "Great citizen, incorruptible senator, wise coun- 
 sellor, eloquent advocate, righteous judge." 
 
 116. Daniel Coit Gilman, LL.D., born in Norwich, July 6, 1831 ; died in 
 Norwich, October 13, 1908. Graduated Yale 1852. Professo.r Yale College 
 1856-72; president University of California 1872-75; president Johns Hopkins 
 University 1875-1901 ; president Carnegie Institution 1901-04. Delivered his- 
 torical address at Norwich bi-centennial celebration in 1859. 
 
 117. William Charles Gilman, born in Exeter. N. H., 1795; died in New 
 York 1863. Came to Norwich 1816. Established nail factory at the Falls. 
 Extended cotton manufacture from the Falls to Greeneville and Bozrah. 
 Identified for thirty years with the most important manufacturing, financial, 
 educational and religious enterprises in the town. First president Norwich 
 & Worcester railroad. Mayor in 1839. 
 
 118. Hon. Calvin Goddard, born at Shrewsbury, Mass., 1768. Mayor 
 of Norwich 1814-31. Judge Supreme Court, 1816. Member of Congress 
 1801-05. Died in 1842. He lived on the corner of Washington and Sachem 
 streets and owned several acres of land, including the Indian burying place, 
 and mill property at the Falls. 
 
 119. William Parkinson Greene, born in Boston, 1795; died in Norwich, 
 1864. He was graduated at Harvard in 1814; removed to Norwich in 1824; 
 became largely interested in manufactures at the Falls and Greeneville and 
 in the Norwich Water Power Co. He was mayor in 1842; first president of 
 Thames Bank ; original corporator Norwich & Worcester railroad ; second 
 president and liberal benefactor of Norwich Free Academy. 
 
 120. Rev. John Putnam Gulliver, D.D.. born in Boston in 1819; died at 
 Andover. Mass., 1894. Yale University 1840; D.D. Iowa University. Presi- 
 dent Knox College ; Professor Andover Theological Seminary. Twenty years 
 pastor Broadway Congregational Church. Held in honored remembrance 
 as chief promoter of the Norwich Free Academy. 
 
 121. Russell Hubbard, born in Norwich, 1785; died 1857. Proprietor of 
 Norwich "Courier." Paper manufacturer at Norwich Falls and Greeneville. 
 A founder and vice-president of Norwich Savings Society. First president 
 and generous benefactor of Norwich Free Academy. 
 
 122. Thomas Sterry Hunt LL.D., born at Norwich in 1826; died Feb- 
 ruary 12, 1892. Professor of chemistry at McGill University, 1862-68; pro- 
 fessor of geology at Massachusetts Institute of Technology 1872-78. Pre- 
 sented with Cross of the Legion of Honor at Paris, 1855. Honorary member 
 Royal Society of London, 1859. He invented a permanent green ink, first used 
 for "greenbacks." 
 
 123. Deacon Jabez Huntington, born in Lebanon, Connecticut, 1767; died 
 in Norwich. 1848. He was president of the Norwich Bank and of the Nor- 
 wich Savings Society. He and Hezekiah Perkins bought the land, now known 
 
CITY OF NORWICH 171 
 
 as the "Little Plain," on Broadway in 181 1, and gave it to the city for a park. 
 His house is now Mrs. H. H. Osgood's. 
 
 124. Charles James Lanman, born in Norwich, June 14, 1795. Yale 
 graduate, 1814. Receiver of public money for Michigan, 1823-1831. Founder 
 of Tecumseh, Michigan. Mayor of Norwich, 1838. Died in New London, 
 July 25. 1870. 
 
 125. James Lanman, born in Norwich, June 14, 1769; died August 7, 
 1841. Yale graduate, 1788. United States Senator, 1819-25. Judge Supreme 
 Court of Connecticut. 
 
 126. Doctor Daniel Lathrop, born in Norwich, 1712; died in Norwich, 
 1782. Yale College, 1733; St. Thomas' Hospital, London, 1737. As an im- 
 porter of drugs he and his brother Joshua built up a wide reputation and large 
 estates for their da^^ He left £500 to Yale College, £500 to the First Church 
 of Norwich, and £500 to establish a school on the Norwich Town Green. 
 "Many were the amiables that composed his character." 
 
 127. Daniel Lathrop, born in Norwich, 1769; died 1825. Yale College. 
 1787. Was engaged in the drug business in Norwich. Son of Dr. Joshua 
 Lathrop. 
 
 128. Doctor Joshua Lathrop, born in Norwich, 1723; died Norwich, 1807. 
 Yale College, 1743. Merchant; cotton manufacturer: public-spirited citizen; 
 one of the donors of the Chelsea Parade to the inhabitants of Norwich, and 
 contributed generously for improvement of highways. "He devised liberal 
 things and did them." 
 
 129. Donald Grant Mitchell (Ik Marvel), born in Norwich, in 1822, near 
 present residence of the principal of the Norwich Free Academy. Died in 
 New Haven, in 1908. Yale graduate and valedictorian, 1841. Distinguished 
 author and landscape gardener. He delivered an oration at the bi-centennial 
 celebration in 1859. 
 
 130. Col. George L. Perkins, born in Norwich, August 5. 1788; died Sep- 
 tember 5. 1888. Paymaster United States army. War of 1812. For fifty years 
 treasurer of Norwich & Worcester railroad. A well-known and prominent 
 citizen of Norwich. In his great age, one hundred years and one month, "his 
 eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated." 
 
 131. Capt. Hezekiah Perkins, born in Norwich, 1751 : died 1822. He and 
 Jabez' Huntington gave to the citv in 181 1 the land now known as the "Little 
 Plain" for a park. He lived in the house now owned by Mrs. Charles Coit. 
 
 132. Major Joseph Perkins. A soldier of the Revolution ; member of the 
 Committee of Safety in 1814. Prominent merchant; public-spirited citizen. 
 He with Thomas Fanning and Joshua Lathrop gave Chelsea Parade to the 
 inhabitants of Norwich for a park. He built the stone-house on Rockwell 
 street in 1825. 
 
 133. Dr. Dwight Ripley, born in Windham, Connecticut, in 1767; died 
 in Norwich, 1835. A descendant of Gov. William Bradford of Plymouth. 
 He was actively engaged in business in Norwich for over forty years, and 
 built up a large wdiolesale drug trade on present site of Lee & Osgood's store. 
 He did much for the advancement of Norwich, and left a large family of 
 sons and daughters who are held in honored remembrance. 
 
 134. General Alfred Perkins Rockwell, born in Norwich, 1834; died in 
 Boston. 1903. Yale College, 1855. Professor mining in Massachusetts Insti- 
 tute of Technology. Rendered 'distinguished services in the War for the 
 Union, rising from the rank of captain to brevet brigadier-general, and serv- 
 ing at James Island, Fort Darling, Bermuda Hundreds and Fort Fisher. 
 
 135. Charles W. Rockwell, born in Norwich, 1799; died in 1866. During 
 
172 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 his residence in Norwich he was distinguished for his liberality and public 
 spirit. In 1833 he built the mansion on Broadway afterwards owned by John 
 F. Slater. He was interested in manufactures at Norwich Town; was four 
 years mayor of the city; was three times elected to the State Legislature, 
 and was for several years United States Commissioner of Customs at Wash- 
 ington. 
 
 The following description of Norwich by Henry Ward Beecher, published 
 in "Star Papers" in 1851, and reprinted for the 250th anniversary of the set- 
 tlement, is given entire: 
 
 There are hundreds of villages in Connecticut that are beautiful in 
 various degrees and by different methods; some by the width of prospect, 
 some by their mountain scenery, some by their position on the water, and 
 some, nestled away from all the world, find their chief attractions in their 
 deep tranquility. But in every place the chief beauty must be in what nature 
 has done, or in what man has done ntaurally. The rocks, hills, mountains; 
 the innumerable forms of water in springs, rills, rivulets, streams, estuaries, 
 lakes or ocean ; but above all the trees — these create beauty if it exist at all. 
 It is rare that any place combines to a great degree the several specialties 
 mentioned. A place that is inland, and yet on the seaboard — that has bold, 
 precipitous rocks close at hand, and at the same time is spread out upon a 
 champaign — that unites the refinements belonging to society in large towns 
 with the freshness and quiet of a secluded village, imbosomed in trees, full 
 of shaded yards and gardens, broad, park-like streets, soon opening out into 
 romantic rural roads among pine woods along the rocky edges of dark 
 streams — such a place, especially if its society is good, if its ministers, teach- 
 ers, civilians, and principal citizens are intelligent and refined, and its his- 
 torical associations abundant and rich — must be regarded as of all others the 
 most desirable for residence. And such a place is Norwich, Connecticut. 
 
 The river Thames is formed by the junction of the Yantic and the 
 Shetucket. Upon the angle of these three streams stands the town. The 
 Shetucket is a black water in all its course, and near to Norwich it has a bed 
 hewed out of rocks, and cliffs for banks. The Yantic is a smaller stream, 
 rolling also over a rocky channel, with a beautiful plunge, just above the 
 town, of seventy-five feet. The Thames is not so much of a river as a narrow 
 arm of the sea. thrust far up inland as if to search for tributary streams. 
 These ribbon-like bays mark the whole northern coast of Long Island Sound. 
 The Thames is navigable for large steamers to its point of formation. The 
 conformation of the ground on which Norwich stands is entirely peculiar. 
 Along the water it is comparatively low, affording a business plane and a 
 space for railroad necessities. The whole ground then rises with sudden 
 slope, lifting the residences far up out of the dust and noise of business into 
 an altitude of quiet. But what is the most remarkable is, that a huge broad- 
 backed granite cliff of rocks bulges up in the very midst of the city, cutting 
 it in two, extending backward half a mile, and leaving the streets to sweep 
 around on either side of it. This masterly old monarch looks down a hundred 
 feet perpendicular, on the eastern side, upon the streets below, its bare rocks 
 and massive ledges here and there half hid by evergreens, and in spots matted 
 with grass and fringed with shrubs. On the western side the slope is gradual, 
 and it is cut half way down to the Yantic by a broad street, nobly_ shaded 
 with stalwart elms and filled with fine family residences. As one winds his 
 way from the landing up the curving street, about the base of the rock on the 
 
CITY OF NORWICH 173 
 
 eastern side, at evening especially, in twilight, or with a tender moonlight, 
 this wild, uplifted cliff^in the very heart of a city, with forest trees rooted 
 almost plumb above his head — has a strange and changeable uncertainty, at 
 one moment shining out distinctly, and at the next dim and shadowy; now 
 easily compassed by the eye, and then glancing away, if we have imagination 
 enough, into vast mountain spaces. This singular rocky ridge trends toward 
 the north, and gradually loses itself in the plain on which stands Norwich 
 Old Town. There is thus brought together, within the space of a mile, the 
 city, the country, and the wilderness. The residences are so separated from 
 the business part of the town that one who comes first into the upper part 
 of the city, and wanders about under its avenues of mighty elms, and among 
 its simple old houses or its modern mansions, would take it to be a place of 
 elegant repose, without life or business. But if he first lands below, amid 
 stores and manufacturing shops, as for several years we did, he might go 
 away thinking Norwich to be a mere hammering, rumbling place of business. 
 Indeed, there are three towns in one. 
 
 The streets skirting the water form a city of business; the streets upon 
 the hill, a city of residences, a mile or two back is the old town, a veritable 
 life-like picture of a secluded country village of the old New England days. 
 What could one want better for a place of retirement? An hour's ride brings 
 you to the seaside ; to boats, fishing, lounging, and looking, whether in storm 
 or calm. You may go by cars to old New London, or by boat to Stonington, 
 and then by yacht or other craft to Block Island, or anywhere else you please- 
 There are places for fish — black fish, blue fish, speckled bass, porgies, weak- 
 fish, etc. ; there are places for surf-bathing, with waves tempered to all degrees 
 of violence and to every tone from whispering to thunder. If your mood 
 does not take you seaward, half an hour will suffice to bear you inland, among 
 bold and rocky hills, cleft with streams, full of precipitous ravines, and shaded 
 with oaks and evergreens. Or, if you do not wish to roam, you may ascejid 
 the intra-urban moimtain — the Tarpeian Rock of Norwich, or Mount Zion. 
 whichever your associations prefer to call it — and from its pinnacle overlook 
 the wide, circumajacent country. If j-ou happily own a house upon the 
 western side of Washington street, or, better yet. if you own a friend who 
 owns the house and feels lonesome without you, then you can have the joys 
 of the breezy wilderness at home. For, if you will go back through the 
 garden, and then through a little pet orchard, you shall find the forest-covered 
 bank plunging one hundred feet down toward the Yantic ; and there, hidden 
 among shrubs and wild flowers, oaks and elms, you hear no din of wheels or 
 clink of shops, but only the waving of leaves and the sport of birds. 
 
 But if there were none of these rare conjunctions of hill, rock, and plain, 
 river and sea, Norwich would still be a beautiful place by virtue of its trees, 
 and especially of those incomparably most magnificent of all earthly trees, 
 elms ! A village shaded by thoroughly grown elms cannot but be handsome. 
 Its houses may be huts ; its streets may be ribbed with rocks or channelled 
 with ruts ; it niay be as dirty as New York and as frigid as Philadelphia ; and 
 vet these vast, majestic tabernacles of the air would redeem it to beauty. 
 These are temples indeed, living temples, neither waxing old nor shattered 
 by Time, that cracks and shatters stone, but rooting wider with every genera- 
 tion and casting a vaster round of grateful shadow with every summer. We 
 had rather walk beneath an avenue of elms than inspect the noblest cathedral 
 that art ever accomplished. What is it that brings one into such immediate 
 personal and exhilarating sympathy with venerable trees! One instinctively 
 uncovers as he comes beneath them ; he looks up with proud veneration into 
 
174 
 
 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 the receding and twilight recesses ; he breathes a thanksgiving to God every 
 time his cool foot falls along their shadows. They waken the imagination 
 and mingle the olden time with the present. Did any man of contemplative 
 mood ever stand under an old oak or elm without thinking of other days — 
 imagining the scenes that had transpired in their presence? These leaf- 
 mountains seem to connect the past and the present to us as mountain ridges 
 attract clouds from both sides of themselves. Norwich is remarkably enriched 
 by these columnar glories, these mysterious domes of leaf and interlacing 
 bough. No considerable street is destitute of them, and several streets are 
 prolonged avenues of elms which might give a twinge of jealousy to old 
 New Haven herself — elm-famous! 
 
 Norwich Old Town, however, clearly has the pre-eminence. Its green 
 is surrounded by old Revolutionary elms of the vastest stature and of every 
 shape and delineation of grandeur. How a man can live there and ever get 
 his eyes to the ground, I cannot imagine. One must needs walk with up- 
 turned face, exploring these most substantial of all air castles. And when 
 pausing underneath some monumental tree he looks afar up and sees the 
 bird-population, that appears scarcely larger than humming-birds, dimly flit- 
 ting about their secure heritage and sending down a chirp that loses itself 
 half way down to a thin whistle, it seems as though there were two worlds — 
 he in one and they in another. Nearly before the fine old-fashioned mansion 
 where Lydia Huntley (Mrs. Sigourney) was brought up are two gigantic 
 elms — very patriarchs, measuring at the base more than eighteen feet in 
 circumference. An old man of a hundred years, a member of Dr. Bond's 
 society, relates that his father selected these trees from the forest, and backed 
 them into town and planted them here. His name should be written on a 
 tablet and hung upon their breasts! 
 
 The two elms next south from these, though not as aged as they, may, 
 we think, be regarded as models of exquisite symmetry and beauty. One 
 might sit by the hour and look upon them as upon a picture. 
 
 No other tree is at all comparable to the elm. The ash is, when well 
 grown, a fine tree, but clumpy ; the maple has the same character. The horse- 
 chestnut, the linden, the mulberry, and poplars (save that tree-spire, the 
 Lombardy poplar) are all of them plump, round, fat trees, not to be despised, 
 .surelv, but representing single dendrological ideas. The oak is venerable by 
 association, and occasionally a specimen is found possessing a kind of grim 
 and ragged glory. But the elm alone, monarch of trees, combines in itself 
 the elements of variety, size, strength, and grace, such as no other tree known 
 to us can at all approach or remotely rival. It is the ideal of trees; the true 
 Absolute Tree! Its main trunk shoots up, not round and smooth, like an 
 over-fatted, lymphatic tree, but channelled and corrugated, as if its athletic 
 muscles showed their proportions through the bark, like Hercules' limbs 
 through his tunic. Then suddenly the whole idea of growth is changed, and 
 multitudes of long, lithe branches radiate from the crotch of the tree, having 
 the effect of straightness and strength, yet really diverging and curving, until 
 the outermost portions droop over and give to the whole top the most fault- 
 less grace. If one should at first say that the elm suggested ideas of strength 
 and uprightness, on looking again he would correct himself, and say that 
 it was majestic, uplifting beauty that it chiefly represented. But if he first 
 had said that it was graceful and magnificent beauty, on a second look he 
 would correct himself, and say that it was vast and rugged strength that it 
 set forth. But at length he would say neither; he would say both; he would 
 sav that it expressed a beauty of majestic strength and a grandeur of grace- 
 ful beautj'. 
 
CITY OF NORWICH 
 
 75 
 
 Such domestic forest treasures are a legacy which but few places can 
 boast. Wealth can build houses and smooth the soil ; it can fill up marshes 
 and create lakes or artificial rivers; it can gather statues and paintings; but 
 no wealth can buy or build elm trees— the floral glory of New England. Time 
 is the only architect of such structures, and blessed are they for whom Time 
 was pleased to fore-think! No care or expense should be counted too much 
 to maintain the venerable elms of New England in all their regal glory! 
 
 No other tree more enjoxs a rich loam and moist food. In summer 
 droughts, if copious waterings were given to the finer elms, especially with 
 diluted guano water, their pomp would be noticeably enhanced. But, except 
 in moist places, or in fields where the plow has kept the surface stirred, we 
 noticed that elms were turning yellow and thinning out their leaves. 
 
CHAPTER VII 
 
 OTHER TOWNS OF NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 Colchester — East Lyme — Franklin — Grisv/old — Groton — Lcbrnon — Lodyard — Lisbon— 
 L3rme and Old Lyme — Salem — Sprague — Stonington — Voluntown — V/aterford. 
 
 Colchester. — There can be but little doubt but that Nathaniel Foote could 
 have justly claimed to be the father of Colchester. He was the grandson of 
 Nathaniel Foote, who early in the seventeenth century emigrated from Col- 
 chester, England, to the Colony of Connecticut. His grandson, Nathaniel 
 Foote (3rd), in the latter part of the seventeenth century was a resident of 
 Wethersfield, and while there obtained a grant from one Owaneco, a sachem 
 of the Mohegan Indians, of a large tract of land including a large part if not 
 the whole of the present town of Colchester. By the terms of this grant, 
 Foote undertook to distribute the land, except fifty acres retained for himself, 
 among the settlers thereon. He undoubtedly intended to settle himself upon 
 this fifty-acre tract, but, his health having failed him, he never personally 
 took possession. 
 
 On October 13th, 1698, authority was granted by the General Court of 
 the Colony to Captain Daniel Wetheral, Captain John Hamlin, Mr. William 
 Pitkin, Captain John Chester, Mr. Robert Christophus and Captain Samuel 
 Fosdick, to lay out a new town at the place called "Jeremiah's Farm," upon 
 the road to New London, "beginning at the North bound of the Twenty Mile 
 River and so to extend southward to a river called Deep River and to extend 
 eastward from the bounds of Haddam seven miles." While these boundaries 
 are very indefinite, they help to locate today what undoubtedly included the 
 present town of Colchester and the Indian grant to Nathaniel Foote. On May 
 nth, 1699, the General Court of the Colony specified by a statute the bounds 
 of the town more closely, providing that "the north boundary of the town 
 shall be as formerly at Twenty Mile River, and the south bounds to join 
 the north bounds of Lyme and the west bounds to join the east bounds of 
 Middletown and the east bounds of Haddam and the east and northeast 
 bounds to run to the bounds of Lebanon and Norwich." The town as originally- 
 laid out was included in the county of Hartford, but on October 13th, 1699, 
 upon the application of Michael Taintor, Samuel Northam and Nathaniel 
 Foote, it was transferred to the county of New London and received its 
 name, Colchester. These men apparently were the representative men of 
 the town at that time and, as Foote's ancestors came from Colchester, Eng- 
 land, the strong presumption is that he is the one responsible for its name. 
 
 About this time the Indians had begun to cause trouble to the settlers, 
 and Captain Samuel Mason was appointed by the General Court to make a 
 settlement with them, which he effected. During this year the first settlement 
 appears to have been made in the town, unless the designation of "Jeremiah's 
 Farm" means that there has been a prior settlement upon this territory. But 
 of this there is no certainty. Foote had laid out his fifty acres, and in 1702 
 built a home for himself and family, but his health broke down and he died 
 
178 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 in 1702, before he was able to occupy it. The building, however, was occupied 
 almost immediately, in the same year, by his widow and a large family of 
 children, from whom the Footes of today are direct descendants. The fifty 
 acres thus laid out was located along the westerly side of what is now Broad- 
 way, and the frame of the house built in 1702 still stands upon the premises 
 now owned by A'Ir. Frederick G. Bock. In 1700 the first white child was born, 
 a daughter (name not given) to John Skinner, and the next year, on Novem- 
 ber 9th, 1701, was born Mary, a daughter of James Taylor. 
 
 Up to about the year 1703, the land in the town, except the fifty acres of 
 Foote's tract and possibly the "Jeremiah's Farm," was held in common by the 
 settlers; but about that time steps were taken for its division among them, 
 and shortly a town measurer was appointed to measure and set off allotments 
 of land to the persons entitled to it. The first grants upon the record ap- 
 peared to have been made at a town meeting, January nth, 1703, when a large 
 number of grants were made by the town. The first to be recorded was the 
 one allotted to Samuel Loomis and John Skinner, the latter the father of the 
 first white child, but the description is so indefinite that it is impossible to 
 locate it. Then followed the records of a large number of grants, but as the 
 descriptions of none of them are more definite than this first one, it is impos- 
 sible to locate them. It may be said, in passing, that one of the fields on the 
 north side of Packwood lane was formerly known as the "Loomis lot." This 
 may be the location of that first grant to Samuel Loomis. While these grants 
 cannot be definitely located, it is certain that the first settlement in the town 
 was made upon the property now owned by Mr. Hamilton Wallis. 
 
 The first church was erected at or near the corner of Broadway and 
 Packwood lane and, in clearing along the east side of Broadway, a number 
 of old foundations, wells, and graves, have been discovered. There was also 
 discovered what apparently was an old roadway running diagonally from 
 Broadway, which at that time was the ordinary narrow country road, in the 
 direction of the present Packwoodville. Michael Taintor was the first town 
 clerk, and held that office for some thirty years. The first selectmen were 
 chosen in 1706. and were Deacon Loomis, Joseph Chamberlain and Michael 
 Taintor. 
 
 During the early years of its history, the town and church were one, and 
 therefore the history of the town during these years includes the history of 
 the Congregational church. In 1702 a town meeting had authorized the 
 employment of a minister for the church, and had fixed his salary at forty 
 pounds per annum. In October, 1703, the General Court of the Colony had 
 authorized the organization of a church in the town, and this organization 
 had been effected December 20th of the same year. In 1725 the General 
 Court established a new parish which included the southern part of Col- 
 chester and the northern part of the town of Lyme, which they called Salem. 
 This continued as a separate parish, but was not organized as a separate town 
 until 1819. Again, in October, 1728, the General Court created another parish 
 in the western part of the town, which was called Westchester, which still 
 exists under that name and continues to be a part of the town of Colchester. 
 Obviously, upon the creation of these new parishes, it was impossible to 
 
OTHER TOWNS 179 
 
 call upon the inhabitants of the entire town to support these several parishes 
 or to exercise control over them, and so there was created what were known 
 as "Ecclesiastical Societies" having jurisdiction over ecclesiastical affairs, 
 within the limits of the parishes. How these were supported is unknown ; 
 whether by some system of taxation, as had been the case before, or by volun- 
 tary contributions, cannot be definitely ascertained at this time. 
 
 As has been stated, the first church was erected in 1706, at the corner of 
 Broadway and Packvvood lane, and was forty feet square. The building 
 was sold in 1709, but the congregation continued to occupy it until 1714, when 
 they removed into a new building erected by authority of the town meeting. 
 This building was thirty-six by forty feet. In the meantime the population 
 of the town had moved from its original location to the site of the present 
 village, possibly because the settlers had found the water supply of the first 
 location inadequate. This second church was erected a little to the east of 
 the present church building, in the middle of what is now the highway. The 
 third church was erected near the last in 1771, and continued for seventy years, 
 when it gave place to the present edifice. 
 
 During its early history social lines were sharply drawn in the church. 
 For at a town meeting held January 14th, 1715, it was provided as follows: 
 "The pew next to the pulpit to be the first, second is designated for the second 
 pew and the pews equal to the second, the third is designated for the third 
 pew, fourth for the fourth pew, next the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth," the 
 remaining seats were distributed among the remaining members according 
 to their rating on the Assessment list. 
 
 Methodism was introduced by circuit preachers in 1706, but the present 
 building was not erected until 1843. The Baptist church was organized and the 
 present building was erected in 1836. Calvary Church was organized in 1865, 
 and the first church erected in 1867. The first Roman Catholic mass was said 
 in 185 1 at the residence of John Murphy, and services were held for some 
 time by a visiting priest once a month. In 1854 St. Andrew's Church building 
 was erected, and since then it has had several additions. Within the last ten 
 years a Jewish Synagogue has been constructed on Lebanon avenue. 
 
 One of the first matters which engaged the attention of the settlers was 
 the education of their children. Very early they required the selectmen to 
 see to it that their children were "fitted for some lawful employment and not 
 become crude and stubborn ; and that children and servants should be cate- 
 chised once a week in the details and principles of their religion." They were 
 required to submit to examinations on these points by any selectman. It is 
 hard to imagine any of these gentlemen, who have for years composed our 
 board of selectmen, holding up a 3'oungster on the street and examining him 
 in the shorter catechism. Just when the schools were founded it is impos- 
 sible to say, but more than one hundred years ago there was a school for 
 colored children north of the old church, w^hich resulted in the influx of a 
 large colored population. The other schools were generally represented by 
 the rural district school of today, but their surroundings and furnishings were 
 very much rougher. 
 
 The celebrated educational institution of Colchcst.-r is ihc well known 
 
i8o NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 Bacon Academ}'. It was founded through the generosity of Pierpont Bacon, 
 a farmer from New London, who settled in the latter part of the eighteenth 
 century upon a farm about three miles south of the church. By his will he 
 bequeathed his estate to the First Ecclesiastical Society of Colchester for the 
 establishment of a school for instruction in "reading, writing, English, in 
 arithmetic, mathematics, and all such branches of learning for said inhabitants 
 and such instruction to be free to children of the town." The present building 
 was erected and school opened in 1802. It soon had a large student body, 
 which after many years slowly decreased but has now begun to rise again. 
 During its one hundred and thirteen years it has faithfully and successfully 
 educated many men and women who have been successful in all the walks 
 of life. Among those of national reputation are Senator Lyman Trumbull, 
 of Illinois, William H. Buckingham, Governor of Connecticut, and Morrison 
 R. Waite, Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court. Beginning with 
 an endowment of thirty-five thousand dollars, it has now more than sixty 
 thousand besides its building and equipment. 
 
 Another of the institutions of the town is the Cragin Memorial Library, 
 which was erected by Dr. Edwin B. Cragin, a Colchester boy who has achieved 
 a notable success as a physician in the great city of New York, the most diffi- 
 cult of all places in which a young man can command a general recognition 
 of his ability. It has on its shelves more than five thousand volumes. 
 
 Colchester has borne its full share in the defense of the nation. When the 
 news of Lexington was heard over the land, seventy of its sons rushed to the 
 relief of Boston. Their names have been preserved, and among them are 
 those of Foote, Jones, Ransom, Bigelow, Holmes, Chapman, Storrs, Rathbone, 
 Taylor, Day, Brown, Higgins, Fuller, Allen. This is the only roster of 
 soldiers of the Revolution giving the residences of the privates. The official 
 roster maintained at the capitol gives the residences of the officers only, so 
 that it has been impossible to determine who of the residents of Colchester 
 rendered services to the country in any of its wars unless they happened to 
 hold an official position, and the roster is so enormous and the names so 
 numerous that it is impractical to go over it and pick out the names of the 
 officers who were from Colchester. This town itself has maintained no list 
 of the men who went from here to the defense of the country. 
 
 Many years ago the town boasted of a bank, a savings bank, and was 
 lighted bv gas, but all these things have passed away. In early times the only 
 m.eans of transportation available to the inhabitants was the back of a horse. 
 The inhabitants went to church on horseback, the farmer riding, and the wife 
 on a pillion. The farmer carried his pork over the back of the horse and 
 brought back from the market the groceries which the pork had purchased 
 by the same conveyance. The first teaming was by oxen, of goods hauled 
 from East Haddam landing on the Connecticut river, and the first public 
 conveyance was a stage coach over this route. As railroads were constructed, 
 a stage line was opened to Andover and a coach used there can still be seen 
 back of Jonathan Clark's barn. At one time this route had become so impor- 
 tant that it boasted of a three-seated coach drawn by six horses, and the coach 
 itself hung on leather straps instead of springs. A coach line was run to 
 
OTHER TOWNS i8i 
 
 Norwich, which had boat connection with New York. This coach was run 
 by John Talcott, whose descendant ran the last coach out of Colchester. 
 When the Air Line railroad was constructed, this route was discontinued, 
 and the coach made its regular trips between the village and Turnerville. The 
 Air Line railroad was completed in 1873, ^"d the Colchester branch in 1877, 
 when the Turnerville stage was withdrawn. The principal source of freight 
 during the history of the town has been the Hayward Rubber Company. Its 
 freight business was for many years transacted by mule teams hauling large 
 covered wagons over the Norwich road, to and from Norwich. The con- 
 struction of the railroad, of course, put the mule teams out of commission. 
 While the principal industry of Colchester has always been farming, its 
 inhabitants, very early in its history, began to avail themeslves of the many 
 water powers found within the town. In 1704 Nathaniel Kellogg and Samuel 
 Gillett obtained the rights to erect and operate a sawmill on "Governors 
 Brook," probably the present location of Elgart's mill. In 1706 J. Deming 
 obtained the rights to establish a fulling mill. In 1708 J. Wright, Ebenezer 
 Skinner and J. Deming were granted the right to operate "Iron Works" on 
 "Jeremy's River," the present location of Norton's paper mill, and afterwards 
 two tanneries were located upon the same stream. In 1720 rights were given 
 to Nathan Kellogg and others for the establishment of a grist and saw mill 
 on Kellogg's land. In 1725 Andrew Carrier and U. Skinner obtained the right 
 to establish a grist mill at Comstock's bridge, and afterwards A. Comstock 
 located a grist and saw mill near the same place. On "Stoney Brook" was 
 also a factory for the manufacturing of nails, in those days hand made. 
 
 The most important of all the manufacturing enterprises in Colchester 
 was the Hayward Rubber Company, which was established in Colchester in 
 1847 by Nathaniel Hayward, a joint inventor with Goodyear of vulcanized 
 rubber. This enterprise, beginning in a small way, rapidly expanded until 
 from a capital of $100,000 it grew, through capitalization of profits, to $500,000, 
 and an output of $2,000,000 per annum. It was finally absorbed by the Rubber 
 Trust and closed. The town had of late years supported a shoe factory and 
 a creamery, both of which have been discontinued. Today the existing manu- 
 factories are the feed, cider and vinegar mill of D. Elgart, and two paper 
 mills, operated by H. C. Brown and C. H. Norton. 
 
 The population has been a fluctuating one both in numbers and compo- 
 sition. In 1756 it had 2,312 inhabitants. It had increased by 1782 to 3,865, 
 which has been the largest population in its history. From this point the 
 population gradually decreased until 1830, when it numbered 2,073. Then 
 the tide rose again, and in 1870 it had 3,383 people. Another decline followed, 
 and in 1900 the population reached the lowest point in its history, 1,991. 
 The tide began to rise again, and the census of 1910 showed a population 
 of something over 2,100. Originally it was peopled by the old New England 
 stock. A list is still extant of the voters of the town in 1725. This list con- 
 tains many names of residents whose descendants are still with us or have 
 been recently. Among them we find Bigelow (spelled in old times Bigeloo), 
 Gillette (Gillett), Kellogg, Williams, Brown, Clark, Fuller, Swan, Chapman, 
 Taintor, Baker, Foote, Taylor, Strong, Chamberlain, Pomeroy, Hall, Otis, 
 
i82 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 Palmer, Morgan, Worthington, Ransom, Huntley, Day, Carrier, Adams, Brain- 
 erd, and Staples. But the introduction of manufacturing brought in a large 
 foreign element, from whom are descended some of our most respected in- 
 habitants. 
 
 In 1821 John R. Watrous, Ralph Isham and David Deming conveyed to 
 the trustees and proprietors of Bacon Academy one and one-half acres of 
 land, said land being now the southerly end of the park. The borough of 
 Colchester was incorporated in 1846. The town is bounded on the north by 
 Hartford and Tolland counties and by Lebanon; on the east by Lebanon; 
 on the south by Salem and Middlesex county ; and on the west by Middlesex 
 county. 
 
 East Lyme. — East Lyme is bounded on the north by Salem, on the east 
 by Montville and Waterford, on the south by Long Island Sound, and on the 
 west by Lyme and Old Lyme. It was originally part of Waterford and of 
 Old Lyme. It was incorporated as a town in 1839. 
 
 The well known story of the "Bride Brook Marriage" refers to a stream 
 that empties into the Sound somewhat west of Niantic Bay. Miss Caulkins' 
 poem is an interesting evidence of her ability in verse : 
 
 When this fair town was Nameaug, — 
 A bleak, rough waste of hill and bog,— 
 In huts of sea-weed, thatch, and log, 
 
 Our fathers few, but strong and cheery. 
 
 Sat down amid these deserts dreary. 
 
 'Twas all a wild, unchristian wood, 
 
 A fearful, boisterous solitude, 
 
 A harbor for the wild-fowl's brood. 
 
 Where countless flocks of every pinion 
 
 Held o'er the shores a bold dominion. 
 
 The sea-hawk hung his cumbrous nest, 
 Oak-propp'd on every highland crest : 
 Cranes through the seedy marshes prest; 
 
 The curlew, by the river lying, 
 
 Looked on God's image, him defying. 
 
 The eagle-king soared high and free, 
 His shadow on the glassy sea 
 A sudden ripple seemed to be; 
 
 The sunlight in his pinions burning, 
 
 Shrouded him from eyes upturning. 
 
 They came, the weary-footed band; 
 
 The paths they cleared, the streams they spanned, 
 
 The woodland genius grew more bland ; 
 
 In haste his tangled vines unweaving, 
 
 Them and their hopes with joy receiving. 
 
 Then beasts of every frightful name. 
 And wild men with their hearts of flame. 
 By night around them howling came ; 
 
 No arms had they but care and caution. 
 
 And trust in God was all their portion. 
 
OTHER TOWNS 183 
 
 Firm as the rocky coast they stood, 
 
 And earnest as the rushing flood, 
 
 Disdaining fear, yet fearing God ; 
 Each man was both a lamb and Hon, 
 With heart of flesh, but nerves of iron. 
 
 They yoked the eagle to the dove, 
 They tamed the wilderness with love, 
 Clear light within, clear light above ; 
 By faith upheld, by foes undaunted, 
 Home, freedom, country here they planted. 
 
 Great hearts were those that hither came, — 
 
 A Winthrop of undying fame, 
 
 A Brewster of an honored name; 
 
 Great hearts, the growth of three great nations, 
 Laid deep for us these firm foundations. 
 
 The angels as they glided by 
 Some gleams of brightness lent the sky ; 
 And earth's own angels, too, were nigh, — 
 The choicest of fair England's daughters 
 Came with them o'er the billowy waters. 
 
 Now thanks to thee, O God of lands ! 
 
 Who settlest lonely men in bands. 
 
 That brought these angels to our strands ; 
 
 The Rose of Eden, heavenly woman ! 
 
 To gardens changed these wilds inhuman. 
 
 See ! like the rose-tree's sudden bloom. 
 Bright visions break the wintry gloom. 
 The evergreens breathe forth perfume. 
 
 Love's purple light the scene is flushing, 
 
 A romance into life is rushing. 
 
 A streamlet— Nameaug's western bound— 
 
 A path by craggy hillsides found. 
 
 Meandering to the distant Sound ; 
 
 A slender stream, but clear and glowing, 
 Down through umbrageous valleys flowing. 
 
 Forth from a lovely lake it came, 
 Sweet stream with an ungentle name : 
 But now, ice-bound, snow-wreathed, and tame. 
 No longer sparkling, prattling, leaping, 
 The Naiad of the brook was sleeping. 
 
 To this fair stream two sledgy trains. 
 Grotesque and quaint as Lapland wains. 
 Rushed swiftly o'er the dazzling plains : 
 
 Vast earth before, behind all hoary, 
 
 Embosomed in a shroud of glory. 
 
 How still is all surrounding snow I 
 
 How dead but for this diamond glow! 
 
 The sun's exuberant overflow, 
 
 Filling the air with quivering gladness. 
 Relieves earth's spectre of its sadness. 
 
i84 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 No sounding bells waked nature's ear. 
 Yet music, flowing sweet and clear, 
 Rippled the sea of silence drear. 
 
 Cheery they come, — men, maidens, singing. 
 
 They meet : here noble Winthrop stands. 
 
 Come forth, ye gladsome bridal bands. 
 
 Ye snow-capt hills, clap all your hands ! 
 Ye spicy cedars, green and towering. 
 Draw round them all your screens embowering. 
 
 The woven nets are lightly spread. 
 
 The spruce boughs yield their fragrant aid, 
 
 The white smoke o'er them curls a shade. 
 
 And fruits and viands, choice and dainty. 
 
 Flow from the ample horn of plenty. 
 
 Her furry wrappings cast aside. 
 As rosy skies when clouds divide. 
 Forth steps the conscious, blushing bride, 
 
 A trembling, serious, fadeless beauty. 
 
 Commingling sweetness, love, and duty. 
 
 She stood like Summer on the snow, — 
 No morning dawn around could throw 
 Such rosy light, so warm a glow, — 
 
 And hovering clouds, with seraphs laden. 
 
 Showered heavenly blessings on the maiden. 
 
 She was a dame of fair degree ; 
 Her lover, fearless, bold and free, 
 Had suffered scaith by land and sea ; 
 
 Their hearts long pledged by word and token. 
 
 Now let their sacred rite be spoken. 
 
 Then hands were clasped, and Winthrop prayed: 
 The life-long covenant was made; 
 High heaven a mute attention paid ; 
 
 Winds, groves, and hills, with reverence lowly. 
 
 Trembled around a scene so holy. 
 
 "Now Sunk-i-paug is Bridal Lake : 
 
 Flow, ever flow !" — thus Winthrop spake,^ 
 
 'Round hearts and homes thy journey take; 
 
 Love's streamlet out of Bride Lake welling, 
 
 God lead a branch to every dwelling. 
 
 Franklin. — The town of Franklin, set off in 1786 from Norwich, as were 
 Bozrah and Lisbon the same year, was settled as early as 1710 by nearly fifty 
 families. The people of this section of Norwich, known as "West Farms," 
 were allowed to form their own ecclesiastical society in 1716. As settlers 
 increased in number, other societies were formed. The original society lost 
 in power as the others branched off, but recovered under the long and able 
 leadership of Rev. Samuel Nott, whose remarkable service has been referred 
 to in the general history of the county. 
 
 The population increased to 2,358 in i860, but lost by the setting off of 
 
OTHER TOWNS 185 
 
 Baltic as a part of the town of Sprague, incorporated in 1861. Its most famous 
 son is perhaps the Hon. Lafayette S. Foster, United States Senator for many- 
 years. 
 
 The following names are on the World War honor roll of the town of 
 Franklin : Ralph A. Armstrong, Frederic K. Armstrong, Ernest C. Ayer, Ray 
 B. Beckwith, Harold B. Capshaw, Walter N. Chappell, John Alton Cox, 
 Charles E. Davis, Clarence Howard Davis, Harold A. Duerr, Charles W. 
 Frink, William C. Hanson, Herbert R. Hoffman, Alfred G. Mason, Edward 
 W. Mason, James J. McCarthy, John N. Muckensturm, Thomas F. Murphy, 
 Louis E. Nolan, Michael O'Hearn, Frederick H. Race, John C. Rother, An- 
 thony Wisneske, Michael Yuschalk. 
 
 Griswold. — The town of Griswold is bounded on the north by Windham 
 county, on the east by Voluntown, on the south by North Stonington and 
 Preston, and on the west by Preston and Lisbon. The first settler was Eleazer 
 Jewett, from whom the borough of Jewett City (incorporated 1895) takes 
 its name. His tombstone bears the following inscription: "In memory of 
 Z^Ir. Eleazer Jewett, who died Dec. 7, 1817, in the 87th year of his age. In 
 April, 1771, he began the settlement of this village, and from his persevering 
 industry and active benevolence it has derived its present importance. Its 
 name will perpetuate his memory." 
 
 The town of Griswold was incorporated in 181 5, being taken from the 
 town of Preston. Starting in with a small farm, Mr. Jewett developed a grist 
 mill and a saw mill. Other settlers came and set up mills on the Pachaug 
 river. An oil mill, a woolen mill, a cotton mill, soon followed, and added 
 largely to the prosperity of the town. While the town of Griswold itself is 
 largely agricultural, its water power has developed large manufacturing 
 establishments, which include the Slater Mill, the Aspinook Company, and 
 the Ashland Cotton Company. Its population in 1910 was 4,233. 
 
 Groton. — Groton is bounded on the north by Ledyard, on the east by 
 the Mystic river, which separates it from Stonington, on the south by Long 
 Island Sound, and on the west by the Thames river. It comprised, originally, 
 the part of New London lying between the Thames and Mystic rivers, but 
 was lessened by the incorportaion of Ledyard in 1836. Groton was separated 
 from New London in 1704, but the settlement was well started fully fifty 
 years earlier. Mystic, Noank, and Groton are the main villages of the town. 
 Its name was that of Governor Winthrop's English home in Suffolk county. 
 Of one of its early settlers Miss Caulkins writes : 
 
 In 1694, Davie (John Davie, who afterwards became Sir John Davie), 
 was one of the landholders to whom the assembly granted letters patent 
 enlarging the territory of the New London settlement, or colony. The same 
 year he took a prominent part in building the second meeting house in New 
 London, being one of the building committee, which shows the activity of the 
 man in public affairs. He had been previously appointed rate-collector and 
 selectman for the East Side. He took a prominent part in the measures which 
 resulted in the agreement to let the East Side become a separate township, 
 by a vote passed in town meeting, February 20, 1705; and at the assembly, 
 the same year, an act of incorporation was passed. After Mr. Davie had 
 
iS6 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 been town clerk about two years, and was one day hoeing corn in Poquonnoc 
 plains in company with John Packer, in the midst of a strife as to which of 
 them should prove the faster, suddenly a messenger appeared at the end of 
 the row and inquired of the barefooted men, with their trousers rolled up, 
 which was named Davie, and, upon being told, he congratulated Davie in 
 these words: "I salute you, Sir John Davie," . . . and tradition has it 
 that the town clerk came out ahead of Packer, winning in the hoeing match, 
 and that he did not deign to speak to the newcomer until he had won the 
 wager. This same John Packer afterwards visited his old friend the baronet 
 in England, and they had a good time together. ... Sir John Davie 
 soon went to England and to his estates in Creedy, county of Devon, where 
 he succeeded his uncle of the same name, but he never forgot his American 
 relatives and friends, for he not only showed his beneficent feeling toward the 
 school, the college and the church, but through Governor Saltonstall he made 
 gifts, while living, to his relatives in various colonies. 
 
 An interesting item in the early town records of Groton runs as follows : 
 
 Whereas, ye money ye law allows for killing wolves is found by common 
 experience to be too little, for commonly there are employed twenty or thirty 
 men, who often spend two or three days about it, and then sometimes swamp 
 them and do not kill them. Such things ye inhabitants of other places have 
 considered, and added considerable money to what the law allows. 
 
 Therefore, the inhabitants of this town are desired to add ten shillings for 
 killing a wolf, and three shillings for swamping a wolf or wolves ; but six 
 shillings if he be killed ; and three shillings for killing a grown fox or wild 
 cat, or eighteen pence for a young one, and two pence a head for crows, and 
 a half penny for black birds, which was voted. 
 
 In another place we have described fully the Battle of Groton Heights, 
 from which may be seen the patriotism of its citizens. We quote from the 
 town records an interesting proof of the town's attitude: 
 
 At a town meeting held June 20, 1774, the following action was taken: 
 This town taking into serious consideration the dangerous situation of the 
 British colonies in North America respecting sundry late acts of the Britsh 
 Parliament, particularly those of shutting up the Port of Boston, the metropo- 
 lis of the Province of Massachusetts Bay, and abridging their chartered rights, 
 &c., which if carried into execution not only deprives us all of our privileges, 
 but renders life and property very precarious, and as we esteem the inhabi- 
 tants of Boston, now suffering the tyranny of said acts of Parliament, and in 
 the common cause of America; voted, that we will join with the other towns 
 of this Colony in such reasonable measures as shall be judged best for the 
 general good and most likely to obtain redress of our grievances. Voted, 
 that we esteem a General Congress of all the colonies the only probable 
 method to adopt a uniform plan for the preservation of the whole. 
 
 Voted, that if it shall be judged best by said Congress to stop all exports 
 to Great Britain and the West Indies, and all imports from them, we will 
 most cheerfully acquiesce in their determinations, esteeming the benefits aris- 
 ing therefrom mere trifles compared with the rights and privileges of America. 
 
 In the War of 1812, Groton men did noble service in several sea fights. 
 It is an interesting fact that during Decatur's enforced idleness in the Thames 
 his midshipmen received instruction in mathematics from a Groton school 
 teacher who became widely known as the originator of the famous "Daboll's 
 Almanac." The father was aided by his son, Nathan Daboll, Jr. This 
 
OTHER TOWNS 187 
 
 almanac has been published in New London for considerably over a century. 
 
 Groton monument, erected in 1831. marks the spot of the famous Revo- 
 lutionary fight, and many patriotic celebrations have been held at its fort. 
 In the Civil War, Groton took a noble part, furnishing many volunteers and 
 making liberal provision for the support of dependent families. 
 
 In Groton is found the oldest Baptist church in Connecticut, dating 
 from 1705. Bishop Seabury, the first bishop of the Episcopal church in the 
 United States, was born in Groton in 1729. He was buried in New London. 
 Over his grave was placed a tablet with this inscription: 
 
 Here lieth the body of 
 
 Samuel Seabury, D.D., 
 
 Bishop of Connecticut and Rhode Island, 
 
 Who departed from this transitory scene, 
 
 February 25, 1796, 
 
 In the sixty-eighth year of his age. 
 
 Ingenious without pride, learned without pedantry, good without severity, 
 
 He was duly qualified to discharge the duties of the Christian and the Bishop. 
 
 In the pulpit, he enforced religion; in his conduct he exemplified it. 
 
 The poor he assisted with his charity; the ignorant he blessed with his instruction. 
 
 The friend of man, he ever desired their good. 
 
 The enemy of vice, he ever opposed it. 
 
 Christian! dost thou aspire to happiness? 
 
 Seabury has shown the way that leads to it. 
 
 His remains were later removed to St. James' Church, New London. 
 
 In the town of Groton, on the east side of the Thames, and about three 
 miles from its entrance, the United States Government established, in 1875, 
 a navy yard, which grew to large proportions during the World War. 
 
 Lebanon. — The town of Lebanon is bounded on the north by Columbia, 
 a town of Tolland county, and by Windham, of Windham county ; on the east 
 by Franklin and Bozrah; on the south by Bozrah and Colchester; on the 
 west by Columbia, Hebron and Colchester. The town was originally some- 
 what larger, including a part of Columbia and other territory. The back- 
 ground of its history is laid in the settlement of the General Assembly, first 
 with Uncas, then with his son, Owaneco, who sold to various proprietors a 
 tract called the "Five-mile purchase," which, with several other tracts pur- 
 chased from Indian chiefs, constituted the original territory of the town. 
 The standard history of the earlier years is a historical address delivered 
 by Rev. Orlo D. Hine, July 4, 1876. We quote freely from this address: 
 
 The four proprietors — Mason, Stanton, Brewster and Birchard— evidently 
 designed that the "Five-mile purchase" and "Mason & Fitche's mile" should 
 form the main part of a plantation, and that this street, since called Town 
 street, should be the center, and under their direction the street was laid out, 
 and the land adjoining it allotted. Having in view the earliest establishment 
 and most efficient maintenance of the worship of God and the means of 
 education, the land along the street was divided into home-lots of forty-two 
 acres each, and there were second and third lots lying back of these, and in 
 other parts of the town. Every one taking a home-lot was entitled to a lot 
 of the other divisions. In this they seem to have had in view this ridge, and 
 the possession of meadow-land in the valleys. The second and third divisions, 
 
i88 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 taken from unoccupied land in other parts of the town, were assigned by lot. 
 and hence were literally lots. 
 
 This broad street and open common, which became so marked a feature 
 of the place, seems to have been formed in this way: Originally it was a dense 
 alder-swamp. When the settlers came to build their houses they would, of 
 course, set them on the dryer ground of the edge of the slopes, extending back 
 on each side. Thus between the lines of dwellings there was left some thirty 
 rods of this swampy space. Of course it was owned by the original fifty-one 
 proprietors of the "Five-mile purchase." 
 
 They were organized, had their officers, meetings, and records. They 
 performed acts of ownership of the land in this street, as of other common 
 undivided land in the purchase; and in 1808 (by William Williams and the 
 second Governor Trumbull, as their representatives) gave to Deacon Sam- 
 uel Buckingham a deed of a portion of the common in front of his premises, 
 and received of him forty dollars as the price. They had meetings at a still 
 later date. 
 
 The actual settlement of the plantation began in 1695, and its increase 
 appears to have been rapid, the number of grants and allotments bearing date 
 November that year being more than fifty. The "Five-mile purchase" evi- 
 dently came then to be fully open for occupancy, and settlers rushed in. They 
 came from different quarters, some from Norwich, others from Northampton, 
 still others from other places in this colony and in that of Massachusetts. 
 
 Lebanon has been spoken of as originally a dependence of Norwich. No 
 part of its territory was ever embraced in the Nine-mile square, which con- 
 stituted the territory of Norwich, or was ever under the jurisdiction of Nor- 
 wich ; and there is no evidence that a majority of the early settlers came from 
 that town — the Clarks, the Deweys, the Trumbulls, the Strongs, came from 
 other places. 
 
 The inhabitants held a meeting in 1698, and the earliest record of the 
 town or settlement, as it was properly called, was then made. The \-ear 1707, 
 Lebanon stands £5,179, and 135 taxable persons. For a few years the settle- 
 ment of the town appears not to have been rapid. Privations and hardships 
 must have been endured by those who came here ; their dwellings must have 
 been log houses among the trees and bushes, with here and there a clearing, 
 and all uncertainty as to the bounds and titles of lands had not ceased to 
 perplex and embarrass. 
 
 That there was a great amount of danger or annoyance from the Indians 
 does not appear, the Indians of this section being friendly to the English, in 
 league with them, and very much dependent on them. There is a tradition 
 that some Indians of a tribe at war with the Mohegans — perhaps from a 
 remnant of the Pequots. possibly from the Narraganestts, still farther east in 
 Rhode Island — took a Mohegan child from the house of Mr. Brewster, who 
 lived on the Brewster place, near where Hon. Edwin M. Dolbeare now resides. 
 and killed it, dashing its head against the garden fence. This tradition comes 
 reliably from one who lived near the time of the alleged event, and who spoke 
 of it as a fact well known. There is also a tradition that the Abel house, which 
 stood where Mr. Robert Peckham's house now stands, was a sort of fort 
 (stockaded, I conclude), to which the inhabitants fled in times of danger. 
 
 If the Indians did not seriously trouble the settlers the wild animals did. 
 So late as 1730 the town offered a bounty of ten pounds for every full-grown 
 wolf that should be killed. Col. James Clark, of Bunker Hill celebrity, who 
 died December 29, 1826. ninety-six years of age, used to relate to his grand- 
 children, who are now living, that in his boyhood, as. coming from Norwich 
 in the evening, he reached the low ground near where Mr. Jeremiah Mason 
 now lives, he drew his feet up upon the saddle to protect them from the 
 wolves, which he often heard barking and howling in the thickets on each 
 
OTHER TOWNS 189 
 
 side of the road. Deer and wild turkeys were abundant. The first settlers 
 had common corn-lots, which they joined in clearing, fencing, and guarding. 
 I have queried whether they had the fever and ague, and I am sure they had, 
 and must have shaken soundly with it, but probably it did not frighten people 
 away, for it must have prevailed in all the new settlements. 
 
 After about 1707 the number of taxable persons ceased to be given in 
 the public records, and only the property list is noted. The list continued 
 steadily to increase, and to gain on the lists of other towns in the colony. 
 In 1730 it was £19.972; i733,i23,8o3 and was in amount the eighth in the 
 colony. In 1740 it was £31.709, and was the fifth among the forty-eight towns 
 in the list, and more than that of Hartford or New London; in 1748, £35.570. 
 From 1730 to 1760 Lebanon must have gained rapidly in population and 
 wealth. The colony of Connecticut had greatly prospered. In 1730 the 
 number of inhabitants, according to a census then taken, was 38,(X)0. and 
 about 700 Indian and negro slaves and 1,600 Indians. In 1756, twenty-six 
 years later, the population of the colony, consisting of seventy-nine towns and 
 settlements, was 130.612, an increase of 90.312, and Lebanon then had a popu- 
 lation of whites, 3,171, and blacks, 103; total, 3,274. Only five towns in the 
 colony had a larger population, viz.: Middletown. the largest, 5,664; Norwich, 
 5,540; New Haven, 5,085; Fairfield, 4,455; and Farmington, 3.707; Hartford 
 had only 3,027. In 1774, the year before the battle of Lexington, theie were 
 but seventy-six towns and settlements in the colony, some of the smaller 
 settlements having been given up ; the population of the colony had increased 
 to 198,010. The population of this town was then, whites, 3,841 ; blacks, 119; 
 total. 3,960. the largest population the town has ever had. Only six towns 
 in the colony then had a larger. In 1784 the population of the State had 
 grown to 208,800, and Lebanon had, whites, 3,827. 4 less than ten years 
 before ; blacks, 94, 25 less than sixty years before ; total loss, 29. Only eight 
 towns then had a larger population. New Haven having the largest, 7,960. 
 In 1775 only eight tov.-ns had a larger grand list than this town, it being 
 then £41.600, equal to $130,300, the pound then being $3.33 1/3. The grand 
 list in 1876 was $1,185,047. Though the population has diminished, the grand 
 list has largely increased. The population of the town in 1870 was 2.21 1, an 
 increase on that of the two preceding decades ; in 1804, Columbia, with a popu- 
 lation of about 600, was set off from this town ; it now has a population of 
 891 ; add this to the present population of the town, and the total is 3,162, 
 showing a total diminution of 798 since 1774 within the territory then con- 
 stituting Lebanon. 
 
 As we have said, the thirtv-five or forty years previous to 1774 were a 
 period of great prosperity to the town. Men of character and enterprise came 
 in and grew up here. Capt. Joseph Trumbull came here from Sufficld about 
 1.704. evidently without any considerable means, for when he bought the 
 place which had been occupied by Rev. Joesph Parsons he mortgaged it for 
 the sum of three hundred and forty pounds. He had vigorous traits, became a 
 planter and trader, and at length had a ship which carried cargoes of his own, 
 or belonging to his family. 
 
 A fact which comes to us on good authority illustrates the temper of the 
 man. His business often called him to Boston, and sometimes he went as a 
 drover, and he would meet Rev. Mr. Wells, who had been pastor here, whose 
 parishioner he had been, and who now lived in Boston. Mr. Wells was a little 
 shv of him. and evidentlv avoided him now and then, in his plain and perhaps 
 dustv attire, as not quite in trim to be familiarly recognized by a Boston 
 gentleman. When Mr. Wells came here, where he still owned property, and 
 (meeting Mr. Trumbull) accosted him as an old acquaintance, the latter 
 refused to shake hands with him, and turned away, saying, "If you don't 
 know me in Boston. I don't know vou in Lebanon." 
 
igo NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 Trumbull's son, the future governor, after being graduated at Harvard 
 College in 1727, went into business with his father and became a merchant, 
 and engaged extensively in commerce, the War Office, now standing, being 
 his store. He and the firms to which he belonged owned ships which traded 
 with London and Bristol, England, Hamburg, Germany, and the West Indies, 
 and took in their caroges at New London and Stonington, and at Haddam, on 
 the Connecticut river. All the trades were carried on here, and it became an 
 important business center. Cloth, leather, boots and shoes, saddles and 
 harness, axes, scythes, and barrels were made here. Among the town officers 
 appointed every year was an inspector of leather. 
 
 The town appointed Jonathan Trumbull to obtain from the General 
 Assembly leave to hold and regulate fairs and market-days, and they were 
 held twice a year. These streets, now so quiet, were a place of concourse 
 and bustle, of exhibition and traffic, which the people of surrounding towns 
 frequented, and to which traders came from a distance, Trumbull being en- 
 gaged in wide commerce and large business. 
 
 After 1743 there was a renowned school here, which Trumbull was an 
 active man in establishing, and it was controlled by twelve proprietors, and 
 which was kept for thirty-seven years by Master Nathan Tisdale. It became 
 so widely known that it had scholars from the West Indies, from North 
 Carolina and South Carolina and Georgia, as well as from the more northern 
 colonies. At one time it had students from nine of the thirteen colonies. 
 Tisdale was a genius in his profession, and carried the school to the highest 
 stage of prosperity which it ever reached. This helped the intelligence and 
 high character, the activity and pecuniary thrift of the place. As a result of 
 this and other agencies, this town had for many years some of its sons in 
 courses of liberal education, and one hundred and twenty-two are known to 
 have received college degrees. The strong interest in education which long 
 prevailed here accounts for the fact that so many of its sons and daughters 
 have risen to eminence. 
 
 And from the first, Lebanon has been active in military enterprises. 
 While this town was never directly menaced by the Indians, the frontier 
 towns of this colony and of the Colony of Massachusetts were, and this town 
 was required to aid' in the common defense. As early as 1709, Mr. Jedediah 
 Strong, one of the original settlers, and an ancestor of the Strong family, 
 which remained and still has representatives here, was killed in an expedition 
 against the Indians near Albany. This colony sent troops to the defense of 
 the county of Hampshire, Massachusetts, in which in 1704 the Deerfield 
 massacre occurred, and which was exposed to the incursions of the French 
 and Indians. In 1709, in an expedition against Canada, in Queen Ann's War, 
 the proportion of troops from this colony was one hundred and forty-seven, 
 and the quota of Lebanon eleven. 
 
 In the wars in which the Mother Country was engaged at this period, 
 the colonies were involved — in the Spanish War of 1739; in King George's 
 War; a war with France 'n 1744 in which Louisburr, in Cape Breton, a very 
 strong place, termed the Gibraltar of America, was taken; in the French and 
 Indian War, which began in 1755 and ended in 1763 with the conquest of the 
 whole of Canada. During these wars the seas were infested with hostile 
 ships, and the colonists were exposed on every side. The colonies learned 
 how to raise troops, to equip and supply them, and to tax themselves in order 
 to pay them, and thus were in most important training for the crisis now just 
 before them. The drums used at Bunker Hill were the same which had been 
 used at the capture of Louisburg. 
 
 Lebanon, as a town, was among the foremost in this colony in the part 
 it bore in these enterprises and testings. In 1739, Jonathan Trumbull, then 
 
OTHER TOWNS 191 
 
 young, was commissioned lieutenant-colonel of a regiment raised for an expe- 
 dition against Canada; he was afterwards colonel, and early had experience 
 in recruiting, furnishing, and moving troops. The people of the town were 
 patriotic and spirited. On the surrender of Quebec, in 1759, they observed 
 the general thanksgiving, and Dr. Solomon Williams' jubilant sermon on 
 the occasion of this was published. He says, "For more than seventy years 
 our enemies have been designing our ruin, and formed and projected a settled 
 design to encompass us, unobserved, with a string of forts from Canada to 
 the Bay of Mexico." He regards "the conquest of Quebec, the capital of 
 Canada, as of more importance than has ever been made by the English since 
 England was a nation." He states his reasons, and calls upon the people 
 triumphantly to praise Him who has given such success. 
 
 Of course a people thus trained, in such a temper, and having such 
 leaders as there were here in Jonathan Trumbull, William Williams, and 
 others, were all ready, when the Mother Country began to encroach on the 
 liberties of the colonies, to resist them and to maintain their rights. When, in 
 October, 1765, Governor Fitch proposed to take the required oath to enforce 
 the Stamp Act, and called upon his "assistants" to administer it to him, Trum- 
 bull was among those who resisted and remonstrated. The governor urged that 
 their allegiance to the king, the oath of their office, the safety of the charter 
 of the colony, and their personal safety, demanded that thev administer the 
 oath and aid in the execution of the act. Trumbull was ready with the reply 
 that the act was in derogation of the rights of the colony, in violation of the 
 common privileges of English subjects, and that they had also sworn "to 
 promote the public good and peace of Connecticut, and to maintain all its 
 lawful privileges," and these they would treacherously sacrifice by submitting 
 to the demand now made upon them. 
 
 When five (the requisite legal number out of the twelve) were found 
 ready to administer the oath, Trumbull refused to be present to witness its 
 administration, and taking his hat hastened from the chamber, leading the 
 six other assistants who, with him, had stood firm. This, with other clear and 
 courageous conduct, showed him to the colonists as fitted to be their first- 
 magistrate, and to have their interest in his hands, and he was chosen gov- 
 ernor in 1769. He already had large experience in public affairs. He had 
 fourteen times represented his town as deputy to the General Assembly and 
 had three times filled the office of speaker; had been chosen assistant for 
 twenty-two years; had been for one year side judge, and for seventeen years 
 chief judge of the County Court of Windham county ; had been for nineteen 
 years judge of probate for the Windham district ; had been once elected an 
 assistant judge, and four times chief justice of the Superior Court of the 
 colony ; and for four years had been deputy governor. He held the office 
 of governor fourteen years, and till within two years of his death. 
 
 William Williams was more impulsive and ardent, and fitted to inspire 
 others with enthusiasm. With tongue and pen and estate he gave himself 
 to the cause of the colonies. During the gloomy winter of 1777 he sent beef, 
 cattle, and gold to Valley Forge, saying, "If independence should be estab- 
 lished he should get his pay; if not, the loss would be of no account to him." 
 With such men active here, we are prepared to find on the town records 
 resolutions like the following: At a town-meeting held 7th December, 1767, 
 a letter received from the selectmen of Boston, as to the oppressive and 
 ruinous duties laid on various articles, and calling for union in some common 
 measures of relief: "Jonathan Trumbull, the selectmen, and others were 
 appointed a committee by themselves, or in concert with committees from 
 neighboring towns, to consider and devise such measures and means as may 
 more effectually tend to promote and encourage industry, economy, and 
 manufactures." Under these oppressions, bearing heavily on it as a port, 
 
192 
 
 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 Boston appealed to Lebanon, and this town came into full sympathy and 
 concert with it. 
 
 The number of men whom this town sent into the War of the Revolution 
 it is now impossible to determine, so many of the rolls of companies are 
 wanting. .Some who have given most attention to the papers existing and 
 to all the evidence, estimate that there were periods when as many as five 
 hundred were serving in the army at the same time. Some served for short 
 terms — three months, six months ; some were minute-men, called out when 
 the towns along the coast. New London and New Haven, were menaced or 
 attacked. This would be one to about everv eight of the inhabitants at 
 that time. The quota of this town for the Civil War, from 1861 to 1865, was 
 206; and the population in i860 being 2.174, this would be one to about every 
 ten of the inhabitants. About one hundred actually went from this town, one 
 to every twenty-one of the inhabitants. 
 
 The town records furnish abundant evidence of the resolute effort made 
 to meet the demands for men — which came year after year as the war went 
 on, and tasked the resources and endurance of the colonics — and to provide 
 for the families of those absent in the army. In the later stages of the war, 
 when a given number of men was called for, the number capable of bearing 
 arms had been reduced, and the enthusiasm, which in the beginning haa 
 prompted men to enlist, had subsided, the able-bodied men of the town be- 
 tween the ages of fifteen and fifty-five were divided into classes of the same 
 number, ten, and each class was required to furnish a man. 
 
 After the religious services on the Sabbaths, and on Thanksgiving and 
 fast-days, especially in 1777, contributions for the suffering soldiers were 
 received in the meeting-houses, w'hen jewelry and every article of clothing 
 and provisions were presented, and the ladies, as individuals and in concert, 
 with the discreet and earnest ]\Iadame Trumbull encouraging them and set- 
 ting them an example, bore their part in these contributions. 
 
 How impossible it is for us in quiet Lebanon, as it now is, to picture what 
 Lebanon was and what transpired here during the years of the war, the 
 governor of the State residing here, the counselor and friend and efficient 
 helper of Washington; the Council of Safety, which aided the governor and 
 wielded extensive powers in the conduct of the war in this State and in this 
 part of the country, holding here nearlv all of its more than twelve hundred 
 sessions held during the war; messengers from the army and from Washing- 
 ton arriving at and leaving the War Office, bringing and carrying away 
 dispatches; the governor, with the agencies he employed, engaged in pro- 
 curing and forwarding provisions, clothing, and military supplies, and these 
 streets often crowded with activity of this sort; for seven months at one 
 period the Duke of Lauzun's legion of French cavalry here, some of them 
 in barracks in a lot on the right of the Colchester road, called "Barracks lot," 
 others of them on the Common, a little north of where we are assembled, 
 where still can be seen remains of their ovens and camp utensils; the soldiers 
 now and then stealing wood, and a sheep, a pig, and convicted and punished; 
 a deserter shot ; the duke and higher officers having quarters in the house 
 (on the corner), in its original form, now occupied by Asher P. Smith, and 
 some of the officers at Alden's tavern, these gentlemanly officers in their 
 leisure flirting with the fair maidens of the place; gay festivities, at which 
 distinguished guests from abroad were present, frequently occurring; reviews 
 of troops ; Washington repeatedly here to consult with the Governor ; Lafay- 
 ette here, according to Stuart in his "Life of Trumbull"; General Knox, Dr. 
 Franklin, Samuel Adams, John Adams. John Jav, Thomas Jefferson, and 
 others. Lebanon was certainly then a center of dignity and influence, and 
 was the military headquarters of this part of the countr}'. 
 
 With its other important contributions to the War of Independence, this 
 
OTHER TOWNS 193 
 
 town contributed in Jonathan Trumbull a laborious and efficient War Gov- 
 ernor, at the beginning the only loyal governor to whom Washington gave 
 distinguished confidence, on whom he relied in the most trying emergencies, 
 a man discreet, far-seeing, inflexible in following his convictions, eminently 
 God-fearing, and a true patriot; in William Williams, a member of the Con- 
 tinental Congress in 1776-77 and again in 1783-84, a signer of the Declara- 
 tion of Independence, ardent, self-sacrificing, passionate in his devotion to 
 his country, who one hundred years ago today represented this State, repre- 
 sented this town in that great proceeding in Independence Hall, Philadelphia; 
 in T.oseph Trumbull, a commissary-general and the first commissary-general 
 of the national armv, whose brilliant career was cut short by an early death, 
 hastened by his strenuous devotion to his difficult duties in organising this 
 department of the army: in John Trumbull, an aide-de-camp to Washington, 
 an adjutant-general to General Gage, and a painter who acquired a distin- 
 guished reputation from his delineation of national scenes and from his por- 
 traits of distinguished men of the Revolutionary period; in Jonathan Trum- 
 bull, Jr.. a paymaster to the northern department of the army, a first aide-de- 
 camp and private secretary to W^ashington. a member of his family, and 
 enjoying his high esteem. Capt. James Clark commanded a company in the 
 battle of Bunker Hill, and was in" the battles of Harlem Heights and White 
 Plains. Lieut. Andrew Fitch was in the battle of Bunker Hill, and in the 
 service to the close of the war. John Wheelock. son of President Wheelock, 
 of Dartmouth College, afterwards himself president, served as lieutenant- 
 colonel in the Continental army, and was a member of the staff of General 
 
 Lebanon has done well in the men whom in different periods it has 
 furnished — six governors of States, five of them of this State, who held the 
 office thirt^'-sevcn years, and one of them (William A. Buckingham) a second 
 War Governor, and a worthy successor of the first ; resolute, indefatigable, 
 large-hearted, vigorous, and upright in administration, and of a character to 
 command universal esteem and affection: Trumbull and Buckingham! names 
 that honor the town, honor the State, honor the nation. In all the list of 
 honored men from the beginnings have there been abler, better governors 
 than the Trumbulls, Bissel. and Buckinghams? Four senators in Congress; 
 seven representatives in Congress, and one of them, Jonathan Trumbull, Jr., 
 speaker of the Second Congress ; five judges of higher courts, and two chief 
 justices: a colored man in Prince Saunders, connected for a time with Dart- 
 mouth College, who was minister from Hayti to Great Britain, and attorney- 
 general of that government; and a large number of ministers of the gospel and 
 other professional men. 
 
 At the dedication of the War Office in 1891, several noteworthy addresses 
 were made that bear on the history of the town. The account of the celebra- 
 tion, edited by Mr. Jonathan Trumbull of Norwich, contains several inter- 
 esting manuscripts discovered shortly before that date. We quote from the 
 speech of H6n. N. B. Williams, made in presenting the War Office: 
 
 Although Lebanon appears to have been exceeded in population by 
 thirteen of the seventy-six towns enumerated in the census of 1774. the excess 
 was in most cases slight, and the population, 3.060. is by no means an adequate 
 measure of the importance of the town in the days of the Revolution. In 
 the grand list of 1776, but ten towns showed a higher valuation of taxable 
 property. But most significant of all is the fact that in the awards for 
 services' in the Lexington Alarm, but two towns in the State, W^indham and 
 Woodstock, were granted larger sums of money as their compensation. 
 
 X.I..— m:'. 
 
194 
 
 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 The reasons for a service so largely in excess of any quota which Lebanon 
 might have been called upon to furnish at this time seem evident. Here were 
 the residence and home office of the only colonial governor who asserted the 
 rights of his country as opposed to the oppressive measures of his king, which 
 very fact must have given to that all-potent assemblage of the day, the town 
 meeting, an inspiration and force which it might otherwise have lacked. 
 Owing to the location of the town and the fact that the governor resided 
 there. Lebanon must have been the place where the news from Boston was 
 usually received in the exciting times which led up to the Revolution. 
 
 Another point necessary in maintaining our independence was concert 
 of action, and the War Office was the great center of attraction from which 
 such an influence arose, and its associations in this respect are calculated to 
 touch the heart of every patriot. It was in that building that George Wash- 
 ington often met his bosom friend, our first War Governor, and the only one 
 in thirteen colonies in whom he could place implicit confidence. In that 
 office they matured plans for future action. It was there that important war 
 measures originated, dispatches were sent to the army, reports returned, 
 and the war council held over one thousand sessions. During some of the 
 dark days of the Revolution, so dark as to be depressing to ordinary minds, 
 it was the inspiring words that went forth from this council — who believed 
 their cause was the cause of God — that gave hope and cheer to the army and 
 renewed courage to trust in Him who overrules all events, to "keep their 
 powder dry" and "fight on, to victory or to death." 
 
 It was military headquarters for this part of the country, and its floors 
 have been trodden by Washington, Trumbull, Adams (Samuel and John), 
 Jefferson. Putnam, Franklin. Knox, and many others of note, both of this 
 country and France. The War Office was the center of influence to keep 
 the fires of the Revolution burning, and this vast assembly shows that it 
 will take more than another century to kill out the fire that burned in the 
 bosoms of the patriots of '76. 
 
 I rejoice that there is a society called the "Sons of the American Revo- 
 lution," formed for the purpose of perpetuating the memory of their fathers 
 and preserving as memorials those relics that are connecting links with the 
 Revolution, and it afifords me great pleasure, in behalf of Mrs. Wattles, the 
 donor of the War Office, to present to the Society, through their president, 
 Mr. Trumbull, the key of said office. I do not ask you to keep it in a state 
 of preservation, for what you have already done, and the fact that the blood 
 of the Revolutionary fathers flows in your veins, is sufficient guarantee for 
 the future. 
 
 Also a poem composed for the occasion by Mr. Thomas S. Collier: 
 
 What is the soul of a nation? 
 
 Lo, is it not deeds well done? 
 Red blood poured out as libation? 
 
 Hard toil till the end is won? 
 Swift blows, when the smoke goes drifting 
 
 From the cannon, hot with flame? 
 And work, when the war clouds, lifting, 
 
 Show the blazoning of fame? 
 These hold that affluence golden, 
 
 Bright fire of sword and pen. 
 Which from the ages olden 
 
 Has thrilled the hearts of men. 
 
 Not where the trumpets bluster. 
 And answering bugles sound, 
 As mania! legions muster, 
 
 Are all the heroes found ; 
 But where the orchards blooming 
 
 Foams white the hills along, 
 And bees, with lazy booming. 
 
 Wake the brown sparrow's song. 
 By quiet hearths are beating 
 
 The hearts that watch and wait. 
 With thought each act completing. 
 
 That conquers Time and Fate; 
 Rounding with patient labor 
 
 The work of those who died. 
 Where sabre clashed with sabre 
 
 Above war's sanguine tide. 
 
 Here was no field of battle, 
 These hills no echoes gave 
 
OTHER TOWNS 
 
 195 
 
 Of that fierce rush and rattle 
 
 Whose harvest is the grave ; 
 Yet v.-here the drums were calling, 
 
 And where the fight was hot, 
 And men were swiftly falling 
 
 Before the whistling shot, 
 No soul with hope was stronger 
 
 Than that which blossomed here — 
 No voice, as days grew longer. 
 
 Was louder with its cheer. 
 
 Ah, souls were bent and shaken 
 
 As days grew into years. 
 And saw no bright hope waken 
 
 To gleam amid the tears — 
 Heard no call, triumph sounding, 
 
 From mountain side and gorge, 
 Only the low graves rounding — 
 
 The gloom of Valley Forge ; 
 Yet here a strength unbroken 
 
 Met all the storm-filled days, 
 Rising sublime, a token 
 
 Of faith, in weary ways. 
 
 What built the power, unfolding 
 
 Such glorious purpose, when 
 War's carnival was holding 
 
 High feast with homes and men? 
 W'hen grew the thought, whose glory 
 
 Burned like a sun supreme. 
 Above the fields, all gory 
 
 With battle's crimson stream? 
 Where bloomed the manhood, keeping 
 
 Such steadfast step and strong, 
 When the red sword was reaping 
 
 The harvesting of wrong? 
 
 Here in the peace, and tender 
 
 Warm light of heart and hearth. 
 Was born that virile splendor 
 
 Which filled the waiting earth,— 
 That flame of Freedom, rising 
 
 In broadening waves of light. 
 The souls of men surprising, 
 
 And lifting them from night: 
 Here, and in kindred places. 
 
 The fire that all could see 
 Shone from determined faces. 
 
 And taught men to be free. 
 
 Why are we gathered together? 
 
 The land is full of peace, 
 And high in the halcyon weather 
 
 The songs of labor increase. 
 What makes the drums beat, ringing 
 
 Their challenge to the hills? 
 Why are the bugles flinging 
 
 Swift calls to marts and mills? 
 Because these walls have cherished 
 
 A memory bright and high ; 
 No name they knew has perished. 
 
 For deeds can never die; 
 
 And here, when hearts were beating, 
 
 Half hoping, half in fear. 
 Strong souls, in council meeting, 
 
 Spoke firm, and loud, and clear. 
 
 There was no weak denying. 
 
 There was no backward glance. 
 But where the flags were flying. 
 
 And red shone sword and lance. 
 Their words rang swift and cheerful. 
 
 And skies grew bright again. 
 For those whose hearts were fearful. 
 
 For these were master men ; 
 And one led, who unknowing 
 
 Linked to the land his name. 
 By earnest manhood showing 
 
 How near we live to fame. 
 
 Ours is the sunlit morning — 
 
 Ours is the noontide's gold — 
 And the radiant light adorning 
 
 The paths once dark and cold; 
 But the savor of our treasure 
 
 Was the salt of toil, and tears, 
 And want, that filled the measure 
 
 Of long and bitter years ; 
 We drink the wine of gladness, 
 
 We reap the harvest sheaves, 
 Whose seed was sown in sadness, 
 
 And the drift of yellow leaves; 
 With faith, and not with grieving, 
 
 W'as built the mighty past; 
 What good gift are we leaving 
 
 To those w^ho follow fast? 
 What thought, what deed, what glory 
 
 Shall mark this epoch ours. 
 And leave our names and story 
 
 High set where grandeur towers? 
 
 What thing shall make men cherish 
 
 The memory of today? 
 Ah, actions will not perish 
 
 Though monuments decay. 
 We sec, spread out before us, 
 
 The fairest land of earth. 
 Loud with the ringing chorus 
 
 That only here has birth : 
 Ours is the holy duty 
 
 To build, with firmer hand. 
 This heritage of beauty. 
 
 That it may ever stand; 
 
 Our deeds should make more lasting 
 
 The freedom that has grown 
 F'rom toil, and tears, and fasting. 
 
 And strength of blood and bone. 
 Then like the blossoms vernal 
 
 That with the spring combine. 
 Our age will shine eternal. 
 
 To all mankind a sign ; 
 A star serene, yet showing 
 
 Near kindred to the sun. 
 Whereon these names are glowing — 
 
 Trumbull and Washington. 
 
196 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 We quote also from an address by Rev. Leonard W. Bacon: 
 
 But a contrast as startling and intense as the canvas of history has ever 
 exhibited was that v»'hich was exhibited here on Lebanon green when the 
 French regiments lay cantoned here in winter quarters. Where, in American 
 history at least, could such subjects be found for romance, or for the pencil 
 of historical painter? These representatives of the gayest, most brilliant, 
 most corrupt and vicious court in Europe, what kind of figure did they make 
 in the midst of the severe simplicity of old Lebanon? We are not without 
 some record of their impressions in the journal of the Count de Rochambeail 
 and the travels of the Marquis de Chastellux. But the contrast between 
 the foremost personage among the Frenchmen here, the gay Duke de Lauzun, 
 who made his headquarters at the house of David Trumbull, and the serious, 
 precise figure of the governor is drawn already to our hand by the graceful 
 pencil of Donald Mitchell. 
 
 And what a contrast it is — this gay nobleman, carved out, as it were, 
 from the dissolute age of Louis XV., who had sauntered under the colonnades 
 of the Trianon, and had kissed the hand of the Pompadour, now strutting 
 among the staid dames of Norwich and Lebanon ! How they must have 
 looked at him and his fine troopers from under their knitted hoods! You 
 know, I suppose, his after history — how he went back to Paris, and among 
 the wits there was wont to mimic the way in which the stifif old Connecticut 
 governor had said grace at his table. Ah ! he did not know that in Governor 
 Trumbull, and all such men, is the material to found an enduring state; and 
 in himself, and all such men, only the inflammable material to burn one 
 down. There is a life written of Governor Trumbull, and there is a life writ- 
 ten of the Marquis (Duke) of Lauzun. The first is full of deeds of quiet 
 heroism, ending with a tranquil and triumphant death ; the other is full of the 
 rankest gallantries, and ends with a little spurt of blood under the knife of 
 the guillotine upon the gay Place de la Concorde. 
 
 There is another line of pedigree, too, down which the influence of the 
 great names and examples of the Lebanon heroes has descended. It is a line 
 not always as easy to be traced as that of natural genealogy, but it is some- 
 times clear enough. There is the story, for instance, of the country boy who 
 grew up in this old town some fourscore years ago, where, in the vast ampli- 
 tude of the town street, he marked the traces of the old French camp, and 
 where every house was inhabited with heroic memories and traditions. I 
 love to imagine the handsome little fellow wandering thoughtfully among 
 the gravestones in the old burying-ground, that tell of holy ministers, and 
 brave soldiers, and upright citizens, and pausing to read the four inscriptions 
 on the Trumbull monument, recording the career of one who, by the force 
 and dignity of his character, rose from private station to be the foremost man 
 in all the commonwealth, and, next to Washington himself, the chief pro- 
 moter of his country's liberty. I love to imagine how that shining example 
 of a Christian patriot dwelt in the young man's mind when he had removed 
 from ancestral Lebanon to Norwich for the beginning of his fair career; 
 and how, in the midst of daily duties in counting-room and church and 
 municipal business, the lineaments of that heroic Puritan character uncon- 
 sciously reproduced themselves in his mind : and as great events went on, 
 and lifted him as by a rising tide into the highest station in the State, history 
 for once consented to repeat itself, and to complete that impressive parallel 
 on which later historians of Connecticut will delight to dwell, between the 
 great War Governor of the AVar for Independence, and the great War Gov- 
 ernor of the War for the Union and the Constitution. 
 
 The following is an extract from a speech of Rev. Dr. Samuel Bucking- 
 ham, a brother of the War Governor of Civil War time : 
 
OTHER TOWNS 197 
 
 Sucli were some of the people \vho had the early guidance of affairs and 
 the shaping- of public sentiment in this New England "town. And such were 
 some of the moulding influences which made the State what it was, and 
 shaped our general government; and wherever they have been carried by 
 emigration, must have been a blessing, as they have been here. 
 
 When I was a boy, emigration from this town was going on to " 'hio" 
 — Ohio — "Genesee county," in and about Rochester, New York, and "up coun- 
 try," which meant Vermont. Dartmouth College, under President Wheelock, 
 then "Moore's Charity School" for the education of Indian youth, had been 
 taken up almost bodily and transported from Columbia, then a part of this 
 town, to Hanover, New Hampshire, just across the river. And so many of 
 the settlers went with it from this vicinity that twenty or more of the neigh- 
 boring towns in Vermont bear the name's of Connecticut towns from which 
 the settlers came. Indeed, the State had so much of this sentiment in it that 
 it was named "New Connecticut," and the name was only changed because 
 there were other settlements of similar origin taking the same name— ^like 
 the ''New Connecticut" in the Susquehanna Valley, and the "New Connec- 
 ticut" of Northern Ohio, both of which distinctly show the characteristics of 
 their origin. The springs where mountain streams take their rise, and flow 
 down through fertile plains, and alongside of wealthy cities, to enrich the 
 commerce of the world, and bless its countless inhabitants, are interesting 
 spots to visit, and suggestive of what smaller towns may have done for the 
 world and are likely to do in the future. 
 
 The list of Governors which this town has furnished to the State is 
 certainly remarkable, both in number and character, especially considering 
 its population and business. Entirely an agricultural town, with never more 
 than three thousand inhabitants, it has filled the chair of State with such 
 men as these, and for such terms of office: Jonathan Trumbull. Sr., 1769 to 
 1784; Jonathan Trumbull. Jr., 1798 to i8og; Clark Bissell, 1847 to 1849; 
 Joseph Trumbull. 1849 t" 1850; William A. Buckingham, 1858 to 1866. ?Icre 
 are five governors from the same town, holding the office by annual election 
 for one-third of a century, and filling the office with becoming dignity and 
 distinguished usefulness. We do not wonder at the pleasant boast of the 
 people of the town: — "We supply Norwich with butter and cheese, and the 
 State with governors, especially when they want good ones." 
 
 The proclamation of Governor Jonathan Trumbull, dated June 18, 1776, 
 is worthy of permanent record : 
 
 The Race of Mankind was made in a State of Innocence and Freedom, 
 subjected only to the Laws of God the Creator, and through his rich Goodness 
 designed for virtuous liberty and Happiness, here and forever; and when 
 moral Evil was introduced into the World, and Man had corrupted his Ways 
 before God, Vice and Iniquity came in like a Flood and Mankind became 
 exposed, and a prey to the Violence, Injustice and Oppression of one another. 
 God in great Mercy inclined his People to form themselves into Society, and 
 to set up and establish civil Government for the protection and security of 
 their Lives and Properties from the Invasion of wicked men. But through 
 Pride and ambition, the Kings and Princes of the World appointed by the 
 People the Guardians of their lives and liberties, early and almost universally 
 degenerated into Tyrants, and by Fraud or Force betrayed and wrested out 
 of their hands the very Rights asd Properties they were appointed to protect 
 and defend. But a small part of the Human Race maintained and enjoyed 
 any tolerable Degree of Freedom. Among those happy few, the nation of 
 Great Britain was distinguished by a Constitution of Government wisely 
 framed and modelled to support the Dignity and Power of the Prince, for the 
 
igg NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 protection of the Rights of the People, and under which that Country in long 
 succession enjoyed great Tranquility and Peace, though not unattended with 
 repeated and powerful efforts, by many of its haughty Kings, to destroy the 
 Constitutional Rights of the People, and establish arbitrary Power and Do- 
 minion. In one of those convulsive struggles our Forefathers, having suffered 
 in that their native Country great and variety of Injustice and Oppression, 
 left their dear Connections and Enjoyments, and fled to this then inhospitable 
 land to secure a lasting retreat from civil and religious Tyranny. 
 
 The God of Heaven favored and prospered this Undertaking — made room 
 for their settlement — increased and multiplied them to a very numerous 
 People and inclined succeeding Kings to indulge them and their children 
 for many years the unmolested Enjoyment of the Freedom and Liberty they 
 fled to inherit. But an unnatural King has risen up — violated his sacred 
 Obligations and by the Advice of Evil Counsellors attempted to wrest from 
 us, their children, the Sacred Rights we justly claim and which have been 
 ratified and established by solemn Compact with, and recognized by his Pre- 
 decessors and Fathers, Kings of Great Britain — laid upon us Burdens too 
 heavy and grievous to be borne and issued many cruel and oppressive Edicts, 
 depriving us of our natural, lawful and most important Rights, and subjecting 
 us to the absolute Power and Control of himself and the British Legislature; 
 against which we have sought Relief, by humble, earnest and dutiful Com- 
 plaints and Petitions: But, instead of obtaining Redress our Petitions have 
 been treated with Scorn and Contempt, and fresh Injuries heaped upon us 
 while hostile armies and ships are sent to lay waste our Country. In this 
 distressing Dilemma, having no Alternative but absolute Slavery or success- 
 ful Resistance, this and the United American Colonies have been constrained 
 by the overruling laws of Self Preservation to take up Arms for the Defence 
 of all that is sacred and dear to Freemen, and make this solemn Appeal to 
 Heaven for the Justice of their Cause, and resist Force by Force. 
 
 God Almighty has been pleased of his infinite Mercy to succeed our 
 Attempts, and to give us many Instances of signal Success and Deliverance. 
 But the wrath of the King is still increasing, and not content with before 
 employing all the Force which can be sent from his own Kingdom to execute 
 his cruel Purposes, has procured, and is sending all the Mercenaries he can 
 obtain from foreign countries to assist in extirpating the Rights of America, 
 and with theirs almost all the liberty remaining among Mankind. 
 
 In this most critical and alarming situation, this and all the Colonies are 
 called upon and earnestly pressed by the Honorable Congress of the American 
 Colonies united for mutual defence, to raise a large additional number of their 
 militia and able men to be furnished and equipped with all possible Expedi- 
 tion for defence against the soon expected attack and invasion of those who 
 are our Enemies without a Cause. In cheerful compliance with which request, 
 and urged by Motives, the most cogent and important that can affect the 
 human Mind, the General Assembly of this Colon)' has freely and unani- 
 mously agreed and resolved, that upwards of Seven Thousand able and 
 effective Men be immediately raised, furnished and equipped for the great 
 and interesting Purposes aforesaid. And not desirous that any should go to 
 a warfare at their own charges (though equally interested with others) for 
 defence of the great and all-important Cause in which we are engaged, have 
 granted large and liberal Pay and Encouragements to all who shall volun- 
 tarily undertake for the Defence of themselves and their country as by their 
 acts may appear. I do therefore by and with the advice of the Counsel, and 
 at the desire of the Representatives in General Court assembled, issue this 
 Proclamation, and make the solemn Appeal to the Virtue and public Spirit 
 of the good People of this Colony. Affairs are hastening fast to a Crisis, and 
 the approaching Campaign will in all Probability determine forever the fate 
 
OTHER TOWNS 199 
 
 of America. If this should be successful on our side, there is little to fear on 
 account of any other. 
 
 Be exhorted to rise therefore to superior exertions on this great Occasion, 
 and let all the people that are able and necessary show themselves ready in 
 Behalf of their injured and oppressed Country, and come forth to the help 
 of the Lord against the Mighty, and convince the unrelenting Tyrant ot 
 Britain that they are resolved to be Free. Let them step forth to defend their 
 Wives, their little Ones, their Liberty, and everything they hold sacred and 
 dear, to defend the Cause of their Country, their Religion, and their God. 
 Let every one to the utmost of their Power lend a helping Hand, to promote 
 and forward a design on which the salvation of America now evidently de- 
 pends. Nor need any be dismayed : the Cause is certainly a just and a glorious 
 one: God is able to save us in such way and manner as he pleases and to 
 humble our proud Oppressors. The Cause is that of Truth and Justice ; he 
 has already shown his Power in our Behalf, and for the Destruction of many 
 of our Enemies. Our Fathers trusted in Him and were delivered. Let us all 
 repent and thoroughly amend our Ways and turn to Him, put all our Trust 
 and Confidence in Him — in his Name go forth, and in his Name set up our 
 Banners, and he will save us with temporal and eternal salvation. And while 
 our Armies are abroad jeoparding their lives in the high Places of the Field, 
 let all who remain at Home, cry mightily to God for the Protection of his 
 Providence to shield and defend their lives from Death, and to crown them 
 with victory and success. 
 
 And in the Name of the said General Assembly I do hereby earnestly 
 recommend it to all, both Ministers and People frequently to meet together 
 for social prayer to Almighty God for the outpouring of his blessed Spirit 
 upon this guilty land — That he would awaken his People to Righteousness 
 and Repentance, bless our Councils, prosper our Arms and succeed the Meas- 
 ures using for our necessary self defence — disappoint the evil and cruel 
 Devices of our Enemies — preserve our precious Rights and Liberties, lengthen 
 out our Tranquility, and make us a People of his Praise, and the blessed of 
 the Lord, as long as the Sun and Moon shall endure. 
 
 And all the ministers of the Gospel in this Colony are directed and de- 
 sired to publish this Proclamation in their several churches and congrega- 
 tions, and to enforce the Exhortations thereof, by their own pious Example 
 and public instructions. 
 
 Given under my Hand at the Council Chamber in Hartford, the i8th day 
 of June Anno Domini 1776. 
 
 Jonathan Trumeull. 
 
 There is a marked difference between Jefferson's Declaration of Inde- 
 pendence of July 4, 1776, and that solemn proclamation of Governor Trum- 
 bull of twenty days earlier, lately discovered by the keen eye of Mr. Hoadly, 
 and characterized, perhaps with a strained use of the word, as "the Con- 
 necticut Declaration of Independence." The one starts with an enumeration 
 of self-evident truths, and with a doctrine of human rights, and is grounded 
 on the principles of the Contrat Social of Jean Jacques Rousseau. The other 
 begins with the creation and the fall of man, is grounded on the Holy Scrip- 
 tures, and is the utterance throughout of a lofty and noble religious faith. 
 
 Jefferson's Declaration, accepted as the voice of the American people, is 
 famous thoroughout the world. The proclamation of Trumbull has only just 
 now been rescued from its century of oblivion by the hand of the patient 
 antiquary. But we may safely challenge the twentieth century to pronounce 
 
200 XFAV LONDON COUNTY 
 
 between the two as to which is the nobler, more solemnly eloquent, document, 
 and the worthier of the jjrcat theme which is common to them both. 
 
 Ledyard. — Ledyard is bounded on the north by Preston, on the east by 
 Stonington and North Stonington, on the south by Groton, and on the west 
 by the Thames. From the article written by Captain William T. Cook, over 
 forty years ago, we quote briefly: 
 
 The Pcquot Indians were the aboriginal inhabitants of this section of the 
 country. They were a warlike race, more savage than the surrounding tribes, 
 and more unfriendly towards the whites, although there is no record of any 
 Indian battle taking place within the limits of what is now known as the 
 town of Ledyard. 
 
 A favorite place of burial seems to have been on the farm now owned 
 by Mr. William Fanning. An old gentleman who was present at the opening 
 of one of these graves many years ago gives this description of it: A circular 
 opening was dug in the earth, and the body placed in a sitting posture. A 
 stake had been forced into the ground perpendicularly in front of it ; a nail 
 was driven into the stake, on which was hung a looking-glass opposite the 
 face of the dead, who was supposed to be a female. Two earthen bowls were 
 also deposited in the grave ; these were supposed to contain the succotash 
 to be used as food on the journey to the spirit-land. The finding of these 
 articles in this grave shows that the body was placed there after the country 
 was settled by the whites. The glass and bowds dropped in pieces on being 
 exposed to the air. In the grave where another body was laid years after 
 were buried a gun with seven pounds of powder and seven pounds of shot 
 for the use of the hunter when he should arrive at the "happy hunting- 
 grounds." A white man is said to have coveted these then precious articles 
 and hired a man to rob the grave, but his courage failed before the time came 
 for the attempt to be made, and the Indian is supposed to still retain his 
 gun and ammunition. 
 
 The last "Retreat" (so-called) of the Fequots is a portion of it situated 
 in the northeast i>art of this town. This reservation, consisting originally of 
 nine hundred acres, was called in the Indian dialect, Mashantucket. It is now 
 known as "Indian Town." The tribe has been gradually dwindling away, 
 and probably at this day there is not a pure blood left. 
 
 Miss Caulkins gives the names of early settlers as follows: Christopher 
 Avery, Robert Allyn, Philip Bell, Jonathan Brewster, William Chapman, 
 Edward Culver, Silas Dean, Edmund Fanning, George Geer, John Hurlbutt, 
 William Maynard, Benadam Gallup, James Morgan, Isaac Lamb. Robert 
 Park, Peter Spicer, Ralph Stoddard, Ezekiel Turner, and William Williams. 
 Other names were added afterwards. 
 
 Jonathan Brewster, one of the early settlers, came to America in 1621 ; his 
 wife Lucretia was one of the original "Mayflower" Pilgrims, and was the 
 daughter-in-law of Elder William Brewster of Plymouth fame. Silas Dean, 
 Jr., born in Ledyard, was graduated at Yale in 1758, and was one of the three 
 commissioners appointed by Congress to urge France to acknowledge the 
 independence of the United Colonies. Allyn's Point and Stoddard's Wharf 
 still bear the name of the original settlers in these places. Gale's Ferry, as 
 the name suggests, indicates the ocupation of a former proprietor. 
 
 The original settlement, then a portion of Groton, soon obtained permis- 
 
OTHER TOWNS 201 
 
 sion from the legislature to organize an ecclesiastical society. The parish 
 was incorporated in 1724 as North Groton. The town of Ledyard was incor- 
 porated January i, 1836, taking its name from Col. William Ledyard, of Fort 
 Griswold fame. The town contained about 2,000 inhabitants. The popu- 
 lation has since that day grown less. Farming constitutes the main occupa- 
 tion of the people. Among the men who have gained national fame is Asa 
 Whitney, the projector of the first Pacific railroad. 
 
 Lisbon. — Lisbon is bounded on the north by Windham county, on the 
 east by Griswold, on the south by Preston, on the west by Norwich and 
 Sprague. Originally claimed by the town of Norwich, it was granted on 
 certain conditions to the Mohegan chief Owaneco and his followers. An 
 extract from Miss Caulkins' "History of Norwich" shows how difficult it 
 was for the settlers to deal satisfactorily even with friendly Indians : 
 
 On this grant the sachem gathered his special clan, probably some twenty 
 or thirty families. An annual tribute of ten deerskins was at first demanded 
 of them, but the scarcity of deer in the vicinity rendered that regulation a 
 dead letter. Moreover, the village was soon broken up by the war with 
 Philip, which called the sachem and his warriors to the field and scattered 
 the women and children among their neighbors. When the conflict was over 
 a part of this tract was assigned to the Indian fugitives, called Surrenderers, 
 and in May, 1678, Mr. Fitch reported to the government that twenty-nine 
 families of this class had settled upon it under the supervision of the English. 
 
 By a deed of trust, December 22, 1680, Owaneco assigned to James Fitch, 
 Jr., the care and disposition of all his lands on Quinnebaug river. A few 
 years later, absolute deeds of sale of these and other tracts of land were 
 executed by the sachem in favor of the same Captain Fitch. In 1695, Owaneco 
 and Samuel Mason, who by his own choice and the authority of the govern- 
 ment had been appointed his trustee, requested that a committee of the town 
 should be empowered to survey the three-hundred-acre grant and fix its 
 bounds. The next year Captain Fitch, being then proprietary clerk, recorded 
 the whole grant to himself, as included in the large purchases he had made 
 of Owaneco in 1684 and 1687. The town entered a formal protest against the' 
 claims of Captain Fitch, particularly to the three hundred acres at Quinne- 
 baug Falls, which had been guaranteed to the Indians with a proviso that it 
 should not be alienated. The course of Captain Fitch in regard to these Indian 
 purchases was distasteful to the town, and no clear account can be given of 
 the basis upon which the difficulty was settled. Apparently the town, after 
 some murmuring, acquiesced in the claim of Captain Fitch to what was called 
 the eighteen-hundred-acre grant. 
 
 Also: 
 
 The settlement of Newent was for many years obstructed by the diversity 
 of claims arising from a confusion of grants and conveyances. In 1723 a 
 committee was appointed "to enquire into and gain as good an understanding 
 as they can come at respecting the Indians land in the Crotch of Quinebaug 
 and Showtuckct rivers." 
 
 In 1725 the proprietors of the common and undivided land put an end 
 to all controversy by giving a quit-claim deed to Cai)tain Jabez Perkins, Lieut. 
 Samuel F.ishop, Mr. Joseph Perkins, and Mr. John Safford of all the Indian 
 land in the crotch of the rivers, and of all contained in Major Fitch's eighteen- 
 hundred-acre grant, for the sum of seventy-five pounds money in hand paid 
 to said proprietors, provided that the Indians shall be allowed to remain and 
 
202 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 occupy the tract that had been secured to them. To these purchasers and 
 to those who should claim under them the town confirmed the title of rever- 
 sion. The Indians dwindled away, and in 1745 the descendants of Owaneco 
 and other principal Mohegans, for the sum of one hundred and thirty-seven 
 pounds, executed a quit-claim deed of the Indian reservation in favor of the 
 English claimants. This instrument, which extinguished the last aboriginal 
 claim to land in the Nine-mile square, was in substance as follows: 
 
 Ann alias Cutoih, Betty Ancum widow, Wedemow daughter of Mahomet 
 deceased, Ann otherwise voung Ben's wife, all of whom are descendants of 
 Owaneco, late sachem of Mohegan, and the said young Ben of Ben Uncas Jr. 
 and Daniel Panganeck, all of Mohegan, for the consideration of 137 pounds 
 in bills of credit — to Captain Samuel Bishop, Joseph Perkins, Jacob Perkins, 
 John SaflFord, Joseph Saflford, and Solomon Saflford, to all of them in propor- 
 tion as they now possess — do now relinquish all right and title to the tract 
 of 300 acres more or less in Newent, in the crotch of the rivers of Quinebaug 
 and Showtucket, called the Indian Land, abutting southeasterly on the Quine- 
 baug, April 9, 1745. 
 
 Witnesses, Isa.\c Huntington, 
 
 As.\ WORTHINGTON. 
 
 Lyme and Old Lyme. — On the north the town of Lyme is bounded by 
 East Haddam and Salem, on the east by East Lyme, on the south by Old 
 Lyme, and on the west by the Connecticut river. This portion of the original 
 town of Lyme is not the oldest portion, though it retains the original name. 
 In 1665 the town of Lyme was set off from Saybrook. In 1816 a part of the 
 town was set ofT with part of Waterford to form the town of East Lyme. 
 In 185s another portion, as a matter of fact the oldest settled part, was set 
 oflf to form Old Lyme. The original articles of agreement between Saybrook 
 and Lyme were as follows : 
 
 Whereas there hath been several propositions betwixt the inhabitants 
 of east side of the River and the inhabitants on the West side of the River of 
 the towne of Savbrok towards a Loving parting, the inhabitants on the east 
 side of the River desiring to be a plantation by themselves; doe declare that 
 they have a competency of Lands to entertaine thirty families. 
 
 They declare that they will pay all arears of rates past and allrates due 
 by the 2' of May next ensuing that belongs unto the towne and ministry, to 
 be brought into the townsmen in the town plots, to wit; Richard Rayment 
 and Abraham Post now in Place. At the request of thos on the east side of 
 the River to abate them ther proportion belongin to the ministry from the 
 furst of Mav to the latter end of January next ensuing, the towns doe consent 
 ther unto, and in case they have not a minister selected amongst the, then 
 they are to pay rates to the minister on the west side, as formerly, unless a 
 minister be settled amongst them. 
 
 In reference to the Lands of hamanasuk, they on the east side of the 
 River doe fully and freelv Resign all their Rights, titles, and claims to all 
 and every parcels of the Lands to the inhabitants of the West Side, engaging 
 themselves to afford what help they have amongst them for the Recovery 
 of those Lands, thev being Rcsonablv considered for their pains. That the 
 Indians at Nehantick have the Land agreed upon by the covenant maid 
 betwixt the inhabitants of Saybrook and them. 
 
 The above laid articles being agreed upon by the comites chosen on both 
 sides of the River, the inhabitants east side have Liberty to be a plantation 
 of themselves. In witness whereof the comites on both sides have sett to 
 
OTHER TOWNS 203 
 
 their hands. Signed by John Waldo, William Pratt. Robert Luze, William 
 Parker, Zachariah Sanford, for the west side; Nathan Griswold, William 
 Waller, Renald Marvin, John Luze, Sr., Richard Smith, John Comstock, for 
 
 the east side. 
 
 It would perhaps be fairer to speak of Lyme as North Lyme, for the his- 
 toric interest of Old Lyme is much greater than that of Lyme itself. In 
 spite of the legal separation of these towns, their history is one from the 
 original settlement until 1855. Miss Martha Lamb, writing for "Harper's 
 Magazine" in 1876, said of it: 
 
 It was settled over two centuries ago (in 1666) by an active, sensible, 
 resolute, and blue-blooded people, who gave it a moral and intellectual char- 
 acter which it has never outgrown. Its climate is one of perfect health, and 
 its people live to a great age. The salty, bracing atmosphere tends towards 
 the increase of mental vigor as well as length of years, hence the results 
 which we are about to chronicle. It is a town which has kept pace with the 
 times. It has been near enough the metropolis to partake of its literary 
 culture and many-sided opportunities, and sufficiently remote to escape its 
 dissipating wastes, and it has always maintained a self-respecting inner life. 
 It is exceptionally rich in family reminiscences, occupies in a certain sense 
 historic ground, and possesses elements of national interest. Lyme-Regis 
 is said to have been famous for its physicians. Lyme is, or ought to be, 
 famous for its lawyers, as it has produced more than any other town of its 
 size on this continent, or any other continent, and not only lawyers, "whose 
 trade it is to question everything, yield nothing, and talk by the hour," but 
 eminent judges, senators, and governors, its latest and grandest achievement 
 being a chief justice of the United States. 
 
 Lyme was formerly a part of Saybrook, the settlement of which com- 
 menced in 1635. The region was selected for the commencement of empire 
 by Cromwell, Hampden, and several English noblemen who had become 
 dissatisfied with the management of civil and religious affairs under Charles I., 
 and fuUv determined to remove permanently to the wilds of America. They 
 organized a company, and secured a patent for a large portion of Connecticut, 
 and sent John Winthrop the younger to take posession and build a fort at 
 the mouth of the Connecticut, and it was called Saybrook. in honor of Lord 
 Say and Seal and Lord Brook, who vi^ere foremost in pushing the enterprise 
 It was located on a peninsula, circular in form, and connected to the mainland 
 by a narrow neck, over which the tide sometimes flowed, and was considered 
 safe from any sudden incursion of the Indians. Two great handsome squares 
 were laid out on the rolling land near the fort, designed as a building site for 
 palatial residences. 
 
 Colonel George Fenwick was the only one of the original patentees who 
 came to abide in Saybrook. Cromwell and some others actually embarked 
 in the Thames, but were stopped by an order from the king. Colonel Fen- 
 wick was accompanied by his young, lovely, golden-haired, sunny-tempered 
 wife, Lady Alice Boteler. She had been reared in the bosom of English 
 luxury and refinement, but could, however, adapt herself to pioneer life, and 
 made her rude home in the quaint fort bright with wild-flowers and merry 
 with laughter. She brought with her a "shooting-gun," with which she used to 
 practice, to the great diversion of her neighbors, and she had "pet rabbits," 
 and a little garden which grew table delicacies. She was fond of out-of-door 
 exercises, and was often seen cantering over the country on horseback. She 
 had few associates: Mrs. John Winthrop, whose home during that period 
 was on Fisher's Island; Mrs. Lake, a sister of Mrs. Winthrop; Mrs. Anna 
 
204 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 Wolcott Ciriswold ; and Colonel Fenwick's two sisters (one of whom married 
 Richard Ely), comprised about the whole list. She died after nine years of 
 Savbrook life, and was buried within the embankment walls of the fort. 
 Colonel Fenwick soon after returned to England, where he was one of the 
 judges who tried the unhappy Charles I. He left his private affairs in this 
 country in charge of Matthew Griswold, who erected the monument over 
 Ladv Fenwick's grave, which for two and a quarter centuries was an object 
 of sorrowful interest on the treeless, flowerless, desolate bluff which overlooks 
 the flats and shallows of the mouth of the Connecticut river. It is. however, 
 no longer there, but occupies a shady nook in the old Saybrook Cemetery. 
 Four years since an enterprising railroad corporation found the world so 
 narrow that it must needs plow directly through this sacred spot, and not only 
 rob us of the last shovelful of earth which our heroic ancestors heaped to- 
 gether, but heartlessly overturn the "quiet couch of clay" upon which Lady 
 Fenwick had so long rested. Her remains were reinterred with imposing 
 ceremonies. Her golden hair was found in a perfect condition, or nearly so, 
 and a lock of it is preserved in an air-tight box in the Acton Library at 
 Saybrook. 
 
 Lvme. notwithstanding its uneven surface, has very little waste land. 
 Agriculture and the raising of horses, mules, and horned cattle have been a 
 great source of wealth to the inhabitants, particularly in former years. The 
 shad-fisheries in the Connecticut have also yielded large profits, and shell and 
 other fish have been taken plentifully from the Sound. The town has a thrifty, 
 well-cared-for appearance, even to its remotest borders, and a quiet, uncon- 
 scious aspect, as if the stormv world had rained only peace and contentment 
 upon its legendary soil and historic homes. It is one of the loveliest nooks 
 on the New England coast, and if its distinguished sons and daughters could 
 all be gathered home, the world might vv^ell pause to exclaim, in figurative 
 language, "However small a tree in the great orchard, Lyme is a matchless 
 producer of fruit." 
 
 Certainly no town of its size in America can boast a more wonderful list 
 of sons and daughters than Lyme, not only as a "mother of lawyers," but 
 as the progenitor of many famous men in other walks of life. Lyme has 
 produced at least one author of note, Rev. E. F. Burr, for many years pastor 
 of the Congregational church in Lyme, who wrote "Pater Mundi," "Ecce 
 Coelum," and manv other well-known volumes. 
 
 The beauty of the scenery of Lyme and the convenience of its location 
 have made it a Mecca for artists. Here in recent years Henry Ranger, Louis 
 Dessar, Childe Hassam, and a host of other well-known artists have lived in 
 the summer colony. Lyme, more than any other town in New London county, 
 is unspoiled by the bustle and uproar of our modern age. It still retains the 
 calm and restful aspects of its earlier charms. 
 
 The deed for the lands in the town of Preston was signed by the Mohegan 
 chief Owaneco in 1687, and was given in payment for damages to the farms 
 of white settlers by swine belonging to the Mohegans. The early settlers 
 came from Norwich, the first being Greenfield Larrabee, according to Miss 
 Caulkins. A complete list of these settlers may be found in h^r history of 
 Norv.-ich. 
 
 Salem. — Salem, incorporated in iSiq, was set ofl from Colchester, Lyme 
 and Montville. It lies south of Colchester, west of Montville, and is bounded 
 on the south by East Lyme and Lyme. Its western boundary is East Had- 
 
OTHER TOWNS 205 
 
 dam, in Middlesex county. The whole region was claimed by the Mohegan 
 Indians, who asserted that the purchase from Owaneco was illegal, inasmuch 
 as that sachem had been intoxicated when he signed away the land. The 
 case was long in the courts, being carried to England in the time of Queen 
 Anne. Finally the Indians were made wards of John Mason of Stonington. 
 The matter was really never settled so far as the courts went, but was 
 decided by the event. As a local historian says : 
 
 Up to this period in the history of the country the sound of the wood- 
 man's axe was not heard, and the wild animals of the forest roamed undis- 
 turbed by the white man. The feathered flocks filled the air, and the aquatic 
 bird swam on the bosom of her many lakes in undisturbed quietude ; but 
 gradually her hills and her valleys were occupied by the hardy pioneer from 
 the Old World, where they one and all could enjoy the freedom of religious 
 liberty, and be the humble possessors in fee simple of an heritage not imme- 
 diately under the mandate of kings and potentates, but breath the air of 
 liberty and freedom, and feel that they were lords of their own manors. 
 Society began to shape itself by the stern reason of necessity. Laws were 
 enacted and scrupulously kept, both religious and secular, and the preacher 
 was regarded as a man of such superior mind and intelligence that his word 
 was regarded as the highest authority. The presumption is strong in support 
 of the theory that there were few or no settlers in this town prior to the year 
 17CX), yet tradition says there was in that portion of Lyme now Salem, orig- 
 inally embraced on the two-mile-wide section formerly known as the Lyme 
 Indian hunting-ground. 
 
 By various grants of the Connecticut legislature, by land, sales, and 
 immigration, a considerable part of the region was occupied. Music Vale 
 Seminary, founded in 1833, came to have a wide reputation, gaining pupils 
 from widely remote points. It was the first Normal School of Music in the 
 country. 
 
 Four towns — Bozrah, Franklin, Lisbon, Montville— were set off in 1786. 
 largely from the original town of Norwich (Montville came from New 
 London). Their early history was linked with that of their parent towns. 
 The Fitch family, the Bailey family, and the Hunt family, of Bozrah; the 
 Kingsleys, the Huntingtons and other families of Franklin; the Hydes of 
 Lisbon ; the Palmers, the Robertsons, the Jeromes, of Montville, were but a 
 few of the many settlers who moved out from Norwich and New London, 
 made a settlement, established a place of worship, and became independent 
 of parental control. Wherever there was water power, they established mills, 
 and where there was no manufacturing, they created prosperous farming 
 communities. 
 
 The detailed study of any one of these little settlements will reward the 
 investigator who appreciates the Puritan virtues. 
 
 The backbone of American liberty is found in such men and women as 
 these. In all the greater enterprises of State and Nation they did their part. 
 The Civil War found them ready to send their boys to save the Union, and 
 the World War again revealed that same loyalty to the ideals of liberty 
 which the founders of our republic had shown, as appears in the military 
 chapter of this work. 
 
2o6 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 North Stonington was originally the North Society of Stonington. The 
 situation of the meeting house was settled only after prolonged disagreement. 
 The General Assembly of Connecticut as early as 1724 passed a vote "that 
 the North Society of Stonington for the future be called by the name of North 
 Stonington." Religious discussions led to a separate party even in this 
 parish, and harmony was not restored till about 1824, when Rev. Joseph 
 Ayer succeeded in reuniting the churches. The actual creation of a separate 
 town took place in 1806, the Legislature insisting on the name North Ston- 
 ington rather than "Jefferson, " the name for which the town meeting had 
 voted. 
 
 Sprague. — The town of Sprague was incorporated in 1861, from Lisbon 
 and Franklin, taking its name from Governor Sprague of Rhode Islnad, who 
 started a large cotton mill in what is now the village of Baltic. We quote 
 a local historian: 
 
 This town in the rapidity of its growth resembles the changes that often 
 take place in western clearings. Lord's bridge, where the Shetucket was 
 spanned to unite Lisbon and Franklin, and near which the Lord family 
 dwelt in quiet agricultural pursuits for more than a century — father, son and 
 grandson living and dying on the spot — was a secluded nook, without any 
 foreshadowing of progress or visible germ of enterprise. A grist mill, a saw 
 mill, coeval of the first planters, a respectable farm house, with its sign-post 
 promising entertainment, and two or three smaller tenements, constituted 
 the hamlet. Only the casual floods and the romantic wildness of the river 
 banks interfered with the changeless repose of the scene. 
 
 Suddenly the blasting of rock and the roar of machinery commenced; 
 hills were upset, channels were dug, the river tortured out of its willfulness, 
 and amid mountainous heaps of cotton bags the rural scene disappeared, and 
 Baltic village leaped into existence. In the course of five years more than 
 a hundred buildings, comprising neat and comfortable houses, several shops, 
 a church and a school house, grouped around the largest mill on the Western 
 Continent, had taken possession of the scene, the whole spreading like wings 
 each side of the river and linking together two distinct towns. 
 
 The town is bounded on the north by Windham county, on the east by 
 Lisbon, on the south by Norwich, and on the west by Franklin. 
 
 Stonington. — The town of Stonington was first settled under the leader- 
 ship of William Chesebrough, who had come to visit John Winthrop's settle- 
 ment at Pequot, but preferred the region further east. He built in 1649 
 a house and settled with his family, supposing he was within the borders of 
 Massachusetts. The General Court of Connecticut, however, claimed juris- 
 diction of the region. In 1652, after considerable effort, he obtained a grant 
 for himself and his sons. Other settlers came gradually, amongst whom 
 were Thomas Stanton, Thomas Miner, Governor Haynes, Walter Palmer, 
 Capt. George Denison, Capt. John Gallup, Robert Park, and their families. 
 Being repeatedly refused incorporation as a separate town by the General 
 Court of Connecticut, they made a similar request of the Massachusetts 
 General Court. The disagreement between the courts of the two colonies was 
 referred to the commissioner of the United Colonies. A full account of the 
 documents sent and received may be found in the "History of Stonington," 
 written by Mr. Richard A. Wheeler. 
 
OTHER TOWNS 207 
 
 The commissioners in 1658 decided that the region east of the Mystic 
 river belonged to Massachusetts, the portion between the Mystic river and 
 Pawrcatuck river to be called Southerntown. Rev. William Thompson, vi'ho 
 had come to the settlement in 1657, was for two years preacher to the settlers 
 and to the nearby Indians, a remnant of the Pequot tribe which had been 
 defeated by John Mason. The difficulties of the settlers were increased by 
 the claims of certain men from Rhode Island who had secured a title from 
 one of the Pequot chiefs. 
 
 The Connecticut charter of 1662, however, fixed the eastern boundary of 
 the colony at Pawcatuck river, which remains the boundary of Connecticut 
 and Rhode Island today. Massachusetts yielded her claims, and the General 
 Assembly of Connecticut issued a charter in 1662. In 1665 the name Southern- 
 town was changed to Mystic, and in 1666 the name Mystic was changed to 
 Stonington. In 1668, according to Mr. Wheeler, there were 43 inhabitants, 
 viz.: Thomas Stanton, George Denison, Thomas Miner, John Gallup, Amos 
 Richardson. Samuel Chesebrough. James Noyes, Elisha Chesebrough, Thomas 
 Stanton, Jr., Ephriam Miner, Moses Palmer, James York, John Stanton, 
 Thomas Wheeler, Samuel Mason, Joseph Miner, John Bennett, Isaac Wheeler, 
 John Denison, Josiah Witter, Benjamin Palmer, Gershom Palmer, Thomas 
 Bell, Joseph Stanton, John Fish, Thomas Shaw, John Gallup, Jr., John Frink, 
 Edmund Fanning. James York, Jr., Nathaniel Beebe, John Reynolds. Robert 
 Sterry, John Shaw, John Searls, Robert Fleming, Robert Holmes, Nathaniel 
 Chesebrough for Mrs. Anna Chesebrough, his mother, Gershom Palmer for 
 Mrs. Rebecca Palmer, his mother, Henry Stevens and Ezekiel Main. 
 
 A home-lot was laid out for each inhabitant, and the title was obtained 
 by lottery on the following conditions, namely: "If built upon within six 
 months and inhabited the title would be complete, except that each proprietor 
 must reside on his lot two years before he could sell it, and then he must first 
 offer it to the town and be refused before he could sell the same to any person 
 and give good title. How many of these home-lots were built upon by the 
 then inhabitants cannot now be ascertained." 
 
 The young settlement was in special danger at the time of King Philip's 
 War, but kept the Pequots friendly to the English. Captain George Denison 
 was provost-marshal of New London county during the war, and almost every 
 able-bodied man of Stonington took part in it. After King Philip's War the 
 town grew, but in 1720 a portion was set off as North Stonington. The 
 general conditions of a settlement at Long Point, a part of the town of 
 Stonington, are interestingly portrayed in a document from the Connecticut 
 Archives, quoted by Mr. Wheeler: 
 
 To the Honorable General Assembly of the Colony of Connecticut to be 
 held at Hartford on the second Thursday of May instant. The memorial 
 of William Morgan, Benjamin Park, John Denison, 4th, Joseph Denison, 2d, 
 Oliver Hilbard. Edward Hancox, Oliver Smith, and the rest of the subscribers 
 hereto in behalf of themselves and the professors of the established Religion 
 of the Colony, living at a place called Long Point in Stonington in the 
 County of New London humbly sheweth, that they are scituate near four 
 miles from any meeting house and that the inhabitants living at said Long 
 
2o8 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 Point are generally poor they living principally by the whale and cod-fishery, 
 there carried on, to the public advantage, by which means within a few 
 years said place has increased to upwards of eighty families among which are 
 twenty widows, seventeen of which have children as families there that the 
 whole number of inhabitants are nigh to five hundred, that there is not among 
 them more than one horse to ten families, so that but very few are able to 
 attend meeting at the meeting-house except those that are robust hardy and 
 used to travel on foot, which are very few, the greater number of said inhabi- 
 tants consisting of women and children, that thereupon the society have for 
 several years consented to have one sermon preached a said point every 
 Sabbath by their Rev. Pastor, which he has performed and is still willing to 
 continue, but their number has so increased that it is very inconvenient for 
 those that do attempt public worship (as they have no where to convene but 
 in a small school house or private houses) and many more than at present do 
 attend would if there was room to accommodate them ; that for the want of 
 a proper place to meet in for the celebrating divine service, many who means 
 the Sabbaths are misspent and may be more and more misspent and pro- 
 phancd, that those who would be glad to build a house and maintain preach- 
 ing and good order among them have been and continue unable of themselves 
 to bear the expense, by which the cause of religion much suffers there, and 
 the good people among them greatly fear the increase of vice and irreligion. 
 That the town of which your memorialists are a part, have lately paid and 
 are liable to pay upwards of one thousand pounds for the deficiency of sev- 
 eral collectors that have lately failed that your memorialists from great neces- 
 sity, by their being very remote from any constant grist mill, have lately con- 
 tributed about i/O as an incouragement to an undertaker to build a wind mill 
 at said point, which with about the same sum lately subscribed by said in- 
 habitants for a schoolhouse, with the great labour and expense they have 
 been at to make roads and causeways to said point, all which with the poor 
 success that attended the last years fishery, and the lowness of markets and 
 the various and different sentiments in the religious denomination of chris- 
 tians among them, viz.: First day Baptists, Seven day Baptists and the Quak- 
 ers or those called Friends, are .such real grief and great discouragements to 
 your memorialists, who are of the established Religion of this Colony, that 
 they can no longer think of obtaining a meeting-laouse by subscription or 
 any other ways among themselves. 
 
 Wherefore they humbly pray that liberty may be granted to build a 
 meeting house for public worship at said Long Point, and that your Hon- 
 ours would in your great goodness grant them a Lottery for raising a sum 
 sufficient for the purpose aforesaid or so much as your Honours shall think 
 proper under such restrictions and regulations as your Honours shall think 
 fit, and your memorialist as in duty bound shall ever pray. 
 
 It was not at all uncommon for the General Assembly to grant permis- 
 sion for churches to raise money by lottery in those days. Permission was 
 twice granted to the Long Point settlers to raise £400 by lottery : 
 
 At a general Assembly of the State of Connecticut holden at Hartford 
 in said State on the second Thursday of May, being the 12th day of said 
 month, and continued by adjournments until the ninth day of June next fol- 
 lowing Anno Dom. 1785. Upon the memorial of Nathaniel Minor, John 
 Denison 3d and Jocsph Denison 2nd, all of Long Point in Stonington, set- 
 ting forth that they with others of the first Society in said Stonington were 
 on the second Thursday of October 1774 appointed Managers of a Lottery 
 granted by the Honorable General Assembly to your Memorialists William 
 Morgan and others of the established Religion of the then Colony of Connec- 
 
OTHER TOWNS 209 
 
 licut for the purpose of raising the sum of £400, to build a Meeting House 
 at said Point. That said Managers proceeded by way of Lottery to raise said 
 sum in Continental Bills toward the close of the summer of 1777, when your 
 Memorialists for whom the Grant was made, not being apprehensive of the 
 depreciation that would attend said Bills and considering the great scarcity 
 and dearness of materials for building said House and the dangers they were 
 then exposed to from the enemy who were then at New York, Newport and 
 Long Island, thought best for the Grantess not then to proceed in building 
 said House, since which the Bills in the Hands of your Memorialists have 
 depreciated to almost nothing except a part which has been turned into Public 
 Securities, Praying that a Judicious Committee may be appointed to examine 
 into the matters of said Memorial and the true State and Circumstances of 
 the money which they hold in trust, put a just value thereon, and that said 
 Committee be enabled to direct said Managers, to raise on said Grant such 
 Sums with what they already have as to make up the £400. Granted by your 
 Honors as per memorial. 
 
 Resolved, by this Assembly that said Nathaniel Minor, John Denison, and 
 Joseph Denison 2d be continued as Managers of said Lottery with the addi- 
 tion of James Rhodes and Elijah Palmer of said Stonington, and that the 
 Honorable William Hillhouse and Benjamin Huntington Esqrs, and Elisha 
 Lathrop Esq. be and they are hereby appointed a committee to enquire into 
 the state and circumstances of said lottery and liquidate and settle the 
 Accounts thereof, and ascertain the value of the avails thereof in the Hands 
 of said Managers, and in case said Committee shall judge it to be reasonable, 
 they may and they are hereby Authorized and impowered to direct that said 
 Managers proceed to Issue and draw such further numbers of tickets in said 
 Lottery as to raise such sum of money for the purpose of building a meeting 
 House at said Point as shall be thought by said Committee to be proper, not 
 exceeding £400, including what is already on hand as aforesaid and exclusive 
 of the cost of said Lottery, said managers to be accountable to the General 
 Assembly when requested for their Doings in the premises. 
 
 James Abbott McNeil Whistler, the great artist, passed his boyhood in 
 Stonington. 
 
 Voluntown. — Situated in the northeastern part of the county, Voluntown 
 is bounded on the north by Windham county, on the east by RJiode Island, 
 on the south by North Stonington and on the west by Griswold. Its forty 
 square miles of territory supports a population of less than one thousand 
 people who are for the most part farmers. The name "Volunteers' Town" 
 comes from the fact that the land was given in 17CX) to volunteers of the 
 Narragansett War. The settlers came mostly from Norwich, New London 
 and Stonington. In 1719 a strip of land to the north was granted in lieu 
 of a portion to the east claimed by Rhode Island. 
 
 The village of Pachaug grew up from cotton manufacture on the Pachaug 
 river. The incorporation of the town took place in 1721, but lost the territory 
 of the present town of Sterling in 1794. Voluntown, which till 1881 was in 
 Windham county, was annexed to New London county at that date. 
 
 Waterford.— Bounded on the north by Montville, on the east by the 
 Thames and by New London, on the south by Long Island Sound, and on 
 the west by East Lyme, Waterford was incorporated as a town in 1801, being 
 taken from New London. Its forty square miles are devoted chiefly to agri- 
 culture and quarrying, though there is some manufacture in the village of 
 Flanders. 
 
CHAPTER VIII 
 
 NEW LONDON COUNTY TODAY 
 
 A General Review — 250th Anniversary Celebration — Tile Principal Manufacturing 
 Establishments — National and State Officials — Recapitulation. 
 
 It is the purpose of this chapter to make a general review of the recent 
 developments of the county, showing how the present has grown from the 
 past, and summarizing in statistical form many matters that have been 
 discussed in special topics in foregoing chapters. 
 
 Topographically, the area of seven hundred square miles is of as great 
 interest to the modern business man as it is to the geologist. The glacial 
 action that left the rocks in the fields, the wearing down of river beds that 
 produced the water power of the county, the deep estuary of the Thames, 
 which offers one of the best harbors on the Atlantic coast, have resulted not 
 only in a wonderful variety of landscape, but also in a remarkable diversity 
 of industries. A climate at once bracing and wholesome, yet not too severe 
 for open air labor throughout the year, has conduced to the success of agri- 
 culture and manufacturing. Yankee ingenuity and thrift, combined with a 
 spirit of enterprise and progress, have taken advantage of natural advantages 
 to develop remarkable prosperity. Education, in school and out, has helped 
 to cultivate the best ideals of American citizenship. And while sixty per cent, 
 of the population is either of foreign birth or foreign parentage, the loyalty 
 to American ideals is as strong today in our county as it was fifty years ago. 
 It will be interesting to note some of the public enterprises that have been 
 carried out in recent years. 
 
 If some fifty-year Rip Van Winkle were to visit us, the first thing he 
 would note is, doubtless, the improvements in our roads. With State sub- 
 sidies have been combined local grants to make a splendid network of road- 
 ways that make the county at once smaller and stronger than ever before. 
 The most encouraging thing about the situation is that the public is still 
 unsatisfied, and is planning greater things for the future. 
 
 Our Rip might not at first comprehend the horseless vehicles that have 
 made good roads a necessity, any more than he could understand the thousand 
 and one other marks of scientific advancement of the age; but he would 
 undoubtedly note a great change for the better, and in a few hours could 
 traverse a region that formerly required days of travel. Were he to come 
 by train, he would be surprised that his train rushed over the Connecticut 
 river and the Thames unimpeded by the need of delay for the ferry. New 
 bridges, indeed, have replaced the former ones, one of which is now used as 
 a highway between Groton and New London, while over the Connecticut is 
 a splendid toll bridge built by the State. He could hardly avoid seeing the 
 million dollar pier built by the State at New London, and, two miles upstream, 
 the large naval base with its fleet of submarines and its wealth of equipment. 
 If he were to ask, he would find that the channel of the Thames has been well 
 dredged, so that ships of good size can sail to its head at Norwich. 
 
212 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 A drive up the military highway on the east side of the Thames would 
 reveal Connecticut College on the heights of the western shore, would show 
 him the State Hospitals, one on the east side and one on the west, near 
 Norwich. The tall chimneys lining the river would remind him that in the 
 last fifty years the county has entered more deeply than ever into manu- 
 facturing. 
 
 If he were to visit Norwich, New London, and Stonington, he would note 
 with approval the many fine public buildings, the memorial tablets and monu- 
 ments, the public parks, the reservoirs, the improved streets, and the splendid 
 school buildings under construction or in use already. Other buildings for 
 public use such as libraries, Y. M. C. A. buildings, hospitals and church 
 edifices, would show great improvement over those of his day. 
 
 All of the advances in modern science, such as the use of electricity for 
 light and power, for the telephone and the street railway, would remind him 
 that New London county with the rest of the world had entered upon a new 
 era in the past fifty years. The points of historic interest to the tourist are 
 well covered in several handbooks. A brief outline of these will serve to show 
 why the tourist and summer visitor have made this county a rendezvous, 
 combining as it does natural charm, healthful climate, and personal ties that 
 reach out all over our land. The real history of New London county would 
 follow its children in their westward migrations and would reveal the pioneer 
 spirit of early days, expanding throughout the upbuilding of many other sec- 
 tions of the United States. 
 
 Starting with the western end of the county at the Connecticut river 
 toll bridge, eighteen hundred feet long, one enters Old Lyme, opposite Say- 
 brook, famous for its beauty, unspoiled by modern industry. The meeting 
 house was rebuilt from the same plans as the former one of 1817 which was 
 burned about ten years ago. The plan, said to be copied from the plans of 
 Sir Christopher Wren, is well suited to the simple charm of the town, with 
 its wide streets and overarching elms. In Old Lyme a notable gathering of 
 eminent artists is found throughout the warmer months. Their annual exhibi- 
 tion is a noteworthy event. For permanent exhibits an Art Gallery has been 
 erected on Old Lyme street. The Griswold House (not to be confused with 
 the Griswold Hotel at Groton) is famous for the artists it has entertained, 
 and who have left specimens of the'r art in the decorations of the house. It 
 is best known as the subject of W. L. Metcalf's "May Day," now in the 
 Pittsburgh Art Gallery. To catalogue the artists who spend their summers 
 in Old Lyme would be a long task. Many who came for a brief stay have 
 built substantial homes on attractive sites. The home of the first minister of 
 Lyme, Rev. Moses Noyes, is now occupied by his descendant, the eminent 
 Judge Walter C. Noyes. 
 
 North of Old Lyme is Lyme, with its growing artist colony at Hamburg 
 Cove. Lords Cove, on the east of the main channel of the Connecticut, is a 
 famous hunting resort when rail and ducks are in flight. 
 
 The high hills with the picturesque ponds and "Eight Mile River" make 
 Lyme a most attractive summer resort for many cottagers. In industry, the 
 
TODAY 213 
 
 shad fisheries and agriculture furnish the main occupations of residents, though 
 there are a witch hazel factory and small mill. 
 
 If we go east from Old Lyme along the Sound, we pass through "Black 
 Hall," settled by ]\Iatthew Griswold in 1645 and retained in the family for 
 six generations. The many names of local significance such as Hawk's Nest, 
 Giant's Neck and many others, indicate that the whole shore line has become 
 one great summer resort. Just before reaching Bride Brook, whose story 
 has been told at length in another part of our history, we pass the birthplace 
 of Morrison Waite, former Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court. 
 
 The town of East Lyme, with its Black Point colony (this section was 
 once the reservation of the Niantic Indians), its large settlement at Crescent 
 Beach, and its inns and cottages in Niantic proper, gets much of its living 
 from summer visitors, but has also a considerable business in fisheries, and 
 there is considerable woolen manufacture in the northern part of the town 
 near Flanders village. Here is to be found a camping ground much used by 
 the State militia. The former toll bridge, which succeeded the old Rope 
 Ferry, has been replaced by a handsome bridge constructed recently by 
 the county. 
 
 Crossing this bridge, we come into Waterford with its famous Millstone 
 granite quarries. In Waterford was a settlement of the Rogerene Quakers 
 whose adherents gave much trouble in New London in early times. New 
 London, next to the east, will be described later. 
 
 After crossing the Thames on the old railroad bridge, given to the 
 adjacent towns by the New York, New Haven & Hartford railroad and con- 
 verted into a highway bridge, we come to Groton. The industrial growth of 
 Groton will be later described; its ancient history has already been touched 
 upon. To the traveler the Groton of today has many points of interest. 
 
 The Monument, not very tall in itself, but situated at the crest of Groton 
 Heights, commemorates the place where Colonel Ledyard and his comrades 
 fell in September, 1781. Near the Monument one may see the remains of 
 the old fort, and close by the Bill Memorial Library, one of many beautiful 
 buildings given for public use in our county. The Hotel Griswold at Eastern 
 Point, Groton, is one of the finest hotels on the coast, and is one of the many 
 improvements made by the late Morton F. Plant, whose estates in East 
 Lyme and Groton are model establishments for the county at large. The 
 shipbuilding village of Noank lies within the town limits. The fine military 
 road from Groton to Norwich takes one up the east bank of the Thames by 
 the Naval Station (Submarine Base), equipped to accommodate several 
 thousand men, with splendid facilities for harborage and wharfage. 
 
 The Mystic river, formerly the boundary between Connecticut and Massa- 
 chusetts, separates Groton from Stonington. In the bay adjacent to Ston- 
 ington is a stone marking the coming together of three States — Connecticut, 
 Rhode Island, and New York. In Mystic village much building has been 
 done in times past. Here also are made Lathrop's engines, Packer's Tar Soap, 
 and various parts of machinery. Here also, as at the mouth of the Con- 
 necticut river, the artists have formed a colony. Stonington is in many 
 respects the Stonington of early days, but the whaler is seen no more. Time 
 
214 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 was when its seafarers led the fleet in Antarctic voyages. Relics and memo- 
 rials tell of those days. The steamship line that ran to New York has been 
 abandoned. Its chief industries today are the manufacture of machinery, 
 printing presses, woolens, velvets, and threads. Its population has grown 
 in the last decade from 9,154 (iQio) to 10,236 (1920). Pawcatuck village, a 
 part of Stonington, is, economically, a part of Westerly, Rhode Island, Paw- 
 catuck river being the eastern boundary of New London county and of the 
 State. 
 
 The most remarkable topographical feature of North Stonington is Lan- 
 tern Hill, famous for the view from its summit and for the silex that is 
 mined from its sides. A new State road now passes through North Ston- 
 ington village, connecting Norwich and Westerly. The Wheeler School and 
 Library is a fine structure, one of the many memorials erected in the county 
 by private generosity. The main industry is agriculture. It has the largest 
 area of any town in the county, with a population of 1,144 (1920). Its 
 prosperous farms add much to the variety of scenery in the county. 
 
 To the north from North Stonington lies Voluntown, the least easily 
 accessible town of the county. Its 656 inhabitants have, on an average, about 
 four hundred acres apiece. Farming is the main industry, but the manu- 
 facture of cotton goods is carried on successfully. Its hills and ponds make 
 it a favorite resort for summer campers. 
 
 To the north of Groton lies Ledyard, then Preston, then Griswold, in 
 succession. Ledyard, rich in history and in hills, is crossed by the State 
 highway in its north-eastern corner, and has easy access to the outside world 
 by the railroad running up the eastern shore of the Thames river. This agri- 
 cultural community is cut up into many hamlets by its rugged contour. On 
 the river front we find Gales Ferry, for a month each year the home of 
 Yale and Harvard oarsmen. Decatur Hill is the most conspicuous landmark 
 for miles around ; Allen's Point, Stoddard's Wharf, Fort Point, and Poque- 
 tonuck, bring to mind the Indian aborigines, the colonial settlers, and the 
 days of Stephen Decatur. 
 
 The town of Preston, today a suburb of Norwich, has within itself Preston 
 City, a village that was once the metropolis of its farming population. Its 
 name, like that of Jewett City in Griswold, reminds us that the West is not 
 alone in place-names based on hopes rather than accomplishments. The 
 Norwich Hospital for the Insane, at Brewster's Neck, marks the modern 
 progress of State and county in social amelioration of the helpless. 
 
 Griswold, once a farming village, has become the home of manufactures, 
 which will be described when we consider the industries of the county. West 
 of Griswold lie four children of Norwich— Lisbon, Sprague, Franklin and 
 Bozrah. Their rich scenery and fertile fields have attracted many former 
 residents who have returned to build up and occupy the ancestral farms. 
 Their water power has built up thriving communities at Versailles and 
 Occum (named for Samson Occum of Dartmouth College fame), at Baltic, 
 and at Fitchville. 
 
 Of Lebanon, much has already been written. On the Central Vermont 
 
TODAY 
 
 215 
 
 railroad, but somewhat isolated from modern industrial growth, she retains 
 her earlier simplicity and charm. One who desires to revive his memories 
 of earlier days can do no better than to visit the village, see the lortg common, 
 characteristic of early New England settlements, inspect the old War Office, 
 preserved as a historic memorial, survey the broad fields heavy with crops. 
 As the people of the town say, "We supply Norwich with butter and cheese, 
 and the State with Governors, especially when they want good ones." With 
 never more than three thousand inhabitants, it has furnished five governors 
 of the State, who served collectively for thirty-eight years. 
 
 The central towns of the county, Norwich and New London, too, abound 
 in monuments of supreme interest to the antiquarian. New London, with 
 its splendid harbor, its State pier (costing over a million dollars), its railroad 
 facilities, its natural beauty, and its successful industries, must become in 
 time a metropolis for Eastern Connecticut. Its face is set toward the future, 
 but its present beauty is enhanced by many an historic memorial. 
 
 The Shaw Mansion of Acadian memories contains many relics of great 
 interest; the old mill has already been referred to; the Nathan Hale school- 
 house, kept as a museum of Revolutionary relics ; the Soldiers' and Sailors' 
 Monument near the railroad station at the foot of State street — these and 
 many more reminders are to be found. But even more impressive are the 
 buildings of recent times, both public and private. 
 
 The Y. M. C. A. building, the Public Library, the Club buildings, the 
 Plant building, the Munsey building, the splendid school buildings, the hos- 
 pitals, the stores, the parks, the remarkable villas of the summer colonists, 
 combine to make New London a wide-awake, modern city, proud of its past, 
 even prouder of its future. Of its industrial growth we shall soon speak. 
 
 As one follows the road up the west side of the Thames, he sees the 
 buildings of Connecticut College so beautifully situated on the hill ; he passes 
 through Waterford and Montville, and comes to Norwich, the "Rose of New 
 England." This is the route followed by the old "Mohegan Trail," with 
 slight modifications. Uncasville (in Montville) is well named for the chief. 
 Kitemaug, Mohegan Hill, and Trading Cove, remind us that in this region 
 the Mohegans lingered longest ; do, in fact, linger to this day. Montville gets 
 its living today chiefly from manufactures, though there is some farming. 
 
 Norwich, on its hills, is at the head of the Thames, where the Shetucket 
 and Yantic join. Rich in interesting memorials, it has many modern build- 
 ings and public works of which to boast. In Norwich are a number of parks 
 (the largest, Mohegan Park) aggregating four hundred acres. Norwich is 
 the burial place of Uncas. of Miantonomoh, and of Captain John Mason. The 
 Uncas monument was dedicated in 1833, the Miantonomoh monument in 1841, 
 the John Mason monument in 1871. 
 
 The most remarkable of the buildings of the last fifty years is the Slater 
 Memorial building given in 1888 by Mr. William A. Slater, in honor of his 
 father, John F. Slater, who gave one million dollars for the education of 
 freedmen in the South. This building, with its museum and art collections, 
 belongs to the Norwich Free Academy. 
 
 The development of Norwich within the past fifty years has proceeded 
 
216 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 largely on industrial and commercial lines. The Bank buildings, the Shan- 
 non buildings, the Otis Library, the Town Hall, the Thayer building, the 
 Backus Hospital, one of the best plants of its size to be found anywhere, the 
 Buckingham Memorial building (formerly the residence of Governor Buck- 
 ingham, and now devoted to patriotic purpose, under the control of the Grand 
 Army of the Republic and the members of the American Legion), are only a 
 few of its notable structures. New buildings are planned for the immediate 
 future — a new Y. M. C. A. building and a modern school building of splendid 
 equipment on the West Side. The beautiful residences, the noble trees, the 
 sightly streets and parks make Norwich well worthy of its title of the "Rose 
 of New England." 
 
 New London county history could be fairly estimated from its names, 
 chiefly Indian, English, and Biblical. Certainly in Norwich these names 
 are significant. Yantic, Shetucket, Ouinnebaug, Wauregan, Mohegan, Ce- 
 cum, Wequonnoc, Ponemah, are a few names that will keep the Indian 
 aborigines in mind for centuries to come. 
 
 Judge Samuel O. Prentice, in his historical address delivered at the 
 250th anniversary celebration in 1909, thus refers to the history of Norwich 
 for the past fifty years: 
 
 The limits of the city have been extended four times, and those of the 
 town once. In 1874 the Greeneville section was added to the city, as were 
 Laurel Hill and Boswellville in 1875. In 1901 the western portion of the 
 town of Preston was taken into both the town and city, and in 1907 that 
 portion of Mohegan park which lay without the city limits was included in 
 them. In 1870 the completion of the city's fine water supply system, work 
 upon which had been begun in 1867, was fittingly celebrated, and on July 4th 
 President Grant honored the city with a visit, and received the enthusiastic 
 welcome of its people. The same year the first street railway line was built. 
 It extended from Greeneville to Bean Hill. It was electrified in 1892, and 
 since that time radiating lines have been constructed furnishing direct and 
 convenient communication with a large portion of Eastern Connecticut. In 
 1904 the city became the owner of its lighting plant. The year 1873 saw the 
 occupation of the combined court, town and city building, which during the 
 last year or two has been undergoing the process of enlargement to meet the 
 increasing demands upon it. The spring of this same year also witnessed 
 the erection at the head of the Great Plain of the monument to the memory 
 of the soldiers and sailors of the Civil War. This theater was opened in 
 1890. The following year the Otis Library was made free, and in 1892 
 enlarged, and thus the way prepared for the invaluable work it is now doing. 
 The year 1893 was made memorable by the completion of the William W. 
 Backus Hospital, for whose beautiful location, admirable plant and ample 
 endowment, Norwich owes an inestimable debt of gratitude to Mr. Backus, 
 and to that most generous of her sons, William A. Slater. In 1894 the Masonic 
 Temple was dedicated, and in 1905 the new Post Office was opened. 
 
 Fifty years have passed. They have been eventful ones, and have wit- 
 nessed great changes in the business, industrial and social life of this countrJ^ 
 Material prosperity has abounded ; the spheres of business activity have won- 
 derfully broadened ; industrial growth and expansion have been marvelous, 
 and populations have multiplied and centralized as never before in our his- 
 tory. Many centers of population have increased in numbers and been trans- 
 formed in character so as to be scarcely recognizable. Riches have been 
 
TODAY 217 
 
 amazing:ly multiplied, and have fallen to the lot of very many who had not 
 been trained to their use. Extravagance and display have set their alluring 
 examples in many quarters, making simple and unostentatious living harder 
 and less common than it used to be. New standards of various sorts have 
 come to supplant the old, and former ideals have given place to others. The 
 changes which have taken place, however, have been by no means uniform. 
 Cities have prospered and increased, where the country has not to the same 
 extent, or not at all. Some cities have thriven and grown almost in spite of 
 themselves, where others have had to plod their way to larger things. Some 
 communities have found wealth dropping into their laps with the minimum 
 of effort, while others have been obliged to win their achievements by. per- 
 sistent endeavor. Nature's bounty has not been the same to all sections; 
 the advantages of location have not been uniform ; and the facilities of trans- 
 portation, which have played a large part in industrial and business history, 
 have not been shared in equal measure. Norwich has not found itself the 
 beneficiary of some great natural deposit of coal, iron ore, gas, copper or 
 gold to contribute to the expansion of its industries, the increase of its 
 population and its accumulation of wealth. It has not found itself the center 
 of some great industrial development. It has not been favored by exceptional 
 transportation facilities. The great lines of railway' passed it by on either 
 hand. It has thus been left without those aids to growth which certain other 
 places have in greater or less degree enjo\ed, and it has been compelled to 
 rely for the most part upon the resources and energy of its people for what 
 it has attained. The situation, however, has not been without its compensa- 
 tions. Success won by effort is blessed in the winning. It is blessed in the 
 character it develops, and in the t3'pe of manhood it creates. And there has 
 been success. Of this there are evidences on every hand, and the fact that 
 the population has practically doubled within the last fifty years amply 
 attests it. But the conditions have not been such as to invite heterogeneous 
 population of all sorts and kinds to the extent and of the character found 
 in some other localities. Sudden wealth has not come to many, and to many 
 unfit to use it. The new rich do not infest its streets and knock at the door 
 of its society. What has come has been earned, and in the earning, the 
 stability, the solidity and the strength of the old days has not been dissipated. 
 The dignity of the simple life in its best sense has not been lost sight of, nor 
 the standards and ideals of the former days forgotten. There has been 
 retained a closer touch with the country than is common with cities. The 
 ranks of its trade and its professions have been recruited very largely from 
 the surrounding farms and villages, and that influence has been a constantly 
 powerful and wholesome one. The best blood of the country round about, 
 and the most of it the blood of a New England ancestry, has flowed to this 
 center to invigorate its life. As a result of all these influences and condi- 
 tions, Norwich, it seems to me, is today more truly representative of the old 
 New England spirit, and better typifies the life and thought and sterling 
 character of the fathers, than any other large and growing center of popula- 
 tion of my acquaintance. 
 
 We may sum up the charms of our county by saying that the only excuse 
 one of our citizens finds for going away in summer is to avoid summer 
 visitors ; the only excuse one can have for moving away is the anticipated 
 pleasure of returning to dwell here after his fortune is made. 
 
 It will be extremely difficult for the skeptic to find another region of 
 like population that has received so many proofs of the generosity of its 
 citizens in public bequests, as shown in charitable organizations, schools, 
 libraries, and monuments. 
 
2i8 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 And, while all that makes for patriotism and culture has been retained, 
 New London county has progressed in its business development in an im- 
 pressive way. A brief survey of the main lines of industrial development is 
 here presented. The banking system of the county is presented in a special 
 article. 
 
 Taking a large view of the county, we note its abundance of water 
 power. The tributaries of the Yantic and the Shetucket, with numerous 
 smaller streams flowing into the Thames, the Connecticut, and the Sound, 
 are marked with mill settlements. The estuary of the Thames furnishes 
 adequate transportation facilities for Norwich and New London. Stonington 
 has a fine harbor of its own, and the railroad makes the county easy of 
 access for more rapid transportation. One characteristic of the industries of 
 the county is their diversity, so that no one industry determines the pros- 
 perity of our communities. 
 
 Farming is carried on to a considerable degree in every town but New 
 London, where town and city limits coincide. Dairy farms and market 
 gardens have good markets within easy reach. The farming classes are as a 
 rule prosperous, progressive, and happy. With the good roads and motor 
 vehicles they combine the advantages of country life and urban resources. 
 In Colchester and Montville, considerable colonies of Jewish farmers have 
 settled. Scattered through the county are numerous estates managed more 
 for pleasure than for financial return. But the mass of the farming popu- 
 lation is composed of the original independent stock that has been the real 
 backbone of our country. 
 
 The enlightened policy of the State makes it possible for every child of 
 a rural community to get a high school education at no greater expense 
 than the city child has to meet. Free public libraries abound, many of which 
 were given by enlightened citizens. Traveling libraries are sent out by the 
 State Library Committee. The telephone, the motor car. the morning news- 
 paper, the church life, the grange meetings, the trolleys, universal education, 
 and commerce, bind together the county with a solidarity unknown fifty 
 years ago. 
 
 Far more important, financially, than the farming, is the cotton industry 
 of the county, which, in diverse forms, is undoubtedly the support of more 
 people than any other form of manufacture. Numerous villages have sprung 
 up around the factories in many places. These villages are many of them 
 model settlements, in which the laborer is encouraged to live in comfort, 
 amidst clean and sanitary surroundings, with play grounds, community cen- 
 ters, social diversions, all of which tend to increase his individual progress 
 and good citizenship. The chief centers of the cotton industry are Norwich, 
 Jewett City (Griswold), Baltic (Sprague). The woolen mills at Hallville 
 (Preston), Yantic (Norwich), and Thamesville (Norwich), do an extensive 
 business. The making of bed quilts of many kinds is carried on in the mills 
 of Palmer Brothers at New London, Uncasville (Montville), and Fitchville 
 (Norwich). These mills have a capacity of many thousand quilts a day. The 
 silk industry of the Brainerd & Armstrong Company (New London), and the 
 
TODAY 219 
 
 J. B. Martin Company (Norwich), has reached large proportions. The ship- 
 building industry follows the shore from Stonington to New London, and 
 many forms of machinery, marine and of other sorts, are manufactured 
 throughout the county. 
 
 The paper industry has reached large proportions, one plant at Thames- 
 ville turning out one hundred and twenty-five tons of strawboard daily. The 
 manufacture of firearms, too, is a long-standing and prosperous business. The 
 American Thermos Company has its chief factory in Norwich. To give some 
 sense of the variety of products of our manufacturing districts we submit an 
 outline by districts. 
 
 New London manufactures ships and ship machinery, silk fabrics, motors, 
 brass tubing, carpet lining, boilers, printing presses, quilts, paper boxes, elec- 
 tric specialties, underwear, machine tools, vises, poultry feeders, heating ap- 
 paratus, mattresses, hats and caps, clothing and many lesser products. 
 
 Norwich manufactures pistols and other firearms, cutlery, plating, cotton 
 and woolen goods, velvet, silk, paper, steam boilers, boxboard, carriages, pul- 
 leys, electric supplies, leather and belting, machinery of many sorts. It is the 
 seat of the largest plant of the United States Finishing Company. 
 
 Stonington manufactures machinery, printing presses, woolen and velvet 
 
 goods, threads, Packer's Tar Soap, cotton goods, and goods of less importance. 
 
 Griswold's Mills are mostly cotton mills, but at Jewett City we find the 
 
 Aspinook Company, one of the great bleaching and printing plants of the 
 
 country. 
 
 Groton builds ships, and engines for submarines. Its main industry is 
 looking after summer visitors. 
 
 Sprague makes cotton goods, woolens, paper, electricity, hospital supplies 
 and novelties. 
 
 Lyme makes undertakers' hardware, birch oil and witch hazel extracts. 
 Waterford makes paper, bleaching and dyeing products, and has large in- 
 terests invested in quarrying and monumental work. Montville makes quilts, 
 cotton goods, paper boxes, paper, and electricity (Eastern Connecticut Power 
 Company.) Preston with its cotton and woolen goods, Bozrah with bed 
 quilts and shoddy, Voluntown w'ith cotton manufacture, Colchester with paper 
 and leather goods, East Lyme with its granite quarries, menhaden fisheries, 
 woolen goods, dyeing and bleaching, are mainly agricultural, as are the other 
 towns of the county. 
 
 The varied industries of the county have brought in many allied interests, 
 banking and commercial, too numerous to mention. A list of the main busi- 
 ness firms of the county is here attached. Many of them are of such propor- 
 tions as to merit special articles, and some are referred to in other parts of 
 the history. 
 
 The grand list of the county, which does not include non-taxable prop- 
 erty of religious, educational and charitable institutions, and public properties 
 of great value, is over ninety-two millions, approximately six hundred dollars 
 per head for each one of its 155,311 inhabitants. Its tremendous banking 
 capital will be touched upon in another article. Among the main manufac- 
 
NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 turing concerns of the county are the following: 
 
 American Pants Co., Norwich 
 American Strawboard Co., Norwich 
 American Thermos Bottle Co., Nor- 
 wich 
 Atlantic Container Products Co., 
 
 Norwich 
 Atlantic Carton Corp., Norwich 
 Atlantic Products Co., Norwich 
 Atlas Radiator Pedestal Co., Nor- 
 wich 
 Bard Union Co., Inc., Norwich 
 Blue Star Overall Co., Norwich 
 Brainerd & Armstrong Co., Norwich 
 Carpenter Mfg. Co., Norwich. 
 Cave Welding & Mfg. Co., Norwich 
 Chelsea File Works, Norwich 
 City of Norwich Gas & Electric 
 
 Dept., Norwich 
 Climax Specialty Co., Norwich 
 Connecticut Cord Iron Corporation, 
 
 Norwich 
 Connecticut Pants and Knee Pants 
 
 Co., Norwich 
 Connecticut Popcorn Co., Norwich 
 Coronet Knitting Co., Norwich 
 Crescent Fire Arms Co., Norwich 
 Crystal Spring Bottling Works, 
 
 Norwich 
 Davis Warner Arms Corp., Norwich 
 Eastern Pants Co., Norwich 
 Empire Skirt Co., Norwich 
 Geisthardt's Steam Saw Mill, Nor- 
 wich 
 Glen Woolen Mills, Norwich 
 Hammond Process Co., Norwich 
 Hartford Mosaic Marble Co., Nor- 
 wich 
 Ideal Pants Co., Norwich 
 Lang Dye Works, Norwich 
 Lester & Wasley Co. (Machinery). 
 
 Norwich 
 J. B. Martin Co. (Velvets and Silks), 
 
 Norwich 
 New London-Norwich Sign Co., 
 
 Norwich 
 New York Mineral Water Co., 
 
 Norwich 
 Norwich Belt Mfg. Co., Norwich 
 Norwich Marble & Granite Works, 
 
 Norwich 
 Norwich Overall & Skirt Co., Nor- 
 wich 
 Norwich Paper Box Co., Norwich 
 
 Norwich Wood Working Co., Nor- 
 wich 
 Norwich Woolen Co., Norwich 
 Norwich Woolen Mills, Norwich 
 Oakdale Cordage Co., Norwich 
 Parker, Preston & Co. (Paints), 
 
 Norwich 
 Pequot Brass Foundry, Norwich 
 Pequot Rug Factory, Norwich 
 Phoenix Fire Extinguisher Co., Nor- 
 wich 
 H. B. Porter & Son Co. (Woodwork- 
 ing), Norwich 
 Reliance Yarn Company. Norwich 
 Richmond Radiator Company, Nor- 
 wich 
 Saxton Woolen Corp., Norwich 
 Shetucket Harness Co., Norwich 
 Thames Valley Mills (Woolen), 
 
 Norwich 
 Turner & Stanton Company (Cord- 
 age and Small Wares), Norwich 
 Ulmer Leather Co., Norwich 
 United Metal Mfg. Co., Norwich 
 United States Finishing Co., Nor- 
 wich 
 Vaughan Foundry Co., Norwich 
 Wincht:^ter Woolen Co.. Norwich 
 John T. Young Briler Co., Norwich 
 Adm.-'re vVoolen Mills Co., Norwich 
 Glen Wculen Mills, Norwich 
 Massassoit Alfg. Co., Oakdale 
 Totokett Mfg. Co., Versailles (Lis- 
 bon) 
 American Chemical Co., (Old Mys- 
 tic) Groton 
 Mvstic Woolen Co., Groton 
 Old Mvstic Grist Mill. Groton 
 Hallville Mills (Woolen), Preston 
 American Thread Co., Stonington 
 H. F. & A. J. Dawley (Lumber), 
 
 Preston 
 Airlee Mills, (Hanover) Sprague 
 American Velvet Co.. Stonington 
 Laper Fire Alarm Co., Stonington 
 ATorrison Granite Co., Stonington 
 Ship Construction & Trading Co., 
 
 Stonington 
 Venture Rock Bottlery Works, Ston- 
 ington 
 William Clark Mills, Stonington 
 Ponemah Mills, (Taftville) Nor- 
 wich 
 
TODAY 
 
 Norwich Woolen Mills, Norwich 
 .Federal Paper Board Co., (Ver- 
 sailles) Lisbon 
 Hygienic Paper Co., Lisbon 
 Br'igg's Mfg. Co. (Cotton), Volun- 
 
 town 
 Voluntown Grist Mill, Yoluntown 
 Booth Bros. & Hunicane Isle Gran- 
 ite Co., Waterford 
 Jordan Mill, Waterfurd 
 Millstone Granite Quarries, Water- 
 ford 
 Norwich & Westerly Traction Co., 
 
 Westerly 
 Holmes Motor Co., (New Mystic) 
 
 Groton 
 Yantic Mills (Cotton), Norwich 
 Baltic Mills (Cotton), Sprague 
 Shetucket Worsted Mills, (Baltic) 
 
 Sprague 
 Federal Felling Co., (Clarke Falls) 
 
 North Stonington 
 Columbia Kid Hair Curler Mfg. Co., 
 
 Colchester 
 Hills Turning & Saw Mill, East 
 
 Lyme 
 Menhaden Oil & Guano Co., East 
 
 Lyme 
 Monumental Works, East Lyme 
 American Thread Co., (Glasgo) 
 
 Griswold 
 Mutual Hair Goods Co., Groton 
 Electric Boat Co., Groton 
 General Ordnance Co., Groton 
 Groton Iron Works, Groton 
 Groton Marine Railways, Groton 
 Lake Torpedo Boat Company, Groton 
 New London Ship Engine Co., Groton 
 Shay Fertilizer Co., Groton 
 Vanadium Metal Co., Groton 
 Glengarry Mills, (Hanover) Sprague 
 Smith's Mills, Sprague 
 Ashland Cotton Co., (Jewett City) 
 
 Griswold 
 Aspinook Co., (Jewett City) Gris- 
 wold 
 Blissville Mills, Griswold 
 Jewett City Textile Novelty Co., 
 
 (Jewett Citv) Griswold 
 Slater Mills, (Jewett City) Griswold 
 Ingalls Co. (Lumber), Norwich 
 Royal Silver Co., Lyme 
 Chagnon Huggard Co., Alontville 
 Johnson & Co., Montville 
 
 Palmer Bros. (Quilts), Montville 
 Pequot Mills, Montville 
 Eastern Conn. Power Co., Montville 
 Robertson Co., Montville 
 Standard Package Co., Montville 
 Thames River Specialties Co., Mont- 
 ville 
 Uncasville Mfg. Co., Montville 
 Allen Spool & Wood Turning Co., 
 
 Stonington 
 Clima.x Tube Co., Stonington 
 Mystic Gas & Electric Co., Ston- 
 ington 
 Mystic Lace Mills Co., Stonington 
 Mystic Marine Railway Co., Ston- 
 ington 
 Mystic Woolen Co., Groton 
 Packer Mfg. Co. (Tar Soap), Ston- 
 ington 
 Robinson Silk Co., Stonington 
 Rossie Velvet Co., Stonington 
 Standard Machine Co., Stonington 
 Sutton's Spar Yard, Stonington 
 Anchor Knitting Mills, New London 
 Babcock Printing Press Mfg. Co., 
 
 New London 
 Auto Radiator & Lamp Co., New 
 
 London 
 Bingham Paper Box Co., New Lon- 
 don 
 Brainerd & Armstrong (Silks), New 
 
 London 
 Casey Granite Works, New London 
 Cedar Grove Monumental Works. 
 
 Xew London 
 Conn. Iron & Metal Co., New Lon- 
 don 
 Conn. Power Co., New London 
 Conn. Turbine Mfg. Co., New Lon- 
 don 
 Hawthorne Sash & Door Co., New 
 
 London 
 Holland Skirts Mfg. Co., New Lon- 
 don 
 Lenox Shirt Factory, New London 
 Long Island & Fisher's Island Brick 
 
 Co., New London 
 Mohegan Cotton Mills, New London 
 New England Carpet Lining Co., 
 
 New London 
 New England Collapsible Tube Co., 
 
 Nev.' London 
 N. E. Dress Mfg. Co., New London 
 N. E. Pants Co., New London 
 
222 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 New London Boiler Works, New Standard Ice Cream Cone Co., New 
 
 London London 
 
 New London Granite & Marble Submarine Boat Co., New London 
 
 Works, New London Thames River Lumber Co., New 
 New London Marine Iron Works London 
 
 Co., New London Thames Sheet Metal Works, New 
 New London Vise Works, New London 
 
 London Thames Tow Boat Co., New London 
 
 Automatic Feeder Co., New London DeWhiton Machine Co., New Lon- 
 Putnam Furniture Mfg. Co., New don 
 
 London Wilson Planing & Molding Mill, 
 Reliable Skirt Mfg. Co., New Lon- New London 
 
 don General Machine & Electric Co., 
 Sheffield Dentifrice Co., New Lon- (Noank) Groton 
 
 don Groton Iron Works (Noank Branch) 
 Standard Brass & Copper Tube Co., 
 
 New London 
 
 The reader may learn from the preceding list, incomplete as it is, that a 
 citizen of New London county has little need to go elsewhere for food, cloth- 
 ing, or weapons. From cutlery to tombstones, the county is well-nigh self- 
 sufficient. And the manufacturing establishments, as a rule, are placed so 
 as to interfere very little with the beauty of residential sections. Even in 
 mill villages, the prospect pleases. Many a worker is renting for two or 
 three dollars a week a home that could cost four times as much in the city. 
 Home gardens are allotted to all who seek them. Free hospital service, a 
 complete system of health inspection by competent nurses, good schools, 
 ample play grounds, all tend to protect young and old. Most of these 
 improvements have come in the last three decades. 
 
 In public affairs the county has continued to do its part for State and 
 country. Out of twelve United States Senators who have served since i860, 
 New London county has furnished three. Its list of Representatives has 
 been an honorable one. It has furnished but one Governor since 1880, Hon. 
 Thomas B. Waller, of New London. One Lieutenant-Governor, two Secre- 
 taries of State, two State Treasurers, three Speakers of the House, have come 
 in the last fifty years from this county. In the General Assembly New 
 London county has three Senators and thirty Representatives. 
 
 In this county are four boroughs — Stonington, 1801 ; Colchester, 1846; 
 Jewett City, 1895 ; and Groton, 1903. Its population has increased over twenty 
 per cent, in the last twenty years. Of the total population, approximately 
 sixty per cent, is either foreign born or of foreign parentage. The process 
 of Americanization is going on apace, largely through the influence of the 
 public schools. In many cases these new-comers have a lively sense of the 
 blessings of liberty. They are thrifty and industrious. They are acquiring 
 property and therefore feel that they have a stake in the welfare of the 
 community. Bolshevism does not thrive in New London county. In every 
 Liberty Loan drive the county went far over its quota. For the Red Cross, 
 as for distinctly local improvements, its people are generous contributors. 
 
 The two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of New London was celebrated 
 
TODAY 223 
 
 on May 6th. 1896, when the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument was dedicated. 
 Miss Charlotte Molyneux Holloway prepared the Historical Sketch of New 
 London, which, with many splendid illustrations, was published by Messrs. 
 G. C. Morgan. R. I. Waller and H. H. Morgan. In it may be found a detailed 
 account of many of the gifts of generous citizens to the community. The 
 programme of the celebration reads as follows: 
 
 May 5th, i8g6. evening meeting at the Armory, of 3rd Regiment, Connecticut 
 
 National Guard. 
 Concert, 7.30 to 8 p. m., 3rd Regiment Band. 
 Meeting called to order by His Honor James P. Johnston, Mayor of New 
 
 London. 
 Prayer, by Rev. John R. Stubbert, pastor of Huntington Street Baptist Church. 
 Music, "Star Spangled Banner," by a choir of four hundred school girls. 
 Address, "The Founding of the Town," by WaUer Learned. 
 Hymn, "Speed Our Republic," chorus. 
 Poem, "New London," George Parsons Lathrop, LL.D. 
 Speeches by Hon. Charles A. Russell, Member of Congress; Hon. Orville H. 
 
 Piatt, Senator; Hon. Thomas Weller, ex-Governor. 
 Music, "America." 
 
 May 6th, 10 a. m.— Laying of corner stone of a monument to John Winthrop 
 the Younger, in Bulkeley Square. 
 
 Introduction by Mr. Alfred H. Chappell, president Board of Trade. 
 
 Prayer, Rev. James Bexler, Second Congregational Church. 
 
 Address, "The Founder of the Town," Rev. S. Leroy Blake, D.D., First 
 Church of Christ. 
 
 Music, "Our Flag is There." 
 
 Laying of corner store, Grand Master James H. Welsh, Grand Lodge of 
 Connecticut Free and Accepted Masons. 
 
 Music, "America." 
 
 Benediction, Rev. Alfred P. Grint, St. James Episcopal Church. 
 
 II a.m. — Dedication of Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument, on the Parade, pre- 
 sented by Sebastian D. Lawrence, Esq. 
 
 Introduction, Mr. Alfred H. Chappell. 
 
 Presentation of Monument by the Donor. 
 
 Acceptance by the Mayor, Hon. James P. Johnston. 
 
 Music, "Battle Hymn of the Republic." 
 
 Address for the Army, Hon. Joseph R. Hawley, Senator. 
 
 Address for the Navy, Rev. George W. Smith, president of Trinity College, 
 Hartford. 
 
 Music. 
 
 2 p. m.. Grand Military' and Civic Procession. 
 
 8 p. m., Grand display of fireworks. 
 
 At this time was also published "A Brief History of New London," by 
 Carl J. Viets, publisher. 
 
224 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 In 1909 was celebrated the 250th anniversary of the founding of Norwich. 
 A complete account of this celebration, edited by Mr. William C. Oilman, 
 was published in 1912. Its illuminating introduction of over fifty pages gives 
 a full and inspiring statement of the growth of the town from 1859 (date 
 of the two hundredth anniversary) to 1909. Wit, charm of style, and wis- 
 dom, are combined in this account of the "Rose of New England." The 
 celebration lasted three days; the official programme covers four full pages. 
 The table of contents of the volume gives a skeleton only of a remarkable 
 three-day "feast of reason and flow of soul." 
 
 Foreword. 
 
 Officers and Executive Committee. 
 
 Introduction, Part I. 
 
 Introduction, Part II ; Norwich, 1859-1909. 
 
 The Quarter-Millennial Celebration. 
 
 First Day Services at Up-Town. 
 
 Burying Ground. 
 
 Second Day — Reception of President Taft. 
 
 Historical Pageant. 
 
 The Precession. 
 
 President Taft's Address on Chelsea Parade. 
 
 Third Day — Presentation of Memorial Fountain. 
 
 Literary Exercises at Broadway Theater. 
 
 Financial Statement. 
 
 Official Programme. 
 
 Military and Civic Parade. 
 
 Loan Exhibit at Converse Art Gallery. 
 
 Sermons. 
 
 Letters from Absentees. 
 
 Notes on Persons and Places. 
 
 Statistics and outlines, buildings and streets, are the superficial evidences 
 of the prosperity of the county. The real county beneath all these outward 
 forms may be seen only in the lives of its people. The moral tone of the 
 citizens, their customs, their activities in a thousand ways, have to be seen 
 to be appreciated. 
 
 New London county needs a "Joe" Lincoln to set forth the real nature 
 of its citizens. Only those who rise to fame are recorded in the pages of 
 history, but the observant citizen of any of our towns sees going on every day 
 before him a process of growth and struggle worthy to be described by a 
 master hand. 
 
 Difficulties are being surmounted, characters are being formed, generous 
 deeds are being performed today, as in times past. Undoubtedly our com- 
 munities have their peculiar traits, as do individuals. The heritage of the 
 past and the present environments combine to give a special tone to the life 
 of each community. New England reticence, Connecticut individualism, and 
 local needs, have given to our county a character of its own. It is this 
 intangible part of our assets that constitute our best possession. Mr. William 
 
TODAY 225 
 
 C. Gilman, editor of the "Norwich Quarter Millennium," quotes Judge Na- 
 thaniel Shipman's words about Norwich, "It is inexpedient for us to do any- 
 thing more than simply to say we loved the town when we were boys, we love 
 it now when we are men, and we want to say so." 
 
 The same words and sentiments about every town in the county would 
 show the charm that is felt by former residents. Our cities and towns have 
 not been over-standardized. The same sort of individuality that makes 
 people interesting, still imparts to many of our communities a local color 
 easily perceived by the visitor. One hears in our towns but rarely the loud 
 protestations of the western "booster," but finds a surprising number of men 
 who, after great success in the competition of the large cities, are content to 
 settle in the home of their boyhood days. They feel much like the Cape Cod 
 captain who came back from voyaging the world over to settle near the tip 
 of the Cape. Said he, "I've been 'round the world eight times. I've seen 
 'most every country. But, I'm satisfied right here, and I don't care if I 
 never go west of Barnstable again in my life." 
 
CHAPTER IX 
 
 MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION 
 
 The Various Cities and Towns — Financial Condition of County — Officiary of New 
 London and Norwich — Important Events. 
 
 At various times local business organizations have issued pamphlets 
 descriptive , of the commercial opportunities afforded by the county. We 
 quote freely from one such prospectus printed seven years ago: 
 
 On each side of the beautiful Thames river are twelve miles of available 
 territory, suitable for factory sites. On the west side lie the tracks of the 
 Central Vermont railway, on the east those of the N. Y., N. H. & H. railroad, 
 and sufficient depth of water for wharfage purposes on any of its factory 
 sites. There is not a sheet of inland water in the United States that gets the 
 free advertising that comes to the Thames river every year when the great 
 college regatta focuses the eyes of the whole civilized world and draws 
 thousands of the youngest, fairest and best of humanity to this same fourteen 
 miles of the Rose of New England. This of itself is an advertising asset 
 of no small proportion. 
 
 We quote right here the reason the president of one of our newest and 
 largest industries gave for moving his plant from New York to Norwich-on- 
 the-Thames: "We consider the property on both sides of the Thames river 
 between Norwich and New London superior to any other property within 
 the zone desired, and, for that matter, within the United States, for the fol- 
 lowing reasons: First — You have more than thirty-eight million people 
 within twelve hours' ride. Second — You have 144 cities of 10,000 people and 
 over within the twelve hours' radius. Third — You have parts of sixteen 
 states within twelve hours by rail and all of Eastern Canada and direct trunk 
 line connections therewith. You have the cheapest hydro-electric power in 
 all New England, which with your gas works and water plant (two large 
 reservoirs) are owned and operated by your municipality. You have low cost 
 of living, abundant labor, little, if any, labor troubles, favorable freight rates, 
 both rail and water, splendid climate, and are surrounded by lands which, if 
 properly cultivated, are rich in production. These are the advantages for 
 manufacturing in Norwich that have convinced our board of directors that 
 our removal from New York to your city is a move in the right direction and 
 may be of interest to those who read these facts, as they are the reasons for 
 inducing other manufacturing industries to locate here. Our company by 
 its removal from Manhattan Island to your city has estimated that it will 
 effect annual economies aggregating $44,000." 
 
 Norwich, agriculturally, is not unlike the towns that bound it on the north, 
 east, south and west, hence a general description will satisfy the reader who 
 may take a deep interest in rural life. Opportunity awaits the man who 
 engages in agricultural pursuits in any of the towns surrounding Norwich. 
 Close proximity to a ready market, easy access to trolley lines, best of State 
 and macadam highways, rural telephone service, rural free delivery and par- 
 cel post, all go to make farm life hereabouts that of a country gentleman. 
 Dairying and market gardening constitute today the real business being 
 developed and nurtured on most of the farms in Eastern Connecticut. Stock 
 raising and the fattening of beef for market, we believe, is one of the natural 
 
228 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 outcomes of the high cost of living, and he who early gets the habit will reap 
 the greatest benefit. Salem, Bozrah, Lebanon and Franklin, towns to the 
 west and north of Norwich, are devoted wholly to agricultural pursuits, the 
 town of Lebanon perhaps being the more noted of the four for its fertile 
 farms and their prosperous owners and well-kept buildings. Lebanon Green, 
 a street three miles long, is one of the historic points of interest of the town, 
 and was the home of Jonathan Trumbull. 
 
 Preston, east and south of Norwich, has a small factory village known 
 as Hallville. A good sized woolen mill is engaged in manufacturing high 
 grade woolen cloth for men's suitings, etc. The property is known as the 
 Hall Brothers' Woolen Mill. The land is fertile and many good farms are 
 to be found in Preston. 
 
 Sprague, eight miles north of Norwich, because of its being intersected 
 by the Shetucket and Little rivers, has three thriving mill villages within its 
 borders. Baltic, the largest, is a busy village of some 3,500 inhabitants and 
 is the seat of town government. Located here is the model plant of the Baltic 
 Mills Company, employing about 1,500 hands, engaged in the manufacture 
 of a fine grade of cotton goods. There are also mills manufacturing woolen 
 goods. Abundant power is furnished by the damming of the Shetucket river. 
 Hanover, in the town of Sprague, has as its chief industry the Airlie Mills, 
 employing 100 hands engaged in making ladies' woolen dress goods. The 
 factory is located on the Little river, a tributary of the Shetucket, joining the 
 latter at Versailles, where the third village has a factory engaged in making 
 hospital supplies, employing 100 hands. Located on the eastern border of 
 the town is the paper mill known as the Eastern Straw Board Company, 
 making a coarse roofing and building paper. Power is taken from the 
 Little river. 
 
 Lisbon is a small town adjacent to Sprague, and lies northeast of Nor- 
 wich. It has the distinction of not having a store, post office or factory within 
 its limits. Agriculture is the principal occupation, and like many other towns 
 \n Eastern Connecticut, a large revenue is derived from summer boarders, 
 who come here every year in goodly numbers. 
 
 Bozrah possesses many good farms, a charming recreation resort and 
 some industries. Gardner's Lake, a pure body of crystal water three and one- 
 half miles in length, one and one-quarter miles in width and sixty feet in 
 depth, affords excellent fishing and boating, while its thickly wooded and 
 grassy slopes offer many opportunities for summer homes. The largest indus- 
 try in the town is the quilt mill of Palmer Bros, at Fitchville, a quaint and 
 picturesque village, five miles from Norwich, on the Yantic river. 
 
 Griswold lies east of Lisbon and eight miles from Norwich. Jewett City, 
 the only village of any size in the town, has a borough form of government, 
 Located here are the original Slater Cotton Mills, in operation continuously 
 since late in the eighteenth century. The Aspinook Bleachery, employing 
 many hundred people; the Jewett City Textile Novelty Company, engaged in 
 finishing cotton goods, furnish employment to a large number of operatives. 
 The Ashland Cotton Company, manufacturers of plain cotton cloths. The 
 American Thread Company, making all kinds of thread, have a modern fac- 
 
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION 229 
 
 tory located at Glasgo, on the western border of the town. It is the only 
 factory in the village and emplG3^s 150 hands. 
 
 Voluntown is one of the most easterly towns of Connecticut, on the 
 Rhode Island line. The only village in the town bears the same name. Lo- 
 cated here are the cotton mills of the Briggs Manufacturmg Company, some 
 three in number, furnishing the principal means of support of residents. 
 Voluntown is twelve miles from Norwich and seven miles from the nearest 
 railroad, all freight being delivered at Jewett City, on the Norwich & Worces- 
 ter division of the N. Y., N. H. & H. railroad. Agriculturally, the town is 
 not very progressive ; large farms can be purchased for a few hundred dollars. 
 
 The great dairy prospects of this section of New England are most 
 notable. Milk is being shipped to the ready markets of Boston and Providence 
 in large quantities from nearly every farm, as all are within easy access to the 
 railroad. The advent of the suburban trolley system has already doubled the 
 amount of shipments. Milk cars are attached to all early trains and it is a 
 most interesting sight to see from twenty-five to one hundred farmers, repre- 
 senting as many farms, with their teams in the early morning delivering 
 their cans of milk to the many receiving stations along the lines, leaving full 
 cans and taking back empty ones for the next day. And don't think for a 
 moment that the farmer is not posted on the news of the day. That theory 
 has long since been exploded. With the four bright newspapers published in 
 Norwich, two daily and two weekly, the farmer knows every day all that has 
 happened throughout the world during the past twenty-four hours. 
 
 Every town has its Grange, giving ample opportunity for social inter- 
 course for the whole family, and a rare chance to gather knowledge. Nor- 
 wich Grange is one of the most progressive of the State, having a member- 
 ship of 125 active men and women, and during the winter lectures are given 
 by professors from the State Agricultural College that prove not only enter- 
 taining but highly instructive as well. We cannot paint the picture of the 
 future farm life and its prospects, both in the town of Norwich and its 
 environment, in too vivid colors. There is no better market garden outlet in 
 any rural section of the United States than right here in any of the towns 
 briefly referred to, while orchards consisting of apple, peach and pear trees 
 are beginning to interest the thrifty husbandman of the soil. 
 
 The greater the industrial development of a State, correspondingly 
 greater and more valuable must become its agricultural output and land 
 values, inseparable and useless each without the other. 
 
 Come to Norwich, Connecticut, the Rose of New England, an Eastern 
 city with Western progressiveness, "The Coming City of the East." 
 
 New London's greatest asset is her harbor. Here is the natural entrance 
 to the great coming of the North and West, but not only this: The increasing 
 congestion of shipping trade at New York and the correspondingly increasing 
 difficulty and expense of securing dockage at that port for new lines of steam- 
 ers are as constantly attracting attention to the opportunities afforded at 
 New London; when the docks are completed (they have since been com- 
 pleted), a vessel destined for New York can discharge her passengers and 
 
230 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 freight at New London and deliver them in New York at greater economy 
 of time and money than by proceeding along the slower channel to New York. 
 The development of this million-dollar enterprise will inevitably greatly stimu- 
 late local business and opportunity, not alone for a day but for years to come. 
 History and observation abundantly illustrate the natural industrial and com- 
 mercial development of great cities, with their development as great ports. 
 
 Second to her harbor as an asset is New London's seashore. By this is 
 meant not only her Ocean Beach and the Pequot estates and properties bor- 
 dering the harbor, including the unsurpassed hotel site formerly occupied by 
 the old Pequot House which was burned some years ago, but the entire ter- 
 ritory between the Connecticut river and the Rhode Island State line and 
 extending up the Thames river toward Norwich. 
 
 Thousands are added to the summer population of this section during 
 "the season," which, unfortunately, for visitors often must end when the 
 schools for their children reopen at home. The proximity of river, harbor 
 and sound makes it a favorite resort for yachtsmen and the owners of motor 
 craft without lessening in any degree the usual attractions of the open 
 country. Detailed notices of Crescent Beach, Niantic, Groton, Mystic and 
 Stonington are included later in this sketch. 
 
 First — To the large manufacturer: In these days of keen competition, 
 every avoidable expense possible must be eliminated by the manufacturer; 
 among these expenses are avoidable charges for transporting both raw 
 material and finished product. Hence, accessibility to supplies and to mar- 
 kets are of vital importance in selecting a location. Being a junction point 
 of the New Haven railway system, and also that of the Grand Trunk of 
 Canada, it is evident that New London's railway facilities cannot be sur- 
 passed, and in addition it has opportunities for securing the waterway com- 
 petition of the whole world; not only this, but in some cases raw material 
 may be unloaded directly from the vessel to the factory on one side and the 
 finished product reshipped by water, or it may be loaded onto cars on the 
 other side of the factory. 
 
 Second — To the employee and the smaller manufacturer: It should be 
 remembered that the natural attractions of this region appeal with as much 
 force to the intelligent, desirable employee as to the more exclusive, so-called, 
 residential classes; as freely as their children, may his little ones enjoy the 
 delights of the sea and the sands at Ocean Beach. 
 
 Another thing to remember is that self-respecting, contented, cooperating 
 employees are essential to the manufacturer and the city's welfare. Satisfy- 
 ing suroundings secure satisfied citizens. New London's policy is to provide 
 adequately for them ; not how great alone, but how well shall New London 
 grow, is the principle of many citizens ; to make it a good city for all of us 
 to live in. At the present time it is doubtful if any city in New England has 
 a greater percentage of good streets and sidewalks or of thrifty public shade 
 trees. 
 
 Until recently the above considerations had little weight in determining 
 the policy or location of manufacturing plants; today, however, in many 
 progressive communities they have much weight in influencing city planning 
 
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION 231 
 
 for the future. It is believed that with the smaller manufacturer, particularly 
 one who desired to assimilate with the best life of his new city, they should 
 receive very favorable consideration. Such men with healthy enterprises 
 will be most heartily welcomed to New London. Moderate rates for power 
 and as favorable conditions as possible will be provided. Bear in mind the 
 fact that goods shipped in the afternoon or evening, even heavy freight by 
 boat, from New London, can be delivered in New York the following morn- 
 ing; equally prompt shipments are received from New York. 
 
 An opportunity to personally discuss local conditions and possibilities is 
 solicited. A number of small water power privileges, one of considerable 
 size and well equipped, are available in this vicinity. 
 
 Groton, just opposite the city of New London, is one of the very few 
 localities where valuable water transportation rights remain unabsorbed by 
 railroad or other powerful corporations. Definite information regarding 
 specific properties on Groton Bank or properties bordering the railroad will 
 be supplied to interested parties on application to the Groton Board of Trade. 
 The New Haven Railroad Company controls valuable properties both below 
 and above the bridge. Manufacturers or others desiring to avail themselves 
 of these privileges will receive very favorable consideration from the company. 
 
 Mystic, a village in both the townships of Groton and Stonington, nat- 
 urally blends the one with the other, thus completing the most splendid bit 
 of shore line east of Thames river. Whether one seeks location for a factory, 
 a recreation spot for summer, or a home site. Mystic offers peculiar advan- 
 tages. Industries of world-wide reputation are already here; there is room 
 for more. Artists of repute find in Mystic and environment permanent charm 
 and inspiration for their talent: their recommendation brings others who 
 become enthusiasts. City-jaded folk find in Mystic's beauty, quiet and sim- 
 plicity, a panacea for tired bodies, weary minds. The sea, the country, the 
 hills, the lowlands — all nature at her best is Mystic's glorious asset to offer 
 the vacationist. Would you build yourself a home "far from the madding 
 crowd," but within easy access, overlooking the sun-kissed waters of the 
 Sound, or up the Mystic Valley? Would you buy some dear old farmhouse 
 dating back to Colonial days, with the possibilities it would be a joy to 
 develop acres surrounding it for the farm you have always planned to own ; 
 the farm where you and the wife, the children and their children may get in 
 tune with life? Has that time come yet? Then buy a ticket for Mystic on 
 the Shore Line, about half-way between Boston and New York. Look up 
 the secretary or president of the Men's Club; tell him your errand, and he 
 will try to show you that Mystic, Connecticut, has all the characteristics of 
 the ordinary New England village extraordinarily developed. 
 
 Stonington offers unusual inducements as a place of summer residence. 
 It is situated directly on the Atlantic Ocean ; indeed, it is the only town on 
 the main line of the New Haven railroad between New York and Boston with 
 an ocean frontage. It also lies between Stonington Harbor, a safe anchorage 
 for yachts, protected by three Government breakwaters, and Little Narra- 
 gansett Bay, a picturesque sheet of water on the farther side of which, three 
 miles distant, is situated Watch Hill, one of the most famous summer resorts 
 
232 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 of New England. Between Stonington and Watch Hill a passenger steamer 
 makes frequent trips during the summer season. 
 
 This situation, on ocean, harbor and bay, gives Stonington remarkable 
 advantages for sailing and other aquatic sports. The town is the headquarters 
 for an extensive fishing industry, bluefish, cod and mackerel being among the 
 varieties of edible fish that abound in the nearby waters. The ocean breezes 
 reduce the temperature in the heated months, so that the mercury customarily 
 registers from five to ten degrees below the temperature in neighboring com- 
 munities, while in winter the nearness of the salt water tends to prevent the 
 extreme cold experienced farther inland. 
 
 In the last few years Stonington has taken on new life as a summer 
 resort. Man)- city residents have purchased or built homes in the borough 
 and vicinity, and a first-class sum.mer hotel, to which the name of the Ston- 
 ington Manor Inn has been given, has been established on the outskirts of 
 the borough, in the midst of a beautiful estate of field and forest, ninety acres 
 in extent. There are also a number of inns and boarding houses within the 
 settled portion of the town. 
 
 The township of Stonington contains 10,000 inhabitants. Stonington 
 borough has a population of 2,500, and is situated half-way between the 
 eastern and western boundaries of the township. The town was settled in 
 1649; the first house in what is now the borough was erected in 1752. In 
 1814 the place was the scene of a three days' bombardment by n British 
 squadron, which was marvelously repulsed by a handful of defenders with 
 three small cannon. This event was elaborately celebrated, with the aid of 
 State and town appropriations, on August 8-10, 19J4. 
 
 Stonington has the quality of quaintness to an unusual degree. No 
 nearby community possesses quite the same element of old-world charm. It 
 has a free library with nearly 7,000 volumes and liberally endowed, an 
 excellent union high school with over 200 students, five churches, express 
 service to New York, Providence and Boston, trolley service to New London, 
 Mystic and Westerly, improved automobile roads, and a delightful variety 
 of back-country scenery within easy reach. Its Board of Trade would appre- 
 ciate the opportunity of acquainting any interested persons still further with 
 its advantages as a place of residence, either for the summer season or all 
 the year round. 
 
 The town of Montville is situated on the west side of the Thames river, 
 midway between Norwich and New London. It is especially fortunate in 
 its location, having a deep water front, best of steam and trolley service, as 
 Avell as being intersected by the broad macadam boulevard that connects 
 Norwich on the north and New London on the south. The Oxoboxo river 
 furnishes power to many industries. 
 
 Salem, a naturally very productive farming township, northwest of New 
 London, has been comparatively isolated, and its prosperity retarded because 
 of inferior roads, but now with the reconstruction of the Hartford Turnpike, 
 largely by State aid, through Waterford, Montville, Salem, Colchester, Marl • 
 borough, Glastonbury and Hartford, a new era for the town of Salem is 
 assured. 
 
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION 233 
 
 Beautiful Niantic by the Sea! This village is situated on the Connecticut 
 shore of Long Island Sound, seven miles west of New London, on the main 
 line of the N. Y., N. H. & H. railroad midway between Boston and New 
 York, and on the Lincoln highway running from California to Maine. It also 
 connects with New London by trolley. 
 
 The village derives its name from the Niantic Indians, who once occupied 
 this stretch of the north shore, fishing upon the waters of sound, lake and 
 rivers, and hunting in its woodlands. The village has a population of about 
 800, with 1,900 inhabitants in the entire town of East Lyme, of which the 
 village is a part. This village offers exceptional opportunities to manufac- 
 turers and home-makers. For the most part the land is comparatively level, 
 and many acres finely located could be secured at reasonable prices. 
 
 Lake Niantic, a beautiful sheet of crystal water, is encircled by the village. 
 This lake is principally fed by springs, covers about twenty-five acres, and is 
 a never-failing reservoir. This body of water is available for manufacturing 
 purposes. The one-quarter mile spur track of the railroad reaches to the 
 lake, passing directly by Luce's factory, a three-story building formerly 
 occupied by the Knickerbocker Typewriter Com.pany, now for rent. The 
 Technical Equipment Company, engaged in the manufacture of brass valves 
 and gauges, occupy the factory on the east side of the village. The streets 
 are well kept and lighted by electricity. There are four churches — the 
 Baptist, Methodist Episcopal, Congregational, and Episcopal. The Roman 
 Catholic, at Crescent Beach, one-half mile away, is open during the summer 
 season. 
 
 Splendid farms adjoin the village. The soil for the most part is loam, 
 with gravel subsoil, and especially adapted for the cultivation of fruit, vege- 
 tables and grain. As means of enjoyment, the fishing, bathing, boating and 
 hunting cannot be surpassed anywhere on the Atlantic seaboard. 
 
 Crescent Beach, a summer resort, one-half mile away and connected with 
 the village by steam and trolley, has a summer population of 1,500 people, 
 while Pine Grove, the same distance from the center of the village, has one 
 hundred cottages and is the summer home of about five hundred people. 
 There are two good hotels, and an efficient livery stable. The train and trol- 
 ley service meet every need both for travel and transportation. Everyone 
 visiting the village for the first time is charmed with its location and general 
 appearance, and expresses the wish to visit it again. During the summer 
 season many visitors from all parts of the world visit the village and nearby 
 beaches. Niantic is also the summer headquarters for the National Guard 
 of the State, who, by their presence, each year attract many friends and 
 visitors. 
 
 Recently a Village Improvement Society has been formed for the pur- 
 pose of rendering the town more attractive, and to promote its business 
 interests. Any further information or description of the village, its con- 
 ditions and the advantages which it offers, will be cheerfully given. 
 
 The town of Ledyard, a quiet farming community, is situated on the 
 east shore of the Thames river, directly across from Montville. Peach 
 growing and strawberries furnish the big output from the farms. The only 
 
234 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 village in the town is Gales Ferry, on the N. Y., N. H. & H. railroad, noted 
 for being the headquarters of the Yale and Harvard crews while training for 
 the college regatta. 
 
 The village is composed, in a large measure, of summer cottages. Boat- 
 ing and fishing attract thousands to shores of the Thames, and shore prop- 
 erty is steadily rising in value in all the towns that border on this beautiful 
 stream. 
 
 From an article in the "New England Magazine," written by Mr. Henry 
 R. Palmer, we quote the following description of Stonington: 
 
 When Longfellow wrote of "the beautiful town that is seated by the 
 sea," he was thinking of Portland ; but his tender song applies to Stonington. 
 If the town is not strictly beautiful, since it has no fine buildings and stately 
 streets, still it is set in the midst of a pleasant country and the charm of the 
 .sea wraps it about. A mile from the shore its roads wind their way through 
 overhanging woods, and the traveler loses his sense of the ocean, except as 
 its scent is borne to him on the breeze. But from every hilltop the sea is 
 disclosed. It stretches in soft expanse as far as the eye can reach. On clear 
 days the white clififs of Montauk and Block Island come into view. A dozen 
 tall lighthouses cast their glow over the evening waters. There is salt in the 
 air and in the speech of the fishermen. It is the sea that gives the town its 
 distinctive note. 
 
 Also a description of the whaling industry in its prime: 
 
 Shortly after 1830, the whaling industry took the place of sealing as 
 the chief maritime resource of Stonington. Captain Charles P. Williams fitted 
 out, first and last, no less than twenty-eight whaling ships ; Charles Mallory 
 of Mystic, on the western borders of the town, nineteen; John F. Trumbull, 
 eleven ; and other individual owners or firms, half a dozen. The industry 
 reached its climax in the forties, when fortunes were made in single voyages, 
 and the Arctic and Antarctic seas were stripped of the profitable monsters. 
 The whalemen sought the Southern Ocean first, and in their zeal sailed it 
 from east to west, sometimes circling the world. When the whales became 
 scarce in that portion of the globe, the intrepid venturers made their way 
 north and found even greater prey in the waters of Alaska and Kamschatka. 
 Their voyages lasted sometimes but a few months, at other times they ex- 
 tended over four or five years. During this prosperous period, Stonington 
 was a live commercial town. The fitting out of a whaleship required much 
 time and industry, and the sorting of cargoes made the harbor front a busy 
 and interesting place. Oil casks, anchors and rigging, lumber and spars, were 
 strewn about. Sailors lounged at the corners or leaned over the bar at the 
 taverns. They wore blue trousers and roundabout jackets and black ties 
 knotted in sailor fashion. They were a jovial, happy-go-lucky lot and bent 
 on rough-and-ready pastime when they got ashore. The taverns rang with 
 the scrape of their fiddles and the clatter of their hornpipes ; and once when 
 two ships sailed into port the same day, the rival crews, boasting of the 
 prowess of their favorites, formed a ring on Water Street and held high fistic 
 carnival. As fast as one contestant measured his length in the dust, another 
 took his place, while a crowd of villagers packed the street and cheered the 
 valiant. There was little brutality: when a man went down he was "out of 
 the game." One young fellow of fine physique maintained his place in the 
 ring against a large number of fresh comers. One blow of his fist was enough 
 for each of them. A distinctive American artist like Mr. Pyle could make a 
 lively picture of the scene. 
 
MISCELLANEOUS INEORMATION 235 
 
 The annals of whaling are tinged with tragedy. A Stonington captain 
 died at sea, and his wife, who had accompanied him on the voyage, brooded 
 over his death till one morning her room was found empty, with the window 
 at the stern of the vessel open. Accidents on shipboard were followed by 
 rough but effective treatment in the absence of a doctor, as when an unfor- 
 tunate colored seaman injured his leg so severely that amputation became 
 imperative. The captain — a stern disciplinarian accustomed to strict meas- 
 ures — consulted with his ship-keeper, and together, after the suffering man 
 had been lashed to a ring in the deck, they sawed ofT the offending limb and 
 seared the arteries with fire. 
 
 The township of Stonington contains eight thousand people, only two 
 thousand of whom live at Stonington borough. The remainder are divided 
 between Pawcatuck, which is practically a part of Westerly and has about 
 four thousand inhabitants; Mystic, at the western extremity of the town, 
 with fifteen hundred more; Old Mystic, three miles to the north of Mystic, 
 with a population of five hundred; and an extensive farming district. Paw- 
 catuck is a busy community with manufactories of textile goods and printing 
 presses. Mystic is a picturesque village set in a charming valley, with cotton 
 and velvet mills. At the southwest corner of the town is Mason's Island, a 
 part of the grant to Captain John Mason, the Indian fighter, and still in the 
 possession of the Mason family: and just beyond it is Mystic Island, the 
 extreme southwestern limit of Stonington authority. The town for the 
 most part is rocky, and the superabundance of "stones" may account tor the 
 name of "Stonington" received from the General Court in 1666. Regarding 
 this name, ex-Judge Richard A. Wheeler, the "historian of the Pequot coun- 
 try," writes in a recent letter: "I have searched as with lighted candles all 
 of our New England records to learn the origin of the name of Stonington, 
 but thus far have failed. I have two books entitled gazetteers of all the 
 known civilized nations of the world, one published in London in 1782 and 
 the other published in Philadelphia in 1806, in neither of which does the name 
 of Stonington appear except as a place in Connecticut. So the name or word 
 Stonington may have been coined, I think, by one or both of our representa- 
 tives, viz., Thomas Stanton, Senior, or Samuel Cheesbrough." Be this as it 
 may. it has taken firm root in American nomenclature, and been grafted on 
 new communities in several States of the Union. To all of these old Stoning- 
 ton sends greeting and best wishes on her two hundred and fifteenth birthday. 
 
 From an article in the "Architectural Record," by Mr. M. W. Pentz, we 
 quote regarding Stonington: 
 
 There remains, as far as I know, only a single place which has preserved 
 to any marked degree its Colonial atmosphere, and that is Stonington. Here 
 progress has been asleep, its population has barely doubled in a hundred 
 years; its old sea trade is dead beyond hope of recall. Grass grows in it* 
 streets; its wharves are tenanted only by a few motor boats and unused 
 steamers of the Sound lines ; its glory has departed. It is kept alive by a 
 few textile factories and a great machine works, but its principal industry 
 is summer boarders, fortunately not so numerous as to change its ancient 
 tone. The resident population, aside from the descendants of its original 
 settlers, is composed largely of Portuguese from the Azores Islands, descend- 
 ants and relatives of the daring sailors who once formed the crews of its fish- 
 ing vessels. Here they furnish the factories with labor and form an element 
 both picturesque and useful. 
 
 I suppose the trees have grown up, some houses have been reshingled, 
 a few new shops have been built, but in the old portion of the town so little 
 has been changed that the effect is precisely what it must have been a 
 
236 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 hundred years ago. The railroad station is on the neck of land which sep- 
 arates the old town from the mainland, no trolley passes through the streets 
 and only a couple of side tracks to the unused pier of the steamship company 
 exist to change its appearance. Even these wabble around so unobtrusively 
 through the back yards that they are almost invisible, and I have never seen 
 a train upon them. I suppose to preserve the franchise they must occasionally 
 run some cars, but it is probably done in the middle of the night, when every- 
 body is asleep and there is nothing else to do. 
 
 Immediately beyond the green is the south end of the point, a grassy, 
 quiet place with a lovely view of the water on three sides, and the delightful 
 old stone lighthouse in the center. This is a splendid place to sit and dream 
 and if you try hard enough you can easily fancy Admiral Hardy's ships fight- 
 ing away without doing any harm except for what a modern lawyer would 
 term the damages for mental anguish of the inhabitants; who, after all, do 
 not seem to have been much alarmed. In the harbor not far from the jioint 
 is a monument which marks the corner between the States of Connecticut, 
 Rhode Island and New York, and as a small boy I went out there and sat 
 with my legs curled around it "in three states at once." 
 
 Turning back from the green toward the square, on Main street, one 
 passes more exquisite examples of the old work, of which the most charming 
 is the house known to the youngsters as "Miss Katty's," and the Wayland 
 residence, which in some ways is the show place of the town. Almost oppo- 
 site the Wayland house is the old library, a typical house of the early times, 
 when two-story houses were taxed by the King and when one-story houses 
 went free. Still on Main street is the Second Congregational Church, an 
 interesting example of church architecture of the early nineteenth century, 
 although not in detail as good as the earlier work. Several cross streets 
 connect Main and Water Streets and where there is width enough little side 
 streets project like spurs from them, each lined with residences, quaint or 
 dignified as the fancy of the owner dictated. The customs house still flies 
 the flag of the Revenue Service, and I suppose the collector has occasionally 
 something to do, yet looking through the window one sees only a couple of 
 old gentlemen half asleep over the newspapers and a collection of dusty and 
 mildewed leather-bound books. 
 
 Peace and a certain sleepy dignity are the characteristics of the old town. 
 It is unable to get much excited about anything; changes and advances in 
 civilization are infrequent; the authorities there appreciate the loveliness of 
 the place and are anxious to keep it as untouched as possible. 
 
 The following figures give some idea of the financial situation of the 
 county at present. The list shows the number of people in each town and 
 city in New London county who paid the Federal tax on their incomes, and 
 whether the tax was based on incomes over or under $5,000 a year: 
 
 Over Under Over Under 
 
 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 
 
 Bozrah o 29 New London 256 2,732 
 
 Colchester i 49 North Stonington i i 
 
 East Lyme 9 7» Norwich 215 2,805 
 
 Franklin I " Old Lyme 7 41 
 
 Griswold 14 520 Preston o 4 
 
 Groton 28 546 Salem o i 
 
 Lebanon o 8 Sprague 8 318 
 
 Ledyard o 30 Stonmgton 55 980 
 
 Lisbon o o Voluntown 3 21 
 
 Lyme 4 45 Waterford 7 132 
 
 Montville 6 191 
 
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION 
 
 237 
 
 The State Senators from the three Senatorial Districts, called Ninth, 
 Tenth, and Eleventh, till 1906, and thereafter Eighteenth, Nineteenth, and 
 Twentieth, have been as follows: 
 
 Ninth District 
 
 1890-92 
 Stephen A. Gardner 
 
 1892-94 
 Stephen A. Gardner 
 
 1894-96 
 Benj. H. Lee 
 
 1896-98 
 Benj. H. Lee 
 
 1898- I 900 
 James Pendleton 
 
 190002 
 James Pendleton 
 
 1902-04 
 Thomas Hamilton 
 
 Eighteenth District 
 
 1904-06 
 William J. Brennan 
 
 1906-08 
 Charles B. Waller 
 
 1908-10 
 Fredk. P. Latimer 
 
 1910-12 
 Bryan F. Mahan 
 
 1912-14 
 Alton T. Miner 
 
 1914-16 
 Lucius E. Whiton 
 
 1916-18 
 James R. May 
 
 1918-20 
 William C. Fox 
 
 1920 
 C. C. Costello 
 
 Tenth District 
 
 Charles F. Thayer 
 S. Ashbell Crandall 
 William H. Palmer, Jr. 
 Lucius Brown 
 John H. Barnes 
 Wallace S. Allis 
 Nelson J. Ayling 
 
 Nineteenth District 
 Reuben S. Bartlett 
 Alonzo R. Oborn 
 William L Allyn 
 Charles S. Avery 
 Charles S. Avery 
 John H. Barnes 
 John H. Barnes 
 William B. Wilcox 
 Allyn L. Brown 
 The Mayors of Norwich have been as follows: 
 
 Eleventh District 
 Alex. C. Robertson 
 Alex. C. Robertson 
 Wm. F. Gates 
 John N. Lewis 
 Henry C. Burnham 
 Frederick J. Brown 
 Arthur M. Brown 
 
 Twentieth District 
 Austin I. Bush 
 Harley P. Buell 
 George H. Bradford 
 Angus Park 
 Frederick A. Johnson 
 Benjamin H. Hewitt 
 Frank H. Hinckley 
 Elisha Waterman 
 James Graham 
 
 Benjamin Huntington, 1784-96; John McLaren Breed, 1796-98; Elisha 
 Hyde, 1798-1813; Calvin (ioddard, 1814-31 (resigned). 
 
 Since 183 1, elected annually — James Lanman, 1831-34; Francis Asher 
 Perkins, 1834; Charles W. Rockwell, 1835, 1838, 1846; Charles J. Lanman, 
 1838; William C. Gilman, 1839; John Breed, 1840-42; William P. Greeve, 
 1842-43; Gurdon Chapman, 1843-45; John Breed, 1845; Charles W. Rockwell, 
 1846; John Dunham, 1S47-49; William A. Buckingham, 1849-51; LaFayette 
 S. Foster. 1S51-53: Erastus Williams, 1853-55; Wm. L. Brewer. 1855; Wm. 
 A. Buckingham, 1856-58; Amos A. Prentice, 1858-60; James S. Carew, 1860- 
 62; James Lloyd Greene, 1862-66; Lorenzo Blackstone, 1866-70; James A. 
 Hovey, 1S70-71 ; James Lloyd Greene, 1871-75; Hugh H. Osgood. 1875-761 
 Charles Osgood, 1S76-77; Hugh H. Osgood, '877-86; Increase W. Carpenter, 
 1886-88; A. Ashbel Crandall, 1888-92; Calvin L. Harwood, 1892-96; Frederic 
 L. Osgood, 1896-1900; Charles F. Thayer, 1900-08; Costello Lippett. 1908-10; 
 
238 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 Charles F. Thayer, 1910-12; Timothy C. Murphy, 1912-16; Allyn L. Brown. 
 1916-18; Jeremiah J. Desmond, 1918-20; Herbert M. Lerou, 1920-22. 
 Mayors of New London: 
 
 Richard Law, 1784-1806, 22 years; Jeremiah G. Brainerd, 1806-29, 23 
 years; Elias Perkins, 1829-32; Coddinpton Billings, 1832-35; Noyes Billings, 
 1835-37; Jirah Isham, 1837; Francis Allyn, 1838-41; George C. Wilson, 1841, 
 died July 20, 1841 ; Caleb J. Allen, August 12, 1841, resigned June, 1843; An- 
 drew M. Frink, 1843-45, resigned; J. P. C. Mather, 1845-50, resigned August; 
 Andrew C. Lippett, 1850-53; Henry P. Haven, 1853-56; Jonathan N. Harris, 
 1856-62; Hiram Wiley, 1862-65; Frederick L. Allen. 1865-71 ; Augustus Bran- 
 degee, 1871-73; Thomas W. Waller, 1873-79; Robert Coit, 1879-82; George 
 E.'Starr, 1882-85; C. A. Williams, 1885-88; George F. Tinker, 1888-91 ; George 
 Williams, 1891, resigned in two weeks; Ralph Wheeler, 1891-93. resigned 
 after two years; A. J. Bentley. 1893-94; James P. Johnston. 1894-97; Cyrus 
 G. Beckwith, 1897-1900; M. Wilson Dart, 1900-03; Bryan F. Mahan, 1903-06; 
 Alton T. Miner, acting Mayor five months in 1905; Benjamin L. Armstrong, 
 1906-09; Bryan F. Mahan, 1909-15; Ernest E. Rogers, 191 5-18; E. Frank 
 Morgan, 1918-21. 
 
 The "New London Day" recently published an edition celebrating its 
 fortieth anniversary, which contains much valuable information. Among 
 other information, it printed the following chronological review: 
 
 1880 — Population of New London, 10.537. 
 
 1881 — Charter granted Smith Memorial Home, Masonic street. 
 
 1882— Petition recorded from telephone company, asking permission to set 
 
 poles through the street. 
 1882 — State Armory land sold by Coit heirs to State of Connecticut, No- 
 vember 9. 
 1885 — Permission granted by common council to O. L. Livesey "for J. A. 
 
 Jenny to erect poles for trying out the experiment of lighting the city 
 
 by electricity without cost to the city." 
 1885 — City meeting voted to install sewer system. 
 
 1888 — Nameaug schoolhouse built. First of present modern structures. 
 1889 — Thames river railroad bridge opened for the use of the New Haven and 
 
 Boston and Providence railroads. 
 1890 — Pequot Casino Association organized July 12. 
 1890 — Lyceum Theater opened. First play, "The Wife," by the Frohman 
 
 Company, April 7. 
 1890 — Nathan Hale Grammar School erected. 
 1891 — Williams Memorial Institute erected. 
 1891 — Montauk avenue opened. First called the Boulevard. 
 1892 — New London Street Railway began running cars. 
 1893 — Ocean Beach and Lewis' woods sold by T. M. Waller to the city. 
 1893 — Winthrop School erected. 
 1894 — Saltonstall School erected. 
 1894 — Shiloh Baptist Church, colored, organized. 
 1896 — Post Office building erected. 
 1896 — Mohican building erected. 
 1896 — Brainard Lodge, F. & A. M., altered Universalist Church, Green street, 
 
 into lodge room. 
 1896- — Robert Bartlett School opened. 
 
 1898 — First Church, Christian Scientist, organized, June 26. 
 1898 — Police Station, Bradley street, erected. 
 1899 — Norwich and Montville trolley road began operation. 
 
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION 239 
 
 1899 — St. Mary's Parochial School started. 
 
 1905 — Thames Club destroyed by fire, rebuilt. 
 
 1906 — John Winthrop Club organized. 
 
 1906 — New London Vocational School erected. 
 
 1907 — East Lyme and New London trolley line started. 
 
 1907 — Harbor School erected. 
 
 1908 — Pequot House destroyed by fire. 
 
 1908 — Elks' Home built, corner-stone laid August 13. 
 
 1908 — Swedish Congregational Church dedicated. 
 
 1909 — All Souls' Church, Huntington street, building permit issued. 
 
 1909 — St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, Montauk avenue, corner stone 
 laid May 30. 
 
 1909 — Southwest Ledge light first turned on, November 10. 
 
 1910 — Lawrence Free Hospital opened. 
 
 1910 — Ship and Engine Company leased factory site in Groton from New 
 Haven railroad. Purchased same in 191 1. 
 
 1911 — Fund of $134,196.14 raised to secure location here of Connecticut Col- 
 lege by popular subscription up to March i. 
 
 1912 — Harbour Club building permit issued. 
 
 1913 — Manwaring building erected. 
 
 1914 — Union Lodge, A. F. and A. M., erected new building, Union street. 
 
 1915 — Montauk Avenue Baptist Church rebuilt. 
 
 1915 — Plant building erected. 
 
 1916 — Y. M. C. A. building erected, Meridian street. 
 
 The lists of Representatives from the various towns of the State have 
 been as follows for thirty years: 
 
 Bozrah — 1890-92, William F. Bogue; 1892-94, John J. Gager; 1894-96, 
 William J. Way; 1896-98, E. Judson Miner; 1898-1900, William Kilroy ; 1900- 
 02, William Kilroy; 1902-04, Wareham W. Bentley; 1904-06, Wareham W. 
 Bentley; 1906-08, John S. Sullivan; 1908-10, John F. Fields; 1910-12, John F. 
 Fields; 1912-14, John S. Sullivan; 1914-16, Nelson L. Stark; 1916-18, John J. 
 Sweeney; 1918-20, John J. Sweeney; 1920, Elijah S. Abel. 
 
 Colchester — 1890-92, James R. Button, Milton L. Loomis; 1892-94. Frank 
 B. Taylor, Clarence H. Norton; 1894-96, Wm. E. Harvey, Howard C. Brown; 
 1896-98, Edward M. Day, William Daudley; 1898-1900', Addison C. Taintor, 
 Edward E. Brown ; 1900-02, Joseph E. Hall, Charles H. Daudley ; 1902-04, 
 John R. Backus, Amatus R. Bigelow; 1904-06, David S. Day, Edward C. 
 Snow; 1906-08, Samuel N. Morgan, Guy B. Clark; 1908-10, Edward T. Bun- 
 yan, Samuel McDonald; 1910-12, Asa Brainard, Harry Elgart; 1912-14, Harry 
 Elgart, Daniel T. Williams; 1914-16, Daniel W. Williiuns, Curtis P. Brown; 
 1916-18, Edwin R. Gillette, Jacob J. Elgart; 1918-20, Samuel Gellert, William 
 K. Raymond : 1920, Albert H. Foote, George Cutler. 
 
 Griswold — 1890-92, James H. Finn ; 1892-94. Frederick H. Partridge ; 
 1894-96, John Potter; 1896-98, Ira T. Lewis; 1898-1900, Samuel S. Edmond ; 
 1900-02, Arthur M. Brown; 1902-04, Albert G. Brewster; 1904-06, Arba 
 Browning; 1906-08, Jonas L. Herbert; 1908-10, John W. Payne; 1910-12, J. 
 Byron Sweet; 1912-14, Alfred J. L'Heureux ; 1914-16, John Potter; 1916-18, 
 John F. Hermon ; 1918-20, Wm. H. McNicol ; 1920, John T. Barry. 
 
 Groton — 1S90-92, Charles H. Smith, Amos R. Chapman; 1892-94. William 
 R. McGavhev. Everett L. Crane; 1894-96, Charles H. Smith, Judson F. Bailev ; 
 1896-98, Robert P. Wilbur, Donald Gunn ; 1898-1900, Wm. H. Allen, Ralph 
 H. Denison ; iQOO-02. Wm. H. .Mien, George A. Perkins; 1902-04, Benjamin 
 F. Burrows. Albert E. Wheeler: 1904-06, Simeon G. Fish, Edward F. Spicer; 
 1906-08, Frederick P. Latimer. Benj. F. Burrows; 1908-10, Charles H. Smith, 
 
240 
 
 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 Everett L. Crane; 1910-12, Percy H. Morgan, Edward E. Spicer ; 1912-14, 
 Christopher L. Avery, Allen W. Rathbun ; 1914-16, Charles T. Crandall, 
 Charles H. Kenyon : 1916-18, George R. Hempstead, Frank E. Williams; 
 1918-20, Charles H. Smith, Irvin E. Crouch; 1920, Charles H. Smith, Howard 
 A. Edgecomb. 
 
 Lebanon — 1890-92, Isaac G. Avery, Frederic Gates; 1892-94, William C. 
 Blanchard. Fred J. Brown; 1894-96, Hobart McCall. Robert E. Turner; 1896- 
 98, George A. Mills, George A. Fuller; 1898-1900, Llewellyn P. Smith, Edw. 
 H. McCall; 1900-02, Charles B. Strong, Charles H. Loomis; 1902-04, Charles 
 S. Briggs, Charles B. Noyes ; 1904-06, William H. Geer, George H. Hewitt; 
 1906-08" Charles A. Perkins, Fred'k O. Brown; 1908-10, Isaac G. Larkin, 
 Elisha Waterman ; 1910-12, George H. Hoxie, Myron R. Abell ; 1912-14, Frank 
 K. Noyes, Wm. A. Watson ; 1914-16, Frederick N. Taylor, James A. Thomas ; 
 1916-18, Edward A. Hoxie, Wm. T. Curry; 1918-20, Karl F. Bishop, Edward 
 W. Tones : 1920, Stanton L. Briggs, Arthur E. Hewitt. 
 
 East Lyme — 1890-92, E. K. Beckwith ; 1892-94, Arthur B. Calkins ; 1894- 
 96, George P. Hill; 1896-98, Arthur B. Calkins; 1898-1900, John F. Luce; 
 1900-02, Arthur B. Calkins; 1902-04, James R. White; 1904-06, John T. Beck- 
 with; 1906-08, Frederick A. Beckwith; 1908-10, Washington I. Gadbois; 1910- 
 12, Clifford E. Chapman ; 1912-14, Jay V. Beckwith ; 1914-16, Marion R. Davis ; 
 1916-18, Asahel R. DeWolf; 1918-20, Charles R. Tubbs; 1920, Julius T. 
 Rogers. 
 
 Franklin — 1890-92, John M. N. Lathrop ; 1892-94, Clifton Peck ; 1894-96, 
 Clayton H. Lathrop; 1896-98, James H. Hyde; 1898-1900, Frank B. Greenslit; 
 T900-02, Azel R. Race; 1902-04, Frederick S. Armstrong; 1904-06, Walter S. 
 Vail; 1006-08, Atiial T. Browning; 1908-10. Frank A. Rockwood ; 1910-12, 
 James H. H^de; 1912-14, Frederick W. Hoxie; 1914-16, C. Huntington Lath- 
 rop; 1916-18, Frank I. Date; 1918-20, Herman A. Gager; 1920, Charles B. 
 Davis. 
 
 Ledyard — 1890-92, George W. Spicer; 1892-94, George W. Spicer; 1894- 
 96, Charles A. Gray; 1896-98, Nathan S. Gallup; 1898-1900, Jacob Gallup; 
 iQOO-02, Daniel W. Lamb; 1902-04, Daniel W. Lamb; 1904-06, William I. 
 Allyn: iqo6-o8, William I. Allyn; 1908-10, Frank W. Brewster; 1910-12, Wil- 
 liam I. Allyn; 1912-14, Isaac G. Geer; 1914-16, Joseph D. Austin; 1916-18, 
 William I. Allyn; 1918-20, William I. Allyn; 1920, Henry W. Hurlbutt. 
 
 Lisbon — 1890-92, John G. Bromley ; 1892-94, John G. Bromle>- ; 1894-96, 
 Tames E. Roberts: 1896-98. Charles B. Bromley; 1898-1900, James B. Palmer; 
 IQOO-1902. Frank E. Olds; 1902-04, Calvin D. Bromley; 1904-06, Harry L. 
 Hull; igo6-o8. John M. Lee; 190S-10, Ira C. Wheeler; 1910-12, Herman E. 
 Learned; 1912-14, James T. Shea: 1914-16, Francis H. Johnson; 1916-18, 
 James Graham; 1918-20, James Graham; 1920. Henry J. Kendall. 
 
 Lvme— 1890-92, Stephen P. Sterling, Robert M. Thompson; 1892-94, J. 
 Ely Beebe, Ephriam O. Reynolds; 1894-96, Roswell P. LaPlace, J. Greffin 
 Ely; 1896-98. James L. Lord, E. Hart Geer; 1898-iqoo, Samuel W. Jewett, J. 
 Raymond Warren : 1900-02, James Daniels, James E. Beebe ; 1902-04. Lee L. 
 Brockway. J. Raymond Warren; 1904-06, Frederick S. Fosdick. William 
 Marvin; 1906-08, J. Raymond Warren, William Marvin; iqo8-io, Nehemiah 
 Daniels, Tohn S. Hall; 1910-12, J- Warren Stark, Harold H. Reynolds; 1912-14, 
 Charles W. Pierson, John S. Hall: 1914-16, John S. Hall, Charles W. Pierson ; 
 1916-18, Ray L. Harding, J. Lawrence Raymond ; 1918-20, J. Lawrence Ray- 
 mond, Hayden L. Reynolds; 1920, J. Warren Stark. Arthur G. Sweet. 
 
 Montville- — 1890-92, Charles A. Chapman; 1892-94, John F. Freeland ; 
 1894-96, George N. Wood; 1896-98, George N. Wood; 1898-1900, Moses Chap- 
 man ; 1900-02, Joseph F. Killeen ; 1902-04, George H. Bradford ; 1904-06, Rob- 
 ert C. Burchard ; 1906-08, Robert C. Burchard ; 1908-10, Dan D. Home ; 1910-12, 
 Frederick A. Johnson ; 1912-14, C. Everett Chapman ; 1914-16, Matt A. Tinker; 
 
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATIOX 241 
 
 1916-18, George H. Bradford; 191S-20, Edwin F. Comstock ; 1920, Frank W. 
 Browning. 
 
 New London— 1890-92, George C. Strong, Walter Fitzmaiirice ; 1892-94, 
 George C. Strong, Walter Fitzmaurice; 1894-96, Frederick H. Parmalee, 
 Charles R. Boss; 1896-98, Robert Coit. Cyrus G. Beckwith ; 1898-1900, Frank 
 B. Brandegee, Charles B. Whittlesey; 1900-02, Charles B. Whittlesey, William 
 B. Coit; 1902-04, Henry Lambert, William B. Coit; 1904-06, Daniel M. 
 Cronin. Charles B. Waller; 1906-08, Lucius E. Whiton, Carl J. Viets; 1908-10, 
 Lucius E. Whiton, Daniel M. Cronin; 1910-12, Nathan Belcher, Lucius E. 
 Whiton; 1912-14, Abel P. Tanner. James R. May; 1914-16, Frank Q. Cronin, 
 Cyrus W. Brown ; 1916-18, William A. Holt, William C. Fox ; 1918-20, William 
 
 A. Flolt ; George Goss ; 1920, Ernest E. Rogers, Morris B. Payne. 
 
 North Stonington — 1890-92, Cyrus H. Stewart, George W. Edwards; 
 1892-94, S. Curtis Eggleston, Latham Hull; 1894-96, Amasa W. Main, George 
 F. Coats; 1896-98, Amasa W^ Main, Samuel Thompson; 1898-1900, William 
 
 B. Cary, George F. Coats; 1900-02, George D. Thompson, E. Frank White; 
 1902-04, George D. Thompson. E. Frank White; 1904-06, Calvin A. Snyder, 
 Latham Hull; 1906-08, Calvin A. Snyder, Herbert Richardson; 1908-10, Frank 
 H. Brown, Chester S. Maine; 1910-12, Richard B. Wheeler, Charles Lyman 
 Stewart; 1912-14, Frank H. Brown, Thurman P. Maine; 1914-16, Clarence E. 
 Palmer, Lyle C. Gray; 1916-18, George H. Stone, Horace G. Lewis; 1918-20, 
 George H. Stone, Malcolm E. Thompson ; 1920, Irving R. Maine, N. Frank 
 Maine. 
 
 Norwich- — 1890-92. Gardiner Greene. Jr., George C. Raymond ; 1892-94, 
 William C. Mowry, William H. Palmer, Jr. ; 1894-96, Gardiner Greene, Jr., 
 Joseph Brewer; 1896-98, John H. Barnes. Currie Gilmour ; 1898-igoo. Currie 
 Gilmour, Edwin W. Higgins; 1900-02, George Greenman, James H. Lathropj, 
 1902-04. George Greenman, Frank T. Maples; 1904-06, Frank T. Maples, 
 Herbert W. Hale; 1906-08, Tyler Cruttenden, Henry W. Tibbits ; 1908-10, 
 Henry W. Tibbits, Charles B. Bushnell ; 1910-12, Frederick Dearing, John F. 
 Cranev; 1912-14. John F. Craney. William T. Delaney; 1914-16, Albert J. 
 Bailey, Joseph H. Henderson ; 1016-18, Albert J. Bailey, Joseph H. Henderson ; 
 1918-20, Patrick T. Connell, Joseph F. Williams; 1920, George Thompson, 
 
 C. W. Pendleton. 
 
 Old Lvme — 1800-92, Lyman Chapman ; 1892-94, Henry Austin ; 1894-96, 
 James T. Bugbee: 1896-98, John H. Noble; 1898-1900, FVank I. Saunders; 
 1900-02, Joseph S. Huntington ; 1902-04, John H. Bradbury ; 1004-06, John H. 
 Bradbury: IC06-08, Eugene D. Caulkins ; 1908-10. John H. Noble; 1910-12. 
 John H. Noble; 1912-14, Thomas L. Haynes ; 1914-16, Joseph S. Huntington; 
 1916-18, Harry G. Pierson ; 1918-20, Robert H. Noble; 1920, Harry T. Gris- 
 wold. 
 
 Preston — 1890-92, Frank W. Fitch, Charles W. Kingsley ; 1892-94, Henry 
 E. Davis. William H. Burnett; 1804-06, Austin A. Chapman, Appleton Main; 
 1896-98, Charles F. Boswell, Charles B. Chapman; 1898-1900, Daniel L. Jones, 
 Gilbert S. Raymond; 1900-02, Adolphus D. Zabriskie. George iSI. Hvde: 1902- 
 04. George A. Frink, John H. Davis; 1904-06, Edward P. Hollowell. John H. 
 Davis: 1906-08, Luther C. Zabriskie, Alexander C. Harkncss; 1908-10, Arthur 
 E. Shedd. James F. Thurston: 1910-12, Walter MacClisien, Hollis H. Palmer; 
 1912-14, Henrv M. Betlerig, Allen B. Burdick; 1914-16, Eckford G. Pendleton, 
 William B. Mitchell; 1916-18, James B. Bates. John P. Holowell ; 1918-20, 
 John P. Holowell, Beriah E. Burdick; 1920, E. G. Pendleton, Joseph E. 
 Carpenter. 
 
 Salem — i8(-!O-02, Alvah Morgan; 1802-94, Edwin H. Harris: 1894-96, 
 Alvah Morgan ; 1896-98, .Mbert Morgan :iS98-i900, Frank S. DcWolf ; 1900-02. 
 Alvah Morgan: 1902-04, John H. Purccll ; 1904-06. Howard A. Rix; 1906-08, 
 Sydney A. Dolbeare ; 1908-10. Elmer M. Chadwich ; 1910-12, Ernest L. I.ati- 
 
242 
 
 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 mer; 1912-14, Lewis Latimer; 1914-16, J. Frank Rogers; 1916-18, Carl H. 
 Rogers; 1918-20, James Lane; 1920, William B. Kingsley. 
 
 Sprague — 189092, William Ladd ; 1892-94, Thomas H. Allen; 1894-96, 
 Thomas H. Allen; 1896-98, Ebenezer Allen; 1898-1900, Henry Buteau; 1900- 
 02, Joseph Ouinn; 1902-04, Harold Lawton ; 1904-06, Angus Parker; 1906-08, 
 Raymond J. Jodoin ; 1908-10, Raymond J- Jodoin ; 1910-12, John H. Brown; 
 1912-14, Irenee L. Buteau; 1914-16, Irenee L. Buteau; 1916-18, Irenee L. 
 Buteau ; 1918-20, Raymond J. Jodoin ; 1920, William G. Park. 
 
 Stonington — 1890-92, Silas B. Wheeler, Warren W. Chase; 1892-94, 
 George R. McKenna. Arthur G. Wheeler ; 1894-96, James Pendleton, Henry 
 B. Noyes, Jr.; 1896-98, James Pendleton. Elias Williams; 1898-1900, Frank 
 H. Hinckley, George H. Maxson ; 1900-02, Frank H. Hinckley, George H. 
 Maxson ; 1902-04, William H. Smith. Charles F. Champlain ; 1904-06, Charles 
 F. Champlain. Peter Bruggenam ; 1906-08, Eli Gledhill, William J. Lord; 
 1908-10, William F. Broughton, Albert G. Martin; 1910-12, Joseph W. Chese- 
 bro, John R. Babcock; 1912-14, Joseph W. Chesebro, Herman L. Holdridge; 
 1914-16, Elias F. Wilcox. Bourdow A. Babcock; 1916-18, Elias F. Wilcox, 
 Bourdow A. Babcock ; 1918-20, Nathaniel P. Noyes, Frederick Boulder ; 1920, 
 Frederick Boulder, Nathaniel P. Noyes. 
 
 Voluntown — 1890-92, John N. Lewis; 1892-94, Henry C. Gardner; 1894- 
 96, George W. Rouse; 1896-98, Charles E. Maine; 1898-1900, Ezra Briggs: 
 1900-02, Oregin S. Gallup; 1902-04, Edward A. Pratt; 1904-06, James W. 
 Whitman; 1906-08, Elam A. Kinne; 1908-10, E. Byron Gallup; 1910-12, 
 Azarias Grenier; 1912-14, William H. Dawley, Jr.; 1914-16, Stephen B. Sweet; 
 1916-18, Constant W. Chatfield ; 1918-20, Constant W. Chatfield; 1920, Thomas 
 A. Brown. 
 
 Waterford— 1890-92, John L. Payne; 1892-94, James E. Beckwith; 1894- 
 96, William C. Saunders; 1896-98, Frederick A. Jacobs; 1898-1900, Albert H. 
 Lauphere ; 1900-02. Albert H. Lauphere ; 1902-04, Albert H. Lauphere ; 1904- 
 06, Edward C. Hammond; 1906-08. Selden B. Manwaring; 1908-10, Frederic 
 E. Comstock; 1910-12, Albert H. Lauphere; 1912-14, Albert H. Lauphere; 
 1914-16, Stanley D. Morgan; 1916-18, John C. Geary; 1918-20, John C. Geary; 
 1920, William Ellery Allyn. 
 

 TBTIAUY, COXNEmCTIT COM.KOE FDR WOMICN. 
 
CHAPTER X 
 
 EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 
 
 Connecticut College — Norwich Free Academy — Bacon Academy — Bulkeley School — 
 Williams Memorial Institute — New London Vocational School — Mystic Oral 
 School for the Deaf. 
 
 The greater number of the following narratives of notable educational 
 institutions are contributed by authorities of recognized knowledge and abil- 
 ity. The first, relating to Connecticut College, is by President Benjamin T. 
 Marshall, head of that institution. 
 
 CONNECTICUT COLLEGE, NEW LONDON 
 
 The foundations of Connecticut College were laid, not only in the fine 
 purposes and industry of the incorporators, but also in the faith they held in 
 women, and in their conviction that within the State of Connecticut there 
 should be a modern, progressive college for women, that should provide these 
 forms of higher education for women to which in recent years they have 
 aspired in increasing numbers, and for the privileges of which they have now 
 for many years demonstrated their indisputable qualification. 
 
 But there is also the glow and ardor of romance in the story of the 
 college, for how else shall we describe the experience of the young institution 
 whose hand was sought by a score or more towns and cities, who also 
 promised lavish gifts. Was it not romance, and was it not high gallantry, 
 that moved New London to sue so ardently for the hand of the college and 
 to present so promptly the gifts it promised, in the form of lands and funds? 
 
 The college will never forget the splendid enthusiasm of New London, 
 its corporate body, and its citizens, nor their significant and munificent gifts. 
 The coming of the college afforded New London a chance to demonstrate a 
 spirit of unity and of devotion to education which became in a real way the 
 revival of a civic pride and spirit which has characterized the citv v-imic;- 
 takably in these recent years. 
 
 To serve and honor the city, which has served and honored it, will be 
 always a dominant factor in the purpose and life of the college ; for it recog- 
 nizes that by virtue of its character and purpose it should be the purveyor 
 to the city of opportunities for culture through lectures, exhibitions, musical 
 programs and conferences of various kinds, and seek to encourage the people 
 of the city to avail themselves of its ever-widening and increasing privileges. 
 
 The relations of city and college each to the other were begun under 
 happiest auspices. May they never cease to be reciprocally joyous and profit- 
 able. While the city goes about its daily business, the "College on the Hill" 
 moves faithfully and eagerly forward in the prosecution of its program, in 
 devotion to its distinctive ideal. 
 
 What the college is and what it aims for, how it does its work, and in 
 what spirit and with what results, the following paragraphs aim clearly to 
 state. They are presented as the official statement of the college through its 
 president. 
 
 I. The need for more women's colleges. For many years there had been 
 
244 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 among educators and all persons interested in the higher education of women 
 a recognition that more women's colleges of high grade were greatly needed, 
 since the women's colleges already existing were either filled to capacity or 
 over-crowded. 
 
 Connecticut College came into existence to meet, so far as it was able, 
 that well-defined need of more high-grade, centrally located colleges for 
 women. It became, in fact, a necessity in this new era for women, which has 
 given them the full rights of suffrage. Within the State the need was 
 accentuated by the fact that Wesleyan had determined to be solely a man's 
 college; and in the mind of Wesleyan Alumna, and in the minds of friends 
 whom she had gathered about her, the idea and purpose to have a woman's 
 college within the State of Connecticut took root, assumed form, and became 
 an established fact. 
 
 2. The Specific Need. There was further recognized the need of colleges 
 specifically for women, which should definitely contemplate the tastes, talents, 
 aptitudes, ambitions, potential service and possibilities of women in social, 
 literary, educational, secretarial, business, professional and administrative 
 positions; and should, coupled with the cultural and literary and scientific 
 studies which serve as backgrounds and resources, those subjects and that 
 training in them which give a vocational emphasis, and stimulate and equip 
 the student to become in a sane, balanced and concrete fashion, both socially 
 minded and socially efficient. 
 
 Courses coming under this description may be cited as those of home 
 economics, fine arts, music, economics and sociology, secretarial studies and 
 office practice, library science, physical education. 
 
 3. The Purpose and Ideal of the College. The effort to meet these needs 
 generally and specifically is expressed in the purpose of Connecticut College, 
 namely : 
 
 To offer college work of grade and value second to none ; to offer technical 
 w^ork worthy of college credit ; to prepare for professional work in all branches 
 where women are needed. 
 
 In short, to maintain, with high standards, and to conduct with highest 
 efficiency, a curriculum prepared to develop each woman's peculiar talents 
 toward her most effective life work. 
 
 4. The Practical Fulfillment of Purpose. The practical operation and 
 demonstration of this purpose and ideal is seen in the inclusion in the curri- 
 culum of the familiar college subjects— the ancient and modern languages 
 and literatures, mathematics, chemistry, physics, botany, zoology, history, 
 political science, economics, sociology, philosophy, psychology, education, 
 biblical history, and literature; and, with their specific technical, vocational, 
 artistic, domestic and social values, the following: Music, fine arts (including 
 drawing, painting, design, interior decoration, mechanical drawing and cer- 
 amics) home economics (including foods, nutrition, household management, 
 institutional management), library, science, secretarial studies and office 
 practice, physical education (required of all students throughout their course). 
 
 It should be noted that there are courses, in their respective departments, 
 for the training of teachers in Latin, English, French, music, physical educ»- 
 
BRANFOUn HOUSE. 
 
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 245 
 
 tion, besides the courses in education ; courses in chemistry are, some of them, 
 conducted with reference to their applications of that science, and a course 
 in psychological chemistry, in its relation to home economics, is a particularly 
 progressive and timely piece of work; that courses in mathematics, such as 
 the theory of investment and statistics, have a direct practical value; that 
 courses in economics and sociology are presented and prosecuted with sym- 
 pathy toward, and understanding of. the instincts, interest and aptitudes and 
 specific adaptability of women to social problems and social work. 
 
 The work in fine arts and in music is not merely theoretical, which 
 method would tend to superficiality, but is also technical, coordinated, ex- 
 pressional. creative. Thus action and accomplishment are elevated to their 
 rightful place in granting full credit to studio work; and action (creative 
 work) is seen to be as essential to any worthy sort of appreciation in the 
 realm of art as laboratory work is essential for the correct evaluation and 
 esteem of any science. In this policy certain results are already unmistakably 
 evident. There has come to be: (a) a respect for the use of the hand; (b) a 
 higher grade of work in the studio; (c) greater enjoyment and satisfaction 
 in the work; (d) a realization that education does not mean cessation from 
 all work of the hand. 
 
 5. Broad and Balanced Curriculum — Values and Results. Because of 
 the breadth of opportunity in major subjects offered in the preceding list 
 (the regularly accepted academic majors, complemented by a number of 
 majors in technical courses we can demonstrate that : 
 
 (a) There is a much larger percentage of students who find courses that 
 lead to direct activity and expression, than in other colleges. 
 
 (b) There is an appreciable increase in the educational value of the 
 institution from the very distinct and varied types of mind and of person- 
 ality that are attracted by a diversity of courses. 
 
 (c) There is a more liberal and appreciative academic student, who has 
 learned that arts are not superficial, but fundamental ; and a more cultured 
 and better technical student, by reason of required courses in foreign lan- 
 guage, English literature, science, history and social science. 
 
 The trustees and faculty are united and enthusiastic in the loyal under- 
 taking of this program. They are convinced of its soundness, practicability, 
 and high value. Their confidence and enthusiasm are justified by the superior 
 quality and large number of students who have sought admission, a number 
 which every year has exceeded the capacity of the college. 
 
 6. The college has attracted superior students in large numbers from 
 several States. Students now enrolled in the college number approximately 
 380; the largest number, we believe, ever known in an American College in 
 its seventh year. Students come from twenty-one different States. Several 
 students have transferred from other colleges, to find in Connecticut College 
 more nearly what they wanted and needed, than they could find elsewhere, 
 and several girls have entered Connecticut College attracted by its offerings, 
 who, from their early years, had fully purposed to enter other and older 
 women's colleges. The college has graduated three classes, the class of 
 1919 with sixty-eight who received degrees, and the class of 1920 with sixty- 
 
246 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 nine who received degrees, and the class of 1921. We believe that no other 
 college in America can cite such large figures for its first three classes. 
 
 7. Complete Student Self-government. No argument attempting to jus- 
 tify the existence and service of the college vi^ould be complete that did not 
 stress the value and significance of the system of full student self-government, 
 granted by the faculty to the student body from the first. The system pro- 
 vides for a complete control of all the life and activity of the students, except 
 in strictly academic matters. It is organized as a representative democracy, 
 and functions with reality, efficiency, good judgment, and we believe, with 
 increasing success. 
 
 The counsel, suggestion, and experience of faculty and administration 
 is always available, and is frequently sought, and in all more vital matters 
 is always requested. 
 
 In managing their own affairs as a real democracy, students are trained 
 in responsibility, cooperation, initiative, in forming judgments, in making 
 choices, in creating policies, in establishing tradition, and maintaining college 
 morale, and in official duties and committee work learn valuable lessons in 
 tact, appreciation, discrimination and in administration and execution. 
 
 8. The Spirit of the College — Loyalty, Enthusiasm, Cooperation, Con- 
 fidence. The undoubted effect of this organization of the students has been 
 to develop a spirit of true democracy, without religious or social or class 
 prejudices; to stimulate respect for work in all its forms, particularly with 
 reference to students working their way through ; there is tolerance and good 
 will and sympathy ; the bases of the organization are work, responsibility, 
 liberty, solidarity, and a type of girl is being developed who is entirely free 
 from pedantry and cant; she is open, sincere, unselfish and of sound judg- 
 ment and initiative, able to deal with people and with situations, yet without 
 conceit or assumption. 
 
 Through all the activities of the college, both in its academic and social 
 side, there breathes an intense spirit of loyalty and of enthusiasm. From 
 the beginning the students were made, by the administration and the faculty, 
 to realize how much the morale and spirit of the college were in their keeping, 
 and they have grown in intensity of appreciation and responsibility for the 
 highest character in college life. 
 
 The spirit of cooperation is cultivated in the fact that the college does 
 things together. It meets every day for Chapel, every Sunday for Vespers, 
 every Tuesday for Convocation, as a college body, faculty and students merg- 
 ing; and it undertakes an interest and a support of outside activities in 
 college-wide fashion. When called upon to give, as for instance during the 
 war, to the Students' Friendship War Fund, to the United War Campaign, 
 and more recently in aid of the students and professors of the colleges in 
 central Europe, it organizes its efforts as an all-college affair, pours its 
 energy, its enthusiasm, its zeal, its gifts, into one common effort, and the 
 result is issued with the seal and endorsement of the entire college upon it. 
 
 There is in all the life of the college great confidence in the institution, a 
 splendid satisfaction in its work, great happiness in its fellowship, and a fine 
 sense of challenge in the richness, variety and wholesomeness of its entire 
 comradeship, student and faculty alike. 
 
.^•FM 
 
 -^ 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 liH 
 
 
 '.\ 
 
 
 '1.1 
 
 i 
 
 \ 
 
 t 
 
 .Su 
 
 m 
 
 1 
 
 i 
 
 .-[XTHUliP HOU; 
 
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 247 
 
 The spirit of cooperation, understanding;, unanimity, which prevails, may 
 be expressed when we say that in the four years of the present administration 
 there has not been in the board of trustees a single divided vote ; and in the 
 faculty, on no vital point, anything but practical unanimity. 
 
 9. Favorable and appreciative attitude of educators and institutions to- 
 ward Connecticut College. The attitude and favor and good-will, confidence 
 and commendation on the part of educators and of presidents of other women's 
 colleges has been very cheering. Without exception, the older colleges have 
 welcomed Connecticut College into the sisterhood, have declared that it was 
 greatly needed ; that the kind of work it is doing is essential and is well done, 
 and that its future is bright and challenging. The comment of President 
 MacCracken of Vassar is perhaps as significant as any, when, after speaking 
 of several forward steps in the education of women in America in recent 
 years, he says: 
 
 Among these steps the most important is undoubtedly the founding of 
 Connecticut College at New London, and all friends of higher education for 
 women have welcomed its entrance into the field, because it is clear from the 
 general trend of registration that women will in increasing numbers seek the 
 college degree. 
 
 Visitors to the campus, representing other colleges, presidents, deans, 
 registrars, official committees of visitation with specific errands, have spoken 
 uniformly of their pleasure in the visit, of the distinct impression of industry, 
 vigor and worth in which the college work is done, and congratulated the 
 college on its site, on its work, and on its prospects. Organizations, whose 
 representatives have come to give counsel to the students with reference to 
 future occupation, representatives of social organizations seeking superior 
 material, for graduate study in schools of social service, have expressed them- 
 selves in such language as this: 
 
 "In conference, the students ask most intelligent questions." 
 "Know what they want." 
 
 "Have a knowledge of the factors in social and industrial situations more 
 than students of other colleges visited." 
 
 The college has freely been granted the counsel of the Russell Sage 
 Foundation, whose aid in planning various lines of community work under 
 the auspices of the sociology department has been offered. 
 
 Graduates of the college have gone forth to social work or to advanced 
 study on the basis of the work done here, and have been given practically a 
 year's credit in advance over the graduates of other institutions, whether in 
 graduate study or in active positions on the staff of charity or social organ- 
 izations. 
 
 10. Record of Graduates: Variety in activity and service, and gratifying 
 success. All that precedes, which is an effort to justify the existence of the 
 college, finds its concrete, and we believe unanswerable justification in the 
 quality of the product of the college in its graduates and in the nature and 
 qualitv of the service they are rendering in their present fields. 
 
 There are 180 alumnae of the college, graduates in the first three classes. 
 
248 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 igig, 1920 and 1921. The director of the college appointment bureau reports 
 that these graduates are largely engaged in the work toward which their 
 major work in college particularly fitted them. 
 
 The success and gratifying service of such graduates, from whom we 
 have received definite returns, is due, not alone to the careful and able training 
 by' a competent faculty, but also to that spirit of enthusiasm, of loyalty and 
 cooperation which has characterized the college since its inception, a passion 
 to do whatever they do worthily, and to count constructively by rendering 
 a specific service to society. 
 
 There is a profound confidence in the college on the part of the trustees, 
 faculty, students and friends of the college alike. They take pride in its 
 genuine, though modest accomplishment, and they feel confident of its future 
 and hopeful and zealous of its maintenance and expansion along the lines 
 projected from the beginning and faithfully followed to this moment, so far 
 as years of war and relatively unincreased endowment have permitted. 
 
 The preceding paragraphs, we trust, constitute a sufficient and genuine 
 justification of the existence of the college. Our conviction is that the 
 college was opened to meet both a general and a specific need, that it estab- 
 lished for itself a splendid purpose and a high ideal, and it set itself vigorously 
 and conscientiously to the practical fulfillment of that purpose. It has offered 
 a broad and balanced curriculum of soundness, practicability, undoubted 
 values and of high promise. It has summoned to itself superior students in 
 large numbers from a wide area. It has cultivated in them a passion to do 
 whatever they do worthily, and to count constructively, whether by helping 
 to brighten a home and elevate the life of a family, or by rendering some 
 more specific service to society at large. 
 
 It has already developed a peculiar, significant and exalted spirit, which 
 is recognized as distinctive, strong and exceptional. It has won from the 
 beginning and in increasing measure, the welcome, the appreciation, the 
 regard and commendation of its sister colleges, their leaders and all educators 
 who have come to know it; and chiefly, and above all, it has contributed in 
 its graduates a group of women who are undertaking specific tasks toward 
 which the college unmistakably directed them, following their natural bent, 
 ambition and equipment, and they are doing, each in her own place, the 
 world's work in a way that is worthy, noble and commendable, to the credit 
 of the college they love, to the honor of their own lives, and as a rare and 
 distinctive contribution to the life of America. 
 
 NORWICH FREE ACADEMY 
 This historical sketch of the Norwich Free Academy is by Rev. Lewellyn 
 Pratt, D.D., formerly president of the corporation. 
 
 The next oldest of the private schools of the county is the Norwich Free 
 Academy. The following account of its early days was delivered by Dr. 
 Lewellyn Pratt, its president, in 1906, on the fiftieth anniversary of its 
 opening: 
 
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 249 
 
 The story of the fifty years of the Norwich Free Academj' is very simple 
 compared with that of Winchester, Eton, Rugby, Harrow and other great 
 schools of Europe, with their five and six centuries of achievement, and yet 
 the history of these fifty years, given in any fair completeness, would require 
 more time than I can take today. I must content myeslf with a mere intro- 
 duction to what is to follow in the addresses of these two days. 
 
 For many years before 1856 the need of improvement in the schools of 
 Norwich had been keenly felt, and various attempts had been made to bring 
 them together into some system and to establish schools of a higher grade. 
 The discussions that immediately preceded the organization of the Academy 
 aroused much opposition, but they directed attention to the need and strength- 
 ened the determination to find some way b}- which an advance could be made. 
 The opposition was so decided that it did not seem feasible to wait for a vote 
 of the town to make that advance, nor altogether safe to trust to that to 
 maintain it. if by chance it could be made. Under the leadership of the Rev. 
 John P. Gulliver — to whom as the organizer more credit is due than to any 
 other one — the plan of an endowed academy, which should be so correlated 
 with the grammar schools that it should take the place of the high schools, 
 then being formed and developed in Massachusetts and Connecticut, and at 
 the same time so independent of political control and free to accept all 
 approved methods of education as to bring and keep it in close connection 
 with the higher institutions of learning, was adopted. A group of men was 
 found in Norwich far-sighted and public-spirited enough to grasp and wel- 
 come the idea, and with singular generosity to furnish the means by which 
 it could be realized. All honor to those men of faith and self-sacrifice who, 
 without expectation of pecuniary return for themselves, gave freely of their 
 wealth for that which the public would soon have been almost compelled to 
 do by increased taxation, devised the plan which has stood the test of time 
 and bestowed a benefaction which is to bless many generations ! 
 
 Some of you may recall the verses with which Mrs. Sigourney celebrated 
 the spirit of this benefaction, which were read at the opening of the school : 
 
 .There's many kinds of stocks, they say, 
 
 That tempt the speculators; 
 But what is safest held, and best. 
 
 Might tax the shrewdest natures. 
 Sage Franklin said in earlier days, — 
 
 And now the wisest bless him, — 
 "Who pours his purse into his brains, 
 
 No man can dispossess him." 
 
 And so, the people ,of my love 
 
 His theory have tested, 
 •And for their children and themselves 
 
 A glorious sum invested. — 
 And by this dome, for knowledge rear'd. 
 
 Which no dark mortgage fetters, 
 Have nobly made a. race unborn 
 
 Their everlasting debtors. 
 
250 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 And as in old historic times, 
 
 Though exiled and unno'.ed, 
 The Roman citizen with pride 
 
 His honored birth-place quoted: 
 So I, with quickened heart this day, 
 
 Warm orisons addressing 
 Ask, for these native rocks and dales 
 
 Our Father's richest blessing. 
 
 The aims of the founders, as set forth by them when they applied for 
 their charter in 1854, were: i. To excite in the minds of parents, guardians 
 and children a deeper interest in education. 2. To stimulate scholars in 
 primary, intermediate and grammar schools to higher attainments in the 
 elementary branches. 3. To elevate the standard of education in the town 
 and vicinity. 4. To furnish the facilities for a higher education for our sons 
 and daughters so cheaply that the poorest can enjoy them, and so amply that 
 the richest shall be grateful for the privilege of receiving their benefits. 
 
 The great aim of the plan was the betterment of all the schools, and its 
 immediate result was the consolidation of two of the districts and the build- 
 ing and equipment of larger and more commodious schoolhouses, and since 
 that time there has been steady advance of the standard in the schools of the 
 town and vicinity. Starting in 1856, a small school, we mark some tokens 
 of steady growth. At its opening there were eighty scholars with five 
 teachers. The present enrollment, including those in the Art and Domestic 
 Science departments, is about four hundred and fifty, with twenty-three 
 teachers. The original endowment was $50,000. with $36,000 more invested 
 in building and equipment. In spite of the fears expressed that an endowed 
 school would suffer by the decline of interest after the original donors should 
 pass away, the endowment, through the same self-sacrifice and public spirit 
 that characterized them animating their descendants, has increased to ten 
 times the original amount, and the investment in lands and buildings and 
 apparatus to more than eight times what it was at first. In the first years 
 there were only the Classical and English departments. To these have been 
 added the Art, the Manual Training and the Domestic Science departments, 
 while the two original divisions have been enlarged and enriched, keeping 
 pace on the one hand with the advanced requirements of our leading colleges 
 and on the other with the need of more thorough scientific and practical 
 courses for those who finish their school life in the Academy and enter upon 
 the duties of domestic and business life. A notable part of the equipment, 
 to which attention was called by speakers at the opening of the school, was 
 the establishment of the Peck Library. This has been steadily increased by 
 the income of its separate endowment till it now numbers thirteen thousand 
 nine hundred and eighteen volumes of carefully selected books, which are in 
 constant use by the school. A promising and most important department of 
 Normal Training was projected and carried on for seven years, giving to the 
 public schools a number of well trained teachers who have by their successful 
 work and the high positions they have attained vindicated the plan that was 
 proposed. This, because of difficulties of adjustment that were encountered, 
 was abandoned in i8g6. During these fifty years there have been graduated 
 
h 
 
 'B''^si:«>i>B'^i'»«'^«'>*'»^^ 
 
 Ei': ACADEMY — AHOVE. AT I.IOFT. SIjATER HALL, LIBRARY AMI) JIUSKUM; WITH 
 ART DEPARTllKXT IN REAR; IN CENTER. MAIN ACADEMY BUILDING. BELOW, 
 REAR VIEW; AT LEFT, MANUAL TRAINING BUILDING; CENTER, MAIN ACAD 
 EMY BUILDING; AT RIGHT, SLATER HALL, SHOWING ART BUILDING. 
 
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 251 
 
 from the academy 1,310, and from the normal department 81. As many more 
 have taken a partial course in the school. These twenty-six or twenty-seven 
 hundred are now scattered in almost every State of the Union, and many are 
 in foreign countries. 
 
 From the first the school has not been restricted to narrow town limits. 
 The original donors, while primarily aiming to benefit the schools of the 
 town, took a large view of the position of Norwich in its relation to the sur- 
 rounding community, and, regarding it as a commercial center for the towns 
 around, they planned that it might become an educational center for the vicin- 
 ity, and on condition of a moderate payment opened its doors to those from 
 other places who could successfully pass its examinations. One of the first 
 scholarships established was specially designated by its giver as for the benefit 
 of scholars from his native town, many miles distant. Later, when an addition 
 of $50,000 was added to the endowment, one of the conditions made by the 
 donors was that "the academy should be open to scholars from any quarter." 
 And several of the scholarships given since were to be offered to out-of-town 
 pupils on equal terms with those of the town. "Greater Norwich" — and 
 Norwich once included greater territory — has been considered as sharing the 
 benefit : and well has that expectation been justified not only by the numbers 
 that have been attracted hither — some to become permanent residents — but 
 by the character of those who came and the credit they have reflected upon 
 the school. The amount received for tuition the last year from these out-of- 
 town pupils was nearly equal to the whole income of the first year. As a 
 high school for Norwich, the academy has been a great gift to the town, 
 relieving it of a vast amount of taxation during these fifty years ; and as 
 something more than a high school, an academy, it has been a great gift to 
 Eastern Connecticut. In its present enrollment, seventy-five are from beyond 
 the narrow limits of present Norwich. 
 
 The school was fortunate in the large and liberal views of the founders 
 and in their wise purpose to keep it free for all time from the contingencies 
 of politics and to give it a stable character by placing its control in the hands 
 of a self-perpetuating board of corporators who might be free to study its 
 interests and make far-reaching plans without fear of sudden displacement 
 or reversal. 
 
 It w-as fortunate in its location in this beautiful spot in historic Norwich. 
 Here, in the midst of homes of wealth and culture, it has found a wholesome 
 atmosphere and congenial soil. The questioning of early days has given place 
 to pride in its possession, and the generosity of its early friends has been well 
 sustained by their successors. 
 
 It has been specially fortunate in the character and ability and work of 
 its chosen leaders to whom the great task of development has been committed. 
 
 It has had four principals: 
 
 I. Professor Elbridge Smith, a man trained in the best schools of Massa- 
 chusetts at that time, from 1856 to 1865. The work of the beginning from 
 almost chaos was in his hands. He proved himself a good organizer and 
 disciplinarian, and amid the discouragement of the day of small things and 
 of the period of formation, and then of almost disbanding because of the 
 
252 NEW T.OXDON COUNTY 
 
 drafts made by the spirit of patriotism in the time of the Civil War (from 
 the small numbers then connected with the school, fifty-six enlisted in the 
 army), he carried the work through its early stages wisely and well. 
 
 2. Professor William Hutchison, who succeeded him from 1865 to 1885, 
 who brought to the school a large and inspiring spirit, and by his sympathetic 
 relation with his pupils, his broad common sense and wide interest in all 
 that concerned the town, gave to the school an acknowledged place in the 
 affections of the people. What tributes were paid to his memory at our 
 Fortieth Anniversary ! Any school is fortunate in such a memory. 
 
 3. Professor Robert Porter Keep, who came in 1886 and whose term in 
 office was next to the longest in its history, ending in 1903. Professor Keep 
 was a scholar of great attainment, worthy of a place in university work, who 
 with singular and untiring devotion gave himself to the cause of secondary 
 education, and saw here opportunities for development and growth that had 
 scarcely been dreamed of before. To him we owe in large measure the Art 
 department, the Normal, the Manual Training and Domestic Science depart- 
 ments, and a position among educational institutions recognized by scholars 
 throughout the country. His rank among scholars, his acquaintance with 
 the best schools of this country and Europe, and his belief in this school and 
 its possibilities, were guarantees of its worth and constantly reflected credit 
 upon its name. A large debt of gratitude is ever due to him from the Norwich 
 Free Academy. 
 
 4. It is not proper that I should speak here today as I would like of him 
 who now holds the office of principal, Mr. Henry A. Tirrell. 
 
 With these principals have been associated a long list of faithful teachers, 
 who, for a longer or shorter time, have given their best work to the school 
 and wrought themselves into the lives of the pupils. So well chosen have 
 many of these been, that the academy has proved a favorite recruiting station 
 for instructors and professors for many of our colleges and universities. 
 
 The school has been fortunate, too, in its scholars. While, unlike some 
 academies which draw their pupils from a wide field and who have largely 
 those of wealth and position, we draw our pupils alsomst exclusively from 
 the immediate neighborhood and offer its privileges alike to rich and poor, 
 yet we claim for the academy that in good order, in the development of 
 character, in training for life's work, in actual attainment, the graduates here 
 will compare favorably with any school in the land, and in loyalty no high 
 school can equal it, and few if any academies surpass it. The cabalistic 
 "N. F. A." inspires many a heart and wins everywhere a loud acclaim. 
 
 It was with sublime faith that the founders of this academy entered upon 
 their great undertaking; and the work that was done by them, the extent 
 of the grounds, the scale of the building, the endowment of the library, indi- 
 cated that they were planning for a large future. Nobly has their confidence 
 been justified and sustained. The academy has always held a high place in 
 the thought and affection of the people of this city. Ministering to the growth 
 and reputation of the town, it has been the constant recipient of gifts for its 
 enlargement and expansion. Notable among these was the gift of this building 
 with its Museum of Art, unsurpassed in the country except in the great cities, 
 
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 253 
 
 and the creation of the unique and excellent Art Department, through the 
 filial love, the loyalty to his Alma Mater and the pride in native place of 
 William A. Slater. Besides this, the bequests of Hon. Jeremiah Halsey, of 
 Hon. Lafayette S. Foster, W. W. Backus and of Col. Charles A. Converse, 
 with the special additions of $31,000 in 1867, of $50,000 in 1876, made by many 
 of the most influential citizens of Norwich, and of $50,000 by an unnamed 
 donor, with many other contributions of money, scholarships, prizes and col- 
 lections, show the appreciation in which it has always been held. We believe 
 that this interest does not flag, and that the committal of the academy in 
 the opening address of 1856 to the future generations for their support will 
 be honored by the residents of the city and the alumni of the school, and 
 that the plans for enlargement now imperatively demanded by the success 
 of the past and the increasing needs of the present will meet with hearty 
 response. 
 
 I close with the words of Dr. Gulliver in 1886 at the dedication of the 
 Slater Memorial Building. He said, "I close, citizens of Norwich, by com- 
 mending this noble school to your love, to your constant care, to your bene- 
 factions, to the possession of your estates when you and yours have ceased 
 to need them, and to your prayers for that Divine blessing in which the insti- 
 tution began and with which it shall continue and increase until in the holy 
 words oft uttered on this very spot, 'she sends out her boughs unto the sea 
 and her branches unto the river, so that the hills are covered with the shadow 
 of it and the branches thereof are like goodly cedars.' " 
 
 The foregoing summary by Dr. Pratt takes the school to the year 1906. 
 Since that date more than a thousand pupils have been graduated, making a 
 total of about twenty-five hundred. More than twice that number have 
 attended the school for a part of the regular four-year course. Although the 
 academy is a local school, its graduates are found scattered over the world, 
 only about a third of them now remaining in Norwich. The list of alumnae 
 is slightly larger than the alumni list. Among the names are many honored 
 for success in the professions, and many more who have become useful and 
 influential citizens in other lines of work. During the Civil War 58 boys 
 served the Union when the school numbered not more than 85 boys. In the 
 World W'ar over three hundred graduates entered the service, of whom eleven 
 made the Supreme Sacrifice. 
 
 The school at present numbers over six hundred, and offers various 
 academic courses, in addition to special courses in practical arts and in craft 
 work. In its Slater Museum and Peck Library it has an equipment hardly 
 equalled in any other secondary school. In addition to its valuable plant, 
 the school has an endowment of about three-quarters of a million dollars, 
 the income of which is available for the various needs of the academy. 
 
 BACON ACADEMY 
 
 The following narrative of this famous old school is by Mr. Samuel A. 
 Willard, of Colchester: 
 
 The beginnings of Bacon Academy were in the will of Pierpoint Bacon, 
 signed April 17, 1800, by which upon Mr. Bacon's death, December 30, i8co, 
 
254 NEW LOxNDON COUNTY 
 
 his estate, inventoried at $35,000, was left to the "Inhabitants of the First 
 Society of Colchester for the purpose of supporting and maintaining a school 
 in said First Society at such place as the Inhabitants of said First Society 
 shall agree upon near the meeting house in said Society." 
 
 The largest town in the State by the census of 1800 was Stonington, 
 with a population of 5,347. Colchester had 3,163, of which perhaps rather 
 more than one-half lived in the "First Society." Mr. Bacon's gift opened 
 great opportunities to this small community, and at the same time placed 
 upon it grave responsibilities. The first problem was how to manage the 
 bequest, which was largely in lands, and to arrange for the development of 
 the school. It was soon evident that the Society meeting was not the place 
 to handle this business, and a committee was appointed to secure a charter 
 from the General Assembly. For the purposes of caring for and administer- 
 ing the fund and carrying on the school in accordance with the terms of the 
 will, the inhabitants of the First Society were incorporated under the name 
 of the Trustees and Proprietors of Bacon Academy. 
 
 There were two unusual features in this charter which make the manage- 
 ment of the school unique. They are well worth attention. The first was the 
 composition of the board of trustees. There were to be twelve trustees, five 
 of whom were to be non-resident in said Society, and by the charter and 
 subsequent amendments the seven resident trustees were to hold ofSce for a 
 term of four years, and at each election at least four of the seven must be 
 persons who had served during the previous term. The second provision to 
 be noted is the manner in which the trustees were to be chosen. The voters 
 of the First Society in public meeting duly warned were to nominate the 
 trustees; these nominations were to be sent to the State Senate; the Senate 
 is to appoint and the Governor to approve. Some machinery, perhaps, but 
 the procedure gave dignity and permanence to the governing body, and sep- 
 arated the school from petty local influence. The school is and always has 
 been a free public school, supported by endowment. The non-resident trus- 
 tees on the first board as mentioned in the charter were "His Excellency 
 Jonathan Trumbull, the Honorable Zepheniah Swift, the Honora;ble Roger 
 Griswold, General Epaphroditus Champion, the Reverend Henry Channing." 
 The resident trustees named were "The Reverend Salmon Cone, Colonel 
 Daniel Watrous, Major Roger Bulkeley. Joseph Isham, John R. Watrous, 
 Asa Bigelow and Ichabod Lord Skinner," all men of affairs and representative 
 citizens of Colchester. This all shows "that men eminent for their services 
 to the church and the state thought it not beneath them to manage the con- 
 cerns and direct the interests of the school founded by Mr. Bacon's bequest." 
 It has been of great assistance to the school that a part of the board was 
 able to view matters detached from local interests. Some of the other non- 
 resident trustees during these intervening years have been Eliphalet A. Bulke- 
 ley, first president of the Aetna Life Insurance Company of Hartford ; Rev- 
 erend Abel McEwen, of New London ; William A. Buckingham, Connecticut's 
 War Governor; Charles J. ]\IcCurdy. lawyer, of Lyme; Morgan G. Bulkeley, 
 another Connecticut governor; Charles N. Taintor, president of the United 
 States Savings Bank of New York City; Edwin B. Cragin, M.D., of New 
 
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 
 
 255 
 
 York; Edward M. Day, lawyer, of Hartford, and Michael D. O'Connell, 
 lawyer, and judge of probate in Stafford Springs. 
 
 With the organization complete, the next important factor in determining 
 the success of the school was the principal, who must by his scholarship and 
 personality interest, enthuse, develop and direct the youth committed to his 
 charge. The first principal was John Adams, Yale 1795, and a teacher of 
 successful experience. The choice was a most fortunate one, and the school 
 at once took foremost rank. Two months after the school was opened, 206 
 students were enrolled, of whom 63 were from out of town. Mr. Adams left 
 in 1810 to accept the principalship of Phillips Academy, Andover, Massa- 
 chusetts. Able successors followed him, and the school continued to grow in 
 numbers until in 1835-36 the enrollment was over 400, including 125 "scholars 
 from abroad." The following year the attendance probably reached high 
 water mark. The catalogue contains the names of 425 scholars, 137 of whom 
 were from out of town, and 32 of these were from out of the State. It must 
 have been a problem to accommodate all these pupils in a village which at 
 that time had a population of only about 1.200 . "To accommcxiate these 
 students or their families, almost every family of the village rented a part of 
 the house or took boarders." Gradually high schools were started in other 
 towns, and the out-of-town attendance fell off, but the school maintains its 
 high standard, fitting for college, and also making special eflfort to adapt 
 itself to the community needs. 
 
 There have been some thirty-five different principals since the school 
 opened. All but two or three were college graduates, and twenty-two were 
 graduated from Yale. Several of the earlier masters had served as tutors 
 there. They were a fine body of men, and their influence and example were 
 an inspiration to many a Colchester youth and led him to continue his studies 
 beyond the high school. There are no statistics extant of the number who 
 went from the academy to college during the first seventy years. One who 
 had given some time to looking this up has a list of seventy-five Bacon 
 Academy students who had graduated from colleges before 1870. Since Mr. 
 Burnette became principal in 1869 up to the present, about sixty-five of the 
 graduates have completed a course in some college or university, and some 
 twenty others have entered but were compelled to withdraw before finishing 
 the course on account of ill health or lack of funds. Last year there were 
 eighteen graduates from the school continuing their studies in higher insti- 
 tutions of learning. The enrollm.ent of the school for the last few years has 
 been about eighty-five. 
 
 The original endowment has been increased by gifts from Asa Otis, S. 
 Lewis Gillette, Judah Lord Taintor, Lewis E. Stanton, Charles E. Jones, 
 James F. Cutler, Hamilton Wallis, Charles N. Taintor, and a fund of $10,000 
 given at the Centennial by the alumni. The present fund is about $100,000. 
 The list of men and women who have received a part of their prep- 
 aration for life work in the academy is a long one. A few may be mentioned 
 without reference to the chronological order of their attendance at the school : 
 
 Alorrison R. Waite, chief justice U. S. Supreme Court; Lyman Trumbull, 
 U. S. senator from Illinois; John T. Wait, lawyer and member of Congres.s, 
 
256 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 Norwich ; George Champion, missionary to Zululand, Africa ; David Trum- 
 bull and James Trumbull, who lived for years in Chili, South America; Wil- 
 liam Larrabee, governor of Iowa ; Joseph Selden, editor, East Haddam ; Wil- 
 liam A. Buckingham, governor of Connecticut; Elisha Palmer, James D. 
 Mowrv. Lewis A. Hyde, Welcome A. Smith, Norwich ; Charles Wetmore, 
 M.D., missionary physician in Sandwich Islands; Rev. James T. Hyde, D.D., 
 professor in Chicago Theological Seminary ; Lewis E. Stanton, lawyer, Hart- 
 ford : Silas A. Robinson, judge of Connecticut Supreme Court, Middletown ; 
 Rev. Ezra H. Gillett, D.D., professor in New York University; John E. 
 Gillette. Catskill Station, New York; Ralph Smith Taintor, Saybrook; Charles 
 N. Taintor, president United States Savings Bank, New York City; James 
 U. Taintor. secretary Orient Fire Ins. Co., Hartford; Judah Lord Taintor, 
 publisher. New York City ; John E. Leffingwell, president Farragut Ins. Co., 
 New York City; Edward Sheffield Bartholomew, sculptor. Hartford; Harriet 
 Trumbull (Mrs. George J. Brush), New Haven; Catherine Olmstead (Mrs. 
 Erastus S. Day), Colchester; Sebastian Lawrence, banker, New London; 
 S. Lewis Gillette, business, Boston, Massachusetts; James S. Foote, M.D., 
 professor Creighton Medical College, Omaha, Nebraska; Charles W. Haines, 
 lawyer, Colorado Springs; Rev. Curtis M. Geer, Hartford Theological Sem- 
 inary; Frank D. Haines, Portland, judge Superior Court, Connecticut; Park 
 Benjamin, journalist. New York City; Henry C. Demming. Hartford; Henry 
 W. Bigelow. manufacturer, Boston; Henry Marsh, California; Rev. Charles 
 N. Ransom, missionary. South Africa ; John T. Swift, professor University. 
 Tokyo, Japan; Rev. Florence O'Shea, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Rev. Michael 
 Sullivan, LL.D., Hartford; Rev. Eugene Sullivan, Portchester, New York; 
 Rev. Timothy Sullivan, East Hartford ; Edward M. Day, lawyer, Hartford ; 
 Eliphalet A. Bulkeley, first president Aetna Life Ins. Co.. Hartford; Morgan 
 G. Bulkeley, governor of Connecticut, Hartford ; Theron Clark, registrar 
 Brown University, Providence; Edwin B. Cragin, eminent surgeon and pro- 
 fessor, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City; Michael D. 
 O'Connell, judge of probate, Stafford Springs; Rev. James T. Champlin, 
 president Colby College, Maine; Qharles Brand, lieutenant-commander U. S. 
 Navy; John W. Brand, treasurer Institution for Savings, Springfield, Massa- 
 chusetts; Martin Shugrue, assistant professor, ATassachusetts Institute Tech- 
 nology, Boston; Almira Lathrop (Mrs. Solomon T. Swift), Colchester; David 
 S. Dav, lav.-yer, Bridgeport; Mary R. Willard (Mrs. Edwin B. Cragin), New 
 York Citv; Margaret Weeks (Mrs. J. L. Shipley), Springfield; Leonore Bart- 
 lett (Mrs. B. F. Parsons), Georgia; Caroline Swift (Mrs. D. W. Willard), 
 California ; Lewis E. Sparrowe, investment broker. New York City ; Thomas 
 S. O'Connell, M.D., East Hartford ; Richard T. O'Connell, judge of probate, 
 East Hartford; Rev. William B. Sprague, LL.D., noted divine, Albanv, New 
 York; Rev. Nathaniel Hewitt, D.D., Bridgeport; Frederick W. Lord, M.D., 
 member of Congress, Greenport, L. I. ; W. Henry F'oote, Romney, Va. ; Rev. 
 E. Goodrich Smith, Washington, D. C. ; Samuel A. Bridges, member of Con- 
 gress, Allentown, Pennsylvania; Charles J. McCurdy, lawyer, Lyme; David 
 H. Raymond, judge in Indiana when it was a territory; James Raymond, 
 Westminster, Maryland ; Henry M. Waite, chief justice Supreme Court Con- 
 necticut; Samuel A. Talbot, attorney-general. New York State; Ebenezer 
 Jackson, member of Congress. Middletown: Charles J. McCurdv, lawyer, 
 Lyme ; Charles J. Watrous, U. S. District Judge, Texas" 
 
 These are a few of the hundreds who have had a share in the benefits 
 of Mr. Bacon's gift to Colchester. How much such a legacy means to a place 
 so small that otherwise it would not have had a high school ! The following 
 taken from a letter written by the Honorable Samuel A. Bridges in August, 
 
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 257 
 
 1853, acknowledging an invitation to attend the Semi-Centennial of the 
 Academy, indicates the way a non-resident pupil regarded the matter: 
 
 By it they (the citizens of Colchester) have been elevated in the enjoy- 
 ment of privileges far above many of their neighbors. To them the name 
 of "Bacon" has given a distinction of which others would like to boast. 
 Through his bountiful munificence the elder portion of them have lived to 
 see their children first taught in his academic halls elevated to the pulpit, the 
 bar, and the bench. How man;/ important influences at the expiration of the 
 half century radiate from that grand center ! This is no less true now that 
 117 years have passed. The original gift supplemented during the last 
 twenty years b}- the generosity of other friends does not in any way relieve 
 the town in its support of schools, but provides opportunities for the educa- 
 tion beyond the graded schools, for community work and for Americaniza- 
 tion work beyond the usual lot of small communities. 
 
 THE BULKELEY SCHOOL, NEW LONDON 
 
 The following account of the Bulkeley School has been prepared by its 
 principal, Mr. Walter A. Towne. 
 
 The founder of this school was Leonard Hallam Bulkeley. Mr. Bulkeley 
 was a descendant of Rev. Gershom Bulkeley, the second minister of the 
 Colonial church, and a son of Captain Charles Bulkeley, who was associated 
 with John Paul Jones, who in command of the "Bonhomme Richard" harried 
 English commerce so effectively during the war for American Independence. 
 One is rather safe in saying, consequently, that the foundation fund of the 
 school had its beginning in the prize moneys of these gallant but precarious 
 adventures. 
 
 Mr. Bulkeley was a merchant of modest pretensions, whose place of 
 business was very near the school which now bears his name. He was born 
 December 22, 1799, and died December 19, 1849. He left an estate valued at 
 something less than $25,000 to found a secondary school which should be 
 free to boys of New London. In his will he provided that the funds should 
 be kept intact until the trustees, who w-ere named in the will, should decide 
 that they were justified in the erection of the schoolhouse. 
 
 There were five trustees named by I\Ir. Bulkeley, viz.: John P. C. Mather, 
 Nathan Belcher, Henry P. Haven, William C. Crump, and N. Shaw Perkins, 
 who served continuously until his death in 1905. This official board decided 
 in 1870 that the estate had increased so considerably in its careful manage- 
 ment that they were justified in beginning operations. Accordingly, plans 
 were secured from the famous architect, Mr. Eidlitz, and upon a lot presented 
 to them by the city they erected a very substantial and attractive building. 
 How little they anticipated the growth of the city may be seen from the fact 
 that the school provided seating capacity for only forty-two boys in the 
 main study hall. 
 
 The school was opened in September, 1873. for the admission of boys, 
 under the direction of Eugene B. Collester as principal, who had graduated 
 from Amherst College the preceding June. Mr. Collester resigned in 1880, 
 and afterwards lived in Minnesota. The next principal of the school was 
 
 X.I..— 1-17 
 
258 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 Ely R. Hall, Yale '']2, and previously a teacher in Hopkins Grammar School. 
 Mr. Hall remained in charge of the school until 1888, when he moved to 
 Woodstock, Connecticut, and was principal of the academy of that town 
 until his death in 1920. The conduct of the school was then placed in the 
 hands of the writer, who has remained in charge until the present (1921). 
 
 The ordinary custom of secondary schools in having a curriculum of four 
 years leading to graduation was followed until 1884, when the course was 
 changed to one of three years, with the privilege of an additional year for 
 boys desiring to enter college. This plan was followed until 1910, when the 
 school restored its original plan of a course extending through four years. 
 
 Bulkeley School is the successor of the New London Grammar School, 
 established in 1713, and maintained jointly by the town and the income of a 
 gift of two hundred and fifty acres of land given by Robert Bartlett, who 
 died in 1676. Nathan Hale was one of the masters of this school, which was 
 discontinued in 1873 ^'^^ ^^ Robert Bartlett foundation was given to the 
 trustees of Bulkeley School. The funds of the school have been enhanced 
 by various legacies and gifts, notably from Asa Otis, Henry P. Haven, and 
 George F. Tinker. 
 
 The building was very much enlarged since 1873, and now accommodates 
 about two hundred boys. The graduates number about 850, of whom 275 
 have entered college or other institutions of higher learning. Many of the 
 graduates have attained eminence in public life. At the present time the 
 school has a graduate in both houses of the National Congress as well as in 
 the Connecticut Legislature. They are found in the faculties of the United 
 States Military and Naval Academies and various colleges. About two 
 hundred were engaged in the activities of the recent European war. 
 
 The foregoing facts constitute the visible history of Bulkeley School, but 
 its real history and the apology for its foundation are to be found, like those 
 of every school, in the lives of those who have come within its influence, and 
 will never be known until the day when all things shall be revealed and we 
 shall see each other face to face. 
 
 WILLIAMS MEMORIAL INSTITUTE 
 
 Mr. Colin S. Buell, principal, gives the following account of this school. 
 
 The Williams Memorial Institute is a secondary school for girls, founded 
 >»y Mrs. Harriet Peck Williams, of Norwich, Conn., as a memorial to her son, 
 Thomas W. Williams, 2d, a whaling merchant of New London. Mr. Wil- 
 liams died suddenly in 1855, leaving the bulk of this property to his mother. 
 One parcel of this property was a lot on which he had planned to build a 
 house. The mother decided to give this lot and the funds left her by her 
 son to found a school. 
 
 The school was opened in September, i8gi, with about 100 pupils, taken 
 over from the "Young Ladies' High School," a public school of the city of 
 New London. In order to make the school free to the girls of New London, 
 the city agreed to pay the nominal fee charged to all girls. 
 
 As the years went by the school increased in numbers beyond all expecta- 
 
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 259 
 
 tion, in spite of the fact that a Vocational School was founded and flourished 
 greatly. The number of girls at present enrolled is about 325. 
 
 The graduates of the school number about 1,100, and are scattered over 
 the world. Over 50 per cent, of them are, or have been at some time, teachers. 
 Many of them have attended the leading colleges, and have won the highest 
 honors. Some are now professors in colleges of America and of foreign lands. 
 The majority of the alumnae are, at the present time, occupying the places 
 which are the natural heritage of women — wives and mothers. 
 
 In 1917 a member of the board of trustees bought the property adjoining 
 that of the institute and presented it to the school. The property now con- 
 sists of about six acres of land in the city, with two large buildings, green- 
 houses, etc., tennis courts, out-door basketball court and room for sports of 
 various kinds. From the very beginning the school has insisted on physical 
 training. A teacher has been in charge of the gymnasium, and all girls go to 
 work there twice a week. 
 
 NEW LONDON VOCATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL 
 
 The following is from the pen of Mr. F. S. Hitchcock, principal. 
 
 The origin of this school dates back to the early boyhood of its founder, 
 Mr. William H. Chapman, and represents a plan on his part, not necessarily 
 to lessen labor, for he believed in work, but to enable young men and women 
 to attack the problems of life with intelligence, with a love of industry and 
 skill, and with a greater certainty of achievement worthy of their best efforts. 
 
 William Henry Chapman was born April 8th, 1819, in East Haddam, 
 Middlesex county, Connecticut, and traces his ancestry from Robert Chap- 
 man, a native of Hull, England, who came to America in 1633 and settled 
 in Sa\ brook, Connecticut. Another ancestor. Sir John Chapman, was at one 
 time Lord Mayor of London. Mr. Chapman spent his youth in the country. 
 As a boy he was normally healthy but not vigorous. He was fond of reading 
 and inclined to seek seclusion to gratify this taste. From biographies of 
 business men he gained help for his personal plans and problems. He was 
 educated in the public and private schools of his native town and in Bacon 
 Academy, Colchester, Connecticut. He keenly enjoyed historical literature. 
 
 In 1837 Mr. Chapman began as a clerk in a drygoods store in New 
 London, which proved to be the beginning of a long and successful business 
 career. He was president of the Union Bank (chartered 1792) for forty-six 
 years, and was president of the Savings Bank of New London from 1866 
 until the time of his death in February, 1912. From 1875 until February, 
 1912, he was a deacon in the Second Congregational Church of New London, 
 nnd acti\ e in religious work. During the Civil War he was town treasurer 
 of New London, and throughout his life his ecclesiastical, educational and 
 financial interests led to active participation in constructive service to the city. 
 
 About 1885 Mr. Chapman began to take interest in public education, and 
 from reading and observation came to believe the culture and training which 
 characterized the instruction of his youth should be supplemented by courses 
 in the productive activities of life. About 1891 the annual reports of Charles 
 
26o NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 B. Jennings, acting superintendent of New London schools, began to contain 
 a plea for the introduction of industrial arts into the public schools. Manual 
 training, mechanical arts and trades schools were being advocated and estab- 
 lished throughout the country, and in igoi Mr. Chapman decided to give 
 $100,000 for a building and equipment to furnish instruction to girls in dress- 
 making, millinery, domestic science and home economics; to boys, the tools, 
 appliances and machinery for training in handicrafts by which all might be 
 helped in obtaining a livelihood. The intention was to present to the city 
 the facilities for teaching the domestic and industrial arts, but the cost of 
 maintenance was a problem, and he later contributed securities of a par value 
 amounting to another $100,000 to make it possible to start the institution. 
 To safeguard the investment and to insure the carrying out of his idea, he 
 secured from the Legislature articles of incorporation which were approved 
 May nth, 1903. Section i reads: "Resolved by this Assembly, that Walter 
 Learned, Alfred Coit, Charles B. Jennings, James Hislop, George Whittlesey, 
 Frederick S. Newcomb, Lucius E. Whiton and George H. Holmes, all of the 
 city of New London, together with such other persons as may hereafter 
 become associated with them and their successors, be and they are hereby 
 constituted a body politic and corporate by the name of The Manual Training 
 and Industrial School of New London. The mayor of the city of New London 
 and the president and secretary of the board of School Visitors of the city 
 shall be ex-ofificio members of the corporation." At that date Hon. B. F. 
 Mahan was mayor. Dr. John G. Stanton was chairman, and Mr. Carlos 
 Barry secretary, of the Board of School Visitors of New London. 
 
 The establishment of an institution of this type proved to be a task for 
 the board of trustees involving thought, correspondence, visitation and di^^ 
 cussion which required time. The original building was far enough completed 
 to be used in the fall of 1906, and the school opened October ist of that year. 
 
 The responsibility of equipment and organization of the school was vested 
 in Frederick St. John Hitchcock under the title of principal. He was born 
 in Westfield, Massachusetts, August ist, 1865. of English ancestry, educated 
 in New England public schools and the Massachusetts Institute of Tech- 
 nology. He had eighteen years of experience in teaching in high schools and 
 technical branches before coming to New London. From this preparation and 
 experience, and by conference with the founder of the school and its board of 
 trustees, the present institution was developed. 
 
 The experience of other institutions was constantly kept in mind, and by 
 inspection or correspondence the activities of technical and vocational schools 
 elsewhere, were helpful in these early days. The Massachuestts Institute of 
 Technology, Mechanic Arts High School in Boston, the Rindge College, 
 Manhattan Trade School, Hebrew Technical Institute of New York, Pratt 
 Institute of Brooklyn, the Williamson Free School and Drexel Institute in 
 Philadelphia, Hampton Institute, Virginia, and Georgia Technical Institute, 
 were visited and studied for ideas. A committee of manufacturers, mechanics 
 and individual educators and teachers from New England and New York was 
 formed for advice and suggestions. The conclusion reached was that a course 
 should be planned for no special class or group, but for normal youth, age 
 
 I 
 
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 261 
 
 about fourteen, with the first eight grades of the public schools completed or 
 equivalent preparation, as an entrance requirement. Students with less 
 schooling on account of poor opportunity, but with maturity of mind and 
 body fitting them for "catching up" and pursuing the course without being 
 a drawback to their associates, to be admitted on six weeks' probation. 
 
 In mechanical arts and trades the fundamental principles were sought by 
 analysis, only as much taught in a day as could be received with keen in- 
 terest; the amount of information and skill in each subject to be compre- 
 hensive enough to be of practical use. "Manual training" does not reside in 
 the hand, but principally in the brain and in the mind," and "First think out 
 your work, then work out your thought," two quotations from Dr. C. M. 
 Woodward, represented the angle by which technical skill was approached. 
 
 The age of eighteen was decided upon as a desirable average for gradua- 
 tion, to give time for development of body, mind and character through a 
 four years course. That the substantial development of skill in mechanical 
 arts might lead to further interest and opportunity, the related mathematics, 
 science and social and political history were included in the course of study. 
 One year of civics and four of English gave a base, from which English litera- 
 ture and social and political duties and problems could be taught or discussed. 
 After the third year, a group of students observing that at graduation a 
 career in the industries would have greater opportunity for them if their 
 education was continued in a technical college, a request came for language 
 enough to pass entrance examinations. This was given out of school hours 
 for a period of five years, and finally was added to the regular schedule of the 
 school. 
 
 After the first year all machinery and equipment of the school was in- 
 stalled by students, and after the third year all repairs to machinery were 
 part of the regular instruction. Practically all small tools within the scope 
 of the equipment have been made by students from the beginning. 
 
 The four years course in general woodwork, pattern making, draughting, 
 tool forging and machine shop experience, combined with English, civics, 
 history, mathematics, sciences and modern languages, has placed the young 
 men who have graduated as follows: "j"; per cent, in the trades or vocations 
 taught in the school, 12 per cent, went to college, and 11 per cent, are at work 
 in other occupations. 
 
 Of the girls who have completed the four-year domestic art and science 
 courses, together with English, civics, history, literature, mathematics, sci- 
 ences and modern languages, 64 per cent, are employed at vocations or teach- 
 ing the branches studied in the school. 24 per cent, continued their education 
 in summer schools or by going to college, and 12 per cent, who attended espe- 
 cially with reference to the efficiency, independence and contentment afforded, 
 have taken a measure of those attributes into their home*. 
 
 The skill and earning capacity of graduates leads i large percentage of 
 them to take up work immediately in the productive vocations ; but the scope 
 and thoroughness of the academic courses maintained enables students of 
 good scholarship to enter colleges, either by examination or by certificate. A 
 fair percentage of the young men have been accepted in colleges and technical 
 
262 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 schools and more are planning to continue their education in that way. 
 
 Considerable difficulty in obtaining teachers has been experienced from 
 the first. Competent instructors in the trades could make more money in the 
 industries than as teachers. Those at the heads of departments teach because 
 they enjoy the life and service. The dressmaking, ladies' tailoring and milli- 
 nery are carried to a degree of skill and excellence seldom found outside the 
 trades. The analysis of the work may be copied by anyone, but the morale 
 and efficiency of the department of domestic art has attracted some notice 
 outside New England. A superintendent from the Middle West visited the 
 school some years ago, and spent the day in copying details of the course in 
 domestic art. Upon leaving he expressed his thanks for information obtained 
 and stated : "That is just what we want in our city ; one matter troubles me, 
 however; that is teachers. Where do you get yours?" Answer: "We gen- 
 erally make our own." "Well, but you had to start somewhere. What do 
 you have to pay a woman like the head of that department?" Answer: "That 
 is a somewhat embarrassing question." "There is no secret about it is there?" 
 Answer: "No!" "But you would not stand in the way of her advancement, 
 would you? We could offer much more than that." Answer: "Well, if you 
 are going to ask her to leave here, perhaps you ought to be told more about 
 her." "Is there any 'out'* about her?" Answer: "Not that we know of, except 
 that she married the principal about eighteen years ago, and they are edu- 
 cating their own children here." The practical tailoring, millinery and art 
 needlework have closely approached professional excellence from the begin- 
 ning, due in part to the technical accuracy sought, but due more to the per- 
 sonality and example of motherly refinement, dignity and efficienc of the 
 teacher matron of the domestic art department, Mrs. E. L. Cheney Hitchcock. 
 
 In the shops and laboratories as well as in the tailoring rooms, competent 
 heads of departments have extended their work by employing graduates of 
 the school as assistants. Mutual helpfulness carried through the four ears 
 of study and practice has developed a constant supply of those who want to 
 teach as a vocation. The most skillful have been glad to get experience for 
 moderate wages under their old instructors, and the school profits by their 
 eagerness to earn a recommendation to superintendents seeking teachers 
 skilled and experienced in mechanical arts. 
 
 The very practical work of the students has brought appeals for extend- 
 ing the work to smaller groups in grade schools and social service centers. 
 Senior boys have taught mechanical drawing and general woodwork in the 
 Y. M. C. A., Mystic Oral School and Montville. Senior girls have conducted 
 classes in cooking or dressmaking in Mystic Oral School, Montville, and in 
 the social service centers of New London. The work in Montville was started 
 under the auspices of Mrs. Frederick A. Johnson, and has been instrumental 
 in directing many toward a full four years high school course which later on 
 they completed. Most of the extension work carried on by students was done 
 evenings, on Saturdays, or during vacations. The immediate benefits have 
 usually been followed by increased attendance at the Vocational Hieh School. 
 
 Throughout the early years of the school the problem of maintenance 
 
 * "Out," a colloquialism meaning any weakness. 
 
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 263 
 
 ■was serious. The intention of the donor ^vas to furnish buildings and equip- 
 ment for practical instruction to youth of high school age, but the costs of 
 materials, teachers, etc., were expected to be borne by the city or by the pay- 
 ment of tuition. New London started by paying $500 per year, and when the 
 amount some years later had advanced to $700 an effort was made to get aid 
 from the State. The basis of approval by the State included forty-eight weeks 
 of school of eight hours per day, per year, consisting of 50 per cent, academic 
 and 50 per cent, shop work, each student confined to one trade which must 
 be followed to completion. 
 
 Ordinarily, 85 per cent, of the vocational students have to earn a part 
 or all of the cost of their education out of school hours. The longer day and 
 longer school year would have made attendance impossible for a large num- 
 ber. Four hours academic work as taught in other high schools would have 
 been acceptable, but in practice the subjects required failed to include those 
 which form a basis for culture and make the way open to further training 
 after graduation. No parents would consent to that plan. Neither would 
 they consent to deciding upon one trade for children at the age of fourteen. 
 Another factor leading to the abandonment of State aid was the cost of 
 equipment and teachers for the long hours of shop work required. No 
 reduction of expense would result for the city, but a large reduction in 
 attendance would follow. The four years technical high school course was 
 continued free to resident students and paid for by the city. Non-resident 
 students met the increased costs by an advance in tuition. The struggle for 
 support doubtless had a tendency to increase the attendance and advance the 
 standards of the school. The threatened loss of all cultural training developed 
 an appreciation of it, and English history, civics and general science received 
 an impetus which sent an unusual number of graduates on to technical 
 schocls and colleges. One effect of the stim.nlated interest in English was 
 the success of students in competition with other schools for literary prizes. 
 A second prize of ten dollars offered by the Colonial Dames of America was 
 awarded to Samuel Bittner, a junior in 1918. The Connecticut gold medal 
 together with fifty dollars in gold from the Sons of the American Revolution 
 was awarded to Louise Ernst, a sophomore in 191 5. 
 
 In connection with the English and history classes, the school has given 
 several plays each year w^hich at first were staged in the history room of the 
 school. The seating capacity soon proved to be inadequate, and the Lyceum 
 Theater was used for "Higby of Harvard" in 1912. In 1914, through the 
 bequest of $28,000 under the will of Mrs. Ellen Tyler Chapman, wife of the 
 founder of the school, a fine auditorium was added to the building. A series 
 of debates, prize speaking and plays became part of the student activity each 
 year. "Mice and Men," "The Cricket on the Hearth," "Little Lord Faunt- 
 leroy" and the "Birds' Christmas Carol" were enthusiastically supported by 
 students and the public. The profit from the plays so far exceeded the expense 
 that valuable pictures and many articles of furnishing and equipment were 
 added to the institution. The school glee club and orchestra formed a begin- 
 ning from which a general public interest in good music has grown. Musi- 
 cians of national reputation and accepted merit have found the acoustic prop- 
 
264 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 erties of the school auditorium to be excellent. The audiences have been large 
 and appreciative. Much of the achievement in dramatics and musical work 
 is due to the talent and energy of Miss Eva M. Sherburne, teacher of English 
 in the school. 
 
 In 191 1, when the Hartford Graduate Club, represented by Mrs. E. V. 
 Mitchell, Miss Mary Partridge, and Miss Elizabeth Wright, came to New 
 London looking for a site for the Connecticut College for Women, and the 
 city of New London proposed to raise $100,000, the short term campaign plan 
 was proposed and carried out under the auspices of the New London Voca- 
 tional School. Professor Ralph L. Cheyney of the Y. M. C. A. College, 
 Springfield, Massachusetts, outlined the plan of the campaign. Frederick S. 
 Hitchcock, principal of the Vocational School, in consultation with Mr. C. S. 
 Ward, member of the international committee of the Y. M. C. A., organized 
 the details of the drive. A committee consisting of Mr. Hitchcock, Mr. Alex. 
 Campbell, superintendent of the New London Gas and Electric Company, 
 and Rev. James W. Bixler, pastor of the Second Congregational Church, 
 went to Philadelphia, where Mr. Ward was conducting a million dollar cam- 
 paign. The organization and methods of work in that drive were practically 
 duplicated in New London under the direction of these three men, with the 
 addition of Mr. F. Valentine Chappell of New London. The Vocational 
 School having suggested the plan of the business organization, was by its 
 equipment and personnel able to carry on a large share of the practical work. 
 From President Burton, of Smith College, a statement of what Smith 
 College has done for Northampton, obtained by Mr. Hitchcock, was used as 
 a business argument in favor of the college. The office management organ- 
 ized at the school was soon transferred to the larger office equipment of the 
 Gas and Electric Company. The special directory and card indexing of the 
 city began at the school with students' help, and was finished in the larger 
 offices under the same management by paid stenographers and clerks. The 
 filing cases and small articles were made entirely by students. In the rush 
 to complete larger projects, carpenters and sign painters from outside the 
 school were employed. The Daily Bulletin used at headquarters, the twenty- 
 foot clock on the "Evening Day" building and the thirty-foot thermometer 
 on the First Congregational Church lawn were made in this way. The clock, 
 with materials furnished by Mr. Theodore Bodenwein, was begun on the 
 school shop floor, but the sections would not go through the largest door, and 
 it was transferred to the floor of the Konomoc Hose House. The lettering 
 was done under great difficulty by A. Francis Watson, and the clock erected 
 on the Day building by B. B. Gardner, in a morning of drizzle of sleet and 
 rain. The thermometer in three sections was erected by the New England 
 Telephone Company. Noonday lunches were a feature of the campaign, and 
 with a hastily improvised kitchen they were managed and served by Miriam 
 Marstow and relays of girls from the domestic science department of the 
 Vocational School. 
 
 In the College campaign, practically every individual, group, club and 
 corporation united as with one mind to carry out a single plan, with every 
 personal and business interest merged into an organized whole. The city 
 
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 265 
 
 awakened to a collective conscious effort and did what it set out to do. The 
 Vocational School was only one factor among many contributing to the 
 object sought. New London has done several bigger things as a city since 
 191 1, but the school was ready in mind and skill and equipment to furnish its 
 quota of service and cooperation when the opportunity came. 
 
 Upon the declaration of war with Germany, a large number of graduates 
 and seniors volunteered in the army and navy, and several were promoted 
 on account of their mechanical skill and general academic training. The 
 remaining students were organized to put over the many drives to support 
 hospitals, the Knights of Columbus, Young Men's Christian Association, Red 
 Cross, Hebrew Welfare Association, and the Salvation Army, as well as for 
 the sale of bonds. During the summer seasons many worked independently, 
 and with the Boys' Working Reserve to increase the production of food. 
 Under the auspices of the domestic science department, instructive courses 
 were given in the school auditorium teaching better methods of conserving 
 food in the home, and a series of demonstrations and lectures was carried over 
 a period of two years for the benefit of housekeepers and women desiring 
 to prepare for service by nursing. One by one the male teachers enlisted 
 until every eligible man had gone. Women served well in their places where 
 possible, but most of the academic branches of the school being correlated 
 with technical work in shops and laboratories, made it difficult for women 
 to do the work of men. Toward the end, senior boys carried some of the 
 classes in mathematics and sciences. It was in a way a strain upon the 
 student teachers and the classes, but the spirit under which they strove 
 together brought no apparent loss to either. The student teachers have since 
 done well in technical colleges, and some of the students have done the same. 
 An added interest and application to study seem to have offset such weakness 
 as there was in formal preparation. 
 
 During the fifteen years of its life to the present time the New London 
 Vocational School has carried the approval of the State Board of Education 
 for acceptable work as a high school. Making school work a business as much 
 as storekeeping, manufacturing or office work, with that absorbing interest 
 that leads to success, has helped somewhat. Keeping such standards in 
 academic work, parallel with shop and laboratory practice, as would give a 
 combination of thought and skill, have developed self-respect and a strong 
 school spirit. Contact with and practical service to the interests of the city 
 and the homes, has brought increasing attendance and financial support. In 
 regard to the dignity of labor, Ruskin said, "We are always in these day.-; 
 endeavoring to separate intellect and manual labor; we want one man to 
 be always thinking and another to be always working, and we call one a 
 gentleman and the other a laborer, whereas the workman ought to be thinking 
 some of the time, and the thinker to be working some of the time, and both 
 
 MYSTIC OR.\L SCHOOL FOR THE DE.\F 
 Miss Clara M. H. IMcGuigan has the written the following account of 
 this school. 
 
 The Mystic Oral School for the Deaf, formerly known as the Whipple 
 
266 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 Home School, was founded in 1869 by Zerah Colburn Whipple. Zerah Whip- 
 ple was descended on the Whipple line from Samuel Whipple and Elizabeth 
 Eddy of Providence, Rhode Island, who removed to Connecticut prior to 
 1712. Samuel Whipple was an iron manufacturer and a successful business 
 man. His mills were built on Saw Mill river, near Pocquetannock. No doubt 
 from this line Zerah inherited his ingenuity and mechanical skill. When only 
 a boy he made himself a very good violin, and later, as an aid to his work in 
 teaching the deaf, he invented the Whipple's natural alphabet, an ingenious 
 pictorial alphabet representing the positions of the lips, tongue, etc., in pro- 
 ducing the elementary English sounds. He was also descended from the 
 Wolcotts and Griswolds of Connecticut, families empowered with great intel- 
 lectual and executive ability. His Bolles, Hempstead, Waterhouse and 
 Rogers blood gave literary ability, musical and oratorical talent, and 
 religious zeal. Two Scotch families, Grouch and Douglass, added strength 
 to his fine English blood. Having the remarkable family inheritance that 
 he did, it is no wonder that Zerah Colburn Whipple was endowed with the 
 vision and ability of a genius. The inspiration for his work came from his 
 grandfather, Jonathan Whipple, who had taught his own little son Enoch, 
 deaf from birth, to talk and read the lips. 
 
 Jonathan Whipple was also endowed with all of the talents of his remark- 
 able ancestors, but perhaps religious zeal was paramount. He was the first 
 president of the Connecticut Peace Society, and the extent of his charities 
 was boundless. He was a natural scholar himself, and gave his children a 
 good common school education in the little red school house of his district, 
 but he did so much for the poor and friendless that he hadn't the means left 
 for the higher education of his children, so although all, including Enoch, had 
 college minds, none had college advantages. 
 
 Enoch Whipple owned a farm and blacksmith shop adjoining his father's 
 farm. He spoke and read the lips so well that he did business for years with 
 an iron manufacturer in Norwich without anyone suspecting he was deaf. 
 He married a cousin, a hearing woman of great literary ability. Their eve- 
 nings were spent in reading the best books of literature, travel, etc., and their 
 home with its extensive library was the gathering place for all the ambitious 
 children in the neighborhood. They had the bound volumes of the "Century 
 Magazine" from its first issue to the one at the time of their death, and their 
 book-cases were filled with hundreds of fine books on every conceivable 
 subject. 
 
 Zerah Whipple grew up in his grandfather's home. He imbibed his 
 religious zeal and inherited his remarkable talents. He loved and admired 
 his uncle Enoch and his cultured wife. He spent many evenings with them 
 in their delightful home. As he grew to manhood, he began to wonder why 
 other deaf people could not be taught to talk like his uncle Enoch, and his 
 grandfather convinced him they could. He determined to make teaching the 
 deaf and dumb to speak and read the lips his life work. 
 
 He advertised for pupils, and November 15, 1869, a young lad of twelve 
 years from a wealthy Quaker family of Wilmington, Delaware, was brought 
 to the Whipple home in Ledyard, Connecticut, for instruction. The old 
 
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 267 
 
 grandfather showed Zerah how to begin his work in bringing speech to the 
 dumb lips of the boy, and Zerah quickly acquired skill in teaching and 
 obtained gratifying results. Although this boy was twelve years old when 
 his education began, he acquired good, intelligible speech, was a fine lip 
 reader, and had a liberal education when he left school at the time of Zerah's 
 death in 1879. His taste for good literature was formed. He regularly sub- 
 scribed for the leading magazines, was familiar with Dickens and other good 
 writers, and was able to take his place in the class of society in which he was 
 born and look after his own and his mother's business interests. 
 
 Other pupils came from all over the United States, and the old gambrel- 
 roofed farm house had to be enlarged to accommodate them. All of the 
 family were pressed into service as teachers except the dear mother, who 
 was "Mother Whipple" to them all. The results were remarkable, for 
 Enoch, who lived next door, was their model. He it was the parents saw and 
 talked with when they brought their children to the school, and speech like 
 his or approaching it was what they paid for and expected. Most of tht 
 pupils came from distant States, but the fame of the school soon began to be 
 talked about in Connecticut. Parents of deaf children who hadn't money vis- 
 ited the school and wrote letters begging Mr. Whipple to find a way to give 
 speech to their children. There was no school in Connecticut but the sign 
 school at Hartford where deaf children could be educated free. Then it was 
 that Zerah Whipple applied to the legislature of Connecticut for State aid. 
 This was granted July 24, 1872. From that time children from families in 
 poor and moderate circumstances have had the privilege, if they so desired, 
 of having their children educated by what is known as the Pure Oral Method. 
 
 By the Pure Oral Method is meant giving a deaf child speech and lip 
 reading in an oral environment, so that he will unconsciously, by force of 
 habit, use speech altogether in communicating with his fellow-men — in other 
 words, restoring him to society. Now this can be done more or less per- 
 fectly according to the ability of the child, the ability of the teacher and the 
 child's environment. If we want our child to acquire French and talk French 
 naturally and fluently, we place it in a French school in France, where it has 
 a French environment. Such a method of procedure is absolutely necessary 
 in acquiring fluency in any language. It is the same with speech for the 
 deaf. A deaf child in order to acquire speech and use it spontaneously must 
 have a speech environment. No school that teaches signs and finger spelling 
 can give its pupils a speech environment. The child easily masters signs 
 and finger spelling, and as they are easier at first, it will use them instead 
 of speech. So it is in the schools called Combined Schools, where they have 
 what is called an Oral department, speech is relegated to the class rooms 
 and seldom if ever used elsewhere. In such schools the children think in 
 signs and translate into speech when they use it. In Zerah Whipple's school 
 this was not true. The pupils thought in speech and used speech as their 
 mother tongue. Speech soon became spontaneous and natural. Because of 
 this difference between Oral and Sign and Combined Schools, the Mystic 
 Oral School has continued its work and because of this difTerence it is still 
 needed. 
 
268 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 In a short time the Whipple School outgrew the farm house and its 
 additions. The beautiful summer residence of a retired sea captain was pur- 
 chased from his heirs, and in 1874 the pupils were transferred to their new 
 home. There is where the school is still situated. It is in the town of 
 Groton, about a mile from the village of Mystic. It is said the old sea cap- 
 tain selected this site for his home because it commanded the most wonderful 
 view of land and sea to be found on the southern coast of Connecticut. It is 
 on a high hill overlooking river, village, valley and sound. It has country, 
 seashore, and almost mountain air combined. The Mansion, as it was called, 
 seemed particularly well adapted to fill the requirements of the Whipple 
 Home School, and it grew slowly in numbers and flourished until 1879, j^st 
 ten years after its establishment, when its enthusiastic and gifted principal 
 died. 
 
 His loss was in a way irreparable, but as the members of his family had 
 always assisted in teaching, they were able to go on with the work. His 
 brother-in-law, Frank Whipple, who had been his partner for a time, became 
 its principal and did excellent work. He finally sold out his interests to an 
 uncle and aunt, and though retained for a while as a teacher, eventually he 
 left Connecticut and went to California to teach speech to the deaf in the 
 State School at Berkeley. 
 
 For ten years longer the school was conducted with varied degrees of 
 success according to the efficiency of the teachers employed. Advertising 
 ceased with Zerah Whipple's death. The private pupils were gradually 
 withdrawn and placed in other schools or taught by a private teacher at 
 home until none but State pupils remained. As the school was not endowed 
 and had to depend almost entirely upon the State appropriation for its main- 
 tenance, and as this was only $175 per capita per annum, it was impossible 
 to secure experienced teachers and provide up-to-date equipment in the home. 
 In 1895, Hon. O. Vincent Coffin, then governor of Connecticut, visited 
 the school and completely reorganized it. Its name was changed to the 
 Mystic Oral School for the Deaf, and the per capita appropriation was raised 
 to $200 per year. Dr. Clara M. Hammond McGuigan, daughter of the former 
 principal and first cousin to Zerah Whipple, was asked to assume the responsi- 
 bility of the school as its superintendent. 
 
 Dr. McGuigan was a graduate of the Connecticut Normal School at New 
 Britain, of the Mystic Valley Institute at Mystic, and of the Woman's Med- 
 ical College of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia. She had taught in the public 
 schools of Ledyard and Groton, and had been principal of the Ivoryton School 
 in Essex. She had been resident physician for fifteen months in the City 
 Hospital of Philadelphia, and had received special training in work with the 
 deaf from both Zerah and Frank Whipple. She was the wife of a physician, 
 and was not dependent upon the school for her support, consequently she 
 could and did use the State money for the betterment of the school instead 
 of taking an adequate salary. 
 
 Dr. McGuigan at once engaged Miss Ella Scott as principal, a teacher 
 who had had eleven years experience teaching in the Clarke School at North- 
 ampton, Massachusetts, probably the best school for the deaf in the world. 
 
MYSTIC VALLEV IN'STlTUTi:, ilVSTK 
 
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 269 
 
 Miss Scott came to Mystic full of courage and enthusiasm, with the deter- 
 mination to make the Mj'stic School as much like her model at Northampton 
 as possible. She taught trained teachers to assist her, and did brave work. 
 The school was soon incorporated, and in five years had doubled in numbers. 
 More room was needed, so a large addition, subscribed to by friends of the 
 school, was built and occupied. The work of reorganizing and building up 
 the school had worn upon Miss Scott so that when she was offered a fine 
 position as a private teacher of a little girl in Canada she resigned to accept it. 
 Other efficient principals followed Miss Scott, but owing to lack of funds 
 the work was arduous and discouraging, so no one held the position longer 
 than five years. The principals under Dr. McGuigan's superintendency were 
 as follows: Miss Ella Scott, 1S95-1900; Miss Alice H. Damon, B.A., 1900-04; 
 Miss Frances E. Gillespie, 1904-07; Misses Jane and Eleanor, associate prin- 
 cipals, 1907-12; Mr. Tobias Brill, 1912-17; Dr. C. M. H. McGuigan, superin- 
 tendent and principal, 1917-18; Mrs. Sara Small Temple, 1918-19; Miss Addie 
 L. Landers, acting principal, 1919-20; Mr. Walter J. Tucker, 1920-21. 
 
 In 1895 the school numbered 18 pupils; in 1900 there were 36; in 1910 
 it numbered 54, and at the present time there are 82 pupils in school, and 
 about 50 on the waiting list. 
 
 The per capita apportioned by the State of Connecticut for the support 
 of the school has been as follows: 1872-95, $175; 1895-1901, $200; 1901-03, 
 $225; 1903-07, $250; 1907-15, $275; 1915, $300; in each of the last four periods 
 there was an allowance of $20 for clothing when necessary. 
 
 By 1909, the building with its addition was inadequate. It was unsafe 
 to house so many deaf children in a frame building, so the State Legislature 
 was appealed to and eventually $17,000 was appropriated for a fireproof 
 dormitory. This was built and occupied in September, 191 1. This was built 
 for fifty or sixty children, and not for eighty, so another new building is now 
 needed to relieve congestion and to form the first unit of a model school on 
 the cottage plan. 
 
 Four States have sent their deaf wards to the Mystic School : Connecticut, 
 1872 to the present time; New Jersey, 1876-1882; New Hampshire, 1897-1902; 
 Vermont, 1898-1912. 
 
 A member of the Board of Charities of Massachusetts visited the Mystic 
 School and recommended sending its pupils to Mystic when it hadn't accom- 
 modations for them within its own borders, but as the room at Mystic was 
 limited, no effort was made to secure Massachusetts pupils. 
 
 The course of study prescribed includes lip reading, speech, language, 
 technical grammar, arithmetic, geography. United States, General and English 
 history, physiology, American and English literature, and some algebra. In 
 1904 one pupil, having completed the course, graduated. In 1907 two pupils 
 graduated. In 1910 there were two graduates; in 1913, two graduates; in 
 1918, three graduates; and in 1919, one graduate. Three of these pupils 
 afterwards entered high school for the hearing. 
 
 In addition to the speech, lip reading arwl academic studies taught, each 
 child is trained along one or more industrial lines. The various industries 
 that have been taught in the school are as follows : For boys — Printing, farm- 
 
NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 ing, cabinet work, carpentry, chair caning, hammock netting, cobbling, tree 
 pruning and spraying, waiting on table, assisting cook, cooking, etc. For 
 girls — Gardening, basketry, pottery, embroidery, crocheting, knitting, sew- 
 ing, dressmaking, housework, cooking, millinery and weaving. 
 
 Almost without exception, the pupils of this school have gone out into 
 the world well equipped to earn their own living and to be a credit to their 
 school, their families and their State. 
 
 Practically from the time of its organization the school has maintained 
 a small normal class. Over fifty teachers have finished the course and ren- 
 dered valuable service in bringing speech to deaf children in this and other 
 States. 
 
 During all the years Dr. McGuigan superintended the school, she looked 
 forward to the time when either some wealthy person would endow it or the 
 State would purchase it so its work could go on unimpeded by private man- 
 agement and lack of funds. The endowment did not materialize, so in 1919 
 a bill for the purchase if the school by the State of Connecticut was passed 
 by the legislative body, and the school would at once have become a State 
 school had its board been assured it would be continued. This assurance 
 was not given, so the deeds were not signed. Dr. McGuigan continued the 
 work and waited for a more auspicious time. 
 
 Before the legislature of 1921 came into being, the new governor, Hon. 
 Everett J. Lake, expressed himself as favorable to the continuance of the 
 Mystic School, so relying upon the hope that he and the new legislative body 
 would make proper provision for the future of the Mystic Oral School, the 
 deeds were signed and the school passed over to the State. It is now a State 
 School. It is the only Pure Oral School in the State. It represents the most 
 advanced method known in the education of the deaf. Its situation for such 
 a school is ideal, and with proper provisions for its future, new buildings 
 and equipment, it can be made the equal of the best school for the deaf in 
 the world. 
 
 Dr. McGuigan resigned as superintendent, and Mr. Walter J. Tucker 
 was appointed to the place. He was an oral teacher of long standing. He 
 had held the position as principal of the Wright Oral School of New York, 
 and his wife was also an experienced oral teacher of the deaf. They seemed 
 particularly fitted to go on with the work. 
 
 Though not the first oral school in America, it was one of the first. 
 Hampered always by lack of funds, it has grown and has done good work. 
 Its influence has been far-reaching and its pupils are its best advertisement. 
 
CHAPTER XI 
 RELIGION IN NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 The following History of Religion in New London County, beginning on this page and 
 ending on page 314, is by tne Ktv. W. Hujbcrt, pastci- 01 the i<ifSl Church of Christ, 
 in Croton. ihc remainder of the chapter is by contributors and staif writers: 
 
 In this southeastern corner of Connecticut, religion of an advanced type 
 
 has for these two hundred and seventy-five years and more proved its funda- 
 mental place in human society. The Indian tribes preceding foreign settle- 
 ments had their peculiar religious cults which doubtless were also basic to 
 their political and social life; but as far as we can know these show no trace 
 of development in form of worship or substance of creed, and especially 
 interest us only in their contacts with the more advanced faiths of their suc- 
 cessors. For more than a quarter of a millenium, now, New London county 
 has witnessed almost every development of religion characteristic of the 
 New World, and especially of New England.' 
 
 It is true, the temporary decline in ethical ideals did not afflict the infant 
 seventeenth century settlements here with anything like the fanatical craze 
 which would burn a "witch" or smother a "Quaker," or even exile a Roger 
 Williams, as was the case in the Massachusetts colony. Indeed, at intervals 
 we note, on the contrary, an unexpected breadth of handling of issues that 
 might easily have taken a harsher turn; as when in 1702 the Rev. John Keith 
 and the Rev. John Talbot, working under the auspices of the Society for the 
 Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, coming from Providence, crossed 
 the Ferry (Groton Banks) to New London and were graciously received, 
 particularly by the authorities, even though they came to champion the 
 Church of England. The first mentioned of them says in his journal: 
 
 "September 13th, Sunday, Mr. Talbot preached there (New London) in 
 the forenoon and I preached there in the afternoon, we being desired to do so 
 by the minister, Mr. Gurdon Saltonstall, who civilly entertained us at his 
 house, and expressed his good affections to the Church of England. My text 
 was Romans viii 19. The auditory was large and well affected. Colonel 
 Winthrop, Governor of the Colony, invited us to dinner at his house and 
 kindly entertained us, both then and the next day." 
 
 Again we have the story of Jesse Lee, the pioneer of Methodism, in 1789 
 preaching with popular acceptance in the identical county court house our 
 eyes rest upon today in New London. A few years later. Bishop Asbury, 
 
 ' New London county as constituted in 1666, when the Connecticut Colony was divided 
 into four counties under the new charter obtained in England by Governor John Winthrop. 
 Jr., in 1662, embraced a much larger area than it does today. It stretched from the much 
 disputed Rhode Island boundary westward across the Connecticut river to the Hammonassct 
 river, being the western border of the modern Clinton, taking in all the Saybrooks (Ivilling- 
 worth and Chester). To the north it embraced gradually (until 1726) the larger part of the 
 modern Windham county (with the exception of Woodstock, claimed by Suffolk county, 
 Massachusetts) and a small part of the modern Tolland county. We must be content with 
 a hazy notion of this whole northern border. When Windham county was established in 
 1726. the Northern townships of New London county were added to several from Hartford 
 county to constitute the new area. When Middlesex county was formed in 1783, New 
 London county lost historic Saybrook, with Killingworth and Chester, retaining all east of 
 the Connecticut up to East Haddam. 
 
272 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 of the same Communion, had a similarly favorable reception. In 1793 the 
 Rev. John Thayer, a Roman Catholic missionary, was allowed the use of the 
 old First Church at Norwich Town by Rev. Joseph Strong, its pastor, in 
 speaking to a miscellaneous audience, when he undertook to prove that the 
 Roman Catholic was the only true church of Christ. The discourse was 
 accounted by the local press to be "learned and vigorous," and the speaker 
 was given a further hearing in the same place on the following Sunday 
 evening. 
 
 These incidents are typical of the freer conditions that generally prevailed 
 in the Connecticut Colony, following the Plymouth precedent and doubtless 
 influenced to a degree by the still freer attitude of the Rhode Island Plantation, 
 Voting, in New London county, was never confined to church members, as 
 was the case in Massachusetts and New Haven, but the suffrage was open 
 to all reputable male citizens. While the historian of New London county 
 has to call attention to many instances of narrowness and petty religious 
 persecutions in the earlier colonial life, he can yet report better conditions 
 in these respects than were customarily found in other parts of New England 
 or in the British Isles and the continent of Europe. 
 
 The first religious organization in the county (the First Church of 
 Christ) came to New London as an already organized body from Gloucester, 
 Massachusetts, bringing a modified connection between Church and State. 
 To these virile, simple-hearted founders the Bible was a law-book for the 
 infant colony, as well as a book of religion, and many decisions in the early 
 courts took their precedents direct from Scripture. All freeholders originally 
 were taxed for the support of the churches, and many of the disturbances 
 and quarrels which arose were essentially economic; for a parish was loath 
 to lose any of its paying constituency through the secession of outlying com- 
 munities who claimed the right to carve out their own parishes. Indeed, the 
 location of churches seems to have caused more trouble than any other 
 question that arose in those early days. 
 
 Church attendance at the first was compulsory, and a large number of 
 cases of discipline came about thereby. "Separatism" caused the nearest 
 approach to martyrdom to be found in all these annals, bringing to the front 
 men and women who claimed the right to worship as their consciences dic- 
 tated. The record gives us case after case of that form of persecution. 
 Extreme personalities were ready to go the limit in self-assertion. Possibly 
 the still freer conditions that prevailed in Rhode Island may have helped to 
 this end. The famous Rogerenes boldly denounced what they called "the 
 idolatry of the Sabbath." and took delight in disturbing meetings, and in the 
 "punishments which inevitably followed. New London county took its full 
 share in the long contest which at last brought complete separation of Church 
 and State (about 1750) and placed on a voluntary basis both church attend- 
 ance and church support. But in the meanwhile, Baptists, Adventists, Roman 
 Catholics, Episcopalians and Friends, as well as all free thinkers, had, for the 
 most part, a hard time of it during the first century of the local history. 
 
 We get a happier outlook on things when we note that New London 
 county shared in all the theological movements that helped fashion the re- 
 
RETJGION IN NEW LONDON COUNTY 273 
 
 lig-ious, educational, social and political life of Southeastern Connecticut. 
 Whatever our modern outlook may be, all this past now seems to have been 
 essentia! and fundamental in the developing life. The looser bonds of the 
 Cambridge Platform (1648) which fostered the spirit of independency gave 
 place gradually to the closer associational and constitutional ties of the Say- 
 brook Platform (1708). The more formal life of the churches, that succeeded 
 the pioneer fervor, and under which the "half-way covenant" allowed a kind 
 of church membership which did not necessitate deep religious convictions, 
 was powerfully invaded by the preaching of the Great Awakening in the third, 
 fourth and fifth decades of the eighteenth century, when Jonathan Edwards, 
 George Whitfield and Eleazar Wheelock championed reasonable evidence of 
 true "conversion" as essentia! to church membership. 
 
 The inevitable demoralization of the war of the American Revolution 
 struck the religious life in New London county hard, in spite of the patriotic 
 fervor that centered about the celebrated Land Office in Lebanon and the heroic 
 defence of New London in 1781. The massacre at Fort Griswold took every 
 male member of the Groton church except an aged invalid who could not get 
 out to share the glory of that September day. Loss of life generally in the 
 homes in the county, abject poverty, the emigration of many enterprising 
 families to newer settlements in Vermont, New Hampshire, New York and 
 Ohio, laxness of morals and the inroad of a deistical philosophy from France 
 and England, as well as lack of well-equipped men for the ministry, the taking 
 of many efficient pastors for much-needed chaplains in the army, the tem- 
 porary clouding of the loyalty of those churches in the county planted and 
 fostered by the Church of England, and the loss of substantial citizens who 
 could not go back on the old flag of England, and who, often as the result of 
 bitter handling by their neighbors, migrated to Canada — all these and many 
 more obstacles like them contributed to give an alarming setback to organized 
 religion in New London county. We may well be astonished that the com- 
 bined results were not worse than they were, and that the recovery, checked 
 by the alarms of the War of 1812, was as good as it was. It all shows a virile 
 stock of men and women who could think through the changing, freer con- 
 ditions into the larger life of our day. 
 
 To the aid of the traditional Congregational churches came that of other 
 types of religious life and feeling, which, in turn, laid solid foundations of 
 religious faith and greatly stimulated, directly and indirectly, the older forms 
 Particular attention here is called to the conscientious contentions of the 
 various types of the Baptist invasion from Rhode Island, which rapidly per- 
 meated the whole county as soon as the initial friction quieted down, and 
 affected especially the sections east of the Thames river. Social ostracism, 
 oft imprisonment as "Separatists," fines, nor any other obstacles, could keep 
 these sturdy contenders for freedom of worship and a literal obedience to the 
 commands of their Master from swinging forward, often with a marked evan- 
 gelistic force, in all these communities. With these came the Adventists of 
 various hues, who seemed still more extreme in their ideals and methods. 
 
 At the opposite poles came the liturgical groups, on ancient and approved 
 foundations, which sought to build solidly the Kingdom of God. The Episco- 
 
274 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 pal churches established their orderl}' worship in all the centers and with 
 chapels in selected rural places. They had the honor of presenting to their 
 American communion its first Bishop, who, as an infant, had been baptized 
 in a Congreg-ational church (North Groton or Ledyard) by his own father, 
 then a temporary supply there. (See page 305.) 
 
 As immigration brought in ever-increasing numbers of followers of Rome 
 from Ireland and the Continent of Europe, Catholic churches thoroughly 
 organized their constituencies throughout the county and rendered an ines- 
 timable aid to law and order, as well as to religious fervor. 
 
 The Methodist Episcopal churches sprang up in the tracks of Jesse Lee 
 and Bishop Asbury, the pioneers of Methodism. They did vital service in 
 all the centers and reached out to the farthest limits of the rural districts. 
 Their freer expression of religious life and feeling brought a general benefit 
 to all the communities where they were established. 
 
 In the deistical atmosphere of a century and a half ago, when the con- 
 ception of an absentee God had so generally displaced that of the immanent, 
 Divine Personality of the Bible for both orthodox and free thinker, the stage 
 was set for a battle royal in New England, as well as old England, between 
 the somewhat decadent orthodoxy and the many who styled themselves 
 "Unitarian" as against the semi-theistic tendency of the traditional theology, 
 under the soubriuet of "Trinitarian." New London county was not markedly 
 influenced by this movement, which in many other sections swung the leading 
 Congregational churches under the lead of Harvard College over onto the 
 Unitarian side of the controversy Doubtless the Saybrook Platform (1708) 
 (see page 287) and its Consociation organization kept the churches of Con- 
 necticut more in line. 
 
 In this connection, however, it should be noted that for nineteen years 
 the First Church of Christ in New London had a pastor, Rev. Henry Chan- 
 ning, just out of Yale College, who during his pastorate from 1787 to 1806 
 held views that later were counted "Unitarian," but yet which, with only 
 slight modifications of phraseology, do not seem far from modern orthodoxy.' 
 
 But at the close of the ministry of Mr. Channing in 1806, the religious 
 leaders of the orthodox Congregational churches of New London county set 
 
 ' "Profession and Covenant" used by Rev. Henry Channing at the First Church of 
 Christ" in New London from 1790 to 1806: 
 
 "In the presence of Almighty God, the Searcher of hearts, and before this assembly, you 
 profess your unfeigned belief in the Holy Scriptures as given by divine inspiration, your 
 acceptance of all the doctrines contained in them and your submission to the whole will of 
 God revealed in His Word. 
 
 "You do now acknowledge the Lord Jehovah, the one loving and true God, to be your 
 God; and, relying upon divine assistance, do promise to walk humbly with God. 
 
 "Professing repentance of all yo'jr fins and faith in our Lord Jesus, you sincerely 
 receive Him as He is offered in the Gospel as the Teacher from God— the High Priest of 
 our profession— and the King and Head of the church, believing that there is none other 
 name under heaven given among men whereby you must be saved. 
 
 "Depending on the Holy Spirit for sanctification. consolation and spiritual strength; and, 
 receiving the Word of God as the only rule of your faith and practice, you submit to the 
 brotherly care of this church of Christ, and to the discipline He hath established in His 
 church. 
 
 "You do now solemnly give up yourself and all that you have unto God, promising that 
 you will endeavor to walk as becometh the Gospel of Christ, that you may give no cause for 
 others to speak evil of it on your own account, but that the name of God may be glorified in 
 you. Thus you profess and coven.^.nt," — Blake, Vol. IL v. 22. 
 
RELIGION IN NEW LONDON COUNTY 275 
 
 themselves atrainst this pKin of church life which seemed to accept member- 
 ship on the basis of a good moral character and not by conversion or deep 
 conviction, and which had little or no interest in missionary endeavor and 
 became more and more self-contained and intellectual. The sterner Calvin- 
 ism of Puritanism had a revival and the Westminster Confession and Cate- 
 chism came again into vogue, as a deeper call of God was recognized in power- 
 ful revival movements that set in. The winning of an expanding continent 
 and of a world lying in sin and misery appealed to the orthodox churches of 
 the county of all denominations. The desperately shattered condition of the 
 post-Revolutionary churches, with the aftermath of the war of 181 2, had its 
 healthful reaction. Slowly the churches gathered themselves together for an 
 emphasis upon a Biblical faith, pressing the claims of the Scriptures through 
 the Bible Societies upon every home in the county, and by the establishing 
 of Sunday schools for the organized study of the Bible. The Connecticut 
 Home Missionary Society helped the churches reach all neglected places in 
 the State and county and to reach out to all regions whither Connecticut 
 people had migrated— in Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, and especially 
 in the Western Reserve of Ohio. The best and the worst of humanity fol- 
 lowed the western trail, and the call for the establishment of religion in the 
 new sections appealed successfully to the churches of this county, which sent 
 its finest men and women as pioneers, and, along with them, churches, schools 
 and ministers. 
 
 Soon the call came from further afield and the whole world of needy 
 humanity came home to the hearts of these earnest Christians, and the 
 orthodox churches of New London county began that steady and copious 
 stream of benevolence and self-surrender for foreign work which has grown 
 with the years. As the New London and Norwich sea captains took Amer- 
 ica's commerce to the ends of the world, so the educator and missionary took 
 America's deepest religious character and discipline to nations still in the 
 shadow of idolatry. 
 
 Closely linked to this broad development, with its wholesome local reac- 
 tion, came the zeal for reform. The Groton Monument was built by a lottery 
 scheme, as were many churches and colleges of those early decades of the 
 nineteenth century. But the conscience of the churches steadily developed 
 until all gambling, like duelling, was outlawed. The same deepening of 
 conscience was stirred by human slavery and did its full share in the awak- 
 ened nation, first with abolition societies and later with the stern tramp of 
 soldiers marching southward. The equally grave curse of intemperance be- 
 came more and more evident. In 181 1 we note the occurrence of an ecclesi- 
 astical ordination at the Groton Congregational Church. On the expense 
 account was a large bill for "liquor." That was quite in order in those days. 
 But soon thereafter we see ministers and churches reacting from this growing 
 evil in society, and temperance organizations sprang up throughout the 
 county and made no compromise with the use of alcoholic drink until at 
 length the Eighteenth Amendment made an outlaw of it also. The Groton 
 Banks Temperance Society was one of the earlier active agencies to bring 
 this about. Orphanages, asylums, hospitals, followed with the marked im- 
 
276 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 provements in education. In every one of these vital reforms the churches 
 of the county have taken a leading part, originating most of them. 
 
 The distinctive work for young men and later for young women among 
 all denominations seemed to grow out of the needs made mainfest by the 
 Civil War. The Christian Endeavor movement came speedily to South- 
 eastern Connecticut, followed by the Baptist Young People's Union and the 
 Epworth League, the Knights of King Arthur, the Camp Fire Girls and 
 the Boy and Girl Scouts. Later the Knights of Columbus and the Holy 
 Name Society took their strong places in the life of the Catholic churches. 
 
 The Brotherhood of St. Andrews and men's clubs of various names have 
 been established in many of the churches, and have added marked strength 
 to the work of the churches. Perhaps the most active of all these men's 
 organizations is "The Layman's League." This is an interdenominational 
 organization. It has been especially efficient in New London and through- 
 out the southern townships of the county. Mention should be made of the 
 Baraea classes that have gathered large groups of men for continuous study 
 of the Bible in various parts of the county, and especially in Norwich and 
 New London. 
 
 Never has the modern force of free, voluntary, cooperative, religious 
 organization shown itself more powerful and fundamental in New London 
 county than in the services rendered by the churches of the county in the 
 Great War (1917-18). The note of patriotism rang true and convincingly 
 from every pulpit. Honor rolls and fiags arose in every place of worship. 
 No organization within these churches failed to do its part. Proclamations 
 from Governor and President were read so frequently at the services that it 
 became evident that, whatever the pressing need, the churches were a chief 
 avenue to the intelligence, the hearts, the conscience and the pockets of the 
 several communities of the county. 
 
 The close relation of the churches to education in New London county 
 has been marked from the first. The common school at once followed the 
 church in every community. Academies and, later, high schools, sprang up 
 in all the centers, fostered at first in pastors' studies until separate buildings 
 were inevitable. Norwich Free Academy in the northern section still retains 
 the old name. It also does the high school work for Norwich and its environs. 
 Indeed, the remains of most of the old academies are seen in the form of 
 endowed high schools, like those in New London, North Stonington and 
 Mystic. The Norwich Free Academy furnishes us with a typical New Eng- 
 land scene. The camera brings into view the monument to Uncas, the 
 Mohegan Indian chieftain who sold the nine-mile tract to the original settlers 
 of Norwich Town, then the ancient colonial mansion, once a tavern that har- 
 bored George Washington and is now the parsonage of the Park Congrega- 
 tional Church, and in the background to the right the fine lines of the Gothic 
 Park Church, and the Free Academy to the left. 
 
 The famous Plainfield and Lebanon (Moor's Indian Charity School) 
 schools were in territory once a part of the county. Eleazer Wheelock. 
 founder of Dartmouth College, was a strong leader in the churches of the 
 county. 
 
RELIGION IN NEW LONDON COUNTY 2-77 
 
 The Collegiate School of Connecticut (later Yale College) began its work 
 in the parsonage of Rev. Abraham Pierson, at Killingworth (now Clinton), 
 then an important part of New London county. In 1707 we find its three 
 lower classes established at Saybrook Point, and practically in charge of 
 Rev. Thomas Buckingham, the pastor. The minister of the First Church of 
 Christ in New London, the Rev. Gurdon Saltonstall, was prominent in all those 
 early days in the institution, and later as Governor of the Colony had the 
 influence that finally located the College at New Haven. 
 
 The Connecticut College for Womert, located in New London, was not 
 so directly the outcome of the churches as was Yale University, but in all 
 the initial steps leading to the starting of the College and the choice of its 
 location and in the raising of nine-tenths of its funds for its first half dozen 
 crucial years, the pastors and the churches of Greater New London were 
 most active and influential. It is recognized that no other single agency 
 ever established in the county has promised so large and pervasive and 
 unlimited a spiritual power for this section of the State. Already it has 
 become the center of activities in close cooperation with the churches of all 
 denominations, as well as with the schools. 
 
 Before closing this brief general introductory review of the religious 
 development in New London county through the churches, just a word must 
 be said as to the marked reaction of the various denominations on one another 
 within these two hundred and seventy-five and more years. The original 
 churches in the Colony of the Congregational type have had a steady develop- 
 ment from the first. While keeping to the autonomous principle, they have 
 cooperated more and more closely in associational forms and have been largely 
 influenced by the free and warm-hearted spirit of Methodism and the worship- 
 ful and orderly ideals of Episcopacy. In turn, the principle of autonomy, 
 fostered by the Congregational as well as the Baptist communions, has had 
 a marked influence on Methodism and Episcopacy, bringing in each of these 
 denominations a strong laic representation to the front and making it so that 
 each individual self-supporting church has practical control of its ministry 
 and its local work. At the same time the centralizing tendency in the 
 Episcopal and Methodist churches has powerfully affected the plans for 
 efficiency in the more loosely ordered communions. Of late this decided 
 harmonization of interdenominational methods and spirit has brought to the 
 front the Federation ideal which resulted in the Federation of the Churches 
 in New London and Vicinity. The cooperative spirit has promise in it of 
 large things in the future work of the churches of the county. 
 
 It has been the fashion to speak of "the good old days" in the church and 
 family life of New England. While the latter seems to be passing through 
 a critical phase and, as yet, has not reached the turning of the road, it is not 
 a too optimistic judgment to say that church life as a whole was never in 
 better condition in New London county than it is today. In all outward 
 ways the outlook is reassuring. The growth in membership, in benevolences, 
 in brotherhood, in cooperative efforts and in missionary zeal, since the Great 
 War, has been unprecedented. 
 
273 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 II. 
 
 THE COLONIAL STATE CHURCH IN NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 It is now established that org^anized religion came first to New London 
 county in 1651, when the Rev. Richard Blinman arrived at the five-year-old 
 settlement near the mouth of the Pequot (Thames) river, bringing with him 
 a substantial majority of his church, which he had previously organized on 
 Congregational principles (1642) at Gloucester (Cape Ann) Massachusetts. 
 The total absence of all records of any other formal organization of a church 
 in the new colonial venture, and the definite statements later as to the fact 
 of a church already being in existence and in full career there, with Mr. 
 Blinman as its pastor, have led inevitably to the above conclusion. The Nor- 
 wich Town church came there full-fledged from Saybrook (organized there 
 1646) under the lead of its pastor, Rev. James Fitch; just as Rev. Thomas 
 Hooker brought his Newtown (Massachusetts) church to Hartford, and the 
 Plymouth (Massachusetts) church had come from Leyden, Holland. 
 
 The Rev. Thomas Peters had been associated from the first (1646) with 
 Governor John Winthrop, Jr., in the beginnings of New London, and doubt- 
 less had conducted occasional services in the rude log huts in the clearing 
 on the west bank of the river before the arrival of Mr. Blinman and his fol- 
 lowers. The accomplished Governor was not unmindful of religion, and all 
 labor ceased in the little settlement as the sun went down of a Saturday eve- 
 ning, except as emergencies of war arose. The smoke curled up from the 
 chimneys of a score or more of crude log huts, as a Sabbath of rest had come. 
 The guard kept watch without the stockade, and the goodman of each home 
 had his weapons close at hand. As the shades of night fell and the owl hooted 
 from the primeval forest trees that hemmed them round, and mothers quieted 
 the restless children to sleep, the voice of Psalm and prayer might be heard 
 from the hearts that appreciated the Divine protection amid the haunts of 
 wild beasts and the skulking Pequot. We can see the little company, in 1647 
 increased by a number of families, among them the Governor's own. gathered 
 reverently of a Sunday morning in the most convenient audience room avail- 
 able to listen to Scripture exposition and Puritan sermon ; and for them, too, 
 
 "The sounding aisles of the dim woods rang 
 To the anthem of the free." 
 
 The advent in 165 1 of the church-colony from Gloucester, Massachusetts, 
 under the lead of Mr. Blinman, at once brought together all the forces of 
 religion. The Governor and his family and all the older settlers took their 
 places with the new-comers in the regular parish life now fully established, 
 it being the thirty-fifth church to be planted in New England under colonial 
 
 ■" The story is told of a couple (Jonathan Rudd being the man) that desired to be married 
 by the Governor. This prerogative belonged for nearly a generation to the civil magistrate. 
 .\bout 1685 clergj-men were legalized to perform the ceremony as well as the magistrates. 
 John Winthrop could not legally overstep the boundary into the Connecticut colony to render 
 such a service, even though he had been formerly at the head of the Saybrook colonial 
 enterprise. So he made his way through the snow that winter's day to the stream separating 
 the two colonies. Beside its frozen waters on his own territory he pronounced the eager 
 couple to be man and wife. Hence Bride Brook and Bride Pond or Lake, near the modern 
 Connecticut Farm for Women in Niantic. 
 
RELIGION IN NEW LONDON COUNTY 279 
 
 jurisdiction. Their first minister was of Welsh extraction and brought with 
 him from Gloucester the ancestors of the Calkins, Coits, Averys, Lesters and 
 others, in all over twenty families, with a total of one hundred souls. 
 
 The earliest place for worship was a transformed barn owned by Robert 
 Park, situated on "Meeting House Hill," near which in 1653 a place for 
 burial was set apart. A drum called the assembly for worship in the crude 
 structure. Plans were at once laid for the erection of a regular church build- 
 ing on the south side of the old burial ground. This first church was com- 
 pleted and first used in 1655. It seems to have been a modest place of worship, 
 but with a tower commanding wide views down the river and harbor, being 
 a point of civic and military importance as well as the religious center. It 
 had galleries and a high pulpit, being probably quite the best building in 
 the settlement. 
 
 The parish extended from the Pawcatuck river to Bride brook, which 
 was considered the western edge of the Massachusetts jurisdiction under 
 which, at the first, John Winthrop, Jr., was operating. It also extended 
 northward somewhat indefinitely through Montville to the Norwich line and 
 included the modern Ledyard and North Stonington. One of the earliest 
 records speaks of Thomas Miner, who had moved to Pawcatuck in 1652, and 
 Captain Denison as having serious differences of opinion with their minister, 
 Mr. Blinman, over the proposed erection of a town of Mystic and Pawcatuck, 
 which conflict was healed two years later. Minister's rates were levied by 
 the voters over this wide-extended parish. Mr. Blinman undertook to hold 
 occasional services in the more remote sections, especially to the east across 
 the Thames river. He was deeply interested in preaching to the Indians. 
 
 The short pastorate of Mr. Blinman came to an unexpected end in 1658 for 
 no special reason that can be ascertained.* He was accounted a man of learn- 
 ing and high abilitv, and a natural leader. On occasion he was sent to the 
 General Court of Massachusetts to represent Pequot on business of impor- 
 tance. He was a non-conformist and Puritan of the straightest sect, a sturdy, 
 frugal pioneer, who well set the pace for the religious development of the 
 settlement and the county. 
 
 For three years the parish of Pequot (changed to New London in 1658 
 by order of the General Court of Massachusetts) sought a successor for Mr. 
 Blinman. In the meanwhile they were supplied by preachers when available. 
 Sometimes a Mr. John Tinker, rate-maker, collector and commissioner, as 
 
 ' It is surmised that he was not in harmony with the more and more prevalent plan of 
 the "Half-way Covenant " a modification of chnrcb mrmhcrship not anticipated hv the found- 
 ers of New England, who expected that those who should become members of the church 
 would trive reasonable proof of "regeneration," and that children of only such should be 
 baptized. But a large number of the children of the first colonists did not seek admission 
 to the church and so the grandchildren were left without baptism, with terrible consequences 
 in case these died before they themselves were baptised at their own instance. The pressure 
 became so great that during the last half of the 17th century the churches gave temporarily 
 a new plan to ?uch. v.hcrol-y parent? of good standing in the community, whose parents in 
 turn had been members of the church, could bring their children for baptism, even though 
 they themselves were not full members. They had to make certain acknowledgements of a 
 purpose to give themselves to God in Christ, to endeavor to v-a'k according to the rules of 
 that holy religion all their days and bring up their children to fear God. Under these con- 
 ditions of a "Half-way Covenant" their children could be baptized. 
 
28o NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 well as an assistant in the affairs in the Colony and licensed to distill and 
 retail liquors, often "exercised in public at religious meetings until the arrival 
 of the new minister." The open town meeting at this time and for several 
 generations following passed upon all business affairs of the church, including 
 the calling of the minister. The Colonial legislature also had spiritual over- 
 sight of creed and discipline. 
 
 It was during this interval that matters most important for the church 
 life of the county (to be) were occurring elsewhere. The crushing of the 
 Pequots by Captain John Mason in 1637 in the famous Mystic battle, had 
 left Uncas, friend of the English, the leading Indian chieftain of the Mohegan- 
 Pequot remnants, with his residence at the head of the Pequot estuary (Nor- 
 wich). The southern section of what was to be the county was taken as 
 spoil of war by the English, leaving all the northern watershed of the Thames 
 more or less under the political control of Uncas and his tribe. In August, 
 1659, he signed the famous deed of transfer of the "nine-mile" tract to Captain 
 John Mason and his compatriots, following permission from the General Court 
 of the Colony to plant a settlement on the Yantic ; and so "Norredge" became 
 a legal township in 1662. 
 
 In 1646 the Rev. James Fitch had organized a church at Saybrook as we 
 have seen. In 1660 he, with a majority of his churchmen, moved to the fertile 
 banks of the Yantic and founded the Norwich Town Congregational Church. 
 The first crude structure for religious purposes in this new settlement was 
 erected on the southwest corner of the "Green" or "Plain," with a sun dial 
 and a horse block at the door, and served its purpose for twelve years. 
 
 Mr. Fitch, in this old First Church, gathered about him a remarkable 
 group of men and women, who, with their descendants, were destined to 
 render the world as fine a human result as any company of the same number 
 has ever done on this continent. The parish extended throughout the nine- 
 mile tract, which was made a legal township in 1662, as has been noted. It 
 faced somewhat different problems as a church and community than those 
 found in the adjacent seaport settlement of New London. The center of 
 Indian life was near at hand. Mr. Fitch learned the Mohegan language and 
 sought to christianize the accessible tribes. On a Sunday morning the settlers 
 near and far rode in for the church services, their wives on pillions behind 
 them. Every available hitching post on the Green was preempted, as the 
 serious-minded men and women, and children, too, filled the crude meeting 
 house under the lead of the much beloved pastor. While it was the social 
 event of the week, it also had to do with eternity, as they listened attentively 
 to the elaborate exposition of Scripture, and the prayers, and sang out of the 
 Old Bay Psalm Book the hymns lined out by the leader. 
 
 When the structure became inadequate, they built a new church on the 
 top of the steep hill to the northwest of the Green. Rumors of war with thr 
 Indians kept the Norwich settlers restive, and so they made their church a 
 fortress and a watch tower. In 1673 they began to hold services on this 
 almost inaccessible height, helping the young and the old and the feeble up 
 the winding path. The guards kept watch beside the stacked rifles of the 
 men during the service. 
 
RELIGION IN NEW LONDON COUNTY 2S1 
 
 Mr. Fitch was incapacitated by a stroke of palsy in 1674, and Jabez Fitch, 
 his son, just out of Harvard, was asked to succeed. He helped them out a 
 year or so and then went off to complete his studies. In the meanwhile King 
 Philip's War (1675-78) threw the whole settlement into confusion. Uncas 
 with his Mohegans stood faithfully by his English friends. Fugitives from 
 every point of the compass poured in upon them, and a special settlement 
 was arranged for these on the Shetucket river near Norwich. 
 
 At last (1699) Rev. John Woodward was inducted into the pastorate, 
 his parish covering, besides the nine-mile tract, Canterbury and Windham. 
 In 1708 Captain Rene Grignon, a Huguenot from France, presented the town 
 with a bell, which was hung in a separate tower on the summit of Meeting 
 House Hill, ringing every night at nine o'clock and for Sunday services. 
 
 But to return to the settlement at the mouth of the Thames. The year 
 1661 saw Rev. Gershom Bulkeley (Harvard 1655) preaching in the old First 
 Church of Christ in New London. He came of fine family connections in 
 both New England and old England, and brought to the settlement his young 
 wife, Sarah Chauncey, only daughter of President Chauncey of Harvard. 
 With them came also his cultured, widowed mother, a daughter of Sir Richard 
 Chitwood of England. This second spiritual leader of New London was a 
 man of marked strength of character and of decidedly anti-democratic lean- 
 ings. His ideals of a more centralized form of church government led to 
 differences of opinion with his parishioners; so, rather than foment strife, he 
 wisely relinquished the pastorate in 1665. He took this measure under the 
 kindly protest of his people, who had voted to give him "liberty of conscience 
 and utterance." He was a learned man, skilled in languages and medicine. 
 After a decade as pastor at Wethersfield; Connecticut, he retired to the prac- 
 tice of medicine. His gracious mother remained in New London to the end 
 of her life. His descendant, Leonard Bulkeley, was the founder of the 
 Bulkeley school in the same place. Another descendant was the Hon. Morgan 
 G. Bulkeley. Governor of the State. 
 
 We now come to a more settled condition of church affairs in New 
 London. The new Colonial charter, which John Winthrop, Jr., secured from 
 the government of Charles II in 1662, allayed some of the disputes in South- 
 eastern Connecticut by defining Pawcatuck river as the eastern boundary of 
 the newly constituted Colony. Massachusetts had claimed a large section of 
 territory hereabouts, but gracefully yielded the township of Southertown, 
 which now became a part of Connecticut. The New London parish by that 
 arrangement extended to the Mystic river. 
 
 Rev. William Thompson had come as a missionary to the Indians in 
 1667, when the Massachusetts General Court had granted 8,500 acres to a 
 tribe of Pequot Indians under the chieftainship of Harmon Garrett. Beside 
 preaching to the natives, Mr. Thompson held services in the homes of the 
 planters (Cheesebrough, Miner, Wheeler, Palmer, Stanton, DeniscJn, Gallup, 
 etc.), who were restive at having to go so far to church as New London. 
 Considerable controversy thus arose in the attempt to erect a separate church 
 in Mystic and Pawcatuck. The Commissioners of the United Colonies had 
 rendered a decision in 1658 that all land east of the Alystic river should belong 
 
282 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 to Massachusetts, and a township of Southertown had been constituted, 
 embracing also territory afterwards ceded to Rhode Island. A humble meet- 
 ing house seems to have been erected in 1661, where occasional preaching 
 was had. Southertown was renamed Mystic (1665) and later (1666) Ston- 
 ington. 
 
 In the meanwhile the planters of this section had called Rev. James Noyes 
 to take charge of the religious life and development in the region east of the 
 Mystic river. Thus began a long and very important ministry of over fifty 
 years (1719). For ten of these years the young minister was content to 
 preach as a licentiate and delayed his ordination until 1674, when a new 
 church building was erected near the present "Road Church," and the 
 ecclesiastical organization was fully established (June 3, 1674). The ministry 
 of Mr. Noyes was of far-reaching importance. He and his brother, Rev. 
 Moses Noyes, of Old Lyme, were important factors in the founding of Yale 
 College. The Stonington pastor entered into all the life of his extensive parish 
 and shared with his people to the full the hardships of the Indian wars. He 
 seems to have been skilled as a physician as well as a minister, and received 
 public recognition for his services in the Narragansett war. 
 
 This venerable church furnished the Colony and the State with a long 
 line of able ministers who entered into all the developments of spiritual, 
 educational and social life in Southeastern Connecticut. During the long 
 pastorate of Rev. Ebenezer Rosseter (1722-62) there was controversy as to 
 the location of a new church edifice. This resulted in the erection of two 
 buildings, the "West," near the old site on Agreement Hill (1729) ; the other 
 the "East." or the "Centre" church, at Putnam Corner. This latter society 
 called as pastor Rev. Nathaniel Eells in 1733. In 1762, at the death of Mr. 
 Rosseter, the two churches were brought together under the ministry of 
 Mr. Eells. 
 
 In the meanwhile the North Society in Stonington (now North Ston- 
 ington) was incorporated by an act of the General Assembly in 1720 and was 
 organized in 1721. After the customary controversy as to the location of the 
 church building and the pressing problem of the "Half-Way Covenant," 
 occasional preachers were succeeded by Rev. Ebenezer Russell, who was 
 ordained (1727) at the time the church itself was fully organized. After the 
 death of the first pastor (1731) carne the remarkable pastorate of Rev. Joseph 
 Fish (1732-81). In spite of a large "Separatist" defection in 1742, the min- 
 istry of Mr. Fish was notable, especially all through the Revolutionary War. 
 
 For thirty-six years after his death the church had no settled pastor, 
 showing the sad case of spiritual decline everywhere manifested in the country 
 at large and in New London county in particular. In 1817 the "Separatist" 
 and "Regular" churches at last came together and reunited under the ministry 
 of Rev. Joseph Ayer.' 
 
 At the conclusion of the Narragansett War the territory north of North 
 
 ° The following installed pastors have since served thi>; church : Rev. Prter H. Shaw, 
 T837-39; Rev. Myron N. Morris, 1S46-52; Rev. Stephen Hubble, 1853-69; Rev. James R. 
 Bourne, 1873-79; Rev. John W. Savage, 1881-84; Rev. Wm. B. Cary, 1884-1900; Rev. Edwin 
 Judson Klock, 19CO-1908; Rev. F. M. Hollister, 1909-1914; Rev. O. D. Fi'sher, 1915 — . 
 
RELIGION IN NEW LONDON COUNTY 283 
 
 Stonington was set aside for a new township, which was named in honor of 
 the volunteers of that war, Voluntown. All well accredited soldiers of that 
 fierce struggle were granted land in the new township. But it was a long 
 time before its rather remote fastnesses were made accessible. Pioneers 
 finally flocked in in numbers enough to warrant the "gathering" of a church, 
 and in 1720 the Onconk or "Line" church was built, one-half the structure 
 in Voluntown and the other half in Sterling. 
 
 But we must not forget that the western part of what was New London 
 county, as constituted in 1666 and for something over a century and a 
 quarter (1785), embraced the huge township of Old Saybrook, stretching 
 east and west of the Connecticut river from Bride brook (Niantic) to the 
 Hammonasset river (Clinton). In this territory there was an earlier develop- 
 ment of organized Christianity than in that now within the county limits. 
 Governor John Winthrop, Jr., had first essayed to establish a colony at 
 Saybrook Point (1635) in opposition to the Dutch claims. High ambitions 
 seemed to have centered about this strategic spot. During the contem- 
 poraneous civil disturbances in England it was dreamed that here, at the 
 mouth of the Connecticut river, a mighty commonwealth might be planted 
 and fostered with the great Cromwell at its head and John Milton to be its 
 chief literary ornament. Two Puritan noblemen. Lord Say and Lord Brook, 
 were the leaders. The lingering glory of this dream may have had something 
 to do with the location later at Saybrook of the Collegiate Institute of Con- 
 necticut in 1701. But the early dream faded, and John Winthrop, Jr., gave 
 over the enterprise to George Fenwick, who in turn sold out his rights to 
 the Connecticut Colony in 1644. Two years later (1646), on the very year 
 of the founding of the New London settlement, the Old Saybrook (Congre- 
 gational) church was organized under the pastorate of Rev. James Fitch, as 
 we have seen. He left in 1660 with a large portion of his flock to found 
 Norwich and to establish a church there. 
 
 From the first the Saybrook settlement and its parish included all the 
 territory east of the Connecticut river and south of East Haddam as far as 
 Bride brook in Niantic. But the broad estuary of the Connecticut made it 
 very difficult for the settlers east of it to attend their church at Saybrook. 
 Occasional preaching services were held in that eastern section of the parish, 
 and in 1666, the very year New London county was legally constituted by 
 the General Assembly, Rev. Moses Noyes began to preach regularly east of 
 the river. In 1668 a log meeting house was erected, which served the purpose 
 until 1689. Then a more fitting structure replaced the original crude edifice. 
 Its site was determined by lot, after the usual sharp differences of opinion. 
 After Mr. Noyes had been preaching for twenty-seven years at Black Hall 
 or Old Lyme, on March 27, 1693, he was installed and the church regularly 
 organized. His very distinguished pastorate lasted until 1722. He played a 
 most important part in the founding of Yale College (at Saybrook from 
 1701 to 1716) and was a leader of eminence throughout the county and the 
 colon>-. 
 
 Rev. Jonathan Parsons, the third pastor, was an ardent participant in 
 the movement of the Great Awakening, which spread throughout New 
 
284 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 England. He was eminent as a theologian and a revivalist, receiving into 
 the membership of his church 288 members within fifteen years. A successor, 
 Rev. Stephen Johnson, was also eminently successful in his pastorate of forty 
 years. The outcome of these labors and the increased opening up of the 
 county to settlers were the organizations of the Niantic church (1724), that 
 at Lyme (1725), at Hamburg (1727), at Salem (1728), and Grassy Hill (1746). 
 
 Indeed, the religious activities in the southwestern part of what is em- 
 braced in New London county of our day were more notable during its 
 colonial history than those found in any other section of Southeastern Con- 
 necticut, as the result of revival interests prevalent there. It was to have 
 been expected that this region would be a stronghold of Congregationalism. 
 But the early pre-Revolutionary promise was not fulfilled. A large colony of 
 religious recalcitrants migrated as a body to the Western Reserve in Ohio 
 and founded the town of New Old Lyme in Ashtabula county.* 
 
 But we are far afield from the storv of the "Old First" at New London, 
 
 ' The writer is familiar with the modern New Old Lyme, where only in recent years has 
 there _ been established an "Orthodox" church. "Free Love" and "Spiritualism" and other 
 "isms" originally prevalent there seem to indicate that the inhabitants went westward partly 
 at least to escape the moral restraints of religion. The writer knew the clergyman who 
 founded the Presbyterian church in New Old Lyme about 1895. He was generously assisted 
 by a thiinghtful local merchant nominally a Spiritualist, who endowed the Academy there and 
 eventually left his homestead for a parsonage. 
 
 ^ Rogerenes. Rogerene Quakers, Rogerene Baptists.— This peculiar sect or social group 
 under one or other of these names took its name from John Rogers, son of James Rogers 
 who came from Milford, Connecticut, at the instance of Governor John Winthrop, Jr., about 
 1655. John Rogers, the son, grew up in the membership of the First Church of Christ in 
 New London. He seems to have been a man of a strong, eccentric nature, who, in 1674, 
 while at Newport, Rhode Lsland, came under the influence of a small Sabbatarian church and 
 there experienced a marked religious upheaval, which set him off in his new career. Later 
 he formally united with that body by immersion. Still later he was much influenced by 
 preaching of the Friends (Quakers), Finally he broke with the Sabbatarians and established 
 his own order, which was neither Sabbatarian or Quaker. 
 
 Among the tenets of the new sect were the following items of creed and practice: 
 
 1. Theologically it held to the orthodox views concerning God and the Trinity. 
 
 2. It sought to follow literally the teaching of Jesus Christ and the Apostles. 
 
 3. It put aside the Puritan "Sabbath" (Lord's Day) as a day of the week more sacred than 
 the other six and it inveighed against what it called the "idolatry" of Sunday, although 
 holding its stated services on that day. 
 
 4. It emphasized the sacredness and lawfulness of work on all seven days of the week, and 
 boldly practiced it on Sunday as against colonial law. 
 
 5. It abjured priestcraft and the salaried profession of the ministry, and refused to pay the 
 legal church tax. 
 
 6. It proclaimed public prayers to be pharisaic, especially the "long prayer." 
 
 7. It undertook to oppose the whole scheme of the regularly established church and welcomed 
 punishments, fines, imprisonments. A craze for persecution led to most extravagant 
 practices. 
 
 8. It used strictly New Testament methods in dealing with the sick, and would not call in 
 the aid of the regular physician. The reader has noticed that many clergymen practiced 
 medicine on occasion. 
 
 9. The matrimonial experiences nf John Rogers, leading him to practice what he considered to 
 be plurality of wives with an Old Testament sanction, and the ignoring of the legal colonial 
 ceremony of wedlock, offered an example fruitful of unfortunate family conditions outside 
 the law among his followers. 
 
 It will be seen at once how inevitable was the conflict between the ordered evolution of 
 ecclesiastical life in New London, Connecticut, and this erratic movement. Refusal to attend 
 church services or to pay the ministerial tax, working in the fields on the Lord's Day as well 
 as traveling on Sunday, all were indictable offenses calling for fine or imprisonment. Often 
 tlte acts committed were so contemptible that justice had hard work getting seasoned with 
 mercy. No orderly assembly of Christians in the county could reckon on an undisturbed 
 meeting. Violent noises outside the buildings were indulged in. The mischief-makers boldly 
 came into the services, arose in their places and undertook to dispute with the preacher, 
 
RELIGION IN NEW LONDON COUNTY 285 
 
 which we left just as it was calling Rev. Simon Bradstreet to its pastorate 
 in 1666. This was the very year that New London county was fully consti- 
 tuted under the new colonial charter, embracing the four townships of Say- 
 brook, New London, Stonington and Norwich. Mr. Bradstreet served the 
 church as preacher four years before his regular ordination in 1670. Here 
 begin the first obtainable records of the church. The threatening "Half-Way 
 Covenant," though spreading among the Connecticut churches, was not yet 
 preached or practiced in the New London church. It was under this pastorate 
 that the Rogerene disturbances began to be troublesome, gradually spreading 
 throughout the county and among all denominations.^ 
 
 The ordination of Mr. Bradstreet in October. 1670, was the first of many 
 succeeding such services to be held in New London county. During his 
 pastorate (about 1685) ministers were given legal right to officiate at wed- 
 dings, although this privilege did not take from the civil authorities their 
 prior right. During his ministry a new church edifice was erected, not with- 
 out serious differences of opinion as to the location, high up on the southwest 
 corner of Meeting House Green, now Bulkeley Square. The tower still 
 retained the aspect of a watch tower, looking far down the estuary of the 
 Thames and about among the hills and valleys surrounding the little settle- 
 
 brought in all sorts of handwork and flaunted their illegal industn,- before the worshipers; 
 and in every other conceivable way attempted to spoil the service. On one occasion a 
 Rogerene trundled a wheelbarrow filled with saleable goods into the morning worship of the 
 old First Church, and, before anyone could hinder, reached the communion table and the 
 obtruder turned and in stentorian voice offered his wares for sale. On the whole the entire 
 community and the churches and the ministers were more persecuted than the Rogcrenes, 
 who were in a fair way to make all law contemptible. 
 
 New London county today is filled with stories true and apochryphal as to the strange 
 and often ridiculous doings of these social conspirators. It cannot be seen that their outrages 
 hastened the abatement of the Puritanical scheme of compulsion. They continued until the 
 death of John Rogers in 1721, which was soon followed by the death of Governor Saltonstall. 
 For fortj- years thereafter the Rogerenes kept out of the court records. The leadership 
 was then in the hands of wiser men, such as John Bolles, John Waterhou = e and John Culver, 
 The conciliator}' attitude of Rev. Eliphalet Adams of the First Church had much to do with 
 this interregnum of hostility between ihe Rogerenes and their neighbors. Printed pamphlets 
 and books and itinerant speakers carried their doctrines v.'idely in New F.figland. Settle- 
 ments were made as far afield as in portions of the Western Reserve in Ohio. One of these 
 may have been New Old Lyme, of which mention has been made. In the meanwhile gradual 
 intermarriages led to a less acute contention. The Rogerenes seemed to have prospered in 
 business ways in spite of all financial requisitions upon their property for fines and taxes. 
 The coming to New London as pastor in the First Church of Rev. Mather Byles, Jr., 
 in I7S7 soon brought on a "counter-move" on the part of the Rogerenes which was at its 
 zenith in 1764-66. Mr. Byles began to preach against the Rogerenes and to incite renewed 
 discipline against Sunday labor and travel, the holding of unauthorized meetings, abstention 
 from regular church services and the administration of the sacraments by unauthorized per- 
 sons. Court records once more abound with cases of trial, fine and imprisonment. But the 
 close of Mr. Byles' ministrv' (1768") largely brought to an end the offensive tactics of the 
 Rogerenes. A general plan prevailed among the churches to ignore utterly the disturbances 
 of the malcontents. The Revolutionary War now impended. Many Rogerenes proved patriots 
 to the American cause. The sect seems to have subsided, as the freedom of church attend- 
 ance and voluntary pa.vtnent for church expenses and a simplification of ecclesiastical pulpit 
 garments and ministerial manners prevailed. 
 
 Today a small remnant of the sect may be found in the southeastern corner of the 
 township of Ledyard, popularly known as Quakertown. Education in public schools, the 
 modern newspaper, less stringent sumptuary laws and the new age, have combined to make 
 the Rogerenes practically indistinguishable from their neighbors. "Quaker Hill." "Bolles" 
 Woods" and many another local designation, recall to mind the places and personalities 
 connected with this strange and often amusing religious episode in the long story of New 
 London county. 
 
286 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 ment. The building was not completed until 1682, at the very close of Mr. 
 Bradstreet's ministry. 
 
 As we have seen, the eldest daughter of First Church of Christ in New 
 London had been fully established in Stonington in 1674, not without friction 
 with the mother church or among its own membership. The dividing line 
 between the two parishes was placed at the Mystic river. But even this did 
 not stop the restiveness of the increasing numbers dwelling on the east side 
 of the Thames. These more distant families were under the leadership of 
 Captain Janies Avery. In 1684, as soon as the old "Blinman Church" building 
 in New London was superceded by the "Bradstreet Church," this strong man 
 of the eastern part of the parish bought the old church building for six pounds 
 sterling, separated it into parts and floated them one by one around to his 
 farm in Poquonnock, and set it up as a part of the homestead he was erecting. 
 At one time or another this famous landmark was used for informal religious 
 services. 
 
 In 1687 there came to the New London church by far the most outstand- 
 ing ecclesiastical figure ever connected with the county, the Rev. Gurdon 
 Saltonstall, then a man of twenty-one years of age and only three and a 
 half out of Harvard College. He was not ordained in the pastorate of the 
 First Church until November 25, i6gi, and remained in that position until 
 elected Governor of the Colony in 1708. An aristocrat by birth and tempera- 
 ment, large, tall and commanding in person and voice, a natural leader among 
 men, he began at once to exercise qualities of personal initiative which spread 
 his reputation throughout the colony. Early in his ministry the first bell in 
 the county was hung in the church tower and used both for church services 
 and for civil functions. 
 
 The "Half-Way Covenant" had, by this time, spread widely in Connecti- 
 cut and ^Tassachusetts, and there was a serious declension in spiritual power 
 clearly discernible everywhere it went. The low morale led in 1692 in Massa- 
 chusetts to the Salem witchcraft delusion. New London county was for- 
 tunately free from that most unchristian religious and civil declension. Mr. 
 Saltonstall was the first clergyman in New London actually to take advantage 
 of the new law permitting a clergyman to perform the marriage ceremony. 
 He was a powerful preacher, somewhat stern in church discipline and provoca- 
 tive of trouble with the Rogerenes. His severe attitude toward restive parish- 
 ioners east of the Thames, especially toward Captain James Avery, widened 
 the previous estrangements. These culminated in 1702 in a request to the 
 General Assembly for a separate church organization in that portion of the 
 parish and township. This was consummated in 1704. On the 8th of No- 
 vember of that year, Rev. Ephraim Woodbridge was ordained as the first 
 minister and the First Church of Christ in Groton fully organized. In 1705 
 Groton township was set off from New London, and the Ecclesiastical Society 
 of the church received its permanent name. On the year following (1705) 
 the First Baptist Church of Groton was organized at Old Mystic. 
 
 But in spite of elements that awakened opposition within and without 
 the church, Mr. Saltonstall was a man of singular power as a preacher and 
 as a man. His influence spread throughout the colony to such an extent that 
 
RELIGION IN NEW LONDON COUNTY 287 
 
 at the death of Governor Fitz-John Winthrop (1698-1707), his parishioner, 
 all eyes turned to this pastor as the most fitting successor in the guber- 
 natorial chair. This political advancement occurred on January i, 1708, after 
 a pastorate of nearly twenty years, or sixteen years after his ordination.' 
 
 In the meanwhile, matters of very considerable moment had been occur- 
 ring in the northern portion of the county. The First Church of Christ at 
 Norwich Town, after the disturbances of the Indian wars, had experienced 
 a notable expansion. To the east across the Shetucket river on land purchased 
 from the Alohegan Indians, the inhabitants were granted a township charter 
 under the name of Preston, in 1687. They set at work at once to have an 
 organized church of their own. They were a sturdy band, with household 
 names such as Brewster, Standish (of "Mayflower" descent). Park, Tracy, 
 Richards, Tyler, Fobes, Morgan, Witter, Wetch, so ran the names, who 
 cleared the forests and tilled the rich lands of Preston. In faith they built a 
 church and, after long search, secured Rev. Salmon Treat to be their minister. 
 He was ordained at the organization of the church on November 16, 1698. 
 This was the beginning of a fruitful pastorate extending through forty-six 
 years. One of the important results of his ministry was the peaceful estab- 
 lishment of the North Church of Preston (now Griswold) in 1720. 
 
 At this last-mentioned church the Rev. Hezekiah Lord, immediately on 
 its organization, took up the pastorate, which lasted until 1761. These were 
 
 ' Gurdon Saltonstall was re-elected colonial Governor from year to year until his death 
 in 1724. The unprecedented elevation of a clergyman to this high office was fully justified 
 by the wise statesmanship exhibited by the incumbent. Thomas Hooker, Gurdon Saltonstall, 
 L>-man Beecher and Horace Bushnell are four out of a score of Connecticut clergymen who 
 proved powerful factors in the building up of the State and the nation. As Governor, Mr. 
 Saltonstall at once exercised his leadership by summoning at Saybrook, with the assent of 
 the General Assembly, a Synod to examine "the defects of the discipline of the churches of 
 this government arising from the want of a more explicit asserting of the rules given to 
 that end in the Scriptures." Hence that memorable though small ecclesiastical gathering at 
 the next Commencement season of the Collegiate Institute (later Yale College) then estab- 
 lished at the mouth of the Connecticut river. On September 7, 1708, this Synod brought forth 
 the famous "Savbrook Platform," which was successfully to contest place with the "Cam- 
 bridsje Platform'" (1648) in tlie appro\al of the great majority of the churches of Con- 
 necticut. An important exception to this approval occurred in the Governor's old church. 
 New London First, of which he still remained a member and a regular worshipper. Nor 
 did it stand alone. The "Saybrook Platform" was accepted by the General Assembly, which 
 "ordained that all the churches within this government that are or shall be united in doctrine, 
 wor,-liip and discipline, be and for the future sh.iU be owned and acknowledged by law; pro- 
 vided always that nothing herein shall be intended or construed to hinder or prevent any 
 church or society that is or shall be allowed by the laws of the government, who soberly 
 differ or dissent from the united churches herebj- established, from exercising worship and 
 discipline in their own way according to their consciences." 
 
 Bv law, the churches of each county were to form one or more "consociations" or 
 Standing Councils before which all cases of discipline, difficult of settlement by the local 
 church, should come, as well as certain matters having to do with ordinations, installations 
 and dismissions. In similar fashion the ministers of each county were to be formed into 
 "Associations" which should in turn send delegates annually to a "General Association" of 
 colony-wide representations. The latter is still in existence, though now not_ a delegated 
 body, except as any regularlv settled Congregational minister in the State is invited to 
 attend. The Saybrook Platform remained legally in effect until 1784, and as a recognized 
 standard for more than a half century after that. 
 
 Governor Saltonstall also was influential in the final settlement of Yale College at New 
 Haven. At its first Commencement at that place he pronounced an oration in Latin (Sept. 
 12, 1718') and its Latinity was accounted of high grade. He ever stood high in the councils 
 of the College. What with Indian and French wars, Colony disputes, high prices, territorial 
 adjustments with Massachusetts and Rhode Island, the times called for leadership of a high 
 order, and the Governor was easily the foremost man in the colony in his time. 
 
288 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 the difficult pioneering days at that end of the county. Mr. Lord was suc- 
 ceeded by Rev. Levi Hart in a still more distinguished ministry lasting from 
 1762 to 1808. Mr. Hart had studied theology with the famous Dr. Bellamy, 
 of Bethlehem, Connecticut, and married his daughter. He had one of those 
 remarkable life-ministries in Griswold, exerting a lasting influence in his 
 own parish and widely over the State. His wisdom and charity handled the 
 "Separatist" movement in his section so effectively that no opposition congre- 
 gations were "gathered" there. He took great interest in Home Missions in 
 Connecticut and northern New England, resulting in the organization of 
 the Missionary Society of Connecticut, the oldest one in the country. 
 
 Between Norwich and Preston, on a narrow strip of territory about 
 twelve miles long, later joined to Preston, in what was before that called 
 East Nor^vich, we find the "Long Society" (Fifth Congregational Church of 
 Norwich), established in 1726. Rev. Jabez Wight was pastor there for fifty- 
 six years. 
 
 But over a quarter of a century before this, came the settlement of 
 Lebanon and the founding of its First Church of Christ in 1700 in what was 
 to become a famous historic center during the War of the Revolution. In 
 1702 it was included in New London county. The "five-mile" purchase from 
 the Indians had come in 1697. The pioneers began the opening out of the land 
 in the following year and the town was formally organized in 1700, the church 
 being there practically from the first (organized November 7, 1700). The 
 meeting house was built at the west end of the "Green," near what became 
 later the "Land Office" of Governor Trumbull. 
 
 Within twenty years the growth of the wide-extended community called 
 for the establishment of a North Parish or Second church, in what was 
 styled Lebanon Crank (now Columbia) (1720). There fifteen years later 
 (1735) Rev. Eleazar Wheelock, son of Deacon Ralph Wheelock and Ruth 
 Huntington (Norwich), was settled. From these two foci of religious life the 
 uplifting influence of the Lebanon churches spread widely. In the First 
 Church there were two remarkable pastorates, together covering over a cen- 
 tury — that of Rev. Solomon Williams, D.D. (1722 to 1771), and Rev. Zebulon 
 Ely (1782 to 1824). From these two churches there grew up the Goshen 
 Church (November 26, 1729), Exeter (1773), and Liberty Hill. Largely 
 owing to the schools established in Lebanon proper (Tisdale's Academy) at 
 North Lebanon (Moor's Charity School) and at Plainfield (Academy) the 
 homes of those pioneers sent forth within a century over forty ministers. 
 
 In close connection with this development, the churches of Plainfield and 
 Canterbury were organized. There seems some dispute as to just which 
 county the credit for those earlier years shall go. But it is certain that the 
 impetus came from the south. The Plainfield church was organized in what 
 was then called the Quinebaug Plantations, on January 3. 1705. They called 
 their first pastor from Norwich, Rev. Joseph Coit, who originated in New 
 London. He ministered to the church for forty-nine years. The Canterbury 
 church was organized in 171 1, while its parish was in New London county. 
 Together with Plainfield, it brought forth men and women of wide influence 
 
RELIGION IN NEW LONDON COUNTY 289 
 
 in the nation at large. Moses Cleveland, the founder of the metropolis of 
 Ohio, went forth from Canterbury. 
 
 The First Church of Colchester, on the Connecticut river watershed, was 
 organized in 1703, soon followed by the Westchester church in the same 
 township in 1729. Rev. John Bulkelcy, son of Rev. Gershom Bulkeley, M.D., 
 whom we met in New London as pastor of the First Church, was the first 
 pastor of the Colchester church, beginning a long line of distinguished min- 
 isters. The temporary house of worship was exchanged for a better after 
 1709, and in 1771 a new structure came, which was counted "the finest in 
 the colony." The Westchester parish in the northern part of the township 
 had an equally strong development with a faithful series of influential pastors, 
 beginning with Rev. Judah Lewis. 
 
 There was a long controversy with the alleged Indian owners as to the 
 southern portion of the town of Colchester, which delayed settlement for 
 many years, but at last a township of Salem was set off by the General 
 Assembly, made up of portions of south Colchester and northern Lyme, and 
 settlers came in. A church was organized in 1728, as previously noted. 
 
 The Norwich Town church went strongly forward under the pastorate 
 of Rev. John Woodward for a decade, giving forth helpfulness in every direc- 
 tion, as we have seen. Mr. Woodward was one of the delegates to the Say- 
 brook Synod, of which he was the secretary, and thus largely responsible for 
 the Platform adopted in 1708. On his return he found he could not carry 
 his church with him. The friction thus arising paved the way to a rupture 
 of the pastoral relation in September, 1716. In the meanwhile a new church 
 building was erected, after the usual quarrel over the location, near the site 
 of the old one on the Meeting House Hill. This new house of worship was 
 opened for use in December, 1713. Mr. Woodward retired from the min- 
 isterial profession and spent his last days on his farm in West Haven, Con- 
 necticut. 
 
 That section of Norv.'ich called "West Farms," a few miles to the north- 
 west of the Green, constituted the most fertile section of the "nine-mile" 
 tract, and was portioned out in sections to the occupants of the Town Plot. 
 This new region was gradually cleared and settled by some of the leading 
 citizens of Norwich. A notable lot of families established themselves there. 
 Efforts had been making for some years to secure a separate ecclesiastical 
 society in that flourishing section. When two score families there set about 
 getting this done, their requests were granted and on October 8, 1718, Rev. 
 Henry Willis was ordained pastor and a church organized, what is now known 
 as the Franklyn church. The new building was barely housed in, and use 
 was made of the old furniture of the former Norwich church at the start. 
 
 Mr. Willis, though a graduate in 1715 of the Connecticut Collegiate 
 Institute at Saybrook (later Yale College), was a strong adherent of the 
 Cambridge Platform (1648) as distinguished from the Saybrook Platform 
 (1708), which quite pleased his people for twenty-six years. But by that time 
 friction arose in the parish ; Saybrook adherents made trouble. "Separatist" 
 movements were under way and, in spite of the powerful revivals of the 
 Great Awakening, the pastorate came to an end in 1750. 
 
290 
 
 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 But about the time of the founding of this strong daughter of the Norwich 
 church, a new pastor came to that church, Rev. Benjamin Lord, who was 
 ordained November 20, 1717, also, at the first, a strong opponent of the Say- 
 brook Platform. On April 30th of that same year the church had voted to 
 sustain itself by contributions rather than by the old State-Church rate, 
 anticipating the Old First at New London by ten years. We note a revival 
 in 1721 and great activity during the times of the Great Awakening, which 
 was judiciously favored by Mr. Lord, who, however, revolted at many of the 
 eccentricities that arose. 
 
 The Lisbon church (Newent) was organized in 1723 with Rev. Daniel 
 Kirkland, whose pastorate lasted until 1752. 
 
 We now turn back again to the southern part of the county and to the 
 First Church at New London. The remarkable ministry of Rev. Gurdon 
 Saltonstall terminated by his election to the governorship. It was followed 
 by the still more fruitful ministry of Rev. Eliphalet Adams, extending from 
 1709 to 1753. He was the last pastor ordained by the township, showing the 
 changing order, as church and State began to be separated. Three hundred 
 and eighty-seven persons were added to the church membership during this 
 long ministry. The powerful revival interest incident upon the Great Awak- 
 ening impressed itself upon the old church, especially in 1740-41. The Half- 
 Way Covenant, introduced into the church during the previous pastorate, 
 still continued, although there was a manifest difference between those ad- 
 mitted on deep conviction during the revival period. The children of all 
 those living exemplary lives and whose ancestors had made a "serious pro- 
 fession of religion" were baptized. 
 
 In October, 1772, the North Parish (Montville) was constituted a dis- 
 tinct parish, the church organized, and Rev. James Hillhouse installed as 
 pastor. He continued in this position for fifteen years. His successor, Rev. 
 David Jewett, was ordained October 3, 1739. A dance (strange to say) and 
 a supper gave this occasion the title of the "Ordination Ball." 
 
 The East Lyme (Niantic) church was organized in 1724, its parish being 
 known as "The Second Ecclesiastical Society of Lyme," with Rev. George 
 Griswold as pastor. This minister, of high social rank and a graduate of 
 Yale College, was a strong preacher and widely useful as a spiritual leader. 
 
 On January 23, 1727, the Old First Church of Christ in New London 
 formally broke away from the old order of township direction and organized 
 the "First Ecclesiastical Society of New London," an incorporated body 
 which took over the financial responsibility for the conduct of the church, 
 as distinguished from the old plan of universal taxation for the support of 
 the ministry. The other churches of the county did the same. This placed 
 the churches of other denominations on an equal footing financially and the 
 new day was ushered in. 
 
 In 1727 a "Relief" law was passed by the General Assembly of the 
 Colony, exempting the members of the Church of England from compulsory 
 attendance on the Puritan State-Church and payment of minister's rates, 
 provided there was a regularly ordained Church of England minister estab- 
 lished and performing tb.e duties of his office. 
 
RELIGION IN NEW LONDON COUNTY 291 
 
 The revolution or evolution involved in this chans^e went down to the 
 roots of the matter. It did not come suddenly, but spread steadily all over 
 the county, the Colony (later State) and New England. It was in harmony 
 with the growing democracy, and came as a matter of justice and common 
 sense. We have noted all along the tendencies to break awa\' from the old 
 established order of things, as "Separatist" congregations sprang up w 
 almost every section of the county. Good Yankee common sense prevailed. 
 A glimpse of it is seen in the provisions of the "Saybrook Platform," where 
 other possible types of religious organization were clearly in mind. The close 
 proximity of Rhode Island, with its broader handling of this same problem 
 from the first, doubtless had a strong influence. The lack of a Biblical New 
 Testament precedent for the old New England order was a weakness. Doubt- 
 less, too, the mighty upheaval of the Great Awakening had much to do with 
 the structural change of organized church life. A new individualism pervaded 
 the community, and the church life felt the transformation. A State-Church 
 more and more seemed an inconsistency. Other denominations were pressing 
 in, even though their adherents were asked to pay the church tax for the 
 regular ministry. Two BajUist churches and one Episcopalian church were 
 already firmly established within the count\- and others came thick and fast. 
 The story, whose brief outline we are following, now breaks up into strictly 
 denominational divisions, which we must trace out one by one. 
 
 IIL 
 
 THE CONGREGATIONAL DENOMINATION IN NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 The Congregational churches in the territory of what is now known as 
 New London county, at the time of the gradual transition from the position 
 of a State-Church to the independent status of its sister denominations, num- 
 bered about a score, the most of which were under the leadership of strong 
 pastors. These took over by natural inheritance all that had been developin:? 
 in the religious activities in more strictly pioneer days. The advantages in 
 this situation clearly outbid the disadvantages and gave the denomination a 
 powerful leadership with all its responsiblities. 
 
 It is hard to date the beginnings of the transition, for this was largely 
 left to local conditions. The movement seems to have been accelerated by 
 the "Great Awakening" and the sense of fair-denling with the groups of 
 worshippers outside the State-Church. Out of it all came, among other 
 things, our Congregational autonom/. Its story begins clearly in the Colonial 
 period (1737-1783). From then to 1852 came the period of theological conflict, 
 the establishment of theological seminaries, reconstruction after the Revolu- 
 tion, evangelical revivals, revived study of the Bible through Sunday schools, 
 and the upbuilding of missionary societies for home and foreign work and 
 the beginnings of systematic efforts for the well-being of the negro (1846). 
 With the Albany Convention (1852), Congregational polity began to realize 
 its continent-wide responsibilities. The Connecticut churches had anticipated 
 much that later became constituent elements in this denominational self- 
 consciousness, and for that very reason in New London county and in the 
 
292 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 State found it a little harder to adjust themselves to the more radical central- 
 ization adopted by the whole denomination in recent days. 
 
 Rev. Eliphalet Adams at the time of the transition was in the heyday of 
 his ministry at the First Church of Christ in New London. He was a man 
 of peace and good will and of much learning. He spoke the Indian languages 
 and preached on all possible occasions for the Mohegans, Pequots and 
 Niantics. He received into his church several of the Mohegan sachems. 
 Benjamin Uncas, third of the name and sixth Sachem, he received into his 
 own family. He cooperated with Samuel Occum in the establishment of 
 Indian schools. August 31, 1735, the First Church meeting house (the 
 Saltonstall building) was struck by lightning during the service, with one 
 fatality and others seriously injured. After some controversy the building 
 was repaired in 1746 and served the organization for another half century 
 (1785). Under Mr. Adams' kindly handling, the Rogerene troubles quieted 
 down. His preaching was sought for all over the colony. He was methodical, 
 tactful and constructive. Under such a ministry the church survived easily 
 the withdrawal of "Separatists" and the sharing with the Episcopal church 
 of St. James founded in 1725, in the religious life of the community. 
 
 Indeed, in 1724 Mr. Adams had been invited to the presidency of Yale 
 College, of which he had been a trustee since 1720. Two years after that 
 (1722) President Timothy Cutler, D.D., and one of his principal coadjutors, 
 had embraced Episcopacy. After debates "that shook Congregationalism 
 throughout New England" (said President Quincy of Harvard), it was de- 
 cided that the teachers at Yale in the future must assent to the Saybrook 
 Platform. A strong man was needed to head the College, and Mr. Adams 
 was elected president. However, he declined the honor and went on with 
 the pastorate. 
 
 His name does not appear as one of the lights of the Great Awakening. 
 He was not unsympathetic, and was glad to see great good come to his parish 
 and the county from the movement. But his wisdom and serenity were much 
 exercised to curb the eccentricities that abounded in the meetings held 
 under the leaders of that type. In 1741 Mr. Adams found himself in the 
 midst of a powerful revival interest, and eighty-two persons were received 
 into the church. The Separatist movement in New London grew out of the 
 eccentric preaching of John Davenport, and some one hundred withdrew 
 from the First Church. Only the personal force and wisdom of Mr. Adams 
 prevented a fatal schism. Along with this conserving work he yet had a 
 rare breadth of spiritual and practical earnestness. He was active in helping 
 build a rector's house at Yale, and also encouraging a Congregational move- 
 ment at Providence, Rhode Island, lending a hand wherever he could promote 
 a o-ood work or word. His long and faithful ministry came to a close with 
 his death in 1753. He had been for many years acknowledged "in every 
 respect the most superior person" in the Colony of Connecticut. 
 
 The story of the Old First in New London from the death of this beloved 
 pastor and citizen (i753) to 1835, takes the church through the greatest 
 political and theological controversies of America, including the French and 
 Indian war, the American Revolution, the founding of the United States of 
 
RELIGION IN NEW LONDON COUNTY 293 
 
 America, the War of 1812, the unexpectedly firmer cjrasp of slavery on the 
 expanding Republic, the consummation of the freedom of the Church from 
 the State, and the great schism among the churches of New England resulting 
 in the "Unitarian" defection, as well as the beginning of the splendid record 
 of the "orthodox" churches in the establishment of the Home and Foreign 
 Missionary enterprises, the founding of schools and colleges and theological 
 seminaries, and the upspringing of notable spiritual awakenings that far more 
 than made up for all the losses. 
 
 The pastorate of Rev. Mather Byles, Jr., in the First Church in New 
 London (1757-68), was chiefly marked by the fact that he was the first pastor 
 in the county to be inducted into his office in the modern Congregational way. 
 A brilliant man, he lacked the judicial temper of his predecessor and soon 
 had awakened the animosity of the Rogerenes, who broke out in vigorous 
 rebellion against his drastic methods of law enforcements. But the real 
 cause of the brevity of his ministry in New London was a strong leaning 
 to Episcopacy, which at last led him to resign and seek Episcopal ordination. 
 
 The still shorter pastorate of Rev. Ephraim Woodbridge (1769-76), a 
 grandson of the first pastor of the Groton church, was marked by his stren- 
 uous opposition to the Half-Way Covenant and his exaltation of the principle 
 of church membership based on genuine conversion. A revolutionary spirit 
 was in the air, and a spiritual decline manifest throughout the country. All 
 denominations lost ground in New London as well as everywhere. Young 
 Woodbridge heroically set himself against all the obstacles. But the death 
 of his wife and his own physical frailty were too much for him, and he died 
 September 6, 1776. 
 
 A long interval occurred before a successor was found (1776-87), during 
 which the building of a new meeting house was gotten under way (1785) to 
 be finished and dedicated under the ministry of Rev. Henry Channing (1787- 
 1806). New London by the first United States census (1791) had 2,465 
 inhabitants, of whom 138 were blacks and of these 95 were slaves. This 
 pastorate was notable for its relapse to the extreme into the Half-Way 
 Covenant heresy on the part of minister and people. Church membership 
 involved simply a record of good moral character. The number of members 
 at the beginning was down to twelve males and forty-seven females. Mr. 
 Channing received in all two hundred and forty-five persons and baptized 
 five hundred and seventy-five, going thus the limit of comprehensiveness. 
 On another page may be found the form of admission to membership used, 
 which was accounted to be "Unitarian" in principle by his orthodox brethren 
 all over the county. At the same time considerable care was taken as to 
 cases calling for discipline of conduct not befitting a Christian. In 1798 
 the church entered heartily into the formation of the Missionary Society of 
 Connecticut. The Unitarian tendencies of Mr. Channing led to considerable 
 feeling in the church, leading to hesitancy of financial support and finally to 
 his resignation in 1806. It is interesting to note that the dismissing council 
 voted "they unanimously and affectionately concur in recommending him as 
 a minister in regular standing in the church of Christ." 
 
294 i<E\V LONDON COUNTY 
 
 Turning to the north of the county, we find the long pastorate of Rev. 
 Benjamin Lord at Norwich Town coming to its close in 1784. For six years 
 he had been assisted by Rev. Joseph Strong, who novv entered upon another 
 half-century of service. This was a most critical era of reconstruction, in 
 which the Norwich church rendered signal assistance to all the pastorless 
 churches in that whole region. Mr. Strong was a man of a most genial 
 temperament and held firmly to the new orthodox}- in the reaction from the 
 Unitarian movement. The church entered into all the strong forward move- 
 ments of this new evangelical Congregationalism, especially into its missionary 
 zeal. From 1829 until his death in 1834, Mr. Strong had Rev. Mr. Everest 
 as colleague. Mr. Everest resigned in 1836, and the church called Rev. 
 Hiram P. Arms, who was installed in 1839. 
 
 The Franklin church kept its strong leadership under the pastorates of 
 Rev. John Ellis and Rev. Samuel Nott, which stretched over a century, 
 beginning in 1753. During that time the Franklin church sent forth men 
 and women of national and international reputation. Indeed, few regions in 
 New England during that period were so fruitful in character and human 
 achievement as the northern townships of New London county. During the 
 storm and stress of the Revolutionary days — as someone has expressed it — 
 "the Land Office in Lebanon was for the nonce the capital of the United 
 Colonies." The Bozrah church was established in 1739, the Hanover church 
 in 1766, Jewett City (Griswold 2nd) in 1825, and Mohegan church in 1832. 
 
 The pastorate of Rev. Abel McEwen, D.D., at the First Church in New 
 London (1806-1854), brought that venerable organization into the use of its 
 present imposing edifice and into the modern life of the denomination. 
 Beginning with a reaction from the latitudinarianism of his predecessor, the 
 ministry of Dr. McEwen struck a strong, virile note at a time when religion 
 in New London county was perhaps at its lowest ebb and a majority of the 
 churches pastorless, he being at the beginning the only settled pastor, as he 
 used to say, "in a territory fifty miles long and twelve miles broad." He 
 instituted the weekly prayer-meeting. A "Sessions House" was built on the 
 site of the present Parish House on Union street (1819) to accommodatt all 
 the social activities of the church, especially the newly established Sunda>- 
 school. The church, under the leadership of Dr. McEwen, threw itself into 
 the Home Mission work in the county. In 181 5 the Consociation of New 
 London County was organized, this being the last county in the State to 
 do so, "two uncompromising conservators of independency" having died. 
 The year following (1816), the Domestic Missionary Society of Connecticut 
 was formed under the lead of Dr. McEwen and Rev. Mr. Hart, of the 
 Griswold church. Pastors rapidly began to be called to the churches. The 
 world-call for missions was not unheeded, and in 1819 a member of this 
 church, Harriet Lathrop, married Rev. Mr. Winslow, and they sailed for 
 Ceylon as foreign missionaries. In 1821 the ladies of the church formed the 
 Foreign Missionary Society. Mr. Asa Otis became a member of the church 
 in 1834, and eventually left to the American Board of Commissioners for 
 Foreign Missions over a million dollars. 
 
 The spiritual quickenings that came with these varied enterprises showed 
 
RELIGION IN NEW LONDON COUNTY 295 
 
 themselves in large and stable accessions to tlie church. Several notable 
 revivals stirred the waters. At len.Tth it became manifest that the "Old 
 First" could not handle the growing responsibilities. The story of the found- 
 ing of the Second Congregational Church in New London is most refreshing. 
 The members of the First Church practically built the new edifice, and 
 started off this fourth daughter in a strong way. During necessary repairs 
 on the old church, the daughter welcomed the mother church to its services 
 for several months. Whereupon, leaving the new organization to carry on 
 its work unfettered, Dr. McEwen started again to put his own church in 
 working order under the new conditions. The empty seats were soon filled 
 and both churches went on rejoicing. The pastorate closed with the building 
 of the modern church edifice, which remains as peculiarly the monument to 
 this remarkable spiritual leader. It expresses the solidity of his character. 
 possibly suggesting, too, a certain reserve and stiffness in a rather puritanical 
 aspect of his earnest career. His resignation from the pastorate came in 1854, 
 with graciousness after nearly fifty years of most active and fruitful ministry. 
 He remained for six years an honored worker in the church and county, when 
 (i8C)0) he was gathered to his fathers, honored and lamented by the whole 
 community. 
 
 The water privileges of the upper end of the Thames estuary gradually 
 brought Norwich into trading connection with the whole world. About the 
 Landing Place there grew up a community called Chelsea, which finally 
 required church privileges of its own. In 1751 such an organization was 
 eflfected. The growth was slow, and it was not until 1761 that a regular 
 minister was settled over the new parish. Rev. Nathaniel Whittaker. His 
 pastorate was interrupted by a long absence' in England as an agent seeking 
 funds for Moor's Indian Charity School of Lebanon, Connecticut, and later 
 Hanover, New Hampshire. Rev. Ephraim Judson succeeded to the pastorate 
 in 1771. He too had an interrupted ministry, being called ofT as chaplain 
 during the Revolutionary War and being much of the time in poor health. 
 This intermittent service came to an end in 1778, and for eight years there 
 was no successor. 
 
 In 1786 came the division of the huge township of Norwich, taking away 
 all the upper and eastern portions of the "nine-mile" tract. The year follow- 
 ing. Rev. Walter King was installed over the Second Church, as the Chelsea 
 organization began to be known. The meeting house was burned in 1793, 
 and Mr. King's congregation enjoyed for some months the hospitality of the 
 neighboring Episcopal church during the rebuilding. Mr. King was a man 
 of deep earnestness. In 181 1 a controversy over the academic question of 
 marrying a dead wife's sister led to the dissolution of the pastorate. 
 
 A brief ministry of Rev. Asahel Hooker was followed by that of Rev. 
 Alfred Mitchell in 1814, who started the series of powerful spiritual leaders, 
 making the Second Church of Norwich a worthy competitor in good works 
 with the First Church in New London. It grew rapidly in numbers, wealth 
 and standing in the county. Its readiness to be the leader in a new era of 
 Congregationalism was indicated in every turn. Mr. Mitchell took an active 
 part in all constructive missionary politics. The Second Church was notable 
 
296 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 especially in standing back of the Sunday school work begun in Norwich in 
 1815. The death of the pastor in 1831 was a severe blow to the church. 
 
 The short pastorate of Rev. James T. Dickinson prepared him for the 
 Foreign Mission field in 1834. The Rev. Alvan Pond succeeded in a ministry 
 of twenty-nine years (1835-65), a period of steady growth for the church and 
 community. Soon it appeared that one church could not care for the religious 
 life crowding in, and in 1842 what was called the Fifth Society was formed 
 by a colony of ninety-eight persons going out, who organized what was 
 known for over eighty years as the Broadway Congregational Church, now 
 again, with the mother church, making the United Church. That the new 
 venture did not seriously deplete the strength of the mother church is seen 
 in the fact that the fire of 1844 destroying its edifice did not keep its strong 
 constituency from building of granite on its present site what was at the 
 time the finest church structure in the county. With its membership ever 
 growing in influence, culture and spiritual and evangelical progressiveness, 
 the Second Church of Norwich became a power in Eastern Connecticut. 
 Then followed the pastorate of Rev. Malcolm McG. Dana, D.D. (1864-74), 
 which carried on the strong work of the church. The feeling that its help- 
 fulness to the community would be increased by removal to the suburban 
 district near the Academy led to marked differences of opinion with the 
 majority of his parishioners, and in 1874 Dr. Dana resigned and, with one 
 hundred and five of his old members, formed the Park Congregational Church. 
 Rev. William S. Palmer, D.D., came to the Second Church in the autumn of 
 that year (1874) and began a fruitful ministry of fifteen years. The difficulties 
 at the opening of the pastorate were gradually overcome. Dr. Palmer began 
 with two hundred and forty members and closed with three hundred and fifty- 
 one. During his ministry the Christian Endeavor Society was organized, and 
 special work was done for the Chinese. Dr. and Mrs. Palmer did a strong 
 and wide work, and their influence was felt in the State and the denomination 
 at large. The pulpit was supplied for three years by Rev. Leonard Woolsey 
 Bacon, D.D., when Rev. Cornelius W. Morrow was installed. 
 
 As we have seen, the year 1842 was notable in Norwich for the establish- 
 ment of what became the Broadway Congregational Church. No new church 
 enterprise in the county ever started off with better opportunities. The 
 short pastorate of Rev. Willard Child (1842-45) was succeeded by the epoch- 
 making ministry of Rev. John P. Gulliver, D. D. (1846-65). With a genius 
 peculiar to himself, he took hold of his problem in harmony with his brethren 
 in the ministry and worked it out from the community standpoint. The 
 story of his local work for education is told at length elsewhere and may not 
 be repeated here. A disastrous fire in 1854 led to the building of "Broadway" 
 Church, now the home of the United Church. Under his lead the church 
 stepped out into the larger life of the denomination and has ever since played 
 a strong part in its life at home and abroad. 
 
 Dr. Gulliver's successor was Rev. Daniel Merriman (1868-75), who 
 carried on the tradition of strength and breadth, as also did his successors, 
 Rev. L. T. Chamberlain (1877-83) and Rev. Nelson Millard, D.D. (1884-87). 
 In 1888 began the powerful pastorate of Rev. Lwellyn Pratt, D.D., who had 
 
RELIGION IN NEW LONDON COUNTY 297 
 
 already in a variety of spheres accomplished a life work. He gathered up 
 the lines of service developed by his predecessors and added yet more of his 
 own, increasing in power for nearly a score of years. In 1906 he laid down 
 the burden of labors which were too much for his weakening physique, but 
 remained a loved adviser until' his death in 1913. 
 
 Side by side with the development of these two urban churches, the old 
 First at Norwichtown had gone on its way under the pastorate of Rev. H. P. 
 Arms, who lived to preach an emeritus sermon on the fortieth anniversary 
 of his ministry in 1876. Since that date the Old First at Norwichtown has 
 gone on her steady way, holding a strong position in the Association. 
 
 The Park Church started oflf on her vigorous life, as we have seen, under 
 the pastorate of Dr. Dana in 1874. Her beautiful house of worship, in a 
 superb location, adjoining the group of the Academy buildings, with a pow- 
 erful ministry under Dr. Dana (1874-78), Rev. Leonard Woolsey Bacon, D.D., 
 and Rev. Samuel H. Howe, D.D., have made the Park Church a bright light 
 in the Association and State and throughout the denomination. 
 
 The Greenville Church in Norwich (Third Congregational) had been 
 established (1833) in a suburb where the water privileges began to attract 
 manufacturing interests. Its pastorates were short for over a half century 
 of its life, but it is closing the century with the long and faithful ministry of 
 Rev. Charles H. Ricketts. In 1867, as the manufacturing interests moved 
 further up the stream, the Taftville Church was added to the Norwich group, 
 doing its helpful service to a fine constituency of people mostly connected 
 with the mills established there. The Second Congregational Church of 
 Stonington was organized in 1S33 and the Mystic church in 1852, and with 
 the Groton church have given the shore section of the county a steady and 
 vigorous Congregational ministry. 
 
 At the Old First at New London the pastorate of Dr. McEwen was 
 succeeded by that of Rev. Thomas P. Field, D.D., after an associate pastorate 
 from 1856 to i860, closing in 1876. Dr. Field brought to New London from 
 his professorship of literature at Amherst College, culture and learning, and 
 a spiritual leadership, as well as a wide reputation throughout religious and 
 educational circles. A revival in 1858 led on to a steady growth throughout 
 his strong ministry. Rev. Edward Woolsey Bacon (1877-87) and Rev. S. 
 Leroy Blake, D. D. (1887-1902), succeeded, each with a fruitful service. Dr. 
 Blake wrote in two volumes the story of the church he served. 
 
 Rev. J. Romeyn Danforth, the present pastor (1922), came in 1903 and 
 has carried on with distinction the high-grade service of the church. He has 
 represented the denomination in her national councils for many years, and 
 proved a wise councillor in the American Missionary Association. The war 
 opened the heart of this church, and it rendered valuable service, social and 
 religious, to the soldiers and sailors, who accepted to an unusual degree its 
 hospitalities. Its Young People's Society was especially active in this work 
 and has since been carrying on strongly. The Old First Church was incor- 
 porated in 1919 in harmony with the modern plans of best church organiza- 
 tion, and the venerable ecclesiastical society voluntarily closed its long and 
 honorable career. It added deaconesses to its efficient organization. At the 
 
298 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 time of epidemics its parish house has been used as an emergency hospital. 
 j\Ir. Danforth entered widely into the religious and philanthropic life of the 
 community. The Smith Memorial Home, the Mohegan fund, the Tinker 
 Bread fund, the Rotary Club, the Masonic and Odd Fellows orders, claim him. 
 
 As we have seen, the Second Congregational Church started ofT in 1835 
 with the warmest favor of the Old First, and has grown into the stature of 
 a powerful leader among the churches of the denomination in the State and 
 country. It worshipped in its original building until its destruction by fire 
 in 1868, just after a thorough repair. At that time the present main building 
 was erected, one of the finest in the State, especially after the addition in 
 recent years of the Church House, fully equipped for all lines of church 
 activity. The early pastorates were comparatively short, with intervening 
 supiilies, and the names of Hurlbut, Huntington, MacDonald, Boies and 
 Edwards (1845-57) make up the rapid succession. During the pastorate of 
 Rev. G. B. Wilcox (1859-69) two hundred and seven persons were received 
 into the membership, and the Bradley Street Mission (since the Learned 
 Mission) was founded (1859). Many still living will recall the edifying 
 ministry of Rev. Oliver Ellsworth Daggett (1871-77), during which he 
 received 156 new members. Rev. John Phelps Taylor, D.D. (1878-S3), 
 brought a learned and distinguished equipment to the pulpit of the Second 
 Church. He was followed by Rev. James Gibson Johnson. D.D. (1885-gi), 
 who will be remembered by a still larger group for his genial and effective 
 ministry. But it was not until the eighth pastor of the Second Church thai 
 it was able to hold a strong man for a full quarter of a centurv, the Rev. 
 James Wilson Bixler, D.D., who rounded up his uplifting ministry from 1891 
 to 1916 with a power rarely surpassed in the annals of Connecticut. The 
 membership of the church grew from 413 to 622. I'nder the ministry of Dr. 
 Bixler the church was incorporated and the ecclesiastical society eliminated. 
 a men's club established, the Whiton chimes mounted in the belfry, the 
 Harris manse erected and endowed, as well as the Harris organ installed and 
 the Church House built, completing the superb working plant of church. 
 There were several revivals during this pastorate, notabls- the one under the 
 leadership of Rev. J. Wilbur Chapman, D.D., in 1894. The influence of Dr. 
 Bixler pervaded the community, and no important organization in the city 
 failed to receive the strong impress of his congenial personality. He was 
 especially a leader in the establishment of the Connecticut College for Women 
 on its noble site in New London. He retired from his long pastorate to take 
 an honorable position in Atlanta Theological Seminary. The ministry of 
 Rev. J. Beveredge Lee, D. D., began in 1917 with every promise of a full 
 utilization of all the successes of the eight preceding pastorates. 
 
 The Congregational churches of New London county came up to the 
 end of 1920 with a total membership of 5,332 in the thirty-two churches of 
 that order within the area of the county, twenty-eight of which are connected 
 with the New London Association of Congregational Churches and Ministers. 
 This Association is the direct descendant of the Colonial Association, a clear 
 record of which we have as early as 1750. It took its present form during 
 the readjustments in the denomination early in this century. The constitution 
 
RELIGION IN NEW LONDON COUNTY 299 
 
 under which it is working was adopted May 10. 1921, and harmonizes with 
 the general modern pattern throughout the denomination. It is now a strong, 
 efficient body, continuously existent through its executive committee and 
 carrying on its united work through this and the standing committees, with 
 an annual meeting in May and a semi-annual meeting in the autumn. The 
 traditional autonomy of the individual church has been sacredly preserved. 
 Never was this scion of its New England ancestry so strong in numbers, 
 organization, material equipment, and social and religious powers. The year 
 1921 brought into its membership more new members than any year in a 
 generation. 
 
 At this writing (1922) the pulpits are filled with strong, united men, all 
 of whom have at heart the whole work in the Kingdom of God in the county, 
 in most cordial relations with all the sister denominations. 
 
 IV. 
 
 THE BAPTIST CHURCHES IN NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 Second in arrival on the field to begin their heroic struggle for the 
 upbuilding of religion in New London county, came the Baptists from Rhode 
 Island. The border line between the two colonies was greatly confused at 
 the first, but got straightened out when Governor John Winthrop, Jr., 
 brought back from England his new charter for the Connecticut Colony 
 (1662), and Massachusetts graciously gave over her claims in these regions, 
 the Pawcatuck river becoming the boundary. The contest for entire religious 
 liberty soon crossed this Rubicon and asserted itself in the State- Church 
 territory of Connecticut. At first in individual homes and then in groups 
 the work began. The lowering of the original Puritan standards and the 
 incoming of the "Half-way Covenant" into the State-Church parishes led 
 to a real need for the strong assertion of individual conversion, and with 
 this came the necessity- for individual initiative along the whole line of 
 religious as well as civil development. These groups of colonial Christians 
 contended for a simple form of faith and practice which they attempted to 
 draw directly from the New Testament records. Elach organization formed 
 a complete and autonomous democracy, and was linked by a common belief 
 to all similar bodies, soon forming into free associations of such. A bap- 
 tism (immersion) of faith was required for church-membership and, with 
 more or less insistence, the comm.union was administered only to such 
 believers. The result in church life brought out a remarkable staying quality. 
 Today (1922) the Baptists have the largest number of churches and of 
 communicants of any denomination in the county, and a very conscientious 
 and vital hold upon the whole religious and ethical life hereabouts. 
 
 The beginnings were naturally east of the Thames river. On the very 
 year that the General Assembly of the Colony set off Groton township from 
 New London (1705), the First Baptist Church of Groton was organized at 
 Old Mystic, the venerable "Mother" of all that followed. The story of the 
 Wightmans — father, son and grandson — in establishing the principles for 
 which the denomination has ever stood in this county, is a truly remarkable 
 
300 XEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 and heroic one. At the first, individuals and families west of the Thames, 
 sympathizing with this movement, connected themselves with this first 
 church. But in 1710 the First Baptist Church, in what was later called 
 Waterford (1801), was organized as the second Baptist church in the Colony. 
 Stephen Gorton was ordained its pastor in 1726, and for a generation went 
 widely over the western part of the county preaching his faith and prac- 
 ticing its rites. Some trouble interrupted his labors, arising out of personal 
 matters and doubtless partly out of disturbances connected with "Separatist" 
 movements connected with the revival enthusiasm of the "Great Awaken- 
 ing". A majority of his church stood by him and seem to have been dis- 
 fellowshipped with him by the other Baptist churches in the vicinity. At 
 any rate, the minority went ofT and continued the First Church under the 
 leadership of Elder Peckham. 
 
 We have record of special contentions throughout the whole of that 
 period before the Revolutionary War against the State-Church system, and 
 the proclamation of religious liberty by these earnest folk, who suffered 
 hardship for their faith at the hands of the Puritan church leaders. They 
 had to share the obliquy of all the Non-conformists (Rogerenes, Separatists, 
 Adventists, etc.), in disregarding many rules and laws and customs of the 
 Colony. This came to a climax about 1748, when a lodgment of the ven- 
 erable Elder Peckham and his intrepid colleague, Green, and many of their 
 followers in New London jail in the winter time, with no fire or bedding 
 and with insufificient food, gave wide publicity to the matter. This local 
 persecution called forth deepest sympathy and a signal protest from the 
 ranks of even their opponents. The president of Yale College issued at 
 once, on hearing of the affair, a pamphlet on "The Essential Rights of 
 Protestants," in which he gave a scorching rebuke to the intolerance of the 
 existing laws and set forth the rights of conscience and the principles of 
 civil and religious liberty. This had much to do with the overthrow of the 
 old and impossible system, and of bringing in the new order more in har- 
 mony with the American ideal. The larger freedom that ensued gave great 
 encouragement to the increasing numbers of conscientious Baptists in the 
 county. 
 
 In the meanwhile, in the north-eastern part of the township (Water- 
 ford, later) the second Baptist church had been established (1730), which 
 in later years seems to have been reorganized by the Board of the Con- 
 necticut Baptist State Convention and is sometimes called the "Quaker 
 Hill" church. In 1741 came the North Stonington First, in 1765 the North 
 Stonington Second, in 1767 the Salem Baptist church, in 1769 the East 
 Lyme church, in 1775 the Stonington First, and in 1780 the Scott Hill 
 church in Colchester. The Stonington church has had a long and most 
 honorable career, and is a leading religious force in the eastern section 
 of the county. 
 
 The name of Nathan Howard appears as the second pastor of the Old 
 Fir.'^t at Waterford. His rare personality greatly endeared him to the peo- 
 ple. His long illness and sudden death in 1777 brought a grievous blow 
 to the cause he represented. Baptist pastors for the most part in those 
 
RELIGION IN NEW LONDON COUNTY 301 
 
 days earned their own livelihood in various occupations, especially in farm- 
 ing. Elder Howard was an expert fisherman as well as a fisher of souls. 
 He discovered in the Sound a prolific fishing ground, ever since a favcxite 
 resort. It appears on the mariners' charts as "Howard's Ledge". 
 
 In 1775 there began in the First Church at Waterford that remarkable 
 succession of the Darrows. Elder Zadok Darrow had grown up in the 
 church, and in so high a regard was he held that the mantle of the beloved 
 Howard fell on him. In the midst of a general decline of religion in the 
 county, we find this ardent apostle of a vital faith covering in his activities 
 wide sections, being wellnigh omnipresent, like a second Athanasius. The 
 seed thus scattered was to bear abundant fruitage. In his day (1789) was 
 formed the "Groton Conference" of Baptist churches as well as the "Ston- 
 ington Conference". In 1817 came the New London Baptist Association, 
 embracing the churches of that order west of the Thames. In that same 
 year the Groton and Stonington Conferences were merged into the "Stoning- 
 ton Union Association". 
 
 Elder Zadok Darrow passed away in 1827, in the ggth year of his age 
 He was succeeded by his grandson, Francis Darrow, who had been con- 
 verted in the great revival of 1794, and who had been for a long time an 
 assistant to the older man. The strong ministry of the younger Darrow 
 of more than forty years averaged seventeen immersions a year, totaling 
 about seven hundred converts. A large number of these became ministers 
 of the Gospel. 
 
 The widespread fruitage of the labors of the Wightmans and Darrows 
 is seen in the rapid organization of Baptist churches all over New London 
 County, beginning with the First Church at Norwich in 1800. Within 
 the half century following, twenty-five churches were founded in territory 
 now included in the county, not to speak of many more outside. This makes 
 up more than half the number and much more than half the strength of 
 the entire Baptists in the county. 
 
 In 1804 the Baptists moved into New London proper and established 
 the First Baptist Church, thus making straight the way for its long and 
 growingly powerful service at the heart of things. Mention must be made 
 here of the particular helpfulness of this church in the Great War. At 
 considerable personal sacrifice its building was enlarged and fully equipped 
 and placed at the disposal of the soldiers and sailors at this important cen- 
 tre of war activity. Its pastor. Rev. Charles R. McNally, donned the uni- 
 form and served as Army and Navy Pastor in New London under the 
 auspices of the Northern Baptist Convention and the Connecticut Baptist 
 Convention. The church has since then been active through its pastor, 
 Rev. Chester H. Howe, and its members in the Federation of Churches in 
 New London and vicinity, of which federation Mr. Howe was the first 
 president. 
 
 Lebanon (1805), North Lyme (1810), Moodus (1810), Preston City 
 (181 5), Chesterfield (1824), North Stonington Third (1828), Packerville 
 (1828). Colchester Borough (1830), Bozrah (1831), Voluntown (1832), and 
 Jewctt City (1840). followed in rapid succession. Special mention may 
 
302 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 properly be made here of the long and successful pastorate at Colchester 
 of Rev. B. D. Remington. 
 
 That year of 1840 was signalized by the oi-ganization of the Norwich 
 Central Baptist Church, which has grown steadily and become a power 
 not only for its own denomination, but for our common Christianity in the 
 county. Of recent years the names of Herr, Wright, Slocum and Purkiss 
 have made the pastorate of that church notable in the State. 
 
 In that same year (1840) the Montauk Baptist Church of New Lon- 
 don was founded, and which now worships in its attractive new church in 
 the southern section of the city. The zeal and success of the denomination 
 in New London is evidenced in the founding of the Huntington Street 
 Baptist Church in 1849, which is rejoicing at this writing in the long 
 and fruitful ministry of Rev. Joseph A. Elder (1899 — ). In close con- 
 nection with the origin of this enterprise is found the name and fame of 
 Elder Jabez Swan, whose remarkable personality became a constituent part 
 of New London tradition. His influence was widely felt throughout the 
 county, as he exercised his evangelistic gifts, sooner or later, in almost 
 every Baptist community. His piquant remarks have come down like prov- 
 erbs in the whole region round about, linking his personality up to the 
 Wightmans and Darrows as outstanding religious influences in the county. 
 
 In 1842 came the establishment of the Montville Union Baptist and 
 Lake's Pond, while Niantic (1843), Ledyard (1843), Groton Heights (1843), 
 and Noank (1843), came on in rapid succession, the most of them being the 
 results of special revival interests. The Noank and Groton Heights churches 
 stand strongly up in the list of vigorous workers. The long pastorate of 
 Rev. George R. Atha at the Groton Heights church calls for special comment. 
 
 The Old Lyme Church was established in 1846, Stonington Third in 
 184G, Poquonnock Bridge in 1856, and Mystic LTnion in 1864. The latter 
 is a strong church and with promising signs of enlarged work. The Grace 
 Memorial (1871) at Norwich, Fitchville (1887), Laurel Glen (1894), and 
 Mt. Calvary (1903), in Norwich, also are the more recent organizations, as 
 well as the Shiloh (Colored) Baptist Church (1894) in New London. 
 
 A word should be said at this point as to the Stonington Union Sabbath 
 School Convention, which was founded in 1858 and is still a vigorous expo- 
 nent of the religious life of the Baptist churches east of the Thames river 
 in New London county. The last few years have seen strong and united 
 work within the Stonington Union Association under the lead of a special 
 missionary who works with the pasforless churches in that section. 
 
 A roster of the Baptist pastors at this writing (1922) in New London 
 county shows the names of thirty pastors and missionaries at work in these 
 forty-three churches. It is probable that never in the history of the county 
 has there been a more effective bod^- of Baptist ministers serving these 
 organizations. The membership of the Briptist churches of New London 
 county totals 6,173, of whom 4,856 are put down in the last report as "resi- 
 dent members." There seems to be a tendency to co-operate with other 
 denominations in the county wherever practicable. Special efforts are made 
 to this end in the rural districts. Strong men are at the helm, and the 
 future looks bright for the co-operative labors for the religious well-being 
 of the county as far as this earnest fellowship and bring it about. 
 
RELIGION IN NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN NEW LONDON 
 Rt. Reverend Chauncey Bunce Brewster, D.D., Bishop of Connecticut. 
 Rt. Reverend E. Champion Acheson, D.D., Suffragan Bishop of Con- 
 necticut. 
 
 Rev. J. Eldred Brown, Archdeacon of the New London Archdeanry. 
 Place Church or Mission Communicants 
 
 Black Hall (Old Lyme) St. Ann's Mission 52 
 
 Rev. Johnson, Missionary in Charge 
 
 Colchester Calvary Church 19 
 
 Rev. Theodore D. Martin, Rector 
 
 Groion Bishop Seabury Memorial 82 
 
 Rev. Frederick VV .Haist, Rector 
 
 Jewctt City Episcopal Mission 
 
 Archdeacon Brown in Charge 
 
 Mystic St. Mark's Church 173 
 
 Rev. John Beauchamp, Rector 
 
 New London St. James's Church 707 
 
 Rev. Philip Markham Kerredge, Rector 
 New London Pequot Chapel 
 
 'Niantic St. John's Chapel 75 
 
 Rev. Johnson, Missionary in Charge 
 
 Noaak Grace Chapel 22 
 
 Rev. John Beauchair.p, I'riest in Charge 
 
 Norwich Christ Church 396 
 
 Rev. Richard D. Graham, Rector 
 
 Norwich Trinity Church 2"]"] 
 
 Rev. J. Eldred Brown, Rector 
 
 Norwich St. Andrew's Church 200 
 
 Rev. William H. Smith, Rector 
 
 Poquctanuk St. James's Church 115 
 
 Rev. Thomas H. M. Ockford, Rector 
 
 South Lyme St. Michael's Church 13 
 
 Rev. Johnson, Missionary in Charge 
 
 Stonington Calvary Church 131 
 
 Rev. Frederick R. Sanford, Rector 
 Yantic Grace Church 121 
 
 2.38^ 
 The reader has noted on previous pages glimpses of the beginnings of 
 Episcopacy within the borders of New London county. It seems clear that 
 it did not spring out of the original Puritan settlers, but grew up gradu- 
 ally and predominantly from newcomers, especially those interested in ship- 
 ping and commerce. These at an early date showed a tendency, both in 
 New London and Norwich, to form social groups of a less austere type 
 than prevailed, whose members craved for themselves and their families 
 the liturgical forms of worship to which they had been accustomed else- 
 where, and particularly in the old country. But still there are notable 
 instances where they did not fail to do their part in honoring religion in 
 
304 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 their new domiciles even in its puritanic form. We find record of the pay- 
 ment by such of the minister's rate and of the rental of pews, as well as 
 other indications of a general goodwill toward their more or less uncon- 
 genial spiritual surroundings. When the time came that they could hon- 
 orably and legally proceed to do so, they began to organize themselves into 
 churches after their own desires. Descendants also of some of the leading 
 founders of the colony (Winthrops, Saltonstalls, Bulkeleys, etc.) are found 
 co-operating in this later development. 
 
 It is evident that New England presented quite a serious problem to 
 the Church of England. Boston and Plymouth gave no encouragement 
 except among the British officials and their families. Early efforts to set 
 up Episcopacy in Boston were stigmatized by the unfortunate tyranny of 
 Andros. But King's Chapel was opened in 1689, though under bitter oppo- 
 sition from the Puritan leaders. Newport, Rhode Island, was more con- 
 genial, and in 1698 Trinity Church was founded there, soon followed in 1707 
 by the famous Narragansett Church. But if New England was to be won 
 back to the Church of England, the Colony of Connecticut must be the key 
 to unlock the door. 
 
 The report of Rev. Dr. Bray to the authorities in England as to his 
 investigations in New England and elsewhere led in the very year of the 
 founding of what grew into Yale College (1701) to the establishment of the 
 Venerable Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts. Men- 
 tion has been made of the visit of the early New England missioners (Messrs. 
 Keith and Talbot) from this Society to New London in 1702, and of their 
 cordial reception at the hands of Governor Fitz-John Winthrop, and Rev. 
 Gurdon Saltonstall, pastor of the First Church of Christ there. Near to 
 the south-western edge of the Colony, at Stratford, the first Episcopal 
 church was started, with grave opposition, almost leading to a riot in 1706, 
 and fully established in the years following. 
 
 In the early struggles to get onto its feet, the Collegiate Institute of 
 Connecticut (Yale), originally situated within the boundaries of New Lon- 
 don county at Saybrook and later moved to New Haven (1716), sought to 
 build up a library. A consignment of two hundred books was sent over 
 from England for this purpose by Sir John Davie, a recent resident of 
 Groton (Ct.) and was followed soon by seven hundred more from an agent 
 of the Institute in London. A few years later, Bishop Berkeley, who was 
 seeking to establish in the Bermudas a college for the education and civiliza- 
 tion of the American Indians and who was residing during the time of futile 
 waiting in Rhode Island, before his return to England, was induced to add 
 his valuable library to the Yale collection (1731). The eagerness with which 
 the instructors and students of the college absorbed the contents of the 
 books, embracing as they did the finest assortment of contemporary litera- 
 ture in England, together with a number of controversial, philosophical 
 and theological books vindicating the Church of England as against the 
 Puritans, proved to be more effective in winning favor for Episcopacy in 
 Connecticut than all the efforts of the Venerable Society for the Propaga- 
 tion of the Gospel in Foreign Parts. By 1722 the president of the college 
 
RELIGION IN NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 305 
 
 and other principal instructors and a .trroiip of most influential Congregational 
 clergymen in the vicinity boldly proclaimed their adherence to Episcopal 
 views, to the consternation of the trustees and the Congregational con- 
 stituency throughout the Colony. Needless to say, resignations were called 
 for. and the college trustees put up bars against a repetition of a like in- 
 vasion. There is no telling what would have happened had the young men 
 been more patient, and thus more deeply inoculated the Congregational 
 ministry of Connecticut with churchly ideals before letting the break come. 
 One of the students, profoundly afifected by this episode at New Haven, 
 was Samuel Seabury, born July 8, 1706, to John Seabury, a deacon in the 
 First Church of Christ in Groton, Connecticut. Young Seabury left Yale 
 at the rupture, followed President Cutler to Boston, and finished his course 
 at Harvard (1724). But he still kept the Congregational connection, and 
 prepared himself for its ministry. We find him soon married to Abigail 
 Mumford, of Groton, Connecticut, and preaching as a licentiate at the North 
 Groton (Ledyard) Church, where his second son, Samuel, was baptized. His 
 wife was daughter to one of the most devout and influential members of 
 the Episcopal church in New London, though living in Groton. The com- 
 bination of the death of this young wife, the strong influences from that side 
 of the family, the formative episode at Yale, the intimacies fostered with 
 Cutler in Boston and Johnson in Stratford, Connecticut, (soon to become 
 president of King's College in New York City), and other powerful adherents 
 of the Church of England, at length induced the elder Rev. Samuel Seabury 
 in T731 to demit his Congregational ministry. As a widower he went to 
 England, was ordained by the Bishop of London, and returned to America 
 in 1732 as a missioner of the Venerable Society for the Propagation of the 
 Gospel in Foreign Parts. He was stationed at New London, and soon 
 married Elizabeth Powell, an ardent Episcopalian lady of the Narraganseti. 
 Rhode Island, church. 
 
 Ever since the mission of Messrs. Keith and Talbot in 1702, the Epis- 
 copal contingent in New London had been growing, gathering to itself 
 many elements of strength. As a port of entry, with its official collector of 
 customs, a group of English families somewhat different from the staid 
 Puritan strain began to be formed, of people who had been reared in the 
 older English traditions and who craved the forms of worship that followed 
 the church year, with Christmas and Easter emphasized, and the venerable 
 Episcopal liturgy. On June 6. 1725. a subscription had been begun for the 
 erection of a "church for the service of Almighty God according to the 
 Liturgie of the Church of England as by law established." The names of 
 Mumford, Merritt, Buor and Goddard appear at the first, followed later 
 by the Winthrops and Saltonstalls. The first church building (undedi- 
 cated because of the absence of a Bishop) was erected on the Parade. It was 
 built of oak, and had a bell, being first used in 1732. Rev. Samuel Seabury, 
 Sr., was its first rector. Wide interest was taken in the establishment of 
 thi.s church, subscriptions coming from as far afield as Newport and New 
 York. The belfry was surmounted by a staff at the end of which was a 
 gilded ball at the summit. Once upon a time as a group of Indians was 
 KL.— 1-20 
 
3o6 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 parading by, one of the Red Men shot an arrow at the ball and the arrow's 
 head became embedded so deeply in the ball that it became a fixture. 
 
 In the meanwhile, another of the Yale group reached through the library, 
 Rev. Ebenezer Punderson, had been ordained in his twenty-first year as 
 pastor of the North Groton Congregational Church, succeeding Rev. Samuel 
 Seabury, Sr. After only two and a half years of service, Mr. Punderson 
 suddenly announced to his congregation that he planned to seek Episcopal 
 ordination. Strong effort was made to keep him, but in vain. A number 
 of his parishioners in the northern part of the township and over in the 
 town of Preston, came together and established the St. James's parish of 
 Poquctanock, just over the border in Preston. After being inducted into 
 the Episcopal ministry by a new ordination, Mr. Punderson made the Poque- 
 tanock church the basis of a most extensive work for the cause he had 
 espoused. The reactions from the extravagances of the Great Awakening 
 proved helpful for the growth of his more orderly and dignified conduct 
 of religious services. 
 
 The faithful ministry of Rev. Samuel Seabury, Sr., in New London 
 terminated in the acceptance of a call from the church at Hempstead, Long 
 Island, in 1743. That year was marked by the strange extravagancies of 
 the followers of Davenport, who got the people to burn books and costly 
 clothing, the leader himself bringing to the flames a pair of expensive velvet 
 breeches as his sacrifice of luxury. St. James's Church, as it was now called, 
 was without a rector until the coming of Rev. Matthew Graves, a native of 
 the Isle of Man, w^ho served the church until the da} s of the American 
 Revolution. He was a bachelor, peculiar in manner, retiring in disposition, 
 and who gave offense to his Episcopal brethren by attending the ordination 
 of a Congregational minister. The growth of St. James was quiet and steady. 
 When the revolt of the Colonies took place, Mr. Graves could not violate 
 his oath or go back on the old flag, even though George III. was not a wise 
 ruler. His church people, however, were filled with patriotic colonial fervor. 
 Things came to a crisis, when on November 14, 1778, the church voted that 
 the clergyman must pray for Congress and the United Colonies. Mr. Graves 
 brought on a riot by attempting to pray for the royal family. He was sent 
 under a flag of truce to New York, where he died soon after. During the 
 Benedict Arnold raid (September 6, 1781), the church, probably because of 
 the notorious American sentiments, of its members, was burned to the 
 ground. This catastrophe laid low the activities of St. James throughout 
 the remainder of the war. But on the signing of the treaty of peace in 1783 
 and on Easter Monday morning, we find the usual annual meeting held (April 
 ~S> 1783) and the project of rebuilding was undertaken. 
 
 The origin of Episcopacy in Norwich is somewhat obscure. Services 
 seem to have been held in private houses in Chelsea (Norwich) by Rev. 
 Samuel Seabury, Sr., and later by Rev. Ebenczer Punderson until his re- 
 moval from Poquetanok to New Haven in 1751. An edifice for worship 
 was constructed on the site of the present Christ Church about 1750. Eighty 
 subscribers assisted. Between 1751 and 1763 the new organization got on 
 with la- readers and occasional clerical supplies. In that year. Rev. John 
 
RELIGION IN NEW LONDON COUNTY 307 
 
 I'eardsley came from England, serving Christ Church for five years. He 
 was succeeded by Rev. John Tyler in 1769, whose long ministry of fifty- 
 four years (to 1823) seems to be one of the record ministries in the county. 
 
 In the meanwhile, Samuel Seabur}^ Jr., had grown to manhood, and 
 was graduated from Yale College in 1748. He went to Scotland to stud\ 
 medicine, but was led to change to the study of theology. He was ordained 
 a deacon b • the Bishop of Lincoln and as priest by the Bishop of Carlisle. 
 Returning to America, he served several churches or missions in New Jersey 
 before marrying and settling down as rector at Westchester, New York. 
 During the Revolution he was a royalist, and served as chaplain in the 
 British army. 
 
 L^pon the proclamation of peace, the Connecticut clergymen asked Mr. 
 Seabury to go to England and seek consecration as their Bishop. This he 
 undertook to do. But such was the bitterness in England over the issue 
 of the war that they refused to consecrate one who would not swear fealty 
 to the British ruler. Whereupon Rev. Samuel Seabury, Jr., went to Aber- 
 deen, Scotland, and was consecrated November 14, 1784, as a Bishop by a 
 Bishop in the disestablished Episcopal Church of Scotland. He returned 
 to America in 1785 via Newport, Rhode Island, and took up his residence 
 in New London. His wife having died, his daughter took charge of his 
 home. He at once took up the local work as rector in addition to the 
 burden of his extensive diocese, to which Rhode Island was soon added. 
 He began preaching in the new court house, until in September he could 
 consecrate the new St. James's Church, then located on Main street. 
 
 The erection of this new edifice was a heavy task to the little company 
 of faithful ones left after the war. A cupola was added in 1794, in which a 
 French bell, brought by Captain Hurlbut from the West Indies, was hung. 
 To New London from all over the United States came candidates for holy 
 office for consecration. Innumerable problems came to Bishop Seabury for 
 solution. He had much to do with the adaptation of the Book of Common 
 Prayer to American uses. Here his connection with the Scotch branch of 
 Episcopacy w^as especially marked. On February 25, 1796, at the age of 
 sixty-seven, he was suddenly stricken down by apoplexy and left his many 
 burdens to others. 
 
 His son, Charles Seabury, was elected rector on March 28, 1796, and con- 
 tinued the local work until 1814. As noted elsewhere, these were years of 
 greatest spiritual decline everywhere in New England, and it was especially 
 so in New London county. Salaries of clergymen and cost of living were on 
 a starving basis. When this pastorate came to an end, St. James was con- 
 tent to get on for a while with a lay reader. Rev. Solomon Blakeslee found 
 three years (1815-1818) as long as he could carry on the work. His leader- 
 ship was, however, signalized by the installation of the first church organ 
 in New London. Rev. Bethel Judd was the succeeding rector (1818-1832). 
 While of the "evangelical school", he strenuously asserted the divine right of 
 Episcopacy. During his ministry a Sunday school was established at St. 
 James. Mr. Judd had an admiring parishioner in a Colonel Walbach, a 
 Roman Catholic, who had a pew in St. James. When Bishop Cheverus of 
 
3o8 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 Boston came to administer the rites of the Catholic church in New London, 
 the rector had him preach in his pulpit. Not to be outdone in courtesy, the 
 Congregational minister opened also his pulpit to the genial Catholic Bishop, 
 who preached on "Martha and Mary". 
 
 The short ministry of Rev. Isaac W. Hallam (1833-34) was followed by 
 the long and fruitful labors of Rev. Robert A. Hallam (1835-1877). During 
 the enlargement of the church building, services were held by invitation in 
 the Second Congregational Church. The growth of St. James steadily ad- 
 vanced under this wise ministry, calling for still larger facilities. On Novem- 
 ber 3, 1847, the cornerstone of the present beautiful gothic structure in which 
 St. James worships was laid. Three long years of heroic struggle brought 
 the consecration day (June 11, 1850). Mr. Hallam was formally constituted 
 rector on August ist of that same year. In 1855 the will of Jonathan Coit, 
 Esq., of the Second Congregational Church, gave the community a thrill when 
 it announced that each Protestant church in New London (seven in all) had 
 received a substantial bequest. The sum of $3,000 came to St. James. 
 
 The present parish house was erected in 1859 as a rectory. In 1867 the 
 church was enlarged by the addition of a vestry. In 1872 an associate 
 clergyman was appointed (Rev. Robert M. Duflf), who was active in the be- 
 ginnings of the Bishop Seabury Memorial Church in Groton (1875). Dr. 
 Hallam's long and blessed ministry terminated with his death in 1877. Rev. 
 William Buckingham, the associate minister from 1876, succeeded as rector 
 until 1885. The year following, Rev. Alanson Douglass Miller began a short 
 ministry (1886-1889), when Rev. Alfred Pool Grint, Ph.D., came for a service 
 of nineteen years. In 1896 the centenary of the death of Bishop Seabury 
 was commemorated. In 1900, on St. Barnabas Day, the fiftieth annniversary 
 of the consecration of the present place of worship was observed. In 1910, 
 Rev. Philip Markham Kerredge began his work at St. James, during which 
 the growth has gone on steadily. The installation of an organ in memory of 
 Mrs. Morton M. Plant equipped the stately church to voice the deepest 
 things of the spirit. Under its ministry a strong, broad. Christian fellow- 
 ship is drawing all Christians together. 
 
 All this while, the Norwich phase of the Archdeaconry developed apace. 
 The name "Christ's Church of Chelsea" was first used in 1785 as the ministry 
 of Rev. John Tyler began to gather up the broken fragments after the Revo- 
 lution days. In 1789, Christ's Church was moved to a more central part of 
 Norwich, and dedicated by Bishop Seabury in 1791. The revered rector was 
 also an adept in medicine, and went far and wide among all types of people 
 in Norwich, healing the body as well as the soul. In 1823 he was succeeded 
 by Rev. Seth Paddock, under whose administration the parish gfreatly ex- 
 panded from sixty to nearly four hundred families in a score of years. It 
 was during the succeeding ministry of Rev. William F. Morgan that the new 
 parish of Trinity Church was set off in the growing city, with Rev. Edward 
 O. Flagg for its first rector. Both churches have had a distinguished min- 
 istry. The succession at Christ Church has such names as Walden, Banks, 
 Binney, Geisy, Nelson (now Bishop of Albany), Emery, Davies (now Bishop 
 of Western Massachusetts). The present rector, the Rev. Richard R. Graham, 
 
RELIGION IN NEW LONDON COUNTY 309 
 
 is (1922) rounding out ten years of strong service. The rector of Trinity 
 Church is also Archdeacon, the Rev. J. Eldred Brown. 
 
 In the meanwhile, Calvary Church was established in Stonington in 
 1847, with Rev. Junius Marshall Willey as rector. Its beautiful church was 
 designed by the distinguished architect, Upjohn. St. Mark's of Mystic was 
 organized into a full parish in 1865. In Norwich came a third parish in due 
 course of time, St. Andrew's, and later another at Yantic. The missionary 
 zeal of the Archdeaconry has added a number of smaller churches, chapels 
 and mission stations, as set down in the roster at the beginning of this state- 
 ment. It is as true of these Episcopal churches as it is of the churches of 
 the other denominations, that today the ministry and the churches average 
 as well if not better than at any time in the past and look forward to a 
 strong future in closer relations with the common heart of Christianity 
 throughout the county. The Archdeaconry embraces sixteen churches, 
 chapels and other places of worship within New London county, several of 
 them ranking with the most beautiful specimens of architecture in the State. 
 It has a company of a dozen devoted clergy, who have leadership over 2,382 
 communicants and many more than ten thousand parishioners. 
 
 VI. 
 
 METHODISM IN NEW DONDON COUNTY 
 No phase in the development of religion in New London county is more 
 picturesque than that of the work done under the auspices of the Methodist 
 Episcopal Church. Though it was the latest of the larger Protestant bodies 
 to enter and cultivate this field, and thus escaped all but the very minor and 
 quite negligible persecutions incident to any religious propaganda, Methodism 
 came to do a most needed work. The imagination follows the circuit rider 
 as he made his way about the county from sympathetic house to house and 
 from class-meeting to class-meeting, then from school-house to school-house 
 and finally from church to church, pressing home in free utterance of prayer 
 and sermon the vital things of a plain gospel. 
 
 We are particularly attracted by the heoric figure of Jesse Lee, who 
 passed through the southern part of the county in 1789. Tradition tells of 
 his preaching at Lyme and Niantic, but the date of September 2, 1789, comes 
 clearly to view, as on that Wednesday he preached in New London at the 
 newly-built court-house the first sermon under Methodist auspices. His 
 reception seems to have been most kindly, according to a New London prece- 
 dent, and the fervid apostle of a faith that was stirring the English-speaking 
 race on both sides of the Atlantic was impressed with the hunger for warm- 
 hearted and vital religion in New London. We will recall that the pastor 
 of the First Church of Christ in New London at the time was Rev. Henry 
 Channing, who was accounted a Unitarian in faith, and was receiving into 
 membership into his church on the basis of reputable moral character, going 
 to the limit in applying the spirit of the "Halfway Covenant." The Episcopal 
 Church there was at a low ebb in its somewhat formal religious life. Bap- 
 tists had not yet entered this seaport town. Indeed, Connecticut as a whole 
 
3IO NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 seemed to need something that Methodism could give, and was the open 
 door to all New England. On September 25th of that same year (1789), 
 Jesse Lee organized at Stratford, Connecticut, the verj' first Methodist church 
 in New England, where some eighty years before Episcopacy, not without 
 opposition, had also found its open door to Connecticut. 
 
 In 1791, Bishop Asbury came through New London on his way to Lynn, 
 Massachusetts, and preached by way of paying for the hospitality received. 
 In 1793 a Methodist conference held at Tolland, Connecticut, appointed 
 George Roberts the elder in charge of all work in Connecticut. The State 
 was organized into five circuits, of which one was the New London circuit, 
 embracing all Eastern Connecticut from the Massachusetts line to the Sound. 
 In October of that year (1793) a "class" was formed in New London, and 
 Elder George Roberts began preaching in the court-house. One early con- 
 vert was Epaphras Kibby, who in 1798 began his work as a travelling preacher, 
 known throughout New England, carrying on a ministry sixty-seven years in 
 length. We have seen elsewhere the mighty stirring of waters in New Lon- 
 don county during a general revival in 1794, and Methodism must be given 
 credit for its pervasive power. Throughout the circuit 219 persons were now 
 gathered into "classes," and thirty-nine of these joined the Methodist mem- 
 bership in New London. One of these was Daniel Burrows, who became a 
 local preacher, a member of Congress, and one in the convention that adopted 
 the present State Constitution. On July 15, 1795, Bishop Asbury held a 
 conference in the home of this Daniel Burrows, when nineteen preachers 
 were present. In 1798 the first church was built. On a Friday it was "raised," 
 and on the Sunday following it was dedicated, Jesse Lee and Bishop Asbury 
 being present and preaching. This first Methodist church building (com- 
 pleted in 1800) stood on Golden Hill, at the corner of Union and Methodist 
 streets. On April 17, 1808, a second conference was held in New London, 
 with fifty preachers in attendance. The little church not being large enough, 
 the authorities of the First Church of Christ (Congregational) courteously 
 tendered their church for the ordination services, Bishop Asbury officiating 
 and preaching. In 1816 a revival of exceptional proportions swept the whole 
 region round about, aflFecting all classes in the community and all denomina- 
 tions. Its principal human agency is manifested by the fact that three hun- 
 dred persons were received at that time into the Methodist church. 
 
 This made it necessary to build a new church. The original structure 
 was sold and removed (to be again used, however), and the new building 
 was erected on the old site in 1818. In that year the New London church 
 at its own request was made a station, and Rev. Asa Kent was placed in 
 charge. Of necessity, a careful reorganization of the church ensued which, 
 with many other causes, brought many years of discord to New London 
 Methodism. By 1820 one hundred and fifty persons were admitted into the 
 church, sixty-eight names were removed from the roll, twenty dropped, 
 three persons withdrew, and twenty-four were expelled. 
 
 In 1820, Rev. Elijah Hedding (afterwards Bishop) came to the charge. 
 He found in the church a "boisterous element" that overtaxed his strength, 
 and he had to leave with broken health. In 1827 things came to a crisis in 
 
RELIGION IN NEW LONDON COUNTY 311 
 
 the church, with disagreements amonp trustees, clnirch people and minister, 
 which led to an open rupture. In 1829 the church building was shut by the 
 trustees against the members, who thereupon secured the use of the original 
 church, building. The trouble brewed for ten years. Then (1830) a new 
 board of trustees with Rev. James Potter (1831-2), managed by good admin- 
 istration and firm discipline to settle the difficulties. Some were expelled, 
 others withdrew. A revival ensued. But bitter contention over the slavery 
 question led forty members to form a Wesleyan Methodist Episcopal church, 
 which discarded the bishopric, and were given the use of the church building 
 by the trustees. 
 
 The original Methodist church was now reduced to one hundred and 
 
 fifty-five members. The meetings were held as best they could be, finally 
 
 in the court house. Here the work prospered, a gracious revival added largely 
 
 , to the membership, a project for a new building went forward, and the new 
 
 sructure on Washington street was dedicated in 1842. 
 
 In the meanwhile, the larger work of the New London circuit went on 
 apace, Jesse Lee had preached the first Methodist sermon in Norwich Town, 
 in the home of Mrs. Thankful Pierce, on June 25, 1790. Bishop Asbury had 
 secured an enterprising audience at 8 a. m. on July 20, 1795, and a "class" 
 had been formed in 1796 with Solomon Williams as class-leader. The "Nor- 
 wich North" Methodist church building was dedicated in 1831, Erastus 
 Wentworth, Esq., a local Congregationalist, materially assisting. The con- 
 version of his son Erastus in the ensuing revival amply repaid him. This 
 was the Rev, Erastus Wentworth. This church had a steady career, broken 
 by a marked revival in 1857, when sixty were received into the church. 
 
 Early in that century, at the Landing, a ]\Iethodist church had been 
 organized and a meeting-house erected. But the great flood of February, 
 1824, had swept away the building. Baptists, Universalists, Congregational- 
 ists and Episcopalians hastened each to ofifer the bereft Methodists a place 
 for worship. The General Assembly at Hartford voted to have the Governor 
 issue a proclamation to all churches in the State to set aside a certain Sunday 
 for raising funds to help replace the Methodist church at Norwich Landing. 
 This netted $463.32, and the new house was dedicated in 1825 and was called 
 the Sachem Street Church. The East lAa'm Street Methodist Church, in 
 another part of the city, had been organized and its meeting-house dedicated 
 in 1816. In 1854, the Norwich Central Church v/as organized and endorsed 
 by the Conference. It dedicated its meeting-house in 1859. At last, in 1895, 
 through the wisdom and indefatigable energy of Presiding Elder E. Tirrell, 
 aided by the pastors of the three churches, a consolidation was accomplished, 
 which secured the approval of the Quarterl Conference. The new church 
 was called the Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church of Norwich. It has fully 
 justified the wisdom of those who brought it into existence. It has had a 
 succession of strong pastors. On its quarter of a century milestone it re- 
 ported (1920) a membership of four hundred and seventy-two, which has 
 since had a marked increase. Its present (1922) pastor. Rev, R. L. Roberts, 
 has the work strongly in hand and the prospects are most cheering. 
 
 But the genius of Methodism is quite as much seen in its rural activities. 
 
312 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 Colchester was reached as early as 1806, though a church was not built 
 until 1842. Methodism did a distinctly valuable work at that point as long 
 as the mills were active. Since the closing of these, the church has dwindled, 
 and is now little more than a supplied preaching station. 
 
 The Gales Ferry Church is a successful rural exemplar of Methodism 
 in New London county. George Roberts preached here at an open air 
 service in 1793, and for ten years there were occasional services in homes 
 or out under the sky. A class was formed in 1803 under the leadership of 
 Ralph Hurlbutt. In 1806 he was licensed to exhort, and in 1810 to preach, 
 becoming practically the pastor. He is set down in the histories as their 
 first preacher, 1806-1840. An abandoned building formerly used by an old 
 Separatist Congregational Church, three miles to the east of Gales Ferry, 
 was purchased and moved (1803) to the site of the present church. In 1859 
 the present church edifice was dedicated, and later there came a parsonage. 
 The laymen and women of this church have been especially active. Its mem- 
 berbership in 1920 was 54. 
 
 The Old Mystic Methodist Church dates from 1826, ten years after 
 school-house services had been held. The first pastor lived and preached 
 in the home of John Bennet for a year. In 1827 the mill proprietors (Hydes) 
 became deeply interested in the organization, and the school-house was re- 
 opened. In 1831, Rev. Daniel Dorchester was appointed to the Mystic Circuit 
 (including Griswold, Preston and North Stonington). The church building 
 came in 1849, on'y to be destroyed by fire in 1851. The Jubilee was cele- 
 brated in 1876. 
 
 The prosperous Uncasville church dates from 1829, when a small society 
 was formed not without opposition. But in 1835 the first meeting-house was 
 erected and the work put on a strong basis. Revival after revival blessed 
 the church. In 1872 the present fine structure was erected, and later a chapel 
 added. Rev. Charles Smith is in the midst (1922) of a strong pastorate. The 
 church is an active member of the Federation of Churches of New London 
 and vicinity. 
 
 The Griswold or Voluntown organization (Bethel) dates back to 1841. 
 In that year the meeting-house was erected on land deeded for 999 years. 
 In that same year (1841) the Mystic (Bridge) Church was started, con- 
 nected at first with the old Mystic organization. It was the outcome of a 
 great revival in which the famous Elder Swan (Baptist) of New London 
 co-operated with the Methodist pastor. Rev. Benjamin C. Phelps, at Old 
 Mystic. At the close of the meetings, both Baptist and Methodist converts 
 went down into the river together and were baptized by immersion. In 1842 
 the first settled minister was appointed at Mystic. The present church was 
 erected in 1867. Rev. Jerome Greer is (1922) in the midst of a very success- 
 ful pastorate in Mystic and Noank. 
 
 Jesse Lee, en route through Lyme, preached, as tradition would have it, 
 on September i, 1789. The growth of Methodism, however, was very slow. 
 In 1843 a church was dedicated, largely through the assistance of Stephen 
 Peck, who, tradition says, had been a leader of a rough opposition gang. At 
 a meeting in a private house he had arisen as a sign for a riot to begin, when 
 
RELIGION IN NEW LONDON COUNTY 313 
 
 a cat leaped upon his back from a bureau and so frightened him that before 
 the meeting was over he had yielded to the earnest appeal of the preacher. 
 The Methodist work does not seem to have thrived in this region, and in 
 1920 a membership of only twelve was reported. 
 
 The same year (1842) the traditions of the preaching of Jesse Lee in 
 Niantic bore fruit and a church was organized. This had been preceded by 
 class-meetings and itinerant preaching. A church was built at that time. 
 In 1873 the present edifice was erected, and later a parsonage. In 1882-83 ^ 
 large number of Swedish Methodists joined the church. In 1890 an Epworth 
 League was established. Rev. G. H. Wright is the present pastor (1922), 
 and the membership stood at ninety-three in 1920. 
 
 The Jewett City church was started in 1874 with a class and a Sunday 
 school. A revival service in that year was followed by a church organiza- 
 tion in 1875. Baltic, Gardner Lake and Versailles were other points where 
 small groups of Methodists formed churches, and where, at one time or 
 another, organizations have been active. 
 
 In 1863 a band of Abolitionists came out from the Baptist church in 
 Noank, and seem to have kept together for a number of years. In 1878, 
 after a revival service, a Methodist church was built. This organization 
 is linked by a common pastorate with the Mystic (Bridge) Church. 
 
 We left the Methodist Church at New London just moving into the 
 Washington street meeting-house in 1842. Here, after all its ancient troubles, 
 the church greatly thrived. On June 4, 1843, it celebrated the semi-cen- 
 tennial of Methodism in New London. Revivals and steady growth by 1854 
 had made the building inadequate to the needs of the organization. The 
 difficult project was carried to a successful issue, and the imposing Methodist 
 church building on Federal street (now the Jewish Synagogue) was dedi- 
 cated in 1856. The legacy from Jonathan Coit, Esq. (Congregationalist), 
 was a substantial aid in this effort. 
 
 In this much enlarged equipment, Methodism in New London forged 
 ahead under a series of able pastors. A parsonage was secured in 1882 
 through the activities of the Ladies' Aid Society. Bishop Ames presided 
 over a conference here in 1864, and other conferences were entertained in 
 1877 and 1891. In 1893 the centennial of the advent of Methodism in New 
 London County was duly commemorated. 
 
 The lengthened pastorate of the late Rev. C. Harley Smith (1911-1918) 
 in the Federal Street Church will be long remembered by the present gen- 
 eration. 
 
 In 1918 began the pastorate of Rev. Myron T. Center. It soon became 
 evident that Methodism in New London needed a much ampler equipment 
 for its strong development. Fortunately, it had kept a solid unity in the 
 city, and had a host of friends on the outside. With marked heroism, the 
 pastor and his official board took hold of the project. Land was secured 
 for a new structure directly north of the old court house in which Jesse Lee 
 preached in 1793. With rare business sagacity, the project was carried 
 through, and the beautiful church, with ample equipment for social purpose, 
 was dedicated by Bishop Edwin H. Hughes, November 13, 1921. The dedi- 
 
314 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 cation came at the close of a series of evangelistic services in the church and 
 community conducted by Rev. Dr. Milton S. Reese. One most interesting 
 and inspiring event following the dedication services was the welcoming 
 of one hundred and twenty-seven new members as the first official act in 
 the newdy consecrated building. This brought the entire membership up to 
 seven hundred and nine. The church and its pastor have been active in the 
 Federation of the Churches of New London County and Vicinity since its 
 origin in 1920. 
 
 Thus it is seen that while Methodism in New London county stands 
 fourth in numbers among the Protestant bodies, it has been a powerful 
 element m the spiritual development of the Kingdom of God in south-eastern 
 Connecticut. The New London county contingent of the Norwich District 
 under the administration of Rev. William H. Bath as superintendent, in- 
 cludes eighteen churches and preaching stations, with about twelve hun- 
 dred members. They form a strong harmonizing clement in the religious 
 life of the county. 
 
 VII. 
 
 OTHER RELIGIOUS BODIES IN NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 Scattered throughout New London are a large number of Protestant 
 denominations with one or more small organizations doing faithful work for 
 the Kingdom of God. In New London there are the Evangelical Lutheran 
 Church, the A. M. E. Zion Church, All Souls' Church (Federated Universalist- 
 Unitarian)* and the First Church of Christ, Scientist, together with a number 
 of auxiliary organizations like the Learned Mission and the Salvation Army. 
 The Y. M. C. A. and the Y. W. C. A. form the specialized institutional work 
 for young men and women by the churches. In Norwich there are also 
 similar groups of organizations, the Universalist Church being of long 
 standing in that community. The data for all this scattered effort is not 
 eas;,- to gather. 
 
 THE YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION 
 Among the many organizations which have come into existence in this 
 county during the past sixty years, none has proved more effective or valuable 
 than the Young Men's Christian Association. On June i, 1867, in the town 
 of New London, forty-seven young men met and organized a "Y. M. C. A.," 
 which has existed continuously up to the present day with increasing value 
 to the churches and the community, and from which thousands of young 
 men and boys have carried influence and inspiration into other States and 
 perhaps into foreign lands. As the years passed. Associations were formed 
 in other towns in the county, but their history is brief, the work having been 
 abandoned for various reasons, principally lack of trained leadership. 
 
 In those early days the activities of this Association were largely of a 
 religious nature, and therefore did not appeal to young men of all classes. 
 At the same time the social feature was recognized by the directors as some- 
 what necessary; they also encouraged the formation of a Literary Society, 
 which became a means of benefit to those who were interested in it. 
 ''See page 321. 
 
RELIGION IN NEW LONDON COUNTY 315 
 
 Three years later, in 1870, the records showed a decided increase in the 
 membership and in the amount of work which had been accomplished. More 
 religious meetings were being held in different sections of the town, a build- 
 ing fund of $1,000 had been accumulated, and other features which had been 
 added were attracting the favorable attention of the public. 
 
 For the next decade the work moved on in the usual way, with the 
 emphasis still on the religious phase, but during the period 1880-1900, the 
 last twenty years of the nineteenth century, the scope of the work was broad- 
 ened, and in 1885 the first general secretary, Mr. R. F. True, was chosen to 
 guide the Association's affairs and to devote his whole time to carrying out 
 its important program for young men and boys. Mr. True assumed his 
 duties in December, and the movement advanced steadily. After two years 
 he resigned, but he had demonstrated to the directors that a general secre- 
 tary was essential to the success of the Association, and the vacant position 
 was soon filled by Mr. A. L. Willis, who had been an active worker in the 
 New Haven Association for a number of years. Efficiency in all departments 
 characterized his administration. Particularly noticeable were the increased 
 membership and the greater prominence given to the physical department. 
 
 After the departure of Mr. Willis at the end of two years, a temporary 
 secretary served for a few months. Then, on June i, 1891, a permanent 
 secretary was secured in the person of Mr. F. H. Law, a graduate of the Inter- 
 national Training School of Springfield, Massachusetts, who filled the position 
 four years. When he gave it up and left the city, he had the assurance that 
 his labors were much appreciated and that the directors and members greatly 
 regretted his decision. 
 
 Mr. Law was followed by Mr. Richard W. Mansfield, who had cooperated 
 with him as assistant secretary. Mr. Mansfield remained in charge of the 
 Association for seventeen years, doing a constructive work. A building was 
 secured in the form of a residential home, to which a gymnasium was added 
 as a valuable asset to the property. The whole plant was valued at about 
 $20,000. Mr. Mansfield made numberless friends. When he resigned as the 
 executive head of the Y. M. C. A., he was given the position of city mission- 
 ary, which he still occupies to the great satisfaction of all the people of the 
 city. 
 
 The next in chronological order was Mr. Charles A. Green, formerly of 
 New Jersey. In the four years which he served as general secretary, dating 
 from 1913, he did a noble work. The old property was disposed of and a 
 new and commodious structure, erected at a cost of about $150,000, was dedi- 
 cated on February 16, 1916. A few months later, IMr. Green was called to 
 a larger field, and Mr. John C. Church succeeded him at New London, con- 
 tinuing in office until 1920. The present general secretary is Mr. Clyde L. 
 Williamson. The work of the organization is in a prosperous condition and 
 the outlook for the future is most encouraging. 
 
 The foregoing facts pertain to the town and city of New London, but 
 the Y. M. C. A. movement in the county, even in those remote days, was 
 not confined to that one place, for in 1870 the young men of Norwich organ- 
 ized an Association which flourished for a while, then was discontinued for 
 
3i6 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 the time being, because the necessary support from the community was with- 
 held. After several years had elapsed, interest was re-created in the welfare 
 of young men and boys, and a new Association was organized in 1885, which 
 has been doing a most excellent work throughout the past thirty-seven years, 
 with the loyal approval and liberal financial support of the public-spirited 
 citizens. One building was provided and dedicated in 1897. At this writing 
 a new and more modern structure is being erected and the old one is soon to 
 be sold. 
 
 The activities of this Association have been broad. The members have 
 obtained rich benefits for themselves, but they have also endeavored to carry 
 out the purpose of the Y. M. C. A. Brotherhood — "A work for young men, 
 by young men." Nearly four decades ago the "Rose of New England" found 
 its place among the Young Men's Christian Associations of America. 
 Through the intervening years it has strengthened a host of young men and 
 boys physically, socially, educationally and religiously, or has provided them 
 with employment or homes, or has given them helpful counsel and advice. 
 
 The board of directors are to be congratulated upon their success in 
 securing such efificient men as leaders for the work. As they have come to 
 the field in turn and assumed their duties and discharged their responsibilities 
 as general secretaries, they have seemed to be, each one, performing his part 
 in the same infinite plan. Beginning with Mr. C. K. Flanders and continuing 
 in succession, the list contains the names of Messrs. R. S. Ross, I. V. Cob- 
 leigh, O. E. Ryther, F. H. Merrill, F. R. Starkey, W. A. Morse, and Edwin 
 Hill, who is in the field today, having the confidence of all the people. 
 
 It would not be possible to express in financial terms or in statistics 
 what has been done by these two organizations. Suffice it to say that the 
 time and money invested in both have produced results far beyond what the 
 most sanguine could have anticipated. Because of it all, Connecticut has 
 better sons, better fathers, better citizens, better laymen as well as ministers, 
 to direct Christian activities. 
 
 The most recent development of the Y. M. C. A. movement in New Lon- 
 don county is what is known as the "County Work," which was begun on 
 March 10, 1919, under the direction of State County Work Secretary, Mr. 
 Harry Hedley Smith. On that date a county organization was effected on 
 the Y. M. C. A. basis, and a committee was elected. The same plan is in 
 operation today and the committee consists of the following: Benjamin T. 
 Marshall, chairman. New London; W.G. Park, vice-chairman, Hanover; Allyn 
 L. Brown, vice-chairman, Norwich; Ralph H. Melcer, treasurer, Montville; 
 George H. Bathgate, East Lyme ; Frank Palmer, Bozrah ; E. T. Bunyan, Col- 
 chester; Frank E. Robinson, Griswold ; C. W. Allyn, Groton; Otto Pultz, 
 Lebanon; Reginald L. Lord, Lyme; Hadlai A. Hull, New London; E. E. 
 Rogers, New London; H. M. Swinney, Niantic; C. E. Carpenter, Norwich; 
 Harry M. Clark, Norwich; Dr. A. L. Stebbins, Colchester; Fred H. ToplifT, 
 Versailles ; James Cooper, Mystic. 
 
 A county secretary, Mr. C. A. Pipher, is in charge of the work, with an 
 office at 102 Thayer building, Norwich. There are twelve groups organized 
 
RELIGION IN NEW LONDON COUNTY 317 
 
 in thirty-two committees in the county, in which effective work is being 
 carried on. 
 
 This is only a brief statement, but to the thoughtful reader it cannot 
 fail to indicate to a high degree the power of the Young Men's Christian As- 
 sociation in the building of manhood in the local community and the county, 
 and also in the larger spheres of the State and the country. 
 
 VIII. 
 
 ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCHES 
 
 The Roman Catholic churches of New London county are in the Diocese 
 of Hartford, which also embraces the entire State of Connecticut, and with 
 officiary as follows: Rt. Rev. John J. Nilan, D.D., Bishop; Rt. Rev. John 
 G. Murray, Auxiliary to the Bishop; Rt. Rev. Monsignor Thomas S. Duggan, 
 Vicar General ; Rev. William H. Flynn, Chancellor and Secretary. 
 
 The manager of the Diocesan Board for the Protection of Dependent 
 Children for New London county is Rev. John N. Broderick, of Norwich. 
 The Diocesan director of the Holy Name Society and district director of New 
 London county is Rev. William A. Keefe, of Norwich. 
 
 There are seventeen parishes in New London county, of which there are 
 in the city of New London three parishes; in the town of Norwich, five. 
 These and the other churches are as follows: 
 
 St. Marv's Star of the Sea, New London — Pastor, Rev. Timothy M. 
 Crowley, LL.D. Assistants — Rev. Alexander Wollschlager and Rev. John 
 J. McGrath. 
 
 St. Joseph's, New London — Pastor, Rev. William C. Fitzsimons. 
 
 Our Lady of Perpetual Help, New London — Pastor, Rev. Paul Kosczyk. 
 
 St. Patrick's in Norwich City, 205 Broadway— Pastor, Rev. M. H. May. 
 St. Patrick's Parochial School is in charge of teachers from the Convent of 
 the Sisters of Mercy, Sister Loyola, Superior, with nine o'her sisters resident 
 there. 
 
 St. Mary's, 192 North Main street, Norwich— Pastor, Rev. W. A. Keefe. 
 The Parochial School maintained by the parish is in charge of Sisters of 
 Mercy from the Convent of Mary immaculate. Sister Anacletus, Superior, 
 eight sisters being under her care. , 
 
 Sacred Heart Parish at Norvvich Town — Pastor, Rev. C. W. Brennaii. 
 
 Sacred Heart Parish of Taftville— Pastor, Rev. U. O. Bellerose. The 
 parish has a Parochial School requiring in its various grades and depart- 
 ments sixteen teachers, Sisters of Mercy; Mother Geraldine. Superior. 
 
 St. Joseph's (Polish), 120 Cliff street, Norwich City— Pastor, Rev. Ig- 
 natius Maciejewski. 
 
 St. Patrick's Parish of Mystic — Pastor, Rev. W J. Fitzgerald. 
 
 Sacred Heart Parish of Groton — Pastor, Rev. William Fox. 
 
 Our Lady of the Rosary Parish of Jewett City — Pastor, Rev. John Mc- 
 Cabe. 
 
 St. Andrew's Parish of Colchester — Pastor, Rev. Philip J. Mooney; 
 assistant, Rev. Daniel Sullivan. 
 
 St. Joseph's Parish of Occum — Pastor, Rev. Frederick Oessurcault. 
 
 St. Mar\-'s Parish, Stonington — Pastor, Rev. James E. O'Brien. 
 
 Immaculate Conception Parish of Baltic — Pastor, Rev. William T. 
 O'Brien. 
 
3i8 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 St. Thomas's Parish, Voluntown — Pastor, Rev. Ludovic Paradis. 
 St. John's Parish, Uncasville — Pastor, Rev. John F. Quinn. 
 
 Legally, St. Mary's Star of the Sea Roman Catholic Church of New 
 London is St. Patrick's Corporation. The name St. Mary's Star of the Sea 
 has been the recognized name of the parish for half a century. The church 
 had its inception in the first mass ever sung in the city, about 1840, by Father 
 Filton, who was then pastor of a church in Worcester, Massachusetts. The 
 first service was held in a building on Washington street, a second mass being 
 celebrated by the reverend father in a building at the corner of Bank and 
 Bleinman streets. These services created an interest among the Catholics 
 of New London, and soon afterwards St. John's parish was formed, and a 
 chapel was erected on Jay street. Father Filton was followed by Father 
 Brady, who in 1848 was succeeded by Rev. James Gibson, the first resident 
 pastor. He remained with the parish two years. Rev. Peter Blenkinsop be- 
 coming pastor in 1850; Rev. P. Duffy in 1851 ; then Rev. F. Stokes, who in 
 October, 1852, gave way to Rev. Thomas R\an, under whose pastorate a new 
 church, St. Patrick's, was erected on Truman street, below Blackball street. 
 That church was consecrated May 4, 1855, the Jay street chapel being retained 
 by the parish and used for church purposes. Father Ryan remained with 
 St. Patrick's parish until 1S58, and then was succeeded by Rev. P A. Gaynor, 
 who remained until 1866. During that period he organized St. John's Literary 
 .Society, and started it on its long and useful career. In 1866 Rev. B. Tully 
 became pastor, and while his pastorate was a short one, he left an indelible 
 impress upon the history of the parish through his purchase of the large lot 
 at the corner of Washington and Huntington streets. In August, 1867, Rev. 
 P. Grace, D.D., became pastor, and he, too, made church history by begin- 
 ning the erection of the present large and well planned structure in which 
 the congregation worships in everincreasing numbers. Father Grace re- 
 mained but a short time, being followed by Rev. E. A. Connor as pastor, he 
 having as assistant Father Furlong. Father Connor continued building 
 operations, and also organized St. Mary's Benevolent Society. He died in 
 1871, Father Furlong having temporary charge of the parish. Rev. M. Tier- 
 ney became pastor in May, 1872, and during his short pastorate organized Star 
 of the Sea Total Abstinence Society. In January, 1874, Rev. P. P. Lalor was 
 made pastor, and under him the parish became St. Mary's Star of the Sea, 
 and the large granite structure, one of the finest in the State, was completed 
 and dedicated in May, 1876, with imposing ceremonies. Father Lalor was 
 succeeded in 1879 by Rev. Thomas Broderick, whose pastorate extended over 
 a period of four years, Rev. Thomas Joynt coming to the parish on May 28, 
 1883. The present pastor, Rev. T. D. Crowley, LL.D., succeeded Father 
 Joynt as pastor, July 22, 1910. The congregation is a large one, about thirty- 
 five hundred worshippers attending service every Sunday morning, five 
 masses being celebrated, the children having a special mass in the basement. 
 The Sunday school numbers eight hundred scholars. St. Mary's has a Con- 
 vent of Sisters of Mercy, who are in charge of the parochial school, of which 
 Rev. John J. McGrath is principal. The school course covers eight grades; 
 
RELIGION IN NEW LONDON COUNTY 319 
 
 the graduating class of 1922 numbering seventy-two. There are twelve 
 teachers, including special instructors in music, art, and domestic science. 
 
 Tjnder Dr. Crowley's pastorate the church tower with its flaming cross 
 was completed, the marble altars placed in the church and the interior redeco- 
 rated and renewed. 
 
 A Norwich newspaper item of November 14, 1793, recites: "On Friday 
 evening John Thayer, a Catholic missionary, delivered to a large audience 
 at the Rev. Joseph Strong's meeting house (First Congregational) a learned 
 and ingenious discourse in which he undertook to prove that the Catholic 
 church was the only true church of Christ." This missionary priest delivered 
 another doctrinal sermon the Sunday evening following, and with this ex- 
 cepton there is no mention of a Roman Catholic service until 1831, when a 
 priest from Worcester, Massachusetts, then the nearest Catholic mission, 
 began occasional visits. The first mass was celebrated in the town about 
 1840 by Rev. James Filton, who about the same time visited New London. 
 The first sacrament recorded as administered in Norwich was the baptism 
 of Catherine, daughter of John and Eleanor Connolly, by Father Filton, May 
 15, 1836. The first Catholic marriage in Norwich was also performed by 
 Father Filton, June 30, 1840, when he united John Savage and Mary Alelvin. 
 
 St. Mary's Mission was organized and a chapel begun in 1843. The 
 church, small, but sufficiently large to accommodate the congregation, was 
 first occupied for religious services March 17, 1845. I" M^Y of that year. 
 Rev. John Brady was placed in charge of the Norwich Mission, he being 
 followed by Rev. William Logan, who was succeeded by Rev. Peter Blenkin- 
 sop, who remained in charge of Norwich and neighboring missions until 
 September, 1851. There were then three thousand Catholics residing in 
 Norwich and vicinity, over whom Rev. Daniel Kelly was settled as pastor 
 in 1851 ; he remained until August, 1866, when he was succeeded by Rev. 
 Peter Kelly. St. Mary's Chapel had been enlarged several times to meet the 
 demands of the congregation, and under Father Kelly a beginning was made 
 toward building the much needed new church, he buying two adjoining lots 
 on Church street. On March 17, 1867, ground was broken for the building, 
 but the church authorities disapproved the location, and it was abandoned 
 for church purposes. Father Kelly was succeeded soon afterward by Rev. 
 Bernard Tully, who a few months later was followed by Rev. Daniel Mullen, 
 who became pastor January 20, 1868. Father Mullen, after careful con- 
 sideration, selected a plot on Broadway, about in the center of the scattered 
 parish, which extended from Yantic on the north to Thamesville on the 
 south and west, and to Greeneville and part of Preston on the east. Ground 
 was broken March 17, 1870, and a new church was erected in the most sub- 
 stantial manner. The cornerstone was laid July 13, 1873, and work con- 
 tinued until the fall of 1877 under the direction of Father Mullen, who died 
 during the last months of the year, leaving the church uncompleted. It 
 was estimated that up to that time, $200,000 had been spent in the construc- 
 tion of walls, roof, and tower up to the peak of the roof then in course of 
 completion. 
 
320 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 Rev. P. P. Strahan became pastor in April, 1878, and at once assumed 
 responsibility for the completion of the church, and so energetically did he 
 prosecute the work that it was possible to use the building by March 17, 
 1879, when the first mass was celebrated. On September 28, 1879, the church 
 was dedicated, Archbishop Gibbons, of Baltimore, later Cardinal, and now 
 gone to his reward, preaching the sermon. A fitting honor was paid Father 
 Filton, who offered up the first mass in Norwich thirty-six years before, 
 and who built the first Catholic church there, in making his presence a feature 
 of the occasion. This great church, a fine specimen of ecclesiastical archi- 
 tecture, now known as St. Patrick's, seats nearly two thousand people, while 
 the basement, reserved for the children, seats one thousand. St. Mary's 
 Church seats twelve hundred, and the Church of the Sacred Heart in Nor- 
 wich Town seats four hundred. 
 
 St. Mary's congregation has continued to worship in the old church on 
 Central avenue, but a handsome church edifice built of Weymouth granite 
 is nearing completion, Rev. William A. Keefe is the present pastor. 
 
 St. Patrick's parish is under the pastorate of Rev. M. May. Both parishes 
 in all their departments are in a prosperous condition. 
 
 Until 1872, Taftville Catholics were under the pastoral care of the church 
 at Norwich, but in October of that year they were placed under the care of 
 the church at Jewett City, mass being celebrated in the town hall. In 1874, 
 Rev. John Russell succeeded to the pastorate, and to his zeal and energy the 
 Catholic church that crowns the Taftville hills, is due. That church was 
 dedicated April 18, 1878. The present pastor of Sacred Heart parish is Rev. 
 U. O. Bellerose. 
 
 The early Catholics of Jewett City received spiritual consolation from 
 Father McCabe, of Danielson, a missionary priest whose district then included 
 several Connecticut counties. In 1861, Rev. James Quin, stationed at Moosup, 
 was given jurisdiction over the town of Griswold. In April, 1866. he pur- 
 chased the church of the Second Congregational Society. Father Quin was 
 succeeded by Rev. Ferdinand Bolenger, who in turn gave way to Rev. James 
 B. Reynolds, who became the first resident pastor at Jewett City. Father 
 Reynolds, of delicate constitution, succumbed to the hardships of his large 
 mission field, and after a short pastorate died, in December, 1874. In Janu- 
 ary following. Rev. John Russell became pastor, continuing until June, 1878. 
 During his pastorate the church was greatly enlarged and embellished. In 
 June, 1878, Rev. Thomas P. Joynt became pastor, and under him the con- 
 gregation erected a new and appropriate parsonage. The present pastor is 
 Rev. John McCabe. 
 
 Prior to 1850, Rev. James Felton, of Boston, Massachusetts, preached 
 in Pawcatuck for the benefit of the Catholics there residing. There was no 
 Catholic church there, and his ser\nces were held in the open air. He was, 
 however, tendered the use of the Union meeting house, the trustees offering 
 it to the preacher whenever he needed it. For five years Father Felton con- 
 tinued his pastoral ministrations, Father Daley succeeding him, and followed 
 after a year's service by Father Duffy, who remained two years, then being 
 succeeded by Rev. Thomas Dray, who remained six years. 
 
RELIGION IN NEW LONDON COUNTY 321 
 
 St. Mary's Roman Catholic Churcli at Stonington was founded in 1851, 
 and the same year Rev. P. Duffy built a church there by subscriptions from 
 Catholics in Stonington and vicinity. The church was dedicated in 1851 by 
 Bishop O'Reilly, who later was lost at sea with the ship "Pacific." The pres- 
 ent pastor of St. Mary's Church is Rev. James E. O'Brien. 
 
 The church property at Mystic Bridge was purchased from the Metho- 
 dist Episcopal congregation there and was dedicated as St. Patrick's Church 
 in 1870, Rev. P. Lalor, the first pastor. The present pastor is Rev. W. J. 
 Fitzgerald. 
 
 IX. 
 
 ADDITIONAL CHURCH HISTORY 
 
 A Universalist Society was formed in New London in the year 1835, and 
 occasional services held, but no church was erected or regular minister 
 established until 1843, when a brick church edifice was erected on Hunting- 
 ton street, which was dedicated March 20, 1844, Rev. T. J. Greenwood the 
 first pastor. He continued over the church four years and then resigned, the 
 church being sold by the trustees the following year, the Third Baptist 
 Church purchasing the property. In August, 1849, the Universalist Society 
 bought a former Episcopal church on Main street, that was later sold, the 
 society then worshipping in Allyn Hall until the erection of a new church, 
 corner of Greene and Starr streets, which in 1896 was sold to Brainard Lodge 
 Masonic Corporation and is used as a Masonic Temple. The present beauti- 
 ful church on Huntington tsreet is known as Ail Souls' Universalist Unitarian 
 Church. A union of the two congregations, Universalist and Unitarian, was 
 subsequently effected. The pastor of All Souls' Church is W. C. Greene, 26 
 Prospect avenue. 
 
 In the fall of 1772, John Murray, a Universalist preacher, visited Nor- 
 wich, and in Dr. Lord's church (First Congregational) preached the first 
 sermon ever delivered in Norwich in open advocacy of Universalism. For 
 several years thereafter, John Murray paid Norwich annual visits, and about 
 1791 a society was formed and Elhanan Winchester, an eloquent preacher of 
 the Universalist faith, visited Norwich in 1794, Rev. John Tyler, of the Episco- 
 pal church, allowing him, as he had Mr. Murray, to preach in his church. 
 Near the close of 1820 the present Universalist Society was founded under the 
 name, "Society of United Christian Friends in the Towns of Norwich, Pres- 
 ton and Groton." The first meeting of the society was at the home of Paul 
 Harvey, in Preston, with David Tracy as moderator, and Gurdon Bill as 
 clerk. A committee was chosen to draft a constitution, and later at Poque- 
 tanoc the society organized by the election of the proper oi^cers. In 1821, 
 under the preaching of Rev. Charles Hudson, later a congressman from 
 Massachusetts, a deep interest was aroused and the first meeting house of 
 the society erected. That church was dedicated July 21, 1821, Rev. Edward 
 Mitchell preaching the dedicatory sermon. In 1836 the name was changed 
 to the Universalist Society in Norwich, and the present organization of the 
 church began February 6 of that year with eighteen members. A new 
 
322 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 church was dedicated in 1841, and on November 15, 1848, was rededicated, 
 having been enlarged. The present Universalist Society, the Church of the 
 Good Shepherd, is located at 148 Broadway, Rev. George H. Welch, pastor. 
 The present church edifice was erected by the society in 1910. 
 
 Other denominations and sects maintain congregations in the county, 
 and all sections are furnished with churches and Sunday schools in which 
 the people may worship according to their own belief. There are two 
 churches dedicated to the faith as taught by Mary Baker Eddy, the First 
 Church of Christ (Scientist) at New London, and the First Church of Christ 
 (Scientist) at Mystic. A society of the same faith has been founded in Nor- 
 wich with reading room in the Thayer building, but a church organization 
 has not yet been effected. The church at New London is located at the 
 corner of Hempstead and Granite streets, the reading room at 315 Plant 
 building. The Mystic church maintains a reading |room at No. 5 Grand 
 street. 
 
 The churches of all denominations in New London county are admir- 
 able for their beauty, size and furnishings, while the small country churches 
 show by their neat and well kept condition that a love of the church as 
 handed down from their forefathers in this and other lands, exists in the 
 hearts of the people. 
 
CHAPTER XII 
 COURTS AND LAWYERS 
 
 "The establishment of courts and judicial tribunals where society is pro- 
 tected in all its civil rights under the sanction of law, and wrong finds a 
 ready redress in an enlightened and prompt administration of justice, is the 
 first necessity of every civilized community. Without such protection the 
 forces of society in their changeable development, even under the teachings 
 of the pulpit, the direction of the press, and the culture of the schools, are 
 exposed to peril and disaster from the turbulence of passion and conflicts of 
 interest; and hence the best and surest security that even the press, the 
 school and the pulpit can find for the peaceful performance of their highest 
 function, is when protected by and entrenched behind the bulwarks of the 
 law, administered by a pure, independent and uncorrupted judiciary.' 
 
 The New London County Bar has from its beginning numbered among 
 its members able jurists, talented advocates and safe counsellors. Here many 
 have lived, flourished and died, while others still are upon the stage of action, 
 who have been prominent in the advancement of the interests of the county 
 and figured conspicuously in the councils of State and Nation. 
 
 The first county court was held in New London county June 6, 1666, 
 Major Mason presiding; John Allyn, assistant; Thomas Stanton and Obadiah 
 Bruen, commissioners. A court was also held September 20, 1666, Major 
 Mason, Thomas Stanton and Lieutenant Pratt, of Saybrook, occupying the 
 bench, with Obadiah Bruen, clerk. In June, 1667, Daniel Wetherell was 
 appointed clerk and treasuirer. Major Mason was the only magistrate in the 
 county, and when his health broke and he was seldom able to attend on 
 court, the General Court after 1670 nominated assistants to hold the court 
 annually in New London. In May, 1674, Major Palmes was invested with 
 the authority of a magistrate for New London county, but was never chosen 
 an assistant, though often nominated as one. 
 
 In 1676, Captain John Mason, eldest son of Major Mason, was chosen 
 assistant, but the same year in December he received his death wound in the 
 In-dian fight. The next assistant from New London county was Captain 
 James Fitch, about 1680; Samuel Mason, of Stonington, being appointed soon 
 aftervvajrds. As long as ilajor Mason lived there was no other magistrate in 
 the county and he generally held his courts at his home in Norwich, a fact 
 which irritated New London, and in October, 1669, County Court Clerk 
 Wetherell, who lived in New London, petitioned the General Court on behalf 
 of the commissioners and obtained an order for an assistant or magistrate to 
 hold a court at New London at stated times. After Major Mason's death 
 there was no chief magistrate resident within the county bounds until May, 
 1674, when the records show the appointment already noted: "Major Edward 
 Palmes is invested with magisterial power throughout New London county 
 and the Narragansctt country." 
 
 The first Prerogative Court in the coimty was held at Lyme, April 13. 
 
324 
 
 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 1699, the next at New London, August 28 following, Daniel Wetherell, judge. 
 This court henceforward relieved the county court from the onerous burden 
 of the probate of wills and the settlement of estates. The justices of the 
 peace in New London in 1700 were Richard Christophers and Nehemiah Smith, 
 the former judge of the probate court in 1716. 
 
 The Supreme Court was held in New London for the first time in Sep- 
 tember, 171 1, the court being held in the meetinghouse, no court house having 
 then been erected. Prior to 171 1 the Superior Court had sat at New Haven 
 and Hartford, but in 171 1 it was made a Circuit Court, each county of the 
 State to have two annual sessions. Richard Christophers was one of the assist- 
 ant judges and Captain John Prentiss, county sheriff. After an unsuccessful 
 effort in 1720 Norwich successfully petitioned the General Court that the 
 Supreme Court in March and the Superior Court in November might hold 
 their sessions for New London county in that cit}', and thus Norwich became 
 a half county seat after a long and determined fight for her share of the 
 courts. 
 
 The Connecticut Superior Court is deemed to be open for business for 
 civil business only at New London on the third Tuesday in September and 
 the first Tuesday in February, and for criminal business only on the first 
 Tuesday in May. At Norwich the couft opens for criminal business only on 
 the first Tuesdays in January and September. Sessions for civil business 
 only open at Norwich on the third Tuesday in January, the fourth Tuesday 
 in May and the first Tuesday in November. 
 
 The Court of Common Pleas for New London county opens at Norwich 
 on the first Tuesdays of October and February ; at New London on the first 
 Tuesdays of August and April. For criminal business the court opens at 
 Norwich on the second Tuesdays in February, March, August and September; 
 at New London on the second Tuesdays in April, May, June, October, No- 
 vember, December and January. 
 
 The City Court of New London has civil jurisdiction only, such jurisdic- 
 tion being limited as to amount of claim to $500; return days, the first Tues- 
 day of each month. The police courts of New London and Norwich have 
 criminal jurisdiction only, fines to the amount of $200 or a jail sentence 
 of six months, or both, being the limit of penalty that may be imposed. The 
 town courts of Griswold and Groton have civil jurisdiction in cases not ex- 
 ceeding $300, and in criminal cases may mpose a fine not exceeding $200, a 
 jail sentence of six months, or both. Return days are the first and third Mon- 
 d-ays of each month. 
 
 Judges of probate are elected on the Tuesday after the first Monday in 
 November in the years having an even number. The term of ofifice is two 
 years, beginning the first Monday in January following their election. The 
 following embraces the names of the districts into which New London county 
 is divided, and the towns in each district the year the court was constituted, 
 and the judges elected November 2, 1920: 
 
 New London District— New London and Waterford. Constituted at the 
 May session of the General Court held in 1666, as a county court. Judge, 
 Arthur B. Calkins. 
 
COURTS AND LAWYERS 325 
 
 Norwich District — Norwich, Franklin, Griswold, Lisbon, Preston, 
 Sprague, Voluntown. Constituted in October, 1748, from New London. Con- 
 stituted in October, 1748, from New London. Contains the records of Vohin- 
 town. Judge, Nelson J. Ayling. 
 
 Bozrah District— Yantic. Constituted from Norwich, June 3, 1843. 
 Judge, Wareham \V. Bentley. 
 
 Colchester District— Constituted May 29, 1832, from East Haddam. Con- 
 tain East Haddam records from October session of 1741 to May 29, 1832. 
 Judge, Harley P. Buell. 
 
 East Lyme District — Niantic. Constituted June 2, 1843, from New Lon- 
 don. Judge, Austin I. Bush. 
 
 Groton District — Noank. Constituted May 25, 1839, from Stonington. 
 Judge, Arthur P. Anderson. 
 
 Lebanon District — Lebanon. Constituted June 2, 1826, from Windham. 
 Judge, George E. Briggs. 
 
 Ledyard District — Ledyard. Constituted June 6, 1837, from Stonington. 
 Judge, Samuel E. Holdridge. 
 
 Lyme District — Hadlyme, Rural Free Delivery. Constituted July 5, 1869, 
 from Old Lyme. Judge, William Marvin. 
 
 Montville District— Constituted June 27, 1851, from New London. Judge, 
 Dan D. Home. 
 
 North Stonington District — Constituted June 4, 1835, from Stonington. 
 Judge, Charles C. Gray. 
 
 Old Lyme District — Old Lyme. Name changed from Lyme to Old Lyme 
 July 5, 1869. Contains the records of Lyme from June 4, 1830, to July 24, 
 1868. Judge, Robert H. Noble. 
 
 Salem District— Constituted July 9, 1841, from Colchester and New Lon- 
 don. Judge, Henry A. Rogers. 
 
 Stonington District — Constituted at the October Session, 1766, from New 
 London. Judge, Elias B. Hinckley. 
 
 The number of the justices of the peace in each town may be equal to one- 
 half the number of jurors to which such town is by law entitled. They are 
 elected biennially in each town at the electors' meeting held for the election 
 of State officers and hold ofTfice from and after the first Monday succeeding 
 their election. If any person elected fails to take the oath of office before 
 the tenth day of January succeeding his election, he shall be deemed to have 
 declined the office and an election to fill the vacancy may be held. Under this 
 law New London county has elected 174 justices of the peace, apportioned 
 among the towns of the county as follows: 
 
 Bozrah 3 New London 29 
 
 Colchester S North Stonington 3 
 
 East Lyme 5 Norwich 33 
 
 Franklin 4 Old Lyme 7 
 
 Griswold 6 Preston 2 
 
 Groton 19 Salem 2 
 
 Lebanon 3 Sprague 6 
 
 Ledyard 3 Stonington 15 
 
 Lisbon 5 Voluntown I 
 
 Lyme 3 V.aterford 12 
 
 Montville 8 
 
 17-^1 
 
 Before the Revolution, the commissions of notaries public in the colonies 
 emanated from the Archbishop of Canterbury. The commission of Elisha 
 Hall, dated August 30, 1721, is registered in the office of the Secretary of 
 State. The governor was first authorized in 1784 to appoint one or more 
 
326 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 notaries public in the State of Connecticut "as the commercial interests thereof 
 may render it necessary or convenient." In 1838 notaries were empowered 
 to administer oaths and acknowledgements of deeds. In 1800 there were 
 fifteen notaries in the State; in 1812 there were thirty-two; and in 1827, 
 sixty-four. Now there are literally thousands. 
 
 The following New London county lawyers have risen to the high office 
 of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Connecticut: Gurdon Saltonstall, 
 1711-12; Jonathan Trumbull, 1766-69; Matthew Griswold, 1769-84; Samuel 
 Huntington, 1784-85; Henry M. Waite, 1854-57; John D. Park, 1874-89. 
 
 Of these, Gurdon Saltonstall, Jonathan Trumbull, Matthew Griswold 
 and Samuel Huntington were also Governors of Connecticut; Jonathan Trum- 
 bull and Samuel Huntington were members of the Continental Congress; 
 Jonathan Trumbull was a United States Senator from Connecticut, having 
 previously served as Congressman. These were the giants of the New Lon- 
 don bar who rose to the highest eminence, but there were many, many others 
 less prominently in the public eye, but men of the strongest intellectual 
 powers, men of learning and culture, who played well their part in the great 
 drama of life and reflected credit upon their ancient and honorable profession. 
 The following names in addition to those already mentioned won recognition 
 and fame through their splendid powers, and will long be remembered : 
 
 Asa Spalding, who with his brother, Judge Luther Spalding, settled in 
 Norwich in 1797, at the time of his death in 181 1 was counted one of the 
 richest men of his section. He was without patrimony or special patronage, 
 but by force of native ability, sound judgment and integrity built up an 
 extensive practice and filled many offices of trust. Asa Spalding, Judge 
 Luther Spalding and Dr. Rufus Spalding were contemporaries in Norwich, 
 and there they were buried, all in the same burial ground. 
 
 Elisha Hyde, a lawyer of good repute and mayor of Norwich fifteen years, 
 was most deeply beloved for his genial spirit and great benevolence. He 
 died December 16, 1813, aged sixty-two years. 
 
 Joshua Coit, Harvard 1776, practiced in New London, was a member of 
 the Legislature several times, and congressman 1793-98, his death occurring 
 September 5, 1798. 
 
 Elvin Perkins, Yale 1786, was presidential elector, member of congress, 
 judge of the County Court, mayor of New London when he died, September 
 27, 1845. 
 
 General Elisha Sterling, born in Lyme, Yale 1787, and Cyrus Swan, of 
 Stonington, men of a high order of talent, practiced outside New London 
 county. Major Nathan Peters, a Revolutionary hero, after the war became 
 a learned and able lawyer. He died in Norwich in February, 1824. 
 
 Jeremiah Gates Brainard, judge of the County Court for twenty-two years, 
 resigned in 1829, his health failing. He was most democratic, affecting little 
 dignity on the bench, but was regarded as an excellent judge, one who dis- 
 patched business promptly and won public confidence. His son, William E. 
 Bi^ainard, was for a long time a leading lawyer of New London. 
 
COURTS AND LAWYERS 327 
 
 Richard Law, Yale 1751, practiced in New London and attained the 
 highest eminence. He was prosecuting judge o£ the County Court, justice 
 of the Supreme Court of Connecticut, delegate to the Continental Congress 
 1777-78, and 1781-84, United States district judge after the adoption of the 
 Constitution, a friend of Washington, long mayor of New London, and with 
 Roger Sherman revised the Connecticut Code. He died while United States 
 circuit judge, January 26, 1806. He was a son of Jonathan Law, a colonial 
 governor of Connecticut, and father of Lyman Law, Yale 1791, speaker of the 
 Connecticut Legislature and member of Congress, 1811-1817. He studied law 
 under his honored father, and practiced in New London, where he died, 
 February 3, 1842. 
 
 Tames Stcdman, Yale 1801, settled in Norwich in 1806, and there died 
 May 18, 1856, aged seventy-six. He was for many years clerk of the County 
 Court. 
 
 George Burbank Ripley, Yale 1822, did not practice his profession very 
 long, but turned to the soil. He filled a number of municipal offices, was 
 judge of probate a number of years between 1850 and 1858, in which year 
 he died. He was a man of high literary and scientific attainments, warm- 
 hearted and generous, one of the best known and best loved men in his county. 
 
 Calvin Goddard, Dartmouth, settled in Plainfield, Connecticut, in 1791 
 and was a member of Congress, 1801-05. He settled in Norwich in 1807, and 
 in 181 5 became a member of the Connecticut Supreme Court. He was elected 
 maycr of Norwich and held that office seventeen years. He died May 2, 1842, 
 aged nearly seventy-four. 
 
 James Lanman, born in Norwich, June 14, 1769, son of Peter and Sarah 
 (Coit) Lanman, was graduated from Yale, class of 1788, studied law, and rose 
 to prominence. He was United States Senator 1819-1825, judge of the Su- 
 preme Court of Connecticut three years, and mayor of Norwich, 1831-34. He 
 died August 7, 1841, aged seventy-two. 
 
 Benjamin Huntington, LL.D., Yale 1761, was one of the most honored 
 and honorable men of his period. He was State Counsellor during the Revo- 
 lutionary War, member of the Continental Congress in 1784, member of the 
 Constitutional Convention of 1789. and in 1793 was appointed judge of the 
 Supreme Court of Connecticut. He died in Rome, New York, October 16, 
 iSoo, and was buried in Norwich by the side of his wife, who was a daughter 
 of Colonel Jabez Huntington, of Windham. 
 
 Roger Griswold, LL.D., settled in Norwich when first admitted to the 
 bar in 1783, and soon acquired distinction as an able advocate and vigilant 
 public official. He was a member of Congress, 1795-1805, and in 1801 declined 
 appointment as Secretary of War. Later he was a justice of the Supreme 
 Court of Connecticut, lieutenant-governor, and in May, 181 1, was elected 
 governor, receiving the honor of a re-election in 1812. He was also a presi- 
 dential elector. Judge Griswold received the degree of LL.D. from Harvard 
 University. He died in Norwich, October 25, 1812, aged fifty years. 
 
 Joshua Coit, born in New London, October 7, 1758, died there September 
 5, 1798, of yellow fever. He was a graduate of Harvard, 1776, studied law. 
 
328 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 and practiced in New London until his death. He served in both the Con- 
 necticut Legislature and the National Congress. 
 
 Joseph Williams, of Norwich, Yale 1798, was admitted to the New 
 London county ba*- in 1801 and practiced in Norwich about thirty-three years, 
 retiring from practice in 1833, then becoming a partner in the Merchants' 
 Bank. After seven years of banking he returned to the office practice of 
 law, and was also secretary-treasurer of the Norwich Fire Insurance Com- 
 pany, 1819-55. During the last years of his life he was president of the 
 Norwich Savings Society, the oldest bank in Norwich. For twenty-five suc- 
 cessive years Joseph Williams was treasurer of New London county; for 
 thirty-nine successive yea»rs he was a justice of the peace; for twenty-two 
 years he was an alderman of Norwich, and a member of the Legislature four 
 terms. He was a director of the Norwich Bank over thirty-five years, and 
 president of the Norwich Savings Society from its organization in 1824 until 
 his own death, November 28, 1865, aged eighty-six, being at the time of his 
 death the oldest native male citizen of the city. 
 
 Jeremiah Halsey was born in Stonington, Connecticut, in 1743, died 
 August 25, 1829, and is buried in Preston, Connecticut. He was admitted to 
 the New London county bar in June, 1770, and began practice in Preston, 
 where he married Esther Park. He enlisted shortly after the battle at Lex- 
 ington, was at Crown Point and Ticonderoga, and on May i, 1775, was com- 
 missioned a lieutenant by Governor Trumbull. He was commissioned a 
 captain of the armed sloop "Enterprise," June 21, 1775, and continued in 
 service on Lake Champlain until December, 1775, when he was commissioned 
 a captain in the Continental army. He was commissioned lieutenant-colonel, 
 February 29, 1780, and was in service until the war closed. After the war he 
 returned to the practice of law. He is described as a man of tall, commanding 
 figure, of sanguine temperament, persuasive address, combined with great 
 force and energy of character. 
 
 Marvin Waite was born in Lyme, December 16, 1746, died in New Lon- 
 don, June 21, 1815. He was admitted to the bar in 1769, and the same year 
 settled in New London. He was an easy and effective speaker, and stood 
 high in his profession. It was said of him that he studied men as carefully 
 as he studied books, and that his thorough knowledge of human nature gave 
 him a great advantage in the trial of jury cases. He won friends easily, his 
 pleasing personality aiding him greatly in the public career which he began 
 very early. He was nineteen times elected to the Legislature, was for sev- 
 eral years judge of the old county court for New London county, was a 
 presidential elector in 1793, and voted for General Washington. When Wash- 
 ington retired. Judge Waite became a disciple of Thomas Jefferson and was 
 one of the leaders of that faith in Connecticut. Throughout his entire pro- 
 fessional and public career he was held in the highest esteem as a man of 
 highest integrity. 
 
 Jirah Isham, born in Colchester, Connecticut, in May, 1778, died in New 
 London, October 6, 1842. He was a graduate of Yale, class of 1797, and was 
 admitted to the bar in 1800, locating in New London. He was for several 
 
COURTS AND LAWYERS 3-^9 
 
 years State's attorney for New London county, was judge of probate for the 
 New London district, and mayor of the city. He stood high in his profession, 
 was fluent, ardent and graceful as an orator, and popular socially. During 
 the War of 1812 he was commissioned major general of State militia, and ioe 
 a time was in command of troops stationed at New London. 
 
 The acknowledged leader of the Eastern Connecticut bar for many years 
 prior to his death, it may further be said of Henry Strong that he was with- 
 out a superior in the State. He was the youngest son of Rev. Joseph and 
 Mary (Huntington) Strong, his fatheir an LL.D., who prepared his son for 
 college. Henry Huntington, born in Norwich, August 23, 1788, entered Yale 
 at the age of fourteen and was graduated with honors, class of 1806. For two 
 years after graduation he taught school and studied law, then for two years 
 was a tutor in Yale and a law student. In 1810 he was admitted to the bar 
 in New Haven, but at once returned to Nocwich, where he was in practice 
 until his death, November 12, 1852. He is described by contemporaries as 
 "one who by the ability, integrity, fidelity and diligence with which he dis- 
 charged his various duties, imparted dignity and respectability to the pro- 
 fession, and caused his own name and memory to be held in honored remem- 
 brance." He was naturally well adapted for a lawyer, being quick, logical 
 and able to separate the false from the true in evidence. He seized upon the 
 strong salient points of a case and presented them in the most convincing 
 manner. He scorned all trickery or deception, and met his opponents in a 
 case fairly. As a public speaker he was earnest and at times impetuous. He 
 was most eloquent, and possessed a wonderful power of language which he 
 well knew how to command at the bar or elsewhere to rebuke, commend, or 
 in vindication of the right. He refused all offers of political preferment and 
 they were many, with the exception of a seat in the State Senate. Yale con- 
 ferred upon him the honorary degree of LL.D. in 1848, he having declined 
 a law professorship in Yale Law School. He was a consistent Christian and 
 a liberal contributor to charity. 
 
 Henry Matson Waite, ancestor of Marvin Waite, of previous mention 
 in this chapter, was born at Lyme, Connecticut, February 19, 1787, and there 
 died December 14, 1869, full of years and honors. He fitted for college at 
 Bacon Academy, Colchester, and in 1806 entered Yale in the sophomore class. 
 He was graduated with high standing in 1809, then for three years taught 
 school and studied law, gaining admission to the New London county bar in 
 1812. He finally located in Lyme, where he continued in active, successful 
 practice until his elevation to the Supreme Court bench in 1834. He was an 
 able lawyer, learned in the law, and a very successful advocate. His sttrength 
 lay not in his oratory, however, but in questions of law, patient research, 
 discriminating power and directness of argument. In 1834 he was elected 
 a judge of the Supreme and Superior Courts and in 1854 was made Chief 
 Justice, an office he held until reaching the constitutional age limit (seventy 
 years) in February, 1857. During that period (1834-57) Judge Waite enjoyed 
 the perfect confidence, respect and esteem of his contemporaries of the bench 
 and bar, and won public confidence to a very high degree. He was careful 
 
330 NEW LONDOX COUNTY 
 
 in forming his legal opinions, but firm in upholding them. Connecticut re- 
 ports show that he was not infrequently in a minority and sometimes stood 
 alone in his opinions, but not often were his decisions revised by the ultimate 
 judgment of the bar. Of him it was said : "He contributed his full share to 
 the character of a court whose decisions are quoted and opinions respected 
 in all the courts of the United States and the highest courts of England." 
 Yale conferred upon him the honorary degree of LL.D. in 1855. Judge Waite 
 married Maria Selden, daughter of Colonel Richard Selden, of Lyme, and 
 grandaughter of Colonel Samuel Selden, an officer of the Revolution. The 
 eldest son of that marriage, Morrison R. Waite, became Chief Justice of the 
 Supreme Court of the United States. Another son, George P. Waite, was a 
 member of the New York bar at his death, and a younger son, Richard Waite, 
 rose to eminence at the Ohio bar. 
 
 The career of Lafayette S. Foster was one of U'illiancy and useful lesson. 
 He was of early Puritan ancestry, born in Franklin, near Norwich, November 
 22, 1806, but began life as a penniless and friendless lad, depending upon his 
 own energy and ability for everything. He secured a good education and 
 after graduation from Brown University studied law, located in Norwich, and 
 rose to eminence in his profession. In 1870 he was elected to the Supreme 
 Bench of Connecticut, serving until 1876, when he was automatically retired 
 through reaching the age limit. After his retirement from the bench he 
 resumed law practice and so continued until his death, September 19, 1880. 
 
 His public service was long continued and valuable. He .represented 
 Norwich six terms in the General Assembly, being thrice elected speaker. 
 He was mayor two years, and from March 4, 1855, until March 4, 1867, was 
 United States Senator from Connecticut, elected first as a Whig and later as 
 a Republican. After the war. Senator Foster favored a speedy restoration 
 of the Southern States to their constitutional relations with the Federal Gov- 
 ernment and was antagonistic to the radical leaders of the Republican party, 
 a fact which operated against his election for a third term. When Andrew 
 Johnson succeeded President Lincoln, Senator Fostc»r became Vice-President 
 and president of the Senate, holding until 1867, when his term as Senator 
 expired. In 1872 he supported the Liberal movement, and in 1875 ran for 
 Congress on a Democratic Liberal ticket, polling a large vote, although 
 defeated. He supported Hayes in 1876, and the same year declined a legis- 
 lative nomination. He was a man of polished manners, and was a delightful 
 conversationalist, well read, apt in quotation, quick at repartee, brimful of 
 genial humor, kindly in spirit ; he entertained most bountifully, and with his 
 gracious wife dispensed a generous hospitality. He was a devout member 
 of Park Congregational Church, Norwich. 
 
 Charles Johnson McCurdy, son of a lawyer who was a graduate of Yale 
 and grandson of a Scotch-Irish Presbyterian who came from County Antrim 
 in the North of Ireland, was born at Lyme, Connecticut, December 7, 1797. 
 He was graduated from Yale with high honors in 1817, studied law, was 
 admitted to the bar in 1819, began practice in Lyme, and in 1856 was appointed 
 a judge of the Superior Court. In 1863 he was advanced to the Supreme 
 
COURTS AND LAWYERS 331 
 
 Bench, holding- initil his retirement in December, 1867, through the opera- 
 tions of the constitutional age limit. After his retirement, Judge McCurdy 
 delivered courses of lectures before the students of Yale Law School, the 
 University conferring upon him the honorary degree of LL.D. Judge Mc- 
 Curdy was active in public life, serving ten te*rms in the Connecticut House 
 of Assembly between 1827 and 1844, and in three of those years was speaker 
 of the House. In 1832 he was State Senator, and in 1847 and 1848 was 
 lieutenant-governor. During his legislative career he brought about that 
 great reform in Connecticut law by which interested parties to a lawsuit may 
 be witnesses. In 1851 he represented the United States at the Austrian Court, 
 his course as a diplomat being highly commended by other countries than his 
 own. Judge McCurdy passed the evening of his life at his farm in Lyme, 
 hallowed by memories of Washington and Lafayette, both of whom were 
 there entertained. 
 
 Morrison R. Waite, who became Chief Justice of the United States Su- 
 preme Court in March, 1874, was born in Lyme, Connecticut, where his 
 ancestors settled a century before the Revolution. He entered Yale at the 
 age of sixteen, and was graduated with honors in 1837 at the age of twenty- 
 one. He began the study of law under his eminent father, Chief Justice 
 Henry Matson Waite. but went West before finishing his studies, becoming 
 a member of the Ohio bar. His career as lawyer and jurist was one of brilli- 
 ancy and success, culminating in the highest honor that the lawyer can attain. 
 His career belongs to the judicial history of Ohio, but New London county 
 gave him birth and here that career had its beginning. 
 
 John Turner Wait, another member of the distinguished Wait family of 
 New London county, was born in New London, August 27, 181 1. He pre- 
 pared for college at Bacon Academy, Colchester, spent two years at Trinity 
 College, then studied law. gaining admission to the New London county bar 
 in 1836. He was State's attorney, 1842144, and from 1846 until 1854. His 
 law i)ractice was very extensive, and for many years no important case was 
 (ried in the New London county courts that the name of John Turner Wait 
 did not appear in as counsel. He was widely known beyond the confines of 
 his own courts, and his appearances were frequent in State and Federal courts 
 in other parts of the State. He was unquestionably one of the ablest advocates 
 in his State. 
 
 Prior to the Civil War, Mr. Wait acted with the Democratic organiza- 
 tion, and was four times the candidate of his party for lieutenant-governor, 
 each year running ahead of his ticket. In i860 he supported Stephen A. 
 Douglas for the presidency, but, being a strong Union man, he thereafter 
 acted with the Republican party. In 1864 he was presidential elector at large 
 on the Lincoln-Johnson ticket, State Senator 1865-66, and in 1867 member of 
 the House from Norwich, and unanimously chosen speaker of the F'orty-fifth, 
 Forty-sixth and Forty-seventh Congresses. In Congress, Mr. Wait was a 
 powerful advocate for a protective tariff and for the interests of his State. 
 He took special interest in pension legislation, in the marine and fishing 
 interests of the State, the improvement of Connecticut harbors, the con- 
 
332 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 tinuation and improvement of the New London Navy Yard, and in support 
 of some of these delivered elaborate arguments on the floor of the House. 
 He gave a son to the Union cause, Lieutenant Marvin Wait, of the Eighth 
 Regiment, Connecticut "Volunteer Infantry, who was mortally wounded at 
 the battle of Antietam. 
 
 Jeremiah Halsey, a native son of Preston, New London county, won high 
 distinction at the bar of his county, being contemporary with and a worthy 
 associate of those eminent lawyers — Henry Strong, Lafayette S. Foster, John 
 Turner Waite, and others of that period. He was a paternal grandson of 
 Colonel Jeremiah Halsey of Revolutionary fame, and a maternal grandson 
 of Elder William Brewster, of the "Maj'flower." Delicate in health, he was 
 not able to pursue college study, and finally went South seeking health in 
 the milder climate of Georgia. At Hawkinsville. in that State, he began the 
 study of law, and was there admitted to the bar, April 23, 1845. The next 
 fou<r years were spent in further legal stud}^ and travel for the benefit of his 
 health, he finally in 1849, at the age of twentj-seven, opening a law office in 
 Norwich in company with Samuel C. Morgan. In April, 1863, he was admitted 
 to the bar of the United States Circuit Court, and to practice at the bar of 
 the United States Supreme Court on February 24, 1870. He practiced with 
 great success in all State and Federal courts of the district and State, and 
 Connecticut reports show that he made many elaborate and effective argu- 
 ments before the Supreme Court of the State, arguments that will ever be 
 monuments of his great abilit}" and learning as a lawyer. Professional, not 
 political distinction, was his high ambition. He was a Whig in politics and, 
 later a Republican, holding several positions in public life, but never seeking 
 an office of any kind ; yet he so won public confidence and esteem that he was 
 chosen without an effort on his own part to win public place. He was sent 
 to the Legislature from Norwich in 1852, 1853, 1859 and i860, and was ap- 
 pointed by the governor in 1853 a member of the commission charged with 
 the erection of a new State capitol at Hartford, a work completed in 1870. In 
 1853 he was elected Norwich city attorney, an office he held eighteen years, 
 then resigning. He was long a warden and vestryman of Christ Protestant 
 Episcopal Church of Norwich, and a man highly respected. 
 
 Henry Howard Starkweather, like Jeremiah Halsey, was a native son of 
 Preston, New London county. He studied law under the eminent Lafayette 
 S. Foster, and in 1850, at the age of twenty-four, he was admitted to the 
 New London county bar. For several years he was associated in practice 
 with Edmund Perkins, of Norwich, but after a decade of successful law prac- 
 tice he entered public life, giving little attention to his profession aftesr 1861, 
 when he became postmaster of Norwich. A Whig in politics, he was in at 
 the birth of the Republican party, and one of its founders in eastern Con- 
 necticut. He was elected a member of the Legislature in 1856, was a delegate 
 to the National Republican Conventions of i860 and 1868, and in 1867 was 
 elected to Congress, and died in Washington during the session. A man of 
 strong common sense, inflexibly honest, ever governed by principle, a philan- 
 thropist and a Christian gentleman, the remembrance of his virtues is fragrant. 
 
COURTS AND LAWYERS 333 
 
 John Duane Park, LL.D., the last member of the Supreme Court of 
 Errors of the State of Connecticut to sit from New London county, like the 
 two men whose record precedes this review, was born in the town of Preston, 
 New London county, April 26, 1819, son of Benjamin Franklin Park, son of 
 Elisha Park, son of Rev. Paul Park, son of Hezekiah Park, son of Robert 
 Park, son of Thomas Park, son of Sir Robert Park, who with wife and three 
 sons came from England in 1639 and settled in Boston, Massachusetts. After 
 completing a thorough academical education he began the study of law, in 
 1845 entering the office of the eminent Lafayette S. Foster, and in February, 
 1847, was admitted to the New London county bar. He began practice in 
 Norwich and there continued a private practitioner until called to the bench, 
 he winning high rank as a learned and able lawyer. In 1854 he was elected 
 judge of the New London County Court, and in 1855 represented Norwich 
 in the State Legislature. At that session of the Legislature thetre was a 
 radical change made in the courts of the State, the county courts being abol- 
 ished and all the business of those courts transferred to the Supreme Courts. 
 Four new judges of the Supreme Court were elected under that law, of whom 
 John Duane Park was one. He served under that election as a judge of the 
 Supreme Court until 1863, when he was elected to succeed himself, but a 
 year later was called higher by election to the bench of the Supreme Court 
 of Errors. In 1872 he was re-elected a judge of that court, and in 1873 was 
 elected Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, thus reaching the highest State 
 honor a member of the bar can attain. He served with ability in that high 
 ofifice until 1889. In 1861 Judge Park received the degree of A.M. from Yale, 
 and in 1878 the degree of LL.D. from the same institution. 
 
 James Albert Hovey, of Norwich, a judge of the Superior Court of Con- 
 necticut, was of Windham county birth, son of Jonathan and Patience (Sted- 
 man) Hovey. He was admitted to the Windham county bar in December, 
 1838, having acted as clerk of the Probate Court of Hampton district while 
 pursuing his legal studies. He had also been prominent in military life, serv- 
 ing as captain of the local company, as major of the Fifth Connecticut Regi- 
 ment of militia, and for three years as its colonel. In 1841 he settled in 
 Norwich, New London county, and from that year until 1849 Colonel Hovey 
 was associated in practice with General Cleveland, under the firm name Cleve- 
 land & Hovey. When the bankrupt act of 1841 went into efifect, he was ap- 
 pointed general assignee in bankruptcy 'for New London county, an office 
 he held until that act was repealed, Colonel Hovey settling during his term 
 about one hundred and sixty bankrupt estates. In 1842 and 1843 '""C was 
 executive secretary under Governor Cleveland, and from June, 1849, until 
 1854 he was senior alderman of Norwich, and for the same time an ex-officio 
 judge of the City Court. At the organization of the Uncas Bank in 1S52, 
 he was elected president of that institution, and when it became the Uncas 
 National Bank he continued president until 1873, when he declined further 
 re-election, having held the office twenty-one years. In 1850-51-52-53-54 he 
 was judge of the New London County Court, and in 1851-52 for about six 
 months also discharged the duties of judge of the County Court of Windham 
 
334 
 
 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 county, owing to the sickness and death of Judge George S. CatHn. His rec- 
 ord on the county bench was remarkable, but one of his judgments being 
 found erroneous when reviewed by the Superior Court and the Supreme 
 Court of Errors. From 1854 until 1876 he was in the private practice of 
 his profession in Norwich, but in that year he was elevated to the bench 
 of the Superior Court. During his term as judge of that court he was 
 called at times by the Chief Justice to sit upon the Supreme Court of 
 Errors, and in some important cases prepared and delivered the opinion of 
 the court; these opinions may be found in Connecticut Reports, Volumes 
 45, 46, 47. In addition to the official positions enumerated, Judge Hovey 
 reptresented the town of Norwich in the Legislature in 1851, and in 1870 was 
 chosen mayor of Norwich. During his term as mayor he prepared a revision 
 of the city charter with some important amendments, which were later ap- 
 proved of by the common council, the County Court, the voters, and General 
 Assembly. Judge Hovey was for more than three decades a trustee of the 
 Savings Society of Norwich, and of the Chelsea Savings Bank of Norwich 
 from its organization in 1858. 
 
 S. T. Holbrook, a law student under Jeremiah Halsey, was judge of the 
 Norwich probate court, 1856-68, judge of the court of common pleas for 
 New London county in 1873, and in 1878 was again elected judge of the 
 Norwich district probate court. He was a member of the State Legislature 
 from Norwich in 1873 and again in 1876. 
 
 George Pratt, a graduate of Yale, studied law under the eminent John 
 Turner Wait of Norwich, and in 1859 was admitted to the New London county 
 bar, and opened an office in Norwich, where he practiced with great success 
 until his early death, June 4, 1875. He was four times elected to the State 
 Legislature, once from Salem and three times from Norwich. He ranked high 
 in his profession, adding to a well-disciplined mind legal knowledge, sound 
 judgment, tact and discrimination. As an advocate he was earnest, direct 
 and forcible, commanding from the court close attention when arguing. 
 
 George Willard Goddard, son of Major Hezekiah Goddard, son of Daniel 
 Goddard, a lineal descendant of William Goddard who came to New England 
 m 1665, was born in New London, July 3, 1824. He was graduated from Yale, 
 class of 1845, and was admitted to the New London county bar in 1848, hav- 
 ing pursued law study under Walker & Bristol, of New London, in Yale Law 
 School, and under the eminent Lafayette S. Foster, of Norwich. Mr. Goddard 
 began the practice of law in New London in 1848, and during his long catreer 
 filled many offices of trust, professional and civic. He was for many years a 
 member of the examining committee of the New London county bar; was 
 chosen town agent in 1848; clerk of the probate court in 1855; member of the 
 Legislature in 1856. and in 1859, his eyesight failing, he practically retired 
 from the practice of his profession. From July 4, 1864, to July 4, 1867, he was 
 judge of the probate court for the New London district, and from 1862 until 
 1865 had been judge of the New London police and city court. In 1871 he 
 was elected alderman, and several years later retired to the Vauxhall farm in 
 the town of Waterford, near New London. 
 
COURTS AND LAWYERS 335 
 
 William H. Potter, nlthoufrh never a member of the New London county 
 bar, was for a number of years judge of the probate court for the Groton dis- 
 trict, a justice of the peace, and so eminent a citizen that he does not inappro- 
 priately appear in this chapter. He was a son of Colonel William H. Potter, 
 grandson of George Potter, a descendant of Vincent Potter, one of the judges 
 who condemned Charles L of England to death. William H. Potter was born 
 at Potter Hill, Rhode Island, August 26, 1816. His father moved to Water- 
 ford, Connecticut, in 1820, and there his education was begun. He was a 
 graduate of Bacon Academy, valedictorian, going thence to Yale in 1836, but 
 health and eyesight failing, he could not finish, but later received from Yale 
 an honorary A.M. After leaving college he began teaching, and in 1840 be- 
 came principal of Mystic River graded school, and there married a daughter 
 of Deacon Elisha Rathbun. During the years 1851-55 Mr. Potter was prin- 
 cipal of Brandon Academy, in Mississippi, and on his return again became 
 principal of the Mystic River graded school, a post he long filled. In 1865 he 
 was appointed assistant assessor of internal revenue, holding until 1869, when 
 he resigned, having been elected a member of the General Assembly. In 1872 
 he was elected State Senator from the seventh district, and as chairman of the 
 committee on education had a large share in moulding the entire educational 
 code of the State, revising every law pertaining to colleges, academies, com- 
 mon and normal schools. He was said to have been one of the few legis- 
 lators always at their post when possible, and kept his own time, refusing pay 
 for any time absent, a practice also scrupulously followed by his father. Colonel 
 Henry Potter, while a member of the Lower House. In 1872 Professor Potter 
 was elected a member of the State Board of Education, and a trustee of the 
 State Normal School. After four years of service he was re-elected to the 
 same office by a Legislature opposed to him politically. Dr. Northrop, secre- 
 tary of the board, bore witness to Professor Potter's faithfulness and useful- 
 ness during the eight years he served the State as a member of the Board of 
 Education. In 1876 he was elected judge of the probate court for the Groton 
 district, an office to which he was repeatedly re-elected. He was also a justice 
 of the peace and a notary public. In politics. Judge Potter was a Whig, later 
 a Republican. He became a member of the church in 1831, was for more than 
 three decades a deacon of Union Baptist Church of Mystic River, a teacher 
 in Sunday school, for twenty years clerk of Stonington Union Association, 
 later its corresponding secretary ; for many years statistical secretary of the 
 Baptist State Convention, later a member of its board of managers; for sev- 
 eral years was a trustee of Connecticut Literary Institute at Suffield ; and in 
 1881 took an active part in the Centennial Celebration at Groton. While 
 acting as probate judge he also conducted an insurance and real estate busi- 
 ness. Judge Potter wrote many historical sketches of churches and com- 
 munities, and was widelv known as a peacemaker, many disputes having been 
 brought to a happy settlement through his counsel. 
 
 Daniel Chadwick was born at Lyme, January 5, 1825, and was graduated 
 from Yale, class of 1845, and studied law under later Chief Justice Henry M. 
 Wait, Lafayette S. Foster, and later Chief Ju.stice Morrison R. Waitc in Ohio. 
 
336 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 Mr. Chadwick was admitted to the New London county bar in 1847, ^^'^ 
 practiced law at Lyme until his retirement, with the exception of three years, 
 1854-55-56, when he was practicing in Baltimore. He was a member of the 
 State Senate in 1858 and 1864; member of the Lower Llouse in 1859; State's 
 attorney for New London county for fourteen years ; was appointed United 
 States attorney for New London county in November, 1880; and served as 
 government director of the Union Pacific Railway Company for four years 
 beginning in April, 1877. 
 
 George Coit Ripley, youngest of the sons of George Burbank Ripley, was 
 born in Norwich, August 25, 1839. He was graduated from Yale, A.B., 1862, 
 and at once entered the Union army, serving until the close of the Civil War 
 with the Tenth Regiment, Connecticut Volunteer Infantry. He studied law 
 under Jeremiah Halsey, and in October, 1867, was admitted to the New Lon- 
 don bar. He began practice in Norwich and there continued with success 
 until his retirement. He served the city as councilman, clerk, recorder and 
 attorney, and as a member of the State Legislature. 
 
 Contemporary with many of these men who have won high distinction 
 at the bar and in public life noted in these pages, and yet an actor on the 
 stage from which they have passed, is Thomas M. Waller, nestor of the New 
 London county bar, of which he has been a member more than six decades ; 
 a lawyer of high repute, a citizen of public spirit and patriotism ; a veteran 
 of the Civil War; ex-speaker of the Connecticut House of Representatives; 
 ex-mayor of New London, and the oldest officer of the State of Connecticut 
 now living, having been Secretary of State 1870-71, and Governor 1883-1885. 
 
 Thomas M. Waller was born in New York State in 1839, son of Thomas 
 C. and Mary Armstrong. He was doubly orphaned at the age of nine years, 
 and was later adopted by Robert T. Waller, of New London, and thus became 
 Thomas M. Waller. He was educated in New London public schools, finish- 
 ing with graduation from Bartlett high school. He chose the profession of 
 law, and in 1861 was admitted to practice at the New London county bar. 
 He hardly began professional practice in New London before he enlisted as 
 a private in Company E, Second Regiment, Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, 
 and with that command went to the front. He later developed serious eye 
 trouble which caused his discharge from the army for disability. From the 
 army he came again to New London, which has ever since been his home. 
 He rose rapidly in professional rank, and until his virtual retirement com- 
 manded a large and influential clientele. He is yet a member of the New 
 London county bar. From 1875 until 1S83 he was State's attorney for New 
 London, and his son, Charles B. Waller, is the present judge of the County 
 Court of Common Pleas. 
 
 A Democrat in politics, Mr. Waller early took an active part in public 
 affairs, and represented New London in the General Assembly of the State 
 in 1 867- 1 868- 1 872 and 1876, serving as speaker of the House during the last 
 session. He was Secretary of State in 1870-1871, and in 1883 was elected 
 governor of Connecticut. President Cleveland appointed him consul-general 
 at London, England, a post he ably filled until 18S9, then resumed law prac- 
 
COURTS AND LAWYERS 337 
 
 tice in New London. He was a member of the Constitutional Convention 
 of 1902, serving as one of the two vice-presidents of that body. He served 
 New London as mayor, and liis public service has been both long continued 
 and valuable. 
 
 Walter C. Noyes was born at Lyme, New London county, August 8, 
 1865, son of Richard and Catherine Chadwick Noyes. After completing his 
 studies at Cornell he studied law, and in 1886 was admitted to the New 
 London county bar. He was very successful as a practitioner, and rose to a 
 high plane of professional success. From 1895 until 1907 he was judge of 
 the Court of Common Pleas for New London county, leaving that position 
 for service as judge of the United States Circuit Court, Connecticut second 
 circuit. He continued as circuit judge for six years, then resigned and returned 
 to private practice, locating in New York City. Judge Noyes is now general 
 counsel for the Delaware & Hudson Company, but conducts a general law 
 practice. He was a delegate from the United States to the International 
 Conference on Maritime Law held in Brussels in 1909-1910, and is an au- 
 thority in that branch of the law. He is the author of "The Law of Inter- 
 Corporate Relations," 1902, and "American Railroad Rates," 1905. Judge 
 Noyes retains his home in Lyme, his birthplace ; his city residence, 405 Park 
 avenue. New York City. 
 
 Frank B. Brandegee, son of Augustus and Nancy Christina (Bosworth) 
 Brandegee, was born in New London. July 8, 1864. He is a graduate of 
 Yale. A.B., 1885, and after graduation, following in the footsteps of his father, 
 he studied law and became a member of the New London bar, being admitted 
 in 1888. He located in New London, where he was in practice for many years, 
 being ten years corporation counsel for the city of New London. An ardent 
 Republican, he early entered public life. He was elected a member of the 
 Connecticut House of Representatives in 1888, the year of his admission to 
 the bar, he then being twenty-four years of age. He was again elected in 
 1899, and at the following session of the House was chosen speaker. He was 
 a delegate to the National Republican Conventions of 1888, 1892, 1900 and 
 1904, and had then become a State party leader. In 1902 he was elected to 
 fill out an unexpired term in the Fifty-seventh Congress (1902-3) and was 
 re-elected to the Fifty-eighth and Fifty-ninth Congresses, but did not serve 
 his last term, resigning to accept election as United States Senator from Con- 
 necticut to fill out an unexpired term, 1905-1909. At the close of his term 
 he was re-elected to serve the full term of 1909-1915; was again chosen to 
 represent his State for the term 1915-1921, and then was paid the honor of a 
 fourth term in the Senate, 1921-1927. He has held many important com- 
 mittee assignments, and is one of the men of the Senate who exert a strong 
 influence in the work of that body. He is a member of many organizations, 
 political and social ; his clubs, the University, of New York; the Metropolitan 
 and Chevy Chase, of Washington; the Hartford, of Flartford ; the Union 
 League and Graduates, of New Haven ; the Thames, of New London ; and the 
 Colonial, of Meriden, Connecticut. Flis home is in New London. 
 
 Richard Patrick Freeman, son of Richard Patrick and Mary Belle 
 
338 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 (Magenis) Freeman, was born in New London, April 24, 1869. He completed 
 classical study with graduation from Harvard, A.B., 1891, then entered Yale 
 Law School, whence he was graduated LL.B., class of 1904. He was ad- 
 mitted to the New London county bar the same year, opened a law office in 
 New London, and there has since successfully practiced his profession. He 
 was regimental sergeant-major of the Third Regiment, Connecticut Volun- 
 teer Infantr}, during the war with Spain in 1898, and from 1901-1908 was 
 major and judge advocate of the Connecticut National Guard. He is a Re- 
 publican, and since 191 5 has represented the Second Connecticut district in 
 the Lower House of Congress. Congressman Freeman is a member of the 
 Masonic order, and of the Congregational church. His home is in New 
 London. 
 
 Lucius Brown, son of Daniel and Mary (Stanton) Brown, was born in 
 the town of Griswold, New London county, May 5, 1846. He is a graduate 
 of Brown University, Ph.B., class of 1866, and of Albany Law School, LL.B., 
 18C8. He was admitted to the bar of New London county in 1868, and prac- 
 ticed alone in Norwich until 1878, when he became senior of the firm of Brown 
 & Perkins. He was judge of the city court of Norwich, 1894-1913; member 
 of the State Senate, 1871, 1877, 1878, 1879, and chairman of the committee 
 on judiciary in 1877 and 1878. He is president of the Norwich Savings So- 
 ciety; a trustee of Brown University since 1908; is a trustee of Connecticut 
 Literary Institute ; is a Republican in politics, and in religious faith a Baptist. 
 
 Gardiner Greene, son of Gardiner and Mary Ricketts (Adams) Greene, 
 was born in Norwich, August 31, 1851. He is a graduate of Norwich Free 
 Academy, 1868; Yale University, A.B., 1873; Columbia University Law 
 School, LL.B., 1877. He practiced law in Utica, New York, 1877-78, then 
 returned to Norwich, was admitted to the New London county bar in 1878, 
 and from that year until 1910 practiced very successfully at that bar, and in 
 all State and Federal courts of the district, rising to high and honorable rank 
 as a lawyer of learning and skill. In 1910 he was elected a judge of the 
 Superior Court of Connecticut, an office he now holds. Judge Greene is a 
 Republican in politics, and in 1891 and 1895 represented his city in the Con- 
 necticut Legislature. In 1902 he was a member of a commission appointed 
 to revise the statutes of the State, and has always been the devoted public- 
 spirited citizen. He is a devout Christian, a trustee of Berkeley Divinity 
 School, Middletown, Connecticut; senior warden of Christ Church parish, 
 Norwich; and in 1907, 1910, 1913, 1916 and 1919 sat as a lay delegate in the 
 General Convention of the Protestant Episcopal church. He is also a trustee 
 of Norwich Free Academy, a member of the American Bar Association and 
 the Connecticut Bar Association. His college fraternity is Delta Kappa 
 Epsilon; his Yale society. Wolfs Head. 
 
 Edwin Werter Higgins, son of Werter Chapin and Grace Agnes (Taintor) 
 Higgins, was born in Clinton, Connecticut, July 2, 1874. After completing 
 his studies at Norwich Free Academy he entered Yale Law School, whence 
 he was graduated LL.B., class of 1895. In that year he was admitted to the 
 New London county bar, the same vear settled in Norwich, and has there 
 
COURTS AND LAWYERS 339 
 
 been in continuous practice until the present (1922), a lawyer o£ high standing 
 and a citizen whom the people have delighted to honor. He was corporation 
 counsel, 1901-02, for the city of Norwich, and prosecuting attorney in 1905. 
 His business is large, and its course embraced a receivership of the Hopkin & 
 Allen Arms Company. He is a member of the American and Connecticut 
 State Bar Associations, and highly respected as a lawyer of ability and skill. 
 In public life Mr. Higgins has made an equally creditable record. He was a 
 member of the General Assembly in 1899, member of the Republican State 
 Central Committee, 1905-1906; health officer for New London county, 1900- 
 1905; delegate to the Republican National Conventions in 1904 and 1916; and 
 when Frank Brandagee resigned his seat in the National House of Repre- 
 sentatives to become United States Senator from Connecticut, Mr. Higgins 
 at the special election held October 2, 1905, to choose a successor, was elected 
 to fill out the unexpired term. When that term expired in 1907, Mr. Higgins 
 succeeded himself and sat as representative from the Third Connecticut dis- 
 trict for eight years in the Fifty-ninth, Sixtieth, Sixty-first and Sixty-second 
 Congresses, 1905-1913. Mr. Higgins is a member of the Sons of the American 
 Revolution; Phi Sigma Kappa; and in religious faith is a Congregationalist. 
 
 Arthur M. Brown, son of George W. and Sarah F. (Young) Brown, was 
 born in Jewett City, New London county, September 24, 1877. After com- 
 pleting public school study at Norwich Free Academy, he cruised around the 
 world for two years as quartermaster on a private yacht, and upon his return 
 began the study of law. In 1901 he was admitted to the New London county 
 bar, and has since practiced his profession continuously in Norwich, his home, 
 however, in Jewett City. Since 1902 Mr. Brown has been counsel for the 
 borough of Jewett City ; since 1904, counsel for the town of Griswold ; since 
 1905, health officer for the county of New London; and since 1901 has been 
 treasurer of New London county. In 1901 he was elected a member of the 
 Lower House of the State Legislature; in 1902 was a member of the Con- 
 necticut Constitutional Convention, and in 1903 was chosen State Senator. 
 He is a member of the Masonic order, a Baptist in religious faith, a Republi- 
 can politically, and a man of strong ability who has won the perfect con- 
 fidence of the public. 
 
 Bryan Francis Mahan, son of Andrew and Dora (Dougherty) Mahan, was 
 born in New London, May i, 1856, and there his life has been spent. He is 
 a graduate of Bartlett High School and of Albany Law School, LL.B., 1881, 
 and the same year was admitted to the New London county bar. He opened 
 law offices in New London, and there has continually practiced until the 
 present. His public career has been notable. He has served the city of New 
 London as prosecuting attorney, postmaster and mayor, his legislative dis- 
 trict as member of the General Assembly in 1882-83; as State Senator in 191 1- 
 12; and in 1912 was a member of Congress from the Second Connecticut 
 district, serving in the Sixty-third Congress, 1913-1915. He accomplished a 
 great deal for his native city while in public life, the appropration of $1,000,000 
 for the development of New London harbor being secured through his efforts. 
 In politics Mr. Mahan is a Democrat. 
 
340 
 
 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 Abel P. Tanner, son of Abel and Clarissa (Waterous) Tanner, was born 
 in Groton, Connecticut, July 7, 1850, and since 1875 has been a member of 
 the New London county bar and in active practice at that bar. After com- 
 pleting public school study with graduation from high school, he entered 
 Brown University, when he was graduated A.B., 1875. He then pursued a 
 course of law study, and in 1875 was admitted to the bar. He practiced law 
 in Mystic, 1875-1882, then located in New London, his present home and seat 
 of practice. He was corporation counsel in 1912-13, and in 1913 represented 
 his city in the Connecticut General Assembly. In 1906 Mr. Tanner was 
 elected president of the New London Bar Association, and through successive 
 re-elections has held that office for several years. He is a Democrat in politics, 
 and has frequently been the nominee of his party for high office, notably 
 presidential elector in 1896, and for Congress in 1904. 
 
 Charles B. Waller, son of Thomas M. and Charlotte (Bishop) Waller, 
 was born in New London, July 27, 1875, and there resides, and like his father, 
 the ex-governor, is an honored member of the New London county bar. He 
 completed his classical education at the University of Minnesota, then pre- 
 pared for professional life at Yale Law School, receiving his LL.B. with the 
 graduating class of 1896. He was admitted to the New London county bar 
 the same year and began practice in New London. He rose rapidly in his 
 profession and in public esteem, being elected to the Connecticut House of 
 Representatives in 1905, and to the State Senate in 1907. When in 1907, Wal- 
 ter C. Noyes resigned his positon as judge of the Court of Common Pleas for 
 New London county to go upon the bench of the Superior Court, Mr. Waller 
 was appointed by Governor WoodrufT to fill out the unexpired term. He 
 assumed the duties of his office September 28, 1907, and has held the office 
 continuously until the present, 1922. 
 
 The following is a list of the members of the New London county bar 
 who now (1922) occupy positions of tru.st in the judicial life of the State or 
 county, or positions of importance in national affairs : 
 
 Frank B. Brandegee, of New London, United States Senator from Con- 
 necticut, 1905-1927. 
 
 Riciiard P. Freeman, of New London, Member of Congress from Second 
 Congressional district. 
 
 Gardiner Greene, of Norwich, Judge of Superior Court of Connecticut 
 (term expired August 31, 1921). 
 
 Christopher L. Avery, of Groton, Judge of Superior Court, 1920-1928. 
 
 Allyn L. Brown, of Norwich, Judge of Superior Coourt, August 3L 1921- 
 1929. 
 
 Hadlai A. Hull, of New London, State's Attorney for New London 
 county. 
 
 George E. Parsons, of Norwich, Clerk of New London County Courts. 
 
 Harry L. Peterson, of Norwich, Assistant Clerk. 
 
 Richard W. Mansfield, of New London, County Probation Officer. 
 
 Robert McBurney, Court Messenger at Norwich. 
 
 William N. Tubbs, Court Messenger at New London and Librarian of 
 the Law Library. 
 
 John M. Thayer and Gardiner Greene, of Norwich. State Referees. 
 
COURTS AND LAWYERS 
 
 341 
 
 Charles B. Waller, of New London, Judge of Court of Common Pleas 
 for New London county ; term expires February 2, 1925. 
 
 Lewis Crandall, of Norwich, Clerk of that Court. 
 
 Charles S. Whittlesey, of New London, Prosecuting Attorney of same 
 Court. 
 
 S. Victor Price, Judge of City and Police Court of New London. 
 
 Lewis Crandall, Assistant Judge. 
 
 Daniel M. Cronin, Prosecuting Attorney. 
 
 Clayton B. Smith, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney. 
 
 Clayton B. Smith, Clerk of same Court. 
 
 John H. Barnes, Judge. 
 
 Henry H. Pettis, Assistant Judge. 
 
 Lee R. Robbins, Prosecuting Attorney. 
 
 Tetley E. Babcock, Clerk of the City Court of Norwich. 
 
 Arthur M. Brown, Judge. 
 
 Henrj' H. Burnham, Prosecuting Attorney and Clerk. 
 
 John T. Barry, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney and Clerk of Town Court 
 of Griswold (post office, Jewett City). 
 
 Warren B. Burrows, Clerk and Prosecuting Attorney of town of Groton. 
 
 Arthur B. Calkins, Judge of Probate Court of New London District. 
 
 Nelson J. Ayling, Judge of Probate Court of Norwich District. 
 
 Wareham W. Bentley, Judge of Probate Court of Bozrah District. 
 
 Harley P. Buell, Judge of Probate Court of Colchester District. 
 
 Austin L Bush, Judge of Probate Court of East Lyme District. 
 
 Arthur P. Anderson, Judge of Probate Court of Groton District. 
 
 George E. Briggs, Judge of Probate Court of Lebanon District. 
 
 Samuel E. Holdridge, Judge of Probate Court of Ledyard District. 
 
 William Marvin, Judge of Probate Court of Lyme District. 
 
 Dana D. Home, Judge of Probate Court of Montville District. 
 
 Charles C. Gray, Judge of Probate Court of North Stonington District. 
 
 Robert H. Noble, Judge of Probate Court of Old L> ne District. 
 
 Henry A. Rogers, Judge of Probate Court of Salem District. 
 
 Elias B. Hinckley, Judge of Probate Court of Stonington District. 
 
 George Cutlei;, Member of Connecticut House of Representatives. 
 
 John T. Barry, Member of House of Representatives from town of 
 Griswold. 
 
 Attorneys at law, members of the New London county bar (Manual 
 1921): 
 
 Arthur P. Anderson 
 Guy T. Arms 
 C. L. Avery 
 Nathan Belcher 
 William Belcher 
 Max Boyer 
 Frank B. Brandegee 
 Warren B. Burrows 
 A. B. Calkins 
 Charles Chadwick 
 Alfred Coit 
 William T. Connor 
 Lewis Crandall 
 George J. Crocicchia 
 Daniel M. Cronin 
 Frank Q. Cronin 
 Marion R. Davis 
 
 Thomas F. Dorsey 
 Richard P. Freeman 
 Charles A. Gallup 
 John G. Geary 
 Philip Z. Hankey 
 Benjamin H. Hewitt 
 Charles E. Hickey 
 Perry J. Hollandersky 
 Charles H. Hull 
 Arthur T. Keefe 
 Frederick P. Latimer 
 John J. Lawless 
 Harry Learned 
 Morris Lubchansky 
 Bryan F. Mahan 
 Frank L. McGuire 
 George C. Morgan 
 
 S. Victor Prince 
 Charles L. Smiddy 
 William M. Stark 
 Clayton B. Smith 
 John F. Sullivan 
 Abel P. Tanner 
 Thomas E. Tolland 
 John H. Walker 
 Charles B. Waller 
 Thomas M. Waller 
 Tracy Waller 
 Charles B.Whittlesey- 
 All of New London. 
 
 Frank H. Allen 
 Wallace S. Allis 
 Herman Alofsin 
 
342 
 
 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 Nelson J. Ayling 
 Telley E. Babcock 
 Albert J. Bailey 
 John H. Barnes 
 Leslie L. Brewer 
 Traver Briscoe 
 AUyn L. Brown 
 Arthur M. Brown 
 Lucius Brown 
 Henry H. Burnham 
 Edward T. Burke 
 Charles W. Cassidy 
 Andrew B. Davies 
 Jeremiah J. Desmond 
 R. M. Douglass 
 Frank N. Gardner 
 Gardiner Greene 
 John D. Hall, 
 Edwin W. Higgins 
 John P. Huntington 
 Charles V. James 
 Edwin C. Johnson 
 Thomas J." Kelly 
 Arthur F. Libby 
 Earl E. Mathewson 
 Hibbard E. Norman 
 W. Tvle Olcott 
 
 This list is from the 
 State, 1921. 
 
 The pages that follow are dedicated to the memory of Solomon Lucas, 
 Seneca S. Thresher, Augustus Brandagee, and Jeremiah Halsey, men whom 
 in their lifetime the members of the New London county bar have delighted 
 to honor. The chapter finishes with an eloquent address historical in char- 
 acter. 
 
 Solomon Lucas — The memorial meeting of the New London County Bar 
 in honor of the memory of Solomon Lucas, long State's attorney for New 
 London county, was held in Norwich, November 9, 1906. Addresses were 
 delivered by State's Attorney Hadlai A. Hull, Abel P. Tanner, Jeremiah A. 
 Desmond, and John H. Barnes. Mr. Tanner's address follows : 
 
 A conspicuous member of this bar for many years, a leader in his chosen 
 profession, has reached the mystic shore that all the dead have reached and 
 whence it is said no voyager returns. Today we come as friends to speak 
 his eulogy, to tell who and what he was, and what he did, and we strive to 
 preserve for future times some measure of his fame. In choosing his niche 
 in memory we come again upon the names of illustrious men who have been 
 lawyers here — Pratt, Foster, Crump, Lippitt, Hovey, Park, Halsey, Wait, 
 Brandagee, these were giants in our profession and it is some consolation to 
 reflect thnt in distant years our brother will be reckoned among these classic 
 men. 
 
 Solomon Lucas was born in Norwich, Connecticut, of English parentage, 
 in 1835. At that time Andrew Jackson was President of the United States 
 and .-; little while before had coined the famous: "The Union, it must and 
 
 George E. Parsons 
 Edmund W. Perkins 
 Harry L. Peterson 
 Henry H. Pettis 
 Virtume P. A. Quinn 
 Lee Roy Robbins 
 Thomas M. Shields 
 William H. Shields 
 William H. Shields, Jr. 
 Chjrles L. Stewart 
 John M. Thayer — All 
 of Norwich. 
 
 Erastus S. Day, of Col- 
 chester 
 
 Austin L Bush, of East 
 Lyme 
 
 Marion R. Davis, of 
 East Lyme 
 
 Arthur M. Brown, of 
 Jewett City 
 
 Henry H. Burnham, of 
 Jewett City 
 
 John T. Barry, of Jew- 
 ett City 
 
 Arthur P. Anderson, of 
 Noank 
 Connecticut Register and 
 
 Arthur P. Anderson, of 
 Mystic 
 
 Albert Denison,of Mys- 
 tic 
 
 F. H. Hinckley, of Mys- 
 tic 
 
 Fred P. Latimer, of 
 Mystic 
 
 George R. McKenna, of 
 Stonington 
 
 Charles A. Gallup, of 
 Waterford (post of- 
 fice. New London). 
 
 Harry B. Agard, Henry 
 W.'Rathbun,both re- 
 siding in Westerly, 
 Rhode Island. 
 
 William N. Tubbs, of 
 New London 
 
 J. Frank Corey, of Nor- 
 wich, and Edith M. 
 Rathbun, of Stoning- 
 ton, are Commission- 
 ers of the Superior 
 Court, but are not 
 members of the bar. 
 Manual published by the 
 
COURTS AND LAWYERS 343 
 
 shall be preserved." Curiously indeed, when twenty-six years later our 
 friend came to this bar (April, ii%i) that sentiment had become the slogan 
 of the North in the momentous issue of the Civil War. Already its people 
 had been startled by the fall of Sumter, when for the first time in this Repub- 
 lic they saw the American flag lowered in surrender to foes who were their 
 own countrymen. In this exciting period Mr. Lucas was chosen to the legis- 
 lature of this State. His distinguished townsman, William A. Buckingham, 
 was governor, and though differing from him in politics he helped sustain 
 the loyal purpose of that splendid man. But retiring at the close of thd 
 session of 1863, never to hold political office again, he devoted the remainder 
 of his life to the practice of law. 
 
 Mr. Lucas was a man of consummate ability and worth. A child of plain 
 New England people, starting in life poor and with many limitations, he rose 
 by his own exertions to the highest rank in his profession — he was for seven- 
 teen years State's Attorney for this county — and he finished his eminent career 
 with credit and honor. His life is an object lesson to every /Vmerican boy 
 who climbs the winding ways to wealth and fame. We see the slender 
 country boy working on the farm for his board and clothes ; we see the 
 student in the law school at Albany laying the foundation for future success ; 
 we see him as a country schoolmaster teaching others the way of knowledge, 
 toiling for the meagre wages of fifty years ago ; we see him later in the 
 office of Counsellor Wait, the eager student exploring the sources of the 
 common law ; at last we see him at the bar practicing in all the courts of 
 the state, the apt and finished lawyer of his time. In all conditions he was a 
 candid, sincere, useful man. The friend of social order, he sought in modest 
 wa} s to raise the standard of civic duty. He was an accomplished advocate, 
 a brilliant cross examiner, in argument fluent, forcible and convincing. A 
 careful manager, but aggressive, and with marvelous endurance, he expressed 
 his cause with vigor, and once engaged he never left the field until the last 
 maneuvre had been tried and the last stand had failed. And yet as a counsel 
 he was usually sound, the cautious adviser who never failed. 
 
 It would be superfluous to call him a fearless prosecutor, an honest and 
 faithful public servant. In the coming years we will cherish a grateful 
 remembrance of his fidelity in official station and the virtue and simplicity 
 of his private life. He did not claim to be a perfect man. Doubtless he had 
 the faults and foibles, the infirmities which are common to our race. His 
 continuity of purpose and the desire to always accomplish what he undertook, 
 ma}' have sometimes made liim seem severe; but to those who knew him at 
 home and in the social circle he was considerate, he was afifable. he was kind. 
 \Ve shall not recall unmoved his death in the court room when absent from 
 home and family friends. After all there is no pathos like that of the 
 imspoken farewell when fate overwhelms us at the bend in the road. But 
 in this world we cannot always live. Here where blossoms wither at last, 
 the oak ceases to be clothed with the leaves of spring. And so our friend 
 "after life's fitful fever" rests unperturbed in the serenity of death, as when 
 some craft on ocean currents tossed for many days, lies in the calm of the 
 last harbor with sails forever furled. 
 
 Mr. Lucas was a consistent, active member of the Congregational 
 church. Imbued in life with the faith of the Christian fathers, he carried 
 through all the years the solace of unfailing hope. He was conversant with 
 the metaphor of the ancients, they to whom each day was a symbol of 
 human life — the crimson of morning; the midday of splendor; the waning 
 afternoon; the gold of sunset; the creeping shadows, and at last the darkness 
 of the night — and he believed that somewhere "night wakes up morning 
 for the endless day." 
 
 .^nd so we, sustained by the same hope, will look to meet again these 
 
344 
 
 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 classic men, in brighter spheres where strife and conflict never come and 
 friendship never fails. 
 
 Seneca S. Thresher — On July 2, 1920, the New London County Bar as- 
 sembled at Norwich in a memorial meeting held to honor one of the county's 
 old and able attorneys, Seneca S. Thresher, Abel S. Tanner delivering the 
 address, which follows in part: 
 
 A citizen of the far past, Seneca S. Thresher, in life's afternoon, became 
 a solitary figure among men. He belonged to a generation that is dead. 
 Coming to Norwich nearly sixty years ago to begin professional life, he 
 was longer in ■continuous practice than any other lawyer of this county, so 
 far as I know. The nestor of this bar, holding its chairmanship by the 
 privilege of age, he cherished its customs and traditions, waged its legal 
 contests without rancor, and retired at 87, with his mental vigor still com- 
 plete. I call to mind very distinctly my first acquaintance with him, and 
 with equal distinctness, the last conversation in the shadow of death. These 
 meetings — the first and the last — stand out in memory like the terminals 
 of a long journey, and forty-four years lie between. 
 
 I first knew S. S. Thresher as a fellow delegate in a political state con- 
 vention in the city of Hartford, in 1874. He was chairman or secretary of 
 the platform committee and read to that convention the resolutions on which 
 Charles R. Ingersoll was chosen governor for the second time. Up to 1872, 
 Mr. Thresher was a Republican, and I a Democrat, but lately come of age. 
 Thereafter, he, too, was a Democrat to the end of his life. He may have 
 had ambition and coveted public office, but he did not communicate that fact 
 to me, and so far as I know, held no important office beyond that of justice 
 of the peace and of prosecuting agent somewhere in the 70's. He was, 
 presumably, content to illustrate Pope's famous lines: 
 
 "Honor and shame from no condition rise; 
 Act well your part, there all the honor lies." 
 
 And then, again, he may have pondered, sometimes with regret, the 
 proverbial ingratitude of republics. 
 
 As the committee have mformed us, Mr. Thresher was a child of Massa- 
 chusetts, born in the quaint town of Swansea, in that corner of the State where 
 dwelt so many of Puritan origin in the early colonial days. It has been 
 facetiously remarked that a man should choose his ancestors with great care. 
 Mr. Thresher's ancestors were chosen for him among the sturdy pioneers. 
 One of his kindred was among the patentees of Rehoboth 300 years ago, 
 when most of New England was a wilderness where the Indian chanted his 
 hymn to the Great Spirit, and the white man answered, sometimes, the call 
 of the wild. He came also of good fighting stock. His people on both the 
 paternal and maternal side, served in the Colonial wars and in the War of the 
 Revolution, and one of them received the thanks of Congress for bravery in 
 the field. 
 
 In 1832, when Mr. Thresher was born, this country was favored by 
 exceptionally great men. Calhoun was vice-president ; Webster and Clay were 
 in the senate, and Andrew Jackson was president of the United States. 
 Many of our presidents have been noted phrase-makers, inventing epigrams 
 that have lived; but no saying attained such wide celebrity as that coined 
 by Andrew Jackson, in 1832. when he said : "The Union, it must and shall be 
 preserved." In 1862, when Mr. Thresher was admitted to this bar, that phrase 
 had become national. It had swelled to the chorus of the LTnion, heard 
 above the roar of battle when a million men from the North resolved that 
 the Republic should endure, that slavery should not live, and that the Union 
 should not die. Mr. Thresher was among the list of the lawyers of this 
 
COURTS AND LAWYERS 345 
 
 county ill the great Civil War period. Of his contemporaries in 1862 only 
 two are left : ex-Consul Day of Colchester, and former Governor Waller ; 
 both octogenarians going serenely down the declivity of life. The rest have 
 from this mortal forever disappeared. They were among the greatest law- 
 yers this county has produced. In the presence of these men Mr. Thresher 
 did not, himself, seem so great and, doubtless, by some he was overshadowed. 
 But, all things considered, he was a master in his profession and deserves to 
 be classed with the great lawyers of his time. 
 
 He was essentially a self-made man. Lacking some early advantages, 
 he, nevertheless, by close application, attained to a degree of learning hardly 
 surpassed by many academically trained. He was conversant with the 
 fundamental principles of the common law. He knew its sources, its jiossi- 
 bilities and its limitations. He was a skillful pleader under the old regime 
 when pleading was a fine art, and knew the value of concise and lucid state- 
 ment. He knew, likewise, the importance of careful preparation — the utility 
 of assembled facts and forces and abundant material. He knew that the 
 law, like the God of battles, is often on the side of the heaviest battalions. 
 He was a competent examiner who extracted information from varied 
 sources, from the willing, the hesitant and the unwilling. In argument he was 
 ready and fluent, often with a voice, both quaint and droll, that revealed his 
 Puritan lineage and traits and Yankee derivation ; but he was forceful, 
 impressive, convincing, sometimes psychologic. He was a man of positive 
 convictions always hrmly entertained and frankly avowed and stoutly 
 defended. 
 
 In his strong personality there were three main characteristics: The 
 humorous, the stoical, and the optimistic. He was a lover of comedy and 
 the drolleries of the stage. A reader of Mark Twain, whom he slightly 
 resembled, he had the blessed sense of humor that chloroforms trouble and 
 makes us forget. In disaster he was undaunted, calm and evenpoised. 
 Though misfortune came to him as it comes to all, he met it unflinchingly, 
 with no demonstration of weakness, and of suffering he gave no outward 
 sign. Above all he was optimistic. He had the rare faculty of inspiring 
 confidence in desperate situations, often finding loopholes which others had 
 missed. And so, it was not always a false hope he raised. In litigation he 
 was as successful as the average trier. He early cultivated the acquaintance 
 of hope, and, in all his career, hope never deserted him. It abided with him 
 in afiflicticn and trouble. It was with him in sickness and health and in joy 
 and sorrow. It sat by him at the bed of death and, when the end was 
 reached, he and hope stepped into the shadows, hand in hand. He has crossed 
 the boundary line of the great unknown, and will long be missed from this 
 broken circle. 
 
 Augustus Brandegee— Augustus Brandegee, youngest of the three sons 
 of John and Mary Ann (Deshon) Brandegee, was born in New London, Con- 
 necticut, July 12, 1828, died at his home in Pleasant street, in the city of his 
 birth, November 10, 1904. John Brandegee was a cotton broker of New Or- 
 leans, Louisiana, when war broke out a second time with Great Britain, and 
 fought with Jackson at that famous battle of New Orleans on January 8, 1815. 
 Mary Ann Deshon was of Huguenot ancestry, a daughter of Captain Daniel 
 Deshon, who in 1777 commanded the armed vessel "Old Defense," which was 
 built by the State of Connecticut. 
 
 After attendance at Union Academy, New London, Augustus Brandegee 
 finished preparing at Hopkins Grammar School, New Haven, entered Yale 
 in 1845. '1"'^' ■^^^^ graduated fourth in his class in 1849. lie then pursued 
 
346 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 professional study at Yale Law School for one }ear, then entered the law 
 office of the eminent Andrew C. Lippitt, and after admission to the New 
 London coutny bar in 1851 became Mr. Lippitt's partner. They dissolved 
 partnership in 1854, when Mr. Brandegee was elected to represent New Lon- 
 don in the Connecticut Legislature. 
 
 The Whig party was then in the throes of dissolution after the disastrous 
 political campaign under General Scott, and the proposed repeal of the Mis- 
 souri Compromise had stirred the moral sense of the nation to its foundations. 
 Mr. Brandegee, with the ardor of a young and enthusiastic nature, threw him- 
 self into the anti-slavery movement. Although the youngest member of the 
 House, he soon developed talents of a very high order as a parliamentarian 
 and debater and became its leader. He was appointed by Speaker Foster, 
 afterward Senator, a member of the judiciary committee, also chairman of 
 the select committee to carry through the "bill for the defense of liberty," a 
 measure the practical effect of which was to prevent the enforcement of the 
 "fugitive slave" law in Connecticut. He was also chairman of the com- 
 mittee on the Maine Law, and as such carried through the Assembly the first 
 and only prohibitory liquor law ever passed in Connecticut. Mr. Brandegee 
 was largely instrumental in the election at that session of Speaker Foster 
 and Francis Gillett to represent the anti-slavery sentiment of Connecticut in 
 the United States Senate. 
 
 Returning to his practice, Mr. Brandegee was elected judge of the city 
 criminal court of New London. In the enthusiastic campaign "for free speech, 
 free soil, freedom and Fremont" which followed the anti-Nebraska excite- 
 ment, he took an active and conspicuous part. He made speeches in the 
 principal towns and cities of Connecticut, and soon became noted as one of 
 the most popular and well known campaign orators of his party. He was 
 chosen as one of the electors of the State on a ticket headed by ex-Governor 
 Roger S. Baldwin, and with his colleagues cast the electoral vote of Con- 
 necticut for the "Pathfinder" and first presidential candidate of the Re- 
 publican party — John C. Fremont. 
 
 In 1858 Mr. Brandegee was again elected to represent the town of New 
 London in the Connecticut House of Representatives, and in 1859 he was a 
 third time chosen. Although selected by his party then in a majority as their 
 candidate for speaker, he was obliged to decline the office on account of the 
 death of his father. In 1861 he was for a fourth time elected to the House, 
 and was honored by being chosen its speaker. This was the first "War" 
 session of the Connecticut Legislature. The duties of a presiding officer, 
 always difficult and delicate, were largely enhanced by the excited state of 
 feeling existing between the two great parties, and the novel requirements 
 of legislation to provide Connecticut's quota of men and means for the sup- 
 pression of the rebellion. The duties of the chair were so acceptably filled 
 by Speaker Brandegee that at the close of the session he was presented with 
 a service of silver by Henry C. Deming, the leader of the opposition, in the 
 name of the members of both political parties, without a dissenting vote. 
 
 In the stirring events of the period of 1861-65, Mr. Brandegee took an 
 
COURTS AND LAWYERS 347 
 
 active part. His services were sought all over the State in addressing patriotic 
 meetings, raising troops, delivering Hags to departing regiments, and arousing 
 public sentiment. In 1863 he was elected to the Thirty-eighth Congress as 
 representative from the Third Connecticut Congressional District, and in 1865 
 he was re-elected. Although the youngest member of the body in which he 
 sat, he took a prominent position, and was selected by Speaker Colfax as a 
 member of the committee on Naval Affairs, at that time, next to Military, 
 one of the most important committees. He was also a member of the com- 
 mittee on Naval Accounts, and chairman of a special committee on a post 
 and military route from New York to Washington. 
 
 Mr. Brandegee continued a member of the national House of Repre- 
 sentatives during the reconstruction period, acting with the most advanced 
 wing of the party, and was trusted and respected by his contemporaries, 
 among whom were Garfield, Blaine, Schcnck, Conkling, Dawes, Winter Davis 
 and Thaddeus Stevens. He was admitted to frequent and friendly inter- 
 course with President Lincoln, who always manifested a peculiar interest in 
 Connecticut, and who was wont to speak of Governor Buckingham, its execu- 
 tive at that time, as the "Brother Jonathan" upon whom he leaned as did 
 Washington upon Jonathan Trumbull. 
 
 In 1864 Mr. Brandegee was a member of the Connecticut delegation to 
 the National Republican Convention held at Baltimore which renominated 
 President Lincoln, and to that delegation it was largely due that Andrew 
 Johnson was selected instead of Hannibal Hamlin for the vice-presidency, 
 Connecticut being the first State to withdraw its support from the New 
 England candidate. 
 
 In 1871, against his earnest protests, Mr. Brandegee was nominated for 
 the office of mayor of the city of New London. He received very general 
 support and was elected, but resigned after holding office for two years, being 
 led to this by the exacting requirements of a large and growing legal prac- 
 tice. In 1880 he was chairman of the Connecticut delegation to the National 
 Republican Convention held in Chicago, and nominated Senator Washburn 
 for the Presidency. His nominating speech attracted favorable notice in the 
 convention as well as throughout the country, and won him wide reputation 
 as an orator and party leader. In 1884 he was again chairman of the Con- 
 necticut delegation to the National Republican Convention, also held in 
 Chicago, and placed in nomination General Hawlcy as the candidate of his 
 State for the Presidency. 
 
 During the last decade of life, Mr. Brandegee gradually retired from pub- 
 lic affairs and devoted himself almost exclusively to the legal aflfairs of 
 Brandegee, Noyes & Brandegee, a leading law firm of New London, of which 
 he had been a member since 1892. He was urged by the leaders of his party 
 to accept the nomination for governor, and was talked of as an available 
 candidate for the United States Senatorship, but he steadfastly declined this 
 and all other public offices and honors, preferring to devote his entire time 
 and energies to professional work. 
 
 Mr. Brandegee married Cliristina Bosworth. Their daughter, wife of 
 
348 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 Major M. G. Zalinski, of the United States army, and their son, Frank B. 
 Brandegee, survived their father. The son, then Congressman from the Third 
 Connecticut District, once represented by his father, now United States 
 Senator from Connecticut, an office to which he was elected a year after the 
 death of his father. 
 
 As a lawyer, Augustus Brandegee ranked as one of the foremost in his 
 profession ; as a politician, one of the highest ability and integrity ; and as a 
 citizen, one of the most respected and honored. 
 
 The following memorial was the tribute paid by Judge Walter C. Noyes 
 to his friend and contemporary, Augustus Brandegee, December 31, 1904, at 
 a special meeting of the Superior Court, held to pay respect to the memory 
 of Mr. Brandegee, Judge George D. Stanton and Colonel Allen Tenny, of 
 Norwich. Judge Noyes said: 
 
 Augustus Brandegee, a leader of the New London county bar for half 
 a century, is dead. During all that time he reflected honor upon this bar. 
 He gave to its members an example for emulation. He has left us a memory 
 which is a benediction. We strive through this memorial to show that we 
 appreciate what he was and what he stood for. 
 
 He was a learned lawyer. Coming to the bar filled with the learning of 
 the classics, he readily absorbed the law written in the books, and yet was 
 always more than the book lawyer. He never failed to appreciate that the 
 law is not an abstract science, but a rule of action for men. Mercy and charity 
 ever came to him as the hand maidens of legal principle. He approached 
 the trial of a cause with diffidence. He participated in the trial as a master. 
 
 He was a brilliant orator. Convention, legislature, congress and court 
 thrilled with his eloquence. In manner unexcelled he clothed his thoughts 
 in language chaste and beautiful, and drove his words deep into the hearts 
 of his hearers. He stood for high ideals through all his public life. At a 
 time when the Abolitionist met scorn and contumely, he labored zealously 
 to free the slave. A member of Congress through the war, he became the 
 trusted friend of Lincoln, and rendered signal service for the cause of the 
 Union. And then and ever after he put aside official station for the simple 
 life. 
 
 He was a knightly man — hypocrisy, shame, expedients, pretensions — the 
 whole brood of lies and deceits — were his enemies. He fought them all his 
 days and when the end came, passed over God's threshold with escutcheon 
 unstained and with plume untarnished. 
 
 Eulogies were also delivered by Solomon Lucas, Frank T. Brown, Hadlai 
 A. Hull, Edwin W. Higgins, and Judge Ralph Wheeler, of the Superior 
 Court, the last named saying: 
 
 It was not my good fortune to become acquainted with Augustus Bran- 
 degee prior to the year 1868, at which time his great intellectual and moral 
 forces coupled with the training received in the schools and at his Alma 
 Mater, Yale, had enabled him to attain a position of eminence in political 
 life and in his chosen profession. He had already brought many honors 
 home to his native city and state. 
 
 At the date mentioned there were many able men in the practice of 
 our profession in New London county. Among them were Lippitt, Wait, 
 Hovey, Foster and Halsey — men learned in the law, and some of whom had 
 devoted their lives almost exclusively to its practice. 
 
 Though younger than most of them, Mr. Brandegee had already easily 
 
COURTS AND LAWYERS 349 
 
 taken rank among the first as a lawyer. He was a great lawj-er, advocate 
 and orator, a man of great resources, fidelity, diligence, force and efficiency 
 in every situation, and under all circumstances. He loved the practice of 
 his profession, and for that reason resolutely refused to accept nominations 
 to high political offices after his service in Congress. He preserved his 
 youthful enthusiasm late in life, was most hearty and vivacious and enter- 
 taining among his associates, but would sometimes assume a brusqueness of 
 manner which might lead to some misunderstanding of his real nature. His 
 personality was most interesting. He had a great heart as well as a great 
 intellect — was helpful, generous and magnanimous. He would give time 
 and effort, and do much for others, and for any cause which interested him. 
 His was a great soul and through what experiences and by what strug- 
 gles that soul reached hope, faith and rest, may not be known to us, but 
 we may be sure they were attained. 
 
 Jeremiah Halsey — At a memorial meeting held to honor the memory of 
 Jeremiah Halsey, one of the giants of the New London county bar, one of 
 the speakers was Augustus Brandegee, another "giant" of that bar. His 
 address follows : 
 
 The melancholy privilege of age assigns to me the duty of formally 
 seconding these unanimous resolutions of the bar expressing the sentiments 
 of the professional brethren at the loss of their great leader. The pro- 
 prieties of the occasion do not permit any labored or extended review of 
 his life, his character and abilities, but it is fitting that while still stand- 
 ing in the shadow of our great loss, we place upon the imperishable records 
 of the court this last feeble tribute of our respect, admiration and love for 
 our departed brother. 
 
 Jeremiah Halsey was born at Preston, Connecticut, February 8, 1822. 
 He was admitted to the bar in 1845. He practiced continuously in all the 
 courts of this State for just half a century, and died at Washington, D. C, 
 on the 9th of February, 1896, in the ripeness of his fame, and the full 
 maturity of his powers. 
 
 He was a great lawyer ; great in every department of that profession 
 that calls for the exercise of the highest and most varied powers of human 
 intellect. Whether he stood before the learned judge or a jury or an arbi- 
 trator or a committee of the General Assembly, or other tribunal upon whose 
 decision the lives, the property, and the rights of men depend, he was master 
 of himself, his subject and his audience. In that wonderful system founded 
 upon the principles of everlasting righteousness wrought out by the wisdom 
 of ages and sanctioned by the experience of mankind, at once the handmaid 
 and the sure defense of human society which men call law, he was easily 
 "primis inter pares." The principles of this system he hod explored to their 
 deepest foundations. His comprehensive and philosophical mind had sought 
 out their reasons, their applications and their limitations. He knew how and 
 when to apply them in their rigor, and when to make them elastic enough 
 to meet the requirements of an ever changing and ever advancing civilization. 
 
 He was no mere "case lawyer" such as the weaklings of our profession, 
 whose sole requirements consists of a catalogue of authorities and whose 
 ill digested citations only serve to "make confusion more confounded." He 
 was not one of those who darken counsel with "profane and vain babblings," 
 "striving," as saith an apostle, "about words to no profit but to the subverting 
 of hearers." He rightly divined the word truth, seeming by an intuitive 
 alchemy to know how to separate the dross from the pure gold, how to mar- 
 shal, to reinforce, explain, apply, and if needs be to reconcile, the authorities. 
 He loved the law — to him it was not a trade for hire, nor even a profession for 
 furnishing one's daily bread, it was rather a sacred ministration. He looked 
 
350 
 
 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 upon it as that portion of the scheme of eternal justice committed to man 
 by the Supreme Law Giver for the advancement of the human race ; a rule 
 of righteousness to be administered here, as at once a preparation and a 
 foretaste of the more perfect law of the Grand Assize, when we shall no 
 longer "see as through a glass darkly, but face to face." A judge was to him 
 a representative of Him of whom it was written: "Justice and judgment are 
 the habitation of His throne." A court room was a sacred temple, and 
 while he ministered at the altar he had no part or lot with those who in the 
 outer courts "were changers of money and sellers of doves." 
 
 And for this part in the noblest of all professions, Providence had en- 
 dowed him with great and peculiar gifts of intellect, temperament and 
 character. And these fitted into and worked in harmonious action with 
 one another as in the most nicely adjusted piece of mechanism ever devised 
 by the skill of man. Hjs intellectual equipment was of the highest order. He 
 possessed a mind strong, vigorous and acute, capable of close and continuous 
 application, and of comprehending the most abstruse and complicated prob- 
 lems. Nothing seemed too high, nothing too deep, nothing too hidden or 
 involved as to baffle or obscure that penetrating vision. When once he had 
 grasped the underlying principles of a case, he followed that clue through all 
 the Daedalian windings and turnings of the labyrinth to its logical results as 
 though guided by the fabled thread of Ariadne. He was not unmindful of 
 the rule, "Stare decisis," but he looked beyond the decision to the reasons 
 and the philosophy of it, and if it had not these credentials he boldly chal- 
 lenged it as not having entered by authority through the lawful door of the 
 fold, but as a thief and robber that had climbed up some other way. 
 
 To this clearness of vision there was added a lucidity of statement 
 which has never been surpassed in our time by any member of the Connec- 
 ticut bar. What he saw so clearly, he had the faculty of so expressing that 
 his hearers saw it as clearly as he did himself. This is a rare gift and if it 
 be not eloquence, it is akin to it. It was a delight in some tangled and com- 
 plicated cause rendered still more tangled and complicated by the efforts 
 of others who had struggled hopelessly in the Serbonian bog, to listen to the 
 pure clean-cut Anglo-Saxon with which he extricated and unfolded the real 
 issue and stripped it from all incumbrances. He rarely made excursions 
 outside his argument by way of illustration into general literature, but at 
 times there would come a flash of humor to irradiate and illumine, as light- 
 ning sometimes comes from a clear sky as a warning of the approaching 
 thunder. 
 
 It was to these two masterly qualities — perspicacity and perspicuity- 
 clearness of vision and clearness of utterance — more than all others, I think, 
 was due the great reputation which he achieved among his brethren all 
 over the State. It was on account of these that he always received the 
 undivided attention and confidence of the judges, who while not hankering 
 after the dry husks of the law for their daily bread, still, it may be presumed, 
 prefer argument to eloquence and demonstration to rhetoric. 
 
 In him was happily united to these qualities a temperament which acted 
 in harmony and gave them full opportunity for exercise and development. 
 He was calm, serene, self-poised and equable, no matter how important the 
 issue, or how desperate the contest. Whether victory or defeat hung 
 trembling in the balance — amid the smoke and confusion of the battle, 
 "amid the thunder of the captains and the shoutings" — like the great 
 Marlborough, he was imperturbable. He never lost his selfposscssion. He 
 never failed to employ all his resources. He never retreated till the last 
 man was brought up. and the last gun was fired, nor until all was lost 
 save honor. And his fight was always in the open — a fair fight and no favors. 
 There were no mines or countermines, no breaches of armistice, no firing 
 
COl'RTS AND LAWYERS 351 
 
 upon flags of truce — "Xoblcssc oblige." The law and the testimony, truth and 
 honor, right and justice, these and nothing more and nothing less, were his 
 watchwords. 
 
 It was these and such qualities as these that placed him in the front 
 rank of our profession and caused his name to become a household word in 
 our State from the river Bronx to the Providence Plantations. P.ut he was 
 more than these — he was a pure, spotless, honest, simple, unaffected, truth- 
 ful, just, honorable, white-souled, gentleman. There was never one so con- 
 spicuous who bore honors more unostentatiously. There was never one 
 whose life had been spent in contest and in combat, more free from "envy, 
 hatred, malice, and all uncharitableness." He was "not slothful in business, 
 but fervent in spirit, serving the Lord." "When the ear heard him it blessed 
 him, and when the eye saw him it gave witness to him." 
 
 I may not on this public occasion draw aside the veil which covers our 
 personal relations. But it may be permitted me to say that to me he was 
 more than a Brother in Law. For forty years we have been associated in 
 the battles of the bar, always together, except as I remember on onlj- two 
 or three occasions. He was my inspirer, my guide, my counsellor and nl^ 
 friend. "We took sweet counsel together and walked in the courts of law 
 as friends.' We have been together in many a hard fought battle, have 
 sympathized in many a defeat, and have rejoiced together in many a well 
 earned victory. It was assigned to me as "junior" to' lead the "light brigade 
 and dash at the enemy with sound of battle and slashing broadsword" — 
 but I knew full well, whether in attack or retreat that behind me was drawn 
 up the heavy artillery and that my great commander stood there as fixed 
 and immovable as "the Rock of Chickamauga." 
 
 His personal appearance harmonized with the disposition of his mind 
 and character. He was tall and slim, with straight black hair, a pale intel- 
 lectual countenance, the eye of an eagle, and that prominent nose which is 
 the unfailing sign of indomitable will and forceful character. His manners 
 though mild and affable, were decorous and dignified, inviting friendship 
 while repelling undue familarity. There was an indescribable something about 
 his fellow-citizens, as a man by all men with whom he came in contact. "His 
 "that Goodness had come that way." One knew at his mere presence — here 
 is a man to be trusted, and he was trusted — as a counsellor by his clients, as 
 a lawyer by his brethren, as a legislator by his constituents, as a neighbor by 
 his fellow-citizens, as a man by all men with whom he came in contact. "His 
 life was gentle and the elements so mixed in him that Nature might stand 
 up to all the world and say, This was a Man." 
 
 Alas, Alas! The inexorable law of human existence, which spares not 
 rich or poor, young or old, great or humble! "He hath given his honors to 
 the world again, his blessed part to heaven, and sleeps in peace." He has 
 gone "to join the innumerable caravan which ever moves to that mysterious 
 realm where each shall take his chamber in the silent halls of death." And 
 so for a season we bid our brother "Farewell." He has fought a good 
 fight. He has kept the faith. He has walked circumspectly amid the 
 pitfalls of life. Fie has rejoiced not in iniquity, but has rejoiced in truth. 
 He was first pure and then peacealjle. He provided things honest in the 
 sight of all men. He recompensed to no man evil for evil. He overcame 
 evil with good, in all things showing himself a pattern of a perfect Christian 
 gentleman. 
 
 As v.'e stood by his open grave banked with flowers and watered by 
 tears, as in the presence of the judges who honored him and whom he loved, 
 as we com.mitted "earth to earth, ashes to ashes, and dust to dust." as we 
 caueht the solemn refrain of the church he loved so \yell : "This corruptible 
 
352 
 
 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 hath put on incorruption, and this mortal hath put on immortality," our 
 hearts responded to the triumphant pasan, "Yea— even so — it is well." 
 "Death is swallowed up in victory." 
 The effect of Mr. Brandegee's beautiful eulogy upon his large audience 
 is indescribable. He spoke with the fullness of deep feeling, at times solemnly, 
 gently, then again like a trumpet, making every word a live thing, his voice 
 filled with tears as he spoke of his personal love and association, and to a 
 man his listeners turned away their faces lest the gushing of their own tears 
 be seen. When the speaker finished, John T. Wait, after a moment of deep 
 silence, asked Messrs. Lucas and Wait, who were to speak, if they wished to 
 add their testimony to that of Mr. Brandegee, they could only shake their 
 heads in negation. A master had painted the portrait. And thus the memory 
 of Jeremiah Halsey was honored. 
 
 Abel P. Tanner, of New London, one of the oldest members of the New 
 London county bar, was chosen to deliver the historical address on the occa- 
 sion of the rededication of the New London County Court House in the city 
 of New London. September i6, 1910. Mr. Tanner deeply interested his large 
 audience, and his address is so full of value that it is here preserved in full: 
 
 The committee to whose unfailing politeness I owe this invitation to 
 speak, informed me not very long ago that I was the oldest attorney in active 
 practice at this end of the county. If correct in their assupmtion, it will ac- 
 count this afternoon for my appearance here in "history." For the courtesy 
 I have received from the commissioners and the bar and the public as well, 
 I am extremely grateful — more than I can tell. But with that acknowledg- 
 ment, I think my friends are mistaken, both as to my age in the profession 
 and my place in the line. To the cold indictment of silvered age, I am still 
 loath to plead guilty. And yet, young as I am, or imagine I am, for it is said 
 a man is no older than he feels, I have begun to note the waning afternoon ; 
 already I perceive that the day is far spent, and though the future may have 
 many allurements, that the years of my activity will be few. Still we are all 
 hurrying on to some place in the distance where the line is mustered out; and 
 from its last bugle note, no marchers "come back." And it is a pretty long 
 line, though we count only those who have practiced law in this town — from 
 John Winthrop, the younger, to the last hopeful accession — and it reaches 
 far back into the past. 
 
 Courts of justice have sat in this our city, with few interruptions, con- 
 secutively, two hundred and fifty years — more than half the distance back to 
 the discovery of this western world — and during much of that time New 
 London was the only county seat. In 1660, the General Court, which was the 
 Legislature, also established a primitive tribunal here, known as the "Assist- 
 ants" court, composed of one assistant and three commissioners. A curious 
 feature of it was, that the assistant was really the foreman, and the commis- 
 sioners did the assisting. As its jurisdiction was limited to exactly two 
 pounds, or about $10 of our money, and it could only punish for trifling mis- 
 demeanors, it has always seemed to me that putting four judges into one 
 court session was using a good deal of ammunition on pretty small game. 
 
 The first judge of this earliest court in New London was John Tinker, a 
 liquor dealer, but, like our distinguished ex-mayor, the judge was popular not 
 onlv in New London, but elsewhere as well. 
 
COURTS AND LAWYERS 353 
 
 After a time, the Assistants Court by process of evolution became the 
 County Court, with only a single judge, but with much larger judicial powers; 
 and it existed a hundred and eighty-eight years. 
 
 The county itself was formed in 1667, with Norwich as an inconsequential 
 member. But Norwich waxed and grew. It grew a little uncomfortable — at 
 times, discordant. Occasionally it made strenuous efiforts to get out of the 
 "Wigwam." It even petitioned the General Court in 1674 for liberty to attach 
 itself to Hartford county; and, would you believe it, it's dissatisfaction was 
 mainly with the way justice was being administered here in New London, for 
 the rest of the county ; and Norwich, in its complaint, used plain language. 
 I will read you a sample: "If we must continue as we now are, we beseech 
 you to improve some method by which courts of justice shall be so managed 
 that peaceable and innocent people will not be oppressed." 
 
 But though Norwich did not succeed in breaking away from the county, 
 it was nevertheless able to steal a march on New London, and the very next 
 year secured the judge of the County Court. After that, it is conceivable that 
 it gave New London, occasionally, a dose of its own medicine. 
 
 Many years after — a great many years — Norwich, apparently not satis- 
 fied with having the judge and the court, began to reach out for the court 
 house, and even cast covetous eyes at the jail. And there is a tradition, if I 
 may call it such, that men from Norwich came down here once and undertook 
 to carry off both these institutions bodily. I have not been able to verify this 
 charge of grand larceny from any authentic record ; but in a copy of the 
 "People's Advocate,' a newspaper published back in the 40's, there appears 
 this unique paragraph: 
 
 "A Norwich citizen has the custom house, here, in view. We knew Nor- 
 wigians had been trying to carry off the court house and the jail, but we 
 thought the custom house was safe. Well, the lighthouse is at their service 
 whenever they conclude that we have light enough without it." 
 
 As a further confirmation, I may remark that, chancing to be here in 
 1865 at a Fourth of July celebration, while viewing the numerous floats in line 
 I discovered a miniature copy of the old court house on which were these 
 words: "Too old to go to Norwich." 
 
 But in 1843 a conspirac}^ was actually formed with Stonington to abolish 
 this county seat and center all the courts and paraphernalia at Norwich. And 
 how that must have grieved New London, to think that Stonington could do 
 this thing — Stonington, that was once a part of New London, in the days when 
 its first settler, William Chescbro, was a member of our town government, 
 and Stonington was a child after our own heart ! Naturally, public furor was 
 high. In New London the matter was a party issue between the Whigs and 
 Democrats. (At that time, there was no Republican party, though there were 
 "Insurgents.") The Whigs aft'ected to treat the subject with indifference, 
 but a great meeting subsequently assembled in this building and one of its 
 resolutions was as follows : 
 
 "\\'herers thv pconle of Norwich— grasping dc^poiVrs — seem dcterniined to concen- 
 trate all public institutions at that place, to the great injury of our people, therefore, 
 Voted : that a committee be appointed consifthig of Codington Billings, Charles Dotig- 
 lass, and Andrew C. Lippitt, to take steps to Icecp the court house where it is, with all 
 our rights and privileges." 
 
 And now New London began to make efforts to get out of the basket. 
 A petition was drafted, praying the Legislature to create a new county in 
 this district, with New London as the big township, and Norwich left out. 
 Fortunatelv the General Assembly turned down both propositions; and thus 
 ended this "Tale of Two Cities." Happily there is no longer a conflict between 
 these two communities — nothing but the friendliest rivalry. So that, when 
 N.L.— 1-2,3 
 
354 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 New London generously congratulates Norwich on her own magnificent court 
 house, the presence of her citizens here this afternoon is evidence that Nor- 
 wich, with equal courtesy, returns the compliment. 
 
 The first Superior Court in this State was created in 171 1, and made a 
 Circuit Court, with two sessions annually in each county, with Richard Chris- 
 tophers, of New London, as one of its judges. And here, strange to say, there 
 was as yet no court house owned by the public in eastern Connecticut. When 
 the Superior Court sat in New London, it was given accommodations in the 
 old meeting house of the First Congregational Church. Even that was later 
 struck by lightning and nearly torn in two. The first court house erected 
 for use in this county was located in New London in 1724, while Gurdon 
 Saltonstall was governor. It stood forty-three \ ears on a corner of the town 
 squaie, not far from what is now the intersection of Hempstead with Granite 
 street. It was a common, unpretentious, frame building, 24.X48, without 
 cupola or tower, and cost the munificent sum of forty-eight pounds — equiva- 
 lent to about $250 of our money. Manifestly, the cry for municipal economy 
 in New London is not wholly of modern origin. The building was paid for, 
 in part, by the sale of some common lands which the county owned up in 
 "Mohegan." 
 
 Not far from the court house stood the first jail ever erected in this 
 county ; and close to the jail, on another part of the Green, was the First 
 Congregational meeting house, with its regulation steeple, destined to be one 
 cf the watch towers of the Revolution, wherein (as some poet has said) "Lib- 
 erty its Icsting vigil keeps." But the other auxiliaries of defence, such as the 
 powder magazine, etc., were stored in the court house, and the whole was put 
 in charge of Mr. Solomon Coit. a man of consequence. But I do not find that 
 he received any other compensation for his janitorship except the [)rivilege 
 of having his Christian name attached to the most impassable road in New 
 London — .Stony Hill, which for many } ears was called Solomon street. To 
 some it suggested a relation with the wisest of men; and when I perceived 
 this trifling with a great name, T thought of the line from Shakespeare: "To 
 what base uses we may return." 
 
 In 1776, for some cause which is not quite clear to us now, a change was 
 made, and thence until 1781 the court house stood on the Parade. It sat a 
 little west of the present Neptune building, on the space which gets its name 
 from the presence of a fortress there in former years. Close to the water's 
 edge on this old site, stood the common jail ; and off to the southwest, but 
 still within the circumference of vision, was that other emblem of civilization, 
 the Gallows Tree. 
 
 What this court house was, whether a newly constructed building or 
 one transported there from the former site, we do not know. My own opinion 
 is that it was moved there — probably in sections. Moving wooden buildings 
 is not an unknown industry in New London, even in our day; and the colonists 
 were inured to habits of economy. 
 
 I need hardly say that this court house was consumed by fire during 
 Arnold's invasion, with many other public and private buildings, in that 
 Valhalla of war which "spread woe and desolation throughout this region"; 
 and for three vears thereafter the courts of this county were without a home. 
 But in 1784, while Richard Law was mayor, a committee was appointed to 
 provide a new building. The County Court naturally selected the old Parade 
 site. But manv objected that it would some time be wanted for commercial 
 purposes ; and eventually the new court house was located at the head of this 
 street, on the site of the first school house building here, with a little addi- 
 tional land given by Joseph Coit. .A.nd for fiftv-five years this building stood 
 out bore, in what would now be the middle of the street opposite: though at 
 
COURTS AND LAWYERS 355 
 
 tliat time there was no street running to the south, and Broad street, as we 
 know it now, did not exist. In 1839, at the suggestion of Major T. \V Williams 
 (new streets having been opened all around it), the building was moved on 
 to the present site, on land procured of Mr. Williams, and here it has remained 
 sevent_i-one years. 
 
 This court house, of necessity, has a judicial as well as a materialistic 
 and sentimental history; but the noted causes that have been heard here, and 
 the distmguished lawyers concerned in them, in forgotten years, would make 
 a stor} longer than I can tell, or you would patiently hear. The argument 
 of Patrick Henry against the Tory, Hook, would suffice to give it lasting 
 fame. 
 
 The court room, as originally constructed, had a gallery on three sides as 
 an extra accommodation to the public, but as interest in legal proceedings 
 declined, and other halls were built for public use, this gallery was removed. 
 The present alteration has somewhat curtailed the space railed off for the 
 general public, although I have no doubt that what remains will be ample, 
 but if interest in court proceedings continues to diminish, as it has in the 
 past, the next alteration may reduce this public space to an "Amen corner." 
 To some of us this decay of judicial sentiment is not a hopeful sign. 
 
 But though interest in judicial proceedings may have waned, the citi- 
 zens of New London have never lost afTection for the building itself. Through 
 all vicissitudes th.ey have clung to it, through good reports and evil, with a 
 tenacity that at times has seemed pathetic. I confess that for many years 
 I did not know the reason why. There was nothing classic or imposing about 
 the old building; and Miss Calkins, the historian, writing as early as 1854, 
 called it "commonplace," and "generally regarded as an unsightly blot, dis- 
 figuring the neighborhood where it stands." But continued agitation of the 
 subject matter has developed a more intimate knowledge of its early history; 
 and though m}- views have not changed as to a more enduring edifice, I have 
 come to understand more clearly the cause of this devotion to an ancient relic. 
 
 In the first place, there is between town and building, a community of 
 interests. The erection of the court house was contemporaneous with the 
 incorporation of the city ; and thus starting out together, they have kei)t even 
 pace through all the current years and shared a common destiny. And, then, 
 there are its cherished and hallowed associations. This court house is a con- 
 necting link with the great historic past. It carries us back to colonial days — 
 to the men who were conspicuous in the great Revolutionary drama. Those 
 concerned in its building had shared the privations, the sufferings and the 
 disasters of the seven years' war. Some of them had stood at Concord and 
 Lexington and the slopes of Bunker Hill. They have shared the gloom of 
 Long Island: the exhilaration of Saratoga; the despair of Valley Forge; and 
 they have felt the wild contagion of joy when Yorktown proclaimed "Corn- 
 wailis is taken." They have seen the British flag hauled down, and in its place, 
 above the dome of a new nation, the Stars and Stripes appear. They saw 
 the rise of constitutional government; they saw their country grow strong 
 and great; the- saw it spread westward towards the Pacific and south to the 
 shores of the Rio Grande, and the stars of added States burst into blossom 
 on the blue of its flag. And these men, in a way. transmitted this structure 
 as a heritage to our time. Around this site cling also legal memories that 
 will always be dear to our profession. For great lawyers have here pressed 
 the'r suits to final issue ; and great judges have voiced their sound oninionSj 
 and pronounced their benediction. Indeed, in these crude temples of justice 
 throughout the new republic, was laid the foundation of a jurisprudence that 
 has become distinctively American, and which bids fair in time to supplant 
 the more cumbersome system of Continental Europe. When I was a child 
 
356 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 it was the habit of lawyers to quote the common law of England, and cite Law 
 Reports. Today, the English Law Reports are hardly cited more often than 
 the Code Napoleon, or the Pandects of Justinian, in that Rome that crumbled 
 long ago. 
 
 In this quaint structure, consummate statesmen have discussed the science 
 of government; religious reformers enjoyed the right of speech; and great 
 orators have electrified the people of their time. Here Cowan and Marshall 
 charmed with their eloquence, and Daniel Webster defended the Constitu- 
 tion of the United States. 
 
 A center of social festivities, here our citizens greeted for the last time 
 the gallant Decatur in the War of 1812; and later, voiecd their enthusiastic 
 welcome to General Lafayette. In the Civil War this was a center of patriotic 
 devotioH, consecrated alike to the living and the dead. 
 
 We who wished a new court house have never lacked reverence which 
 was due to the old. But we wanted to preserve this site to further genera- 
 tions. And today we share in whatsoever pride there is in this completed 
 work. We congratulate the commissioners on what they have done. We are 
 pleased with the remodeled appearance of this building — with its white front 
 and green blinds, suggesting to some of us the happy homes of childhood 
 that we can never go back to. But especially are we pleased with its beauti- 
 ful interior, presenting to the visitor a succession of surprises, which cul- 
 minate in this elegant court room — one of the finest in the State. We thank 
 the architect, Mr. Donnelly, for his splendid ideals; and we are grateful to 
 the builder, Mr. Douglas, for clothing these ideals in material form. And 
 lastly, we congratulate ourselves on the choice of this site — a vindication of 
 our fathers' judgment when they pronounced it the most convenient and best 
 of all locations. And we are confident that whatever happens, whether this 
 structure shall quickly perish, or endure for generations to come, its locatiort 
 will never be abandoned as a court house site, but preserved to future times. 
 And that future is our inspiration. We believe that posterity will look up 
 to this proud eminence and be glad ; glad that here the figure of Justice still 
 holds aloft the golden scales ; that civic taste abides ; that government endures ; 
 and that civilization does not fall. 
 
 A meeting of the bar of New London county was held in the Court House 
 in Norwich, on Friday, June 30, 1922, in memory of four of its members who 
 within the year had appeared before the Great Judge — Erastus Sheldon Day, 
 William B. Coit, Franklin H. Brown and Joseph T. Fanning. Resolutions 
 with reference to Judge Day, prepared by a committee consisting of Thomas 
 j\I. Waller, Lucius Brown, John M. Thayer, Gardiner Greene and Abel P. 
 Tanner, were read by Judge Brown. Judge William H. Shields delivered the 
 following fervent eulogy : 
 
 Hon. Erastus Sheldon Day, of Colchester, in Nev/ London county, died 
 at his home there on August 2, 1921, at the advanced age of eighty-five years, 
 following an illness of only a few days' duration. Mr. Day was born in 
 Colchester on July 7, 1836, and was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Elihu Marvin 
 Day, who both died many years ago. He received his early education in the 
 public schools of his native town, which was supplemented by his later 
 attendance at Wilbraham Academy. Upon the completion of his academic 
 course he pursued the study of the law for one year with Ralph Gilbert, Esq., 
 a practicing lawyer at Hebron, and later took up his legal studies at Hart- 
 ford for two years in the law offices of Welles & Strong, and with the firm 
 of Strong & Nicholas, their successors. He was admitted to the bar at the 
 breaking out of the war of the Southern Rebellion, at Hartford, on March 18, 
 
COURTS AND LAWYERS 357 
 
 1861, and thereupon took up the active practice of his profession in his 
 native town in the village of Colchester and became a busy and prominent 
 lawj'er in that section of the State at the New London County Bar, from 1861 
 to 1897, thirty-six years. In the same year that he was admitted to the bar 
 in 1861, Mr. Day married Catherine Gardner Olmstead, daughter of Jonathan 
 and Elizabeth Olmstead, of Westchester, Connecticut. Mrs. Day died at 
 Clifton Springs, New York, on August 15, 1910. 
 
 In 1897 Mr. Day was appointed by President McKinley, United States 
 Consul at Bradford, England, which office he held for twelve years, from 
 1897 to 1909. In 1909 he resigned the consulship and returned from England 
 to the United States to his home in the village of Colchester, and retired 
 wholly from the activities of the law and politics. Early in his career, Mr. 
 Day attached himself to politics and became an active and ardent member 
 of the Republican party, staunchly adhering to and advocating the principles 
 of that party. In the years 1862, 1864 and 1874, Mr. Day was chosen arid 
 sent from Colchester as a representative of that town in the General As- 
 sembly of Connecticut. In the year 1863, Mr. Day was chosen Secretary of 
 the Senate, and performed the duties of that office throughout the term of 
 the sessions of that body. Later for five years, 1886 to 1891, Lawyer Day 
 held the place of chairman of the Republican State Central Committee of 
 Connecticut, and as such had charge and direction of the State and national 
 campaigns of the Republican party in Connecticut in those years. Those 
 political offices held by Mr. Day brought him a State-wide acquaintance with 
 the prominent, influential and leading men in political and legislative life 
 and public affairs of the State, and those prominent men of various activities 
 in turn came to know and respect Mr. Day as a leader for his ability, integrity, 
 fairness, sound judgment and unselfishness in his relations to them and to 
 the subject matters in which they were interested or concerned. His fidelity 
 and loyalty to clients, friends, and fellow men were firm and true and he 
 enjoyed the reputation of being reliable and dependable in every case or 
 exigency. His plighted word was never known or heard to be broken. 
 
 A generation and more ago and for many years about that time, there 
 was an extensive legislative legal practice before the General Assembly of 
 the State in which the services of the ablest lawyers were engaged at the 
 capitol. Those legislative cases generally involved large interests and ex- 
 penditures and in some instances vast results. The parties to those causes 
 were variously towns, cities, railroads, insurance companies, and industrial 
 and other corporations and occasionally directly the State itself. Those cases 
 were exhaustively prepared pro and con on the law and the facts and long 
 hearings were held before designated committees of the General Assembly 
 with witnesses and counsel participating, where arguments of counsel at 
 length were had as before a court and jury. For a long time Mr. Day was 
 one of the foremost lawyers in the most important of those contested legis- 
 lative cases and trials. Through that legislative law practice Mr. Day was 
 further brought into close relation and acquaintance with the most promi- 
 nent lawyers and citizens of Connecticut, and gained the reputation of a 
 sound, skillful and able lawyer in that important branch of law practice. 
 
 Oftentimes his counsel and advice were sought by party leaders and can- 
 didates regarding impending party conventions and nominations, and by 
 governors concerning appointments about to be made by them of persons 
 to high State offices. In many instances Mr. Day's opinions and recommen- 
 dations were effective and led to nominations and appointments of the very 
 best men to public office. In late years in his reminiscences of those stirring 
 political times and events. Air. Day took much gratification in recounting 
 and discussing the good records and achievements in oiTice of those promi- 
 
358 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 nent State officials whose selection came about through his quiet and im- 
 partial influence and sound judgment. 
 
 Mr. Day had no desire to attain for himself any office in the State. It 
 was well known that he had no personal ambition whatever in that line to 
 serve, and those approaching him for his advice and judgment knew his mind 
 was open and free from any office-seeking desire on his part to affect or 
 prejudice his action or judgment. And so he was the more readily and con- 
 fidenth- and frequently approached by others for his help, advice and judg- 
 ment in political affairs. 
 
 He had friends in every part of the State and in the highest offices of 
 the State, many of whom were under obligations to him for courtesies ex- 
 tended and essential help freely, cheerfully and gratuitously given in im- 
 portant matters to them. Had Mr. Day any aspirations for public office, he 
 could have had nominations and appointments to such places as he might 
 have chosen. It may be truly said of Mr. Day that had he shown and ex- 
 pressed the aspiration and ambition, he could have easily attained the highest 
 judicial office in the State — judge of the Superior Court, or State's Attorney 
 of his county, or even the governorship of his State. He chose the plain and 
 simple life, and was contented to make his home and law office in the small 
 and isolated village of Colchester, where persons having occasion sought him 
 out for his wise counsel, advice and aid. 
 
 Mr. Day was tall in stature, erect in carriage, spare in build, had an open 
 and pleasing countenance and altogether he possessed an impressive and 
 commanding figure and in the ordinary gatherings of men about him he 
 appeared to overlook and tower above his associates. He was always familiar, 
 cordial and pleasant to his fellowmen and brethren of the bar. His general 
 manner was one of human interest and sociability. He entertained no preju- 
 dices or dislikes against persons because of racial, religious, political or other 
 diflfercnces from him. The station, high or low of one's life, did not move 
 him from the equipose of a wellbrcd man. There was nothing querulous or 
 critical-minded in his attitude or dealings, he was at all times broadminded 
 and ever equable in the most trying circumstances, and was what v.-e may 
 well call an all 'round good-natured man. 
 
 At the bar in the trial of causes to the juds^e and to the iury, he had 
 an easy and complacent bearing and was sure of himself and his cause, and 
 by his demeanor provoked no hostility, but rather enlisted the full attention, 
 consideration and favor of the trier and his fellow lawers. In his advocacy 
 and arguments he was sensible, zealous, reasonable, fair and convincing, and 
 was susceptible and respectful to the force of an argument against him. He 
 had absolute self-control and poise, and in the heat of all contentions never 
 allowed anger, recrimination or personalities to enter the discussions on his 
 part, or himself to be provoked thereto by his opponents. 
 
 Surviving Mr. Day were two daughters. Misses Elizabeth Dav and Susan 
 I. Day, both of whom lived in the home with their father; and two sons, 
 Edwin M. Dav, of Hartford, and David S. Day, of Bridgeport, well known, 
 able lawyers at the bar of this State. 
 
 Judge Shields was followed by Attorney Abel P. Tanner with the follow- 
 ing eloquent eulogy on Mr. Day : 
 
 Colonel Rapier, in the Peninsula Campaign, censuring an archaic military 
 custom, once said of the English soldier that he was never officially com- 
 mended in that campaign for distinguished service. 
 
 I fancy the same could have been said sometimes with equal truth of 
 Erastus S. Day. He controlled the destiny of his party in this State for years, 
 with phenomenal success, lifting others into prominence, while he, with char- 
 
COURTS AND LAWYERS 359 
 
 acteristic self-effacement, toiled in the background and carried on unseen. 
 In the exceptionally fine tribute to him, drafted by Judge Shields, is a sum- 
 mary of his political activities, the positions he filled, the offices he held and 
 the various honors conferred upon him. It is not a lengthy statement, for the 
 positions, after all, were not many, and the honors conferred were not always 
 distinguished. We are constrained to turn from the record and think of the 
 places he could have had for the asking, in any attempt to appraise his 
 political career. Erastus S. Day could have had any office in the gift of this 
 State. He could have been its governor without doubt; he could have sat 
 on its highest bench ; he could have been a national figure and been classed 
 with the statesmen of his time, if, forsooth, he had cared. Apparently he 
 didn't care. He was temperamentally indifferent to the lure of public office. 
 In political classification he was of that number who ask for nothing and 
 always get it. He sat at the civic banquet board where politicians gathered, 
 and ate the bread there served, without carping at its quality. He cheerfully 
 passed the delicacies on to the neighboring guests without first helping him- 
 self, and if the dish came back empt'.-, as it generally did, lie never complained. 
 He helped others to secure some coveted positions of honor and trust which 
 they filled passing well ; but thev seldom helped him — he never asked them 
 to do so — and — he did not help himself. Hence, his name is not written on 
 the scroll of fame. Yet he was intrinsically great. There is a greatness that 
 we call innate — that inheres in the person — and there is a greatness that is 
 conferred from without. The greatness that exists in the person survives; 
 it will cross the final tide; but the greatness that is conferred will stop at 
 the water's edge. E. S. Day was personally great. He was forceful ; he was 
 intellectual ; he was faithful ; he was honest; he was stalwart and true. Like 
 the City of God, he stood four-square. He was a competent and resourceful 
 lawyer who served his clients well. He was congenial and democratic in his 
 contact with his fellow-men. He never drew a line of distinction on account 
 of color, or race, or the size of a bank account. He believed that in the 
 country "beyond the stars" there will be no caste, and no prestige of manu- 
 factured greatness; that no artificial barriers will separate in the clime where 
 earthly glory fades, and wealth no longer dictates its own terms. He did 
 not believe it is a crime to be rich, or a virtue to be poor, but he knew that 
 in this life "money talks," that it is sometimes deaf, but never dumb, but he 
 believed that in the other it will be mute where character has the floor, and 
 tlic gold of the Indies will not buy as much as the widow's mite. 
 
 Today we construct a kind of mental figure of him as we knew him. and 
 others knew him, and place it in the sacred crvpt where other figures stand, 
 to meet the gaze of future generations when we have disappeared. The 
 figure mav lack detail — it may be incomplete — it may be overdrawn, but it 
 corresponds in some degree to the man we knew as he crossed life's solemn 
 stage. 
 
 Mr. Day was born July 7th, 1836, the last year of Andrew Jackson's 
 administration. He died, as the minutes show, on the second of August, after 
 a life of eighty-five years. He came to this world and departed from it in the 
 cheerful summer time when fields and mountain sides are green; he came 
 and left amid the scent of summer flowers, but he left with the snows of 
 winter on his head. He had taken life's seven steps. To use another's phrase. 
 "In him the four seasons were complete, and spring could never come again." 
 But when the sun had set and the shades of evening were merging into night, 
 almost it seemed the end of a "Perfect Day." 
 
 Many years ago I conversed with one who had lived in Colchester when 
 Judge Dav was youne. and who knew him well. Our talk was mainly of 
 him. and one curious remark of my acquaintance has bridged the gap of 
 
36o NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 time. He said, "When clients come, Day always tells them to settle and 
 keep out of the law." Strange advice for a lawyer, yet not without scrip- 
 tural authority. "Settle with thine adversary quickly," was the counsel of 
 the wisest of mankind. 
 
 Erastus S. Day was by nature conciliatory and pacific. He delighted 
 in compromise as the culmination of the diplomatic art. But he wanted 
 honorable compromise. He was no money-changer in the Temple where 
 principles are bought and sold, and he despised the cheap barter of the market 
 place. His motto was: "To your God, your country, and your friend, be 
 true." He was essentially a peacemaker; and the peacemaker ranks high in 
 New Testament literature. Christ said on the Mountain of Olive, "Blessed 
 are the pure in heart for they shall see God"; but he said of the peacemakers, 
 "They shall be called the children of God." 
 
 Mr. Day was an exemplification of New England manhood and courage, 
 he had the virtues of the Puritan with few of his faults. When you had con- 
 versed with him you felt that you had met the traditional New Englander 
 of every generation. You had met the man of Concord and Bunker Hill and 
 Yorktown's Heights. You had met him at Lundy's Lane and Cerro Gordo; 
 you had met him at Cold Harbor and Appomattox; you had met him even 
 in Flander's Field and in the glory of Chateau Thierry, where the Stars and 
 Stripes mingled with the tri-color of France; and the lion and eagle and the 
 lily moved side by side. Call this rhetorical extravagance if you will ; but 
 let me cite a single reminiscence. 
 
 In 1863, when Mr. Day was a member of the General Assembly at twenty- 
 seven, the Honorable Henry C. Demming, of Hartford, then a member of 
 Congress, invited him to Washington, and when he arrived he took him to 
 the capitol to meet Abraham Lincoln. Now Mr. Lincoln in those days was 
 overrun with callers, callers from everywhere. Clergymen called to tell him 
 how God wished him to conduct the war ; lawyers called to advise about "the 
 Constitution as it is, and the Union as it was." Editors came to tell him 
 how to make both peace and war. He was bored to death with callers ; only 
 his inimitable humon saved him from utter distraction, nevertheless, he 
 greeted his visitors cordially and, after a few minutes' conversation, he took 
 the young lawyer by the hand and said, "Mr. Day, come up to my house, I 
 want you to meet Mrs. Lincoln and the children." With that strange insight 
 of his, he penetrated the character of his guest and knew that he stood in the 
 presence of one of the yeomanry of New England. 
 
 Mr. Day was almost the last of the lawyers of the great Civil War 
 period, and I cannot take leave of the subject without some mention of them. 
 When I came to Norwich in war time to a great political demonstration, 
 there were, approximately, fifty lawyers in New London county ; and one of 
 them. Judge Day, was at the age of twenty-eight, but on the excursion 
 steamer which brought us here, there was a still younger lawyer, the presi- 
 dent of the club which had chartered the boat, then called the "Ulysses." He 
 was a trifle below medium height — of slender build, with classic features and 
 black hair, and beardless face, and glasses that glinted in the sunlight; brilli- 
 ant in the court room, magnetic on the platform, attractive on the street, he 
 had all the graces of the orator, with a voice and gesture that charmed, and 
 an eloquence that stirred the multitude to action — that lawyer was T. M. 
 Waller at twenty-four, then the youngest member of the New London County 
 Bar. 
 
 But time has wrought its changes and sixty years have mingled with the 
 silent yesterdays. That cheering throng has vanished, and with it the three 
 hundred, more or less, on that excursion boat. They have crossed the strange 
 frontier; and somewhere, in some inlet of the sea, the ribs of the "Ulysses" 
 
COURTS AND LAWYERS 
 
 361 
 
 dissolve in the ebb and flow of the tide. Today, of those fifty lawyers who 
 practiced here in war time, he who was the youngest member is all that is 
 left, and he is old and white-haired now. In a little while you will be con- 
 strained to say in melancholy accents: "The last of all the Romans — fare 
 you well." 
 
 1 commend these resolutions to the memory of Judge Day, with every 
 feeling of respect. He has reached his journey's end; "the wine of life is 
 drawn," his sands are run ; and Fate turns the hour-glass no more. His 
 career is finished ; his life is ended, his work is done ; "the rest is silence." 
 
 Judge Webb closed the memorial session with a few remarks and upon 
 motion of Judge Shields the resolutions and eulogies were ordered to be in- 
 corporated in the court records. 
 
CHAPTER XIII 
 EARLY MEDICINE AND MEDICAL MEN 
 
 By Charles B. Graves. M.D., New London 
 
 The rude and primitive character of the life of our pioneer ancestors is 
 well illustrated by the state of medicine in early colonial times. What was 
 true of the country at large was no less true of New London county. A few 
 adventurous physicians, or at least persons who practiced "Physic," came with 
 the first immigrants, like Samuel Fuller of the "Mayflower," Giles Fermin of 
 Ipswich, Mr. Pratt of Cambridge, and our own honored John Winthrop. For 
 many years, however, the colonists were greatly lacking in skilled medical 
 service. It is true that as many as one hundred and thirty-four are named by 
 Savage as physicians belonging to the first three generations, that is, up to 
 i6q2. Many of these, however, were ministers and others who practiced medi- 
 cine more or less in addition to their regular vocations. But there is no doubt 
 that the number of trained and educated physicians in the whole country before 
 i/OO was pitifully small. The rigorous conditions of life in the new settlements 
 and the entire absence on this side of the ocean of medical centers of learning 
 and research, the utter lack of hospitals and libraries, and the meager pecuniary 
 returns, were distinctly repellent. This last consideration was voiced by Giles 
 Fermin (Steiner," p. 2, quoting Hutchinson) : "I am strongly sett upon to 
 Studye divinity; my studies else must be lost, for physic is but a meane help." 
 Pratt also had siimlar troubles, as noted by Governor Winthrop. "But he had 
 long been discontented because his employment was not so profitable to himself 
 as he desired, and it is like he feared lest he should fall into want in his old 
 age." (Packard," p. 12.) Nevertheless, with growth of the population of the 
 colonies, the number of physicians did gradually increase. Some few of these 
 had a college education. A very small proportion had medical degrees, mostly 
 obtained in England or Scotland.* 
 
 Not until 1765 was a medical school established in this country. In that 
 year the sixteen year old University of Pennsylvania organized a medical de- 
 partment. This was closely followed in 1768 by the Medical School of Kings 
 College, in the city of New York, of which the College of Physicians and Sur- 
 geons of the University of New York was a direct continuation. The year 
 1783 witnessed the founding of the Harvard Medical School, 1798 that of 
 Dartmouth. So that down to the year 1800 there were only four medical 
 ?chools in the whole United States. According to Packard* (p. 156), "It has 
 been estimated that at the outset of the War for Independence there were 
 upward of three thousand five hundred practitioners of medicine in the colonies 
 of whom not more than four hundred had received medical degrees." Even 
 until well down into the 19th century the general custom was for the young 
 aspirant to the medical profession to repair to some physician of established 
 reputation and put himself under his tutelage. In fact, he was apprenticed to 
 
 ♦Superior figures refer to authorities citei! al ciul of ihis ch:';>;er. 
 
364 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 him for a certain definite term. It frequently happened that the preceptor was 
 father, unple or other relative of the student. Oftentimes it was some nearby 
 prominent doctor. In other cases a special reputation drew scholars from a 
 greater distance. For a local example, in 1753 a grandson of Joshua Hemp- 
 stead, the diarist, was apprenticed for a year or more to Dr. Ezekiel Porter of 
 Wethersfield. Certain eminent practitioners such as Dr. Jared Eliot of Killing- 
 worth, Drs. Norman Morrison and Lemuel Hopkins of Hartford, and Drs. 
 Philip Turner and Philemon Tracy of Norwich, maintained what were in fact 
 small private medical schools, and had a considerable following of students. 
 The life of the medical apprentice had its hard and unpleasant features. Many 
 of his tasks were decidedly menial. Taking care of the doctor's horses, running 
 errands, preparing and putting up medicines are samples of the duties falling 
 upon him. On the other hand, his opportunities were often great. Such book- 
 knowledge as he acquired was doubtless helpful, but the most important and 
 directly valuable part of his education was obtained by precept and example 
 of an old and experienced practitioner. He accompanied the doctor on his 
 daily rounds, was introduced into the household of his patients, and thus had 
 abundant intimate bedside instruction. Of equal importance to his future 
 success was his chance to learn from an older, successful man the art of 
 meeting people and tactful conduct in the sickroom. As Dr. Russell' says: 
 "The fortune of many a brilliant man has been marred by his ignorance of a 
 pleasant entrance and by his want of a graceful departure." Not, to be sure, 
 that a gracious manner was always characteristic of the noted men of those 
 days. Quite the contrary, all too often a brusqueness of manner and a rude- 
 ness of speech either natural or gradually acquired were characteristic of men 
 of marked ability and large following. If backed by practical success and 
 especially by a kind heart, such mannerisms were forgotten. On the other 
 hand, then as now, such peculiarities, associated with a self-confident manner 
 and an authoritative tone, often cloaked real mediocrity. Not only was the 
 instruction practical and intimate, but it was also broad. The doctor until 
 recently, and more especially in early days, was par excellence a general prac- 
 titioner. His practice ran the gamut of all diseases and injuries, and he had 
 to do his best with any condition that might arise. As a rule, also, he carried 
 the responsibility alone, but in important cases consultations were not infre- 
 quently resorted to. Furthermore, there were no apothecaries or drug stores, 
 and he was obliged to prepare and dispense his own medicine. Besides the old 
 familiar drugs, native herbs were also used to a considerable extent. His was 
 also a family practice, and the close bond of doctor and patient was often 
 unbroken for two or three generations. 
 
 Under such conditions the medical novice found his education. Not always 
 was his lot a hard one. To the satisfaction of good work done and the sense 
 of power born of his new knowledge and training, there were oftentimes added 
 other amenities. The intimate relationship established between the doctor's 
 famil-- and the medical student in many instances ended in a romance as a 
 result of which the young man later married one of his preceptor's daughters. 
 Such were the conditions generally obtaining as regards the training of doctors 
 down t(i the earlv nineteenth century. A survival of the old custom seen in the 
 
EARLY MEDICINK AXD AIEDICAE MEN 365 
 
 retention of preceptor in addition to the course in a regular medical school, did 
 not die out entirely until the fourth quarter. It is worth while occasionally to 
 attempt to visualize the life of an old-time practitioner, if only that we may 
 contrast it with present-day conditions. Dr. Russell' (p. 208-210) has given 
 a good description, from which I quote: 
 
 "The doctor was usually a familiar in the household, and while he was the 
 subject of criticism and gossip, was yet retained in service longer than at 
 present. The opportunity for change was not convenient, and then, too, there 
 was, I suspect, a stronger bond of union between patient and physician than 
 generally prevails at this day ; for the intercourse which was begun with the 
 father was continued with the children, until death broke the bond which had 
 united them so long. 
 
 "The physician who was in demand generally traveled long distances, and, 
 consequently, was much away from home. Starting early in the morning, a 
 tedious ride was before him, always on horseback in the early days, and it was 
 quite unknown when he would return. The regular office hours of the modern 
 doctor were altogether beyond his knowledge, and probably beyond his belief. 
 He knew nothing of ease and leisure, but plodded on in his daily calling, his 
 round of duty as tiresome and endless as that of the farmers' wives all over 
 the country. He expected to find his dinners where time had conveniently 
 placed him. 
 
 "The saddlebags of leather held precious drugs, which were carried about 
 from day to day. When borne into the house, the opening must have excited 
 the wonder of the children as much as the tin trunk of the peddler at a later 
 period. A store of powders, pills, and tinctures, syrups, and electuaries, com- 
 pounds under names not now known by us. roots and leaves, enabled him to 
 prescribe freely, and probably efifectually ; he carried with him a little of every- 
 thing which was needed for immediate use." 
 
 The charges seemed very small, a shilling or even less per visit, with some 
 increase due for mileage being the common fee down nearly or quite to 1800. 
 After that, fifty cents was the usual charge. However, such a sum must be 
 considered in relation to the purchasing power of money at the time, and 
 relatively would not be as small as it looks at first sight. Medicines, however, 
 seem to have been quite costly ; at least the charges for them represent a con- 
 siderable part of the expense of medical attendance. Competition was not 
 lacking. Besides the clergymen and school-masters who frequently attended 
 the sick, there were midwives who had a large share of the obstetric practice, 
 and also men who bled or pulled teeth. The universal prevalence of all sorts 
 of superstitions is a characteristic of those early times which is familiar to 
 all, but which may be mentioned as hampering the eflforts of the clear-headed 
 medical men and delaying medical progress. 
 
 Another outstanding feature of those times was the almost utter lack of 
 sanitary knowledge and practice among all classes of people, and of course 
 among the immigrants. The consequences of such ignorance had a profound 
 influence upon the life of the colonists, which reached down to comparatively 
 recent times. The early narratives and correspondence are full of references 
 to the ravages of illness, especially epidemic diseases, and some of the most 
 striking and interesting aspects of our early history have to do w'ith such 
 occurrences. The conditions under which the early immigrants crossed the 
 
366 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 ocean, by reason of overcrowding, poor and insufficient food, and the length 
 of the voyage, not only led to great mortality on the passage, but so under- 
 mined the health of those that survived as to leave them very ill prepared to 
 contend with the hardships and rigorous conditions of the new country whither 
 they were bound. 
 
 A striking instance is related by Packard" (p. 65) : "Upon a voyage to 
 Virginia in 1618 by Francis Blackwell, there were one hundred and eighty 
 of them crowded into a very small vessel. Disease broke out among them 
 and proved fatal to Blackwell and the captain of the ship. By the time 
 Virginia was reached, one hundred and thirty deaths had occurred on the 
 vessel." As is well known, of the one hundred "Mayflower" pilgrims, just half 
 died during the first winter, probably from scurvy. Such devastations were 
 due largely to the debilitated condition brought about by the voyage, which 
 made them an easy prey to infectious diseases, and moreover found them 
 unable to resist the severe climatic conditions of the new land when associated 
 with overcrowding combined with unsuitable and inadequate food. 
 
 The rudimentary knowledge of sanitary science was reflected in the very 
 meager sanitary legislation of early times. Down to near the close of the 
 i8th century such laws as were passed were occasioned usually by particular 
 emergencies, and almost invariably were concerned with preventing the spread 
 of small pox (vid. Lindsley*). 
 
 Epidemic Diseases. — It goes without saying that the conditions just de- 
 scribed were especially favorable to the invasion and spread of infectious 
 diseases. From the beginning, it was such visitations that were especially 
 dreaded. A few years before the Pilgrims landed, the Indians of the Massa- 
 chusetts Bay region had been all but exterminated by an epidemic which has 
 been diagnosed by some as small pox and by others as some form of infectious 
 fever. Without doubt there were infectious diseases in New London county 
 from the beginning, but the first reference known to me occurs in Thomas 
 Minor's' diary, where, February 8th, 1657-58, he mentions a case of measles m 
 his own family. 
 
 Rev. Simon Bradstreet,* who was the second minister of the First Church 
 of New London, records in his diary that July and August, 1670, were sickly 
 in various places, mentioning "Lime and Stonington." The same diarist, after 
 mentioning two deaths occurring in New London in 1683, says: "They both 
 dyed of a malignant feaver wch was very severe thro: this Colony." 
 
 Of all the diseases to which the colonists were subject, the most dreaded, 
 as is well known, was the small pox. The oft-quoted passage in Macaulay 
 will bear repetition. Calling it "The most terrible of the ministers of death," 
 he says: "The small pox was always present, filling the church yards with 
 corpses, leaving in those whose lives it spared the hideous traces of its power, 
 turning the babe into a changeling, at which the mother shuddered, and mak- 
 ing the eyes and cheeks of the betrothed maiden objects of terror to the 
 lover." 
 
 The first mention of the disease in New London county known to me, 
 occurs in the diar- of Manasseh Minor' of Stonington, where in 1689-90 he 
 
EARI,Y MEDICINE AND MEDICAL MEN 367 
 
 records several deaths from the small pox. It is probable that the same out- 
 break affected New London at that time, as appears from Miss Caulkins" 
 quotation from the court records: "June 1690. The Court adjourned to first 
 Tuesday in August on account of the contagious distemper in town." The 
 j'ear 1700 marked the reappearance of small pox in Stonington, and Manasseh 
 Minor mentions cases occurring in that town from time to time during that 
 and the two following years, with at least five deaths caused by that disease. 
 It was part of a very severe and widespread epidemic which reached its 
 height in Boston in 1702. 
 
 The diary of Joshua Hempstead,' which begins in 171 1 and continues to 
 1758, has a number of references to small pox. Under date of April 18, 1719, 
 he notes cases brought in by vessel, and May 9th "Ephraim Avery was buried 
 on Powder Island, he died with the Small Pox on bord of Capt King." 
 
 Powder Island, a small islet a little below Fort Trumbull on the west 
 side of the Harbor, was one of the earliest quarantine stations. Miss Caulkins' 
 (p. 474) says: "The beautiful beach along the mouth of the river, north of the 
 lighthouse, was for many years used as a kind of quarantine ground. At 
 various periods, the small-pox has been a scourge to the town. Between 
 1750 and 1760, vessels were continually arriving with this disease on board. 
 The selectmen were the only health officers, and it fell to them to dispose of 
 the sick, and to the town to defray most of the charges. At the White Beach 
 and Powder Island, such vessels were usually stayed, and there many a victim 
 to the perilous infection was cast into the earth as a thing utterly abhorred." 
 
 Hempstead records its presence again in 1721 and 1730. In the first year 
 the Governor and Council sat at New London and made regulations with 
 regard to small pox. In the latter and following years Hempstead made 
 entries which give an idea of his official duties in connection with such cases. 
 June 22nd and 27th, 1730, he was at court with Justice Plumb "about moving 
 G. Buttolphs Brig down to Powder Island." In 1732, November 8th: "Sent 
 a post to the Govr at Hartford Concerning the Small pox." In 1733 the dis- 
 ease was introduced from the Barbadoes. He writes: "I ordered them to 
 Ly at Powder Island until further orders." Other minor invasions took place 
 in 1746-48. Late in 1752 there were five deaths out of eight cases. November 
 4th he says: "I was with the Selectmen att the Harbours mouth taking Care 
 of Capt Thomas Eames & Crew in a Brigg from New york. Divers of his 
 men & himself Sick with the Small pox." On the 12th he records deaths 
 "att the white-beach in Peter Lattimcrs House." — "buryed yesterday by one 
 of the Sand Banks." On December 8th: "I was most of the day with Mrss 
 Chapman Adam and Hurlbut Selectmen Removing Hannah Preston in Jas 
 Harris's Plouse. She is taken with the Small pox. Widow Hobbs is prest 
 to Nurse her & we Carted Harris's Household Stuff to Doctor Coits house." 
 Two days later: "Sund 10 fair. Mr. William adams pr all day. in the loren 
 I Stayed at home to assist in the small pox aflfair. they have fenced the 
 Highway up from Trumans Corner to Holts & across the hill from Holts 
 Corner to Hills Lot." In 1756 and '57 it appeared again, and in the latter 
 _\ear some of Hempstead's own relatives were affected and moved "to the 
 lighthouse so called below the harbours mouth." 
 
368 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 As is well known, the practice of inoculation of small pox was introduced 
 in Boston in 1721 by Dr. Zadiel Boylston. The fact that there is no mention 
 of the practice in Hempstead's diary would go to show that it was very late 
 in getting a foot-hold in this part of New England. It was at first everywhere 
 bitterly fought, recognition of its value both in and out of the profession being 
 very slow. The first law bearing upon the subject passed by the Connecticut 
 General Assembly was in 1760, prohibiting the practice in any town except 
 by written consent of the major part of the civil authority and selectmen. 
 The next year it was forbidden altogether. This prohibition was renewed 
 and confirmed no less than twelve times in the ten years to 1769, when it was 
 declared in force for the future. In 1777, however, inoculation was legalized, 
 subject to such restriction as boards of health might impose. (Lindsley.*) 
 
 In the latter part of the century, inoculation hospitals came into vogue. 
 These also met with strenuous opposition at first. The conflict was particu- 
 larly bitter in Norwich (Caulkins." pp. 427-8), beginning in 1760, when the 
 town voted down the following proposition : "Will the town approve of Dr. 
 Elisha Lord's proceeding to inoculate for the Small pox, under any regulations 
 whatever^" The question was brought up again from time to time by those 
 believing in the practice, but always with the same result. "The popular 
 feeling was excited almost to violence whenever the faculty brought up the 
 question." In 1773 a hospital for inoculation was opened by Drs. Philip 
 Turner and Jonathan Loomis on an island off the Stonington shore. They 
 were soon obliged to give it up, however, on account of the violent opposition 
 of the dwellers on the mainland. Miss Caulkins" states that: "In April, 1774, 
 Dr. Loomis was arrested and committed to prison on the charge of having 
 communicated the infection of small pox by inoculation to two persons in 
 Stonington. He escaped from his cell after a few days' confinement, and the 
 Norwich jailkeeper, Sims Edgerton, advertised him and offered a reward for 
 his apprehension, as would have been done in the case of a notorious crim- 
 inal." Dr. Elisha Tracy, also, although recognized as a distinguished and 
 skillful physician, was, according to Dr. Woodward" (p. 176), presented by 
 two grand jurors of the county "for communicating the Small-pox by inocula- 
 tion to Elijah Lathrop and Benjamin Ward, both of Norwich aforesaid, and 
 sundry other persons against the peace, and contrary to the laws of this 
 State." He plead guilty, and "was held in a recognizance of sixty pounds, to 
 appear and answer before the county court." Further efforts were made 
 by Drs. Elihu Marvin and Philemon Tracy in 1787 to get permission to open 
 a hospital for inoculation, subject to the control of the selectmen, but in vain. 
 As the next best thing, however, they found two suitable sites near the river 
 in the town of Montville, and there, together with Drs. Jeremiah Rogers and 
 David H. Jewett of Montville, as their associates, they at last were able to 
 carry on the practice unhindered. Not until 1795 did the town of Norwich 
 vote authority to Drs. Tracy and James W. Whiting to open in the following 
 spring an inoculation hospital within the town limits under the regulation 
 of the civil authority. 
 
 So far as New London is concerned, there appears no evidence of any 
 strenuous controversy. Miss Caulkins' gives the town record of June 23. 
 
EARLY MEDICINE AND MEDICAL MEN 369 
 
 1777, as follows: "voted almost unanimously to admit of inoculation of small 
 pox agreeably to a resolve of the General Assembly in May last." In the '90s 
 there were two such hospitals in the town, one kept by Dr. Thomas Coit, Jr., 
 the other by Dr. Samuel H. P. Lee. 
 
 A few years later, following Jenner's immortal discovery in 1799 of the 
 efificacy of vaccination as a preventive of small pox, inoculation became a thing 
 of the past. Vaccination was taken up in this country with remarkable 
 promptness. One of the first physicians in Connecticut to adopt and push 
 the practice was Dr. Elisha North, then living in Goshen, but later a resident 
 of New London. Other physicians of the county who were early advocates 
 and users of the method were Drs. John R. Watrous of Colchester, and Dr. 
 Vine Utley of East Lyme. It appears from Dr. Watrous' ledger that he 
 frequently employed Dr. Utley to come up to Colchester and do his vaccin- 
 ating. The ordinary charge was six shillings. Thus in 1805-06 items like 
 the following are not infrequent: "To 2 inoculations for Kine Pock by Doct 
 Utley -0-12-0." (Dr. John R. Watrous. mss. Ledger C.) With the general 
 adoption of the practice epidemics of small pox became more and more rare. 
 
 Passing to other infectious diseases, the first mention of the occurrence 
 of measles in this county, so far as I know, occurs in the diary of Thomas 
 IMinor" of Stonington. He writes under date of February 8th, 1657-58, "Joseph 
 had the measles." In the winter of 1713-14 New London was severely visited 
 with the disease, according to Hempstead,' and there were seven deaths in 
 two months. This outbreak, which continued until 1716, was probably the 
 latter part of the general epidemic of mea.sles in America which Webster" 
 says prevailed in 1713. Hempstead notes also several deaths from the disease 
 in 1740, coincident with a state-wide epidemic of severe character. Undoubt- 
 edly other outbreaks have taken place at more or less irregular intervals, but, 
 as applying to our county, precise information is lacking. 
 
 Of other infectious diseases special mention should be made of diphtheria. 
 In 1689 there was in New London a severe epidemic of what was probably 
 this disease. Miss Caulkins' quotes the town clerk's record as follows: "An 
 Accompt of severall persons Deceased by the present Distemper of sore 
 throats and flfeaver which Distemper hath passed through most familys & 
 proved very mortall with many Especially to those that now have it in this 
 more than ordinary Extremity of hot weather, the Like haveing not been 
 knowne in ye Memory of man." There were twenty-five deaths in the town 
 that summer, most of them from the epidemic disease. 
 
 The first record in Hempstead of diphtheria occurs July 23rd, 1726, when 
 a child of four "died with a distemper of the throat." He notes it again in 
 1 73 1 and '36. In the latter year there were fourteen deaths in New London 
 from the disease during seven months. He calls it variously, "throat dis- 
 temper," "sore throat distemper," and what he speaks of as "canker" was 
 doubtless the same disease. Cases were frequent also in 1743-44 and 1751-56. 
 
 Dysentery, "bloody flux," is another disease which terribly ravaged the 
 settlements in early times. The first notice of it in our region known to me 
 occurs in Hempstead's diary, where cases are cited in September and October, 
 1722. It is not, of course, to be supposed that this was its first appearance. 
 
370 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 Frequently after that, it afflicted the inhabitants, as in September and October, 
 1729, when he records five or six deaths from "bloody flux which distemper 
 prevails much in this town." It appeared again in 1734 and 1753. 
 
 During the last forty years of the i8th century many parts of Connecticut 
 were sorely ravaged by this and other infections. It is not unlikely that New 
 London county may have suffered in like manner, but thus far no records of 
 such have come to my notice. 
 
 Another disease that took a heavy toll was what was called then pleurisy, 
 "malignant" or "putrid," but which was probably in most cases what is now 
 called pneumonia. The first record of it that I have seen, though it had doubt- 
 less occurred earlier, is in Hempstead's diary in 1731, where the entry is: 
 "Died of a Pleurisy Taken Tuesday & buried on Saturd." From then on 
 that disease is mentioned as a frequent cause of death. Later in the century, 
 in 1761, 1781, 1789-90 and 1793, there were epidemics of this disease, probably 
 often with influenza, in other parts of the State. Whether New London 
 county shared in those outbreaks I have no present means of knowing. We 
 have, however, Dr. Vine Utley's" account of an epidemic of influenza with 
 pneumonia in Waterford and Lyme in 1813. Of the other infectious diseases, 
 except for Hempstead's mention of whooping cough, there seems to be little 
 or nothing on record. 
 
 Of malaria, however, there is somewhat more to be said. It was prob- 
 ably present from the early years of the settlement, as it was known in the 
 New Haven colony practically from the beginning. Thomas Minor" under 
 date of August 20, 1670, writes: "hanah had her fifirst ffit," and the next year, 
 May 25th, he notes: "My wife had a fit of ague." In 1668 Mr. Bradstreet' 
 mentions "Feaver and ague" as "very prevalent toward the westward, espe- 
 cially at Guilford." Throughout almost the whole of Hempstead's diary, at 
 least until 175 1, there are frequent allusions to cases of this disease, occurring 
 both in New London and Stonington. The same is true with what was prob- 
 ably typhoid fever, called by Hempstead "nervous" or "long" fever. Both 
 diseases were probably more or less endemic in our area at that time. I have 
 no knowledge of the prevalence of malaria in New London after Hempstead's 
 time until well toward the middle of the next century. There seems to have 
 been an intermission of greater or less duration, for, as stated by C. W. Cham- 
 berlain": "It reappeared in New London county in 1837 lasting till 1843. 
 There were a few cases each year." 
 
 There were epidemics also of doubtful nature. Quoting from another 
 article bv the author" (p. 73) : "In 1724-25 New London was visited by a 
 very malignant epidemic in the course of which there were thirty-five deaths 
 in February and March. Hempstead in his diary says 'fryd 5th (March) fair 
 warm & pleasant wether overhead, but the Most scrrowfull time yt Ever was 
 seen in N. London for Mortality their Lyes now this morning. 6 persons 
 dead & I negro woman of Groton.' Unfortunately, not the slightest clue as 
 to the nature of this disease is given us." 
 
 In the .same paper" (p. 75) another epidemic of uncertain character is 
 thus described: "In 1746 a peculiar disease appeared among the Mohegan 
 
EARLY MEDICINE AND MEDICAL MI':N 371 
 
 Indians. By Webster it is conjectured to have been of the same nature as 
 an epidemic which occurred in Albany, New York, at the same time, and 
 which Dr. Cadwallader Colden called a nervous fever, and Dr. Douglass yellow 
 fever. It began in August and ended with frost. The sick Indians were 
 attended by Dr. Elisha Tracy of Norwich, whose son, Dr. Philemon Tracy, 
 gave Webster his information. The disease, quoting Webster, 'began with 
 severe pain in the head and back followed by fever ; and in three or four days 
 the skin turned 'as yellow as gold,' a vomiting of black matter took place and 
 generally a bleeding at the nose and mouth till the patient died. These are 
 the words of the old Indian as penned by my informant.' Dr. Tracy was 
 affected with the disease but recovered. About one hundred died. This out- 
 break seems to have been confined to the Indians. Its nature must remain 
 in doubt, but the possibility of its having been yellow fever cannot be ex- 
 cluded. That disease had raged in the South in 1741-42, and, as stated, in 1743 
 a 'bilious plague' which was probably the same disease prevailed in New 
 York." 
 
 Some special interest attaches to the epidemic of yellow fever of 1798. It 
 had been imported before, but it had never got a foothold, due without doubt 
 to the fact that the patients had not been accompanied by the mosquito carrier. 
 As regards this outbreak in New London, I will quote again (Graves," pp. 
 82-85) '■ "We have what is probably a fairly accurate contemporary account 
 of this outbreak issued in pamphlet form by Charles Holt, publisher of 'The 
 Bee,' a New London paper of that period. Furthermore, the 'Medical Repos- 
 itory' of New York for the year 1799 contains three letters to Dr. Mitchell, 
 the editor, on the subject, two from the Rev. Henry Channing, and one from 
 Dr. Thomas Coit, both residents of New London. The first victim was Capt. 
 Elisha Bingham, who kept the Union Coffee House on Bank street, in the 
 most populous part of the city. He was suddenly taken August 22 and died 
 after four days. A few days afterward his wife, son and daughter were taken 
 down, and all died. Others in the neighborhood were soon stricken and the 
 disease spread rapidly. Following the first few cases 'the next week witnessed 
 no less than 25 deaths.' It is stated by Holt that within a small space there 
 were fifteen houses inhabited by ninetv-two persons of which number ninety 
 were infected by the disease. Thirty-three of this number died and two only 
 escaped the fever. The disease remained practically confined to an area 
 extending about thirty rods north and the same distance sovith of Capt. 
 Bingham's house, and twenty rods in width. According to Holt, the 'mortality 
 within the aforesaid limits was equal to that among the same number of 
 inliabitants in any part of Philadelphia in the same length of time.' 'It is not 
 surprising that this visitation created a genuine panic in the town. A large 
 proportion of the inhabitants, who at that time in the compact part of the 
 town numbered about 2,800, removed to a greater or less distance.' According 
 to Holt, even the physicians, except for two who were ill, left the city, 'except- 
 ing Dr. Samuel H. P. Lee, to whose lot it fell alone and unassisted to combat 
 the fury of the dreadful pestilence. And his conduct on the occasion was such 
 as will call the warmest sentiment of gratitude and esteem from the citizens 
 of New London, as long as the memory of the Yellow Fever shall exist in 
 
372 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 their minds. He cheerfully sustained the arduous task of visiting and supply- 
 ing with medicine thirty to fifty patients daily, notwithstanding the great 
 fatigue and danger of infection to which he peculiarly exposed himself." 
 Holt's account is followed by Miss Caulkins': "For a large part of the eight 
 or nine weeks that the epidemic lasted he carried the whole load. He received 
 much assistance, however, from a Mr. Gurdon J. Miller, who, though not a 
 physician, was skilled in caring for the sick, which he did without compensa- 
 tion. Moreover, during the latter part of the time, a relative, Dr. James Lee 
 from East Lyme, and Dr. Amos Collins of Westerly, Rhode Island, came to 
 his aid. Dr. Lee himself had an attack of the disease near the end of the 
 epidemic." Holt writes: "In the discharge of the important duty to which he 
 so nobly devoted himself, he was seized with the prevailing disorder, but 
 after a struggle of a few days was happily preserved from falling a sacrifice 
 to his humanity." He received the public thanks of the Committee of Health 
 of the Town, which had been especially appointed for this emergency and 
 which was untiring and most efficient. 
 
 "There were," according to Holt, "more than 350 cases and ninety deaths." 
 Rev. Mr. Channing, however, gives the figures as follows: "We ascertained 
 with a precision to be relied on that the whole number of persons whose 
 complaints clearly indicated the pestilential, or, as it is called, the yellow 
 fever, did not exceed 246; and I give it you as a very important fact, on which 
 you may rely, that, of the above number, 231 cases were clearly traced to the 
 spot where the sickness commenced; that is, the patients were conversant, 
 or had been in that part of the city a few days before they were seized." 
 
 Holt says : "Two or three solitary instances, indeed, occurred, where the 
 disease was taken from an infected person, without any previous communi- 
 cation with the contagious spot. General Marvin, an eminent physician of 
 Norwich, was attacked while attending Mr. Stewart, at Mr. Haughton's, seven 
 miles from the city, and went home and died. But no other person, it is 
 believed, was taken off by the disorder without having been nursing or other- 
 wise in the infected spot; and in general those who lived at only a few rods 
 distance, and avoided any nearer approach, were as secure from the efifects of 
 the fever as though they had removed an hundred miles in the country." In 
 1803 Yellow fever reached New London again, but according to Miss Caulkins' 
 "The disease came from abroad and did not spread among the citizens. There 
 were only very few cases." 
 
 Of the dreaded spotted fever, or cerebro-spinal meningitis, which was 
 such a scourge in other parts of Connecticut in 1807 and 1823-25, New Lon- 
 don county seems to have had no distinct outbreak of any importance. There 
 were apparently a few cases in Waterford in the early '30s, which were seen 
 or attended by the veteran Dr. North. 
 
 In 1832, at the time of the great epidemic of cholera in New York, when 
 there were, according to Wendt, 2,030 cases, with 852 deaths, a few cases 
 appeared in New London, as in New Haven and Hartford. The "New Lon- 
 don Gazette," August, 1832, contains the following note about it: 
 
 "Cholera. — The notice published in the papers of Boston & N. Y. of the 
 
EARLY MEDICINE AND MEDICAL MF.N , 373 
 
 Cholera in this city, has a tendency to alarm our friends and connections 
 abroad, & to interrupt the business between us & the country. The cases 
 which occurred were — Mrs. Dart, who died on Winthrop's Neck and was 
 found by the attending physician in collapsed state; two boys who had eaten 
 a quantity of green peaches, and died before medical aid could reach them, 
 Mrs. Brigg-s, their mother, who in the absence of her nurse and in a high 
 state of perspiration, left her bed and went to an open window ; and Mrs. 
 Pollus, recentlv from N. Y., who had taken salts the day before her death 
 without consulting a physician. All the women were afflicted with a diarrhoea 
 several days previous to applying for medical aid. These are all the deaths 
 that have occurred for 14 days past, with the exception of one person who 
 died of old age. No case of the cholera now exists in this city that we know 
 of. The confidence of the public in the practice of our physicians rernains 
 undiminished ; and we have no doubt that when medical aid is applied for 
 in the early stages of the cholera, it will be successfully combatted." 
 
 Medical Organization. — New London county, and especially the town oi 
 Norwich, is distinguished by the fact that here was made the first move in 
 this State having for its purpose the organization of the profession and its 
 recognition by the State. In September, 1763, eleven physicians oi Norwich 
 petitioned the General Assembly for an act to incorporate the physicians of 
 the State and to provide for examination and licensing of candidates for 
 practice. This memorial was signed by the following: Theophilus Rogers, 
 Joshua Downer, Cyril Carpenter, Php Turner, Obadiah Kingsburj', Joseph 
 Perkins, Physician, Elisha Tracy, Moses Morris, John Barker, Elisha Lord, 
 Ebenezer Robinson. 
 
 The petition was negatived, but the attempt was no less significant. Dr. 
 Woodward" well says: "The presentation of that unpretending Norwich 
 memorial was the initiative step in a series of efforts which have since 
 resulted in the permanent establishment of many flourishing State Associa- 
 tions, and within a few years of the National Association, which has con- 
 tributed in a high degree to purify the ranks, elevate the aims, and make a 
 real unit and fraternity of the profession in America. In the attempts alluded 
 to, it was not the object of the petitioners to secure any immunities or exclu- 
 sive privileges for themselves, but to protect the health of the community by 
 additional securities. At that time there was no authority in the State legally 
 qualified to confer degrees in a way to discriminate the man of solid acquire- 
 ments from the ignorant pretender." They wished "to establish a standard 
 of education by making a respectable amount of attainments an indis- 
 pensable requisite, to the acquirement of the title," and they "asked for the 
 appointment of a committee legally authorized to examine and approve can- 
 didates if found qualified." 
 
 The rebuff which their petition received at the hands of the General 
 Assembly did not entirely discourage the New London county physicians. 
 Even if they could not gain recognition by legislative action, they could 
 at least form themselves into an association which would secure to them at 
 least some of the benefits of organization. In fact, in September, 1775, a 
 voluntary society was formed calling itself the New London County Medical 
 Society. Dr. John Barker was elected as first president, and was annually 
 
374 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 re-eiected up to the time of his death in 1791. "It is said that at the earlier 
 meetings, which were held monthly, Dr. Philip Turner gave lectures on 
 military surgery." (Woodward.") Further than that, little or nothing is 
 known of the doings of this society. It is beyond doubt, however, that it 
 must have been a powerful factor both in elevating the professional standards 
 of its members and in developing an esprit de corps among them. 
 
 The direct offspring and close successor of the voluntary organization 
 just mentioned was the still flourishing New London County Medical Asso- 
 ciation, which came into being with the incorporation of the Connecticut 
 Medical Society in May, 1792, the year following Dr. Barker's death. Nat- 
 urally, much interest attaches to the first meeting. The original record reads 
 as follows: 
 
 "At a meeting of the Physicians and Surgeons of New London County 
 on the 4th Tuesday of Sept. 1792, agreeable to the act of the General Assembly 
 passed in May last incorporating a Medical Society in the State of Con- 
 necticut — 
 
 "Voted : By a majority present, that the following gentlemen be members 
 of said society for this County, viz." 
 
 Then follows a list of names and residences beginning with "Docf 
 Theophilus Rogers, Norwich," forty-four in all. There is a question whether 
 there may not be a duplication in the names of John Watrous and John R. 
 Watrous. I have been unable to learn whether or not there were two men 
 named John Watrous. Dr. Theophilus Rogers was chosen chairman, and 
 Dr. Simon Wolcott clerk. Unfortunately the members present were not 
 listed, nor was the place of meeting stated, though it was probably Norwich. 
 Some of those thus voted in apparently did not accept their election. Three 
 of the names do not appear again in the records, and in the case of eight 
 others there is only one further mention, always in connection with the 
 abatement of taxes. 
 
 Unfortunately, the early records are very meager. Not until 181 1 do we 
 find given the names of those present at the meetings and a list of the 
 members. In that year there were ten present, and the total membership 
 was given as twenty-one. The next year, out of twenty-five members sixteen 
 were present at the meeting, a large proportion considering the delays and 
 difificulties of travel at that time. It is probable that the membership and 
 attendance during those early years did not vary greatly from the fore- 
 going figures. 
 
 The original list of what may be called charter members contained the 
 names of several men of mark in their day, not only eminent in their pro- 
 fession but conspicuous also for qualities which make for good citizenship. 
 Such were Dr. Theophilus Rogers of Norwich, son of a distinguished physi- 
 cian of the same name, leader of the memorialists of 1763, and incorporator 
 of the State Medical Society; Drs. Thomas Coit and Simon Wolcott of New 
 London, the two most eminent and highly regarded physicians in the south 
 part cf the county; Dr. John R. Watrous of Colchester, a Revolutionary 
 surgeon of note, si;: times president of the State Society, and long the most 
 
EARLY iMEDICINE AND MEDICAL MEN 375 
 
 prominent practitioner of his region; Dr. Philip Turner of Norwich, one of 
 the ablest surgeons of his time, Surgeon General of the Eastern Division of 
 the Continental army, later in association with Dr. Philemon Tracy carrying 
 on a school at Norwich for training young men as physicians and surgeons; 
 and the two Downers of Preston, father and son, who rushed to the aid of the 
 wounded at Fort Griswold. 
 
 During the first twenty-five years following its organization in 1792, 
 there were admitted to its membership several men destined later to become 
 noted in the exercise of their art. Among these, special mention may be 
 made of Drs. Samuel H. P. Lee of New London, William Hyde of Stoning- 
 ton, Vine Utley of East Lyme, George and Nathan Tisdale of Norwich, 
 Thomas Miner then of Lyme afterward of Middletown, Richard Noyes of 
 Lyme, Richard P. Tracy of Norwich, Elisha North, Nathaniel S. Perkins, 
 Archibald Mercer and Dyer T. Brainerd of New London. 
 
 These early meetings were held sometimes in Norwich, "at Mr. Jesse 
 Brown's," sometimes in New London "at Miner's Coffee House," and again 
 "at Mr. Haughton's Tavern at Montville," which was a sort of half-way house. 
 Later on, the meetings were held alternately in Norwich and New London, 
 and the practice has continued until the present day. 
 
 With the lapse of time and increase of population the membership grad- 
 ually increased until about 1830 from thirty-eight to forty-one members were 
 listed, and the attendance varied from eleven or twelve to eighteen or twenty. 
 About this time, too, the names begin to appear of men well remembered by 
 the older members of the present time. Of these may be mentioned Drs. R. A. 
 Mnnwaring, L G. Porter, Ashbel Woodward, Mason Manning and Elisha 
 D' er, Jr. During the '30s the list of members ran from thirty-eight to fifty- 
 nine, with an attendance of eleven to twenty-one ; during the '40s, from 
 fifty-seven to sixty-five were taxed as members, and from twenty to twenty- 
 five attended the meetings. About that time the New London City Hotel 
 and the Merchants' Hotel in Norwich were generally the meeting places. 
 
 The association has alwavs included in its membership most of the rep- 
 resentative medical men of the county. During its long and honorable past 
 it has exercised a powerful influence for good, fostering good will and mutual 
 respect among its m.embers, raising and maintaining ever higher professional 
 standards, and directly and indirectly in various ways working for the general 
 good of the public. 
 
 Early Physicians. — The shortcomings of the following account none can 
 realize more keenly than the author. With the scanty leisure at his dis- 
 posal, he has found it impossible at this time to attempt a complete list of 
 the former medical men of the county, or to give more than sketchy treatment 
 of lives which deserve the fullest possible biography. If the other towns had 
 been as fortunate as ancient Norwich in having an Ashbel Woodward, there 
 
 The author wishes here to acknowledge his indebtedness to Mrs. Elisha E. Rogers of 
 Norwich, Miss Celeste Rush of Niantic, and Mr. R. ]'.. W.ii! of New Londoii, who have 
 kindly supplied him with facts of interest and importance. 
 
376 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 would be little left for the late-coming medical annalist. As they were not 
 so favored, it is hoped that even this cursory and inadequate gathering to- 
 gether of scattered records may be not without interest.* 
 
 As pointed out by Dr. Steiner in his interesting Historical Address: "Of 
 the three classes of medical practitioners — the priest physician, the regular 
 physician, and the empiric or charlatan — Connecticut appears to have pos- 
 sessed them all." It is well known that the very earliest physicians of many 
 parts of the colony often belong to the first class. This was not true in 
 general of New London county, and as for its first physician, he must cer- 
 tainly be placed among the regular physicians, although not actually holding 
 the medical degree. This count}' may well be proud of the distinction of its 
 claim to John Winthrop the Younger, first Governor of Connecticut, as its 
 earliest and one of its most famous ph)'sicians. The story of his life has been 
 told so often that only an outline may be recalled here. Born in England, 
 February I2th, 1605-06, he first came to America in 1630. Founder of Say- 
 brooke, later of New London, he resided in the latter town until in 1657 he 
 became the first Governor of the Colony. After that time he lived chiefly in 
 Hartford. He died in Boston, April 5th, 1676. Having a marked taste for 
 the natural sciences, a good knowledge of medicine for his time was among 
 his accomplishments, which his generous and sympathetic temperament led 
 him to practice so far as other demands upon his time would allow. A con- 
 siderable amount of correspondence and other data are extant showing the 
 wide range of his interests, and the high degree of confidence reposed in his 
 knowledge and skill by all classes of his fellow citizens. 
 
 There were probably others practicing the healing art in this county 
 contemporaneously with Winthrop, but we know next to nothing about them. 
 Unless made prominent by some other activity, as in church or politics, their 
 very names are apt to be forgotten with the lapse of time. For several gen- 
 erations after the founding of the colony it was too often true, as Dr. Wood- 
 ward" (p. 167) says, that "many devoted to the duties of their calling the 
 undivided energies of long and laborious lives, reaping only a scanty pecuni- 
 ary recompense for the present, and no place at all in the grateful recollection 
 of posterity." 
 
 As regards the early physicians of Norwich, I can add nothing to Dr. 
 Woodward's admirable accounts, and almost all my facts are drawn from 
 that source. We are indeed fortunate in having such accurate and full 
 biographies written by one skilled in historical and genealogical research. 
 Of the profession as a whole in Norwich, Dr. Woodward has this to say: 
 "The medical profession in ancient Norwich was more than respectable; was 
 distinguished. As practitioners, several of its members had few superiors 
 on the continent. As reformers of abuses and peerless advocates of salutary 
 though unpopular changes, they held a place in the foremost rank." Of the 
 following, some belonged to Norwich proper, others to that part which was 
 called at first Norwich West Farms, and afterward Franklin. 
 
 Dr. John Olmstead (or Holmstead) appears to have been the very first 
 medical man of the place. He was from Saybrooke in 1660 and practiced both 
 
EARLY MEniCINK AND AIEDICAT, M F.N 377 
 
 in the town proper and at West Farms. "He was something of a surgeon, 
 and is said to have had considerable skill in the treatment of wounds, particu- 
 larly those caused by the bite of the rattlesnake. He was fond of frontier 
 life, and enjoyed to a high degree the sports of the chase." He died in 1686. 
 
 Dr. Solomon Tracy, born about 1651, came to Norwich with his father, 
 Lieut. Thomas Tracy and family, in 1660. He studied with the last-named, 
 and practiced both in Norwich and Franklin. Miss Caulkins" says: "He 
 must be remembered among the solid men of the first generation. Very 
 active in all town afTairs." He died July 9th, 1732. 
 
 Dr. Caleb Bushnell, born May 26, 1679, married January 9th, 1699-1700, 
 Ann Leffingwell, and had one son and five daughters. "Captain Bushnell, as 
 he was more generally called, died February 18, 1724-25, having accumulated 
 by sagacity in business an estate of about £4000." He held various town 
 offices. 
 
 Dr. David Hartshorne was the earliest physician to actually settle in 
 P'ranklin. He was born in Reading, Mass., in 1656, and moved to Franklin 
 about 1700. He was "highly esteemed as a physician, and was a leading man 
 both in civil and ecclesiastical affairs." He died November 3rd, 1738. 
 
 Dr. John Sabin, born in Pomfret, 1696, early removed to that part of 
 Franklin called Portapaug, where he built up a large practice. He died March 
 2nd, 1742. 
 
 Dr. Thomas Worden studied with Dr. Hartshorne, and lived near the 
 present village of Baltic. He died 1739. 
 
 Dr. Theophilus Rogers was born in Lynn, Mass., October 4th, 1699. He 
 studied in Boston, and practiced there for a time. Later he moved and 
 settled in Norwich West Farms, where he resided until his death, September 
 29, 1753. "While he possessed firmness and good judgment as a physician, 
 his natural timidity was excessive. It is said that he built his house very 
 low between joints in order to avoid danger from high winds, and covered 
 the windows with wooden shutters, to keep out the glare of lightning. When- 
 ever called abroad in the night, he preferred to have someone accompany him." 
 
 Dr. Joseph Perkins was born in Norwich, in 1704, and graduated from 
 Yale at the age of 23. Dr. Woodward writes of him: "Having enjoyed the 
 best medical instruction obtainable, he opened an office in the present Lisbon. 
 Possessed of brilliant talents, ardent in the pursuit of knowledge and venture- 
 some in experiment, he became distinguished as a daring surgeon. Most 
 of the capital operations of the circumjacent country were perfermed by 
 his hand. . . . Dr. Perkins was also a man of piety, patriotism and 
 benevolence." He married, July, 1730, Mary, second daughter of Dr. Caleb 
 Bushnell, before mentioned. "His eldest son. Dr. Joseph, became an eminent 
 physician in his native town; was the father of Dr. Joseph Perkins, late of 
 Norwich, and Dr. Elijah Perkins of Philadelphia, who died in 1806." An- 
 other son, Dr. Elisha Perkins of Plainficld, was the famous inventor of the 
 "metallic tractors" which for a time were all the rage both here and in 
 Europe. The first Dr. Perkins died July 7th. 1794. He was a memorialist 
 of 1763. 
 
3/8 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 Dr. John Barker was an eminent physician of Franklin, born in Lebanon, 
 lyzc). He studied with Dr. Joseph Perkins and began practice about 1750. 
 "As a physician, Dr. Barker enjoyed an enviable popularity both with the 
 public and the profession. He was extensively employed in consultation 
 throughout eastern Connecticut, and great deference was yielded to his opin- 
 ions. . . . He was a man of sparkling wit, quick perceptions, sound common 
 sense, and, not least, generous heart. It was to these strong and noble traits 
 of character that he owed his success, for he was not graced with elegance 
 of person or polish of manner, nor did his pointed repartees derive their force 
 from any fastidious selection of words." He was also popular as a medical 
 teacher. He was one of the original memorialists of 1763, and was the presi- 
 dent of the voluntary New London County Medical Society from its forma- 
 tion in 1775 until his death, June 13, 1791. He was evidently a man of marked 
 originality and great force of character. 
 
 Dr. Obadiah Kingsbury was a student of Dr. Barker. He was born in 
 1735, and practiced in Franklin. "Though dying in 1776 at an early age, he 
 accumulated by his industry a handsome estate." He also was one of the 
 memorialists of 1763. 
 
 Dr. Nathaniel Hyde, another student of Dr. Barker, was born in Franklin 
 in 1746, and located in his native town. "He was a judicious practitioner, 
 though his remedies were chiefly of a domestic character. His field of labor 
 was limited, and he had abundant leisure, which was devoted to reading and 
 meditation. . . . He is said to have done most of his business on foot." 
 He never married, and died in 1832. He was a charter member of the New 
 London County Medical Association. 
 
 Dr. Benjamin Ellis was born in Franklin, in 1752; "he studied with Dr. 
 Joshua Downer of Preston, and settling in Franklin acquired an extensive 
 practice, particularly in the department of obstetrics." He died in 1825. He 
 also was an original member of the County Medical Association. 
 
 Dr. Elijah Hartshorne, another native of Franklin, was born in 1754. 
 "He studied with Dr. Philip Turner, and located in the southern part of his 
 native society. Dr. Hartshorne was a careful and judicious practitioner. His 
 field was a circumscribed one, and he did his business on foot." His name 
 appears in the list of original members of the County Medical Association. 
 He died in 1830. 
 
 Dr. Theophilus Rogers, Jr., was born about 1731, married, March 25th, 
 1754, Penelope Jarvis of Roxbury, Mass., and had one son and three daugh- 
 ters. He studied with his father, and established himself at Bean Hill. "He 
 was noted for rigid adherence to etiquette and nicety in matters of dress and 
 appearance. Habitual courtcsj^, graceful manners and skill in the winsome 
 play of conversation threw a charm around his presence which was felt alike 
 by young and old." He was very active during the Revolution, and a member 
 of the committee of safety. He headed the memorialists of 1763, was an 
 incorporator of the State Medical Society, a charter member and the first 
 chairman of the County Medical Association. In 1798 the honorary degree 
 of M. D. was conferred upon him by the Connecticut Medical Society. 
 
 Dr. Elihu Marvin was born in Lyme, about 1753, a graduate of Yale in 
 
EARLY MEDICINE AND MEDICAL MEN 379 
 
 1773, and a student witli Dr. Theophilus Rogers, Jr., of Norwich, whose 
 daughter he later married. In 1777 he entered the army in Colonel Durkee's 
 regiment as adjutant. He wintered at Valley Forge, and won a high reputa- 
 tion as a brave and efficient officer. After the war he was a leader in reor- 
 ganizing the militia, and, rapidly rising in rank, was appointed brigadier- 
 general in 1793. In 1798, when the yellow fever broke out in New London, 
 Dr. Marvin went to New York to study the disease in order to qualify him- 
 self for its treatment. Upon his return he was called to attend one or more 
 patients with that disease. Holt states that he took the infection "while 
 attending Mr. Stewart at Mr. Haughton's, who lived at Montville," and died 
 a few days afterward. To quote Dr. Woodward again: "Like many noble 
 brethren in a calling around which dangers thicken frightfully when 'pesti- 
 lence walketh in darkness and destruction wasteth at noonday,' he offered his 
 life in the devoted endeavor to ward off the blow of the destroyer from others. 
 His death sent a pang through the community, falling crushingly upon an 
 amiable wife and six small children." "Dr. Dwight Ripley, an intimate and 
 valued friend, was with him much in his brief illness of four days, and, with 
 his father-in-law. Dr. Rogers, was the only man who had the courage to 
 assist in preparing his body for burial." (Salisbury," VIII, p. 166.) He died 
 September 13, 1798, and was buried in Chelsea Landing burial ground. He 
 was an original member of the County Medical Association. 
 
 Dr. Benjamin Wheat was born in Cambridge, Mass., in 1709, the son of 
 Dr. Samuel Wheat. He studied with his father, and when twenty-one years 
 old moved to Norwich, where he lived a little below Bean Hill. He had many 
 students, and a practice which extended over thirty years. 
 
 Dr. Elisha Tracy was born in Franklin, 1712, a graduate of Yale, 1738, 
 and studied medicine with Dr. Theo[>hilus Rogers, Sr. "He possessed thor- 
 ough classical scholarship and was well versed in medical literature." He 
 was a member of the committee which in 1775 was appointed to examine all 
 candidates for positions of surgeon and surgeon's mate in the army. His 
 activity in relation to small pox inoculation has already been noted. He was 
 a memorialist of 1763. He died in 1783, "widely beloved and lamented." 
 
 Dr. Philemon Tracy, son of the preceding by his second wife, Elizabeth 
 Dorr of Lyme, was born May 30, 1757. "Having enjoyed the professional 
 teachings of his father and Dr. Philip Turner, he practiced medicine in his 
 native town for more than fifty-five years. His forte lay in the patient and 
 thorough investigation of chronic diseases, especially those which, from their 
 complications, demanded deep research and accurate discrimination. Hon- 
 orable as a counselor and faithful as a physician, his services were extensively 
 sought both at home and abroad." Mrs. Sigourney" has left a word-picture 
 of him which deserves quotation : 
 
 "I think I see now that cautious mentor-like person, so grave and cour- 
 teous, his countenance marked with deep thought and kindness — Dr. Phile- 
 mon Tracy. I remember him among my benefactors. From his father he 
 inherited medical skill and, monopolizing the principal practice of the city, 
 j'et let the pressure of his business be ever so great, he studied a new case 
 as a faithful clergiman does a sermon. He happily avoided the extremes 
 
3So NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 which my Lord Bacon has designated: 'Some physicians are so conformable 
 to the humor of the patient that they press not the true treatment of the 
 disease, and others are so bound by rules as to respect not sufficiently his 
 condition.' But the practice of our venerated healer was to possess himself 
 of the idiosyncrasies of constitution as well as of the symptoms of the 
 disease, to administer as little medicine as possible, and to depend much on 
 regimen and rousing the recuperative powers to their wonted action. His 
 minute questions and long deliberation inspired confidence, while the sen- 
 tentious mode of delivering his prescriptions gave them a sort of oracular 
 force." 
 
 He was an incorporator of the Connecticut Medical Society, an original 
 member of the County Medical Association, and several times Fellow of the 
 State Society. He received the honorary degree of M. D. from the Con- 
 necticut Medical Society in 1816. He was blind for several years before his 
 death, which occurred in 1837, at the age of eighty. 
 
 Dr. Philip Turner was one of the most distinguished men in the medical 
 profession that Eastern Connecticut has ever produced. He was born Feb- 
 ruary 25, 1739-40. He studied under Dr. Elisha Tracy, whose daughter Lucy 
 he afterward married. In 1760 he was appointed assistant surgeon in a regi- 
 ment at Ticonderoga, and this was renewed in 1761. He became widely 
 acquainted and popular with the English surgeons, and was thus "afforded 
 opportunities for improvement rarely enjoyed by men from the Colonies." 
 He continued in service until the peace of 1763, when he returned and took 
 up private practice in Norwich. With the breaking out of the Revolution he 
 mmediately entered the army again. Dr. Woodward states that he was with 
 the Connecticut troops on their first campaign before Boston. "He was also 
 with the army in New York in 1776." In 1777 he was "appointed Surgeon 
 General of the Eastern Department of the army, which position he ably filled 
 to the end of the war. He then returned to his private field of labor where 
 he stood unrivalled as an operator." "The late Dr. Shippen of Philadelphia 
 remarked that he had never either in Europe or America seen an operator 
 that excelled him." In association with his brother-in-law. Dr. Philemon 
 Tracy, he instructed many students and lectured upon the essential medical 
 branches. Dr. Turner was a memorialist of 1763, an incorporator of the 
 State Medical Society, and an original member of the County Medical Asso- 
 ciation. About 1800 he moved to New York, and soon afterward was 
 appointed surgeon to the staff of the United States army, which position he 
 held until his death in the spring of 1815. 
 
 Dr. Richard Tozer was a student of Dr. Benjamin Wheat. He lost his 
 life in the Louisburg expedition in 1745, being surgeon's mate under Dr. 
 Norman Morrison. 
 
 Dr. Jonathan Marsh was born in Wethersfield, but settled in Norwich, 
 and became prominent as a surgeon, especially in bone setting. He served 
 as surgeon in the expedition against Crown Point in 1755-56. He died in 1766. 
 His son Jonathan, born 1754, was also somewhat famous in the treatment of 
 fractures. He was an original member of the County Medical Association in 
 1792, and died April i8th, 1798. 
 
EARLY MEDICINE AND MEDICAL MEN 381 
 
 Dr. Elisha Lord was born in Norwich, August 10, 1726. In 1755 he was 
 appointed by the General Assembly surgeon's mate in the Crown Point expe- 
 dition and he was noted as of Farmington. In 1758 an Elisha Lord went as 
 surgeon in the Canadian invasion, and is then said to be of Canterbury. They 
 were probably one and the same person. In 1759-60 Dr. Elisha Lord was 
 surgeon of the First Regiment, and principal director of hospital stores. He 
 was also surgeon of the First Regiment against Cuba, in 1762. He was one 
 of the memorialists of 1763. He died March 16, 1768. 
 
 Dr. Dominique Touzain is mentioned by Miss Caulkins as follows: "On 
 the grave stone of Colonel John Durkee is the following memorial : 'In mem- 
 ory of Doctr. Dominie Touzain who was lost in a hurricane in March 1782 
 in ye 31st year of his age.' " Additional facts have been kindly supplied to 
 me by Mrs. Elisha E. Rogers of Norwich. He was a French surgeon who 
 came from Latrille, France. He was engaged in the Revolutionary War with 
 the American forces, were captured b\- the British, and parnled in 1779. He 
 subsequently came to Norwich, where he married Anna, daughter of Colonel 
 John Durkee. He appears to have gone as surgeon on privateering expedi- 
 tions. The date on the stone seems to be incorrect, as he was known to be 
 living in March, 1783, and was then about to set out on a voyage. 
 
 Dr. Richard Proctor Tracy, son of Dr. Philemon, was born 1791, and in 
 1816 graduated in medicine at Yale. He lived in what was called the Dr. 
 Tracy house, at the foot of Mediterranean Lane, as had his father before him. 
 He joined the County Medical Association about 1816, and continued a mem- 
 ber until his death, March 17, 1871. Dr. Tracy was noted among his con- 
 temporaries not alone for his professional learning and skill, his kindly and 
 genial disposition, but perhaps even more for his wide acquaintance with the 
 best in English literature and for his quaint and original humor. He was 
 affectionately called "Dr. Dick." He never married, and was the last of his 
 family to live in the old homestead. In his obituary notice Dr. Woodward" 
 (1871) remarks: "Thus ends in Norwich the line of medical succession in that 
 family, which commencing with Dr. Solomon, fifth son of Lieut. Thomas, 
 and grand-uncle of Dr. Elisha Tracy, continued for one hundred and eighty 
 years." 
 
 Dr. John Turner, oldest son of Dr. Philip, was born in 1764, and died in 
 1837. He seems to have been a man not only of great professional skill but 
 also of a peculiarly gracious disposition. "Not to mention the heart ever 
 welling forth sympathy for the suffering, the tongue that spoke no words 
 to the sick but words of consolation or cheer, the generous bearing of Dr. 
 Turner toward his medical brethren, his freedom from professional jealousy, 
 and his exertions to promote their welfare, indicated the true nobility of the 
 man." He was an original member of the County Medical Association. 
 
 Dr. Cnirdon Lathrop was btirn December 6th, 1767, in Norwich, grad- 
 uated from Yale in 1787, and married Lucy Ann, daughter of Dr. Philip 
 Turner. He became a member of the County Medical Association in 1793, 
 and died in 1828. 
 
 Dr. Lemuel Boswell was a contemporary of Dr. Marvin, and possessed 
 an extensive practice at the Landing. 
 
38j new LONDON COUNTY 
 
 Dr. Worthington Hooker, born March 2nd, 1806, a graduate of Yale, 
 1825, M. D. Harvard, 1829, was an active member of the County Medical 
 Association, and in active practice in Norwrich from 1830 to 1852. In the 
 latter year he moved to New Haven to accept a professorship in the Yale 
 Medical School. The history of his later life belongs to New Haven. Suffice 
 it to say that for the next fifteen years, till his death, November 6th, 1867. 
 he led an extremely busy life, did an enormous amount of writing and other 
 work, and left a highly honorable record. 
 
 Dr. Ashbel Bradford Haile was born at Putney, \'ermont. May 29, 1806. 
 He was a graduate of Yale in 1835, and in 1842 received his medical degree 
 from same college. Immediately afterwards he settled in Norwich, where, 
 except for three or four years spent in California, he resided until his death, 
 March 8, 18S0. He was a member of the County Medical Association from 
 1S42 until his death. The author of the obituary of Dr. Haile, Dr. L. B. 
 Almy" (iSSo), says of him: "He always took a firm stand against the 
 numerous forms of quackery, and was steadfast in his endeavors to keep it 
 down, so far as possible. He was ... a liberal Christian, a genial gentle- 
 man, devoted husband and father, and a successful, well-informed, hard work- 
 ing physician." 
 
 Dr. Benjamin Fordyce Barker was in practice in Norwich, and a member 
 of the County Medical Association from 1S42 to 1849. In the latter \ ear he 
 moved to New York, where he later attained a national reputation. 
 
 Dr. Benjamin Butler was born January 30th, 1764. In 1787 he issued a 
 circular announcing that he had been "regularly educated by the learned Dr. 
 Philip Turner in the sciences of Physics and Surgery." He afterward moved 
 and settled in New York State. His name is among the charter members of 
 the County Medical Association. At the time of the yellow fever epidemic 
 in New London, the "Connecticut Gazette," issue of October 24th, 1798, 
 published among the list of donors the name of Dr. Benjamin Butler as con- 
 tributing "ten fat sheep." 
 
 Dr. Ashbel Woodward, one if the most distinguished physicians of eastern 
 Connecticut, was born in Willington. June 26th, 1804. Having taken his 
 medical degree at Bowdoin in 1829, he immediately settled in Franklin, and 
 there he lived and worked for the remainder of his long life. He joined the 
 County and State Medical Societies in 1830, was always greatly interested 
 in their welfare, and to near the close of his life took a prominent part in their 
 meetings. He was elected chairman of the County Aledical Association fre- 
 quently, and was Fellow of the State Society no less than fifteen times. He 
 was also president of the Connecticut Medical Society in 1859-60-61, deliver- 
 ing very able presidential addresses, "Historical Account of the Connecticut 
 Medical Society," "Medical Ethics." and "Life." In the Civil War he was 
 examining surgeon of volunteers, and also saw service at the front as surgeon 
 of the 26th Connecticut. The following is taken from the obituary notice by 
 P. C. Woodward, M.D." (1886) : 
 
 "As a physician Dr. Woodward was known for quickness and accuracy 
 of perception. In the sickroom nothing escaped his attention. He was espe- 
 
EARLY MEDICINE AND MEDICAL .M1:N 383 
 
 ciallv successful in desperate cases, detecting with the rapidity of intuition 
 the slightest change in the condition of the patient and anticipating every 
 emergency." 
 
 Notwithstanding his arduous practice, Dr. Woodward found time 
 to follow up certain extra-professional hobbies which interested him, 
 and considering his limited time did a remarkable amount of writing. Be- 
 sides his medical papers, he wrote biographies and memoirs, and a treatise 
 on Wampum. He took the keenest interest in local history and genealogy, 
 the results of which appear in his "History of Franklin" and in his sketches 
 of early Norwich physicians. The latter are models of their kind, and we 
 medical men of this generation owe a deep debt of gratitude to Dr. Woodward 
 for rescuing from oblivion so many of these old-time predecessors of ours 
 and making them live for us again. He possessed the joy of the collector, 
 too; rare books and pamphlets, coins, Indian relics, and especially town and 
 county histories and genealogies all came his way. 
 
 "During his long term of active service Dr. Woodward ministered in 
 sickness to at least six successive generations, and from the beginning to the 
 end commanded the unqualified confidence of his clientage. Often appealed 
 to for counsel and guidance, he was never known to discuss or even mention 
 a matter that came to his knowledge in the sacredness of profesional inter- 
 course. Scrupulous in performing the work of each day, thorough in all 
 undertakings, intolerate of sham and pretense, direct in aims and methods, he 
 pursued uncompromisingly the paths marked out by his conceptions of duty." 
 
 There were not a few other medical men who were for a longer or shorter 
 time before i860 identified with Norwich, and it is a matter for regret that 
 their names only can be entered here. Some of these were: Drs. Robert 
 Bell, George and Nathan Tisdale, William P. Eaton, Chauncey and Reuben 
 Burgess, Elisha Dyer, Jr., Jonathan W. Brooks, Benjamin F. Roath, John P. 
 Fuller, John D. Ford, Jeremiah King, Benjamin D. Dean, Horace Thurston 
 and Daniel F. Gulliver. 
 
 Of the other towns surrounding Norwich. Preston is conspicuous as the 
 home of the two Downers. Dr Joshua Downer was born in Norwich. August 
 6, 1735, married, February 25, 1762, Hulda Crary, and died July nth, 1795. 
 He was one of the memorialists of 1763, an incorporator of the Connecticut 
 Medical Society and an original member of the County Medical Association. 
 He was surgeon of the 8th Regiment in the Revolutionary War, and assisted 
 in caring for the wounded at Fort Griswold in 1781. He lived in Preston City, 
 in a large old house at the north end of the village. 
 
 His son. Dr. Avery Downer, was born in 1763, and succeeded his father. 
 He was present and assisted his father in ministering to the wounded after 
 the battle of Groton Heights. He was assistant surgeon in 1782. An original 
 m.ember of the County Medical Association, he always took a prominent part 
 in all its activities. He was chosen Fellow of the State Society every year 
 from 1800 to 1816, inclusive, and frequently after that. He was also elected 
 chairman of the County Medical Association no less than twenty times. In 
 1817 the Connecticut Medical Society granted him the honorary degree of 
 
384 NEW LONDON COL^NTY 
 
 M. D. He was the last survivor of the battle of Fort Griswold. His death 
 occurred in 1854 at the age of 91. 
 
 Dr. Bishop Tyler was a member of the County Medical Association from 
 181 1 to 1816 and again in 1842-43. But beyond that I have no knowledge 
 of his career. 
 
 Dr. Eleazer Butler Downing was born in Canterbury, December 15, 
 1786. He studied with Dr. Fuller of Plainfield, and at Philadelphia, and 
 began practice in Preston City in 181 1. He joined the County Medical Asso- 
 ciation in 1814, was elected Fellow a number of times, and continued a mem- 
 ber until his death, January 20th, 1870. He was surgeon in the army in the 
 War of 1812. At one time he seems to have kept a tavern, as the Medical 
 Association met in 1838 "at the Inn of Doct. Eleazer Downing, Preston." 
 The little village in the south part of Preston called Poquetannock had its 
 physicians in old times. Of these may be mentioned Drs. Benjamin Harris, 
 Thomas W. Gay, Henry C. Randall, and Phineas Hyde. 
 
 Ciriswold had several substantial physicians in early times, among them 
 Dr. Rufus Smith, who was a member of the Medical Association from 1813 
 to 1830. Dr. Lucius Tyler lived in Jewett City. He joined the Medical 
 Society in 1817 and continued a member until his death in 1847. He was 
 chosen Fellow of the State Society for ten of those thirty years. 
 
 Dr. John C. Tibbitts was also a resident of Jewett City. He joined the 
 Medical Society in 1824, served as clerk in 1828-29, and was several times 
 chosen Fellow of the State Society. He appears to have moved away in 1841. 
 
 In the town of Lisbon one of the leading physicians was Dr. Jedidiah 
 Burnham. He was born in Lisbon in 1755, "studied with Dr. Joseph Perkins, 
 Sr., and for a time practiced in his native town. Late in life he removed to 
 Ohio, where he died in 1840." He was an original member of the County 
 Medical Association. 
 
 Dr. Luther Manning was born in Scotland, Connecticut, in 1748. He 
 settled in Lisbon, and continued there in active practice until near the time 
 of his death. May 7th, 1813. According to the "History of New London 
 Count}'," ■" he was assistant surgeon in the Revolutionary army, and was on 
 duty at New London when the town was burned, September 6th, 1781. He 
 was an original member of the County Medical Society, continuing until 
 1812. He had two sons v^-ho became physicians — Luther in Scotland, Con- 
 necticut, and Mason, whose long and active professional life was mostly 
 passed at old Mystic. Dr. Vine Smith was a member of the County Medical 
 Association from Lisbon from 1824 til! 1852. 
 
 The fine old town of Lebanon was seldom without one or more solid 
 practitioners. Dr. Joseph Comstock was a member of the County Medical 
 Society from 1826 to 1861, and was several times chosen chairman and Fellow 
 of the State Society. 
 
 Dr. Erastus Osgood joined the Medical Society in 1826, and continued 
 a member until 1867. The latter part of his life he practiced in Norwich. 
 Drs. Charles H. Dutton and Elisha Hutchinson were practitioners in this 
 town from about 1828 until 1835. 
 
 Dr. Ralph E. Greene was the son of Dr. Daniel Greene of Auburn, Massa- 
 
EARLY MEDICINE AND MEDICAL MI'.X 385 
 
 chusetts, and was born September 15, 1815. He was a graduate of Amherst 
 in 1835. After completing his medical studies he assisted his father several 
 years, and then settled in Lebanon. He joined the Medical Society in 1844, 
 continuing a member until his death. July 30, 1845, he married Sarah C. 
 Dutton. He died in Lebanon, May 20, 1874. 
 
 At Bozrah, the first physician would appear to have been Dr. Christopher 
 Huntington. He was born in Norwich West Farms, and was "grandson of 
 Christopher the first male child born in Norwich. Dr. Huntington appears 
 to have been the sole physician of New Concord (Bozrah) during its early 
 history." (Woodward.") 
 
 A later and better known physician was Dr. John Scott. He was born in 
 Groton, "studied with Dr. Elisha Tracy and settled in Bozrah. He possessed 
 great professional merit, taught many students, and died at an advanced age." 
 He died February 3rd, 1834, age 88. 
 
 Of Dr. Earl Knight, not much is known. He joined the County Medical 
 Society in 1824 and died in 1832. Something seems to have interfered with 
 his success, as in the 1830 record he is noted as "bankrupt," and his dues 
 abated. 
 
 Dr. Samuel Johnson was born in Bozrah, July 1st, 1805. He studied with 
 Drs. Earl Knight and Joseph Peabody of Montville, attended the College 
 of Physicians and Surgeons in 1828, and graduated from Yale, M. D., in 
 1829. He immediately settled in Bozrah, where he continued to practice 
 during the rest of his long life. He married in 1836 and left three sons. 
 He had students at various times. His obituary notice by Dr. S. L. Sprague" 
 (1879) of Norwich ends as follows: "Dr. Johnson was sincere and earnest in 
 his convictions of duty. He possessed a quick perception of the nature of 
 disease, and was keen in diagnosis. He was an agreeable man to meet in 
 consultation, having kindness of manner, honesty of purpose, good judgement 
 and practical common sense." 
 
 Colchester has been distinguished for several remarkable physicians. 
 The Rev. John Bulkley, son of the Rev. Gershom, was one of the earliest, 
 joining the two professions as his father did before him. His son John, 
 though more conspicuous in the law, is also said to have practiced medicine 
 to some extent. 
 
 Dr. John Richard Watrous was in his day one of Connecticut's shining 
 lights in the medical profession, as well as one of Colchester's most distin- 
 guished citizens. He was born in Colchester, March i6th, 1754. He saw mili- 
 tary service during the whole of the Revolutionary War, and was one of the 
 committee of eighteen appointed to examine candidates for the positions of 
 surgeon and surgeon's mate. Such experience combined with marked native 
 ability gave him a lasting prestige. He was an incorporator of the State Medi- 
 cal Society, of which he was president from 1807 to 1812. He was also an 
 original member of the County Medical Society, served as clerk twice, was 
 chairman six times, and was repeatedly elected Fellow of the State Society. 
 In 1804 he received the honorary degree of M. D. from the Connecticut Medical 
 Society. He maintained a high standing in the community, was most success- 
 ful as a practitioner, and was widely consulted, especially as a surgeon. Dr. 
 
 N.L.— 1-25 
 
3S6 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 Watrous was three times married. He died December 13th, 1842. A full and 
 interesting account of his life is contained in Dr. Russell's article." 
 
 Dr. Thomas Skinner was an original member of the County Medical 
 Society, was chosen Fellow in 1794, and had his tax abated in 1802. A little 
 later Drs. Elijah Butts and John Billings were physicians in Colchester, but 
 of them little is thus far known. 
 
 Dr. Frederick Morgan was born in Groton, September 6, 1791. He was 
 a graduate of Yale in 1813, after which he taught, and from 1816 to 1818 was 
 a tutor in Yale College. Having in the meantime been reading medicine 
 with Dr. John O. Miner, of his native town, he was able to secure his medical 
 degree from Yale in 1S19. He settled in Colchester in 1820, where, except 
 for the years 1824 to 1831, which were passed in Middletown and Ellington, 
 he lived and practiced the remainder of his life. He early married the 
 daughter of Dr. John R. Watrous, and they had six sons and two daughters. 
 
 Dr. Morgan took a keen interest in the welfare of his home town, was 
 trustee of Bacon Academy for many years, and deacon of the church for 
 about forty years. He was a member of the County Medical Society from 
 1822 to 1876. "Dr. Morgan brought to his profession a high order of 
 intellect, a sympathetic heart, and a conscientious fidelity to duty. He 
 preserved throughout life the studious habits formed in his }Outh, and these, 
 aided by a tenacious memor;-, gave him a well-stored and highly cultured 
 mind. . . . His patients felt that with professional skill he brought to 
 them a heart tenderly alive to suffering, and his kindly sympathetic face 
 brought sunshine to many a darkened home. The poor had always a friend 
 in him. He gave them freely his professional skill, and often went beyond 
 his means in supplying them with food and raiment." (Woodward,'" 1878.) 
 He was also greatly interested in antiquarian lore, and was "the standard 
 authority on all matters of local history." He died June i8th, 1877. 
 
 Other physicians of Colchester were Drs. Ezekial W. Parsons, Jonathan 
 Dodge, and James R. Dow. 
 
 Dr. Melancthon Storrs may be mentioned here, although his life belongs 
 mostly to Hartford county. New London county, however, claims the first 
 decade. He was a graduate of Yale in 1852, and M. D. '53. Soon afterward 
 he settled in Colchester, where he continued to practice until the breaking 
 out of the Civil W^ar. In 1861 he was appointed surgeon to the 8th Con- 
 necticut Regiment, and continued in service until July, 1865, being staff 
 surgeon during the last year. At the close of the war he settled in Hartford, 
 which continued his field of work until his death in 1900. He was a member 
 of the New London County Medical Association from 1856 to 1865. 
 
 At Montville, two physicians are listed among the original members of 
 the County Medical Association — Dr. David H. Jewett and Dr. George 
 Rogers. The former has already been mentioned in connection with inocula- 
 tion for small pox. Dr. Joseph Peabody was a prominent physician of the 
 town for many years, and the latter part of his life was spent in Norwich. 
 Other physicians who practiced here in the '30s and '40s were Ephraim 
 Fellows, Henry C. Beardsley, and Jedediah R. Gay. 
 
 Dr. fohn C. Bolles is well remembered b'; the older medical men now 
 
EARLY MEDICINE AND MEDICAL MEN 387 
 
 livin;:. He was a graduate of the Vermont Medical College in 1840. He 
 joined the County Medical Association in 1841, was clerk in '46, several times 
 elected Fellow of the State Society, but withdrew in 1861. In 1885 he 
 rejoined the society and continued a member until his death. 
 
 New London. — In the early part of its history, following John Winthrop, 
 New London had as a resident one who later acquired much reputation as 
 physician and surgeon. The Rev. Gershom Bulkley became the second 
 minister of the First Church of New London in 1661, and while he was 
 never regularly settled or ordained, he remained and preached until 1667, 
 when he removed to Wethersfield. There is no evidence that he practiced 
 medicine while living in New London. He must, however, have taken it 
 up not long afterward, for by 1675 he had obtained sufficient experience and 
 reputation as a practitioner to be sent out as surgeon of the force against 
 the Narragansett Indians. He was largely employed in that capacity during 
 the Narragansett War. In October, 1686, he was licensed to practice by 
 the General Court (Russell," p. 94). He was a man of extensive learning, 
 marked ability and force of character, and exercised great influence in the 
 colon . Two of his sons, while far less distinguished than their father, were 
 well known as practitioners of medicine. 
 
 According to Miss Caulkins' (p. 231) the first notice of any physician in 
 New London was in 1662. On May 19th that year a man named Robert 
 Chanell "died suddenly, having been well in the morning and at 2 o'clock 
 P. M. he lay dead. The verdict of the jury was rendered in accordance with 
 the opinion of 'John North, professor of Physick,' who being summoned on 
 the occasion, declared that his death was occasioned by unseasonable bathing 
 after inordinate drinking." She states also that "he was probably the Dr. 
 John North that died in Wethersfield in 1682." 
 
 The New London County Court Records contain the following: "1687. 
 . . . This court grants liberty unto Mr. Charles Bulkley to practice physic 
 in this county, and grants him license according to what power is in them 
 to do." He was a son of the Rev. Gershom, born in New London, in 1663. 
 He settled in his native town but died young, leaving one child. "His father 
 speaks of him as deceased in an instrument dated Dec. 2nd, 1709." (Russell,* 
 p. 115). His daughter Hannah married. May i8th, 1709, Richard Goodrill 
 of Glastonbury. 
 
 Joshua Hempstead in his diary, May 6th, 1715, notes: "Doctr Stephen- 
 son Died," and the next day: "I was at home & made ye Docters Coffin 81 
 yn at his funeral." Nothing further is known of him. In 1716, Hempstead's 
 wife became very ill following child-birth on July 30th. August 4th he 
 writes: "m-- wife very 111 Mr Winthrop came to visit her in ye Evening used 
 means for her Relief & Mr Miller Let her blood in. Sund 5 fair. My Dear 
 Wife Died about half an hour before Sunrise." A few days later, two of 
 his children were tnken very ill, Joshua with "a Sore Throat & fevar," Rashel 
 with "a feaver & flux." Joshua was taken Extream bad about Midnight. I 
 called Mr Jer Miller ye Schoolmaster and physition who readyly gat up 
 Came to See him & tarr ed al night using Such Means as he thought most 
 proper." The next day, however, he records : "my Dutyful Son Joshua Died 
 
3^.'^ NEW LONDOX COUNTY 
 
 about Noon like a Lamb being 17 years & 20 days old a patren of patience." 
 
 "Mr. Jer Miller" was Jeremiah Miller, graduate of Yale in 1709. He 
 "studied medicine, and in 171 1 settled in New London." (Dexter," Vol. I, 
 pp. 83-84.) Miss Caulkins' (p. 399) states that "he was engaged as principal 
 of the grammar school in New London, in 1714, and continued in that situa- 
 tion for twelve or fifteen years." March 2nd, 1717-18, he married Mary, 
 s.econd daughter of Governor Gurdon Saltonstall. He was one of the leading 
 citizens of the town and held several positions of much responsibility. From 
 1732 to '47 he was Representative in the General Assembly, and was justice 
 of the peace for many years. According to Dexter," in 1737 he was "appointed 
 naval officer of the port of New London, being the only port for the entry 
 and clearing of large vessels in the colony — and so continued until his death." 
 He died March 15th, 1756. On the previous day Hempstead makes the 
 following entry : "Mr Miller was taken this aftern about 2 Clock with Con- 
 vulsion fitts. I went to visit him in the Evening, he had 10 or 12 they Say 
 after Sunset & vomited but then Soon Lay Still in a Doze & So I left him 
 as in a Slumber his family & friends around him." 
 
 Of Dr. Charles Acourt, Hempstead on February 28th, 1726-27, notes 
 that he had to "assist on an Arbitration between Majr Merriot & Doctr 
 Accourt &c." Again on March gth ; "I was on the Arbitration between Majr 
 Merriot & Doctor Accourts Administrators." The only other item about 
 him that I have found is contained in the proceedings of the Governor and 
 Council in New London, July 28th, 1721, which is quoted by Dr. Russell' 
 (p. 222). The sheriff having a warrant from the Governor "to search for 
 and seize whatsoever he might find imported into the Colony out of the 
 piratical ship ... he had taken a negro boy, supposed to be about 12 or 
 13 years old, at Dr. Accourts in Say Brook." I am informed by Mr. R. B. 
 Wall that in the New London land records there is a deed by Samuel Richards 
 to Charles Accourt, 1739-40. which proves that his house stood on the west 
 side of the Mill Brook, "northward from the bridge," making it probable 
 that it was the old Bulkley-Hallam house. This Accourt bought several 
 other pieces of property, and as there is no record that he sold anything, he 
 probably lived in New London until his death. Hempstead's note would 
 imply that Dr. Accourt had died in 1727. Whether the Accourt of the land 
 records was of his family does not appear. 
 
 Hempstead records the death of Dr. Giles Goddard, Januarj' 31st, 1757, 
 "aged between 50 & 60. He hath been decrepid with the Gout &c Several years 
 & of late Confined to his house & Bed." Dr. Goddard was one of the sub- 
 scribers Tune 6th, 1725, contributing "for the building and erecting a Church 
 for the service of Almighty God. according to the Liturgie of the Church of 
 England as by law established." (Caulkins." p. 440.) Dr. Goddard was of 
 Groton, but soon after settled in New London. He was one of the first 
 vestrymen of the Episcopal Society, elected in 1732. He seems to have had 
 a high reputation for professional skill and to have enjoyed the respect and 
 confidence of his fellow-townsmen. Hempstead frequently records his pro- 
 fessional activities from 1737 on. He resided on Bradley street in 1743. 
 
 Dr. Guy Palmes was contemporary with Dr. Goddard. Hempstead makes 
 
EARLY MEDICINE AKD MEDICAL Ml'.N 389 
 
 the following; entry. March 27th, 1757; "Dr. (juy Palmes Died before noon 
 aged near 50 I suppose with ye Dropsie." He was apparently the son of 
 Andrew Palmes of New London, who was baptized October ist, 1682, and 
 died in 1721, and grandson of Major Edward Palmes. Dr. Palmes was also 
 "an early and important member of the Episcopal Society" (Caulkins,' p. 
 444). He is mentioned several times by Hempstead, and it is evident that 
 he stood high in the profession. In 1745 he was living on Bank street. 
 
 Dr. Thomas Coit, St., came a little later than the two last mentioned. 
 Hempstead's first mention of him is on December 9, 1752. Miss Caulkins' 
 (p. 476) says of this period: "Dr Thomas Coit was the principal physician. 
 He had nearly the whole medical practice of the town for forty years com- 
 mencing soon after 1750." I gather the following from "The Coit Family," 
 by Rev. F. W. Chapman." He was the only child of Thomas and Mary 
 Prentiss Coit, born August 15th, 1725. He "settled in his native place as a 
 physician and spent there an honorable life . . . dying June 5th, 1811, 
 aged 86." His first wife was Abigail Richards, by whom he had four children. 
 He married for his second wife, Mary Gardiner, by whom he had nine children. 
 He is buried in Cedar Grove Cemetery, New London, his monument bearing 
 the following epitaph : "He was ever ready to pour Wine and Oil, into the 
 wounds of the afflicted ; and regulated his actions by the strictest rules of 
 Piety; and died in the full belief of the redeeming love of his Lord and 
 Master." 
 
 Dr. Coit lived in the old Coit homestead, which stood where the Armory 
 now is. He was undoubtedly one of the most prominent medical men of 
 his day in eastern Connecticut, and had a long and honorable career. He was 
 one of the incorporators of the State Medical Society, and an original member 
 of the New London Medical County Association. In the Colonial Records 
 of Connecticut he is down for medical services in 1773. (Russell,' p. 146.) 
 At the time of the yellow fever epidemic he was active in attending patients 
 during the first fortnight of the outbreak, and until he himself was taken ill 
 with the disease. 
 
 In Miss Caulkins' (p. 478) we find that about 1764 "Dr. Thomas Moffatt 
 was controller of the customs, and esteemed also as a skillful physician, in 
 which line he had some practice." He was an Englishman, and a friend of 
 Rev. Mather Byles, who in 1768 suddenly severed his connection with the 
 old First Church, of which he had been minister for over ten years. Mr. 
 Byles conveyed his house to Dr. Moffatt as security for repayment to the 
 church of £240 which had been given him upon settlement. Just when Dr. 
 Moflfatt left New London is not known, but about 1777 it was represented 
 that he had "withdrawn from America in a hostile spirit and had since been 
 in arms against her" (Caulkins,' p. 511), so his goods were confiscated. He 
 lived for a time in the Byles house, north corner of Main and Douglas streets. 
 
 A Dr. Samuel Brown lived on the southwest corner of Bank and Golden 
 streets about 1781. He married the daughter of Alexander McNeil, a baker. 
 who owned much real estate which was sold about 1782 by the doctor and 
 his wife. No further information about him has thus far come to light. 
 
 Another prominent physician of the latter part of the i8th century was 
 
390 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 Dr. Simon Wolcott. He was the son of Dr. Alexander and Mary Richards 
 Wolcott of Windsor, and was born about 1748. He lived first on the west 
 side of Bank street, north of Pearl, later on Coit street, and finally in the 
 Giles Mumford house on Federal street, lately the parish house of the Epis- 
 copal Church. He married (first) Lucy Rogers, (second) Charlotte (Wood- 
 bridge) Mumford having three children by each wife. He was surgeon 
 of the 6th Regiment in 1775. Just before the attack on New London, Sep- 
 tember 6th, 1781, he had gone out on a fishing trip off Montauk Point with 
 Mr. Nathaniel Shaw. Having discovered the British fleet, it was too late 
 for them to return to New London Harbor, so they "were obliged to run into 
 Poquonnuck Creek to escape capture" (Caulkins,' p. 548). Dr. Wolcott at- 
 tended for five months Captain Adam Shapley, who was wounded m the 
 battle of Groton Heights. His bill against the State of Connecticut for his 
 professional services is extant, the charge being at the rate of a shilling a 
 visit. He was clerk of the voluntary New London County Medical Society 
 which preceded the present organization, was an incorporator of the Con- 
 necticut Medical Society, and an original member and first clerk of the 
 present New London County Medical Association. He was also frequently 
 elected chairman of the later organization, and Fellow of the State Society. 
 He was one of the foremost medical men of his time and was highly esteemed 
 both in and out of the profession. Dr. Wolcott owned considerable land in 
 the vicinity of Ocean avenue, and was a thrifty and prosperous citizen. He 
 died April 7th, 1809, aged 61. 
 
 Dr. Cornelius Coningham was born in Ireland, in 1746. When he settled 
 in New London is not known. There is good reason to believe that he was 
 for a time surgeon at Fort Trumbull. He died in New London, in 1820. 
 
 Dr. Samuel H. P. Lee has been already mentioned in connection with 
 the yellow fever epidemic. He was born probably in Lyme, August 5th, 1772. 
 He was named for Maj. Gen. Samuel Ilolden Parsons, a cousin of his father 
 and his commanding officer. Dr. Lee's father, Capt. Ezra Lee, won distinc- 
 tion in the Revolutionary War as the navigator of the first submarine used 
 in warfare, David Bushnell's "Turtle." His great-great-grandfather was 
 Thomas Lee (2d), who lived in the old Lee house in East Lyme. His mother 
 was Deborah Mather of Lyme. He married Elizabeth Sullivan, daughter of 
 the purser of the British frigate "Cygnet," which la-- in New London Harbor. 
 They had a son. Dr. Henry Sullivan Lee, who graduated at Yale in 1823. 
 Dr. Lee had an unusual number of medical relatives — Drs. John Lee of 
 Sharon, John Allen Lee of Clinton, New York, Tully Lee of Hartford, Daniel 
 Lee of Lyme, James Lee of New London, and it is not improbable that he 
 may have studied with one or other of these men. Part of his education, 
 however, was obtained in New York, for with the record of his election to 
 membership in the New London County Association in September, 1793, 
 it is stated that he had "produced letters testifying his having acquired suffi- 
 cient knowledge to practice physic and surgery from Doctor Bailey of New 
 York and sundry other gentlemen." Dr. Lee was an active member of the 
 County Medical Association, having been clerk in 1811-12-13, and Fellow of 
 the State Society from 1806 to '14, inclusive, and again in 1816 and '19. He 
 
EARLY MEDICI.NM;. ANIJ MEDICAL MEN 391 
 
 was the author of two prize essays delivered before the Convention of the 
 State Society, one in 1794 on "Autumnal Bilious Fever," and the other in 
 1796 on "Cynanchc Tonsillaris." In 1795 he was opcratin.c: a small pox inocu- 
 lation hospital. In addition to his medical practice, Dr. Lee carried on an 
 extensive drug business. This was located on the southeast corner of Main 
 and State streets, and at one time also on Bank street, near where the Hotel 
 Royal is now. He later lived in a house on Federal street, which had pre- 
 viously been the residence of Dr. Wolcott, and it was in this house that he 
 manufactured his famous New London Bilious Pills. Reliable tradition has 
 it that at the time of the } ellow fever he was driven about the city night 
 and day by his faithful black, visiting the sick, often falling asleep between 
 the calls and sometimes in the patient's house, so overcome was he from loss 
 of sleep. It is told of him also that in sleighing times he would drive about 
 the city in a fine sleigh drawn by two white horses. He was a successful 
 business man, and bought and sold much real estate. Dr. Lee was also one 
 of the founders of the whaling industry in New London, having fitted out 
 the "Dauphin" in 1804, and the "Leonidas" in 1806. He moved to New York 
 in 1838, where he died January 7th, 1863, at the age of 91. He is buried in 
 Cedar Grove Cemetery. 
 
 Dr. James Lee was a cousin of the last named. He practiced first at the 
 "head of the river," East Lym.e. At the time of the } ellow fever epidemic he 
 assisted Dr. S. H. P. Lee. Later he moved to New London, where he built 
 what was called the Brandegee house on State street, standing on the site 
 of the present Crocker House. In 1812 he sold out his New London realty 
 and moved to Trenton, New Jersey. He was an original member of the 
 County Medical Association, which he served twice as clerk and which twice 
 elected him Fellow of the State Society. He was dismissed at his own request 
 in 1805. 
 
 Dr. Samuel Seabury, Jr., was the son of Samuel Seabury, Yale 1748, 
 Bishop of Rhode Island and Connecticut. He lived at first in Groton, later in 
 New London, on State street, in what v.-as subsequently Dr. Brainerd's house. 
 He was an original member of the New London County Medical Association. 
 I-ie died at the age of 29, in 1795, and was buried in the Second Burying 
 Ground. 
 
 Dr. Thomas Coit, Jr., the son of Dr. Thomas and Mary Gardiner Coit 
 already referred to, was born in New London, April 2nd, 1767, married No- 
 vember 29th, 1789, Mary Wanton Saltonstall, and settled in his native place. 
 He probably studied with his father, and for some time practiced "along side 
 of his father, and therefore distinguished from him as young Dr. Coit." 
 (Chapman.") Dr. Coit had eight children, the last born October 28th, 1808. 
 He was an original member of the New London County Medical Association 
 in 1792, and always took an active part in its doings, serving as clerk 1806-10, 
 and chosen Fellow of the State Society for eleven years in succession, 1803 
 to '13. He was last returned as a member in 1839. About 1795 he operated 
 a small pox inoculation hospital in competition with Dr. Lee. He received 
 the honorary degree of M. D. from the Connecticut Medical Societv in 1817. 
 About 1825 Dr. Coit lived in a house on the corner of Main and Douglas 
 
392 NEW LOXDOX COUNTY 
 
 streets. Dr. Coit was a worthy successor of his father, a credit to his family 
 name, and left a highly honorable record both as a medical man and as a 
 leading citizen. 
 
 Of Dr. Thomas H. Rawson, our present knowledge is confined to the 
 mention of him in connection with the yellow fever, the fact of his advertising 
 later "Dr. Rawson's Worm Powders, Prepared by Thomas H. Rawson, mem- 
 ber of the Conn. Med. Soc," and finally the record (Proc. Conn. Med. Soc. 
 1792-1829, Reprint, 1884, p. 112) of his expulsion from the Connecticut Medical 
 Society, October 17th, 1804, on account of his failure to answer to the charge 
 of "making and vending nostrums, contrary to the bye-laws of the institution, 
 and the expressed principles thereof." He belonged originally to Hartford 
 county. 
 
 Dr. Winthrop Saltonstall, born in New London, February 10, 1775, was 
 a graduate of Yale in 1793, and in 1796 had the degree of M. D. from Columbia. 
 There is reason to believe that he never practiced in his native town. Accord- 
 ing to Dexter" (Vol. V., p. 83), he settled and engaged in practice at Port 
 of Spain in Trinidad, and "he died there after a short and painful illness from 
 yellow fever June 20 (or 27), 1802, in his 28th year. He was unmarried." 
 
 Drs. Luke and Charles Douglas were brothers, sons of Richard Douglas, 
 a Revolutionary War veteran. They were born respectively in 1788 and 
 1792. It does not appear that either of them practiced medicine in New 
 London. Charles had formerly been a practitioner in Washington, D. C, but 
 later returned to New London and lived in the family home on Green street. 
 The old gambrel-roofed house is still standing, and now occupied by the office 
 of Mr. William S. Chappell. During the latter part of his life Dr. Douglas 
 held many political offices. 
 
 Of Dr. Joseph Woodbridge Lee I only know that he died young, at the 
 age of 31. October loth, 1795. 
 
 Dr. William Graham was listed among the original members of the 
 County Medical Association, was again elected in 1793, but in 1810 he was 
 readmitted, having been "out of the State some years." Nothing further is 
 known of him. 
 
 During the early years of the 19th century, several men settled in New 
 London who later became eminent in the profession. One of the most noted 
 of these was Dr. Elisha North, who moved here from Goshen, Connecticut, 
 and settled in 1812. He was already at that time a man of wide reputation 
 in the State. Only a summary of his life can be given here ; indeed, little or 
 nothing could be added to the admirable biographies already published, viz., 
 the earlier one by H. Carrington Bolton," and especially the full and admir- 
 able one by Dr. Walter R. Steiner."" Dr. North was born at Goshen, January 
 8th, 1770. He studied at first with Dr. Lemuel Hopkins of Hartford, and 
 later at the University of Pennsylvania in 1793-94, but did not graduate. He 
 practiced in Goshen until 1812. He was already famous for the fact that he 
 was one of the earliest and most enthusiastic advocates of vaccination in this 
 State, and for his study of the spotted fever outbreak in 1807-8. At the time 
 of his advent in New London he was in the prime of life and at once took 
 a high rank in the profession and in the community. Immediately after sef- 
 
EARLY MEDICINE AND MEDICAL MEN ;,03 
 
 tling in New London Dr. North joined the County Medical Association, and 
 continued an active and honored member until his death. He served as clerk 
 in 1814-15, and was several times chosen chairman and Fellow of the Con- 
 necticut Medical Society. In 1813 the Connecticut Medical Society granted 
 him the honorary degree of M. D. Dr. North is famous also for his eye 
 infirmary, the first in this country, which he opened in 181 7. He writes of it 
 as follows: "We had attended to eye patients before that time, but it occurred 
 to us then, that we might multiply our cases of that description and thereby 
 increase our knowledge b}^ advertising the public in regard to an eye institu- 
 tion. This was done and we succeeded : although not to our wishes in a 
 pecuniary view of the case. Our success, or exertions, probably hastened in 
 this country the establishment of larger and better eye infirmaries (i.e., for 
 larger cities)." (Steiner,"' p. 11.) 
 
 Dr. North was the author of a considerable number of works both medical 
 and philosophical. Among them are his books on spotted fever already men- 
 tioned, "Outlines of the Science of Life," "Rights of Anatomists Vindicated," 
 "The Pilgrim's Progress in Phrenology," and several technical medical 
 papers. "Besides being known as a writer and man of mark, North is also 
 distinguished for having invented four forgotten surgical instruments — an 
 improved trephine, an eye speculum, a trocar, and a new form of catheter. 
 The first two were exhibited before the State Medical Society in 1821, and 
 the last two had the indorsement of four New London physicians." (Steiner," 
 p. 19.) Bolton"' states that in his practice he "exhibited a remarkable degree 
 of caution, deliberation, and careful reflection. When concerned with the 
 health and comfort, and we may add the moral welfare of his patients or 
 friends, he exercised a conscientious care and thoughtfulness that preserved 
 him from unsafe enthusiasm or dangerous and extreme views. As a con- 
 sulting physician he enjoyed the confidence and friendship of his brethren, 
 and was much valued for his philosophical habits of mind in cases of difficulty 
 and uncertainty." About 1824 he lived for a time on a farm in East Lyme, 
 and while there became interested in peat as fuel. The "American Journal 
 of Science" for 1826 contains an article upon the subject from his pen. Dr. 
 North was a man of quaint and original humor, and several anecdotes are 
 extant illustrating this phase of his character. He died in New London, 
 December 29th, 1843. A large granite monument marks his grave in Cedar 
 Grove Cemetery. 
 
 Dr. Samuel Huntting was a contemporary of Dr. North, but died August 
 4th, 1818, at the comparatively early age of 42. Little is known of his life. 
 
 Dr. Archibald Mercer appeared in New London the same year as Dr. 
 North. He was born in Millstone, New Jersey, December ist, 1788, graduated 
 from Princeton, 1807, and studied medicine in Philadelphia. Dr. Mercer 
 joined the Medical Society in 1812 and continued an active member until 
 his death. He received the degree of M. D. from Yale in 1827. Dr. Mercer 
 lived on State street, in a house which was some years ago bought by the 
 Y. M. C. A. He was a man of marked ability, stood well in the profession, 
 and taught many students. One of New London's streets was opened by and 
 named for him. Dr. Mercer died October 3rd, 1850. 
 
yu NEW LONDOX COUNTY 
 
 Dr. Dyer Throop Brainerd was another member of this frroup. He was 
 born in New London, June loth, 1790, of a conspicuous and honorable Con- 
 necticut family, descended in direct line from Daniel Brainerd of Haddam. 
 Dr. Braincrd's father, Hon. Jeremiah Gates Brainerd, Yale 1779, was a dis- 
 ting'uished lawyer and for many years judge of the Supreme Court of the 
 State. Dr. Brainerd was named for Gen. Dyer Throop of East Haddam, 
 with whom his father studied law. The poet-lawyer, J. G. C. Brainerd, was 
 a brother of the doctor, as was William F. Brainerd, an eminent lawyer of 
 New London. Dr. Brainerd was a graduate of Yale in 1810, and received the 
 honorary degree of M. D. in 1827 from the Connecticut Medical Society. He 
 settled in New London in 1813 and lived in an old house on the north side 
 of State street, between Union and Main. He became a member of the 
 County Medical Association in 1813, served as clerk in 1816-17, and was 
 chosen Fellow of the State Society seventeen times. In the winter of 1819-20 
 Dr. Brainerd attended a course of medical lectures in New York. He was 
 military surgeon at New London in 1813-14, and from 1814 onward for many 
 years was surgeon in the Third Brigade (Brainard"). He was also for a 
 long period U. S. Marine Hospital Surgeon at this port. Dr. Brainerd was 
 a man of mark, enjoying in high degree the respect and friendship of his 
 fellow practitionists, and the esteem of his fellow citizens. He was also a 
 prominent Mason, Brainerd Lodge having been named for him. Dr. Brainerd 
 never married, and died February 6, 1863. 
 
 The fourth member of this eminent group was a scion of a family long 
 distinguished in the annals of Eastern Connecticut. Dr. Nathaniel Shaw 
 Perkins was born in New London, February nth, 1792, son of Elias and 
 Lucretia Woodbridge Perkins, and grandson of Dr. Joseph Perkins of Nor- 
 wich. After attending successively Dr. Dow's School in New London, the 
 Bacon and Plainfield academies, he entered Yale, from which he graduated 
 in 1812. He took up the study of medicine with Dr. Elisha North of this 
 city, but after a short time he went to Philadelphia and completed his medical 
 education at the University of Pennsylvania. Directly thereafter he settled 
 in New London in 1815, where he remained in constant practice for fifty-five 
 years. Dr. Perkins early joined the County Medical Association, served the 
 Count 7 Association as clerk for a short time, and was frequently elected a 
 delegate to the State Society. He was licensed to practice by the Connecticut 
 Medical Society, and received the honorary degree of M. D. from Yale in 1829. 
 Dr. Perkins married Ellen Richards of New London, and was the father of 
 fourteen children, of whom only six survived him. He died May 25th, 1870, 
 at the Shaw Mansion on Bank street, now the home of the New London 
 County Historical Society. Dr. Perkins was truly the well-beloved physician, 
 and his death was mourned by all, rich and poor alike. Much might be 
 written of his charming personality, and his benevolent and sympathetic 
 disposition, which endeared him to a very wide circle not only of the wealthy 
 and cultivated but as well of the obscure and needy who called upon him for 
 help. An obituary notice by Dr. Isaac G. Porter was read before the New 
 London County Medical Association and published in the State Proceedings 
 for 1871. By natural tastes and thorough training, Dr. Perkins was well fitted 
 
EARLY MEDICINE AND MEDICAL M1:N 395 
 
 for his calling, and he left behind an enviable record of long, arduous and 
 faithful professional achievement. 
 
 Dr. James Rogers was born in Waterford in 1785, and his early practice 
 was carried on in that town. He later moved into New London, so that, as 
 he said, he would not have to take all his pay in vegetables. He died in 
 1851, and was buried with Masonic honors in Cedar Grove Cemetery, in land 
 which had formerly been a part of the farm belonging to his wife. Miss 
 Caulkins' wrote of him: "He was noted for his benevolent medical parctice. 
 He was peculiarly the physician of the poor." 
 
 Dr. James Morgan was born in England, March 20th, 1802, but early came 
 to this country with his parents, who settled in New London. He began the 
 study of medicine with Dr. Mercer. His medical education seems to have 
 been unusually thorough, as he is said to have attended lectures in Boston, 
 London, and Philadelphia, graduating at the last-named place in 1828. He 
 settled in New London in 1829. Directly afterwards he joined the County 
 Medical Association, of which he continued a member until his death. He 
 was several times elected Fellow of the State Society. In 1831 he married 
 Miss Charlotte Mercer, daughter of his preceptor. Dr. Morgan had a high 
 reputation as a practitioner and especially as a surgeon. He was also regarded 
 as unusually skilled in the treatment of diseases of the eye. The obituary 
 notice of him by Dr. L. S. Paddock'" (i860) has this high praise of Dr. Morgan 
 as a man: "He was always the friend of the poor; his charities were liberal 
 in proportion to his means, and his gratuitous professional practice was large. 
 No man was in so humble circumstances as to be refused the Doctor's services, 
 and the expectation of pecuniary compensation was not a motive in his 
 friendly attentions and intercourse with the sick. As a man he was warm- 
 hearted and sincere, generous and upright in all his dealings." He died 
 July 3rd, 1859. 
 
 Dr. Robert Alexander Manwaring is well remembered by scores of people 
 yet living. He was born in New London, August 2nd, 181 1, son of Chris- 
 topher and Mary Wolcott Manwaring, and died in the same house, on Man- 
 waring Plill. September 1st, 1890. He began the study of medicine with Dr. 
 Mercer in 1829, after which he completed his medical training at the Harvard 
 Medical School. His first practice was in Gales Ferry, where he settled about 
 1832, and where he remained until 1841. After an interval of several years 
 passed in New London, he removed to Greenville, in Norwich, where he 
 practiced until 1850. He then returned to New London, where he lived and 
 worked continuously until his death. May 15th, 1845, he married Ellen, 
 daughter of Hon. Noyes Barber of Groton. During his whole professional 
 life Dr. Manwaring was a member of the County Medical Association. An 
 obituary notice" (1891) by Dr. A. W. Nelson contains the following: "A busy 
 man, he was seen early and late about town among the rich and the poor 
 with equal readiness and acceptance. ... No man has ever been more 
 pleasantly known am.ong all classes, for he had a just and proper mixture 
 of wit and humor, so that his words were always fresh and effective and not 
 too manv. . . . His understanding of general and professional subjects was 
 wide. He was of the speculative and reflective type, turning over things in 
 
396 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 his own mind, not especially seeking originality, but a safe conclusion by 
 the way of sound common sense." Dr. Manwaring's only son, Wolcott Barber 
 Manwaring, left at his death in 1905 the homestead and all the other property 
 of his estate to found a children's hospital in memory of his parents, to be 
 called the Manwaring IMcmorial Hospital. The fund is accumulating in the 
 hands of the trustees until such time as it is deemed adequate to carry out 
 the purpose of the donor. 
 
 Another eminent New London practitioner whose professional life ex- 
 tended over several generations and whose memory is cherished by many 
 still living, was Dr. Isaac G. Porter. He was born in Waterbury, Connecticut, 
 June 29th, 1806, but spent most ot his early life in Farmington, where his 
 father was minister of the church. He graduated from Yale in 1826, after 
 which he taught for several years, partly in New London as principal of the 
 Young Ladies' Academy. His medical studies were pursued at first in New 
 Haven, later at the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated in 1833. 
 Immediately thereafter he settled in New London, which from that time on 
 was the field of his life work. Dr. Porter joined the County Medical Asso- 
 ciation that same year, and always took a very active part and a keen interest 
 in its meetings and other activities. He served as clerk in 1835-36, was many 
 times chosen chairman, and Fellow of the State Society. In 1866 he was 
 vice-president of the Connecticut Medical Society, on which occasion he read 
 an address entitled : "Medico-Chirurgical Lessons of the War." His presi- 
 dential address delivered before the State Convention the following year was 
 upon "Self-restorative power." From 1861 to '67 he was post surgeon at 
 Fort Trumbull, where he was busily occupied not only in the care of hospital 
 patients but also in the examination of recruits, thousands of whom passed 
 through his hands. Dr. Porter was a frequent contributor to medical journals, 
 especially the "American Journal of the Medical Sciences." In fact, he has 
 probably to his credit a longer list of published articles than any other New 
 London physician before or since. 
 
 Dr. Porter married, September 12th, 1833, Williamina Davis of Phila- 
 delphia. Their only son. Captain Edward Leighton Porter, a promising law- 
 yer in Norwich, was killed in action at Winchester, Virginia, June 15th, 1863. 
 Dr. Porter himself died of old age, April 30th, 1892. Dr. Porter loved his 
 life-work, and his enthusiasm for the never ending study of medicine held out 
 to the end. The scientific side especially appealed to him. Keen perceptions, 
 close study of his cases, logical deductions, and cautious treatment, combined 
 to build up for him a large and permanent success. 
 
 Dr. Seth Smith was a son of Dr. John L. Smith of East Lyme, where he 
 was born October 14th, 1823. He graduated in medicine at the New York 
 University in 1845, after which he established himself in this city. He early 
 entered the drug business, which he carried on in addition to the practice of 
 medicine until 1871, but chronic ill health was a more or less constant handi- 
 cap in the pursuit of his chosen calling. He left a substantial estate for the 
 establishment of an old ladies' home to be called "The Smith Memorial Home." 
 This benevolent institution has now been in operation for many years, and 
 has brought peace and comfort into the closing } ears of the lives of many old 
 
EARLY MEDICINE AND MEDICAL MEN .v-)/ 
 
 and homeless or dependent gentlewomen. Dr. Smith died April i8, 1878, in 
 the fifty-fifth year of his age. He was a member of the County Medical 
 A.^sociaticn, serving as clerk for several years until 1858, when he was dis- 
 missed at his own request. He rejoined the society in 1876, and thereafter 
 was a member until his death. 
 
 There were other New London physicians who are deserving of more 
 adequate notice, but whose names only may be mentioned here. Such were: 
 Drs. Abel T. Sizer, Charles C. Cone. David P. Francis. Archibald T. Douglas, 
 Albert Hobron, Frank D. Brandegee, Robert McCurdy Lord, Henry Potter, 
 and William W. Miner, all practicing in New London before i860. 
 
 Passing now to the towns of Groton and Stonington, one of the earliest 
 physicians of whom we have record was Dr. Dudley Woodbridge. He was 
 a member of an eminent family, remembered especially for its able clergy- 
 men. Dr. Woodbridge was born April 21st, 1705, probably in Center Groton, 
 son of the Rev. Ephraim Woodbridge, first minister of the town of Groton. 
 He married, in 1739, Sarah Sheldon of Hartford. He was a graduate o^ 
 Harvard College in 1724. He began practice in Old Mystic, but a few years 
 later he bought the "Whitehall Farm" in that part of the town of Stonington 
 just east of Mystic river. He erected and occupied until his death the house 
 which still stands there. Joshua Hempstead refers to him in his professional 
 capacity several times from 1729 on, having called him to attend members 
 of his own family living in Stonington. His last note referring to him occurs 
 in 1755. The Colonial Records for 1771 note Dr. Dudley Woodbridge of 
 Groton as one of a committee. He died October 4th, 1790 (Wheeler," p. 
 693-4). 
 
 Dr. Charles Phelps of Stonington, born September 22, 1732, "came from 
 Hebron, Connecticut, and took up his abode in Stonington, now North Ston- 
 ington, where he built him a residence near the foot of Cosatuc Hill. He 
 afterwards removed to Stonington, where he spent the remainder of his life. 
 He was one of the leading physicians of his day and generation, holding the 
 office of judge of probate of the town and other offices" (Wheeler," p. 538). 
 He married (first) Hannah Denison, and (second) Sally Swan, having in 
 all fifteen children. Dr. Phelps was one of the incorporators of the Con- 
 necticut Medical Society, and an original member of the New London Medical 
 Association. His name does not appear again, however, in the records of 
 that organization, probably on account of his advanced age. 
 
 Drs. William Flyde, father and son, were for many years leading prac- 
 titioners in Stonington. The former was born July 21st, 1783. The son was 
 born in Stonington, October 27th, 1808. He graduated from the Harvard 
 Aledical School in 1830, and practiced in Stonington until his death, Sep- 
 tember 25th, 1873. His reputation was high, and he had an extensive con- 
 sultation practice. Both father and son were members of the County Medical 
 Association during nearly the whole of their professional lives. 
 
 Dr. William Robinson joined the County Medical Association in 1827, 
 but the next year he is noted as exempt from taxation by reason of being 
 over sixty years of age. In 1828 he received the honorary degree of M. D. 
 from the Connecticut Medical Society. He died about 1847. 
 
398 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 Dr. George E. Palmer was born in Stonington, April 15th, 1803. He 
 began the study of medicine and graduated from the college of Physicians and 
 Surgeons in New York in 1825. He immediately settled in his native town, 
 where he practiced for over forty years. He was twice married and left 
 numerous descendants. As a physician he was held in high regard by the 
 public, and was popular with his fellow practitioners. He was moreover 
 prominent as a citizen, being seventeen times elected to the ofSce of warden 
 of the borough. He joined the County Medical Association in 1828, was 
 chosen chairman in 1856 and '67, and was elected Fellow of the State Society 
 upwards of ten times. He died May 8th, 1868. 
 
 Dr. Thomas P. Wattles was a practitioner in North Stonington. He also 
 entered the County Medical Association in 1828, and was clerk in 1832-33-34. 
 He died in 1854, age 54 years. 
 
 Dr. John Owen Miner was for many years a much esteemed physician 
 of Groton. He was born January gtli, 1762, and lived to an advanced age. 
 He dwelt near the old village of Center Groton. He was an original member 
 of the New London County Medical Association, and seemed to have been 
 very faithful in attendance and to have taken a prominent part in its activities. 
 He served as clerk in 1804-05, was chairman no less than ten times, and in 
 the twenty-three years from 1800 to 1S22 he was chosen Fellow of the State 
 Society twenty times. In 181 5 the Connecticut Medical Society granted him 
 the honorary degree of M. D. He died about 1851. 
 
 Dr. Phineas Hide was born in Franklin, in 1749. He practiced first in 
 Poquetannock, but the most of his life work was done in Mystic. He served 
 as surgeon in the Revolutionary War, both in the army and navy. 
 
 Drs. Amos Prentiss, Sr. and Jr., may be mentioned as charter members 
 of the County Medical Association in 1792. 
 
 The following physicians were also residents of Groton or Stonington 
 at one time or another: Daniel and William Lord, Asher Huntington, Jonathan 
 Gra/, James Noyes, Asa Spalding, Alfred Bailey, Andrew T. Warner, Thomas 
 J. Wells, Mason Manning, Edward York, David Hart, Henry C. Brown, Alvah 
 Gray, Horatio Robinson, John P. Wells, Edwin Bentley, John Smith, Joseph 
 Durfee, Orrin E. Miner, Benjamin F. Stoddard, Elias F. and A. W. Coates. 
 
 The town of Lyme has been favored with a long line of able practitioners. 
 One of the earliest of record was Dr. Eleazer Mather. He was born Novem- 
 ber 17th, 1716, and graduated from Yale in 1738. "He settled in Lyme (Ham- 
 burg Society), where he was a useful physician, selectman, magistrate, etc." 
 (Dexter," I, p. 607.) He married, November 15th, 1741, Hannah Waterhouse 
 (or Watrous) of Lyme, by whom he had six sons and one daughter. He 
 was one of the committee of eighteen appointed at the time of the Revolution 
 to examine candidates for the positions of surgeon and surgeon's mate (Rus- 
 sell," p. 199). Dr. Mather died November 2nd, 1798. On his tombstone he is 
 called : "an eminent physician and a man of universal knowledge." 
 
 Dr. Samuel Mather, son of the preceding, was one of the original members 
 of the New London County Medical Association, of which he was chosen 
 chairman in 1804, '09 and '10. He was chosen Fellow of the State Society 
 at its first meeting in 1792, and several times later. In 1804 the Connecticut 
 
EARLY MEDICINE AND MEDICAL MEN 399 
 
 Medical Society conferred upon him the honorary degree of M. D. He was 
 dismissed by his own request on account of advanced age in 1813. 
 
 Dr. John Noyes, another charter member of the County Medical Asso- 
 ciation, was several times chosen Fellow of the State Society, and was chair- 
 man in 1803, after which his name does not occur again on the records. 
 
 Dr. Thomas Miner was a member of the New London County Medical 
 Association for four years from 1810 to 1813; after that he removed to Middle- 
 town, and became later one of the most distinguished Connecticut physicians 
 of his time, and a medical author of considerable prominence. 
 
 Other physicians of Lyme who came later were Drs. John C. M. Brock 
 way, who lived at Hamburg; Richard Noyes, who was a member of the 
 County Medical Society for sixty-two years ; Sylvester Wooster, Marvin 
 Smith, Richard Warner, John D. Rogers, Oliver Kingsley, Reuben L. Miner, 
 John Noyes, and William W. J. Warren. 
 
 In East Lyme, near the village of Flanders, there were three physicians 
 who deserve mention: Dr. John L. Smith, who was a practitioner there for 
 many years, a member of the County Medical Association from 1813 to his 
 death, December coth, 1S60: Dr. Austin F. Perkins; and Dr. Vine Utley. 
 The latter is especially noteworthy for his early work in vaccination, and as 
 a contributor of articles to the "Medical Repository of New York." He was 
 a member of the County Medical Association from 1807 to 1819. His son, 
 Leander Utley, became a prominent physician in Providence, Rhode Island. 
 
 Looking back at the lives of these old-time medical men, I think one 
 may truly say that as a class they do not fall far short of Stevenson's esti- 
 mate — "to have shared as little as anj' in the defects of the period, and most 
 notably exhibited the virtues of the race." They chose a calling, arduous and 
 toilsome, and with all shades of native ability and educational advantage they 
 did their work for the most part well and faithfully, striving manfully accord- 
 ing to their lights to bring comfort and healing to the sick, and to further the 
 welfare of the communities in which they dwelt. Numbered among them 
 were some few gifted, forward-looking puissant men, the equals of any of 
 their time and country. 
 
 REFERENCES 
 
 1. Steiner, Walter R., M.D. : Historical Address, "The Evolution of Medicine in Con- 
 necticut, with the Foundation of the Yale Medical School as Its Notable Achievement." 
 New Haven, 1915. 
 
 2. Packard, Francis Randolph : "The History of Medicine in the United States." Phila- 
 delphia, 1901. 
 
 3. Russell, Gurdon W., M.D. : "An Account of Early Medicine and Early Medical Men 
 in Connerticut." Proc. Conn, Med. See, Ibg2. 
 
 4. Lindsley, Charles A., M.D. : "The Beginning and Growth of Sanitary Legislation in 
 Connecticut." Proc. Conn. Med. Soc, 1892. 
 
 5. "The Diary of Thomas Minor." Stonington, Conn., 1653-1684; Ed. by S. H. Miner 
 and G. D. Stanton, Jr., N. Y., 1899. 
 
 6. "N. E. Hist.-Genealog. Reg.," Vol. 9, pp. 43-Si- 
 
 7. "The Diary of Manasseh Minor," Stonington, Conn., 1696-1720; published by Frank 
 Denison Miner and Miss Hannah Miner, 1915. 
 
 8. Caulkins, Frances Manwaring: "History of N'ew London, Connecticut." -Vcw Lon- 
 don, I8S2. 
 
 g. "Diary of Joshua Hempstead of New London, Connecticut," Coll. N. L. Co. Hist. 
 Soc. Vol. L 1901. 
 
400 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 10. Caulkins, Frances Manwaring: "History of Norwich, Connecticut," 1866. 
 
 11. Woodward, Ashbel, M.D.: "Biographical Sketches of the Early Physicians of Nor- 
 wich." Proc. Conn. Med. Soc, 1862. 
 
 12. Webster, Noah: "A Brief History of Epidemics and Pestilential Diseases." Hart- 
 ford, 1799. 
 
 13. "Medical Repository," N. Y., New Series, Vol. 2, p. 213, "History of the Mortal 
 Epidemic that appeared in the Towns of Lyme and Waterford, Connecticut, 1813," by Dr. 
 Vine Utiey of Lyme, Connecticut. 
 
 14. Chamberlain, C. W. : "Malaria in Connecticut." Rept. Conn. State Board of Health, 
 1881. 
 
 15. Graves, Charles B., M.D.: "Epidemic Disease in Early Connecticut Times." 
 Proc. Conn. Med. Soc, 1920. 
 
 16. Woodward, Ashbel, M.D. : "Centennial Anniversary of the New London County 
 Medical Association." Proc. Conn. Med. Soc., 1876. 
 
 17. Salibury, Edward Elbridge and Evelyn McCurdy: "Family Histories and Geneol- 
 ogies," 1892. 
 
 18. Sigourney, Mrs. Lydia Huntley: "Letters of Life," 1866. 
 
 19. Proc. Conn. Med. Soc, various years. 
 
 20. Hurd, D. H. : "History of New London County." 1882. 
 
 21. Chapman, Rev. F. W.: "The Coit Family." Hartford, 1874. 
 
 22. Bolton, H. Carrington: "Memoir of Dr. Elisha North." Proc. Conn. Med. Soc, 
 Hartford, 1887. 
 
 23. Steiner, Walter R., M.D. : "Dr. Elisha North. One of Connecticut's Most Eminent 
 Practitioners." 1908. 
 
 24 Brainard, Lucy Abigail: "Brainard-Brainerd Genealogy." Hartford, 1908. 
 
 25. Wheeler, Richard Anson : "History of the Town of Stonington." New London, 1900. 
 
 26. Dexter, Franklin Bowditch : "Biographical Sketches of the Graduates of Yale College, 
 with Annals of the College History." N. Y., 1885. 
 
CHAPTER XIV 
 NEW LONDON COUNTY PRESS 
 
 The "New London Day" — "Norwich Bulletin" — "Cooley's Weekly" 
 In another part of this history has been printed an outline of the early 
 history of the press in New London County. The following accounts bring 
 this record to date. From the "New London Day" we print by permission 
 Mr. Theodore Bodenwein's account of his experience in building up this 
 paper to its present position of influence : 
 
 This is the third time I have been called upon to write the history of "The 
 Day." The first time was in 1894, three years after I bought the paper, and 
 the second time was five years ago, after twenty-five years of ownership and 
 service to the community. Would that some better qualified person assumed 
 the task, now that the period of forty years ago — the birth of "'The Day" — 
 is the epoch to be commemorated. 
 
 1 did not enter the employ of "The Day" until six months after the 
 paper was started, or in December, 1881, so what I write about the early 
 days of the paper comes to me partly from observation and partly through 
 report. Elsewhere in this issue John C. Turner, sole survivor of the trio 
 which founded "The Day," contributes a very interesting and witty article 
 on New London journalism forty years ago, but he modestly refrains from 
 giving a close-up view of the early days of the paper. 
 
 "The Day" was founded mainly to give Major John A. Tibbits, a well- 
 known lawyer and politician of that period, a vehicle through which he could 
 air his political views. The major, as versatile a man as ever graced an 
 editorial chair, had been at a previous time editor of the "Evening Star," and 
 upon that luminary's purchase by the New London Printing Company in 
 1873, had become financially interested in its successor, the "Evening Tele- 
 gram," but C. L Shepard had a controlling interest in tliat paper, and I judge, 
 although my information on this point is hazy. Major Tibbits was not able 
 to dictate tlie policy of the paper, so he concluded to start one of his own. 
 
 Those were days when politics cut more of a figure in men's careers than 
 at present, and Maj. John A. Tibbits, lawyer, writer and orator, lived on 
 political expectations all his life. So much for the motives behind "The 
 Day's" inception. 
 
 The partnership which undertook to publish "The Day" was composed 
 of John A. Tibbits, John C. Turner and William J. Adams. Of course, 
 Tibbits was to be editor. Turner was to handle the telegraphic and local 
 news and Adams was to be the business manager. The only other member 
 of the staff was John McGinle}', city editor and reporter. 
 
 John C. Turner in the seventies had been city editor of the "Telegram" 
 and at the same time city clerk. On the "Telegram" the city editor was also 
 the paper's only reporter. Newspapers in those days did not run very much 
 to local news and if they turned out a column and a half an issue that was 
 considered an extraordinary quantity. Turner was exceedingly popular in 
 those days as reporter and city clerk, just as he was later as town clerk. He 
 knew everybody in the city — not so difficult a feat in a city of less than ten 
 thousand inhabitants. He had left the "Telegram" about five years before 
 "The Day" was ushered into the world, to engage in journalistic labors in 
 other cities and was, I suppose, induced to come back to his native heath by 
 Major Tibbits. 
 
40- 
 
 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 John A. Tibbits, althou,<3:h a comparatively young man, had an interestinjj 
 career. He had served in the Civil War with distinction and had been 
 severely vi'ounded in an engagement. He was a lawyer by profession, but 
 gave most of his time to the lure of politics. Journalism to him was inci- 
 dental. As a writer he had few equals, especially as a descriptive writer. 
 The ease and facility with which he wrote in long hand was remarkable. His 
 penmanship was like copper plate and his cop}' was seldom marked by changes 
 or interlineations. It was no unusual task for him to sit down in an afternoon 
 and turn out enough editorial copy to last a week. He could turn his hand 
 to any kind of newspaper writing with equal facility. He had a vivid imagina- 
 tion and a keen sense of humor. During the trial of the Cramer murder case 
 in New Haven, he reported the event for "The Da} " and for a week or more 
 he daily produced a highly interesting story of the trial that filled the entire 
 first page of "The Day." But he was erratic and occasionally, when his 
 services were needed the most, he was unaccountably missing. Not that 
 his habits were bad, but because he had found some need for a trip to Wash- 
 ington or Hartford or some other point on a political errand. So it was on 
 the l.TSt day of the Cramer trial. He left for New Haven the same as usual, 
 but that evening he failed to return on his usual train with a pocket full of 
 copy and next morning "The Day" lacked its usual front page story. 
 
 William J. Adams was an active, energetic local man, who had made quite 
 a lot of money, it was said, in fortunate speculations and by various enter- 
 prises. He was the lessee of Lawrence Hall, the city's only amusement place, 
 and most of the theatrical productions of the period came here under his 
 auspices. He was also the cit-.- bill poster, a business quite difterent and of 
 more importance than it is now. Among his other activities he handled the 
 circulation of the "Evening Telegram" for many years, personally distributing 
 the papers each afternoon to the newsboys. The circulation was around one 
 thousand copies, I should judge. It was printed in the basement of the 
 wooden building on Green street, south of L. Lewis & Co.'s store, now occu- 
 pied by sundry small shops, and the boys took turns in running back behind 
 the building through an alle way to the basement to gather up a supply of 
 papers as they came from the fly of the printing press. The press was a slow- 
 running affair, which threw the papers out at the rate of about ten a minute. 
 Charlie Allen, a colored man, caught the papers as fast as the fly delivered 
 them and as quickly as twent\-five or more were collected handed them over 
 to a waiting boy. The papers were then brought up to Adams in a room off 
 the street and here on a counter he folded them with a speed and accuracy 
 that was marvelous, and then counted them out to the carriers. 
 
 John McGinley, although a New Londoner by birth, had long been living 
 in New York City, and had been a buyer for a linen concern, a very responsible 
 position which frequently took him to England. The firm suspended business 
 and somehow he was asked to try his hand at reporting. He had no previous 
 experience, but he did have a large fund of information, a readv comm.and 
 of lansruage, a genial personality and a happy faculty of making friends and 
 keeping them. He also had a fine sense of humor and he took to reporting 
 easily and wrote many clever things. 
 
 Of the original "Day" force, with the exception of John C. Turner. [ 
 knov.f of but two who are still living — Samuel T. Adams and William H. 
 Rolfe. Adams was a compositor on the "Evening Telegram" and when "The 
 Day" started he was placed in charge of the latter's composing room. Two 
 or three years later he was promoted to telegraph editor, replacing John G. 
 Lynch, and he held that position until Maior Tibbits in iSSg was appointed 
 United States Consul at Bradford. England, by President Harrison, when he 
 was made monaging editor. He he!d that position until 1891, when the paper 
 passed into my control. 
 
NEW LONDON COUNTS' PRESS 403 
 
 William H. Rolfe was the telegraph operator who took the press report 
 for "The Day" when the paper started. In its early days "The Da>" always 
 managed to have a good telegraphic news report, although the cost came very 
 high. Rolfe was an expert telegrapher, and as typewriters had not come into 
 use at that time he had to take the news report sent in code from the wire 
 in long hand. This required very rapid writing and it was generally the 
 cuytom among telegraphers taking press copy to write without lifting the 
 pen from paper so that nearly all the words were connected, but as they were 
 sufficiently apart there was no difficulty in reading them. At the very start 
 of the paper there came the exciting episode of President Garfield's assassina- 
 tion and the press wires were loaded with news, causing an unusual strain 
 upon the operator taking the report. Despite the hard work and long hours, 
 Rolfe stuck to his Job with the loyalty and grit that has always been char- 
 acteristic of him while at his work, until his right arm was swollen twice its 
 usual size and he was forced to lay off. Subsequently he left New London 
 and spent ten years or more at his occupation in New York City, but about 
 sixteen ears ago he returned to "The Day" as Associated Press operator and 
 has been with the paper ever since in that capacity. During his absence he 
 had perfected himself in the use of a typewriter, an accomplishment made 
 necessary by the great increase in volume of words sent in the press reports. 
 Mr. Rolfe had the unusual faculty of taking the most rapid and complicated 
 wire report on a typewriter and at the same time keeping up a lively conver- 
 sation with a chance visiter and not make a break or a skip in his copy. 
 
 The paper was launched on the morning of July 3, 1881. It had quarters 
 on the second floor of the stcne building on Bank street now owned and 
 occupied by Darrow & Comstock. There were two stores beneath, one on 
 the corner occupied as a saloon and the other by C. C. Calvert, father of 
 W. S. and DeWitt C, both doing business here now. Entrance was effected 
 by an outside stairway. There could not have been much money invested 
 in the plant, probably a few thousand dollars. 
 
 Preparations for starting the paper had been under way for some time. 
 In order to create reader interest, great secrecy was observed as to the name 
 the paper was to assume. The title "The Day" was evidently evolved by 
 Major Tibbits himself. There had been many newspapers with title of "Star." 
 "Sun," "World," etc., and the idea of the owners of the new paper was to 
 adopt a name that would be original. I never heard whether the major 
 originated it or wh.ether he came upon it in one of the works of Thackeray 
 which mentions a publication that was called "The Day." 
 
 To keep the title a dark secret, not even the compositors setting advance 
 copy were let in, and wherever the nam.e should have appeared, three letters 
 were substituted, whatever letters the imagination or fancy of the writer 
 dictated. The idea on the night of publication was to take these out and 
 insert "DAY." This was done, but so well were the dummy titles distributed 
 and so numerous that not all of them were eliminated when the paper went 
 to press very late, WMth the results that as the combined office force seizc<l the 
 first copies off the press and eacerly scanned the freshly printed pages there 
 were explanations like this : "Hey, stop the press ; it says here 'The Cat,' " 
 and "Here's another title that hasn't been changed, 'The Bat,'" or again, 
 "Oh, Lord ! Here's one more — 'The Dog.' " At last, however, all the cor- 
 rections were made and ."The Day" began its career. 
 
 It was a four-page, six-column sheet, printed on a flat-bed country press, 
 and it presented an attractive appearance. The captions over news items 
 were extremely modest in regard to size of type, a fault not then recognized 
 in the journalistic profession. James Hislop, dry goods merchant, had a two- 
 column advertisement on the first page and the rest of the paper had con- 
 
404 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 siderable advertising. Mr. Hislop always was a firm believer in "The Day" 
 as an advertising medium and never failed to use it. 
 
 The arrival of "The Day" was eagerly awaited by the townspeople and 
 it had a good sale. The first issue came out on a Saturday morning. It was 
 late in getting out — a condition modern newspapers have not entirely over- 
 come — and everyone connected with it, from editor to printer's devil, was 
 completely tired out. The next day was Sunday and the following Monday 
 was a holiday. Of course on the Fourth of July everyone connected with the 
 paper left for parts unknown. Then fate decreed that one of the biggest news 
 events of the century should occur. President Garfield was shot Sunday after- 
 noon in the Washington railroad station. The dreadful news was flashed 
 along the wires and reached New London, but not enough of "The Day's" 
 mechanical force could be found to issue an extra and the paper lost a great 
 opportunity to score a beat. Not until Tuesday morning could it tell its 
 readers what had occurred on that eventful Sunday, and a perusal of Tues- 
 day's issue fails to disclose any account of the shooting, the incidents of the 
 crime being passed over as if everyone knew all about them and "The Day" 
 began its chronicle of the event by reporting the condition of the patient and 
 the disposal of the murderer. 
 
 "The Day" soon became a good newspaper from the standpoint of the 
 period, but it was quickly found by the owners that the field was not large 
 enough to support two daily newspapers. The proprietors after a few months 
 found their capital exhausted and decided to seek financial help. So a stock 
 company, with a capital of $10,000, was organized. The stockholders included 
 Frank H. Chappell, Augustus C. Williams, Robert Coit, Mason Young, 
 Frank L. Palmer, James Greenfield and others. At this time John C. Turner 
 decided to relinquish his connection with "The Day" and departed for 
 Paterson, N. J., where he remained for many years on "The Guardian." Wil- 
 liam J. Adams also disposed of his interest and returned to his amusement 
 enterprises and bill posting. Later he suffered business reverses and died 
 poor. 
 
 With the help of new capital "The Day" returned to the conflict. It was 
 to be a war to the death between it and its evening contemporary. To divide 
 the advertising patronage in the evening field, in December, 1881, "The Day" 
 launched a small afternoon daily, called "The Penny Press." It was a little 
 four-page sheet to which everybody contributed a bit of his brightest, and 
 it made a hit. A one-cent newspaper was then a novelty. "The Penny Press" 
 was at once in great demand. After the novelty of issuing it wore off, how- 
 ever, it was left to take care of itself, and it became a dull and tame affair. 
 It survived over a year, however, until "The Day" establishment was moved 
 from Bank street into the Brainard Block on Alain street, occup'.ing one 
 store on the street, and two upper floors. To such an extent was "The Penny 
 Press" regarded by its publishers as an ephemeral affair that no attempt was 
 made to preserve a file of it and none is known to exist today. 
 
 But I am getting ahead of my story- I should sav something of the 
 surroundings in which "The Day" found itself when it was ushered into the 
 world. Its office and composing room was, as already noted, on the second 
 floor of the stone building in Bank street now occupied by Darrow & Corn- 
 stock. Entrance had to be effected by climbing a long pair of stairs on the 
 outside of the building. The floor it occupied was divided in two, the front 
 room being used as business and editorial room. In the rear was the usual 
 complement of type cases, stands and press to be found in small newspaper 
 offices of those days. The stationary engine designed to supply motive power 
 for the press was located in the northeast corner of the rear room. 
 
 "The Day" started off with forty advertisers whose announcements filled 
 ten columns. Merchants from 1881 to 1891 and even later did a very much 
 
NEW LONDON COUNTY PRESS 405 
 
 different kind of newspaper advertising than they are doing at the present 
 time. Up to twenty-five years ago, nearly every merchant contracted for a 
 certain amount of space, usually only a few inches, and ran some kind of 
 announcement every day in that space, but seldom did any of them change 
 the copy of their advertisements oftener than once a week, and many of them 
 did not change their copy more than twelve times a year. It was easy for 
 the newspaper publisher to calculate how much advertising space he wa;* 
 going to carry every day because none of the advertisers varied the size of 
 their advertisements, except at rare intervals. So that the size of the paper 
 could be permanently maintained whether it was four or eight pages. In 
 1881 there was no elasticity in the size of newspapers. The maximum size 
 was eight pages ("The Day's" was only four) and when advertising crowded 
 the columns too much, a supplement was issued of two pages or whatever 
 number was required. This supplement had to be folded into the main paper 
 by hand. Presses were not built to print a varying number of pages. Nearly 
 all the daily papers forty years ago were printed on flat-bed presses into which 
 the sheets were fed by hand and printed on one side at a time. After one side 
 was printed the sheets were turned over and printed on the reverse. Some- 
 times a folder was attached to the press so that the papers would come out 
 folded, but often the circulation was so small that folding by machine was 
 deemed unnecessary. 
 
 When "The Day" acquired its big type revolving web press in 1883, that 
 machine was considered the highest development in a printing press. It 
 printed from hand-set type imposed in semi-circular turtles, which were 
 clamped onto a large cylinder. 
 
 "The Day" was printed on a web of paper by the impression from the 
 type in these turtles or forms. It was a cumbrous contrivance but considered 
 a great advance upon a flat-bed press, as it would turn out papers at the rapid 
 rate of 1,200 an hour. 
 
 It was found after "The Day" ceased experimenting with the one-cent 
 paper scheme that in order to handle a sufficient volume of advertising at the 
 low rates current, four pages would not be sufficient, and so the plan of 
 making two press runs of four pages each was adopted and the two sheets 
 folded together by hand to make an eight-page paper. 
 
 The type revolving web press soon became obsolete and was superseded 
 by presses using sterotype plates clamped on cylinders, instead of the cumber- 
 some brass turtles containing hand-set type. When printing from semi- 
 circular plates was found practical, improvements were soon made in printing 
 machinery so that a variable number of pages could be printed at will. 
 
 Soon after I obtained control of "The Day" in 1891, indication of an 
 evolution in advertising became manifest. Some advertisers began to contract 
 for variable space so that they could run large advertisements on certain days. 
 David S. Machol, a local clothing merchant, I think was the first to use half- 
 page advertisements, one or two days in the week. This practice was more 
 and more observed until it was no longer possible to print a paper with the 
 same number of pages every day. 
 
 When I bought "The Day" I immediately put into the press room a 
 Babcock two-feed Dispatch press which would print 2,500 copies an hour. 
 1 thought this capacitv would be all "The Day" would need for many years. 
 In 1894, three years later, when the plant was moved from the old stone 
 residence in Bank street, opposite Tilley, to the newly built brick building 
 a short distance above on the same street, erected for its use by F. H. & A. H. 
 Chappel. a new press was purchased, called the Cox Duplex, which while it 
 printed from a flat bed, used a roll of paper and was capable of printing ac- 
 cording to the guarantees of the manufacturers, 5,000 complete papers, folded, 
 per hour. This press answered the purpose very well for a f«w years, but 
 
4o6 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 as we wanted to get more than eight pages of seven columns each we then 
 bought a Hoe stereot} pe press, giving us a product of eight pages, eight 
 columns each ; printing on this press was from stereotype plates, and we 
 could get a speed of about 10,000 an hour. Making stereotype plates was 
 going into a new branch of the business, and we were doubtful of the result. 
 However, after a period of experimentation, the art of stereotyping lost its 
 terrors. It soon developed that this third press was not up to the require- 
 ments of "The Day's increasing business and so another one was purchased 
 two years later with a capacity of sixteen pages. This press answered the 
 purpose for about ten years, when it was replaced by a press of still larger 
 capacity, the one "The Day" is using at present, a Hoe Right Angle Quad- 
 ruple, having a maximum output of thirty-two pages and printing up to six- 
 teen pages at a speed of 24,000 an hour, and from sixteen to thirty-two pages 
 at 12,000. 
 
 During its second year in its Bank street location "The Day" moved its 
 establishment to the Brainard Building on Main street, where it occupied a 
 store on the ground floor and two floors above. The press room was located 
 in the rear of the store. 
 
 In 1882, Thomas M. Waller, a New London lawyer and orator and fervid 
 Democrat, was elected governor of the State. Probably that intensified the 
 desire of the Democrats of the city to have a newspaper organ, both of the 
 existing papers being Republican. At any rate, a group of well-known Demo- 
 crats purchased the "Evening Telegram" in 1883 from C. I. Shepard and 
 others who v,'ere interested in that paper, and brought one of the writers of 
 the Brooklyn "Daily Eagle," F. Dana Reed, here to manage it for them. Up 
 to this time the "Telegram's" staff consisted of John G. Crump, editor, Julius 
 T. Shepard, Jr., news editor, and Walter Fitzmaurice, reporter. F'itzmaurice 
 stayed with the paper in his former capacitv when the Democrats assumed 
 control. Reed was a man of considerable ability, more literary than business- 
 wise, perhaps, and he did his best to put the "Telegram" upon a profitable 
 basis, but he found it increasingly difficult. Both papers at this time were 
 having a hard struggle to meet their expenses and the "Telegram" had tlxe 
 least financial backing upon which to call when the ghost failed to walk. 
 
 Some time previous to the demise of the "Telegram," some bright genius 
 on "The Day" conceived a plan of selling the paper at one cent a copy and 
 giving it a State-wide circulation. This was soon after the establishment had 
 been moved to Main street. The scheme was entirely practicable by reason 
 of the unequalled railropd facilities New London had at that time. Early 
 morning connections could be made with cities and towns in all directions. 
 At this time also a one-cent daily newspaper was a novelty and the field open 
 to "The Day" was unoccupied. The metropolitan papers were not then 
 selling at one cent a copy and had not secured so enormous a circulation 
 throughout this State as they have since. 
 
 A startling tragedy befell the paper in 1885. Fred S. Perry, an eccentric 
 individual living on Franklin street, taking offense at a fancied affront in an 
 article that had been printed in the paper, walked into the business office on 
 Main street one morning and demanded of Ezra C. Whittlesey, the business 
 manager, who was counting over some money given him by a newsbov. if 
 he was editor of the paper. Mr. Whittlesey made some reply without looking 
 up, when Ferry, without further parlev, pulled out a revolver and shot him 
 in the body. The wound was fatal and the victim only survived the shooting 
 a few days. He was tried, convicted and found guilty of murder in the second 
 degree and sentenced for life, but subsequently confined in the state insane 
 asylum. 
 
 During the early history of "The Day" a great deal of attention was paid 
 to what is termed newspaper style. Greater thought oftentime was paid to 
 
NEW LONDON COUNTY PRESS 1 407 
 
 the matter of capitalization of words and abbreviations of titles than the 
 j^athering of news. The editors and proofreaders were very fiiss}- in requirinjj 
 a close adherence to the rules they laid down. Since that time there has been 
 much elimination of so-called style in newspaper composition. At one time 
 Italics were used to designate the names of newspapers and foreign words, 
 and small capitals were also used for titles. When linotype machines were 
 brought into use they did not carry italics or small capitals, and, consequently, 
 the use of this special kind of type face was abolished in the interest of speed 
 and economy. There is yet what is called newspaper style, a good many 
 (lajiers having a composition style peculiar to themselves, but everywhere 
 there is more latitude used in newspaper composition than there was formerly. 
 
 Newspaper ethics also were peculiar forty years ago, especially in New 
 London nnd perhaps some other New England communities. It was cus- 
 tomary to leave out the names of non-advertisers m news reports wherever 
 this was possible. If the display window of a State street store was smashed 
 by a runaway horse dashing into it and it so happened that the storekeeper 
 was not an advertiser, the newspaper account would fail to mention his name 
 or the name of his store, and instead merely allude to "a State street store." 
 This v.-oiild appear as very small and petty at this time, and "The Da;." 
 discarded this kind of journalism many years ago. However, the practice is 
 still in vogue and carried to greater length in certain small newspapers to 
 include individuals who may not stand in their good graces. Such individuals 
 mav take a prominent part in public affairs, but in accounts of those happen- 
 injTs have their names purposely omitted. This is not true journalism. It is 
 perverting the power of the press. Fortunately, papers which indulge in such 
 absurd tactics have so little circulation that they have no influence and their 
 maliciousness falls flat. 
 
 The circulation of "The Day" when it was founded was about 1. 000 copies 
 and, as has already been described, it grew at one time to 16,000 as a one-cent 
 paper, and fell back again around 2.C00 copies, when the price was put back- 
 to two cents. It m.ust have been about this figure in 1885. In 1891, when 
 I purchased the paper, I had difficulty in finding a paid circulation of as many 
 as 1,000 copies. In 1895 the circulation had increased to 3,145. In 1900 it 
 had grown to 4,600. In 1905 it was 6,109. I^'' ^^^o the average was 6.892. By 
 191 5 it had jumped to 8,5.^6. Then came the World War and with it a sub- 
 stantial increase in "The Dav's" circulation. In 1016 it v,-as 9.140. in 1917 it 
 was 9,780, and in 1918 it had increased to 10,939. 1" the latter part of 1019 
 "The Da}'" was forced bj' the extraordinary increase in cost of production 
 to increase its selling price to three cents a copy and its average circulation 
 that year was 10,579. T'l^ }^^^ following, 1920, it slightly increased and was, 
 10,701. 
 
 Evidently up to the tim.e of the great war the growth in "The Day's" 
 circulation represented to large extent the growth of population within New 
 London and vicinity. Since the close of the war all the war-time activities 
 which brought many thousands of people here have ceased and naturally 
 there has been a great drop in the number of trans'ent residents, yet "The 
 Day's" circulation has steadily maintained itself around 10,500. The only 
 explanation for this extraordinary gain, which appears to be permanent, in 
 "The Da}'s" circulation at the advanced price of three cents a copy is, that 
 it has secured a greater hold Tipon the confidence and affection of the people 
 of Nev/ London and vicinity and that a larger proportion of the inhabitants 
 of this territory have become regular newspaper readers with "The Day" as 
 their favorite. Perhaps it should be mentioned in this connection that "The 
 Day" has never employed any kind of circulation scheme to bolster u;) its 
 circulation and that all its readers must have been attracted to it voluntarily 
 because they liked its character and its superiority as a news purvej-or. 
 
4o8 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 "The Da;.-" remained in its Main street quarters until 1891. In 1889 
 Major Tibbits finally secured something- like adequate recognition of his 
 services to his party by appointment as United States consul at Bradford, 
 England. Upon his departure Samuel T. Adams was made managing editor, 
 John McGinley reporter, and Charles W. Whittlesey business manager. 
 Somes, the preceding news editor, had left some time previously and been 
 replaced bv John G. Lynch. The spirited rivalry of its morning contemporary, 
 established in 1885, was making itself felt and the business of "The Day" was 
 not profitable. In fact, it never was profitable. One move to reduce its 
 expenses was to transfer its quarters to Bank street into a stone dwelling 
 owned by the Chappell Company. This was about the last place one would 
 pick out for a newspaper office, but it had to do. One side of the lower floor 
 was occupied as a dwelling and "The Day" had its business office on the other 
 side, its composing room on the second floor, its job office in the rear of the 
 business department, and the press room was in an addition in the rear. The 
 big press was moved on a truck from Main street to Bank without taking it 
 apart and that was considerable of a mechanical accomplishment. Here is 
 where I found it in the fall of 1891, when I took possession. 
 
 Mv connection with "The Day" had been spasmodic. I had been em- 
 ployed in various capacities in the job printing department and in the com- 
 posing rooms, both on the "Penny Press" and "The Day" until 1883. Then 
 for about a year I worked in the composing room of the "Evening Telegram." 
 Upon the demise of that paper, four of us, John G. Lynch, Walter Fitzmaurice, 
 George A. Sturdy and myself, began the publication of the "Morning Tele- 
 graph." This paper paid more than expenses at the start and for quite a 
 number of years afterwards. In 1890 I disposed of my interest. John G. 
 Lynch had already dropped out of the concern. Later George A. Sturdy also 
 sold out his interest. I bought it in 1901 from Walter Fitzmaurice, conducted 
 it five years at a loss, then gave it, free of all incumbrances, to my editor, 
 Frank J. Brunner. He couldn't make it pay expenses, and finally disposed 
 of it. The "Telegraph" passed through many vicissitudes later. It suspended 
 in 1920. 
 
 In September, 1891, I secured control of "The Day" and the subsequent 
 history of the paper was told by me five years ago, when "The Day" issued 
 a special edition commemorating twenty-five years' progress under my man- 
 agement. It will not be necessary at this time to repeat the history of the 
 paper during that time, as it is familiar to "Day" readers. 
 
 There is not much to add to the history of "The Day" since 1916. The 
 period between 1916 and 1921 has been a trying one for newspapers. There 
 was a paper shortage during the war and a great increase in the cost of pro- 
 duction generally. The payroll of "The Day" has jumped from $600 per 
 week in 1914 to $1,600 in 1921. Its paper bill rose from $12,000 in 1914 to 
 $36,000 in 1920. These costs seem likely to remain permanently. 
 
 In 1918 it had to increase its selling price to three cents a copy, and at 
 various periods it was forced to increase its advertising rates. The loyaU.y 
 of its readers proved remarkable. The number lost by the increase in price 
 to three cents was negligible. Advertisers also responded cheerfully to the 
 increased rates, realizing that the service rendered them by "The Day" was 
 worth the rate charged. 
 
 The volume of business done by "The Day" in its early life I have no 
 means of ascertaining, but in 1891 and 1892, the first year of my ownership, 
 the gross receipts were less than $25,000. By 1900 they had increased to 
 $37,532.12, and in 1910 to $61,042.31. By 1920 the business had expanded so 
 that the gross receipts of that year were $219,771.23. 
 
 It has been the constant ami of "The Day" to keep fullv up to the times 
 in the handling of news. It has sought evcr>- means to make its contents and 
 
NEW LONDON COUNTY PRESS 409 
 
 appearance pleasing: to the people of Eastern Connecticut. That it has suc- 
 ceeded, is evidenced by its constantly increasing circulation. "The Day" has 
 added many improvements in the past five years; it has strengthened its news 
 and feature service, increased its force of workers, installed the newest ma- 
 chinery and labor-saving devices in place of some less efficient, and only 
 recently added one column to each page, thus giving its readers each day from 
 twelve to twenty columns additional reading matter and illustrations. "The 
 Day" feels that the public looks to it to supply it with a comjjlete, up-to-date 
 newspaper, and that the paper will be remiss in its duty if it fails to do so. 
 
 The "Norwich Bulletin" thus told the story of its beginning and career, 
 in its fiftieth anniversary issue : 
 
 The Norwich Bulletin, at the age of fifty years, appears this morning 
 before its many friends and readers, extending kindly greetings and sincere 
 good wishes to all. As the rudder guides the ship, so'will the lessons learned 
 of experience, that most severe yet kindest teacher, influence its future 
 course, inducing it to be not only abreast of the times, to be at once clean, 
 bright and reliable, and to so well fill its allotted place that its influence will 
 be for good and the best interests of mankind. 
 
 This paper, of Norwich birth, has been of, with and for its city, its peo- 
 ple and the great public by which it is surrounded since first it saw the light. 
 It has been of. in, and with the community, through war and peace, through 
 trial and triumph, through adversity and prosperity, it has grown with its 
 growth, matured with its development and ripened with its unfolding until 
 it stands today upon the firm foundation established not alone by its own 
 efforts, but by the kindly reciprocal favors of its clients and friends, whom 
 it has endeavored these many years to faithfully serve. 
 
 The Norwich Bulletin at this time, taking as it does the full reports 
 of the Associated Press, printing special telegraphic news, reporting fully 
 sports and all items of interest in this and neighboring towns, publishing 
 up-to-date domestic departments, special papers and correspondence, and pre- 
 senting in miscellaneous articles the best thoughts obtainable from other and 
 original sources, supplying the needs of the financial, commercial, scientific. 
 literary, artistic, musical, political and religious interests, and in short, re- 
 flecting in every issue all that can be gathered from the four corners of the 
 earth, is in the fore ranks as a model newspaper. Contrasting this modern 
 development with that of more than a century ago, it may be interesting 
 to return to those times and learn of conditions prevalent in the days when 
 the Bulletin's ancestor, the Weekly Register, began its life in 1791. 
 
 When the old-time paper appeared amid "these struggling tides of 
 life," less than nine years had elapsed since the close of the Revolution. 
 George Washington was serving his first term as President of the United 
 States, and John Adams his single one as Vice-President; the thirteen orig- 
 inal States, with the addition of Vermont, which had been admitted March 
 4, 1791, comprised the Union; Connecticut's Senators, then serving in the 
 Second Congress, w^re Oliver Ellsworth of Windsor, and Roger Sherman 
 of New Haven: Samuel Huntington, Esq., was the Governor of Connecticut; 
 and Benjamin Huntington, LL.D., was then in office as the first Mayor of 
 Norwich, a portion of which place had been incorporated as a city in May, 
 1784. The population of the country was then 8,929,214, of the State 237,846, 
 and of Norwich (after the division of the town) 3,284, the center of the 
 United States being twenty-three miles east of Baltimore. The President's 
 Cabinet was composed of Thomas Jefferson of Virginia, Secretary of State; 
 Alexander Hamilton of New York. Secretary of the Treasury; Henry Knox 
 of Massachusetts, Secretary of War; and Edmund Randolph of \'irginia, 
 
4IO NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 Attorney-General. Samuel Osgood of Massachusetts was Postmaster-Gen- 
 eral, but was not included in President Washington's official family. 
 
 At that time the Sabbath bejjan at sun-down on Saturday and ended at 
 the same hour on Sunday ; travel was by stage-coach, sailing vessels, and 
 locally by the "one-hoss shay" ; wood was the universal fuel and was burned 
 in open fireplaces before which in the wintry time our ancestors could warm 
 but one side of their persons at a time, the other portion being subjected at 
 times to a temperature in the vicinity of the zero point; flint and steel served 
 the purposes of the later lucifer match, and tallow dips furnished the neces- 
 sary artificial light. Norwich Town and Bean Hill supplied the social, 
 religious, political and commercial life of the town, the former being fur- 
 nished with the meeting-house, postoffice, flag-staff, half a dozen stores con- 
 taining all useful commodities, the court-house, whipping-post, pillory, jail, 
 several printing establishments, and Lathrop's, Peck's and Brown's taverns, 
 the latter presenting several stores and the wa^'side inns known as Hyde's 
 and Witter's, both sections being possessed of various small manufactories. 
 Rev. Joseph Strong, pastor of the First Church, officiated in the fourth build- 
 ing of that society, which was completed in 1790, stood on the site of the 
 present edifice, and succeeded that which previously crowned "ye summit 
 of ye Greate Rocke." African slavery was in vogue, but although the prac- 
 tice of holding human beings in bondage gradually abated, the s\stem was 
 not legally abolished in Connecticut until 1848 — thirteen years before the 
 outbreak of the Civil War. Middle or Main street at the Landing had been 
 opened at an expense of £100 in 1790, one year before the birth of this paper, 
 that section being in the vicinity of the confluence of the Yantic and "Show- 
 tucket." which forms the Thames, and distinct from the portion first called 
 the Landing, which was at the head of the cove below Yantic Falls, near which 
 at an earlier date stood John Elderkin's flour mill, which was accessible from 
 the town through Mill lane (now Lafa\ette street) and which point was the 
 original landing place for Indian canoes. This paper had been in existence 
 less than a year when the old Indian trail from Norwich to New London was 
 shortened to a distance of fourteen miles and opened in a crude and primi- 
 tive way to public travel as the first turnpike in the L'^nited States. Toll 
 began Tuesday, June 26, 1792, the rates ranging from id. for man and horse 
 to gd. for a four-wheeled vehicle. No bank was established in Norwich until 
 June 21, 1796, and the insurance business, which has become a factor, was 
 of but two years' earlier birth. 
 
 Mr. Bushnell was born in Lebanon, September 13, 1757, a son of Ebene- 
 zer and Elizabeth (Tiffany) Bushnell of that iilace, and a descendant in 
 manv lines of the Puritan fathers of New England. He graduated at Yale 
 in 1777, studied law, returned to Lebanon, and there married for his first 
 wife, August 14, 1780, Tryphena, a daughter of Dr. John and Jerusha (Hunt- 
 ington) Clark, of that town. He located in Norwich as an attorney, where 
 he married his second wife, November 18. 1876. Susanna, a daughter of 
 Capt. Russell and Mary (Gray) Hubbard of New London, and subsequently 
 of Norwich. He was a man of ready wit. of varied information, of fluent 
 tongue and facile pen. bright, well-balanced and enterprising. After his 
 retirement from journalism, he entered the L^nited States nav and became 
 paymaster of the ship "Warren." While serving in this capacity he died at 
 Havana. Cuba, in July or August, 1800, at the earlv age of 43. His widow 
 married for her second husband and as his third wife, January 30. iSc^. 
 Deacon Robert Manwaring, formerl ■ of New T^ondon, but then of Norwich, 
 who died March 29, 1807, and was survived by her until April 9. 1814. Both 
 are interred in the old burying ground at Norwich Town, near the enclosed 
 Fluntington lot, where memorial stones indicate their graves. 
 
 The Weekly Register's natal day was November 29, 1791, when Ebenezer 
 
NEW LONDON COUNTY PRESS 411 
 
 Bushncll issued the first number "24 rods West of the meeting-house," in 
 a building at Norwich Town which stood on the home-lot of Sergt. Thomas 
 Waterman, one of the thirty-five original proprietors of the town, whose 
 deed bore date November, 1659. The house was built by Elijah Adgate 
 about the year 1779, had successive owners until October 25, 1781, when 
 Ephraim Baker of Norwich in consideration of £100 deeded to Mr. Bush- 
 ncll "about thirty rods of land, be the same more cr less, with a dwelling 
 house thereon standing, on the south side of the meeting-house rocks (so- 
 called) on the south side of the town street." This building stood nearly 
 opposite John Trumbull's printing office, whose newspaper, the Norwich 
 Packet, was still in existence. The Weekly Register was a twelve-column, 
 four-page journal, 10 x 17 inches in size, which was changed to one of six- 
 teen columns, Tuesday, February 14. 1792, the dimensions remaining un- 
 altered. 
 
 Chelsea in Norwich, a district so well established in earlv days, but 
 now so vaguely understood, and to many of the inhabitants of the present 
 day so utterly unknown, was of indefinite and unestablished bounds, extend- 
 tending from about the Norwich Town line southerly to the Landing, easterly 
 to the Shetucket and westerly along the bank of the Thames. East Chelsea, 
 originally a most unattractive portion, was subject to inundation with every 
 freshet, and the receding waters, leaving an accumulation of stones, boulders, 
 ice and rubbish on the swampy slopes of the rivers, became known also as 
 Swallowall. West Chelsea developed into the ship-building center, the high 
 ground in the vicinity being called at varying times Oak Spring Hill, Baptist 
 Hill and Mount Pleasant. The commercial center, a part of the West Side. 
 the Falls district and the choicest residential portion were included within 
 the limits of Chelsea. 
 
 The first number of the "Chelsea Courier," a four-page, sixteen-column 
 paper, 11 x 18 inches, appeared Wednesday, November 30, 1796, and con- 
 tained the following "conditions": 
 
 1. The Courier will be printed at Chelsea, on Wednesday, and delivered to city- 
 subscribers in tlie forenoon. 
 
 2. It shall 'be printed on good paper of Royal size. 
 
 3. It shall contain tl;e most important Foreign and Do:iiestic intelligence, 'to- 
 gether with such original productions, &c., as shall be thought deserving of public 
 attention. 
 
 4. The price to subscribers -ivill be one dollar and sixty-seven cents per annum, 
 exclusive of postage. 
 
 5. One-half of the subscription will be expected on delivery of the first number. 
 
 Thirteen and a half of the sixteen columns were devoted to reading 
 matter, in which appeared items of foreign intelligence of as late date as 
 September 28. The remaining space was devoted to advertisements, anions; 
 which was one by the editor, who announced as for sale "at his ofifice in 
 Chelsea" a long list of books, in which were included Ash's Grammar, Ameri- 
 can Revolutionary, Arabian Nights' Entertainment, Baxter's Saints' Rest, 
 Bunvan's Visions of Heaven and Hell. Complete Lettcrwriter, Dilworth's 
 Arithmetic, Elliott's Medical Pocket Book, Fordice's Addresses, Goldsmith's 
 Works, Hervey's Meditations, Cecum's Hymns, Penitential Cries, Vicar of 
 Wakefield and Zimmermann on Solitude. 
 
 Messrs. Robinson and Dunham continued their close business relations 
 three years, when their copartnership was dissolved March 30, 1825. On that 
 date the following notice appeared : "With the present number we complete 
 the third volume of the Courier, and with it the senior editor ends his labors 
 as one of its conductors and proprietors, having disposed of his right and 
 title to this paper to his partner." 
 
 Mr. John Dunham then assumed full charge of the Courier, which he 
 
412 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 published in the basement of the Dunham block, a wooden building on 
 Shetucket street, the site of which is now covered by the brick block in 
 which at present are the ground floor offices of the Adams Express Company 
 and the New London County Mutual Fire Insurance Company. The paper 
 was conducted with ability and success for more than sixteen \ears, at the 
 end of which period, on September 15, 1841, Mr. Dunham announced his 
 retirement. His successor, Rev. Dorson Ebenezer Sykes, then assumed 
 charge, and assured subscribers that the principles of the great Whig party, 
 so abl}^ advocated by his predecessor, would continue to guide the political 
 course of the paper, that his editorial brethren of all political creeds would 
 be treated with the courtesy becoming a self-respecting journal and that his 
 readers would be furnished with the news of the day presented in acceptable 
 and pleasing form. 
 
 The Courier at this time was a twenty-eight column, four-page weekly, 
 18 X 24 inches in size, well printed and of attractive appearance. Its new 
 management, however, felt that it had outgrown its old quarters in the Dun- 
 ham block, and therefore announced October 20, 1841. that "The office of 
 the Norwich Courier is removed to the third story of the building on the 
 corner of Waaler and Dock streets, a few rods below the Post Office." This 
 was the building which still stands on the southeast corner of Little Water 
 and Market (formerly Dock) streets, and is now owned by Dr. Patrick Cas- 
 sidy. It was then numbered 51 Water street, where the paper was printed 
 by J. G. Cooley. A temporary change of office quarters was made in 1843, 
 as the Weekly Courier announced March 28 of that year that "The publica- 
 tion office of the Norwich Courier is removed to 117 Main street, next 
 door east of the Quinebaug Rank, at which place the Editor may be found 
 at all times, during office hours." This was in the block now occupied by 
 Gilbert's furniture store, the bank and the office of the paper being on the 
 second floor. 
 
 Monday, March 7, 1842, in addition to the W^eekly Courier, appeared 
 a new venture of the enterprising management. "The Norwick Courier, 
 edited and published by D. E. Sykes, is issued every afternoon immediatelv 
 after the arrival of the Eastern Mail, at 51 Water street. Office third story." 
 This eight-cent a week, one-cent per copy daily, was a sixteen-column, four- 
 page sheet, 12 X 17 inches, which gave up the ghost August 13 following, and 
 was succeeded three days later by the Tri-Weekly Courier, a paper of the 
 same size, which was issued Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at six 
 cents a week, or two cents a copy. The Weekly Courier appeared before 
 its readers January 11, 1846, "materially enlarged," not by increase in size 
 but by additional length of columns, which while somewhat augmenting the 
 news, editorial and advertising space, detracted somewhat from the former 
 handsome appearance of the paper. 
 
 In a few years the journal removed to Chapman's block. Main street, 
 Franklin Square, occupying a room over the present electric street car wait- 
 ing room, the proprietor having his editorial sanctum at the northwest cor- 
 ner, overlooking Alain street, Franklin Square, and what is now Rose alley. 
 A fire occurred in this building about the year 1852, destroying some files 
 of the Courier and other property, and compelling a removal to the three- 
 cornered, or "flat-iron" building which occupied the corner of Main and 
 Shetucket streets, which, with the adjoining property of the Norwich Na- 
 tional Bank, was subsequently demolished to make room for the present 
 Shannon block. The last change of location under Mr. Sykes' management 
 was about the year 1858, when the Courier was removed to the Chelsea 
 building, Franklin Square, on the southwest corner of Main and Ferry streets, 
 over the store now occupied by Mrs. Edwin Fay. Saturday morning, Febru- 
 ary 26, 1859, on his retirement from the paper, Mr. Sykes published his inter- 
 
NEW LONDON COUNTY PRESS 413 
 
 esting editorial farewell as follows : 
 
 "Seventeen years ago last September, the Norwich Courier contained the vale- 
 dictory of our respected predecessor, John Dunham, and the introductory notice of 
 our accession to the editorial cliair. 
 
 "Througli summer heat and winter snow; through rain and shine, through good 
 report and evil report, we have held our way from that day to this, failing not in our 
 weekly intercourse with our patrons and friends; and for seventeen years this day, 
 adding to those hebdomadal visits a tri-weckly call upon such of our acquaintances 
 as signified their desire to see more of us. 
 
 "The Courier 'still lives' and speaks for itself in the enlarged, improved appear- 
 ance, and the favor it has met with at the hands of its friends and supporters. Of our 
 taithfulness as a political paper, t!ic columns of our living contemporary, the Aurora, 
 and of our defunct friends, the Norwich News, Norwich Tribune, Norwich Evening 
 Advertiser, and we know not how many besides, will show the dire necessity laid 
 upon them, as political opponents, to pull every wire, turn every stone, and speak 
 every word which could, by any possibility, ensure our utter and entire demolition 
 and annihilation. 
 
 "We cannot leave the editorial chair without expressing to our friends and 
 subscribers our appreciation of their good will. Many of thcm^ — nay, almost all, we 
 regard as personal friends; and those of whom we have failed to please, who have 
 parted company with us, we consider not as enemies, for the terrible mandate, 'stop 
 my paper,' that greets an editor's car in every time of political excitement, is not 
 irrevocable, and we, in common with our brethren of the quill, have learned to wait 
 patiently until the tide sets back. To our correspondents, we tender our thanks; to 
 our advertising friends, without whose aid no town or city like Norwich can sustain 
 a good paper, we present our acknowledgments for favors received, and our best 
 wishes that, acting on the 'live and let live' principle, their various trades, occupations 
 or business may so flourish as to fill their cotlers and satisfy their desires. To our 
 constant friends wlio have sustained us in our constant labors, by sympathy, cheerful 
 words and kindly deeds, we offer our grateful thanks. 
 
 "Of our successor it is not needed that we multiply words. Though a compara- 
 tive stranger to this community, he is no stranger to Connecticut. For the last four 
 years his connection with the Springfield Republican— one of the best daily papers 
 in New England, and largely circulating in Connecticut — has rendered it necessary 
 for him to keep himself thoroug'hly informed upon the current political events and 
 interests of our State. He enters, therefore, upon his editorial duties under circum- 
 stances peculiarly favorable both to himself and to the public. Of his plans and 
 purposes with reference to the future interests and management of the Courier, we 
 leave him to speak for himself. Knowing what we do of those plans and views, we 
 feel the highest confidence that nothing is wanting but a cordial and liberal support 
 on the part of the public to ensure to this c0I^munit^' a daily journal second to no 
 other paper in Connecticut. With a heary God-speed to our successor, and a sincere 
 God's benison upon our readers, young and old, we lay down our worn and v.-en,ry 
 pen." 
 
 Mr. Svkes' successor as editor, publisher and proprietor of the Courier, 
 was GeorEre B. Smith, a young printer from Sprin.gfield, whose introductory- 
 appeared March i, 1859. The establishment retained the old quarters in the 
 Chelsea building, from which were issued the Daily and the Weekly Courier. 
 The new editor informed the public that "This journal will continue to be 
 devoted to the highest interests of this community," "and to the inculcation 
 of those political principles that were intended by the framers of the Con- 
 stitution to underlie the whole system of government, and that are now repre- 
 sented by the Republican party." "The Weekly Courier will be issued each 
 Saturday," and "will be the largest, and we are sanguine enough to believe, 
 the best weekly newspaper in Connecticut." 
 
 Mr. Smith's high aims and sanguine hopes were doomed to early and 
 bitter disappointment, and Norwich, that "graveyard of newspapers." ap- 
 peared about to claim another victim. Po.?sessed of excellent taste and fair 
 business abilities, he was, nevertheless, almost at the outset of his career 
 beset with financial difliculties against which he struggled manfully, yet 
 vainlv. At the expiration of seven months, unable longer to continue, he 
 retired, and the paper reverted to Mr. Sykes. 
 
414 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 The issue of Saturday, Aup:ust 20, 1859, contained a notice to this effect, 
 when the former editor was compelled to resume the arduous duties which 
 he thought had been forever relinquished. Under these adverse circum- 
 stances, Mr. Sykes decided to publish only a semi-weeklj' paper, and an- 
 nounced that "The daj's of publication will be Wednesday and Saturday of 
 each week ; and the paper will be issued in time to be sent ofif in all direc- 
 tions by the earliest mails on the mornings of those days, or by the earliest 
 trains, stages, post-riders, etc. The city, Norwich Town, Bean Hill and 
 Greeneville subscribers will be supplied by carriers as heretofore, and care 
 will be taken that this is done with fidelity and promptitude." In addressing 
 advance subscribers the editor wrote : 
 
 ".Mtliough the paper has come under its new management seriously encumbered 
 with t!ie subscription contracts of the late publisher, and although their repudiation 
 by us would cause but a trifling loss, individually, to subscribers who have paid in 
 advance, while their fulfilment by us would involve a heavy sacrifice; and, although 
 no legal or moral obligation rests upon us to pay these debts; yet, rather than permit 
 the lowering of the good name of one of the oldest journals in Connecticut or New 
 England, or allow a sin of this sort to stain its escutcheon, the responsibility of 
 satisfying these claims is hereby voluntarily assumed by us, and Daily and Weekly 
 subscribers will be furnished with the Semi-Weekly issue until the dates when their 
 prepaid subscriptions shall expire." 
 
 The reasons given for the non-issuance of the Daily Courier were thus 
 given : 
 
 "Many readers will naturally be anxious to know the reason why the Daily Courier 
 is not continued. Our answer is that our idea of what such a paper ought to be 
 could not be carried out, except at a heavy pecuniary sacrifice on the part of the 
 publisher. Outside of Norwich but little advertising support can be relied on for 
 a daily paper; consequently, the duty of sustaining it must belong to the city. That 
 responsibility it has had a fair opportunity to assume, but has declined, guided in 
 the matter, wc believe, by circumstances which would have decreed otherwise had 
 they all been considered. These reasons have been of a pecuniary character — a large 
 number of our citizens being unable or disinclined to incur the expense of a daily, 
 and many of our businss men having yet to discover the benefit of libera! adv;Ttising 
 in a local paper, established for the advantage of local interests. We think the truth 
 is included in what we have said; and none can regret the facts more than v.'e do. 
 So soon as we see, or believe we see, the time to have arrived when better and 
 brighter prospects for remunerative support justify a renewal of the experiment, 
 we shall not be slow in taking advantage of the change." 
 
 December 7. 1859, it was announced that on and after Thursday, January 
 5, i860, the publication of the Norwich Weekly Courier would be resumed. 
 It was claimed that the paper would contain more reading matter than 
 would an'.- other weekly jotirnal published in Connecticut, and that its news 
 would be fresh up to the hour of publication. It was gently hinted, also, 
 that the New Year would be "a good time to subscribe." 
 
 With the issue of the Semi-Weekly Courier of Wednesday, June 6, I\Ir. 
 Sykes retired from the paper for the second time, and in this instance was 
 succeeded bv H. C. Kinne. At the top of the first column of the second 
 page appeared the 
 
 AMERICAN REPUBLICAN TICKET. 
 
 For President, 
 
 ABRAHAM LINCOLN, of Illinois. 
 
 Vice-President, 
 HANNIBAL HAMLIN, of Maine. 
 
 Mr. Kinne continued the publication in the Chelsea building, Franklin 
 Square, wk.ich has been the paper's home for so long a time. 
 
 Friday, .'\ugust 20, i860, he announced that "We this day commence the 
 iniblicntion of the Courier as a Daily Evening paper. Those who have previ- 
 
NEW LONDON COUNTY PRESS 415 
 
 ously received the Semi-W'cekly by carrier will be furnished with the Daily 
 till further arrangements can be made. The Semi-Weekly will be continued 
 for the benefit of our country readers so that we are now issuing the 
 Courier in three forms, Daily, Semi-Wecklv and Weekly. As we are cir- 
 culatinof a thousand dailies within the limits of the town, transient adver- 
 tisers will appreciate the value of the Courier as a medium of communication 
 with the people." 
 
 Mr. Kinne's proprietorship of the paper was of limited duration, as he 
 died in a fev/ months, when the journal once more reverted to Mr. Sykes. 
 The latter gentleman finally disposed of the propert\ to Manning, Perry 
 & Co., the proprietors of the Norwich Morning Bulletin, who issued their 
 first number of the Weekly Courier, December 15, 1858, in the Chelsea 
 building. The paper was 16 x 21 J/2 inches in size, its eight pages containing 
 forty-eight columns. In this issue the publishers informed the public that 
 
 "We believe the readers of both the Eastern Bulletin (the weekly edition of 
 the Morning Bulletin) and the Norwic'h Weekly Courier will without exception be 
 gratified to learn that, by the consolidation of the two papers, they arc hereafter to 
 be furnished with the largest and best weekly in ll:e State. Under the arrangement 
 now perfected, we shall continue to send all paying subscribers of eacii paper the 
 Norwich Weekly Courier in its present form. The advantages resulting from this 
 consolidation to subscribers and advertisers, as well as the publishers, will be readily 
 appreciated. Many of our readers will recognize v»'ith pleasure an old familiar name 
 and face, many others — readers of the Eastern Bulletin — will give cordial greeting 
 to well-known features that come to them new titled, and many more we hope will 
 find it to their interest to make acquaintance with us during the year ahead. 
 
 "The Courier has heretofore been issued as a daily evening paper, a semi-weekly 
 and weekly. In place of all tliese we shall issue the Norwich Bulletin daily, and the 
 Nonvich Weekly Courier on Saturday morning of each week." 
 
 This issue, whose whole number was 285, contained twenty-six columns 
 of reading and twent}--two of advertising, all well arranged and presenting 
 a harmonious whole. 
 
 January, 1861, the presses, type and accessories were removed from the 
 Chelsea building to Chapman's block. 
 
 The Courier, erratic hitherto only in its occasional changes from Weekly 
 to Semi-Weekly and to Daily, appearing at different times in one, the other 
 or all of these forms, now settled permanently as the weekly visitor in thou- 
 sands of homes wfjere its presence became ever welcome and where its benefi- 
 cent influence will forever continue. 
 
 In the autumn of 1858, Mr. J- Homer Bliss, a practical printer and a 
 fluent and forceful writer, feeling that the time was propitious and that 
 Norwich would generously respond to the effort, induced W'illiam D. Man- 
 ning and James N. Perry to consolidate their printing offices and is.^ue a daily- 
 paper which would achieve popularity by its enterprise in fully reflecting 
 the local news and its liberality in presenting the telegraphic intelligence 
 of the world. The last-named, whose establishment was on the middle floor 
 of Chapman's block, was the fortunate possessor of a power press, the mo- 
 mentum for which was obtained from the machine shop of Peleg Rose, which 
 fronted on what is now Rose alley, and is at present occupied by Powers 
 Brothers as a fish market. At the suggestion of Mr. Henry liugh Osgood. 
 Isaac H. Bromley was selected as editor, and became a member of the firm 
 of Manning, Perrv & Co., the other partner in which, whose name did not 
 appear, being J- Homer Bliss. The title "Bulletin" was suggested by Mr. 
 Bromlev as being almost a synonym for "the latest news," and because of 
 its originality, few, if anv, newspapers having then adopted it. Accommo- 
 dations facing Franklin Square were .secured in Franklin hall. Chapman's 
 block, where was born and from which was issued December 15, 1858. the 
 first number of the Norwich Morning Bulletin, a twenty-four column, four- 
 
4i6 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 page journal, in size i6 x 21 inches. This number contained eleven columns 
 of reading and thirteen of advertising matter, and as an initial issue indicated 
 the high position the paper was destined to attain in the journalistic world. 
 The editor thanked the brethren of the press throughout the State "for the 
 many kind notices with which they have generally heralded our coming," and 
 paid his respects in true Bromley style to the "Hartford Post and New London 
 Star, for having put into tangible shape and deniable form, a report, which 
 has been somewhat industriously circulated throughout the district — with 
 how much malevolence we are unable to say — that the main object with 
 which this paper was started was to influence the congressional nomination 
 of this Third District." 
 
 In their prospectus the publishers announced that the Eastern Bulletin 
 would be published weekly, and would contain, in addition to editorial and 
 other original matter, the current news of the week, a summary of telegraphic 
 items, foreign, State and local news, market reports for the week, carefully 
 prepared, marine intelligence, agricultural matters and literary selections. 
 
 Mr. J. Homer Bliss, the projector of the Bulletin, soon retired, yet in his 
 Plainfield home today views with satisfaction the present results of his 
 initial efTorts of half a century ago. Two of the other three partners, Messrs. 
 Manning and Perry, are still with us as residents of Norwich. 
 
 September 4, i860, Charles B. Piatt of Norwich became a partner in the 
 Bulletin, retiring Mr. Perry, and three days later the firm name of Manning, 
 Piatt & Co. appeared as publishers and proprietors. This copartnership was 
 dissolved October 31, 1863, and was succeeded by the Bulletin Association, a 
 joint stock company organized for the purpose, the president and directors 
 of which held their first meeting November 30 following. The capital stock, 
 all paid in, was $25,000, of which the president, James D. Mowry, held 230 
 shares, and the directors, Messrs. Isaac H. Bromley, Joseph H. Starkweather 
 and Albert H. Almy, owned 310, 230 and 230, respectively. The company 
 erected the Bulletin building on Main street in 1867, which was then num- 
 bered 127, but is now 85, which has since been the home of the paper. 
 
 The name of Campbell & Co., as publishers and proprietors, appeared 
 Thursday, July 6, 1871, but disappeared with the issue of Friday, February 
 28, 1873, being succeeded Monday, March 3, following, bv that of the Bulletin 
 Company. The administration of the former was evidently unsatisfactory 
 to the stockholders, as on the last-named date it was explained that 
 
 "A newspaper is not a philanthropic enterprise, v.-itliout regard to pecuniary 
 profits. Of ali classes of men, an editor should have the least thought of himself, and 
 the most for others. It is their interests, rather than his own, which he is summoned 
 to promote. Consequently, piques of any sort and peculiar ideas of his own have 
 no rightful place in his paper. People want a paper principally for the news, and 
 this they shall have so far as we arc able to give it.^ We do not consider it to be a 
 part of our duty, however, to fill the news out by any imaginings of our own in order to 
 make it more sensational. Truth shall not be lost sight of, nor shall the character 
 or reputation of men be assailed without sufficient reasons; while the pleasure, good 
 and prosperity of all our readers shall be ever kept in view." 
 
 The Bulletin Association retained its building but disposed of the paper, 
 presses, type and other accessories to the Bulletin Company, a corporation 
 formed for the object, the present and a majority of the directors of which 
 held their first meeting March 15, 1873. The capital stock of $50,000, all 
 paid in, was held as follows: H. H. Osgood, 300 shares; Albert S. Bolles, 
 200: Lorenzo Blackstone, 200; H B. Norton, 200; T. P. Norton, 200; A. W. 
 Prentice, 100; John F. Slater, 100; Charles Bard, 100; E. N. Gibbs, 200; 
 W. R. Wood, 80; W. R. Burnham, 40; Sabin N. Sayles, 100; James Lloyd 
 Greene, 50, and Gardiner Greene, 50. The Eastern Bulletin was consolidated 
 with the Courier at the time of the latter's acquisition by Manning, Perry 
 
NEW LONDON COUNTY PRESS 417 
 
 & Co., and the paper continued under the old and honored name as the 
 weekly edition of the Norwich Morning Bulletin. 
 
 Manv years later, as the citizens of this place. New London, and the 
 neighboring towns had so long been accustomed to the early and regular 
 appearance of their favorite paper, filled to overflowing with local and world- 
 wide intelligence and all that appealed to literary, artistic, musical, scientific, 
 religious and general tastes, it was thought that the word "Morning" in the 
 title became superfluous. It was therefore eliminated, and from August i, 
 1895, the ever-welcome visitor has appeared as the Norwich Bulletin. 
 
 During the earlier days of The Bulletin the old style of hand composition 
 was in vogue, when seven men were able to set only from fourteen to eighteen 
 columns of matter in a night. During the second term of Alonzo H. Harris' 
 management. The Bulletin was equipped with Mergenthaler linotype ma- 
 chines and a web rotary press, which greatly facilitated the work of the 
 plant. The linotype machines were invented by Ottmar Mergenthaler, and 
 reasonably perfected in 1886, to do plain composition, and were first used 
 by the New York Tribune. They have since been greatly improved, and 
 are now adapted to fine newspaper and job work. 
 
 T^inotype machines are operated by finger keys, as is the typewriter, 
 but there the similarity between them ends. The former works automati- 
 callv, making and bringing, ready for the press or stereotyping table, bars 
 of type metal, each bearing, properly justified, the type to print an entire 
 line. The machine does not set the type, but evolves a slug, or line of metal, 
 upon which the characters are cast, ready to print from. With this paper's 
 improved facilities, three employees can, in a single night. furni.sh thirty 
 columns, and, with the aid of operators during the day, the capacity may be 
 increased to forty-five or more. The present daily average of The Bulletin is 
 thirty-five columns. The advance made in machinery is shown from the 
 fact that with the old Washington hand press 100 four-page papers could be 
 printed in an hour — with our modern web power press 200 eight-page papers 
 can be printed and delivered folded per minute. 
 
 The officers and editors of The Bulletin have been as follows 
 
 Presidents — Col. Hugh Henry Osgood, Norwich, February 28, 1873, to 
 I^Iarch II. 1884. Amos W. Prentice, Norwich, March 11, 1884, to March 11, 
 1S89. Col. Hugh Henry Osgood, Norwich, March 11, 1889, to October 21, 
 1890. Henrv H. Gallup, Norwich, ]\Iarch 5, 1900, to March, 1908. Chas. 
 D. Noyes, March 4, 1908, present incumbent. 
 
 Business Managers— The first manager, who certainly did well his part, 
 was James N. Perry. Norwich, December 15, 1858, to April, 1859. Charles 
 Black, from April, '1859, to September 4, i860. The managers since that 
 dav have been: Charles B. Piatt, Norwich, September 4, i860, to October 
 wich, secretary and treasurer, July 14, 1874, to March 7, 1875. William Fitch, 
 New London, secretary, treasurer and business manager, March 8. 1869. to 
 December 3. 1874. Elisha C. Rice, Norwich, 1874 to 1875. Charles E. Dyer, 
 Norwich, secretary, treasurer and business manager, December 14, 1875, to 
 April 30. 1880. Alonzo H. Harris. Norwich, April 30. 1880, to ]\Iay 7, 1884. 
 Charles Elisha Dver, Norwich, secretary, treasurer and business manager, 
 Mav 7. 1884. to Januarv 25, 1888. Alonzo H. Harris, Norwich, January 25, 
 1888, to October i, 1898." W. H. Oat, Norwich, October i, 1898, present 
 incumbent. 
 
 Secretaries and Treasurers — Albert S. Bolles, Norwich, secretary and 
 treasurer, February 28, 1873, to Julv 14, 1874. Waterman R. Bumham, Nor- 
 wich, secretary and treasurer. July 14. 1874. to March 7. 1875. William Fitch. 
 New London, secretary, treasurer and business manager, March 8, 1875, to 
 December 3, 1875. Charles Elisha Dyer, Norwich, secretary, treasurer and 
 
4i8 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 business manager, December 14, 1875, to April 30, 1880. Albert S. BoUes. 
 Norwich, secretary and editor, December 14, 1875, to January i, 1881. Alonzo 
 H. Harris. Norwich, secretary, treasurer and business manager, 1880, to May 
 7, 1884. Charles Elisha Dyer, Norwich, secretary, treasurer and business 
 manager, May 7, 1884, to January 25. 1888. Alonzo H. Harris, Norwich, from 
 January 24, 1888, to October i, 1898. Charles D. Noyes, treasurer, October 
 I, 1898, present incumbent. Isaac H. Bromley, Norwich, December 15, 1858, 
 to 1862, when he entered the Union army as the captain of Company C, 
 iStli Regiment — Management; original control. B. M. FuUerton, Spring- 
 field, Mass., 1862 to 1865. — Piatt and Gates management. Isaac H. Bromley, 
 Norwich, 1865 to July 5, 1871. — Gates management. William H. W. Camp- 
 bell, Salem. Mass., July 6, 1871, to February 28, 1873. His pen name was 
 "Kham." — Spalding's control. Albert S. Bolles, Norwich, February 28, 1873, 
 to May 18, 1874. Sturtevant's control. E. J. Edwards, Springfield, Mass., 
 May 18, 1874, to December 14, 1875. — Osgood regime. Albert S. Bolles, Nor- 
 wich, December 14, 1875, to January i, 1881. — Dyer and Harris; Osgood 
 legime. A. P. Hitchcock, New Lebanon, N. Y., January i, 1881, to August 
 I, 1885. — Harris and Dyer; Osgood and Prentice regime. Edward H. Hall, 
 Geneva, N. Y., August i, 1885, to June 25, 1888. — Dyer and Harris; Prentice 
 regime. A. P. Hitchcock, New Lebanon, N. Y., 1888 to 1893. — Harris; Pren- 
 tice and Osgood regime. A. Walton Pearson, Newburvport. Mass., since 
 March 17, 1893; Dyer, Harris, Dyer, Harris and Oat; Osgood, Gallup and 
 Noyes regime. 
 
 Assistant Editors — William H. W. Campbell, Salem, Mass. ; with Brom- 
 ley. James Hall, Geneva, N. Y. ; with Campbell, Edwards, Bolles and Hitch- 
 cock. Edward H. Hall, Geneva, N. Y. ; with Hitchcock. W. H. H. Hale, 
 New Haven ; with Hitchcock. Aliss Ella A. Fanning, Norwich ; with Pearson. 
 
 Night Editors — Henry Hall, Geneva, N. Y. ; with Fitch and Dyer. Amos 
 A. Browning, Norwich ; with Dyer. Edward H. Hall. Geneva, N. Y. ; with 
 Dyer. L. R. Southworth, Woodstock; with Dyer. Walter A. Littlefield, 
 Boston, Mass. ; with Dyer. Edward H. Hall, Geneva. N. Y. ; with Harris. 
 W. H. H. Hale, New Haven ; with Flarris. William C. Thompson, Norwich ; 
 with Harris. Albert A. Sparks, Norwich ; with Harris and Oat. 
 
 City Editors — William Fuller, Hartford ; with Bromley. Henr\- P. God- 
 dard, Norwich ; with Bromley. Henry Wing, Norwich ; with Bromley. 
 Henry E. Bowers, Norwich; with Bromley. William Fitch, New London; 
 with Campbell. John Rathbone, Norwich; with Fitch. Stiles Stanton, Ston- 
 ington ; with Fitch and Dyer. Edward Thomas, Norwich ; with Fitch. 
 Thomas Hull, Stonington ; with Fitch. Amos A. Browning, Norwich; with 
 Dyer. Stiles Stanton, Stonington ; with Dyer. John Rathbone, Norwich ; 
 with Dyer. A. Walton Pearson, Newburyport, Mass.; with Dyer, Harris; 
 Dyer and Harris. William C. Thompson, Norwich ; with Harris. Frederic 
 W. Carey. Norwich ; with Harris. Julian R. Dillaby, Norwich ; with Harris, 
 Oat. Harvey M. Briggs, Norwich ; with Oat. 
 
 Sporting Editor— William Peet, Clinton with Oat. 
 
 Assistant City Editor — Charles F. Whitney; with Harvey M. Briggs. 
 
 Reporters — Luther K. Zabriskie ; with Pearson. Leslie T. Gagcr ; with 
 Pearson. 
 
 The Norwich Bulletin has now been four years in its new home, Nos. 
 62-74 Franklin street, not far distant from its first habitation and within sight 
 of the spot where its infantile years were passed. Although changes have 
 occurred in stockholders, officers, editors and employees. The Bulletin, as 
 the child of The Courier and the grand-child of the Weeklv Register, remains 
 steadfast in its devotion to principle and to the best and highest interests 
 of its patrons, its State and its country, and will ever thus continue. 
 
NEW I.ONDON COUNTY PRESS 419 
 
 Isaac Hill Bromley, one of the founders and the first editor of The 
 Norwich Bulletin, won for himself an enduring national reputation as one 
 of the able and brilliant editorial writers of his time. His first editorial in 
 The Bulletin, to be found in our fac-simile of the first issue presented to our 
 readers today, not only marks out the policy of The Bulletin for its first 
 half century, but shadows forth the quality of the editor who made his mark 
 in the nation by his masterly and brilliant work and who honored every 
 position in life to which he was called. Mr. Bromley was a native of Nor- 
 wich and a graduate of Yale, and had represented the town in the Legislature 
 and this district in the Senate prior to his entering upon his editorial career. 
 He had conducted the paper but a short three years, when the war broke 
 out and he answered to the call of his country and went to the front as 
 captain of Company C of the Eighteenth Connecticut Volunteers, and a year 
 later he was appointed provost marshal for this district and continued in that 
 office till the close of the war. He then returned to the editorial manage- 
 ment of The Bulletin, which he directed until 1868, when he became a stock- 
 holder and editor of the Hartford Evening Post. In 1872 he became an 
 editorial writer of the New York Sun, and then went to the New York 
 Tribune, where he continued from 1873 till 1883, after which he went to the 
 New York Commercial Advertiser as editor for a few months. During the 
 Presidential campaign of 18S4, he edited the Post-Express of Rochester, 
 N. Y., and in 1891 he returned to the New York Tribune, with which paper 
 he remained until his death on August nth, i8g8, in this city. Mr. Bromley- 
 was a government director of the Union Pacific Railroad from 1882 until 
 1884, and in 1885 was appointed assistant to the president of the Union 
 Pacific Railroad. 
 
 Editor Bromley's guaranty for The Bulletin in the first issue was as 
 follows : 
 
 "We intend to furnish the community -with a good family newspaper, as well 
 as a political journal, and we shall admit nothing into its columns that has the least 
 savor of impropriety. We shall exercise the same care over our advertising columns, 
 as over the editorial and other reading matter, and the wives and children of our 
 subscribers may feel assured that they can read the whole sheet through without 
 being disgusted or shocked by the miserable catch-penny advertisements that stare 
 readers in the face from too many of our otherwise respectable newspapers." 
 
 This has continued to be the policy of The Bulletin for a half century, 
 and it is to be hoped that it will ever continue as the honorable record of the 
 paper which today, with the Yale lectures upon Journalism, which he endowed 
 and that bear his name, stand as his best monument. 
 
 Mr. James N. Perry, of the firm of Manning, Perry & Co., first owners 
 and ])rintcrs of The Bulletin, was born in Lebanon, and learned the trade of 
 a printer in New London. He came to Norwich when twenty-one years of 
 age and established himself in the job printing business with Horace R. 
 Woodworth, buying out the printing business of James M. Stewart. In 1858 
 he and Mr. William D. Manning, under the copartnership title of Manning 
 & Perry, merged their business and associated with them J. Homer Bliss and 
 Isaac Bromley for the publication of The Bulletin in Franklin hall, Mr. 
 Perry acting as business manager a few months, when Mr. Charles Black 
 succeeded him. Mr. Perry then went to the mechanical department, from 
 which he retired in i860, when he was bought out by Mr. Charles B. Piatt. 
 He continued in the employment of The Bulletin job office for some time 
 and then accepted a position as an accountant. Mr. Perry has been the book- 
 keeper for J. P. Barstow & Co. for twenty-six years and is still in active life 
 and esteemed by all who know him. 
 
 William D. Manning was born in Norwich at the Falls October 19. i8t8, 
 
420 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 and has spent practically all his life here, being identified with the printing 
 business exclusively. When a boy he went to Philadelphia to learn the 
 trade of a machinist, but soon returned here and became an apprentice in 
 the office of Hon. John Dunham, who then owned The Norwich Courier. 
 With him in the same office as an apprentice boy was John G. Cooley. For 
 twelve years after serving his time as apprentice, Mr. Manning was foreman 
 for Ebenczcr Sykes, who bought The Courier of Mr. Dunham, later making 
 it a tri-weekly, and moved it away from Market street. For a period he 
 had full charge of the paper during Mr. Sykes' illness. About 1853 Mr. Man- 
 ning purchased of Mr. Dunham his job office in Shctucket street, which had 
 been closed, and conducted it with marked success for about five years, 
 although his capital at the start was but $1.25. In 1858 there were three 
 job printing offices closed because of the amount of lottery business being 
 done here at that time. There was a question as to what would be done 
 with so much type as there was in these job offices, and it was suggested 
 to Mr. Manning that a daily paper be started here. Favoring the idea, he 
 consulted some of th.c prominent Republicans of the town and received so 
 much encouragement from Hon. H. H. Osgood, Hon. Henry Starkweather 
 and Edmund Perkins that it was decided to launch a daily, James N. Perry 
 consolidating his office with Mr. Manning's, and with them were J. Homer 
 Bliss and Isaac Bromley as partners, the firm name being Manning, Perry 
 & Co. The suggestion of the daily is said to have been made to Mr. Man- 
 ning by Homer Bliss. 
 
 The name was suggested either by Colonel Osgood or Mr. Starkweather, 
 and the first paper was published on December 15, 1858, on Franklin Square, 
 over the car station, in what is now Foresters' hall. With Isaac Bromley 
 as an editor, the jiapcr was a success from the start and the Tri-Weekly 
 Courier soon abandoned the field and was taken in by The Bulletin in Janu- 
 ary, 1859. Editor Bromley's leaving was a severe loss to the paper, and, 
 in fact, against the wish of the editor himself, for, as he told the owners 
 then, he had placed his salary so high to the Hartford people that he never 
 believed they could afford to pay it. About that time, Charles Piatt suc- 
 ceeded Mr. Perry as the business manager and Mr. Manning continued at 
 the head of the job and mechanical end of the business for thirty-three years. 
 When Mr. Piatt entered the firm the name was changed to Manning, Piatt 
 & Co., and the paper saw one of its most prosperous periods during his man- 
 agership. 
 
 After Mr. Piatt's death, a company was formed and l\Ir. Manning dis- 
 posed of his interest in the paper, but continued to be the foreman of the 
 job department for a number of years longer. Mr. Manning taught the prin- 
 ciples of the trade to many young men. W'hen he mastered the calling. 
 printing was in a primitive state, and most of the work was done on hand 
 presses. Address cards were ]-)rinted with a "proof planer" In those days 
 printers boasted that type could never be set by machinery unless inventors 
 could make brains. Mr. Manning has lived to see the perfection of type- 
 setting machines and linotypes, and presses that will print rapidly in five 
 colors from a roll of paper. Although out of the business for twenty years, 
 he still feels at home in a printing office. 
 
 John Homer Bliss was born in Hebron. Connecticut, August 4, 1832. 
 son of John Flavel Bliss and Mary Ann Porter of that place, being a lineal 
 descendant of Thomas Bliss, one of the founders of Hartford. 1640, and also 
 of John Porter and wife, Anna White, pioneer settlers in Windham, 163c). 
 After receiving a liberal education under the tutelage of the late General 
 Calvin Daggett of Andover. he entered the printing office of the Norwich 
 Courier in 1848, then located in the room directly over the present waiting 
 
NEW LONDON COUNTY PRESS 421 
 
 room of the trolley roads on Franklin Square; and experienced the various 
 vicissitudes incident to the life of a printer's "devil" and newsboy. In 1S52 
 he went to Waterbury, Connecticut, and was for a year and a half a com- 
 positor in the office of The American, then located in the original Gothic 
 hall, opposite the corner of the public square at North Main street, Cook & 
 Hurlburt being the publishers. In 1854 he returned to Norwich, and in 1858 
 formed the project of a daily paper, and finally induced the consolidation of 
 two job printing offices— W. D. Manning's on Shetucket street and James 
 N. Perry's on Franklin Square— and the Norwich Morning Bulletin, so well 
 and favorably known in eastern Connecticut, was the child of that union. 
 
 In 1876, Mr. Bliss commenced the compilation of family statistics, the 
 result being the publication by him of the "Bliss Family Genealogy" in 1881, 
 during a temporary residence in Boston. In connection with this work he 
 made many valued acquaintances and friends, among them being the late 
 George S. Porter of Norwich. For several years succeeding 1876 he was a 
 contributor over the signature of "Xylo" to the Printers' Miscellany, a trade 
 paper published in St. John, New Brunswick, as many of the older printers 
 in Norwich may remember. 
 
 In the spring of 1S81 he became connected with the Attlebore Advocate 
 as compositor and contributor under the editorial management of Mr. Mow- 
 ton, remaining there until January, 1887, when he removed to Plainfield 
 and soon afterward became connected with the Plainfield and Moosup 
 Journal as compositor, and has for some twenty years been the local re- 
 porter for that paper, and for several years has furnished news items 
 for The Bulletin. Mr. Bliss is eminently pacific in disposition, is very 
 domestic and regular in habit, seldom indulging in so-called visits and then 
 only at the call of business; and, at the age of seventy-six, is in possession 
 of all his faculties — a wonderfully well-preserved specimen of humanity, 
 whose good nature it is to extend to all his earnest wishes for their con- 
 tinued happiness and prosperity. 
 
 Daniel W. Tracy, the present foreman of The Bulletin, was the first 
 compositor engaged when the establishment of the paper was a fact, and he 
 had a hand in its birth and has always had a live interest in its progress. 
 He was born in Preston June 13, 1839, learning the printer's trade in the 
 Aurora office under the tutorship of the late John W. Stedman, and has been 
 a sturdy representative of the craft for over half a century. 
 
 John Trankla, The Bulletin's first pressman, came to Norwich in 1853, 
 and entered the employ of James M. Stewart, who did a printing business 
 in the Chapman building on Franklin Square, as a hand-pressman doing 
 miscellaneous work, there being no power job-printing presses in Norwich 
 at that time. William N. Andrew, superintendent of The Bulletin job print- 
 ing department, was then roller boy. Mr. Stewart sold his plant to Messrs. 
 Woodworth and Perry of New London in 1854. During that year a part 
 of the plant was temporarily moved to a barn back of St. Mary's Catholic 
 Church, where miscellaneous printing was secretly done for several months, 
 for the reason, it is presumed, that like Guttenberg, they were afraid that 
 the powers would discover the primitive art. In 1858 the Stewart plant 
 was consolidated with the printing business of \\'. D. Manning, for the 
 purpose of having an outfit for the publication of the Norwich Morning 
 Bulletin, under the firm title of Manning, Perry & Co. Mr. Trankla was 
 hired b}^ the new company to take charge of one of the first power Adams 
 printing presses, printing The Bulletin for thirty years, the files for that 
 period still giving evidence of his painstaking work. During his emplov- 
 ment the firm changed several times, but "John" was ahvriys found running 
 the press which printed The Bulletin. 
 
422 NEW LONDON COUNTY 
 
 The night of the blizzard, March 12, 1888, he had to procure a carriage 
 to take him to work. That night he caught a severe cold, which developed 
 into pneumonia. He never regained his health, and he passed away on No- 
 vember 20, 1888. 
 
 The "Norwich Evening Record" was established as a Democratic party 
 organ by John G. Lynch, May 22, 18S8, and during the first two years of its 
 existence it changed ownership three times. On May i, 1890, it was pur- 
 chased by Cleworth & Pullen, publishers of "Cooley's Weekly," and has since 
 been conducted as an independent local newspaper, free from any political 
 party control, and in the interest of the whole people. On April i, 1893, the 
 plant was moved from 151 Main street to larger quarters in the Osgood 
 building, 101-103 Broadway, opposite City Hall, where it still remains. 
 
 Since January, 1906, shortly before Mr. Cleworth died, the paper has been 
 owned and published by Frank H. Pullen, under the name of Pullen Pub- 
 lishing Company. From time to time the paper and its plant have been mate- 
 rially enlarged and improved, and as a member of the Associated Press, "The 
 Record" has striven to fill its own particular evening field, covering Norwich 
 and the nearby towns to the satisfaction of its steadily increasing clientele. 
 The subscription rate is two cents per copy, or six dollars a year and local 
 advertisers who use its columns regularly and freely have always found "The 
 Record" a most profitable medium for reaching the evergrowing number of 
 people wh\ buy in Norwich, the natural trading centre of Eastern Con- 
 necticut. 
 
 "Cooley's Weekly," an independent newspaper, was established July 
 15, 1876, by John G. Cooley, who was widely known in this section, having 
 published newspapers in Norwich many years before, and afterward con- 
 ducting a successful printers' warehouse and advertising agency in New 
 York City. By somewhat sensational methods and the popular price of "Fifty 
 Cents a Year and No Postage," it soon attained a large circulation through- 
 out Eastern Connecticut. After Mr. Cooley was incapacitated by illness, 
 the paper was continued for several years by his son, John G. Cooley, Jr. 
 
 In 1888 the business was purchased by Allan Cleworth and Frank H. 
 Pullen, both long connected with the Lowell, Massachusetts, "Courier." Un- 
 der the firm name of Cleworth & Pullen, they assumed control on October 
 4th of that year. Mr. Cleworth died February 27, 1906, and the publication 
 has since been continued by Mr. Pullen under the name of Pullen Publish- 
 ing Company. Since May 1, 1890, it has been issued as the weekly edition 
 of the "Norwich Evening Record," but under its original name. It is still a 
 favorite in the rural districts and with many former residents of Norwich 
 who have moved away. 
 
Jlil 
 
 iitiiiiiiiiipiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii 
 
 ':i:^M''! 
 
 
 ■ni'ii;p'j',j'i;'iijji'i|i;:iM:;'ii^i^^ 
 
 ^liliililil 
 
 i! L, 
 
 ::il 
 
 11 
 
 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
 014 075 969 7