university of Connecticut libraries hbl, stx F 104.T7O6 History of Torrington, Connecticut 3 T153 DDST7277 S ^ •-3 O o y-Z v.H^ ^/ y^'v o« h-/)(' (o. -f^c^^^^u "T- Jfi" S^^^r^ .^'U^ y^^^^^^^^-^^ HISTORY TORRINGTON, CONNECTICUT, Its First Settlement in 1737, BIOGRAPHIES AND GENEALOGIES. BV REV. SAMUEL ORCUTT, Author of the History of Wolcott, Ct. ALBANY: J. MUNSELL, PRINTER 1878. TO THE MEMORY FIRST SETTLERS OF TORRINGTON 2ri)is aj^orft IS Knscn'Oftr B Y TH E AUTHOR. •' Oft did the harvest to their sidle yield; Their furt Oil' oft the stubborn glebe has broke; How jocund did they drive their team a-Jield ! How bowed the woods beneath their sturdy stroke ' For them, no more the blading hearth shall burn. Or busy housewife ply her evening care; Nor children run to lisp their sire's return. Or climb his knee, the envied kiss to share.'' PREFACE. In presenting this work to the public the author has no apology to make except the pleasure he takes in collecting and putting the ma- terial in form as a kind of memorial of those who have gone to the land from which none ever return. History is but the record of the experiences of the past, and ex- perience is a teacher to which it is wise to listen. The person who is indifferent to the past would be indifferent to the well being of those who are gone, if they were living; for those who recognize no obligation to father nor mother, nor those gone before, are too selfish to properly respect the living, while those who recognize such obligation will always delight in the memory of the past, and will welcome that which revives such memory. As to the completeness of the work it may be said, that, had there been a prospect of a small remuneration, six months more of time would have been given to it, by which the author could have satisfied himself, at least, more fully than is the case at present ; although he is well assured that the amount of information here recorded is greater than that of most books of the kind published in this country. The biographical part of the work was undertaken with a defi- nite intention to set forth somewhat the work done by Torrington people in other parts of the world as well as in their native town, and also to avoid somewhat the complaint frequently urged against the dry details of history. vi Preface. The biography of John Brown, after some progress had been made on it, was delivered to F. B. Sanborn Esq., of Concord, Massa- chusetts, who being famihar with the subject, and possessing favor- able opportunities for the work, has done great honor to the old Hero, and to the town where he was boin, and given to the world a just and faithful memorial of one whose fame will be celebrated as long as American history shall live. The biographies of Samuel J. Mills, and his son Samuel J. Mills Jr., are placed in abbreviated forms to what was intended, but as they are, they contain as full a tribute as was consistent, in view of the many of whom it was pur- posed to make some mention. The crowded form of the genealogies made it necessary to drop out much of the descriptive matter which had been prepared ; and they are not quite as full as was intended, for soon after the printing began it became evident that the material already collected was more than abundant, and though in some i'ew items satisfaction had not been obtained yet it became necessary to drop at once all further efforts and close the record. 77^1? Jiithor hereby tenders his most sincere gratitude to all the people^ who without exception have seemed anxious to aid the work^ and delighted in the prospect of its completion. It is but justice to say, that but for the prompt encouragement at a certain time, by substantial aid, by one of the citizens of the town, although some collections for the work had been previously made, the further prosecution would not have been attempted, and the book would not have been written by the present author. It is also true that but for the very generous price paid for one of the books by the Town, the amount of matter printed must have been far less or the price of the book considerably increased. Thus has been done as much as could be in the brief time allotted and the work is sent on its intended mission of reviving the memory Preface. vii of those gone beyond the veil, and strengthening the heart for the future toils of the present life. In thus closing all that the author expects to do in making the history of Torrington, either as a citizen or writer, the shadows gather, as at the close of day, and but for the hope of the future, the memory of the work done and the characters which have passed under review would leave a sadness, like the low plaintive sound of music from afar, or as if waiting the return of those who have long been absent, and whose coming, if permitted, would be a joy unspeakable. The Author. ILLUSTRATIONS STEEL. CoE Brass Co., - - r - - - - - -loi Israel Coe, ..__.__.- ^25 Lyman W. Coe, __-----_- 426 Henry Migeon, --------- 522 Elisha Turner, - - - - - - - - -613 Reuben Cook, --------- 679 LITHOGRAPH. Dr. Samuel Woodward, ------- 1 John Brown, - - - - - - - - "3'5 MiLO Burr, ,- " " ' ^^^ PHOTO ENGRAVINGS. Union Manufacturing Co., .-.--_ gg Excelsior Needle Co , - - - - - - - - 107 M. E. Church, - 113 Congregational Church, - - - - - - -121 Naugatuck R. R. Depot, ------- 186 John Brown House, - - - - - - - -318 Dr. R. M. Fowler, 439 Capt. Stephen Fyler, -------- 446 Mrs. Stephen Fyler, -------- 450 Dr. E D. Hudson, S°° Mrs. E. D. Hudson, 5'° Dr. James O. Pond, .-.----- 570 Fowler Homestead, -------- 691 Hudson Homestead, -------- 724 WOOD. Falls at Torrington Hollow, ..---- 79 Wolcottville, --------- 92 Harper's Ferry, -- 4°° Engine House, - - - - - - - - - 4°' Orrin L. Hopson, --------- 487 Frederick J. Seymour, - . - - - . - 601 Haystack Monument, 557 Capt. Uri Taylor, - - - - " " " " °'^ Mrs Uri Taylor, 77° John N. Whiting, -------- 785 HISTORY OF TORRINGTON CHAPTER I. THE WINDSOR COMPANY. LARGE proportion of the early settlers in Tor- rington, came from Windsor, Connecticut, and were de- scended from one of the noblest companies of Puritan pilgrims that came to America. It had been formed mostly from the western counties of England — Devonshire, Dor- setshire, and Somersetshire,' early in the spring of 1629, by the ex- ertions of the Rev. John White, of Dorchester, whose zeal and la- bors fairly entitled him to the appellation of the " great patron of New England emigration." " Great pains were taken," says the historian,^ "to construct this company of such material as should compose a well ordered settle- ment, containing all the elements of our independent community. Two devoted ministers, Messrs. Warham 3 and Maverick, were se- lected, not only with a view to the spiritual welfare of the plantation, but especially that their efforts might bring the Indians to the know- ledge of the gospel. Two members of the government, chosen by the freemen or the stockholders of the company in London, assistants or directors, Messrs, Rosseter and Ludlow, men of character and education, were joined to the association, that their counsel and judg- ment might aid in preserving order, and founding the social structure upon the surest basis. Several gentlemen, past middle life, with adult families and good estates, were added. Henry Wclcott, Thomas Ford, George Dyer, William Gaylord, William Rockwell, ' Trumbull. ^ History of the Town of Dorchester, Mass. History of Windsor, Conn. 3 Rev. John Warham had been an eminent minister in Exeter, England. ^Rev. John Maverick was a minister of the Established Church, and resided about forty miles from Exeter, England . 1 2 History of Torrington. and William Phelps, were of this class. But a large portion of act- ive, well- trained young men, either just married or without families, such as Israel Stoughton, Roger Clap, George Minor, George Hall, Richard Collicott, Nathaniel Dunham, and many others of their age, were the persons upon whom the more severe trials of anew settlement were expected to devolve. Three persons of some military ex- perience, viz : Captain John Mason, Captain Richard Southcote, and Quarter- Master John Smith, were selected as a suitable appen- dage, as forcible resistance from the Indians might render the skill and discipline which these gentlemen had acquired under De Vere, in the campaign of the palatinate, on the continent, an element of safety essential to the enterprise." " These godly people," says Roger Clap, one of their number,' " resolved to live together, and therefore as they had made choice of those two Rev. ser^^ants of God, Mr. John Warham and Mr. John Maverick, to be their ministers, so they kept a solemn day of fast- ing in the New Hospital in Plymouth, in England ; spending it in preaching and praying, where that worthy man of God, Mr. John White of Dorchester, in Dorsetshire, was present and preached unto us in the fore part of the day, and in the latter part of the day, as the people did solemnly make choice of, and call these godly ministers to be their officers, so also the Rev. Mr. Warham and Mr. Maverick did accept thereof and expressed the same." This company of 140 persons sailed from Plymouth in England, on the 20th day of March 1630, in the ship Mary and John of 400 tons burden. Captain Squeb commanding. "So we came," says Mr. Clap, "by the hand of God, through the deeps comfortably ; having preaching or expounding of the Word of God, every day for ten weeks together, by our ministers. On the Lord's day, May the 30, 1630, their good ship came to anchor, on the New England coast." The original destination was the Charles river, but an un- fortunate misunderstanding which arose between the captain and his passengers, resulted in the latter being summarily put ashore at Nantasket, where they were obliged to seek comfort for themselves as best they could. After being so discourteously landed by the cap- tain, they obtained a boat and proceeded up Charles river, to a place since called Watertown where they disembarked but soon after re- * Roger Clap's Memoirs. History of Windsor. The Windsor Company. 3 moved to Mattapan and began a settlement which they named Dor- chester in honor of the Rev. Mr. White of Dorchester, England. The fore-thought and provision for the sustenance of such a com- pany in the new world had been very deficient, and hence much suffering followed. Roger Clap's picturing of it is very forcible. " Oh, the hunger that many suffered and saw no hope in the eye of reason to be supplied, only by clams and muscles and fish. We did quietly build boats and some went fishing, but bread was, with many, a scarce thing, and flesh of all kinds scarce. And in those days in our straits, though I cannot say, God sent us a raven to feed us as he did the prophet Elijah, yet this I can say to the praise of God's glory, that he sent not only poor ravenous Indians which came with their baskets of corn on their backs to trade with us, which was a good supply unto many, but also ships from Holland and from Ireland with provisions, and Indian corn from Virginia, to supply the wants of his dear servants in the wilderness, both for food and rai- ment. And when the people's wants were great, not only in one town but in divers towns, such was the godly wisdom, care and pru- dence (not selfishness but self-denial), of our Governor Winthrop and his assistants, that when a ship came laden with provisions, they did order that the whole cargo should be bought for a general stock ; and so accordingly it was, and distribution was made to every town, and to every person in each town as every man had need. Thus God was pleased to care for his people in times of straits, and to fill his servants with food and gladness. Then did all the servants of God bless His holy name, and love one another with pure hearts fervently." This people remained at Dorchester five years, when, in the au- tumn of 1635, they determined to remove to Matianuck, afterwards Windsor, on the Connecticut river. On the fifteenth day of October (1635), the main body of the emi- gration, about sixty men, women and children, set forth from Dor- chester driving their cattle and swine before them on their long and toilsome journey to the valley of the Connecticut. Their house- hold furniture, bedding, and winter provisions were sent around by water, and it is probable that some of the families also took this means of conveyance. " Never before had the forests of America witnessed such a scene as this." The compass their only guide through the bewildering mazes of the unbroken forests, commencing and ending each day's march with songs of praise, and heartfelt 4 History of Torrington. utterances of prayer, which sounded strangely amid these solitudes, they pursued their hazardous undertaking. After a wearisome jour- ney of two weeks, through swamps and thick forests, over mountains and hills, across rivers and many streams of water which were passed often with great difficulty and peril, they reached their place of des- tination, the Connecticut river ; but before all the company and their cattle could be transported across the river, the winter closed upon them. Winter setting in unusually early, the river was closed on the fifteenth of November, and as yet the vessel containing their household goods and provisions had not arrived, nor were there any tidings of it. The rude shelter and accommodations, which had been provided for themselves and their cattle, proved to be quite in- sufficient to protect them against the extreme inclemency of the season. They were able to get only a part of their cattle across the river, the remainder were left to winter themselves as best they could, on the browse of the trees, acorns and roots of the forest. At this time (Nov. 26) a party of thirteen, driven by hunger and distress, attempted to return to Massachusetts, through the woods. One of their number fell thiough the ice and was drowned and the remainder would have perished " but that by God's pro- vidence, they lighted on an Indian wigwam."' As it was, they were ten days in reaching the bay. By the first of December the condition of the infant colonies on the river was perilous in the extreme. Many were destitute of provisions, those who were not, were .unable permanently to relieve their neighbors, and the only alternative was to reach their vessel, which was supposed to be fast in the ice below. A company of seventy, of all ages and both sex, now set out in search, intending doubtless to winter on board the vessel. Shelterless and scantily supplied with food, they toiled on, day after day, through snows and storms, hoping at every turn of the stream to discover the wished for relief. Who can picture the sufferings of that painful march, or their inexpressible dis- appointment as they approached the sea, in not finding the vessel for which they were so anxiously looking. But God, in whom they trusted, was not unmindful of His suffering ones. A small vessel, the Rebecca, of sixty tons, which had attempted to ascend the river, to trade, before the winter set in, had become entangled in the ice, twenty miles from the river's mouth. Fortunately, a storm of rain * Winthrop's Journal. The Windsor Company. 5 came, which, though it drenched the sufferers, released the vessel, which came to their relief, and in five days they reached Boston. The few who remained in Connecticut through this fearful winter, suffered much, as did their cattle also, from insufficiency of both food and shelter. They literally lived on acorns, malt, and grains, with what food they could gain by hunting, and such as was given them by the Indians. Their losses were very heavy, that of the Dor- chester people being as much as £2000 in cattle alone.' In the month of March, 1636, Connecticut was set apart as a colony, under a commission, granted by the general court of Massa- chusetts, " to several .persons to govern the people of Connecticut for the space of a year next coming." The commissioners named were Roger Ludlow and William Phelps of Windsor; John Steel, William Westwood and Andrew Ward of Hartford ; William Pyncheon of Springfield ; and William Swain and Henry Smith of Wethersfield. With the first dawn of spring, April 16, 1636, those brave hearts who had survived the toils and exposures of the previous winter, again turned undauntedly their footsteps towards Connecticut. They comprised the largest part of the Dorchester church, with, as some say, their surviving pastor, Mr. Warham.^ Their settlement, at Matianuck, was named Dorchester, in honor of the plantation from which they had emigrated, which name they retained until 1650 when it was changed to Windsor. About the same time also, Mr. Pyncheon and others from Rox- bury, Mass., settled at Agawam, now the city of Springfield. And in June following, came the venerable Hooker, with his companions from Cambridge, Mass., who settled at Suckiaug, now the beautiful city of Hartford, where a few settlers had " made a goodly beginning a little before." Wethersfield had been precariously settled in 1634, by a few who " managed to live " through the trying scenes of 1635-6.3 Such were the trials, exposures, hardships, and sufferings through which the first settlers of Windsor, the ancestors of many of the * Winthrop says that those cattle which could not be put over the river, fared well, all winter without hay. 'See note on page 25, Windsor History. 3 H. R. Stiles's History ol' Windsor, Conn. Trumbull. History of Dorchester. Win- throp's Journal. 6 History of Torrington. Torrington people, passed, before they found permanent homes in America. A like honor is attached to the descendants of nearly all the early settlers of New England. A little more than one hundred years after the settlement of Windsor, like trials, privations, and hardships began to be endured in Torrington, by its first settlers. CHAPTER IL THE WINDSOR PATENT. (^^5^5^^^ HE general court of Connecticut made, in 1686, "^ a grant of lands commonly called Western lands, to the towns of Hartford and Windsor. These lands were said to lie " on the north of Woodbury and Mattatok, and on the west of Farmington and Simsbury, to the Massachusetts line north, and to run west to Housatunock or Stratford river (pro- vided it be not, or part of it, formerly granted to any particular per- sons), to make a plantation or village thereon." ^ The title to those lands was in dispute until May, 1726,^ when the territory was divided, and that part confirmed to Hartford and Windsor, embraced the towns of Colebrook, Hartland, Winchester, Barkhamsted, Torrington, New Hartford, and Harwinton, making an area of 291,806 acres. The territory reserved to the colony embraced the towns of Canaan, Norfolk, Cornwall, Goshen, Warren, and about two-thirds of Kent, making not far from 120,000 acres. In February, 1732, the towns of Hartford and Windsor made a division of their lands by which the towns of Hartland, Winchester, New Hartford, and the eastern half of Harwinton were conceded to Hartford, and the towns of Colebrook, Barkhamsted, Torrington, and the western half of Harwinton, to Windsor. An act of the general assembly in May, 1732, authorized the Windsor Company to divide their lands to the individual owners according to their tax list of that year, and this list was the basis for all divisions of land made in the town of Torrington. The Name of the Town. Be it enacted by the Governor^ Council^ and Representatives^ in General Court Assembled^ and by the Authority of the same : "That the first parcel of land mentioned in said instrument of partition containing 20,924 acres, and bounded, south, partly on 'Colonial Records, vol. 3, 225. "Colonial Records, vii, 44. 8 History of Torrington. Litchfield and partly on land belonging to said patentees in Windsor, called the Half Township ; east and north, by land belonging to the governor and company of the colony of Connecticut, is hereby named, and shall ever hereafter be called and named Torrington."' The other three parcels were Barkhamsted, containing 20,531 acres, Colebrook 18,199 acres, and the west half of Harwinton 9,560 acres. In 1732 the taxable inhabitants of Windsor were divided into seven companies, each owning a township, taking their company names after the towns they owned. The Torrington company are specified as "Matthew Allyn, Roger Wolcott and Samuel Mather, Esq's, and others, of the town of Windsor, patentees of Torrington." The number of these persons was one hundred and thirty-six, and their names and tax list were as follows : £ Matthew Allen, Esq., 74 Roger Wolcott, " 123 Capt. Thomas Stoughton, ... 155 Alexander Allyn, 47 Benedict Alford, 35 Abiel Abot, 41 Daniel Bissell, Jr., 32 David Bissell, 115 Nathaniel Barber, 37 Josiah Barber, 124 06 Joseph Barber, 82 Nicholas Buckland, 61 Ephraim Bancroft, Jr., .... 66 Benjamin Barber, 43 Nathaniel Barber, 21 00 o Stephen Fyler, s. 06 00 00 19 OS 00 16 10 12 08 07 00 18 d. o 6 o 6 o o o o o o o o o o £ ^- Isaac Davice, 30 00 Joseph Elmer, 48 09 Joseph Elsworth, 21 00 Joseph Elgar, 26 00 Thomas Egelston, Jr., . . . 18 00 Abigail Eno, 25 07 John Egelston, 77 00 Mr. John Elliot 28 10 Benjamin Egelston, Jun., ... 37 16 Joseph Elsworth, . . 24 15 James Egelston, 07 00 Mr. John Fyler, 77 07 Samuel Fitch, 18 00 Thomas Fyler, 67 02 52 02 Benoni Bissel, 37 Jeremiah Birge, 47 Jonathan Bissel, 41 John C. Cross, 53 William Cook, 34 Nathaniel Cook, 55 John Cook, Jr., 59 Mary Clark, 32 Edward Chapman, 06 00 Jacob Drake, Jr., 03 00 Abraham Dibble, 38 16 Joseph Drake, 81 10 12 1 1 00 05 00 01 19 00 o o o 9 o o o o o o o o Ebenez'r Fitch, 41 06 Matthew Grant, 180 10 Josiah Giylord, 52 14 Jonathan Gillet, 38 00 27 00 00 05 10 00 00 Isaac Gillet, Francis Griswold, 52 Daniel Griswold, 82 John Grayham, 47 Samuel Gibbs, 30 Nathaniel Gaylord, 53 Henry Gibbs, 23 00 Joseph Griswold, 119 10 d. o o o o o a o o o 6 o 6 o 6 6 o o o o o o o o o o o o » Torrington was a hamlet on the hill called Cookbury Black, in the southern part of Devonshire, the southernmost county in England. It was also the name of a village on the Torridge river, a few miles north of Cookbury Black. The Windsor Patent. £ s. 15 00 04 °5 00 05 05 00 15 05 00 10 05 10 00 15 05 00 08 00 00 00 08 Eleazer Gaylord, 36 Thomas Grant's Heirs, 30 Thomas Grant, 19 John Griswold, 52 Nathan GiUet, Jun'r., 18 Benjamin Gibbs, 45 Thomas Hoskins, 40 Anthony Hoskins, 40 Ebenezer Haydon, 63 Mary Hoskins, 37 Elezer Hill, 11 William Haydon, 16 Martha Holcomb, 30 Daniel Haydon, 100 Zebulon Hoskins, 26 Ichabod Loomis, 39 Zachariah Long, 41 Timothy Loomis, 51 Stephen Loomis, 38 Joshua Loomis, 46 Isaac Loomis, 29 Moses Loomis, Jun'r., 26 Job Loomis, 72 Abraham Loomis, 23 02 Rebekah Loomis, 72 04 Jonathan Loomis, 31 00 Dea. Thomas Marshel, .... 100 07 Mr. Eliakim Marshel, 94 12 John Mansfield, 41 i^ John Morton, 24 Edward Moore, 55 Josiah Moore 54 David Marshel, 43 Mr. Will'm Mitchel, 74 Nathanael Mjore, 24 Hannah Newberry, 30 Benjamin Newberry, 25 Rutli Newberry, 07 Joseph Newberry, 71 Jacob Osborn, 44 Benjamin Osborn, 21 "Recorded, March the 4th, Anno. Dom., 1733-4, by Timothy LooMrs'^ clerk for sd. Torrington proprietors. The sum total of Torrington list is X6431, 9s, 5d." 04 02 17 01 00 00 00 05 00 05 10 10 Samuel Osborn, Jun'r., 71 John Porter, 04 William Phelps, 91 Joseph Porter, 98 Samuel Pinney, 50 John Phelps, Sen'r., 11 Nathanael Pinney 107 Hez. Porter, 91 David Phelps, . . . , 26 Joseph Phelps, 87 Sergt. Isaac Pinney, 29 Thomas Phelps, 45 Hannah Porter, 06 James Pasco, 24 Jonathan Pasco, 21 Samuel Rockwell, 75 Nathanael Stoughton, 02 Ebenezer Styles, 23 Jacob Strong, 79 Remembrance Sheldon, 51 Thomas Stoughton, Jun'r., . 30 Mary Stedman, 03 John Styles, 22 Isaac Skinner, 40 Samuel Strong, 46 Henry Styles, 71 Elizabeth Thrall, 16 Ammi Trumble, 39 John Thrall, 125 Simon Wolcott, Jr., 21 Jed. Watson, 72 Stephen Winchel, 04 John Wolcott, 81 John Winchel, ... . 53 Robert Westland, 51 Samuel Wilson, 29 John Wood, 36 John Williams, . . 36 Ebenezer Watson, 72 John Wilson, 56 s. d. 00 14 6 12 °5 10 00 10 00 00 00 07 15 15 00 00 18 00 00 IS 13 00 10 15 00 13 2 12 6 00 00 15 00 00 00 00 10 10 09 00 14 10 00 me. ' This Timothy Loomis was an elegant writer, as the Records show. It is a pleasure to peruse records 144 years old, that can be read as easily as the best printing. 2 lo History of Torrington. The Divisions. The vote to lay out a proportionate amount of land to each pro- prietor, was passed on the lOth of September, 1732, and on the i8th of the same month, the committee, appointed for the purpose, pro- ceeded to draw the lots for the proprietors, it being supposed that this method was the most equitable of any, and that each proprietor should be content with what fell to his lot, whether it should be rocks or soil. An alphabetic list of the proprietor's names was made as given above. One hundred and thirty-six numbers written on slips of paper were placed in a hat ; ' then the first name on the list called and a number taken from the hat and placed to the name called, and thus on until the one hundred and thirty-six numbers were taken and assigned to the names of the list. This done, another list was made in harmony with the order of the number of each lot, one, two, three, four, and thus to the last number, and the survey was made accord- ins to this second list. The lots were laid half a mile in length, and therefore every rod in width made one acre of land. In the first and second divisions there was appropriated one acre to the pound of each owner's list ; in the third, there was not quite that amount. In the first division there was laid out five acres as a meeting house plot, and one hundred acres as a ministry lot, and these were said to be near the centre of the town. The lots for the proprietors, when completed, were all laid in thir- teen tiers, except those in the swamp ; one on the south side of the town running east and west, the other twelve running north and south, and with the highways, covering the whole area of the town except the pine timber. The swamp was laid in three tiers of lots running north and south. The first division was completed in November, 1734, Roger Newberry, Joshua Loomis and Nathaniel Pinney being the committee. The second, voted to be made in March, 1736, was not completed until October, 1742, John Cook, 2d, Joshua Loomis, Roger New- berry and Daniel Bissell, Jr., being the committee. The third division was voted in October, 1742, and was com- pleted in December, 1750. In this division two hundred and twenty acres were appropriated for the use of schools in the town. Samuel ' In the third division the word " hat" is used. The Windsor Patent. ii Messenger, surveyor, Thomas Marshall and Aaron Loomis were the committee, and Rev. Nathaniel Roberts drew the numbers for the lots. The Pine Timber Division. The first name, given in the records to this part of Torrington was spruce swamp. Afterwards it was called the pine timber ; then the pine timber division, and in 1747 the mast swamp. The pine timber was of much value and the proprietors found great difficulty in preserving it from the hands of those who had no owner ship in it. They appointed various committees to " sue and prose^ cute to final judgment" those who should trespass in cutting it. Tht trees had grown tall and straight and were very desirable for masts to sailing vessels, and were cut and floated down the river for that pur- pose. There was other timber which the proprietors found important to be looked after. They directed " that all the pine, whitewood and white ash timber, above fourteen inches in diameter at the stub, stand- ing and growing or fallen down, on those places set out for highways in the third division, be reserved for the use of the proprietors," and the committee appointed was to sell such timber for the advantage of the proprietors. The expenses of the several surveys were collected by a tax levied from the list of the proprietors. In the proprietor's meeting of March 6, 1751, it was voted to "lease out the mill place with the convenience thereunto, for nine hundred and ninety-nine years." Ebenezer Lyman, Jr., Jacob Strong and Elijah Gaylord were the committee to lay out the fourth divi- sion, and Jacob Strong and Aaron Loomis were to draw the lots. They voted to lay a highway through the swamp from north to south twenty feet wide, now main street and one from the mill place east until it should meet the other road. In laying the lots in the swamp they were to begin at the south end of the tier on the west side of the road and run north to the end of the tier. Then begin at the south end, east of the road running to the north, but the lots extending only to the east branch. The third tier was laid east of the east branch, from the south end run- ning north. CHAPTER III. FIRST SETTLERS. Old Deeds. HE oldest deed recorded of Torrington lands was dated at Windsor, June 14, 1728, given by Daniel Gfiswold, to his "dutiful and obedient son" Nathan Griswold, for a right in undivided western lands. From this time to the spring of 1735, sixty deeds of rights were recorded in the Windsor Company's book. Soon after the survey was made and the lots located, the sales became more numerous, and were mostly to persons residing in Windsor but in a few cases to per- sons residing in other parts of the state. These sixty deeds include nearly, if not all, the land sales by the Torrington company previous to the rendering of the report of the committee on the first division, in November, 1734. The first land cleared and cultivated in the town was located ac- cording to the following description : — " At a meeting of the pro- prietors of Torrington held in Windsor, Feb. 10, 1734, voted Lieut. Roger Newberry be a committee, and he is hereby fully em- powered in the name of the proprietors to rent out to Josiah Grant of Litchfield, about four or five acres of land lying in said Torring- ton which is already broken up, as it lieth bounded south on Litch- field, and east on Waterbury river, until such time as said proprie- tors, Dy their vote shall see cause to call it in." One deed, given by Joseph Ellsworth of Litchfield, dated March ^i, 1734, says lot 77 was a home lot, which meant that it had a dwelling house on it, and had been the home of somebody. This lot joined Goshen on the west and was about one mile north of Litchfield line. Whether Mr. Ellsworth, who was the original owner, had lived there, or some one else, before the first division was made, is not known. This, so far as is known, was the first house put up in the town. In 1738 there was a dwelling on lot 82, half a mile north of lot 77, and hence there may have been two or three families living in that part of the town as early as 1734, who removed into Litchfield or elsewhere before 1737. First Settlers. 13 First Families. Ebenezer Lyman, Jr., was the first permanent resident of the town. In January 1735, his father Ebenezer Lyman, Esquire, of Durham, bought of Job Loomis, lot 108, containing seventy-two acres. This lot constituted a part of the farm known ever since, as the Lyman place, and upon it was built the fort, in the western part of the town. In June of the same year Ebenezer, Jr., bought the half of three acres, lot 109 on the corner, and joining lot 108, on the north, and erected a dwelling, undoubtedly a log house. In this house was born June 16, 1738, so far as known, the first child born in the town, it being a daughter and was named Lydia. On the fourth day of June, 1737, his father in deeding to him the seventy-two acres, says, this son had lately " moved from Durham into Torrington," Hence it is evident that he came in the month of May, and Mrs. Sarah Lyman was queen of the realm, without a rival except in her little daughter Ruth, about a year and a half old. In this house, assembled with this family, from one to a half dozen young men, on the Sabbath, if not more frequently, during the sum- mer of 1737, while they pursued during the week their toilsome work of clearing the land to make for themselves homes in the wilder- ness. On the 24th day of June, 1 740, Ebenezer Lyman Esq., bought lot 95, west of his son's lot, containing ninety-one acres, giving for it and lot nineteen in the second division and the whole right of Hezekiah Porter, two hundred pounds, and settled on the farm with his son in 1740, or early in 1741. Jonathan Coe of Durham, married Elizabeth Elmer of Wind- sor, September 23, 1737, and brought his bride to Torrington, the second woman in the town. Mr. Coe had worked in the town two summers. He bought on the i8th of March, 1737, lot 107, which he still owned, upon which he had probably erected a dwelling dur- ing the summer of 1737. This house must have been a log house,' and stood about eighty rods south of Ebenezer Lyman, junior's, their farms joining. Here were two dwellings in the wilderness — wilder- ness in every direction, and almost without end in every direction. The nearest place that looked like civilization was Litchfield, about > The lumber, for making framed houses in 1740, must have been brought, through the forests, from Litchfield or New Hartford. 14 History of Torrington. six miles distant and but few houses had been erected in that town before this time, and some of these were at considerable distance from the center of the town ; one or two being near the southern boundary of Torrington. At this time there were no families residing in Goshen ; a few were in Harwinton ; a few in New Hartford ; none in Winchester. Abel Beach of Durham bought land in company with Jonathan Coe, lot 123, containing thirty-one acres, in 1735, where the second church was built, at Torrington green. He purchased Mr. Coe's half, September 6, 1737, and owned by this purchase a thirty-one pound right to all other divisions that might be made. In December, 1737, he bought of Daniel Bissell, the right of Robert Westland with the lot 82, fifty-one acres, a little south of Dea. F. P. Hill's present dwelling, it then being a home lot or having a dwelling house on it. He married Margaret Pickett of Durham, April 5, 1738, and settled in this town. He may have made his home for a year in the house on lot 82, as he sold this lot in June, 1739, or he may have built him a house on lot 123, in the summer of 1737, and settled on it. The place being known unto this day as the Abel Beach place. In June, 1739, Daniel Stoughton bought of Abel Beach, lot 82, with a dwelling house on it, and made his home in the town, pro- bably in that house. Joel Thrall became a settler during the sum- mer of 1739, probably on lot 91, the old Thrall place on Goshen turnpike, most of which he had purchased of the heirs of John Thrall, and the east half he sold the same year to Ebenezer Coe, then of Middletown. Thus did the work begin, and go forward, so that in October, 1739, in their petition for religious privileges the petitioners say there " are nine families in the town." It is impossible to say who all these families were. The petition signed by twenty-five names, says, these names represent "inhabitants and proprietors." Some of these pro- prietors were in Windsor, some in Durham, nine families were here. These families lived here and grew healthy and strong, if they did not grow in the refinements of literature and cultivated society. How they arranged the items of the important business of living, will appear somewhat in the following pages, and although it cannot be described fully, yet it will be seen that they did it successfully. Joseph Allyn, who came a little later, worked during the week, rode on horseback to Windsor, Saturday, and returned on Monday morning, and all people may be assured that he did not start on such a journey after First Settlers. 15 the sun was three hours high in the morning. It is very probable that most of the supplies came from Windsor, and if not by a weekly express (which word they did not know in the sense now used), yet so frequently that with what they obtained in the wilderness, they lived as comfortably, and enjoyed their fare as well as most people of the present day. CHAPTER IV. RELIGIOUS PRIVILEGES, The Ecclesiastical Society. INCE the pilgrims came to America for the pur- pose of securing liberty in religious privileges, and their descendants for generations following, regarded these privileges as among the first things to be instituted and maintained in every place, we are not surprised to find the people of Torrington, having effected a settlement of a few families, proceed- ing in the work of securing the preaching of the gospel, knowing that without it their enterprise would not prosper. They sent a memorial to the general assembly, by Daniel Stoughton, in October, 1739, asking to be organized into a society, and that taxes might be imposed for the "support of a gospel ministry," This memorial was signed by the following names : Jacob Strong, Jr., John Cook, 2d, Ebenezer Lyman, Jr., Hezekiah Griswold, William Grant, Jonathan Coe, Daniel Thrall, Isaac Higley, Joseph Beach, Joel Thrall, Abel Beach, Ebenezer Coe, Nathaniel Barber, William Cook, Daniel Stoughton, Joshua Loomis, Thomas Stoughton, Jr., Jacob Strong, William Bartlett, Samuel Bartlett, Abraham Dibble, Jr., Joseph Phelps, Aaron Loomis, Samuel Phelps. Amos Filley, Torrington was made a town, with town privileges in Oct., [740, and thereby become an ecclesiastical society, and a tax of two pence on the pound for the support of preaching, was granted. In the next spring another tax of two pence was granted, but in the autumn it was changed to three pence on the pound, for the purpose of raising a fund towards building a meeting house. An extra tax to raise five hundred pounds for the settlement of a Religious Privileges. 17 minister, was also ordered by the assembly, which was a much larger amount than many ministers received, if the money was any where near par at that time. Another tax was granted in 1744, and one in 1750, for the support of the gospel in the town. These taxes seem burdensome in repetition and amount, but the people were quite willmg to pay them. The first petition states that some of the signers lived in Windsor, " but being desirous of having their lands improved as fast as possible, they were willing to be taxed." It was not altogether the gospel that they desired, but with it they could increase the value of their lands ; a kind of thoughtfulness con- cerning the gospel that has been exhibited very often since that day, and as well in cities as in new parts of the country. Men have often admired, and supported the gospel according to the amount of hard cash it would return them in a business point of view. Some of these memorialists loved the gospel for the sake of the gospel, but others were willing to be taxed for the sake of their lands. No information is given as to the success of this effort to secure the preaching of the gospel before October, 1741, but as Nathaniel Roberts was graduated in 1732, and was probably through his theo- logical studies before 1739, he may have preached here some time before he was settled as pastor. The First Church. The only records of the organization of the church are those written by Mr. Roberts, the first pastor. ' He introduces the matter and gives the record thus : " Here I shall observe some things concerning the church in Torrington in y' county of Hartford. " I St. It was first planted October 21, 1 741, by Mr. Graham,' Mr. Humphrey,^ Mr. Leavenworth,-* Mr. Bellamy. 5 " 2d. The first deacon that was chosen was Ebenezer Lyman ' These Records are still preserved and have been of much value in fixing dates in this book, but the writing was at first so fine that after 135 years it is extremely difficult to read it, and because of this, several names may not be transcribed correctly. ^ Rev. John Graham, of Southbury. 3 Rev. Daniel Humphrey, of Derby. 4 Rev. Mark Leavenworth, of Waterbury. 5 Rev. Joseph Bellamy, D.D., of Bethlehem. 3 i8 History of Torrington. (Sen'r.), and was set apart to the office by prayer, and laying on of the hands of the pastor of said church, January i, 1742. '' 3d. The first sacrament that ever was administered in the church was January 3, 1742, and the communicants who were then members of the said church ; the number was seventeen ; Dea. E. Lyman and his wife, E. Lyman, Junr., and his wife, E. North and his wife, J. Coe and his wife, Jacob Strong and his wife, Abel Beach and his wife, Nathaniel Barber and his wife, John Cook and his wife, Asahel Strong." Thus far he seems to have written at the first entry, after this he proceeds as follows, drawing a line across the page between each entry. "The second sacrament was administered March 14, 1742, and Margaret Thrall y^ wife of Joel Thrall was admitted a member in full communion with us. " E. Coe and his wife owned their covenant, and were admitted members in full communion with us, April 4, 1742. "3d sacrament was administered May 27, 1742. 4th sacra- ment was administered November 14, 1742, and then Samuel Damon' and his wife, Samuel Damon, Jr., and his wife, John Damon and wife, Noah Wilson and wife were admitted members in full com- munion with us." In this manner he continued to record the sacraments and admis- sions to the church until a short time before his death ; the last entry being thus : " 132 sacrament November y*' 13, 1775." The record of marriages he commences in the same straight-forward manner. " Mr. Nathaniel Roberts, pastor of the church in Torrington, was married November 22, at night, being 3d day of y^ week in y^ year I7+3-" "July 8, 1747, I married Isaac Hosford, of Litchfield, to Mind- well Loomis, of Torrington." " Margaret Roberts, the wife of Nathaniel Roberts, died October I, 1747, being y^ 5 day of y^ week." ^ " Mr. Nathaniel Roberts, pastor of y'= said church, was married to his second wife November y= 7, 1748." •This name has been spelled Demon, but the old spelling in the deeds is a instead oi e. " This death is recorded among the marriages as here given. Mr. Roberts kept no record of deaths. Religious Privileges. ig In regard to his own marriages he does not tell what his wives' names were before marriage, nor where they resided, though he gives the number of the day of the week on which the marriage occurred. He calls himself Mr. and not Rev., as he does also Mr. Hun)phrey and Mr. Bellamy, never using reverend to a minister. Mr. was then the aristocratic class name, applied to persons only in certain stations in life. According to this record, the first marriage ceremony he performed was July 8, 1747, over six years after he was ordained, and the next one occurred two years and a half afterwards, and therefore, to all appearance, marriages were not numerous in Torrington in those days. The record of baptisms runs in the same style. "January y= 3, 174 1-2, I baptized a child for Isaac Hygly, and her name was Susannah." "August 29, 1742, I baptized a child for Nathaniel Barber, and his name was Nathaniel." ^ " September y= 12, 1 742, I baptized a child for William Hosford, on his wife's rights, and his name was William." His wife being a member of a church, though not of the Torrington church, had a right to have her child baptized. If neither father nor mother was a member of a church, the child could not be baptized. The First Church in Torrington, therefore, was organized October 21st, under the name, and the only name it bore for over thirty years of The Church of Christ in Torrington. It did not have a denominational name until after the death of Mr. Roberts. It was sometimes called Presbyterian, as many like churches in the state were, but it had no connection with a Presbytery, nor the Pres- byterian church. It was organized at the house of John Cook, the house yet stand- ing and known as deacon John Cook's. Tradition says that Mr. Roberts was ordained in Deacon Cook's house. Mr. Roberts says the church was organized October 21, 1741, and that he, as the pastor of the church, ordained the first deacon, January i, 1742, or two months after the organization of the church. It is not probable that two meetings of such a nature, one to organize the church and another to ordain the minister, would be held within so shrrt a time and therefore it is quite clear that the ordination took place at the time of the formation of the church, and that the meeting was held ' Following the name is a star, which indicates that the child died soon after. 20 History of Torrington. in John Cook's house, and the services conducted in a regular form by the ministers named by Mr. Roberts. It is also probable that Mr. Roberts, being unmarried, was residing with John Cook at the time, and remained there until his marriage, two years after- wards. ■> As to the persons who became members at the organization of the church no intimation is given that they had been members elsewhere, but the appearance is that they covenanted together verbally, in the presence of the ministers named, and were by them declared to be a church of Christ in Torrington. When this church was organized there was one in Litchfield formed nineteen years before ; one in Harwinton three years old, and they had had preaching three years before its formation ; one in Goshen, organized the previous year ; one in Cornwall one year old ; one in New Hartford two years old. The ministers in Goshen, New Hartford and Torrington were brothers-in-law ; Mr. Heaton and Mr. Roberts having married the sisters of Mr. Jonathan Marsh, Jr., of New Hartford, and daughters of Rev. Jonathan Marsh, of Windsor. Although the church was organized just before the great awaken- ing in New England, yet no special religious interest appears to have existed in Torrington at that time, nor at any time during Mr. Roberts's pastorate. The membership increased gradually, and mostly by persons coming into the town. Sometimes a number of persons, in the same family, on settling in the town, united with the church, as indicated in the following records. " May 6, 1744, was our sacrament, and at the same time, Aaron Loomis, and Deborah, his wife, and Aaron his son, and Mindwell and Esther his daughters, were all received into our church." This Esther was only fifteen years old, and this indicates that young people were received into the church in those days. "July 7, 1754, then Ichabod Loomis, and Dorothy his wife, "William Filley and Abiah his wife, Joel Loomis, Isabel, the wife of Abraham Loomis, and Jerusha and Isabel, daughters of Abraham Loomis were admitted, members in full communion." Of most of the persons whom Mr. Roberts recorded, he wrote: " owned the covenant, and were received into full communion," but of a few he wrote " were received into full communion," not saying that they owned the covenant. It is therefore probable that these latter were received by commendation from other churches. In one Religious Privileges. 21 case only does he speak of a letter from another church and in that case he says the person was commended by the Association of which the church was a member. The church relation which recognized the right of the baptism of children under the -^half-way covenant, was accepted by Mr. Roberts and this church, and no difficulty arose from it until after his death in 1776. The First Meeting House. The first recorded act preparatory to the building of a meeting house, was the increase of the tax from two to three pence on a pound. in 1740, the surplus, after paying the minister's salary, was to be placed in the hands of Capt. Joseph Bird, of Litchfield, to be " improved by him as best could be " until the inhabitants should engage in building the house, when it was to be used for that pur- pose. In May, 1746, the assembly appointed Ebenezer Marsh and Joseph Bird of Litchfield, and Nathaniel Baldwin, of Goshen, a committee to locate a site tor a meeting house and report to the next session of that body. Upon that report rendered October, 1746, the assembly resolved " that the place to build a meeting house in said town, shall be about thirty rods northward of the house of Ebenezer Lyman, Esq., in the cross highway, which runs east and west, where said committee have set up a stake with a large heap of stones about it, the sills of said house to enclose said heap of stones." In the following winter a frame was erected on this site, thirty feet square with eighteen feet posts, under the directions of a com- mittee appointed by the town. At this stage of the house some- body thought the house too high, and this committee was dismissed and another appointed who cut down the posts to eight feet in height. A memorial was then carried to the assembly, which stopped the proceedings of the town, restored the first committee, and ordered the house to be built with eighteen feet posts. An execution was granted against the persons who cut down the posts of the house and a fine of £21 6s. 5d. imposed upon them. These proceedings delayed the building of the house more than a year. A new memorial was presented in October, 1748, for a change of the site ; a committee was appointed to look into the matter and report, which they did in May, 1749, and the place was established 22 History of Torrington. at a stake within the south line of a lot belonging to John Whiting, between sixty and seventy rods northward of the place which was heretofore affixed for a meeting house, so as to include the said stake within the sills of the said house. "^ The meeting house was built at the place last designated, and was standing there in October, 1751, when the road was laid running northwest from the meeting house. It was a framed building, eigliteen feet posts, and thirty feet square. How it was covered is spoken of as a mystery, as something about the house gave it the name of the Hemlock church. It was built and seated, in the gallery and below, in the simplest manner. It is said that the seats were made of slabs, flat side up, with sticks for legs. This is tradition. Deacon John Whiting's account book, still preserved, tells us that he was engaged at different times for many years, to 1 781, in repairing the seats to the meeting house. Therefore it is probable that the seats were not stationary, and from that reason were soon out of repair. In this house minister Roberts preached to the end of his life, some twenty-five years from the time it was built. Here the early settlers assembled from Sabbath to Sabbath, being seldom absent when service was held, unless really sick. The sermon was given forenoon and afternoon ; none in the evening. No prayer meet- ings during the week, but sometimes preaching service at distant school houses, yet not much of this in Mr. Roberts's day. It was not obligatory on the saints of those days to run to church three times a week in order to keep out of the hands of the evil one the rest of the week. Their Sunday preaching, Bible reading and catechism lasted at least six days before it was entirely forgotten. ' It was supposed to be the duty of the hearers of the Word to exer- cise their powers, to study, investigate and apply, intelligently, the doctrines, principles and teachings of the sermons they heard, and not leave it all to be done by the minister. Then the people were thinkers TiS well as hearers; and the sermons were strong with doc- trines, principles, rules and laws, intended to set men to thinking.^ It is a blundering mistake, as well as an injustice to the fathers and ' Colonial Records. 2 The author of this work has in his possession a schedule of questions for study, for seve- ral successive weeks, presented by Rev. Daniel Brinsmade, of Washington, Ct., to the women of his congregation, in 1760. Many of these questions would trouble a class of professors of a theological institute to answer. Religious Privileges. 23 mothers of a century ago, to suppose that, because their heads were not filled with the reading of a hundred books a year of thin quality though great in quantity, therefore they were no thinkers, and pos- sessed but little refinement of sentiment and taste. The intellectual faculties were brought into vigorous exercise in those days, in regard to all the great questions of life, though in a different form, as well as, and as thoroughly as, at the present day. Hence to go to church was a glory, an honor, an intellectual pri- vilege, and not a drudgery of which they would gladly rid themselves. Therefore the church was full, and full morning and afternoon. Meeting house life was a part of home life. Sympathy of joys and sorrows was to be found and rendered at the house of God ; and it was home ; the one great home for all the people. When, therefore, the first inhabitants had met in that old hem- lock church thirty-five years, under such circumstances, after many of the fathers had passed away, and their funerals been attended in that house, the place where many of their children were baptized, it may well be supposed to have been a place cherished and hallowed in the memories of most of the people. That old hemlock church ; that first church ; on that high hill, cold in winter, breezy and beau- tiful in summer, looking out to the four corners oi the earth from old Torrington, was a place long to be remembered. Where. do the thousands of the living descendants, of the families who used to meet in that church, now meet for worship ? In all parts of the United States to the Pacific ocean; in South America, on the Sandwich islands ; in the Canadas, and in Europe. CHAPTER V. IMPROVEMENTS. The Fort. *^^^;^ UILDING a fort was a work of necessity for the iM '-^^/yj, safety of the inhabitants of the town. In October, 1744, the town voted thirty-five pounds six shillings and six pence, as one-half of the cost of building a fort. It was located near Ebenezer Lyman's dwelling, on the west side of the present road at that place, and was built of chestnut logs split in halves and standing in the ground, rising to the height of about eight feet. The object of the fort was, protection to the inhabitants from the ravages of the Indians, especially the raids of the Mohawks, which were made for the one only purpose of pillage and destruction. The Connecti- cut Indians had learned, many years before, to make little trouble for the settlers. Various narrations are still repeated about the fright of the people ; the haste with which they fled to the fort, leaving nearly everything in their homes, and remaining over night and sometimes several days, in great anxiety as to their own lives and also the safety of their homes. And for a time the settlers sought homes near this fort. Several of them owned lots on the east side, but sold them and bought on the west side and then brought their families into the town near the fort, and others lived on the west side while they worked their lands on the east side. This fear of the Indians was the greatest disturber of the peace of the people in the new settlements. The dread of the wild beasts, though no inconsiderable matter, was of little weight compared to the terror produced at the report of the coming of the Mohawk Indians. The alarm at the approach of the Indians was given by lighting signal fires on the hills from Albany eastward as the party advanced. Hence, if an accidental fire occurred in the direction of the Hudson river it was taken as an alarm fire, and the people hastened to the fort to wait until information could be obtained of the cause of the fire. This state of society came to an end soon after the close of the French war in 1760. The old fort served its purpose as a refuge in Improvements. 25 time of need, was a number of times occupied by the frightened in- habitants, for several days at a time ; then gradually tumbled down, leaving; nothing but a mound seventy-five feet by one hundred, which still marks the place of its once warlike standing. There is said to be another mound about three-fourths of a mile westerly from the site of this old fort, which marks the place of some fortifi- cation, either of the Indians before, or by the first settlers of the town, A school house was built within the fort, in 1745 ;^ the first insti- tution of learning in the town. In this house religious services were held several years. It was probably a framed house and of good size, as the only public building in the town at that time. Town meetings, very likely, were also held at this house for several years. Deacon Cook's house, built in 1740 or 1741, was a framed build- ing ; the frame still standing, it having been re-covered several times. It is probable that Deacon Lyman's house was a framed building and those of Asahel Strong and Jacob Strong on the road south of Mill brook, and Israel Everitt's and others on the road west of Deacon Cook's, also those of Abel Beach, Aaron Loomis and others on the present Goshen road, which were built before 1742.^ The site of the first Grant house is in the lot north of Dea. F. P. Hills' present dwelling. Joel Thrall's second home, probably, stood some little distance south of Dea. F. P. Hills' dwelling, was one of the first houses put up in the town and may have been a log house. So far as ascertained, the first settler in Torringford was Abraham Dibble, or his son Daniel, in 1744 or 5, on the second lot laid out from Harwinton line, the place still known as the Dibble place. The next settler was Benjamin Bissell, a little north of the Shubael Gris- wold place on the east side of the street, where Mr. Bissell kept a tavern a number of years. He came probably in 1745. The third settler was John Birge, on the present Roswell Birge place. Nehe- miah Gaylord made his home opposite Benjamin Bissell's, a little north, in a log house first, probably in 1746. Elijah Gaylord settled on a farm that included the site of the present Torringford church, and the burying ground ; his log house standing in the lot southeast of the present church, in 1747. Shubael Griswold built his house a little south of Nehemiah Gaylord's in 1754, and made his home ' Rev. J. A. McKinstry in Manual of the First Church. Dea. L. Wetmore in Wolcott- ville Register, 1875. * Since writing the above it has been ascertained that nearly all the first dwellings were built with logs. 26 History of Torrington. there. He lived on the west side of the town a year or two before this house was completed and before he was married. In 1752 or 1753, John Burr settled on the place long known by his name, and Benjamin Matthews came about the same time, with Mr. Burr from Farmington ; the others were from Windsor. Soon after this came Dea. Jonathan Kelsey and his son Nathan from Woodbury. Between 1753 and 1760, came Joshua, David, Daniel and Aaron Austin from Suffield, some of whom settled on West street ; and Aaron Yale from Wallingford, and some others from Windsor, and Samuel and Ephraim Durwin from Waterbury. Apple Trees. Many of the early settlers having been reared in those parts of the state where apples had become an important commodity in the en- joyment of life, were led, in the early stages of the settlement, to give much attention to the planting of this kind of tree. This is very evident from the large quantity of apples and cider found here in 1770, and afterwards. In 1773, there were four cider mills on the west side, and at least one brandy still. An apple orchard would not reach any considerable maturity under twenty years, and there- fore the planting of such orchards must have been one of the first great enterprises of the town. Everitt's Mill. Israel Everitt had a grist mill on Mill brook, on the site which was afterwards occupied by General Sheldon's tannery, afterwards Raphael Marshall's. This mill was gone in 1760, and the place is spoken of as the old grist mill, and Everitt's mill, and therefore it must have been built very early. In 1739, Mr. Everitt sold a piece of land, in the hollow west of Deacon Cook's house, upon which was erected a tannery, and there may have been a run of stone at that place for grinding grain, but the probability is that Mr. Everitt, soon after 1739, built the grist mill on Mill brook, and if so it was the first one in the town. Wilson's Mill. One of the great institutions in Torrington for fifty years and more was Wilson's mill. At their meeting on June 22d, 1743, after the second division of Improvements. 27 lands was made, the proprietors voted that " Thomas Stoughton, Jacob Strong and Ebenezer Lyman, Jr., be a committee to lease a convenient place for a corn mill in the proprietors' land on Water- bury river as shall be needful to accommodate the setting of a mill, to some suitable person that will engage to build a corn mill, between Lieut. Nathaniel Gaylord's lot and Thomas Stoughton's lot." The mill was not built at that time, for a vote of the proprietors passed in January, 1757, says a mill lot should be laid out, and that this lot with all the privileges thereof should be sold to the highest bidder. Accordingly the committee, Jacob Strong, Ebenezer Lyman, Jr., and Elijah Gaylord, sold this lease, in the next March, to Amos Wilson, " for and during the full term of nine hundred ninety and nine years, from and after the date of these presents." The land contained in this lease, on the west side of the river was estimated to be twenty acres, that on the east side, one acre ; and for this land and mill privilege, Amos Wilson paid four hundred and fifty pounds, old tenor ; or fifteen hundred dollars. In the same month Amos Wilson sold certain parts of this pro- perty and formed a stock company ; Amos Wilson, Noah Wilson, Jacob Strong, Ashael Strong, Ebenezer Lyman, Jr., and William Grant being the stock owners. The mill was built as a saw mill and continued such only, so far as is known, for several years. An old account book of Amos Wilson is preserved and shows that much work was done in this mill. In 1776, is first mentioned the grist mill, and from that time until 1794, the accounts of the grist mill are regularly recorded, and then a new grist mill is mentioned. The owners of this mill changed but seldom. After fifteen or twenty years Jacob Strong sold to Samuel Everitt, and some time after this Matthew Grant sold to David Soper. When the grist mill was added, the proprietors became Amos Wilson, Noah Wilson, Ashael Strong, and Noah Wilson Jr. Joseph Taylor bought one share of this mill in 1781. First Taverns. One of the first taverns was erected and kept by Epaphras Sheldon a little north of Ebenezer Lyman's, on the east side of the road. Mr, Sheldon having received quite a farm from his father and having purchased several pieces of land, made his home here about 1760, and was of considerable importance as a new settler, and for thirty years he was as prominent as any man in the business transactions of 28 History of Torrington. the town, and in social, military and political positions. His tavern was the head quarters for most doings of the town. The road run- ning north and south past his house was the race course for running horses, and the fields near his house were the parade grounds for military drill, until after the center of the town became established at at the green, after the building of the second meeting house. Ephraim Bancroft, lived a little north of Mr. Sheldon's and also kept a tavern, but whether it was established as soon as the other is not ascertained. In these taverns the people often assembled during the Revolution, to learn the news and to discuss the great questions then exciting the minds of the people. What anxiety at times filled the minds of those thus assembled and how sadly many a man went home from those places, to speak of the sad news to an anxious mother, and to mourn in a home which once broken couH never be made whole. Capt. Abel Beach kept a tavern beginning some time before the revolutionary war, but at what time he opened his house for public entertainment cannot be definitely ascertained. Noah North's ac- count book indicates that Capt. Beach had a tavern as early as 1764, but he may have kept such a house several years before. John Burr, of Farmington, bought in 1751 and in 1752, land amounting to over four hundred pounds monev, and settled in the town in 1753, on the farm known many years as the Burr place, east of Burrville, on the hill. Here Mr. Burr was keeping a tavern in 1762, and may have opened such a house some years earlier. Shubael Griswold built his house on the corner of Torringford street and what was afterwards the Torrington turnpike, in 1754, and opened it as a tavern about 1757. His son Thaddeus Griswold, con- tinued it as a public house many years. Benjamin Bissell's tavern, stood a little north of Shubael Griswold's, and was kept as a public house some years before the Revolution ; and still later David Soper kept a tavern on Torringford street, west side, near the first meeting house. CHAPTER VI. TORRINGTON CHURCH. 'HE Rev. Nathaniel Roberts closed his ministerial and earthly labors on the fourth of March 1776. The church under his care had prospered in an ordinary degree compared with other churches of the same order in its vicinity, and had been conducted on the broadest principles of doc- trine and usage for that day. They had a creed and covenant from the first organization in 1741, as appears from papers still preserved. The discipline of the church had been as carefully attended to as was the custom among churches of the time, with the exception of ad- ministering baptism to children under the halfway covenant. This practice had caused trouble in many churches but none here while Mr. Roberts remained. Rev. Noah Merwin followed Mr. Roberts in his pastorate, being ordained October 25, 1776. He labored here seven years, but no account of the prosperity or doings of the church during that time is at hand, he having; taken all such records with him when he left the place. There is a paper however, which reveals somewhat of a con- flicting element in the mind of the second pastor in regard to the former practices of the church. According to the date of the paper Mr. Merwin delivered these opinions one year after he was dismissed. In his declarations he says : "Justifying faith is necessary in order to enter into covenant with God ;" that the " sacrament of baptism is as sacred an ordinance as that of the Lord's supper ;" that the "■ church has no right to prescribe to the ministers who are the proper subjects for him to administer the seals unto ;" that the church " has no right to blame a minister for refusing to put to vote anything that is con- trary to the dictates of his own conscience." All these opinions were in conflict with the former practice of the church, hence there was a stirring of both good and bad faith. It is apparent that the waters were troubled, not to heal but to divide, as the reason why Mr. Merwin was invited to return, after his dis- mission, and deliver his opinions. It was not an opinion of the peo- ple, alone in regard to Mr. Merwin and his services, but in regard 30 History of Torrington. to certain rules of practice in the church, against which the minds of a number of the most substantial and faithful members began to be strongly exercised and in consequence of these divisions of opinion as to church rules, a disaffection had grown up which caused a de- ficiency in the treasury of the society as early as 1781, or earlier. Individua' notes had been given by various persons to meet Mr. Merwin's claims, and the matter was brought to issue in 1782, whether the society would pay those notes. Some arrangement was effected and Mr. Merwin was paid. This rrruch the papers show. ^Tradition tells us that Mr. Merwin being paid in continental money was unfortunate, in that the revolutionary war closed, peace was de- clared, and his money was worthless. He asked that the society should make up his loss, they declined, and he requested to be dis- missed, which was granted by a regular council November 26, 1783. The account book of Deacon Whiting shows that Mr. Merwin preached here much of the time during the summer of 1784, residing in Cornwall; his preaching services being held in the old church. Another paper is preserved, which shows that the defection in the church and society was not originated in regard to Mr. Mer- win, but through a movement which had troubled many churches in Connecticut more than twenty years, in regard to church government and practices. In the present case the objection raised was that the church in its usages was not strictly Congrega- tianal, and therefore was indulging practices which were injurious to the cause of religion. The items were, the halfway covenant, the authority of a council, and the authority of the minister. Mr. Merwin held that when advice had been given by the Consocia- tion, by itself or through a council, if the advice was not received and obeyed, the Consociation should withdraw fellowship and com- munion from such church. The two men who were the leaders toward the so-called strict congregational rules, were Benoni Hills and Ebenezer Coe ; both, men of sound and discriminating judg- ment. These brethren gave to the church in a letter dated May 15, 1781, their objections to the practices of the church in regard to government, and requested letters of dismission. Instead of granting the request the church proposed several questions in writing to these brethren, the last of which reads thus: "Wherein does this church differ from the strict Congregational churches in New England." The church desired a mutual council ; these brethren declined doing any thing further. Two years passed with this controversy going TORRINGTON ChURCH. 3I on, during which difficulties arose about paying Mr. Merwin, and the church voted, September 2, 1683, that Benoni Hills and Ebe- nezer Coe, by leaving us in the manner they have and going to join the Separates, have dismissed themselves from us, and therefore are no longer of us. This was done two months before Mr. Merwin was dismissed. Nine days before the meeting of the council to dissolve the pas- toral relations of Mr. Merwin the church voted that, " this church has nothing to object against the Rev. Mr. Merwin as to his moral cha- racter or his ministerial performances since he took a pastoral care and charge over us. Nevertheless taking into consideration the broken, and divided state of the church and congregation, this church on the whole think it best that Mr. Merwin's ministerial relation to us and the society be dissolved, and we desire the same solely on this account, that we hope it will be for the peace of the society and the advancement of religion among us, and for Mr. Merwin's com- fort and more extensive usefulness." The Rev. Lemuel Haynes was the next minister, commencing his labors early in the summer of 1785. He was a talented, devoted man, well and favorably received by his ministerial brethern ; but African blood flowed in his veins, and there were prejudices existing in those days sufficient to make trouble as to this matter, if in all other respects there had been peace in the community. After Mr. Haynes had preached here a few months there was such rising of courage and union of disposition as to secure a combination to support the gospel. Forty-six persons covenanted together, not as a society nor as a church, but as individuals, that "we will join together in our en- deavor to procure steady preaching, and to keep up and maintain the public worship of God among ourselves, with a view to the calling and settling a gospel minister as soon as God, in his providence shall open a door therefor." They agreed to pay according to their list, or by subscription, as should be deemed best. From this last item it may be seen that a part of the trouble arose from the system of taxing every tax-payer for the support of the preaching. The subscribers to this agreement dated October 3, 1785, were Increase Grant/ William Wilson, Epaphras Loomis, Nathaniel Barber, Joseph Blake, Samuel Beach, Elihu Cook, Elijah Barber, Hannah Loomis, * Lived in the edge of Litchfield. 32 History of Torrington. Noah Fowler, Urijah Cook, Joshua Leach, Richard Leach, Richard Leach, Jr. Caleb Leach, George Baldwin, Jonathan Coe, Ebenezer Coe, Amos Wilsoa, Abijah Wilson, Joseph Taylor, Lemuel Loomis, Asahel Wilcox, Noah Wilson, Jr., Eli Barber, Guy Wolcott, Noah Wilson, Roger Wilson, Oliver Filley, Nathaniel Leach, Caleb Lyman, John Whiting, Bushniel Benedict, Benoni Hills, Wait Beach, Elisha Smith, Abner Loomis, Richard Loomis, Moses Loomis, Moses Loomis, Jr., Adna Beach, Isaac Filley, Timothy Barber, Caleb Munson, John Beach, Margaret Thrall. In November of the same year a meeting of these subscribers was held and they appointed a moderator, clerk and treasurer and col- lector, in regular order, and voted a tax of " one penny on the pound, to be paid in money or the following articles : wheat and peas at five shillings a bushel, rye 3s, 6d, per bushel and Indian corn at 2s, 6d per bushel." In the next March they voted that the committee " invite Mr. Lemuel Haynes to preach with us some time longer." That meant six months, at the end of which time, September 1786, they voted to " invite Mr. Haynes to preach to us the winter coming," and ap- pointed a committee to " see that Mr. Haynes be provided for." At the same time of the above action, it was voted that " Ensign Beach set the Psalm," and that Noah Fowler, Seth Munson and Remembrance North be appointed to assist Ensign Beach in setting the Psalm." It was abouf this time that singing began to be con- ducted by a choir sitting in the gallery, about which there were some conflicting feelings that caused some little commotion in the church and community, but which soon quieted down, all being convinced that the change was an improvement. All the records of the doings of the first society, to this time, 1785, are missing, and no conjecture as to what became of them is made, except they were among the records Mr. Merwin took with him and which he refused to return, after being requested to do so. Such records would doubtless show much effort on the part of the people to improve the singing, as was the custom in most churches in those days. There were a large number of excellent singers in the society at the time ; families by the dozen in which there were from three to a half dozen. Some families could have formed a choir, singing four parts, and have had several singers " to spare for their ToRRINGTON ChuRCH. ^3 , neighbors," if any could be found that were in need. One hundred , singers could have been placed in the gallery at one time, that would ^ have done honor lo ordinary singing in church, while a full audience • ' would have been left in the body of the church to do congregational ' singing. This new departure in singing, from the deacon or deacons i in front of the pulpit, to the gallery, took place in the old church in \ \ ^ J the spring of 1786. / During the summer of 1 786 a meeting house was built as individual ^'.^ property and was thus owned about sixteen years, when it was made over to the Congregational society, then the established legal bridy. It was located a little north of Captain Abel Beach's tavern, at the place known for many years afterwards as Torrington green. It was two story, having two rows of windows on each side ; one side of the house faced the south. The belfry, built a few years after, with a high steeple, was on the west end of the building, jutting out from the body of the house so far that the west door was on the south side of the belfry. There was a door on the south side of the building, and one on the east end. One of the conditions on the part of the society when iMr. Gillett settled here, in 1792, was that this meeting-house should be finished inside. In the Church Manual by Rev. J. A. McKinstry, we are told that this steeple was built in 1797, and the bell put in and the house thoroughly repaired. As to this bell, tradition says that the inhabitants contributed one hundred silver dollars which were sent to the maker and the silver put into the bell. Meetings were held in the autumn of 1786, and the appearance from several papers is that the company who had hired Mr. Haynes, removed bodily to the new house as soon as it was ready to be occu- pied. Under these circumstances a council of churches was called, both parties uniting in the call, and it met November 28, 1786. In this meeting an effort was made to prevail with the parties then to enter into a union of fellowship and effort, but this failed, and the council, after giving advice, dissolved. The rendering of the council was that since there was no radical difference between the two societies in doctrine or law, the way was open for a union, and that both sides should seek such union in the spirit of the religion they professed to love; and try to obtain a minister who was in no way connected with either party as such, and Rev. Daniel Marsh was named as such a man, and suitable for the peculiar place. Soon after this, the society at the new church proposed by a committee, to the society at the old church, to unite in hiring Mr. Marsh to 5 34 History of Torrington. preach, all the time in the new church, or half the time in the new and half in the old, changing every two weeks, which offer the old society voted to accept, but for some reason it was not carried into effect, and Mr. Haynes was invited to preach in the new house during the winter, and he continued to preach there until August, 1787. Although the business transactions in religious matters, during two years, had been conducted in an orderly and civil manner, yet they were without authority of the society or church. A number of per- sons made an agreement to support the preaching of the gospel and the ordinances, and to submit to the decision of a majority of their number, and although various names had been applied to these persons, they had assumed no titles or formal organization, until the seventh day of March, 1787, they put forth certain declarations and principles and formed themselves into a regular body or society, under the name of the Strict Congregational society, as opposed to what had been known and denominated in this town as well as throughout Connecticut, the standing order. The peculiar feature of this society was that it proceeded upon the voluntary principle in every respect, and those who joined it did so by signing the agreement in their own 1 hand, and such, and none others, were to be taxed for the support of \the society. Every statement of these declarations is according to the usages and principles of Congregational societies of the present day. The following persons signed this paper : John Whiting, Amos Wilson, Samuel Norton, Samuel Beach, Abner Loomis, Caleb Lyman, Abel Beach, Elisha Smith, Abijah Wilson, John Morehouse, Charles Grant, John Beach, Timothy Barber, Ichabod Loomis, Richard Leach, Noah Fowler, Robert Grannis, Adna Beach, Caleb Munson, Elijah Barber, Epaphras Loomis, Benoni Loomis, Abraham Loomis, Wait Beach, Seth Holmes, Bushniell Benedict, Ebenezer Coe, Epaphras Loomis, Jr., Abel Beach, Jr., Benoni Hills, Hannah Loomis, Jonathan Coe, Eli Barber, Noah Wilson, Noah Wilson, Jr., Joseph Taylor, Samuel Morehouse, Increase Grant, Nathaniel Leach. On the twenty-second of June, 1787, fifteen persons who had been accustomed to meet at the new church, having obtained a state- ment of articles of faith and declarations, covenanted together and formed themselves into a Congregational church. The articles were in the form of that day, the declarations could scarcely be objected ToRRINGTON ChURCH. 2S to by any Congregational church of the present day. The persons so uniting were : Benoni Hills, Jo^'" Whiting, Hannah Loomis, Abel Beach, Amos Wilson, Keziah Beach, Ebenezer Coe, Wait Beach, Mary Hills, Increase Grant, Timothy Barber, Martha Beach, Samuel Norton, Mary Loomis, Mindwell Grant. From a paper drawn, to be presented at the meeting of the council in November, 1786, and the several proceedings stated above, it is evident that those who formed the new society and church were the reliable and faithful members and supporters of the old society and church. These persons, headed by Dea. John Whiting, Amos Wilson, Ebenezer Coe, and Benoni Hills, had entertained the idea, during Mr. Merwin's preaching, and perhaps for many years previous, that the halfway covenant was not a gospel method of building up the church. While Mr. Merwin was here they sustained him ; when he went away they continued to keep up the meetings regularly at the old meeting house. The disaffected drew away and went to Goshen to worship. Several society meetings were called in regular order; and the disaffected came in and voted against nearly alll pro- positions of those who remained at the old church.' When it became evident that through the regular society meetings nothing could be carried forward to sustain the preaching of the gospel, these men, true to their covenant agreement, prepared the paper, afterwards signed by forty-six names, and hired Mr. Haynes, around whom some of the disaffected gathered, with the others, and gave him a com- fortable support. Mr. Haynes had not preached long, before, instead of persons going to Goshen to hear preaching, the Goshen people began to come to hear Mr. Haynes, and it was a matter of some feel- ing on the part of the faithful in Goshen that their people would go away from home, and especially to hear that colored man preach. Although such were the facts, yet the party which claimed to be the old church, because they held to Mr. Roberts's view of the halfway covenant, resisted the efforts to sustain Mr. Haynes, and would not acquiesce with any proposition of union at the new church. The Separates, therefore were those who continued to sustain the meetings 'At one society meeting, regularly called, the disaffected came a little before the usual time for commencing the meeting; organized, and voted down the objects for which the meeting was called, adjourned the meeting and started home, when they met the other party on their way to ihe meeting. 36 History of Torrington. at the old church ; hired Mr. Haynes, and afterward built the new meeting house, but believed that none should be admitted to the sacraments except those who professed to have become true Christians. The change of the site of the church was important, since the northern portion of the town had become quite thickly settled, and the business transactions were centering more and more at Dr. Hodges' store and Capt. Abel Beach's tavern ; and the Noppet people were having Baptist preaching in their part of the town. It is probable that services were held at the old church frequently, if not regularly, from the time the new church was opened until the spring of 1 79 1, although no records to this effect have been seen. Dea. John Whiting's account book shows that various ministers preached in the new church between 1787, and 1791 ; among them Mr. Knapp, Mr. Parmlee and Mr. Brinsmade; the last received his pay at one time in fifty pounds of iron, valued at nine shillings. In the spring of 1791 three ministers, Daniel Brinsmade, Ammi R. Robbins, and Samuel J. Mills were called to advise with both parties, and if possible effect asettlementof the whole matter, and after hearing both sides, they delivered a very dignified reprimand to both parties, but it is very evident that the larger portion of the censure fell on those who remained at the old church. The effort was successful, and the articles of faith and the covenant presented, appear to have been accepted, and from this time it is probable that meet- ings ceased to be held at the old meeting house. In the latter part of the winter of i 792, the Rev. Alexander Gillett was invited to preach a few Sabbaths, and on the eighth of March the church voted to invite him to become their pastor, and on the twenty- second of the same month the society passed a vote to the same effect. This invitation Mr. Gillett accepted and was installed May 23, 1792; Benjamin Trumbull, D.D., and Jonathan Edwards, Jr., D.D.^ and other ministers taking part in the services. The success of Mr. Gillett, in drawing all the people around him in one cooperative brotherhood, was complete. The announcement of his acceptance of the pastorship was heralded through the parish with great expressions of joy and congratulation; so much so that some persons, after the Sabbath services when the acceptance was announced, rode in various directions, without stopping for meals, to carry the tidings to those who were not at church that day. From that time, all strife appears to have been fully forgotten, and buried without hope of resurrection. The church prospered. Gradu- ally they gathered the scattered influences and powers, and tried to TORRINGTON ChURCH. 37 build the walls which had been to a great extent broken down. But t[i£jL£ould not gather all as they once were, for the Methodist people had made inroads on the south near Wolcottville, and the Baptists had started quite a church at Newfield, and the lost ground could not be recovered. Mr. Gillett seeing what was taking place at the northeast, poured hot shot from the pulpit, as was the custom then, which only made more Baptists ; wherefore, he deserted that line of defence, leaving the gunboats to the Baptists safely moored in the east branch of the Naugatuck at Newfield, and preached the gospel of salvation the more earnestly at Torrington green. The work went forward cheeringly. The meeting house was finished inside at considerable expense, and the steeple erected according to the best Presbyterian style, and a bell placed in it, In 1799, came " the great awakening ; " the first that Torrington ' had ever known in its first church. The seventeenth of November, 1799, was a great day, when thirty-three persons, mostly heads of families, united with the church ; nine others having done the same in September, previous, and seven more followed in the next January. In the winter of 1816 there was another large addition to the church. In the summer of 1816, that remarkable minister, Asahel Nettleton, D.D., assisted Mr. Gillett in preaching and holding meetings for three months or more, and the result was the greatest religious awakening ever known in that church. His first text remembered still, by a boy then sixteen years of age, was : " Where- fore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.'" ' The Rev. John A. McKinstry, in a letter dated June 12, 1844, says of that revival : " It extended through the parish, and was quite powerful. Even at this period, when first impressions have gone, that revival is called, ' the revival in Torrington,' there having been none since of equal extent and power. The subjects of that work, with few exceptions, have adorned their profession, and some of them have been, and still are, pillars in the church. The influence of this revival upon the church, and upon the community, was in a h igh d egree salutary. The work was solemn, and the truths presented, plain and search- ing. The true character and condition of the sinner was clearly set before him, and he was shown that his only hope was in the sovereign- mercy of God through a crucified Savior. The measures adopted were such as were common in this region at that time ; such as the ministry of the word on the Sabbath, frequent visitation, personal conversation on the sub- ject of religion, and prayer meetings during the week. In personal conversation, Mr. Nettle- ton abounded, and many attributed their religious impressions to the truth presented at such times. At the communion in November, 1816, the first fruits were gathered into the church, and in the January following, several more were added. The number that joined at these seasons was about fifty. Others were added at subsequent seasons, but the precise number cannot be stated. It is reported, however, that the number of conversions was about seventy." (See memoir of Nettleton, page 80.) 38 History of Torrington. Again in 1821, did the Rev. Father Gillett see the prosperity of Zion in the addition of twenty at one time to his church. The thirty-three years of his labors with this people were years of much work and a proportionate amount of success, and must have given him great satisfaction during the closing years of life. He closed his labors and entered his rest January 19, 1 826, aged seventy-seven years. Rev. William R. Gould was pastor of this church five years, his labors being divided one or more years with the church in Wolcott- ville. He was a good and true minister, but the years had come when the people were going from the old homes in Torrington to all parts of the country, and the church and congregation were destined to grow less instead of increasing. The Rev. Milton Huxley was stated supply, or preached without being installed, for the term of nine years, after Mr. Gould. He is well spoken of, and the church and society kept on its even way of growing less in numbers by removals from the parish. The next minister was the Rev. John Alexander McKinstry, who was ordained pastor October 5, 1842, and continued his labors until 1857. He was a faithful minister; a man of considerable energy and activity ; a steady worker in the Sunday school ; diligent and careful in looking after the interests of the church, and in visiting public schools. While here he commenced collecting material for the history of the town, but the author of this book has not been able to obtain any aid from the collections then made except from the manual of the Torrington church, which has been a convenience of much value. It was during JVIr. McKinstry's pastorate that the old meeting house was taken down and another built in its place. Mr. McKinstry closed his labors here in the autumn of 1857, ^"^ ^^^ settled the next Sabbath after in Harwinton, After this the Rev. Charles B. Dye preached as a supply, one year ; and following him the Rev. Sylvanus C. Marvin was obtained, and continued four years. He is spoken of in high terms of appreciation and remem- brance. He left in the spring of i865, and settled in Woodbridge near New Haven, where he still remains. Rev. Jacob H. Strong was the next minister employed. He preached his first sermon here Nov. 12, 1865 ; was not installed, but continued to preach four years. He was an acceptable minister, and his labors were successful in all respects. It was while he was laboring here in the week of the Fourth of July, 1869, that the Rev. John D. Potter held a series of meetings with this church. Of this ToRRINGTON ChURCH. 39 meeting Mr. Strong says : " Considerable religious interest succeeded and there were twenty or more hopeful conversions ; twelve united with the church." Some considerable money had been established as a fund for the society, as early as 1815, when the ministry lot was sold for two thousand, two hundred dollars, A large proportion of this money had been used by the society in various extremities, and Mr. Strong engaged in the arduous task of soliciting money to replace what had been used and thus keep the fund at its original amount. By great perseverance, and the earnest efforts of others, he succeeded, and thereby did a good work for the church and society. It was during his labors also that the incipient steps were taken which resulted in the removal of the meeting house from the green to Torrington hol- low. In the beginning of winter in 1869, Mr. Strong removed to California, for the health of his family, and the church was supplied by the Sabbath, for a year or more. In the autumn of 1872, Rev. Michael J. Callan was engaged to preach and continued about a year and a half, and considerable religious interest was manifested under his labors in the spring of 1874, and several united with the church. The author of this book preached for this church over a year, commencing in the summer of 1874, and during that time he began collecting material for this work. Under the labors of the Rev. Charles P. Croft, this church expe- rienced in the winter of 1876 and 7, a very general awakening to religious interests. Not only were there sixty or more conversions but the spirit of remoulding after the gospel, pervaded the whole community, and the result was greatly in favor of the perpetuity of the life of the old church. Officers of the Church. Ministers. Rev. Nathaniel Roberts, ordained Oct., 1741; died March 4, 1776. Rev. Noah Merwin, ordained Oct. 25, 17765 dis. Nov. 26, 1783. Rev. Alexander Gillett, ins. May 23, 1792; died Jan. 19, 1826, aged 77. Rev. William Ripley Gould, ins. Feb. 28, 1827; dis. Feb. 12, 1832. Rev. Milton Huxley, supply 1833 to 1842. \ Rev. John A. McKinstry, ord. Oct. 5, 18425 dis. 1857. Rev. Charles B. Dye, supply one year. Rev. Sylvanus Marvin, supply four years. Rev. Jacob H. Strong, " Nov. 12, 1865 to 1869. Rev. Michael J. Callan, " one year and a half. Rev. Samuel Orcutt, " one year and a half. Rev. Charles P. Croft, " autumn of 1876 to 40 History of Torrington. Ministers Raised. Rev. Timothy P. Gillett, Rev. Luther Hart, Rev. James Beach, Rev. Abel K. Hinsdale, Rev. Miles Grant. Ebenezer Lyman, John Cook, John Whiting, Wait Beach, Abel Hinsdale, DocT. Elijah Lyman, Guy Wolcott, Marvin Barber, Giles Ward, Rodney Pierce, Lorrain Hinsdale, Frederick P. Hills, Lyman R. Pond, Deacons. chosen 1742, died 1762; aged 80. 1755. " 1779. " 61. 1764, " 1820, " 92. 1794, « 1810, " 64. 1802, " 1851, « 86. 1813, " 1819. 1 8 21, dismissed. 1822, died 1840, aged 44. 1838, " 1845, «' 76. 1846. 1850, removed. 1869. •1877. Members of the Church. Organized Oct. 21, 1 741. Ebenezer Lyman, and his wife Experience, Ebenezer Lyman Jr., and his wife Sarah, Ebenezer North, and his wife Sybil, Jonathan Coe, and his wife Elizabeth, Jacob Strong, and his wife iVIindwell, Margaret Thrall (Joel), Ebenezer Coe, and his wife Jane, Samuel Damon, and his wife. Abel Beach, and his wife Margaret, Nathaniel Barber, and his wife Hepziba, John Cook, and his wife Rachel, Asahel Strong. [Seventeen in number]. 1742. Thomas Stoughton Jr., Margaret Roberts (Rev. N.), Joseph Beach, and his wife, Sarah Grant (Wm.), Nathan Beach, Elizabeth Thrall (Daniel), Hannah Loomis (Aaron). Beriah Hills*' and his wife Mary.* Samuel Damon Jr., and his wife, John Damon, and his wife, Anne Wilson (Noah). 1743- Hannah Lyman. 1744- Aaron Loomis, and his wife Deborah, Aaron Loomis Jr., Mindwell Loomis, Esther Loomis. 1746. 1747- 1 All names marked with a star, " owned their covenant and were taken under the watch and care of the church," under the halfway covenant, and could have their children baptized, though they were not " members in full cemmunion." omon Loomis, iah Apley, ekicl Apley jr. s. Keziah Thr s. Whitney, . Heacox, :hard Spcrry, nice Apley, ne Loomis. ith. Leach, iting, illet, let. C 4) _ rt J= W C CT} W (4 1 £,a S S S 5 5 < o C " tl *- o -"^ •>, o? ;;i^ ° ^ « o -a Z< J-a. ^ S «J -J S X o„oao^£a° . w Z oi o "= a «■■= = -'^5-:;: H.5 : -o -T3 -a T3 -d : C-) CQ ^^ > . . . ; -o T3 -o > .S :2 o . u . = — ■-" tl 'H ° ;55 > V 6 ■^ T O r' rt O i^?& 3 «:h ° u o — to ^ flj - • — oj x: o E ^ S. ^" = « O « 3 r- -C U M-f *>cu.2o|;£o < o — o — "= I. _CB.HOcUEu u £"■£'£.;: -^ " = -c e *- w a. c x> ^ ^2 w W < «i B S « bxi c • -- _rt c ^ rt . ; -^ rt (u o c u « JZ x: o o X U rt x; u to *> m c x: o C W J 0^ rt rt rt u is x: rt u rt ss o & ^ J= ''^< (U BO^^ (U o — V ^ o J:; " >~> - P >. « o rt c Egles Elsw Aple 1 Apl rt « rt J= •- u 01 « ^ Jam Abi Josi Eze (J w rt « -5 y o I- c j::: c r 1 E — •;; S -o g rtr:,1rt^° SSo- "rt -^ ^ TD .- *- . m O O j< .SZii O V ,« o o ■j= j3 =:= u] 0. U u o bfi r c 4> rt E X o c kJ -a 3 rt -C rtt E V .Jl ^ & C u; w = .- C E <" «J iC a: >- g .e--^ > _ — 1 « 2 - "<'^f Q — ' -O .— Dh > ^ n, o ._=. w « • u c c S o C g u u ° L> hC z& JZ Lt £. C .C rt ■" T^ O C O u o [x. J: tL. o o 2-1 « £, - J CQ-St^ rt = c C t> "; „ " ir. v. ^ — , -^ .r- ' — . OiZI = — o — < -. =^ 5 "5 " S S ■» rt « "S g S= S o E-c "> - « c rt c ;; .c i:=>E 6-.S TORRINGTON ChURCH. 41 Israel Avered, and his wife Abigail, Joseph Fowler, Amos Wilson, Joshua Phelps,* Abigail Coe (Thomas), 1749. John Whiting. 1751. John Birge.* 1752. Joseph Drake.* 1753- Hannah Mott (Jonathan). 1754- Samuel Cole [Cowles] and his wife Martha, William Filley and his wife Abiah, Timothy Judd and his wife, Joel Loomis, David Birge, Isabel Loomis (Abraham), Mary Curtiss, Jerusha Loomis, Zebulon Curtiss and his mother Mary, and Isabel Loomis (daughters of Abraham), his wife Lydia, Ichabod Loomis and his wife Dorothy, Elizabeth Marshall (Thomas). Moses Loomis and his wife Sarah,* Epaphras Loomis* and his wife,* Samuel Cowles, Benjamin Ives,* and his wife R.* 1755- 1756. Sarah Whiting (John), Phebe a slave of Joel Thrall. 1757- Benjamin Whiting* and his wife Esther,* Abner Loomis* and his wife Sarah,* Elizabeth Loomis (Joel), Abner Loomis Jun.* and his wife,* Noah North and his wife, William Coe* and his wife.* 1758. Charles Mather* and his wife Ruth,* Ephraim Loomis,* John Wetmore* and his wife Elizabeth,* Henry Akins* and his wife.* 1759- Asahel North* and his wife Ruth,* Mary Coe (Thomas). Aaron Alverd and his wife, Noah Brown* and his wife,* Mary Cowles, Amasa Marshall* and his wife,* Martin North* and his wife*, Abraham Filley,* and his wife,* Joseph Haskins,* and his wife,* Ephraim Durwin, and his wife, Edward Eggleston,* and his wife,* Jabez Gillett,* and his wife,* 6 July 6, 1760. Adam Mott* and his wife.* 1761. Ebenezer Miller* and his wife,* Wife of David Brown. 1762. David Austin,* and his wife,* Asahel Wilcox,* and his wife,* Samuel Everet,* and his wife,* Thomas Curtiss,* and his wife.* 42 History of Torrington Henry Akins, renewed cov. and reed, in Joseph Thrall,* and his wife,* The wife of Oliver Coe,* Wife of Matthew Grant, Eunice Sheldon, Epaphras Sheldon, Wife of James Bacon, Ensign Ephraim Bancroft, Joel Wetmore,* and his wife,* Experience Beach (dau. of Joseph), Robert Coe,* and his wife,* Aaron Thrall,* and his wife.* Elijah Barber,* and his wife,* J. Brown, Jonathan Coe Jr.,* and his wife,* Wife* of Joseph Blake, Abijah Wilson,* and his wife,* Timothy Judd Jr., and his wife, Elizabeth Allen (Joseph), Sarah Whiting,* the younger, Lene Mott, John Cook Jr.,* Caleb Lyman,* and his wife,* Job Curtiss* and his wife,* Ebenezer North Junr.* and his wife,* Elizabeth Agard, Margaret Roberts dau. of Rev., Abigail Allyn, Ann Wilson (dau. of Noah), Joseph Taynter* and his wife,* Bushniel Benedict, Chloe Barber, " Ariel," Brace,* and his wife,* Wife* of Oliver Cotten, John Beach* and his wife,* 1763. full, Ebenezer Smith,* and his wife, Elizabeth Allen. 1764. Noah Wilson, Jr.,* and his wife,* Eli Loomis,* and his wife,* Benjamin Beach,* and his wife.* 1765. Wife* of Thomas Marshall Jr., Wife* of William Grant Jr., Reuben Thrall,* and his wife. 1766. 1767. Samuel Deming.* 1768. Aaron Cook,* and his wife Lydia. Wife * of Timothy Osband, Samuel Beach,* and his wife,* Abram Filley. 1769. Samuel Preston,* George Miller. 1770. Jerusha Sheldon (Remembrance) , Ebenezer Preston, Wife* of John Curtiss, Vest Not, Benjamin Eggleston and his wife,* 1771. John Young* and his wife,* 1772. Levi Thrall* and his wife.* ^773- Friend Thrall.* 1774. Wife* of Shubal Cook. 1775- Noah Fowler* and his wife.* TORRINGTON ChURCH. 43 The Rev. Noah Merwin, who was pastor from 1776 to 1783, left no regular records of the church, but is said to have carried the records with him and did not return them though requested so to do by the church. A slip of paper among the church records contains the following names as having been admitted to membership, the date standing opposite the last name. Feb. 27, 1777. Deacon Wait Beach and Huldah his wife, Ashbel North and his wife Ruth, Two misses Hurlbut, Abner Loomis, Benjamin Whiting and Esther his wife, Ebenezer Lyman and Anna his wife. Sarah Whiting, Axa North, Lois Wetmore (Samuel), Hepzibah Loomis. Lucy Smith (Elisha), Hannah Thrall (Noah), Philomela Marshall (Raphael). May 5. Nathan Gillett, Mrs. Nathan Gillett, Sybil Lyman, James Beach [Rev.]. Sept. I. Timothy P. Gillett [Rev.], Nathan Gillett Jr., Luther Hart [Rev.], Ruth Gillett, Eleanor Lyman, Roxalana Hodges, Abigail Wolcott, Salome Gillett. No-v. 17. Eli Richards, Sarah Richards, Zacheus Gillett, ' Guy Wolcott [Deacon], Abel Hinsdale [Deacon], Mary Hinsdale (Abel), Jan. 19. Joseph Allyn, Jr., David Leach,' Esther Johnson (Jacob), Hannah Wilson (Noah), Abigail Stoddard (Ebenezer), No-v. 4, 1792. Adah Gillett (Rev. Alexander). March 4, 1793. 1799. Rosel Wilson, Ruth Wilson (Rosel), Benjamin Phelps, Lydia Phelps (Benjamin), Mary Holbrook (Abijah), Mary Thrall (Levi), Rebecca Hodges, (widow of Doct.), Lucy Loomis, (Moses jr.), Asenath Hinsdale (Elisha), Mercy Beach (John), Jemima Loomis (Benoni), Henry Rcw, Ebenezer Lyman Jr., George Fowler, Henry Hart, Sabra Loomis, Clarissa Loomis, Hannah Allyn, Rhoda Lyman, Sally Wetmore. 1800. Miriam Wetmore (Pomeroy), Mehitable Palmer (Harvey). No-v. 2. Owen Brown, Ruth Brown (Owen). 44 History of Torrington. May 9, Lydia Richards (Eli), Jan. 19. Rebecca Smith (Joseph), >{y 3- Levi Beach. Doct. Elijah Lyman (Dea.), Lorinda Lyman (Doct. E.), May I. Benoni Gillet, Phebe Gillet (Benoni), May 8. Lyman Wetmore, Betsey Wetmore (Lyman), Giles Ward, Eunice Ward (Giles), Huldah Cook (Elihu), Sabra Wilson (Amos Jr.), Amarilla Eggleston (Curtis), Anna Foot (Jairus), Elizabeth Allyn jr., Chloe Loomis, No-v. 4. James Otis Pond. Erastus Hurlbut. Nancy Kimberly, widow, Joseph Allyn, Abel Roberts, Giles Whiting, Norman Fowler, Statira Fowler (Norman), Amos Wilson, Elzah Cowles, Chester Bancroft, Rachel Bancroft (Chester), Patience Baldwin, widow, Hannah Loomis, widow, Jerusha Bancroft (Noah), Jedidah White (Thomas), Sibyl Coe (Abijah), Sarah Leach (Ormel), Laura Leach (Myron), Chloe Mott (Ira), 1802. Eunice Hurlbut (Thomas). 1803. Betsey Beach (Levi). 1807. Sally Roberts (Abel), Philomela Bostwick (Wm.), Chloe Cowles (Elijah), Mrs. Sylvanus Holbrook. 1808. Elizabeth Richards, Laura Loomis, Sarah Dutton, Dotha Johnson, Maria Marshall. Sept. Sarah Wetmore (Joel), William Marsh, Rocksey Bissell. 1811. July 2. Linus Sage Cook, Hannah Cook (L. S.). 1815. No-v. 3, 18 1 6. Alpha Hodges, Sibyl Catlin Fowler, Harriet Childs, Harriet Whiting, Anna Wolcott, Rozalena North, Phila Marshall, Ursula Fowler, Eunice Marsh, Lucinda Phelps, Huldah Loomis, Almira Wolcott, Flora Coe, Pamelia North, Aurelia Palmer, Hannah Lyman, Alzada Barber. Russel C. Abernethy, Orrel Abernethy (R. C), George Lyman, Orphelia Lyman (^Geo.), Anna Potter (^Nathan), Israel Coe, Henry Elkanah Hodges, Jan. 4. Rebecca Whiting. May 3. Mahitable Jewit, TORRINGTON ChuRCH. Jan. 5, 1 8 17. William H. Whiting, Samuel Thrall, Marvin Barber, Nancy Wetmore, Almeda Beach, Mindwell Kellogg, Henry Wattles. 1818. Erastus Hurlbut, Clarissa Hurlbut (Erastus), Betsey Hurlbut, Anna Hurlbut. 45 July I. Seth Smith, Ebenezer Hills, Laurin Thrall, Dennis Hart, Norman Coe, Gilmor Hinsdale, Chauncey P. Allyn, Abraham Foot, Addison Philow, Eliza Wilson (Amos), Mary Willey, Rhoda Fowler (Noah). IS2I. Harriet Gates, Eliza Lyman, Anna E. White, Nancy E. Coe, Hannah Goodwin, Hannah Beach, Desire Fowler, Lois Wilson, Mariah Wetmore, Lucretia Palmer, Electa Loomis. 1822. Eleanor Wolcott. Sept. I, 1826. 1827. , Aug. 5. Lorrain Wetmore, Dea. Lorrain Hinsdale, Fanny Loomis, Daniel Richards, Experience Richards (Daniel), Mary A. Whiting (Fred P.), Eliza Cowles (Albro), Lucy Eggleston, Fanny C. Wetmore (Lorrain). Amanda Wetmore, Amanda Loomis. 1828. Abel K. Hinsdale (Rev.), missionary of A . B. C. F. M. at Mosul, Mrs. Esther Weeks, Eunice Gould. 1829. Susan Rowley (Artemas). 1830. 46 History of Torringto N. Rachel Whiting, Huldah Cook, Uri Whiting, Emma R. Palmer, Sally Wheeler, Henry Judd, Alexander Gillett, Julia Spencer, Mehetable Palmer, Fanny Hector, Lucy Loomis. Jerusha Loomis (Horace), Harriet H. Huxley (Rev. M.), Roxy Hodges. Sibyl Coe, Caroline Smith (Isaiah). Mary Prince (Jairus). Louisa North (Phineas). Charles Hotchkiss, Electa Hotchkiss, Phebe S. Allen, Rosanna Parmelee, Elisha S. Booth, Elvira Booth, Mary E. McKinstry (Rev.) Willard Hodges, Frederick P. Hills (Dea.), Rebecca A. Whiting, Burton T. Cowles, Norman B. Buel, Russel L. Pond, Milo Barber, 1831. Louisa Wetmore, Mary Abernethy, Orphelia Leach. 1832. Myron Spaulding, Almira Palmer, Harriet Sage, Caroline Sage, Nancy Coe. 1833- 1835- Melinda Whiting. 1836. 1837. Harriet Whiting. 1838. 1840. 1842. 1843. Harriet Sage (Linus), Clarissa Whiting (Geo. L.), Rodney Pierce (Dea.), Jane Pierce, Eliza Barber. 1844. 1845- Lucy E. Hills. 1847- Aurora J. Hinsdale. 1849. Angeline E. Cowles, Helen P. North, Emma J. Whiting. ToRRINGTON ChURCH. 47 Alonzo Whiting, Frank L. G. Whiting, Loomis B. Beach, Warren Goodwin, Elvira Goodwin, Miles Hart, Asa Button, Beula Dutton, Levi W. Thrall, Amelia Thrall, Delia C. Hodges, 1850. . Laura Hart (Miles), Betsey Hart (Alpha), Wealthy E. Hart (Victory), Lucy Pond, Susan Beach. 1851. Victory C. Hart, Arthur M. Kimberly, Laura M. Hodges. 1852. Elizabeth Cowles (B. T.). CHAPTER VII. TORRINGFORD CHURCH. The Society. ^:3^^s=^>j) REACHING services were held by Rev. Nathaniel nh Roberts, on the east side of the town, six Sabbaths, in 1754, and also in 1755, and the next year the preaching was measured by the amount they paid to the society. The town vote, however, gave them the privilege of having preach- ing four months that year, and released them from paying for the support of Mr. Roberts. The meetings at this time were held in the house of Nehemiah Gaylord and Shubael Griswold. In 1757, a petition was sent to the assembly, signed by nineteen persons, asking the Uberty to have preaching such part of the year as they were able, and to be released from supporting Mr. Roberts. The number of families in that part of the town at that time is stated to have been about twenty. The following were the petitioners : Abraham Dibble, Nehemiah Gaylord, Benjamin Bissell, Jonathan Kelsey, David Birge, John Birge, Jonathan Gillett, Ebenezer Winchell, Samuel Durwin, Joshua Austin, Charles Mather, Thomas Dibble, Shubael Griswold, Aaron Yale, Ephraim Dibble. Benjamin Matthews, John Burr, Nathan Kelsey, Jane Loomis, At a meeting held in October 27, 1757, a committee was appointed to hire a minister, and a vote was passed to raise ten pounds for de- fraying the expense in so doing. In April, 1759, the town expressed its willingness by vote that four tiers and a half of lots in the eastern part should be made into a so- ciety, and in May next, the people asked the general assembly to incorporate a society to include these tiers and the western tier in New Hartford ; and if this could not be granted, they asked that the people might be exempt from paying in New Hartford, and be allowed to support preaching in the eastern part of Torrington. They en- treated for the privileges of a society, though they were scarcely able to support preaching in an honorable manner, if the privilege was granted them. This request, however strange it may seem, after a hundred years and more are passed, was denied. ToRRINGFORD ChuRCH. 49 In October, 1759, they presented another petition with twenty names, stating that there were then in East Torrington twenty-two families, and one hundred and sixty-six persons, many of whom were small children ; and they asked that they might be exempt from public charges, that they may maintain worship among themselves ; this request was denied. The next spring they renewed this petition, to be exempt from public taxes that they might support the gospel among themselves, since they could not do both. This petition was long, urgent, and eloquent, in presenting the circumstances and facts in the case. They represented "their distance from places of worship; the number of children and older people who could not go such distances regularly ; the expense attending the education of their children, clearing new farms, constructing highways, and the many inconveniences of a new country, and therefore desired release from public taxes," but they did not obtain their request. In 1 76 1 New Hartford gave its consent that four miles of the west tier of lots might be annexed to East Torrington for the support of the gospel. After this full consent of both towns, and their earnest entreaties heretofore, they were under the necessity of petitioning the assembly at four successive sessions before they obtained their request. But it was a matter of great importance to them, and therefore they were not to be easily denied, and the truthfulness of the closing paragraph of each petition, they most faithfully fulfilled : "as in duty 'bound your petitioners will ever pray." The society was incorporated in October 1763, under the name of ToRRiNGFORD^ ; the territory included four and a half tiers of lots on the eastern side of the town and the western tier in New Hartford, four miles in length. The half of another tier was afterwards added, and thus the society continued for many years. At the first meeting after the incorporation they say : " the in- habitants of '■ Torringford ' (using the society name for the first time); being convened together; holden Dec. 21, 1763." They seem to use that name with satisfaction, and well they might for they had petitioned long enough, to obtain it ; and then they proceed to make arrangements for regular meetings and to elect officers for the year, who were as follows : ' Made from the names of the two towns. fo History of Torrington. Dea. Jonathan Kelsev,^ moderator ; Nehemiah Gaylord, clerk of the society ; Dea. Jonathan Kelsey, Samuel Austin and John Birge, society committee ; Jabez Gillett, society collector. This meeting was adjourned one week when they passed several votes which indicated substantial work as a society. " Voted to raise money for schooling by rate. " Voted to raise a penny and half penny upon the pound for school- ing. " Voted that those people that live in New Hartford and belong to this society, shall have their own money to lay out for schooling among themselves. " Voted that the society committee shall take the care of, and order the schooling. " Voted that we will make some preparations this year for building a meeting house. " Voted that we will build the meeting house forty-eight feet long and thirty-eight feet wide. '' The vote was then reconsidered and voted to be forty-six feet long and thirty-six wide. "Voted that the height of the house be left to the judgment of the committee. " Voted to raise thirty pounds to be paid in boards and shingles within a year from this time for the meeting house. " Voted that Ebenezer Winchell, Elijah Gaylord, and Lieut. Ben- jamin Bissell, shall be a committee to order out the getting oi the boards, and shingles, and to receive them for the meeting house. "• Voted to raise four pence on the pound in order to support the gospel amongst us." Such was the beginning of the Torringford society which has con- tinued its steady and benevolent work, nearly one hundred and four- teen years, during which time it has expended, for the support ot the gospel (or the preaching) alone, on an average, four hundred dollars a year, or $46,000. The Meeting House. When the first meeting house was proposed for the west side of the town, an agreement was made between the inhabitants, that those on the east side need not pay towards the building of the house, pro- ' Mr. Kelsey had been deacon in Woodbury and hence is called deacon before any church was organized in Torringford. ToRRINGFORD ChURCH. 5I vided they would relinquish all right as to the location, or site, and a record of this agreement was entered among the deeds of land, dated in 1748. The names of persons thus agreeing stand as follows: East side : Abraham Dibble, Benjamin Bissell, Nehemiah Gaylord, Elijah Gaylord, Gideon Loomis, John Birge, Thomas Dibble. These names probably represent nearly all the families east of the swamp at that time. West side : Noah Wilson, Israel Avered, Moses Loomis, Aaron Loomis, Jacob Strong, Ebenezer North, Wm. Grant, Joel Thrall, Asahel Strong, Ebenezer Coe, Isaac Higley, Zebulon Curtiss, Thomas Stoughton, Joel Loomis, Ebenezer Lyman, Thomas Curtiss, Aaron Loomis, Jr., Beriah Hills, Jonathan Coe, Nathaniel Barber, Abel Beach, Joseph Fowler, Joseph Beach, Thomas Marshall, Ebenezer Lyman, Jr., John Whiting. Why the names of John Cook, Noah Wilson, and Abel Beach were not on this paper is not clear, for the agreement was such, as to which none, seemingly could object ; and therefore, when the east side began to build they had no claim on the old church for assistance, because of aid previously rendered. The Torringford society, having made some provision towards building a meeting house in 1763, voted in Dec, 1764, to "add two feet to the length and breadth," and arranged to obtain a committee to "pitch the stake, for a site which would accommodate the whole society." In June, 1766, they voted to "proceed to build a place of worship." In April, 1768, they agreed to "raise the house as they could conveniently," and in September of the same year they "voted that the annual meeting of the society should be held in the church," therefore the house was built in the summer of 1768. In October of the same year, they presented a petition to the general assembly, showing that the territory of the society embraced about ten thousand acres of land, of which about seven thousand belonged to non-residents ; that they had erected a church, which was covered ; had doors, a floor, convenient benches, and glass windows for the lower story ; that they desired to settle a minister as soon as they could ; and that the list of the present inhabitants is only two thou- sand and eight hundred pounds, and they pray that the assembly would grant a tax of three pence per acre for three years on all the land in the society, to provide a settlement for the first settling min- ister, and if any surplus remains, it should be used toward completing the church. The petition was granted. This house stood on the £2 History of Torrington. highway, on the west side, some fifty rods south of the present church edifice. In December, 1783, a committee was appointed to consider and decide whether the church stands in the right place, and if it did not to pitch a stake where it ought to stand, and at the same time, tbey voted to raise means to procure material to finish the inside of the meeting house. These acts were rescinded afterwards, but in Janu- ary, 1785, a tax was laid, payable by the first of June, to finish the house. In obedience to this movement considerable work was done that summer on the inside of the house but it was not plastered. In March, 1788, a committee was appointed to settle with David Soper for plastering the church. In December, 1788, a seating committee was appointed, and the appointment thereafter was made annually while they worshiped in that house. The house was painted in 1792, having neither bell nor steeple. Repairs went on thus until 181 8, when a stove was placed in the house. In 1828, liberty was given to alter the front gallery for the singers. In 1835, the thanks of the society were voted unanimously to Uriel Tuttle for the use of his organ for the time past, showing that in instrumental music they were in advance of many churches of that day, and Charles B. Smith and Frederick Phelps were compli- mented for their services at the organ, by a vote of thanks from the society, and thereby, probably, received a larger salary than they ex- pected. In 1835, the society voted to build a new house of worship. Long had that old house served the purpose of the consecrated place of worship to the one only true God. Father Mills the great and grand old pastor and preacher was gone to his eternal home. There, in that pulpit had he stood more than fifty years, regularly on the Sab- bath, to announce the message of good news, the invitations of the Son of man, and the ofl^er of endless blessedness, to the congregated people. His voice, so familiar to thousands of ears, even outside of his own parish, had ceased, and was gone, forever gone. How they could thrust that old house aside, with all its sacred memories is a wonder, but they did it. Every instinctive rising of the soul in re- membrance of the past, utters its protest, and pleads with " Young America" to spare that place ; if not for the sake of the grand old minister, then for the sake of his son, the missionary prince who had worshiped there; and if not because of him, then for the sake of the good it had done in the service of that long line of worshipers ToRRINGFORD ChuRCH. ^^ who, while living, knew no other place of union of prayer, but now were gone beyond the confines of earthly temples. But no voice could prevail ; a new house must be built, and built it was in 1838 and in the early part of 1839, and the society voted that it be used for public worship after the third Sunday in May. It required an effort of twenty-five years, with the aid of the general assembly, to erect and complete the first house of worship, and it was in use seventy-one years. It required an effort of three and a half years to locate and finish the second house which has been in use over thirty- five years. The old church was sold by the piece to the highest bidder, and therefore some of the fragments may be seen still in Torringford. In 1874, the second meeting house was remodeled inside; the old pews taken out and slips put in their stead ; the gallery closed up, and a place for the choir arranged at the side of the pulpit. The pulpit and platform were changed to the most modern style, and thus it stands surrounded by such interesting and sacred memories. The Burying Ground. In December, 1788, the society instructed their committee to take a lease of the burying ground from Captain Gaylord, and to have it well fenced the next spring " if that was not done by the people by spells." This ground was enlarged in 1812, on the east and west sides. The deaths noted, during a period of seventy-five years, ending with 1 85 1, were six hundred and fifty-two, or an average of nine a year ; and the ages of four hundred and three of these were recorded. Only one person reached the age of one hundred years ; twelve lived ninety years or more ; and one hundred and twenty -six lived seventy years. The Church. The church in Torringford was deprived of all its records in the burning of the house of its pastor. Rev. Samuel J. Mills, in 1823, in which all of his library and papers were consumed, and therefore the items secured as to its early existence and success are gleaned from various other sources. In the summer of 1763, Rev. Mr. Gould appears to have preached a short time, or rather there was a vote to employ him as though he were already preaching there. During the year 1764, the society was very m^ich exercised in securing the site for the church and 54 History of Torrington. nothing is said by them about preaching only the laying of a tax in the autumn of that year. The journal of the Rev. Jonathan Marsh Porter, pastor of New Hartford at the time, has lately (1877) been deposited in the Con- gregational Memorial Hall at Hartford, and in this journal, under the head of admission and dismission of members of the church, occurs the following : " Aug. 5, 1764, Samuel Kelsey and his wife were recommended by acts of this church to Christian communion and fellowship at Torringford. " Aug, 13, 1764. Mary Birge of Torringford was recommended by a vote of y^ church to Christian communion at Torringford. " Aug. 26, 1 764. Samuel Austin and his wife and y*^ widow of Robert Austin were recommended to Christian communion at Torringford." The inference from these items is that these persons were dis- missed in order to form a church in Torringford ; because they were not recommended to a church as was the custom of Mr. Porter in other cases, to write. And further, Samuel Kelsey came from Wood- bury a few years previous and united with the New Hartford church, and would not be likely to come back unless a church was to be organized at home. These six persons were all recommended in August, 1764, and the probability is, for the purpose of organizing the church in the September following. In the spring of 1765, Rev. Ebenezer Devenport began to preach for this church and society and in July the society appointed a special committee to act for the society^ in regard to the settling of Wx. Devenport as pastor ; as though there had. already been appointed a committee by the church, and if so the church must have been in existence some time previous. It is most probable therefore that the church was organized in Sept., 1764. On Feb. 6, 1769, Mr. Samuel John Mills having preached here, the society voted to " give Mr. Mills a probationary call to settle in the work of the ministry amongst us ;" and he was accordingly settled and ordained pastor June 28, 1769. At this time there was a church here, recognized by the Litchfield Association, and to which they commended Mr. Mills. To Mr. Mills the society voted a " settlement " of two hundred pounds, to be paid in three years if he settled among them. His salary was made =£55, the first year, to be increased five pound a year until it should become seventy pounds, and his fire wood given him ToRRINGFORD ChURCH. ^^ in addition ; the one-half was to be paid in money, and the other, in wheat, rye, and Indian corn at the market price. Under his labors the church' prospered, and with its pastor, and through him and his son, rose in fame and celebrity, nearly if not quite equal to any church in the state, especially as being intimately connected with the beginning of missionary enterprises for foreign lands. Special religious interest was manifested in this church in 1773, and 1782 and 1793. The revival of 1799 was of greatest extent, and secured greater results of obedience to the gospel than any that ever occurred in the community.' There were also revivals in 1806 ; in 1816, when sixty joined the church ; in 1821, when as many more united ; in 1H27, and 1831, during the labors of Mr. Mills. Before Mr. Mills's decease, Mr. Epaphras Goodman was ordained as colleague pastor, and there were added to the church, by profession, in 1834, twenty-nine; in 1842, twenty-seven; in 1849, sixteen; in 1858, twenty-nine; and in 1 867, nineteen. In 1835, the church reported two hundred members and this was probably the highest number it had attained at any time. In 1849, Torringford contained one hundred and twenty families and five hun- dred and thirty persons, and since that time has diminished somewhat, and therefore the membership of the church has not at any time been larger than in 1835. The church has been among the foremost in sentiment and effort in the temperance and anti-slavery reforms, and has been commendably liberal in its contributions for charitable pur- poses. There have been over six hundred members of this church, and among them many good men and women, great in heart and effort for the ends for which churches are instituted, but it has had one member raised within its fold, brought to the light and truth of the gospel by its own instrumentality, of whom the remark is emi- nently appropriate that for the honor of promoting the cause of Christ, this church cannot afford to exchange the name of Samuel J. Mills, Jr., on its roll for that of any other Christian benefactor America has ever produced.^ But this brightest star in the coronal wreath of this church represents only one of many others, who once toiled hard and suffered much in the various relations of domestic, social, civil, and Christian life, in the community where it was planted. ' See biography of Father Mills. "Rev. Wm. H. Moore, in Torringford centennial. 56 History of Torrington. A Sunday school was organized at the house of Father Mills in the summer of 18 16, showing that the pastor and the people were ready to accept new as well as old methods of doing good, and this spirit and enterprise still continue. This vine of the master's planting has been a blessing from gene- ration to generation, and has enriched every interest of the people for time and eternity, and its faith and fruit have blessed the world. The labors of the Rev. Epaphras Goodman from 1822 to 1836, were abundant in all good things. " During his pastorate here, he did much to raise the standard of education, was forward in the re- formatory movements of the day, cooperated effectively with his ministerial brethren for the prosperity of religion in the county, and had the satisfaction of seeing large numbers added to the church."' Officers of the Church. Ministers. Rev. Mr. Heaton, supply in the autumn of 1760, some months. Rev. Ebenezer Devenport, supply from summer of 1764 one year or more. Rev. Samuel John Mills, pastor, ordained, . June 28, 1769, . died May 11, 1833. Rev. Epaphras Goodman, associate pastor, . Mar. 6, 1822, . . dis. Jan. 12, 1836. Rev. Herman L. Vaill, pastor, . . . July 5, 1837, . . " Sept. 29, 1839. Rev. Brown Emerson, " . . . . July 21, 1841, . . '' Sept. 24, 1844. Rev. John D. Baldwin, supply short time and received a call. Rev. William H. Moore pastor, . . . Sept. 30, 1846, . . " Sept. 26, 1854. Rev. Stephen Fenn, "... Nov. 16, 1854, . " Sept. 4, 1857. Rev. Charles Newman, " ... May 18, 1858, . . " Oct. 28, 1862. Rev. Spencer O. Dyer, supply one year. Rev. Franklin Noble, pastor, . . . June 7, 1865, . . " Nov. 30,1866. Rev. Joseph F. Gaylord, supply two years. Rev. Dana M. Walcott, " one year to 1871. Rev. Herrick Knight, " from 1872 to 1874. Rev. George R. Ferguson, " 1875 to 1877 5 went to Africa as a missionary teacher. Ministers Raised in Torringford. Rev. Luther Rossiter, son of Newton Rossiter a tanner at Burrville, became an Episcopal minister, and his life has been spent at the West. Rev. Orange Lyman, see biography. Rev. Samuel J. Mills Jr., see biography. Rev. Jonathan Miller, see biography. Rev. Harvey Loomis, see biography. Rev. David Miller, see biography. Rev. Stanly Griswold, see biography. Rev. Erasmus D. Moore, see biography. Rev. Lucius Curtiss, see biography. Rev. Warren H. Roberts, Episcopal in 1857 see biography. 'Torringford centennial. TORRINGFORD ChURCH. 57 Deacons. Jonathan Kelsey, at Woodbury and here, died in 1792 aged 89'years. Nehemiah Gaylord, Abraham Filley. Ebenezer Miller, Job Curtiss, Ebenezer Miller 2d, appointed in 1807, Elizur Curtiss, " Ebenezer Rood, " Thomas Watson, " Thomas A. Miller, " Harvey L. Rood, " William Watson, " Giles L. Gaylord. Chester H. Barber. • " in 1801 " 80 « , , " in 1814 " 79 " • " in 1807 " 62 " in 1807, " in 1842 " 78 " 1808, resigned in 1843 died 1868, aged 85 years. 1826, " " 1843, " 1851, « 75 " 1843, " " 1855, removed to Winsted. 1843, > died 1 8 61, aged 55 years 1855. 1861. List of When united. Adams, Mary, . 1848. Addis, Orphenia S., Geo. T., <( Andrews, Emory A., . . 1843. Austin, Nathaniel, . , 1818. Austin, Anna (Nath.), . , (( Austin, Margaret Mills, . 1779. Austin, Lewis, , , 1818. Austin, Rebecca, , (( Bailey, Tamison Blood, . . 1858. Bancroft, J. K. Hudson, . . " Barber, John, . . . . " Barber, Ursula Catlin, . . " Barber, John C, ... 1832. Barber, Sarah Miller, . . 1821. Barber, Chester, . . . 1851. Barber, Marilla Birge, . , " Barber, Chester H., . . 1843. Barber, Maria E. Blake, . . 1845. Barber, Willard O. . . . 1849. Barber, Sarah Birge, . . . 185 1, Barber, Mary E. Wood-ward, . 1 849. Barber, Sarah B., . . . 1867. Barber, Janette S. Birge, . . 1 849. Bates, Mary L. Taylor, . . 1843. Battell, William. Battell, Sarah Buckingham. Beach, Lucy Walling. Benedict, Lucina L., . . . 1843. Birge, Sally Barber. Birge, Simon, . . . . 183 1. Birge, Experience Hamlin. 8 Members. Birge, Sally, Birge, Luther, Birge, Roswell, Birge, AUstyne, Birge, Eliza M. Heivit, Birge, Nathaniel, Birge, Martha A., Birge, Sally Barber, Birge, Celia M., . Birge, Julia Waterman. Bissell, Ezekiel. Bissell, Ruth De-votion. Bissell, Ezekiel Jr. Bissell, Lucretia Spencer. Bissell, Rhoda Bissell. Bissell, Charlotte Birge, Bissell, Peter Mills. Bissell, Sarah Comstock. Bissell, Harriet Curtiss, Bissell, Melicent Watson. Bissell, Mary S., Bissell, Lucius, Bissell, Sarah Patton, Bissell, Roderick, Bissell, Fanny Gaylord, Bissell, Esther Ann, Blakeslee, Martha E., Brace, Mary Ann Loomis, Brace, Ellen Ann, Bronson, Char. A. Pond, Bronson, Mary J. Bissell, Burr, Tabitha Loomis. When united. . 1818. « . 1843- 1858. . 1861. 1827. . 1858. 1844. . 1867. 1832. 1851. 1837. 1851. 1844. 1859. 1849. 1866. 1848. 1858. « 1843. 58 History of Torrington. Burr, Mehitable Loomis. Burr, Martha Beach. Burr, Fanny Taylor, Burr, Uri C, . Burr, Sarah Mix, Burr, Lucius, Burr, Sarah J. Woodruff, Burr, George A., Burr, Mary A., Burr, Milo, Burr, Mary Skinner, Burr, Lavinia E. Hurlbut, Burr, Hiram, Burr, Almira Cook. Burr, F. Ella, Burr, Rufus, Burr, Ann S. Hudson, Burr, Alonzo, Burr, Franklin, Burwell, Ellis, Calkins, Jane A. Birgc, Carr, Clement. Carr, Jedediah Pelton. Clark, Converse. Clark, Almira Burr. Cleaveland, S. J. Taylor, Cleaveland, Mary, Cleaveland, James C, . Cleaveland, L. C. Watson, Cleaveland, J. R. McD., Coe, Caroline Brcivn. Coe, Julia E., Collier, Henry. Colt, Anson. Colt, Chloe Gi//ett, Colt, Anson Jr., Colt, Henry, Colt, Chloe Catlin, Colt, Geo. R., Colt, Margaret E. Grisivold, Colt, Luman, Cook, Louisa Fuller, Cook, Jane M. Hand, Cross, Ann, Curtiss, Job, Dea. Curtiss, Eunice Cowles. Curtiss, Elizur, Dea., . Curtiss, Naomi Kellog. Curtiss, Amanda Steele, When united. Curtiss, Naomi R. Curtiss, Julius. When united. . 1822. Curtiss, Lucius, Rev. 1858. Curtiss, Hermon, . 1851. • 1843- Curtiss, Sophia Stillman, 1834. 1849. Curtiss, C. Cecelia Stillman, . 1852. . 1851. Curtiss, Eugenia S., 1850. 1867. Curtiss, Uri, . 1801. <( Curtiss, Mary Adams, 1817. 1835. Curtiss, Rufus, . 1818. . 1826. Curtiss, Ursula Foiuler. - 1858. Curtiss, Jabez G. • i835- Curtiss, Louisa Wetmore. Curtiss, Hannah Drake, 1803. 1867. Curtiss, Wealthy Parsons. . 1831. Curtiss, Emily Garnish, . . 1847. i8ai. Curtiss, Hezekiah P., • -isss. . 1847. Curtiss, Amelia Parsons, u 1849. Curtiss, Ella A., 1866. . 1841. Daily, Harmon, . 1843 1849. Daily, Mercy L. Ball, i860 Daily, Ellen E. Bailey, . 1843, Daniels, Sarah R. Talmadge, 1834, Daniels, Louisa, . 1867. Deming, Abigail Loomis. 1858. Downs, Edwin, 1858 1838. Durand, Julia G. 1837- Durand, William, • 1843 « Durand, Loanna P. Barber, 1827 1867. Eggleston, Mary E. Hayden, . 1858 1843- Eggleston, Cynthia A., 1858 Eggleston, Sophia D., « Ellsworth, John. I8I6. Ellsworth, Anna Birge. I8I7. Ellsworth, Philander. 1831. Elmer, Abiathar. « Elmer, Kezia Bissell. 1858. Elmer, Peleg, . . . . 183s 1858. Emerson, Catharine Broivn, . . 1842 1868. Engert, Louisa, 1869 I8I6. I85I. Fenn, Sarah Roberts, • 1855 1849. Filley, Abraham, Dea. Fogg, Sophia C. Hayden, Foote, Jane E. Humphrey, 1799 Freeman, Mary. Freeman, Edward H., 1805. Frisbie, John. 1831. 1843- 1858. ToRRINGFORD ChURCH. S9 When united. w hen united Fyler, Sybil. Hewitt, Alice M., . 1868 Holcomb, James H., . 1827 Gaylord, Nehemiah, Dea. Hotchkiss, Laura N. Gaylord, Lucy Loomis. Hopkins, Anna Palmer, . 1865 Gaylord, Joseph. Hopkins, Harvey P., 1857 Gaylord, Ruth Bissell. Hopkins, Lydia Tanner, . « Gaylord, Elizah. Hopkins, Gertrude W., 1870 Gaylord, Margaret Taylor. Hudson, Daniel. Gaylord, Margaret Bissell. Hudson, Mary Coe. Gaylord, Giles L., . 1833. Hudson, Abigail W. Gaylord, Pamelia Preston, . 1838. Hungerford, Charlotte Austin. Gaylord, Sarah Blake, . . 1848. Hurlbut, Leonard. Gaylord, Hubert L., 1867. Hudson, Daniel Coe. Gaylord, Mary L., . « Hudson, Rhoda Foivler. Gaylord, Nancy. Hudson, E. D., Dr. Gibbs, Abigail W. Hudson. Hudson, Martha Turner. Gillet.t, Anna Loomis. Hudson, Charlotte. Gillett, Loraine Filley. Hudson, Barzillai, . 1816. Gillett, Horace. Hudson, Content Picket, (( Gillett, Rachel Austin. Humaston, Esther, Gillett, Betsey. Humphrey, Daniel G. Goodwin, Harvey. Humphrey, L. Eno. Goodwin, Sarah M., 1867. Humphrey, Daniel P., 2d, . 1816 Gould, Rhoda McCoe. Humphrey, P. P., Dr., 1836 Griswold, Laura Barber. Humphrey, Charles G., • 1843 Griswold, Jane Woodford. Humphrey, James D., 1858 Griswold, Thaddeus, . 1826. Humphrey, Chloe Watson, (C Griswold, Margaret Gaylord, (( Humphrey, Henry B. S., . 1858 Griswold, Julia A. Qirtiss, . 1834. Humphrey, Dorothy Miller, . . 1866 Griswold, Sarah Clari, 1857. Griswold, Isabella Kellogg, . 1843. Ingraham, Louisa. Griswold, Isabella W., 1866. Griswold, Anna M., (C Johnson, Levi F., I83I Griswold, Nellie P., 1867. Johnson, Maria Morris, . (< Gross, Sally Ellsworth. Johnson, Daniel. Gross, Harvey H. Johnson, Jarvis B,, . 1849 Gulliver, Fannie W. Curtiss, . 1841. Johnson, Elizabeth Hill, i( Johnson, Sarah E., 1862 Hall, Gideon, . 1827. Johnson, Levi B., . 1867 Harrison, Richard, . 1868. Johnson, Emily A., . <( Hart, Jane Tuttle. « Johnson, Julia A., « Hathaway, Msry E. Curtiss, . 1834. Jones, Nancy Johnson. Hathaway, Anna F., . 1866. Hayden, Augustine. Kelsey, Jonathan, Dea. Hayden, Cicero, . . 183I. Hayden, Sophia Squires.. . « Lepian, Jane, . i860 Hayden, Tullius C, << Loomis, Hepziba. Hayden, Wm. H., . 1843. Loomis, Sally Burr. Hayden, Charles H., . . 1868. Loomis, Fitch. Henderson, Ruth Mather. Loomis, Mary Bissell. Handerson, C. M. Gillett. Loomis, MichaeL 6o History of Torrington. When united. When united, Loomis, Huldah Loomis. Miller, Abigail Bristol, . 1816 Loomis, Allen. Miller, Harry, .... 1842 Loomis, Mary Reed, . 1810. Miller, Jane F. G., . . . « Loomis, Aurelia, 1818. Miller, Luther. Loomis, Timothy. Miller, Harriette L., . 1867, Loomis, Ann Roberts. Miller, Luther B., . (C Loomis, Hannah Curtiss. Mills, Esther Robbins, Rev. Loomis, Harvey, Rev. Mills, Florilla. Loomis, Ann Battell, . 1826. Mills, Samuel J. 2d, Rev., 1806, Loomis, Laura Lyman. Mills, Jeremiah. Loomis, Timothy 2d. Mills, Eleanor Witter. Loomis, Chloe Riley, 1843. Mills, Laura. Loomis, Philo A. Mills, Electa J. Lyman, 1843, Loomis, Mary A. Wation, . 1822. Miner, Drius D., 1847, Loomis, Cornelius D., 1836. Miner, Mary E. Wadsvvorth, . (( Loomis, Justice. Miner, Mary E., . 1867, Lowrey, Martha A. Miller. Miner, Charles, .... 1858, Lyman, David. Miner, Martha E. Frost, . « Lyman, Mary Broivn. Miner, John S., . 1867 Lyman, Elijah, Dr. Miner, Josephine, 1868, Lyman, Norman, Dr. Minturn, Hiram. Lyman, Orange, Rev. Minturn, Huldah Coivles. Lyman, John, . 1802. Mitchell, Maria Thorbum, 1838, Lyman, Salome Maltby, . « Moore, Erasmus D., Rev. Lyman, John B., . 1821. Moone, Mary E. Redfield, Rev., 1847, Lyman, David N., . 1831. Moone, Jane A. North, 1849 Lyman, Sarah E. Stone, . 1843. Morse, Catharine Mix, 1848. Lyman, John N., 1858. Murray, Warren Brooker, 1858 Lyman, Rufus. Newell, Almira F. Palmer. McCoe, Chloe Phelps. Newman, Elizabeth G., Re.v., 1858, McEwen, Sarah Battell. Nichols, George, .... 1793, Marsh, Lydia S., . . 1843. Nichols, Elizabeth Monro, (( Mather, Oliver Soper. Noble, E. Pleasants, Rev., 1865 Miller, Ebenezer, Dea. North, John H., . . . 1735 Miller, Thankful Allen. North, Esther Gaylord, . <( Miller, Loraine Bissell. North, Esther Maria, 1843 Miller, Ebenezer 2d, Dea. North, Sarah G., .... 1849 Miller, Dorathy Gaylord. Norton, James. Miller, Sarah Catlin, . 1800. Norton, Harriet. Miller, Maria, Miller, Thomas A., Dea., . Miller, Mary C. Hudson, Miller, Gaylord B., Dr., . Miller, Caroline A. Watson, Miller, John T., Miller, Hobart B., Miller, Fanny E. Mather, . Miller, Henry, 1800. Norton, Harriet. I82I. 1827.. Obookiah, Henry, 1815, I82I. Osborn, Esther Strong. 1849. 1847. Pardee, Isaac S., . . i860, 1849. Pardee, Mary L. Crocker, 1858 1858. Peet, Minta. 1862. Perkins, Watrous. I8I6. Perkins, Debora Brace. TORRINGFORD ChURCH. 6l Phelps, Esther, Phelps, C. Augusta H., Philips, Caroline A. Pierce, Henry D., Pierce, Mary, . Pond, Philip, Pond, Nancy, . Pond, Burton, Pond, Charlotte Colt, Pond, Julius R., . Pond, Martha A. Watson, . Pratt, Ann A. Root, Pratt, Catharine L. Jones, Preston, Betsey Gaylord. Rand, George D., Rand, Martha J., Randall, Hannibal, Reed, Justus. Reed, Elizabeth Loomis. Reed, Theodore H., . Reed, Sarah S. Wilcox, Reed, Laura E. Birge, Reed, Hattie A., . Richards, Enos S. Rider, Irene A., Mrs., Roberts, Pelatiah. Roberts, Betsey, . Robinson, Mary. Rockwell, Dency C, Rood, Ebenezer. Rood, Rhoda Loomis. Rood, Ann. Rood, Pamelee. Rood, Eunice. Rood, Rhoda. Rood, Calvin. Rood, Moses. Rood, Ebenezer 2d, Dea., Rood, Aurelia A. Loomis. Rood, Rufus, . Rood, Harvey L., Dea., Rood, Susan Humphrey, Rood, Abigail Heivit, . Rustin, Hiram. St. John, Merilla Lyman. Seymour, Polly A. Gross. Smith, Rhuamah Loomis. Smith, Melvin, When united. When united . 1829. Smith, Mrs., . . 1839 1843. Smith, Henrietta JVinchell, Soper, Rachel Cook. 1849 . 1858. Spaulding, Silas D. 1868. Spaulding Julia A. Button. 1843- Spencer, Jeremiah, . 1858 (( Spencer, Elisheba Goodman. . 1838. Spencer, Eliza Dutton, 1839 1821. Steele, Eliza Humphrey ^ . . 1831 . 1858. Stoddard, Eli, . 1851 1836. Stoddard, Olive, C( . 1843. Stone Emily Lyman. << Strong, Emerett L. Colt. Tallmadge, David, 1866. Tallmadge, Sarah, . " Tallmadge, Hilah, . 1858. Tallmadge, John Adrian, Tallmadge, James B., Taylor, Polly. i860. Taylor, Ann Wilson. 1847. Taylor, Emory, 1858. Taylor, Ann Mather, 1867. Taylor, Maria, Tolles, Joseph. 1858. Tompkins, Thomas. Treadway, Aurelia Gillett, . 1834. Treadway, Aurelia 2d. Turtle, Ruth Wilson. 1843. Tuttle, Ira. Tuttle, Mills. Tuttle, Clement. Tuttle, his wife. Tuttle, Lucy, Tuttle, Uriel. Tuttle, Cordelia Woodford, Tuttle, Adah Hudson, . Tuttle, Chloe Colt, . 1800. Van Allen, Caroline E., 1836. Wainright, Harriet C. Hayden, 1850. Wakefield, Ann Fyler. 1848. Walcott, Dana Mills, . 1834. Walcott, Elizabeth Billings, Watson, Levi. Watson, Abigail Ensign. Watson, Lucy Olmsted. Watson, Huldah. Watson, Julia. 1839. Watson, Wm. Henry, 1832. <( <( 1843. 1836. 1833- « 1858. 1816. 1841. 1849. 1816. 1821. 1868. 1843. 1870. c< 1849. 61 History of Torrington. When united. When united. Watson, Ann Moone, . . 1822. Wetmore, Fanny Austin. Watson, Harvey, 1816. Wetmore, Sarepta, 1841. Watson, Sally PFells, . . 1808. Wilcox, Elias, 1845. Watson, Reuel A., 1831. Wilcox, Florilla A. lVatso?i, 1816. Watson, Milo. Wilcox, Charles, 1866. Watson, George. Wilcox, Charlotte Hart, (1 Watson, Jane Belden. Wilcox, Maria E., . <( Watson, Thomas, Dea., . 1823. Wilson, Mary Roberts, 182a. Watson, Emellne Curtiss, . 1821. Wilson, Austa Tallmadge. Watson, Charlotte E., . . 1851. Wilson, Darius. Watson, Sarah Gaylord, 1813. Wilson, Clarissa Treadivay. Watson, William, Dea., . 1824. Woodruff", Julia A. Marsh, 1843. Watson, Melissa Cadivell, 1857. Woodward, James G., . (( Watson, Sarah Jane. (( Woodward, Catharine M. Steele, . 1848. Wedge, Parintha. Woodward, Orpha A. Kellogg, 1851. Wells, Martha. Young, Clarinda Lyman, 1850. Wells, Nancy. Dissenters. In early times all persons owning taxable property were taxed for the " support of the gospel." Soon after the revolutionary war this law was changed and every man was allowed to choose what society or denomination he would support. This law to compel men to support the gospel was brought from the Episcopal church of England, and was continued so long as England governed this country, but as soon as the United States became free the state of Connecticut, and probably others also, changed the law and left every man to choose for himself, by presenting a certificate to that effect. The law was in universal force in England in behalf of the Episcopal church, but in this country none were more forward in opposing the law than the Episcopalians. In 18 r 8 the law was again changed so that a man could withdraw, without supporting any denomination. The record made in Torringford concerning the matter is as follows : " The certificates of those who have dissented from the established society of Torringford were received by the society as follows : 1788, Daniel Winchel, Churchman. 1791, Charles Mather, Baptist. " Thomas Goodman, " " David Miller, " " Isaac Goodwin, " 1793, Stephen Brown, Churchman. 1795, Samuel Woodward, " Josiah Moore, " Francis Lyman, Baptist. « 1795, Elihu Olmstead, Methodist. 1818, Pelatiah Cadwell, no denomination. 1819, Doct. Samuel Fyler, " Ambrose Fyler, " Michael Loomis, Jr., " Anson Loomis, " Ashur Loomis, " William Wilson, « Curtiss Tuttle, David Soper [strict] Congregationalist. 1821, Hiram Winchell, (( (( « « TORRINGFORD ChURCH. 63 1796, 1797. (( (( 1798, 1799, (( 1800, 1802, « « 1803, 1804, « 1805, 1811, 1815, 1816, (< Eleazer Morris, Baptist. Brigadier Loomis, " Abraliam Tuttle, " Roswell Loomis, " Isaac Goodwin, Jr., Churchman. Roswell Olmstead, Baptist. Timothy Humiston, Churchman. Hannah Olmstead, " John Brooker, Baptist. James Cowles, Churchman. Elihu Barber, Baptist. Augustin Hayden, " Solomon Morse, " John Evans, " Timothy Eggleston, " Elias Gilbert, Methodist. Stephen Fyler, Baptist. Oliver Loomis, Methodist. Christopher Wolcott, Churchman. « <( 18 1 6, Catlin Bissell, Churchman. Durand, Isaiah Tuttle, Elijah Gaylord, Elihu Moore, Anson Little, Harvey Coe, Abiather EUmore, Levi Beach, 1822, Jonathan Ives, " Leverette Tuttle, 1822, Theodore Lee, " Russell Burr, " Charles Andrus, 1823, John Ellsworth, " Henry Roberts, 1827, John Hungerford, " " Uri Taylor, ' <( <( « << < CHAPTER VIII. BUSINESS CENTERS. Cook Street. ROM 1740, for twenty years, much of the business of the town centered at Dea. Cook's. He was the first town clerk, and continued in that office thirty-eight years, and was justice of the peace much of that time, be- sides serving in several other offices of the town, church and society. Haifa mile west of his house at Joseph Fowler's is said to have been some sort of mill or tannery, or both. In February, 1 739, a stock company was formed of thirteen persons, supposed to have been for the purpose of setting up a tannery. The proprietors were ; Thomas Thomas and Thomas Hammond of Wethersfield ; David Sanford of Milford ; Samuel Phelps of Harwinton ; Dea. Nathaniel Hosford, Josiah Walker, Daniel Harris, Joel Parmelee, Timothy Hosford, William Hosford, Abram Kilborn, Isaac Bissell Jr., and Samuel Kilborn of Litchfield. They purchased the same day, thirty- six acres at the south end of the second tier of lots including the water privileges on the north side of the road at this place. Four of these partners sold their shares to Thomas Thomas, soon after the company was formed. It is probable that the first corn mill was here, and afterwards was removed to Mill brook, near Ebenezer Lyman junior's house. Some of the proprietor's meetings were held at Esquire Lyman's and his sons. The town meetings were held, most of the time if not all, at the first meeting house until about 1 790. The Lyman Street. In 1770 a highway was laid by town authority, from the first meeting house south to Mill brook. This road had been traveled as a highway more than fifteen years, but was not authorized as such by the town, it being about half way between two highways. On this road, in 1759, Ephraim Bancroft Jr., erected a house, having re- ceived sixty-six acres as a present from his father. His house stood near the site of the present dwelling of Mr. U. C. Andrus. In the same year, Epaphras Sheldon settled on land given him by his father, Business Centers. 65 about forty rods east of the Meeting house. He bought a strip of land running from his own through to this highway, lying south of and adjoining the Meeting house lot. On this land Mr. Sheldon built his tavern, which was for twenty years the place for military display and public resort.^ Dea. John Whiting lived at the north end of this street, on the west side opposite the Church. Mr. Sheldon's house was on the east side, a i'ew rods south, and Lieutenant Ban- croft's house further south on the brow of the hill ; and the site of Averit's grist mill, in the hollow, a few rods east of the present School house. On the west side of this street was the Lyman estate, the Fort and the School house, and about sixty rods west (perhaps more) was the Brandy still for making cider brandy. Deacon Whiting kept what would answer to a small country store of the present day, the only one west of Amos Wilson's at that time so far as is known. It may not have been dignified with the name of store, but was in fact quite a place for the sale of wheat, corn, peas and other grains, and salt, tea, sugar, indigo, and a few of such common articles of import. About 1773, ^^ ^"•''^ ^ cider mill which was a place of great resort to talk the news and drink cider, which perhaps was some- thing better than to congregate, and drink stronger water at the tavern. "Leftenant" Bancroft, as called in that day, and General Epaphras Sheldon were very influential men for many years, and would naturally draw the public about them, and for this reason in part that street became the center of business for the town. They were both inde- pendent as to money, but were as unlike in character as two sub- stantial men could be. The lieutenant was one of the most reliable men ; of good judgment, good executive ability without a fuss ; every body's true friend, and highly esteemed. The general was a man of many flourishes as his hand writing faithfully shows. Yet he was not all flourish, but was a man of de- cided value in the community. He had high blood in him and was just the man to be a general in time of peace or war. He was clerk of the town for sixteen years, and had an important part in almost every public interest of the town. He built a tannery, on Mill brook, which was continued after his death some years by Raphael Marshall, and afterwards by Martin Webster. In revolutionary ' Since writing the above it is ascertained that Mr. Sheldon bought land of Ephraim Ban- croft, just south of Bancroft's house and built his tavern there, where Mr. U. C. Andrus now resides. 9 66 History of Torrington. times, he and Lieut. Bancroft, being military men, supported by the Wilsons, Whitings, Cooks, Fowlers, Loomises, Griswolds, Tuttles, Austins and a host of others like them from the east side as well as the west, were just'the men to carry the town through with high honor to itself and triumph to the state and nation. Torrington Green. When Doctor Elkana Hodges planted his home and store on the hill north of Torrington green, 1776, he set in motion the laws of trade that were to control the business transactions of the western part of the town for fifty years. Captain Abel Beach's tavern could not compete with that of Gen. Epaphras Sheldon, but Dr. Hodges's store stripped the south hill as clear as the northwest wind sweeps the snow from its brow in a furious gale in the winter. First, the three stores (and perhaps more) of Dea. Whiting, Capt. Amos Wil- son and Noah North, made a balloon disappearance by taking wings and lighting on the hill in full subjection to the doctor, for his store became, very soon, the only store of the west side. Next the Meet- ing house, after a mighty struggle of moral elements, not quite as thoroughly modified by grace as could have been desired, yielded to the power of attraction and seated itself at the doctor's feet on the green. The military parades and public gatherings centered at Abel Beach's tavern and the New Meeting house and Hodges's store. Esquire Elisha Smith became town clerk and the business man of the town in the room of General Sheldon. The post office was esta- blished half a mile east of the green at Harvey Palmer's house, on Goshen road before it became a turnpike. The Center school house stood on the corner near Mr. Willard Birge's present house, / and the horse racing was performed on the highway, originally six- / teen rods wide, between the School house and the post office. To j these must be added Dr. Hodges's potash manufactory at his house \ and a brandy distillery further north. In 1792, the hill at the New \ Meeting house, was called Brandy hill, whether in consequence of the distillery north of Dr. Hodges's or another nearer the site is not ascertained.' The Rev. Alexander Gillett purchased his farm of Samuel Beach, half a mile north of Dr. Hodges, in 1792, on which he resided, until his decease. One man who had been of much im- portance in the town for fifteen years, specially during the Revolu- ^ It is said that Epaphras Loomis brought a barrel of brandy from Windsor to his house north of Dr. Hodges, and this first gave the name of Brandy hill. Business Centers. 67 tion, was Daniel Grant, living on the old Grant farm near Goshen line. The influence of his energetic life was not felt as much in business centers as all over the town, especially the western side. Such were the relations of business enterprises and moneyed trans- actions, when in the spring of 1797, Dr. Hodges was suddenly re- moved from his active and successful life at the early age of fifty years. His two sons, Willard and Erastus, one eighteen years of age, the other sixteen, took his business, except his profession, and carried it forward with decided success, and to the great advantage of the community, for many years. The store was continued on the hill eight or nine years. Then a store building was erected at the green on the west side by Erastus Hodges and the store on the hill vacated. Soon after he erected the dwelling house adjoining the store, which is still standing, and which was at that time the pride of the town. Another upward step in the life of this diligent young man was the marrying, on the fifth day of January, i8og, Laura Loomis, daughter of Richard Loomis, aaid to have been the most queenly woman then living in the town ; and placed her in this new home, queen of the situation, but not of his mercantile business. This store drew around it other enterprises of advantage and honor to the community. Elijah Cowles of New Hartford set up a hat shop in the corner of the roads northeast of the store, which in a few years was removed to the old house a little west of Mr. Burton T. Cowles's present re- sidence. In about 1822, the Academy was built a little south of Mr. Hodges's dwelling and was in use a number of years. Afterwards another store was erected by Russell C. Abernethy,^ who some years after removed to Wolcottville and was a man of much enterprise and efficiency in the town. In 1848, the Meeting house, then strong and substantial, was taken down and a new one erected of smaller dimen- sions, which remained until 1872, when it was removed to Torring- ton hollow, where it has been in use since that time. Mr. Alpheus Hodges, brother of Erastus, remained on the old homestead on the hill and was a farmer of much influence in the town, and highly re- spected until his death in 1870. Torrington green is now deserted ; a fence is placed along the road on the east side ; the sites of the old church and of Capt. Abel Beach's tavern, and the house, once Mr. Abernethy's store, are all in the lot east of the highway. One family alone, that of the late Col. Levi Hodges, of all who dwelt on that ' General Abernethy commenced keeping a store at this place about 1803. J) 68 History of Torrington. street is left ; and the only nnan representing the name in the town is Mr. Levi Hodges, representative to the state legislature in 1877. At the north end of this street, still residing in the old homestead, is Miss Adah, daughter of the Rev. Alexander Gillett, now in the ninetieth year of her age. Newfield. Some part of Newfield was settled lafer than any portion of the town except the pine swamp. Noah North settled in the western part quite early, with a few others, and the Fylers came into the eastern part about 1780. The territory embraced in the fourth school district, before 1800, was called Noppet, taking its name from Noppet hill, west of Noah North's dwelling. Abel Beach, son of Capt. Abel, went to this hill hunting, and lost his way, and remained in the woods over night. He was, afterwards, asked what he did when he found he was lost. He said, " I laid down by a log and nopped it," Hence the hill on which he took his nap, was called Noppet hill, and finally that part of the town was known by the same name. About 1803, Junia North resolved that the name should be changed, and gave it Newfield instead, which was accepted without resistance. This Junius North, who was always called Juna and later Uncle Juna, kept a tavern where his son Dea. Frederick now resides, and was a man of considerable influence. Rev. Mr. Haynes preached in this tavern, a number of times in 1786 and 7, and thus supplied the demand for meetings in this part of the town. There was a small green at Capt. Eli Richards's, opposite the bury- ing ground, east side of the road, giving the locality some appearance of a public place. The military drill of the Newfield company was held at this place before 1800, as this part of the town furnished men enough, at that time, for a whole company. Charles Dix had a tannery and shoe shop a little north of Capt, Richards's, before_L793, / and sold it to Giles Ward, who continued it some years, Afier- / ward Phineas Reed established one north of the Meeting houses, on ! the road to Winchester. Henry Davton built a tannery and shoe \ shop at Arrow pond, about 1827, which was continued some years. Orange Soper had a blacksmith shop a little north of the burying ground, where he continued to work until about 1800, when he sold his place to Jesse Finch and removed to Vernon, N, Y, There RS. Ann Taylor, widow of Joseph Taylor, made frequent statements in the hearing of her daughter, now Hving, to this effect, that a Mr. Bloodgood was the first Metho- dist minister that preached in Litchfield county, and that he was the first that preached in the vicinity of Wolcottville or the town of Torrington. This Mr. Bloodgood, called, invariably in those days, " Brother Bloodgood," preached in the house of Abijah Wilson about 1787-9;' and Abijah Wilson and his wife became Methodists to the great displeasure of his father, Noah Wilson. In after years, when Abijah Wilson departed this life, the Rev. Daniel Coe of Winsted preached the funeral sermon. In that sermon Mr. Coe, who was well acquainted with the history of Methodism in this region, confirmed the above statements concerning Mr. Bloodgood, and his preaching at Mr. Wilson's house, and the adhesion of several families in this community to Methodism, at that time. This is in harmony with certain other circumstances which favored the intro- duction of religious services by this denomination.^ It was when the troubles existed in the first church in Torrington, and as a conse- quence, preaching was held only a part of the time in the old meeting house on the south hill. The Baptists were organizing a church in Newfield, and the Methodists had held some services at Jonathan Coe's house near Newfield in Winchester. It would not have been like the Methodists, nor any body else, to have kept away under such ' The Methodist preachers first visited this county about the year 1787. — Litchfield Centennial. ^ The first minister sent into the New England states by a Methodist conference was Jesse Lee in 1789, but some of the Methodist ministers had preached in Connecticut pre- vious to this date. In 1790, the appointments for New England were : Jesse Lee, presiding elder j John Bloodgood at Fairfield; John Lee, at New Haven; Nathaniel B. Mills at Hartford; Jesse Lee and Daniel Smith at Boston. John Bloodgood joined the conference in 1788, and may have preached in Litchfield before this date, as a local preacher. 15 114 History of Torrington. favoring circumstances. Then were the days when the Methodists were represented as " wolves in sheep's clothing," and they in turn spoke of the pastors of the standing order, as hireling ministers, and educated ministers, but " never converted." Both parties have learned better manners, and a larger Christian faith since that day, and though occasionally there may occur at the present day little spats, they like better trained children keep the matter in their own families, and do not proclaim them on the house top. Elder Richard Leach, a Baptist minister living on Litchfield road, preached in the pine grove, on the eminence now enclosed in Valley park, before 1800 ; and it is very probable that the Methodist minis- ters held meetings there before that time, and they certainly did soon after, and then removed to the School house in the village and the grove on the eminence along Prospect street. It is therefore very probable that there was a Methodist class m existence here not only as early as 1S07,' but possibly twenty years before, in this immediate neighborhood ; for it is difficult to conceive of two or three such families as Abijah Wilson's and Capt. Frisbie's, living in a community, such as was in this vicinity, twenty- one or more years without a class meeting. Methodists were not of that kind in those days. It would have been as easy for old Paul Peck, if he had lived, to have entrapped an alligator in the Pine swamp as to have caught a Methodist living twenty years without a class meeting in those early days. It is therefore more than probable that class meetings were held at Abijah Wilson's, and Capt. Frisbie's and other places some years before 1800. Regular preaching by this denomination may have been established at the School house in the village in 1809 or 10, and from that time greater improvements in congregations and church enterprises may have been experienced. In 1808, a Methodist camp meeting was held in Canada in Goshen, which secured a more prominent influence to that denomination throughout this region. The ministers who preached at Mr. Coe's, and afterwards at New- field, doubtless preached here also. A Mr. Sweet is mentioned as one of the early ones. Mr. Laban Clark, celebrated for more than fifty years in his denomination, preached here in 1810. Samuel D. Ferguson and Elbert Osborn were among the early ones, and two ' See a Memorial Sermon by Rev. T. D. Littlewood, in the Bridgeport Statidard, May 17, 1872. The Churches in Wolcottville. 115 by the name of Hill, and Gad N. Smith, Mr. Canfield, Mr. Beach. Col. John H. Perry, a man of military education, became a minister, and preached here ; became a very influential minister in New York and Brooklyn ; went as a colonel of a regiment into the army against the late rebellion ; was promoted to a general's commission ; returned in safety to his home in Brooklyn. Rev. Ebenezer Washburn is also mentioned prominently in regard to the prosperity of this denomina- tion in this community. The real pastors, however, of Methodist churches in early days, were the local preachers. The circuit ministers were preachers, traveling on tours that required their absence from each preaching place, two, three and four weeks ; and hence the real pastoral work, or care for the local churches, fell, in a great measure, on the local ministers and class leaders. Such men as Daniel Coe of Winsted, and David Miller of Torringford, were the men who preached many funeral sermons, visited the sick, supplied vacant places with preach- ing at no cost to any one but themselves ; attended many meetings^ far and near ; helped in devising the plans and ways and moneys for building churches ; as unknown, and yet well known ; and without whom many of their churches would never have been or when they were, would have been scattered to the four winds never again to be gathered. Daniel Coe stood on the preacher's stand to exhort at the camp- meeting in Goshen in 1808, and his first words were : "Wake up, brethren, wake up," And this watchword has built many a church, and led scores and thousands of fainting soldiers to final triumph and victory. A number of families came into Wolcottville soon after the woolen mill was started, and united with the Methodist congregation and church, who proved themselves true and faithful witnesses, and were of much value to the denomination and to the community in reli- gious things. But the progress of the enterprise of making woolen cloths was not an even course of prosperity, and therefore the for- ward movement in the church was impeded, for a number of years. The first Methodist meeting house in Wolcottville was built in 1843, R^v. George Taylor being the pastor at the time. It was a commendable structure considering the money strength of the con- gregation, and was completed and finally paid for though it took years of anxiety and earnest effort. ii6 History of Torringto N. The ministers who had preached here to that time are mentioned in the followinp; order :' Laban Clark, James Coleman in i8io, Arnold Scoville, Benjamin Griffin, William Swayne, Gad Smith, Samuel Cochrane, Cyrus Culver, E. P. Jacobs, J. J. Matthias, Datus Ensign, Ezekiel Canfield, Nathan Emery, Smith Dayton, Ebenezer Washburn, John Nixon, David Miller, Julius Field, Daniel Brayton, Elbert Osborn, Eli Barnett, John Lovejoy, Bradley Silleck, Milo Chamberlain, David Stocking, John Lucky, Richard Hayter, Morris Hill, David Osborn, S. W. Law, George Taylor, John M. Reid, Geo. A. Hubbell, Robt. Codling, Wm. B. Hoyt, S. C. Keeler, C. T. Mallory, Otis Saxton, A. V. R. Abbott, Benj. Redford, C. W. Powell, B. T. Abbott, J. Vinton, L. W. Abbott, S. H. Bray, T. D. Littlewood, H. L. Judd, S. K. Smith. James M. Smith, From 1843, ^°'' twenty-two years the prosperity of this church was steady and prophetic of good. The ministers during this time were : G. A. Hubbell, Robert Codling, William B. Hoyt, S. C. Keeler, C. T. Mallory, A. V. R. Abbott, C. W. Powell, B. T. Abbott and Joseph Vinton. At that time, 1855, the population of the village had so increased, through the coming into it of manufac- turing enterprises, it was deemed important to enlarge the old Church or build a new edifice. After a thorough discussion of this subject and looking about for money to meet the expenses, it was decided to build a new house. Plans and specifications were prepared by an architect and accepted, and a building committee of the following persons appointed : Luther Bronson, Letsom T. Wooster, James Wooding, Derick N. GofF and Michael Bronson, The house was to be eighty feet in length, and fifty feet in width and built of brick. The corner stone was laid on the 25th day of May, 1865. The house was built and dedicated, and after summing up all expenses it was found to have cost twenty-four thousand dollars, and to meet this, from all sources, was obtained one-half the sum, leaving a debt of twelve thousand dollars. When this enterprise began some mem- bers of the congregation were in prosperity in business enterprises, and had this continued there would have been little trouble, though the edifice cost twice the amount estimated, but a change came, and ' Mr. Littlewood's sermon. The Churches in Wolcottville. 117 that change brought such a weight of debt as nearly crushed all hope. But there was a way out, and that way this struggling church found. Led on at last by the Rev. T. D. Littlewood, the debt was proclaimed as provided for, and a day of rejoicing and thanksgiving held, on the 7th day of April, 1872. The house makes a fine ap- pearance and is an honor to the self-sacrificing spirit of all who have aided in making it what it is, and in not suffering it to be sold, even when there seemed no other way to be pursued. In the effx)rt to pay the debt as stated, there was an unfortunate misunderstanding in regard to three thousand dollars obtained of the M. E. Church Building Fund, which nearly ended in disaster. It was supposed by the congregation that this money was a donation, and when it was learned that it was to be refunded, the surprise was almost a gulf of despair. It is true to history to mention also, that when it was proposed to build a new church the older members were satisfied with repairing the Old Meeting house, while those who had lately come into the community and who proposed to contribute considerable money, were in favor of a new house and succeeded in having their way. When these last three thousand dollars were to be paid, there was scarcely one left in the place, of those who were forward in voting for the new building. Hence is seen the fidelity and nobleness of heart of those who continued to struggle to pay a debt, they all had voted against making ; and that, too, after they had once supposed the entire debt cancelled. The Rev. H. Q. Judd was pastor during this last struggle, and like an old sea captain he steadily sailed to victory and an open sea, in the year 1875. The following sketches of a few of the ministers of this denomi- nation who have been stationed at Wolcottville are secured through the favor of Rev. Sidney K. Smith, the present pastor of this church. Rev. Laban Clark, D.D. Rev. Laban Clark, who preached the first sermon as a Methodist minister in Wolcottville, in 1810, being then stationed at Litchfield, was born in Haverhill, N. H., July 19, 1778. His early education was limited. His parents were rigid Congregationalists and extremely Calvinistic, and voung- Clark coming in contact with some earnest Wesleyans, while quite young, imbibed their views, and joyfully ac- cepted the personal hope of salvation among this people, and ever afterward was, in theology and church polity, a Methodist. He joined ii8 History of Torrington. the New York conference in 1801, having rode on horseback, three hundred and forty miles, in order to be present at the session of the conference. He labored as pastor, or presiding elder, fifty years with marked success. His preaching was clear and forcible, presenting more con- stantly, the gospel side, rather than the law side of the great question of personal salvation. He was constant and untiring in pastoral work and ever exhibiting a consecration and devotion to his calling, worthy of a minister of the gospel. In 1848, he made his residence at Middletown, Connecticut, where he lived respected and venerated, by all who knew him, until his decease. He was the principal mover in starting and establishing the Wes- leyan university at Middletown, Ct., an institution which became one of the dearest objects of his life work, and over which he watched with the solicitude of a parent for his most endearing child. He clung to it with all his characteristic tenacity to the end of his life. There was, however, no important interest of his denomination which did not share his sympathy and cooperation. He was active in its early academic and educational schemes and benevolent plans. He was one of the founders of the missionary society of his denomina- tion, which was organized at his suggestion, while he was pastor in New York, in 1819. His influence in the general conference of his church was very important for many years. He was an influential member, and died a patriarch of the New York east conference. After a long, laborious and successful life career, he died at his home in Middletown, November 28, 1868, in the ninety-first year of his age ; a venerable and beloved hero of American Methodism. Such was the man who, so far as is known, preached the first Me- thodist sermon in the immediate village of Wolcottville. Rev. J. Morrison Reid, D.D. He was a native of New York city, born May 30, 1820 ; and was the son of John and Jane Morrison Reid. He is now, and has been a number of years, the secretary of the Foreign Missionary Society of the M. E. church, located at New York, which is one of the most responsible positions in that denomination. His personal re- ligious experience began while he was in his fifteenth year. He graduated with much honor at the New York university, when in his nineteenth year, and five years after, or in 1844, when he was twenty-four years of age, he united with the New York conference ; The Churches in Wolcottville. 119 was stationed at Wolcottville, as his first charge, and entered upon his life work as a minister. Dr. Ried has occupied, as pastor, some of the most important churches within the bounds of his conference, with great satisfaction to the people and success to the cause. In 1858, he was elected president of the Genesee college, in the western part of New York state, and while holding that position was elected editor of the fVestern Christian Advocate^ in 1864. Four years afterwards he was elected editor of the Northwestern Christian Advocate^ at Chicago. In 1872, he was elected to the high position, which he still holds, as missionary secretary. Dr. Reid in all departments of labor, pastoral, educational, editorial and missionary, has had distinguished success, but especially in the office he now holds, has he shown his eminent qualifications for the confidence reposed in him by the vast constituency he serves. He is a constant, earnest, toiling minister and worker. He is pos- sessed of a manly presence, a fine voice ; and has an earnest, im- pressive manner, and therefore has been a very successful advocate of the great missionary cause, which he now represents. Dr. Reid in writing to Rev. S. H. Smith in 1877, ^^X^ o^ ^'^ labors in Wolcottville : " It was my first charge. I went to it from the principalship of Mechanics Institute school of New York city. The first Church had just then been built, and the grading around it, and the blinds and lamps were attended to and obtained by me. The church was new and not strong in its membership and efficiency, but after all it was a memorable time for dissipating prejudices which abounded towards Methodism. I have always thanked God for sending me there, and I would like to see it now after all these years that are past. I must some time." Rev. Horace Q. Judd. Rev. Horace Q. Judd was born Feb. 21, 1841, in Bethel, Conn., and fitted for college at the Hudson River "institute, and enlisted in the 17th Conn, volunteers April, 1862 ; and served three years, being in the battles of Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, and received an honorable discharge. He united with the New York east con- ference of the M. E. church in the spring of 1870, and was stationed at Cornwall Bridge, Ct., and in 1872 was appointed to the M. E. church in Wolcottville, where he labored with success and honor three years. He was very much liked in the community generally, I20 History of Torrington. and did a special work in behalf of the church, in his persevering efforts by which the last end of a long and wearisome debt was re- moved from the church property. He is now preaching at Watertown, Ct., with the same steady onward success which has marked his life heretofore. Rev. Sidney Ketcham Smith, A.M. Rev. Mr. Smith is now pastor of the M. E. church, in his third year, in Wolcottville. He was born Mar. 14, 1838, at Huntington, Long Island, and was the son of Solomon and Abigail Ketcham Smith, who were farmers and members of the Presbyterian church. When seventeen years of age he was employed, as clerk, in a silk Importing house in New York city. He was converted and joined the old York street M. E. church of Brooklyn, under the labors of Rev. George W. Woodruff, D.D. He soon felt a deep conviction to preach the gospel, and whatever his work or engagements this was the thought of greatest import to him. In preparing for the ministry he studied at the Wesleyan academy, Wilbraham, Mass., Wesleyan university, Middletown, Ct., and the Biblical institute, Concord, N. H., taking the course, however, in an inverted order. Through the advice of enthusiastic friends he en- tered at once with slight academic preparation the Biblical institute, intending to take only a theological course, but during the first term, in view of youth and want of mental training, he determined to take also a thorough collegiate course. In seeking advice from the pro- fessors, one said ; " Leave at once and go to college, we don't want you here." The other quietly replied, "better remain, now you are here, brother ; get established in your religious life and theological views, then go to college and make it your parish. This latter ad- vice became the controlling rule of his life for the next eight years. He was graduated at the Biblical institute in 1859; preached one year as supply at Southampton, L. I., and entered the Wesleyan university in 1861, and was graduated in 1865. In the same year he joined the New York east conference and was stationed at Middlefield, Conn. In September of that year he married Mary F. Barnard of Marlboro, Mass. His successive appoint- ments since have been ; Clinton, Simsbury and Wolcottville, all in this state. Twice he has been compelled through ill health to tem- porarily relinquish the work of the ministry. During the first period CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, WOLCOT'IVILLE, ERECTED IN 1867. The Churches in Wolcottville. 121 of rest the parsonage at Middlefield was burned with all his library and household goods. He is a very acceptable minister, much esteemed in his own church and through the whole community, and notwithstanding poor health, attends to the labors and interests of his parish with as much success as those do ordinarily, who are perfect in health. He is now closing his pastorate in the Wolcottville church, having been stationed here three successive years. The Congregational Church. Soon after the Woolen Mill began its manufacturing work, the Revs. Alexander Gillett and Samuel J. Mills began to deliver lectures, or short sermons in Wolcottville on which work they continued a number of years, considering it a part of their pastoral and ministerial duty thus to do. As the Methodist brethren had not restrained themselves from coming into their parishes and preaching, so they judged it not out of order for them to come into the Methodist parish and give lectures, and especially when a number of their old church members lived here and near the place. But these aged ministers were not always to preach. For our sakes we are sorry, but for their sakes we are glad. What would thai dignified, learned, serious Father Gillett say if he were to come to Wolcottville in these later davs ? What would Father Mills say ? Perhaps to save them, that their hearts might not be sore vexed with- out comfort, they were taken away that they might not see the doings of these later days. When, therefore, they were not able to con- tinue this extra work, regularly. Parson Jeremiah Hallock from Sims- bury came and preached. Mr. Goodman settled in 1822, in Torringford, and being younger he helped on the cause in this new field of religious enterprise. About 1820, the brick building now standing a little way south of the American House, was built, and a part of it was to be a union meetinghouse. Whether any denominations except the Universalist occupied it is not definitely stated. It was used for a time as an academy. Thus was the gospel preached in Wolcottville, in one place and another, by various ministers of different denominations for nearly twenty years, without having an accepted consecrated house of worship. Under such circumstances Capt. Uri Taylor, son of Joseph, led 16 122 History of Torrington. the way, others aiding him as best they could, and built the first Con- gregational meeting house,; and although Capt. Taylor was building committee on his own responsibility, yet with such men around him as those who united in organizing the first society he was not alone in this work. There was one good thing about this method of build- ing a meeting house, they had no contending parties, and clashing of judgments, and unending hatred after the house was built. So far as history tells us, all were well satisfied, the house was paid for, and was a very proper and comfortable house of worship. Mr. Taylor gave the site for the house and furnished a large part of the money needed in the building, and thus did a noble work. He also built the parsonage in the same way, and passed the whole property, of meet- ing house and minister's dwelling, into the hands of the society, with- out any claims except the reservation of one pew in the Church for his descendants as long as they shall choose, or shall be here to oc- cupy it. This being done, the " Village Society in Torrington was organ- ized on the third day of December, 1829, at the house of Captain Taylor, and the following persons became members of the society : Lyman Wetmore, Elijah Phelps, " Israel Coe, '. Uri Taylor, Samuel Beach, Anson Stocking, • John Hungerford Jr., Amasa Scoville, Asa G. Adams, William Leach, Leverette. Scott, Charles S. Church, Joel Hall, Elizur Barber, Arvid Dayton, i Daniel S. Rogers, John W. Scoville, Joseph Barritt, f' George P. Bissell, David Baldwin, Linus Dunbar, Harmon Cook, Samuel Brooker, George P. Roberts, George D. Wadhams, William Olcott, Russell C. Abernethy, Luther Bissell, Amos Wilson, William S. Hungerford. Lorrain Wetmore, John Cook, Soon after this society was formed, the Rev. William R. Gould, then pastor of the Torrington church, was em.ployed to preach a certain portion of the time for one year, the First society consenting to the arrangement. This arrangement continued until February, 1832, when Mr. Gould was dismissed by council from the Torring- ton church, and Wolcottville looked in other directions for preach- ing. During the year 1831, the Rev. David Miller and other Methodist ministers were employed the portion of time that Mr. Gould did not preach here. On the thirteenth day of August, 1832, the society voted to give the Rev. Hiram P. Arms a call to settle in the work of the gospel ministry. But before a pastor could be settled over a church, there The Churches in Wolcottville. 123 must be a church, and the next orderly thing to be done was to effect such an organization. This was done, June 11, 1832, ac- cording to the order of the denomination, by a committee of the Litchfield north consociation, delegated for the purpose. Twenty- one persons were recceived by letter and eight by profession of their faith, as constituting the church as follows : f David Baldwin, Lyman Wetmore. Mrs. Sarah Baldwin, Mrs. Betsey Wetmore, Sarah Ann Baldwin, Lorrain Wetmore, Elizur Barber, Mrs. Frances Wetmore, Mrs. Polly Barber, Louisa Wetmore, Mrs. Lucy Bissell, Amanda Wetmore, Ruth Brooks, Leverett Scott, Rebecca Goodman, Mrs. Leverett Scott, Sarah Hungerford, Sarah Wilcox, Mrs. Charlotte Hungerford, Lydia Kimberly, Mrs. Elizabeth Eno, Maria S. North, Mrs. Ursula Frost, Ruhama Smith, Nancy S. Goodman, George D. Wadhams, John Hungerford, Mrs. Lucy Wadhams. Abigail Taylor, The church being thus organized Rev. Hiram P. Arms was in- stalled first pastor of this church and society in February 1833, The importance and success of this church is set forth in very appropriate language by another as follows : " During all the years of effort by the people of Wolcottville to ensure its rapid growth as a business place, a little band of thoroughly earnest Christians were watching, working and praying, with a long- tried patience, and a wrestling faith for the establishment of a church of Christ, and for such help of the Holy Ghost, as would lift up a standard effectually against the abounding wickedness of the place. While Christopher Wolcott, the devout and efficient agent of Frederick Wolcott, in managing the mill, and other kindred spirits which his position enabled him to bring to his aid, were trying to sow some good seed, the Methodists were contending nobly for truth and righteousness as well ; and the older members of this church speak with becoming respect and affection of their fellow disciples of the common Master. ••' From the organization of the church, the mutual action of the church and society has been harmonious, and a commendable zeal, prudence and liberality has marked their efforts to sustain the ordi- nances of religion. Without zealous stickling for mere points of 124 History of Torrington. order in their mutual work, they have accomplished much toward the civil, social, educational and religious culture of this community, and their out look upon the opening future is full of hope and pro- mise. But since the church is an institution of divine appointment, and since it is by inspiration called the body of Christ ; it is meet and proper that in its relation to other agencies, it should always have the precedence without regard to numbers, wealth, or earthly dis- tinctions. Any society that does not choose to have this rule ob- served is radically defective in its character as an ecclesiastical society ; and any church that does not make the fitness of this rule apparent fails to execute its high commission." ' The settled pastors have been : Hiram P. Arms, Stephen Hubbell, Samuel Day, Samuel T. Seelye, Ralph Smith, Edward W. Bacon, and Lavalette Perrin, and the following have been stated supplies : E. S. Clark, R. M. Chipman, W. L. Adamson, George B. New- comb, and others. It will be seen that during the forty-four years of its history, this church has had a settled pastor about twenty eight and one-half years ; and acting pastor about six and a half years. " The benefit of the Home Missionary Society, in this state, is realized, to some extent, in the aid this church received, for several years from its commencement, making it possible to have a settled pastor when otherwise it could not j and giving it strength until it acquired strength of its own. "The membership of the church has steadily, though slowly in- creased in numbers, although its forty-four years of effort and labor have been amidst great national struggles and calamities. "The Sabbath school, under different forms, with such intervals as circumstances have made inevitable, has been sustained from the first. Indeed before there was pastor, church or society, Mrs. Charles Hungerford maintained such a school, on Sabbath morning and she attending service after it at Torringford. From that time forward the school has steadily increased until the numbers in it are nearly equal to the numbers in the regular service of the congregation. " The membership of this church has steadily though slowly in- creased in numbers from the first. There have been seasons of special religious interest in the community, but no very remarkable times of refreshing, such as are on the records of other churches, have been experienced by this church. The following are the years 'Rev. L. Perrin in Centennial sermon, 1876; published. The Churches in Wolcottville. 125 in which ten or more persons were added to the membership of the church : 1834, 13. 1858, 21, 1874, 10, 1843. ^5. 1867, 39, 1876, 10. 1852, 34, 1873, 10, " Other years of its history have indicated more or less of spiritual vigor, but it has not been equipped and furnished as some churches are for aggressive work. From its membership of twenty-nine at the start it has increased to one hundred and seventy-five, at the present time. " All the ordinary means of grace have been sustained, and for a number of years the plan of Sabbath offerings has been successfully maintained, and thereby the benevolent institutions of the times receive monthly attention to the noted credit and honor of the congre- gation ; the average amount is about eight hundred dollars annually. " The service of song, has quite uniformly been rendered to the edi- fication and quickening of all true worshipers, and from the be- ginning of its history this society has been favored with a specially competent choir, who have cheerfully and faithfully sustained this important service. "This church and society have occupied two, and in a qualified sense three houses of worship. This is a matter usually controlled by the society, and from the first there have been a few men of sound wisdom and high toned morality, worshiping with the church, though not members of it, who have infused energy into all the move- ments of the society, and enriched its records with many wise and liberal acts." ' Certain extensive repairs were made on the house of worship, es- pecially the upper part of it, in 1844, as to render it, in appearance inside, like a new house, and thus was provided what was practically the second Meeting house of this society, which served its purpose satisfactorily, for the term of twenty years. In 1864, the question of reconstructing the Meeting house and building or fitting up a conference room was brought before the an- nual meeting, and this proved to be the beginning " of that protracted, perplexing, and nobly sustained efFortof the society, which, after long continued struggles, resulted in the solid, chaste, and truly beautiful granite edifice now standing as a Sabbath home. Though *the vicissi- » Dr. Perrin in Centennial sermon. ii6 History of Torrington. tudes of the enterprise were many, and made doubly burdensome by the failure of the contractors, in the early stages of the work, to ful- fill their engagements, yet it was carried to completion by the force of unyielding purpose and resolution, to the general satisfaction of those interested. The contract was taken by a New York firm, for the sum of nearly nineteen thousand dollars, and when the last bill was paid the sum had increased to over thirty-two thousand dollars ; and as in all such cases, those who do most at the commencement, are quite certain to do most in the final closing up of indebtedness so in this case ; the first were last. It is, therefore, a beautiful monu- ment of earnest, wise, and well directed energy in the accomplishment of a noble Christian object,"' and will be appreciated for many years to come, by those who shall worship there. The list of contributors to the new church edifice as given in Dr. Perrin's centennial sermon is as follows : Lorrain Wetmore, . F. N. Holley, . Ransom Holley, Elisha Turner, . Elizur Barber, Sidney L. Clark, H. S. Barbour, N. B. Lathrop, P. F. Parsons, Charles Hotchkiss, E. C. Hotchkiss, Mrs. C. A. Hungerford, H. B. Alvord, Charles Alvord, J. W. Cook, . B. R. Agard, . Chester Brooker, S. H. Perkins, George W. Church, J. A. Newbury, J. F. Calhoun, Harmon Cook, D. L. Hungerford, John W. Langdon, J. W. Phelps, John W. Scoville, Benham Barber, Henry J. Allen, Samuel Brooker, Willard Weed, . $5,557.00 Dennis Perkins, 7,015.00 Lewis Cook, 4,715.00 Mr. Millard, 2,950.00 W. S. Lewis, 875.00 N. Alvord, Jr., 500.00 Nelson Alvord, 1,035.00 Charles F. Brooker, 850.00 A. F. Brooker, . 740.00 Henry Hopkins, 665.00 Samuel Stocking, 350.00 George H. Mason, . 400.00 Erskin Andrus, 400.00 E. Fellows, 635.00 Charles J. Battell, 350.00 T. S. Hanchett, 665.00 Merritt Marks, 450.00 Charlotte Royce, . 200.00 O. Hayward, 425.00 Wm. Bryant, 200.00 J. M. Travis, . 300.00 Samuel Burr, 225.00 Arthur B. Agard, 200.00 L. B. Mowry, 100.00 Amos Gear, 275.00 Baldwin & Farnham, 125.00 Giles A. Gaylord, 200.00 J. M. Camp, 115.00 Eliasaph Scoville, 250.00 D. W. Clark, 1 15.00 J. E. Lewis, 100.00 200.00 250.00 250.00 115.00 70.00 230.00 165.00 165.00 235.00 50.00 50.00 100.00 50.00 115.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 100.00 190.00 25.00 30.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 75.00 25.00 50.00 75.00 10.00 Dr. Perrin's sermon. The Churches in Wolcottville. 127 Hobart Churchill, Simon Reid, . Ferdinand Adt, Louis J. Adt, Chauncey Mix, J. G. Brothwell, . Wait B. Wilson, C. Ladd & Son, W. H. Talcott, Willis Curtiss, George W. Cook, E. M. Judd, A. E. Barber, . George P. Roberts, Louisa North, C. F. Church & Co., Joel Scoville, James E. Noble, E. A. Baldwin, G. H. Welch, J. N. Wetmore, James H. Patterson, J. L. Carson, 10.00 E. H.Holley, 50,00 10.00 William Spittle, 30.00 10.00 F. L. Wadhams, . 25.00 10.00 D. McGregor Means, 50.00 30.00 Wm. H. Lacy, Jr., 50.00 30.00 George H. Fish, 20.00 50.00 E. J. Hopkins, 20.00 100.00 Clark & Wing, 12.50 50.00 E. J. Steele, 25.00 75.00 B. C. & H. S. Patterson, . 115.00 50.00 John Scoville, 30.00 200.00 Theodore Hartman, . 25.00 215.00 W. W. Mix, 15.00 615.00 Daniel B. Joyce, 50.00 100.00 Mrs. R. Dunbar, . 20.00 50.00 Estate E. Eggleston, . 25.00 25.00 F. J. Pierce, 5.00 25.00 D. C. Kilbourn, 40.00 290.00 W. W. Birge, 15.00 50.00 Ladies Society, . 125.00 50.00 Mrs. Mary Hodges, 25.00 50.00 25.00 $35,724-50 Rev. Hiram P. Arms, D.D., Rev. Stephen Hubbell, . Rev. Samuel Day, Rev. Samuel T. Seelye, D.D., Rev. Ralph Smith, Rev. George B. Newcomb, supply. Rev. Edward W. Bacon, . Rev. Lavallette Perrin, Officers and Members. Ministers. installed Feb. 7, 1833, Feb. 29, 1837, . Sept. 23, 1840, June 17, 1846, . March 25, 1656, Sept. 29, 1869, July 31, 1872. dismissed July 6, 1836. " Sept. 29, 1839. . " June 4, 1845. " March 21, 1855. . " Sept. 29, 1857. " Oct. 31, 1871. Ministers Raised. Rev. Edward Hungerford, Congregational. Rev. John Barbour, Episcopal Deacons. Elected. Dec. 22, 1822. Addison Palmer, March 10, 1836. Nelson Alvord, June 29, 1837. Charles Hotchkiss, Nov. 7, 1 841. Henry S. Barbour, Oct. 31, 1845. Samuel J. Stocking, . July 5, 1846. Original Members. Elizur Barber, Polly (Phelps) Barber, Mrs. Lucy Bissell, Lorrain Wetmore,. Silas Humphrey, Amasa Scoville, Victorianus Clark, Leonard Blakeslee, Darius Wilson, David Baldwin, Mrs. Sarah Baldwin, Sarah A. Baldwin, Elected. 1851. June, 1857. March 3, 1861. Feb. 15, 1868. Feb. 1868. 128 History of Torringto N. Ruth Brooks, Rebecca Goodman, Sarah Hungerford, Charlotte (Austin) Hungerford, Mrs. Elizabeth Eno, Mrs. Ursuala Frost, Nancy S. Goodman, John Hungerford, Abigail Taylor, Lyman Wetmore, Betsey Wetmore (Lyman), Lorrain Wetmore, Abeling, Julius Wm., . Abeling, Auguste (Meelisch), Abernethy, Russell C, Abernethy Orrel S. (R. C), Abernethy, Mary (De Forest), Adams, Asa G., Adams Olive (A. G.), Adams, Diana (Barber), Adt, Ferdinand, . Adt, Catherine (Harrmann), Allen, Laura, Allen, Wm. H., Allen, Mrs. Wm. H., . Alvord, Nelson, Alvord, Lavinia (Nelson), Alvord, Harriet Taylor, Alvord, Hubbell B., . Alvord, Mrs. H. B., Alvord, Charles, . Alvord, Almira Burtis, Alvord, Adelaide, Mrs., Andrus, Laura M., . Andrus, Adeline, . Andrus, Nancy, . ' Arms, Lucy Ann, Atwater, Edward A., Atwater, Julia Hills, Bacon, Rev. £. W., Bacon, Mary Staples, Baldwin, David, Baldwin, Mrs. David, Baldwin, Sarah Ann, Baldwin, Amanda Wetmore, Baldwin, Elizabeth, Balcomb, Julia Brothwell, . Frances (Austin) Wetmore (Lorrain), Louisa Wetmore, Amanda Wetmore, Leverette Scott, Mrs. Leverette Scott, Sarah Wilcox, Lydia Kimberly, Maria S. North, Ruhama Smith, George D. Wadhams, Lucy Wadhams (Geo. D,). Members. 1874. Barber, Elezur, 1874. Barber, Polly Phelfs, 1835. Barber, Dr. A. E., . . " Barber, Mrs. Julia A., . " Barber, Myron Flbert, . 1834. Barber, Walter L., . " Barber, Hannah yohnsan, 1 85 1. Barber, Mary, . 1869. Barber, Mary E., . " Barber, Alvin E., 1833. Barber, Mrs. Athalia, . 1844. Barber, Anna, . " Barber, Hector, 1841. Barber, Diana Hinman, " Barbour, Henry S., 1876. Barbour, Parmelia, 1851. Barbour, John H., 1857. Barclay, Louisa, 1852. Barrett, Joseph, i860. Bartholomew, Jeremiah H., 1863. Bartholomew, Mrs. Polly, 1843. Bates, Nathaniel, 1852. Bates, Rowani Thorp, 1869. Beach, Lurandus, 1833. Beach, Mrs. Harriet, 1869. Beach, Content, " Beach, Mary Leach, Beecher, James E., " Beers, Horace A., " Beers, Carrie Warner, 1832. Benham, Jane Ann., " Bellamy, Angeline Mitchell, " Berry, Lucy A., Mrs., . " Berry, Fannie M., 1875. Berg, Theodore, 1867. Berg, Mrs. Mary, I832. (( 1867. (( 1864. 1867. 1868. 1876. 1858. 1849. 1847. 1835- 1875. 1852. 1853. << 1867. « 1836. 1843. 1841. 1842. 1843. 1836. « 1843. 1853. 1867. 1873. (( 1843. 1851. 1861. 1873. The Churches of Wolcottville. 129 Berg, Anne, Berg, Martha, . Berg, Emma (Abeling), . Bissell, Lucy Porter, . Blakeslee, Leonard, Blakeslee Mrs. Rumina, Bolster, Cornelia E., Bogue, Mrs. Deborah C, . Brace, Elizabeth Morgan, Brace, Mrs. Pearly, . Bradley, Mary Steele, Bradley, Elnora M., . Bradford, A. G., . Briggs, Ellen, . Brooks, Ruth, Bristol), Chester, Brooker, Mary, Brooker, Samuel, Brooker, Huldah D., Brooker, Chester, Brooker, Maria L., Brooker, Mehitable Tutt/e, . Brooker, Marion N., Brooker, Francis L., Brooker, Julia, Brooker, Annie G., . Brooker, Julia Seymour, Brooker, Ella T., Brooker, Arthur S., Broo.ker, Maria Seymour, Brooker, Charles F., Brooker, Mary L., Broth well, Addie Ho/comb, Buell, Joseph C, Buell, Mrs. Mary, Burr, Samuel, . Burr, Mary Seymour, Burr, Lyman S., Burr, Mary Fleming, Calhoun, Joseph F., . Calhoun, Clarissa Cas'we/l, Calhoun, Sarah, Camp, Jabez M., . Camp, Mrs. Mary, . Camp, Martha A., Camp, Lottie E., Camp, Mary F., Camp, Wallace H., , Carrington, David, 1873. Carrington, Mrs. Mercia, '• Castle, Nancy McCoe, . " Castle, Mary E., 1832. Catlin, Imogene J., 1842. Chapin, Sarah L., " Church, Charles S., 1865. Church, Oiarlotte Taylor, 1866. Churchill, Lucy J., 1841. Chipman, Rev. R. M., 1834. Chipman, Mrs. Mary K., 1858. Clark, 1876. Clark, Victorianus, 1848. Clark, Mrs. Rhoda B., 1867. Clark, Elizabeth F., 1832. Clark, Erwin B., 1843. Clemens, Hiram, 1834. Clemens, Fidelia Hotchkiss, 1852. Coe, Sybel, 1843. Coe, Israel, 1867. Coe, Nancy Wetmore, 1852. Coe, Russell, . 1862. Coe, Lillie Wheeler, 1867. Cook, Herman, " Cook, Angeline Dare, " Cook, John, . 1876. Cook, Mrs. Lydia, 1849. Cook, Huldah, 1867. Cook, Anna, " Cook, Margaret Judd, 1852. Cook, Louisa, 1867. Cook, George W., . " Cook, Mrs. Gertrude, . " Cook, Walter H., . 1835. Cook, Mrs. W. H., " Cook, Lucy J., 1873. Cooper, Mrs. Elizabeth, 1849. Curtiss, Ursula, 1872. Curtiss, Worthy, . 1866. Curtiss, Mrs. Alpha, 1852. Day, Mrs. Hannah E., 1 85 1. Daily, Clarissa, 1868. Daily, Mrs. Lois G., . 1867. Dayton, Urania Marsh, Davidson, Ira A., Dunbar, Rhoda, Huntington, Dunbar, Adeline L., Eggleston, Alexander L., 1844. Eggleston, Jane, 1844. 1863. 1858. 1867. 1846. 1833. 1834. 1864. 1859. i< 1835. 1840. (( 1844. 1872. 1867. << 1849. « . 1835. • 1874- . 1834. . <( 1835. , ^ education, and VoteU that the " north end, above the long causeway, be one district for schooling, the ensuing year, and to improve their own money," and that " all below the long crossway, be one district." They laid a tax as usual, the one-half to be used for winter school the other half for summer school. " Voted that Mr. Daniel Hudson be school committee and collector for the north district, and that Sergt. Ebenezer Winchell, Lt. John Strong and Mr. Josiah Moore be a committee for the south district." In October 1772, they made three districts. Besides the north and south, as the year previous, they voted that " Great hollow and East street as far north as Amos Miller's be one district," " Voted that the middle district lay out two-thirds of their money in a man's school, and that the children who go to a man's school shall not go to the woman's school." In the autumn of 1774, four districts were / made, and in December they voted, " that there be a school house / built in the middle district, near Capt Bissell's house or horse-house ; and that Capt. Strong, Capt. Bissel!, Lt. Griswold and Sergt. Ebe- nezer Winchell be a committee to build said house." In 1770, they voted a tax of four shillings on the pound, for school- ing, which large sum was probably owing to the depreciated currency with which the tax was to be paid, but even then it is difficult to un- derstand the change to such an extreme, and especially when in 1781, it was only one and a half penny on the pound. In 1 782, the society was divided into four districts, by a " parallel line to the town, across ' Old Society records. 19 146 History of Torrington. the society," the tax one penny and a half. It was frequently voted in the meetings for society business, that the children who went in the winter " should not go in the summer," and this was the practice on the west side, although there are no accounts of such votes. The changing of the districts continued every few years on the east side as on the west. There seems to have been no way to shorten dis- tances nor to enlarge the houses, nor equalize the money, nor to ar- range other items, so as to meet the wants of all. In 1786, a vote was passed that the school money should be divided to the districts equally according to the number of scholars in each district between four and sixteen years of age. The law concerning the business transactions in behalf of schools having been changed, the parish met in 1795, and thereafter, as a school society, and voted the usual tax, some years from six to eight mills and some times one cent on a dollar, it being more frequently seven and eight mills. Such amounts of tax, alone for schooling, at the present day would make wild confusion in the town. The present tax for schooling purposes, is about four and a half mills on the dollar, but the state appropriation and other funds returns a part of this sum to the town treasury. There are now three districts in Torringford ; the south, center and north districts. Academies. There have been four academies in the town. Soon after Rev. Epaphras Goodman was settled in Torringford, he leased a large room, which had been used for other purposes, fitted it, and opened a select school, for advanced pupils, both boys and girls. Such was the en- thusiasm with which the people entered into this enterprise that Mr. Goodman was compelled to employ an assistant, Mrs. Faxon, which gave still greater ambition to the enterprise. The whole society was awakened to the effort, and erected a brick building, long known as the Torringford academy, and in this building Mr. Goodman con- tinued the school while he remained at this place. He employed students and graduates from Yale and other colleges, and inspired the whole enterprise with his indefatigable devotion to the advantages of education. When Dr. E. D. Hudson settled in Torringford he cheerefully added his influence and energy to the institution and it became a boarding school as well as an academy for the community. There have been as high as twenty students at a time, from the cities and Education. 147 other states, in attendance on this school. The influence of this school was not only felt on the whole community but gave so much of a spirit of love of literature and learning as has not yet disappeared from the place. In regard to this subject and Mr. Goodman's part in it the Tor- ringford Centennial thus speaks. " The Academy in which he taught was erected in 1823, and stood \ a few rods north of the Old church on the opposite side of the street. . After being unoccupied several years, it was removed in 1849, ^^^ rebuilt as an academy and conference house, and stands opposite the Church. The intelligence of the people, and their appreciation of education may be shown not only by the fact that they have furnished a large number of competent teachers,' men and women, of public and private schools, but also by the number of those who have obtained a liberal education, or engaged in professional pursuits. Torringford has raised, in addition to several successful business men, twelve college graduates, five lawyers, ten ministers, eight minister's wives, two editors, and twenty-five physicians ; and some of these educated men have not only been eminent in their profession, but have filled prominent civil, political, and judicial stations." Torringford, in connection with the whole county of Litchfield, had a large number of men and women of native talent, and whether they were in professional life or engaged in the more common pur- suits of industry, they have promoted, and developed this spirit of education in establishing institutions of learning in different parts of the nation, and encouraging general intelligence. The part which this society had in rearing and sustaining the mission school was such as, of which any community, of the time, might well boast. The Torrington Academy. This institution was erected by the joint efi^ort of several men, interested in the higher advantages of education, in about eighteen hundred and eighteen or nineteen, and was located at the green, near Erastus Hodges, or a little south of the Second Meetinghouse. The ' Nathaniel Gaylord kept what was termed a grammar school, for a number of successive winters, about 1806, and school keeping became a passion, and often over twenty went out to teach in the same season ; and Torringford school teachers enjoyed a high reputation in the adjoining towns as well as at home. 148 History of Torrington. ! Rev. Herman L. Vaill, while studying theology at Goshen, in 1821, j I was one of the earliest teachers in this house. The school was con- ! tinued with some intervals some twenty-five or thirty years, after 1 which the building was purchased by the late Sheldon Barber and placed at the corner of the roads near his house and used for a work i shop. ; The Brick Academy, a three story building in Wolcottville south ' of the bridge on Main street, was built as a Union meeting house and j academy, and was used for both purposes quite a number of years. It has been occupied as a manufactory, a store, and a Masonic Hall. The Academy on Church street, built about 1859, ^^^ been merged into the Union Graded school of the village. Wolcottville Public Schools. In 1798, the Torringford school society voted that John Brooker and Isaac Edgarton might have the use of their own money for school- ing ; i. <'., they were at an inconvenient distance from the school houses, and therefore might employ a teacher in their own neighbor- hood. John Brooker then lived in the house, still standing a little east of the papier machie shop, and Isaac Edgarton in the same neighborhood, or perhaps further south. The society was very careful that this money should be used as designed, for the year previous they voted that John Brooker, Isaac Edgarton and Zebulon Curtiss might have the use of their own money, if they lay it out in schooling their children in other schools and bring a certificate to that eff^ect, and the same requisition was made each year. The nearest schools were the west district of Torringford and the school in Litchfield, half or three-fourths of a mile south of the present village of Wolcottville. In 1808, the school society voted that Mrs. Sally Sanford and Porter Bissell be annexed to the district in Litchfield. Mrs. Sanford then lived near the Coe Furniture store on Litchfield street. In 1 8 10, the society voted that " all living west of Eliphalet Eno's and belonging to the west district have the use of their own money," showing that no district had yet been formed in what is now the village. In 1812, they stated that the "families of Eliphalet Eno, Heze- kiah Eno, Jonathan Ives, Widow Ives, Shelburn Ives, Trumbull Ives, and John Cook and sons, are to be annexed to the village dis- trict," but the district was not formed until the next year, when Education. 149 they voted the village to be a district, and Uri Taylor was ap- pointed the committee and collector, and this was probably the first officer of any kind Wolcottville ever had. There are no votes for taxes in the village district, which look like paying for a school house, and the house having been built in 181 4. or 1815, it is quite probable that it was built by volunteer subscrip- tions and work, and that Uri Taylor took a large part of this stock, as he did in the First Meeting house and parsonage. This house stood on the site of the present Register office on Main street. Miss Fannie C. Austin, now Mrs. Laurin Wetmore, taught school in this house, in 1817 or 18, it being before it was enlarged. As the village increased and more room was needed, this house was length- ened, to nearly double its original size. Some time after, a brick School house was built on Litchfield street, which is still standing a little above the railroad, and is used as a dwelling; another was built on what is now George street, which is also used now as a dwelling ; and another was built on Church street, west side of the rail road. The one on George street was two stories and the second story was occupied some time as a higher department, or grammar school. In 1859, Dea. L. Wetmore gave a valuable and appropriate lot on Church street opposite his own residence, as a site for a school building, and on this a two story house was erected soon after, and was called the Academy, but was used as the higher department of the several schools of the village, Lucius Clark was principal of the school on George street when the new building was erected. He removed his department into the new building and taught there a term or two. The following persons succeeded him as principal of the academy and having the oversight of the other schools in the village : A. E. Barlow, A. B., now, and for many years past, professor in Amherst college ; C. B. McClenn, E. A. Paddock, MissHotch- kiss, H. M. Morrill A.B., D. M. Means, A.B., and Charles L. Fellows. About 1863 and 4, there was a strong desire in the com- munity to consolidate the schools, but certain parties who seemed opposed to all real improvements, opposed the plan with great energy. The contest went on for several years, those persons hav- ing large money interests in the manufacturies were most of them in favor of the Union graded school. At the time and soon after the revival of enterprise in the brass mill in 1863, a number of families came in from Waterbury where they already had a free, graded school, and their efforts, with those who favored the'plan in Wolcott- 150 History of Torrington. ville, were successful and the consolidation was effected. Then the academy building was rearranged and large additions to it built and the present commodious edifice secured. The enterprise of public school education in this village, has had but faint support as a whole, until very recently, and now the most that has been attained is a building, partially fitted, but sparingly furnished with apparatus for the work of common school education. It might be a question worthy of entertainment whether a school of such efficiency and grade of studies as would retain in it, boys and girls from twelve to sixteen years of age, instead of their being sent abroad to obtain a knowledge of those branches, almost universally believed to belong to proper common school education should be maintained here. It was a great work to reorganize and enter upon a graded system of teaching as was done under the supervision of Henry M. Morrill, late judge of the court of the city of Waterbury. He taught four years, studying law with Esq. H. S. Barbour, and secured much efficiency in the schools, but the work was only com- menced. Some considerable advancement has been made since the beginning, but the spirit that opposed the building of the house, has opposed for years, the paying for it until very recently a tax was laid to meet the demands, and that same spirit will oppose the furnishing of books and apparatus for the school, as is the ordinary method of such schools, and that same spirit does send small children by the dozen to sit in their seats the whole day without a book or slate or scrap of paper with which to work, unless private benevolence fur- nishes them. The following persons have been teachers in this school during the school year ending July i, 1877 : Mr. Charles L. Fellows, principal, of Wol- Miss Mary Miller, of Winsted. cottville. Mrs. Sarah Coe Fellows, of Wolcottville. Miss Gertrude Fenn, of Terryville. Miss Bell A. Waterman, of Torringford. Miss Sarah B. Norton, of Goshen. Miss Sarah C. Calhoun, of Wolcottville. Miss Linda Woodford, of Avon. Miss Hattie Griswold, of Auburn, Indiana. School Funds. Besides the usual state funds, common with other towns, Torring- ton has had a small local fund amounting to several hundred dollars. The school plot, appropriated in 1752, by the proprietors, in the third division containing two hundred and twenty acres, was sold, or leased for nine hundred and ninety-nine years, in 1772, to Matthew Grant, for ^^93, 14^. This money, as near as can be ascertained, was Education. 151 merged into the bequest of Daniel Grant under the one name of that fund. The Daniel Grant Fund. This was a bequest by Daniel Grant of Torrington in his last will, of certain lands, to be sold, or devoted to the support of schools in the town. These lands were in the town of New Hartford and were supposed at the time to be worth one thousand dollars, but the precise amount realized has not been ascertained. College Graduates. Jonathan Miller, of Torringford, Yale, Stanley Griswold, <( Yale, Joseph Miller, « Williams, Charles I. Battell, « Yale, Harvey Loomis, Ct Williams, Orange Lyman, (C Williams, Samuel J. Mills Jr., « Williams, Rufus Woodward, « Yale, John B. Lyman, (( Williams, Lucius Curtiss, « Williams, Hudson Burr, (( Yale, John T. Miller, « Yale, Warren H. Roberts, « Kenyon, O., Timothy P. Gillett, of Torrington, Williams, James Beach, « Williams, about William F. Hodges, « Yale, Abel Knapp Hinsdale, « Yale, Willard Hodges, « Yale, Alfred North, a Brown University, Elisha Smith Abernethy, a Yale, Rev. Edward Hungerford, Wolcottville, Yale, Rev. John H. Barbour, (( Trinity, Wm. Stone Hubbell, (i Yale, I78I. 1786. 1799. 1808. 1809. 1809. 1809. i8i6. 1825. 1835- 1853. 1854. 1856. 1804. 1804. 1811. 1833- 1845- 1857 1825. 1851. 1873- 1858. CHAPTER XIII. PROFESSIONS AND SOCIETIES. Physicians in Torrington. R. Thaddeus Austin, son of Andrew Austin of Tor- ringford, was born in 1783; studied medicine under [aI Dr. Samuel Woodward; practiced in Fayetteville, N. ^ C, and died Sept. 12th, 181 2, aged 29 years. He was much respected by the profession. Dr. Erastus Bancroft. (See Biography.) Dr. Oliver Bancroft, son of Lt. Ephraim and Esther (Glea- son) Bancroft, was born July 22, 1757, in Windsor, and removed with his parents to Torrington, when two or three years of age. He became a physician and settled in Newtown, Ct., where he continued to practice in his profession until advanced in years. He was less than medium height, energetic and quick of action ; and is said to have been much respected and loved as a physician and a citizen. He died at Newtown. Dr. Reuben Bancroft, son of Ephraim and Jemima (Loomis) Bancroft of Torringford, w^s born Aug. 3, 1794; studied medicine under Dr. Elijah Lyman, and settled in Oxford, Chenango co., N. Y. Dr. Charles R. Bissell, son of Roderick and Fanny (Gaylord), Bissell of Torrington was born May 18, 1831 ; studied with his brother at Bethlehem and began practice in Berkshire county, Mass. He removed to Colorado, Rocky mountains, where he was judge of the court some years ; was one year auditor of the state; removed to Central City, Colorado. Dr. Eliphaz Bissell, son of Eliphaz and Elizabeth (Birge), Bissell of Torringford, was born in 1779 ; studied medicine under Dr. Samuel Woodward ; settled and practiced as a physician in Ver- non, Oneida co., N. Y. ; died by drowning in 1829, aged fifty years. He had the reputation of being a talented man. Dr. Gaylord G. Bissell, son of Roderick and Fanny (Gaylord) Bissell of Torringford, was born Feb. 13, 1824 ; studied medicine Professions and Societies. 153 under Dr. Beckwith of Litchfield ; practiced at Bethlehem, and afterwards spent seven years in the Rocky mountains ; was judge of a high court in Montana, and for a considerable time was mayor of Virginia city, Montana ; and removed to practice medicine at Lovillia, Iowa. Dr. Hezekiah Bissell, son of Eliphaz, brother of Dr. Eliphaz, of Torringford, was born in 1792 ; studied medicine under Dr. Sam- uel Woodward ; practiced in Wooster, Ohio, and was for some time judge of a high court in that state. Dr. John Bissell, son of Ebenezer, was born in Torringford about 1770, became a physician and settled in Onondaga co., N. Y., and in old age removed to Chicago, 111., where he died in Sept. 1856. Dr. William Bostwick, came from Farmington into this town as early as 1798, and took the place of Dr. Hodges on the west side of the town. In June 1799, he purchased one acre of land across the road west of Levi Thrall's, on which he built the house, which is the old red house still standing. This property he sold in 1807, to Dr. Elijah Lyman, and removed to Vermont, and some time after, in attempting to cross Lake Champlain with a sleigh on the ice, was drowned. The births of three of Dr. Bostwick's children are recorded on the town records. Dr. Albert M. Calkins, a practicing physician in Wolcottville. (See Biography.) Dr. Jairus Case, a native of Simsbury, settled in Torringford, after Dr. E. D. Hudson left, but soon after removed to Winsted and engaged in other pursuits for a time, then removed to Granby. Dr. Samuel Childs, son of Timothy Childs, was born in the southwest corner of the town, became a physician and practiced some few years in Litchfield, then removed to New York city, where he resides in wealth and retired life. Mr. Israel Coe met Dr. Childs in Europe in 1842, and traveled with him several days. The doctor was a man of intelligence and cultivation and of considerable standing in New York. Dr. Sherman W. Chipman, D.D.S., born in Waterbury ; studied with Austin B. Fuller, New Haven ; graduated at the Pennsylvania Dental college, February 28, 1874 ; came to Wolcottville, Decem- ber 1875, and is a practicing dentist. Dr. Elisha Clark, son of Abel Clark of Torringford, studied medicine under Dr. Samuel Woodward, and had nearly completed his course when he was taken away by disease of the lungs in 18 10. 20 1^4 History of Torrington. Dr. Erskine Curtiss, son of Truman and Wealthy (Parsons) Curtissof Torringford, studied medicine under Dr. Harvey B. Steele of W insted, and engaged in the practice of medicine in New Hartford, Dr. Isaac Day, a native of Colchester, was a practicing physi- cian in Torringford, and in July 1777, was appointed surgeon's mate in Col. Samuel Webb's regiment in the Revolution. He died in Torringford Sept. 16, 1779, aged 29 years. Dr. Parleman Bradley Fowler, a practicing physician in Bethlehem, Ct. (See Biography.) Dr. Remus Marcus Fowler, a practicing physician of Wash- ington, Conn. (See Biography.) Dr. Warren R. Fowler, a practicing physician of Washington, Conn. (See Biography.) Dr. Samuel Fyler, son of Ulysses Fyler of Torringford, was born Feb. 11, 1782 ; studied under Dr. Samuel Woodward, com- menced practice at Hilton Head, S. C, and died there, age^39 years. Dr. Horace C. Gillett, son of Horace and Rachael (Austin) Gillett, was born in 1806 ; studied medicine under Dr. Charles Woodward, received the degree of M.D. from Yale college, be- gan practice in South Windsor about 1828, and subsequently re- moved to Chicago. His name appears in the Roll of Honor ot surgeons in the late war, in Yale Catalogue for 1866. Dr. Penfield Goodsell, boarded a time with Capt. Amos Wil- son, and on October 26, 1791, married Nancy Beach; was, ap- parently, a practicing physician a short time in Torrington. Dr. Edward W. Hatch was born in Blandford, Hampden Co., Mass., Aug. 31, 1818. His parents were Timothy Linus and Sarah Walker (Shepard) Hatch. He was graduated at the Berkshire Medi- cal college, Pittsfield, Mass., in the class of 1842. He came to Torringford in 1843, ^"^ practiced here as a physician about two years, the last settled physician in that part of the town. Dr. Hatch removed to New Jersey, and married Miss Nancy C. Boies, daughter of David Boies, Esq., of Blandford. He practiced as a physician in New Jersey until December, 1849, when he removed to Meriden, Ct. He was appointed trustee of the State Reform school by the legislature of 1858, and in July, 1859 ^as appointed by the trustees superintendent of that institution, in which office he became very celebrated as one of the very best managers of such institutions in a Christian and enlightened sense. Professions and Societies. 155 In 1853, ^^ united with the First Congregational church in Meri- den and was an earnest interested Sabbath school man to the close of his life. He was well known as an earnest advocate of total ab- stinence ; was one of the executive committee of the Connecticut Temperance Union, and one of the Board of Directors of the Con- necticut Industrial school for girls, established at Middletown. Dr. Hatch was a warm and earnest advocate of the Union all through the late rebellion. He died suddenly at his home in Meriden. Dr. Augustine Hayden, son of Capt. Augustine and Cynthia (Fyler) Hayden, was born Sept. 28, 1770 ; studied under Dr. Wm. Abernethy, of Harwinton ; practiced medicine in Chatham, N. Y. ; died at the residence of his son in Franklinville, N. Y., March 28, 1838, aged 68 years. He continued in practice until his constitution failed, and after that was often called to consult with other physicians as to difficult cases. Dr. Samuel Hayden, brother of Dr. Augustine, was born in 1772; studied in Yale college but was not graduated. It is thought he studied medicine with Dr. Moses Hayden of Conway, Mass. He commenced practice in Windham, Pa., became eminent, was much sought in counsel, and followed the profession until disabled by the infirmities of age. Dr. Thatcher S. Hanchett, physician in Wolcottville. (See Biography.) Dr. Elkanah Hodges, a practicing physician and merchant in Torrington, (See Biography.) Dr. Erasmus D. Hudson, a practicing physician in Torringford and of New York city. (See Biography.) Dr. Philander P. Humphrey, son of Daniel G. and Eliza (Burr) Humphrey of Torringford, was born about 1822; studied with Dr. Hubbard of New Hartford, and after some practice in New England, removed to St. Paul's, Minnesota, near which place he and all his family, except one son, were murdered by the Indians in the massacre of 1862. Dr. George O. Jarvis, practiced medicine and married here ; re- moved to Colebrook, and thence to Portland, Ct. (See Biography.) Dr. Elijah Lyman, a practicing physician in Torrington and Warren. (See Biography.) Dr. Norman Lyman, a practicing physician in Glastonbury and Warren. (See Biography.) Dr. William Marsh was raised in Torrington, west side ; 156 History of Torrington. studied medicine with Dr. Elijah Lyman ; practiced medicine a time in Goshen ; was a man of considerable ability, but said to be somewhat peculiar ; died young. Dr. Allen G. Miller, brother of Willard, studied with Dr. Samuel Woodward, and Dr. William Abernethy of Harwinton ; settled in Mansfield, O., and died July 30, 1849, ^g^^ 55 y^^rs. Dr. Gaylord B. Miller, was born May i, 1797 ; studied with his brother Dr. Allen G. Miller, and practiced with him at Mans- field, O., and died July 18, 1828, aged 31 years. Dr. Gaylord B. Miller, son of Deacon Thomas A, and Mary C. (Hudson) Miller, was born July 4, 1831 ; studied with Dr. James Welch of Winsted, and attended lectures at Woodstock, Vt., Ann Arbor, Mich., and Pittsfield, Mass., commenced practice in Harwinton in January, 1852, and removed to Grand Rapids, Mich., in January, 1864. Dr. Willard Miller, son of Dea. Ebenezer and Thankfull (Allen) Miller of Torringford, was born Jan. i, 1788 ; studied with Dr. Samuel Woodward ; settled at Vernon, N. Y., and died of fever, at Johnstown, N. Y., May 11, 1825, aged 25 years. He was on a visit to see a lady to whom he expected to be married. Dr. Alfred North, raised in Torrington ; a practicing physi- cian in Waterbury, Conn. (See Biography.) Dr. Jeremiah W. Phelps, some years a practicing physician in Wolcottville. (See Biography.) Dr. James O. Pond, a physician in Hartford county and in New York city. (See Biography.) Dr. Bela St. John, a practicing physician in Wolcottville. (See Biography.) Dr. Joel Soper, a native of Windsor, was a practicing physician in Torringford a few years. Dr. Hiram Watson, son of Thomas and Melicent (Wetmore) Watson was born Jan. 21, 1802 ; attended lectures at Harvard university in 1825; studied with Dr. Charles Woodward ; practiced in East Windsor, until June 1854, when he removed to New York city, where he resided two years, and then removed to Detroit, Mich., where he engaged in manufacturing, and in dealing in west- ern lands.' Dr. Erastus Darwin Whiting, son of Selah and Sabra Aber- ' Wation Genealogy , p. 29. Professions and Societies. 157 1 nethy Whiting, was born in Vernon, N. Y., Dec. 19, 1811, and came to Torrington, with his father's family the spring he was three years old. He attended the Harwinton academy two years, after which attended Rev. Mr. Cooly's private school in Granville, and then spent a year in the academy at Westfield, Mass. He commenced his studies in medicine with Dr. Andrew Abernethy, his uncle, attended his first course of medical lectures at P'airfield, New York, where he became acquainted with Emily Bradley, whom he married Nov. 2, 1837. He was graduated in medicine at Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1834 ; practiced medicine in Wayne, Ashtabula co., O., two years, where he was urged by the citizens to remain, but he removed to Atlas, Pike CO., III., in the spring of 1837. He remained in the practice of medicine in Pike county twenty-three years, and then removed to Taylor's Falls, Min., where he engaged in the lumber bnsiness, which he continued fifteen years. He has been a representative in the state legislature three times ; traveled one season in Europe, going over most ot it ; and returned, and for several years has lived a retired life, having a competency of this world's goods. Dr. Samuel Woodward, a physician in Torringford. (See Bio- graphy.) Dr. Samuel B. Woodward, a practicing physician of Wethers- field, Conn., and physician in chief of the Mass. Lunatic Asylum. (See Biography.) Dr. Elijah Woodward, son of Dr. Samuel. (See Biography.) Dr. Henry Woodward, a practicing physician in Middletown, Conn. (See Biography.) Dr. Charles Woodward, a practicing physician in Windsor and Middletown, Conn. (See Biography.) Women as Physicians. There were of such women, two in the town, who became very celebrated, and who did a most noble and honorable work, both for the comfort and honor of women. Mrs. Jacob Johnson, wife of an early settler in the southwestern part of the town, married in 1773, was celebrated as a midwife or accoucheure, and for remarkable success as such, never having lost a patient, in some hundreds of cases. She rode on horseback, keep- ing ahorse for the special purpose, and traveling night or day, far and near, until Granny Johnson became as thoroughly known and trusted 158 History of Torrington. in her profession, as any physician that was ever in the town. She kept an account of the number of cases she had, and the success of the patient, and the new comers, and of these last there is at least one still living in the town. In the midst of her usefulness, and of life, she was taken away by death, and then it became a great inquiry, who " will take the place of Granny Johnson ? " and in the time of need one was at hand. Mrs. HuLDAH Beach, wife of Dea. Wait Beach ; she that was Huldah Loomis, daughter of Aaron Loomis, Jr., was the successor of iVlrs. Johnson. Her mother was Hannah Hills, daughter of Benoni Hills of Massachusetts and Torrington. Mrs. Beach became as successful and celebrated as Granny Johnson ; perhaps more so as she continued in life to advanced age, and was employed in her profession, as long as she could ride, and attend to the invitations given her. She was a remarkable woman, having a fine personal appearance, of decided dignity, yet marked kindliness. Her intellectual strength and ability was perceptible to every one, and hence she commanded great respect in all classes of society, and won the confidence of the people, so that but few calls were made on any other physician, in her profession, on the western side of the town. She also rode far and near ; having calls in Win- chester, Goshen and Litchfield. It has been imagined that since, within the last twenty-five years, women have been educated as physicians, that a new era had arrived ; but in this there is only the restoration of one of the lost arts, and a very decent and proper one it is ; but where is the womanly courage, and the noble devotion, in women themselves to occupy such positions, to the ennoblement of women in this age ? Lawyers in Torrington. Joseph Miller, son of Dea. Ebenezer and Thankful (Allen) Miller, was born in Torringford Oct. 29, 1779; was graduated at Williams college in 1799 ; studied law at Litchfield, and began prac- tice in Fairfield ; removed to Winsted about 1806, where he prac- ticed until 1834; was a member of the constitutional convention in 1818, and represented Wincester in the legislature two or three times about 1830 ; removed to Richland, Michigan, in 1834, and de- voted himself to agriculture. He was a member of the legislature of that state in 1840 and 1841, and died June 29, 1864, aged 85. Professions and Societies. 159 He delivered an oration in Torringford Feb. 22, 1800, commemora- tive of Washington. Charles T. Battell, son of William and Sarah (Buckingham) Battell, was born in Torringford, July 25, 1789 ; was graduated at Yale college in 1808 ; studied law at Catskill, N. Y., and spent the earlier years of his professional life in the western part of that state. He removed to Indiana in 18 19, and lived first at Springfield, and was a member of the legislature in 1821, and 1822; resided at Evansville, Ind., from 1823 to 1866, and while there he filled with honor important public positions, and among them judge of the state circuit court. He spent the last two years of his life at Cleveland, O., where he died April 12, 1868, aged 78. Thomas Grant, son of Matthew and Rosanna (Lee) Grant, was born in Torrington in 1806 ; became a lawyer, and commenced practice in Oneida county, N. Y., and afterwards went to California where he died. Hudson Burr, son of Rufus and Ann S. (Hudson) Burr, was born in Torringford, Jan. 23, 1830. He was graduated at Yale college in 1853 ' ^^^ teacher of languages in Maryland Military academy, from September 1853, *-'"^ y^^^i ^"^ then removed to Bloomfield, III., December 1854. He was assistant circuit clerk for McLean county four years and commenced the practice of law in July 1859. ^^ enlisted in the ninety-fourth regiment, Illinois volunteers, in August, 1862, and was commissioned adjutant of the regiment, in May, 1863, was commissioned captain and assistant adjutant general in May, 1 863, and was in the army of the frontier and the army of Tennessee. After the war he engaged in the practice of the law in the city of Bloomington, in the firm of Williams and Burr, and in 1866 and 7, was city attorney in that city. John T, Miller, son of Dea. Thomas A. and Mary C. (Hud- son) Miller, was born Feb. 28, 1832, in Torringford, was graduated at Yale college in 1854. He studied law in Grand Rapids, Mich., and in Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and began to practice law at Grand Rapids, Mich., in March, 1859. Henry S. Barbour was born in Canton Conn., August 2d, 1822. His father was Henry, the son of Jonathan a revolu- tionary soldier. His mother was the daughter of Solomon Humph- rey, also a revolutionary soldier. She was sister to the Rev. Herman Humphrey D.D., president of Amherst college about twenty years. Her mother was first cousin to Capt. John Brown, the martyr of Harper's Ferry fame. i6o History of Torrington. He attended some years the academies of Amherst and East Hampton, Mass., and studied law with Roger H. Mills, Esq., of New Hartford, and in the Yale law school. In 1849, he came to Wolcoltville and commenced the practice of an attorney at law, and was successful in business and highly esteemed in the community. He was elected to various offices in the town ; judge of probate, town clerk and treasurer nineteen years, and other offices, and was sent to the legislature two terms and was senator from the fifteenth district in 1870. He was also elected deacon of the Congregational church ; and was a diligent laborer in the Sun- day school. He is remembered with much pleasure and cordial good feeling by the people of the town. In 1870, he removed to Hartford, and entered into the practice of law with his brother Herman N. Barbour, since deceased. He was largely influenced to this removal for the purpose of the better edu- cation of his children. Florimond D. Fyler, son of Harlow and Sibyl R. (Tolls) Fyler, was born in Newfield in this town Dec. 11, 1834. He at- tended school at the Wesleyan academy in Wilbraham, Mass., two years. He then accepted the offer to accompany the Illinois state scientific survey, under Prof. C D. Wilber, in 1859, ^"^ having completed the work returned to Torrington. His health being quite poor at this time he was compelled to abandon the purpose of a higher course of education ; and he commenced the study of law in the office of Judge Gideon Hall at Winsted, where he continued as his health would allow until the spring of 1864, when he attended Yale law school that term. He was admitted to the bar, in 1864, and returned to Yale law school and studied one year and received the degree LL.B., July, 1865. In September, 1865, he located in Winsted as an attorney at law. He was a member of the legislature in the May session of 1872. He was elected by the legislature of 1877, judge of the district court of Litchfield county for four years from July i, 1877. Carson Fyler Drake, son of Chester P. Drake, wa"s born Aug. 29, 1857 ; was graduated at Yale law school in June 1877, and was admitted to the bar soon after graduation, being under twenty-one years of age. His mother was the adopted daughter of Harlow Fyler of Newfield. He is assistant librarian in the law library at New Haven, where he and his father's family reside. William F. Hodges, son of Dr. Elkanah Hodges, was born Professions and Societies. i6i Aug. 24, 1789; was graduated in Yale college in 1811 ; studied, and became a lawyer, and entered upon his profession in Alabama, where he died Oct. 10, 1837, aged 48 years. NoADiAH Bancroft, son of Noadiah and Jerusha (Loomis) Bancroft, was born April 12, 1786 ; became a lawyer and settled in his profession in Massachusetts. Frank L. Hungerford^ son of John and Charlott (Austin) Hungerford, attended the University of Vermont three years ; then went to Cambridge law school where he graduated. He was ad- mitted to the bar, and practiced law two years in Wolcottville, then settled in New Britain in the law practice where he is successfully prosecuting his profession. Gideon H. Welch, son of James M., and Eliza (Higgins) Welch of New Haven, was born Sept. 22, 1844 ; and was grad- uated at Yale college in 1868, and in Yale law school in 1870. He came to Wolcottville in August 1870, and made his arrange- ments for the practice of law in this place, and was admitted to the bar in September. He served as city clerk in New Haven while in his last year in the law school. His law practice, together with the service he renders as town clerk, and in various other rela- tions as scribe, school visitor, and treasurer keep him very steadily at work winter and summer, and almost day and night. Edward A. Kunki.e, was born at East Hartford, Ct., Nov. 5, 1850 ; was student at Frienwalde and Hittstock college, and Berlin university, Prussia. He entered as law student in office of Judges Elisha Johnson and Thomas McMannus of Hartford, in 1869, and afterwards in 1872, in office of Francis Fellows and Sons of Hart- ford, and admitted to practice at law, December term, 1872, of the supreme court for Hartford county. He settled in Wolcottville in the practice of law in the spring of 1877. The Masonic Lodge. The charter of the Seneca Lodge, of Free and Accepted Ma- sons, was granted June 13, 1817, and the persons who petitioned for the charter, and became the chartered members were the follow- ing : Chauncey Humphrey, Harvey Palmer, Samuel Hurlbut, Aaron Smith, Leonard Hurlbut, Amos Bradley, Drake Mills, Hugh Kearney, 21 l62 History of Torrington. William Crum, Lemuel Hurlbut Truman S. Wetmore, John McAlpin, Daniel Phelps, Jr., William Bunnel, Stephen Fyler, Joseph D. Humphrey, Charles Andrus, John Wetmore, ad., Elisha Hinsdale, Rapheal Marshall, Russell C. Abernethy, Edward Taylor, Samuel Bradley, Norman Wilson, Israel Coe, Christopher Pierce, James Green, Miles Beach, George Lyman, Norman Fowler, Alanson H. Kimberly, Joseph R. Judson, Phineas Reed, Ichabod Loomis. Asahel Smith, The lodge was organized and its first meeting held at the house of Stephen Fyler, in Newfield, where they continued to meet a little over six years. It was desired at [that time to have the lodge meet at Wolcottville, but the law of boundaries between the different lodges, at that time, made it necessary to go to Newfield, because that place was ten miles distant from any other lodge. In July, 1823, Mr. Harlow Fyler^brought home his bride, and soon after a lodge meeting was held at his father's house, where he and his bride were living. This lady, still living, describes her impressions of that night when she heard the " thunder of the rolling cannon balls and the strange noises " as if the air was full of judgments come to tear down the house. She says, only one or two lodge meetings were held there after she became a resident. Whether the Masons dreaded her frown, or whether the laws of boundary were soon changed is not reported, but in the autumn of that year, ihey re- moved to Wolcottville to Capt. Samuel Bradley's Hall in his hotel, now the American House. Here they remained two years, when, having fitted a room over what is now the store of Walter S. Lewis they removed into it, calling it Seneca Hail. Here they remained until Dec. 20, 1833, when they returned to Capt. Bradley's Hall. There was no communication of this lodge from June 1833 to De- cember 1836, after which they renewed and continued them, until 1840, and then surrendered the charter to the Grand Lodge. In i860, upon the petition of the following persons, the charter was re- turned : Samuel Burr, Russell C. Abernethy, Rev. J. F. Covell, Allen G. Brady, Henry J. Allen Sr., William H. Moore, George B. Fish, Uri Taylor, James Palmer, Isaac C. Palmer, Edward Pierpont, James Ashborn. Professions and Societies. 163 They then fitted a room in Capt. Bradley's brick building, and named it Masonic Hall, the whole building for a time wearing the honor of the name. From this place they removed in April 1863, to Lathrop's Hall, where they continued five years, and then located in a well furnished room, Masonic Hall, over the hardware store of Messrs. Agard and Church, where they still remain. The active life of Seneca Lodge has been quiet, honorable and harmonious in its internal society enjoyments and work, and as to external life, no great excitements or oppositions or emoluments have been experienced. There was a time when the first, or old Torring- ton church was quite disturbed by the fact of one of its members being a mason, but the trouble was quieted in a most admirable way. The financial and social standing in the lodge is very creditable and satisfactory. The only charter members now living are Israel Coe of Bloomfield, N. J., and George Lyman of Wadsworth, Ohio. The whole number of persons who have been members of this lodge, from the first, is three hundred and fourteen. The first officers were: Truman S. Wetmore, W. M. ; Russell C. Abernethy, S. W. ; John McAlpin, J. W. ; Aaron Smith, Treas.; Daniel Phelps Sr., Sec; Carlton Humphrey, S. D. ; Alanson Kim- berly, J. D.; Ichabod Loomis, Tyler. The present officers are : J. W. Brothwell, W. M. ; Charles Alldis, S. W. ; James Bell, J. W. ; James Alldis, Treas. ; O. R. Luther, Sec; John D. Bishop, S. D. ; Herman W. Huke, J. D. ; Albert L. Tuttle, Tyler. The following persons united with the lodge after its organization at Newfield and before the surrender of the charter : Josiah Smith, .... 5817. Geo. O. Jarvis, . . . 581J Orrin Moses, .... " Walton Case, . . . . " Elijah Starkweather, Eleazer Hawley, ... " Alfred French, .... 5819. Ansel Wilson, Norris Coe, .... " Edward Lesler, . . . . " Fisk Beach, " William North, ... " Adna Beach, Jr., Stephen Fyler, Jr., Benjamin Ely, .... " Seth Wetmore, . . . . " James C. Cleveland, Benjamin Jenkins, . Daniel Tuttle, . . . .5818. Carlton Humphrey, ... " Henry Walters, . . . " Roderick Bissell, .... 5820. Bassett Dunbar, . 5817. Geo. 0. Jarvis, (( Walton Case, « Abiel Taylor, . (1 Alfred French, . <( Anson Loomis, <( Edward Lesler, « William North, « John Cook, 3d, 1( George Bissell, « Seth Wetmore, (( Luman Hinman, « Norman Hawley, . 5818. Carlton Humphrey, a Roderick Bissell, . (( Joshua Hewitt, « « « (( 164 History of Torrington. Horace Ramsey, . . 5820. Homer Higley, <( James M. Boyd, . « Jesse Williams, (( Prescott Pond, « Nehemiah Johnson, . (< Levi Holmes, i< James Grant, . (( Timothy Cotton, . iC Thomas L. Marshall, it Oliver Coe, . (C Roger Coe, << William Russell, . 5821. Joseph Lewis, . . ' . « Henry, . . . . (I Sanford Palmer, ( i Anson Colt, (< Roman Watson, <( Anson Wheeler, . (( Abner Loomis, (( Selah Frost, . 5822. Alvin Loomis, . (( Nathan W. Hammond, . 5823. Ethel North, . « Henry Whitman, « Edward Pierpont, (( George W. Buell, (( James P. Collins, « Roswell Birge, (( James H. Seymour, . (( Uri Taylor, . (( Norman Kellogg, 5824. Joshua Burton, (( S. R. Fielding, <• The following have united with the charter. William Phippany, . 5860. Clark B. Downs, <( Rufus W. Gilbert, (< Charles McNeil, u Nelson Alvord, Jr., « Francis M. Hale, « Dexter W. Clark, (< Andrew Roberts, « Edwin A. Berry, . (( S. G. Sturdevant, <( Edward C. Hotchkiss, . c< William J. Palmer, . (( Julius A. Blakeslee, « • S. H. Perkins, f< Geo. H., . « William Phippany, Newton, . Benjamin Darling, John Grant, Jeremiah Page, William Bissel), Ephraim W. Wolcott, Norman Coe, . John Hungerford, Eno Sperry, Levi Rogers, Thomas Sparks, William North, . Thomas Moses, Nathaniel Smith, . Elijah T. Cummings, Harlow P. Page, . George D. Wadhams, Laban M. Oliver, . Philip Leddy, . Samuel Burr, Edward R. Warner, . Franklin Hodge, . Heman L. Cummings, Daniel Richards, . Robert Palmer, Abel Clark, . James Palmer, Samuel Foust, Benjamin F. Smith, . George W. French, James H. Scofield, . Aaron Gilbert, 5825. « (( <( (( « « 5826. « « 5828. 5829. 5832. 5839- (( <( « the lodge since the restoration of Cornelius Bellamy, . Rev. Charles W. Powell, Wm. T. Spencer, Henry M. WoodrufF, Joseph F. Calhoun, . Willard H. Barbour, Lyman Hall, D. C. Munson, James Humphrey, Nelson Roberts, . M. H. Sanford, O. R. Fyler, M. F. Barber, . J. Moran, . McKenzie_Millard, 5860. 5861. 5862. 5863. • i Professions and Societies. Nelson W. Coe, John Ashborn, E. H. Smith, . J. H. Balcom, Charles W. Smith, . William Butler, . L. T. Wooster, Hayden D. Palmer, Henry E. Hotchkiss, Edward Leopold, . Dwight F. Peck, J. Garner Brothwell, Rev. David P. Sanford, . John Huke, James M. Mott, Levi W. Thrall, . John Smith, D. N. Goff, . Heman P-. Brooks, . George B. Cook, . Albert F. Brooker, . A. L. Tuttle, S. L. Clark, . Lyman A. Colt, Alson Sanford, Joseph Sykes, Lewis G. Logan, Elisaph Scovill, Louis Adt, George P. Chapman, R. N. Brothwell, Oswald Klasche, . Virgil R. Bissell, Henry A. Church, George V'rgil, . F. J. Seymour, Wm. H. Lacy, Jr., . C. P. Drake, Henry R. Morrill, . A. P. Smith, John Workman, Andrew Workman, J. E. Lewis, Wm. H. Brothwell, H. J. Hendee, Charles Benedict, . Burr Lyon, Charles R. Welton, M. Fowler, G. W. Cooke, F. L. Hungerford, « 5863. J. H. Jeffrey, " A. W. Sperry, . " Ferdinand Adt, " Hubbard Waldo, " John Adt, . " Samuel Hodgton, 5864. James McKenzie, D. Alonzo Smith, W. C. Hillard, . Charles F. Brooker, . J. M. Travis, Geo. H. Fish, . L. G. Turner, David Lanagan, « W. A. Church, . 5865. C. H. F. Hoffman, . « J. F. Gibbs, . " Lorrain Appley,. " Rev. Benj. Eastwood, " Rodney L. Smith, " Horace A. Beers, " John Maxwell, Fred O. Hills, . Charles Houldsworth Truman P. Clark, Nathan R. Tibbals, Joseph W. Brothwell John F. Saxty, . F. L. Wadhams, . Solon G. Dunbar,. " Wm. Engert, " James L. Carson, " E. T. Coe, . 5866. J. W. Phelps, . Robert E. Ensign, G. S. Weeks, . " Jas. M. Farnham, " S. Karrman, 5867. James Alldis, " F. F. Fuessenich, « E. F. Weston, " Henry Ashley, . « H. S. Eldridge, " E. S. Minor, " Nathan A. Tuttle, " Henry H. Rowley, " Achille F. Migeon, " John M. Burr, " Lyman Dunbar, " La Van B. Smith, " C. R. Bailey, . << 165 5867. « « C( « 5868. « « « « « « « « (I « « 5869. (( K « « 5870. <( (( (( « « « « 5871. (( (1 « i66 History of Torrington. L. B. Munson, J. A. McDonald, B. S. Eastwood, Wm. H. Garner, John D. Bishop, Theodore Hartman, . Samuel Tatro, Charles Alldis, . William J. Morris, Charles M. Ladd, C. H. Volkman, . H. F. HofFman, L. Rudolph Prentice, James Bell, Henry S. Patterson, Clemence Hoffman, . Harvey Barnes, 5871. L. M. Jones, " James F. Cady, " T. S. Hanchett, " George H. Cook, . " Charles Rhodes, " Andrew T. Finn, . 5872. Henry Barnes, . " Thomas J. Alldis, '' Frederick Devoe, " Burrall Riggs, " Ernest T. Huke, " William Devoe, " Frank A. Cook, 5873. O. R. Luther, " Herman W. Huke, " John Davey, 5873- « « 5874- (( (i C( « « 5875- « 5877- Bands of Music. There was a band of martial music organized, and continued some years at Torrington, and held its meetings some ot the time at Torringford. It is said that Torrington first society appropriated money at different times to encourage music by this band, some- where about 1820, or earlier. A large band of thirty-five persons was organized in Wolcottville in the autumn of 1832; persons from all parts of the town, and were taught by Mr. Jewitt, who resided in Simsbury. The follow- ing are the names of some of the members of this band : Arvid Dayton, Dexter Clark, Thomas Moses, Ebenezer Ed, wards, Mr. Harding, Goodwin Dana (overseer in the woolen mill), Harmon Dayton, Prescott Pond (played the bassoon, was in the old Torrington band), William North (son of Norris North the clock- maker at Torrington hollow), Joseph North, Judson Smith (was in the old Torrington band), Justus Dayton, William Durand, Charles B. Smith, Henry Colt, Lorenzo Moses, Oliver Hills. Cornet Band. The Wolcottville Cornet Band was organized in June i860, and consisted of the following persons : William Dayton, George Workman, John Workman, Edwin Alvord, Mark Bronson, Lewis Briggs, William Bariclau, H. E. Hotchkiss, C. L. Fellows, Professions and Societies. 167 C. H. Seymour, Robert Wait,' William Smith, Andrew Coe, J. G. Brotliwell, Dexter W. Clark,drum mj. Elisaph coville, John Ashborn, William Dayton was elected leader of this band, George Work- man secretary and treasurer, and C, B. Merrills of Waterbury en- gaged as teacher, and under his instruction the first meeting was held July 6, i860, and the progress was so rapid that the baud made its first public appearance in October of that year, playing for a torch light procession of "Wide Awakes." In the spring of 1861, the band contributed its share toward stir- ing up the patriotic hearts and zeal of the citizens, playing for war meetings and the like, and in July 1861, the following named mem- bers of the band, enlisted as members of the band of the fourth regi- ment (afterward the first artillery) Connecticut volunteers : J. G. Brothwell, Mark Bronson, Lewis Riggs, H. E. Hotchkiss, Charles H. Seymour, D. W. Clark, Edwin Alvord, died at Richardson, Va., Folk Berthold. March 25, 1862. The following resident musicians soon after enlisted : Justin Dayton, band master ; Miletus Huxford, Thomas Robert- son, who died at Cold Harbor July 9, 1862, while a prisoner ; Rob- ert Barclay, Edward Leach, Chauncey Leach, and Warren B. Murray. The fourth regiment band, rendezvouzed at Wolcottville while recruiting, and consisted of twenty-four men, who were mus- tered into service at Hartford July 22, 1 861, and joined the regi- ment at Hagerstown, Md., on the 24th of the same month. In the mean time William Dayton kept up the organization at home. John Ashborn also enlisted as a musician of the fourth Pennsyl- vania cavalry band and was discharged at the same time of the ist artillery band. This band having been changed to the first artillery regiment, was discharged by act of congress, disbanding volunteer bands, at Har- rison's Landing, Va., August 12, 1862, having been in the service nearly thirteen months. Upon their return home the Wolcottville band was reorganized, and in December 1872, Henry E. Hotchkiss chosen leader. This organization was continued until the autumn of 1871, when the men being, most of them, very actively engaged ' Robert Wait soon resigned and Folk Berthold was elected to fill the place. i68 History of Torrington. in business enterprises, the playing was by mutual consent discon- tinued for a time ; the band at this time consisting of the following persons : Henry E. Hotchkiss, leader, Morris Cook, J. G. Brothwell, Joseph Jeffries, James Alldis, William Bishop, E. S. Steel, Fred Matthews, William Dayton, Herman Huke, Joseph Brothwell, L. B. Smith, William Brothwell, A. E. Workman. The present Wolcotville band was organized March 27, 1873, and the following were the members : Henry E. Hotchkiss, leader, C. H. Johnson, Frank W. Buttler, George Lewis, L. B. Smith, John D. Bishop, Joseph H. Jeffiies, Joseph W. Brothwell, Eugene Hotchkiss, William F. Bishop, Herman W. Hake, Ed. A. Lacey, A. E. Workman, Fred. L. Matthews, Frank Oberhausen, William T. Davey, William H. Brothwell, Thomas Hendy, John A. Jeffries, Morris H. Cook. The officers are, Joseph W. Brothwell, president ; A. E. Work- man, vice president ; Wm. H. Brothwell, secretary and treasurer ; L. B. Smith, assistant leader; and H. E. Hotchkiss, director. Upon the organization of the new band, the members of the old one dissolved, and turned over their band property to the new one, and it has had but few changes since. The following named persons have removed from the town : Morris H. Cook, Fred. L. Matthews, Thomas Hendy, Ed. A. Lacy, and Frank Oberhausen, and the fol- lowing have been added to fill their places : Owen Cummings, Jr., Michael Spain, G. Sturman, Mr. Baldwin and Gustav Epstien. A large number of men have been connected with these bands at various times, besides those whose names appear in the above lists, but it being impossible to make the lists complete they are given as they stood at certain periods. CHAPTER XIV. TOPOGRAPHY, ECONOiMIC AND SCIENTIFIC GEO LOGY. 'HE town of Tonington rests on four hills, and the vallej^s between them. The eastern boundary of the town lies nearly on the ridge of the eastern hill, which descends westward about one and a half miles to the valley of the eastern branch of the Naugatuck, and that of Still river in the northern part of the town. The western hill or Chestnut ridge lies on the southwest corner of the town, and slopes northward and east- ward to the west branch of the Naugatuck, and extending south throuo-h the town of Litchfield. The third hill lies west of Still river, and east of the east branch of the Naugatuck, in the shape of the letter V, on the north side of the town ; the top part of the letter representing the Winchester line, the point of the mountain sloping south, extends to Daytonville, and this plateau includes Walnut, Observation and Shawngum hills. The fourth hill is oblong in shape, lying between the two branches of the Naugatuck ; the southern end being called red mountain,' and extends north to Winchester. The western branch of the Naugatuck rises in Norfolk ; enters Torring- ton near the northwest corner of the town, runs in a southeasterly direction and passes into Litchfield a little east of the center of the town on Litchfield line. The east branch of the river rises in Win- chester ; runs in a southeasterly direction until it unites with the west branch near the southern boundary of the town. Still river rises about one and a half miles north of Wolcottville, runs northeasterly to Winsted in Winchester. At the south end of Red mountain, which ends quite abruptly, is a valley about one mile wide from east to west, extending south in- to the old town of Litchfield where the hills again close up to the river, three miles below Wolcottville. Since the change in the southern boundary of the town, Torrington includes a large part of the valley below the old boundary of Torrington line. The highest ' Before Torrington was settled, a white man reported that he shot an Indian on this mountain. The reason he gave was, that when he saw the Indian he knew if he did not shoot the Indian, the Indian would shoot him. Therefore he shot first, and killed him and hence the name, Red mountain. 22 lyo History of Torrington. point of land in the town is Walnut mountain in Newfield, it being one thousand three hundred and twelve feet above the ocean level, and about six hundred feet above Wolcottville, in iVIain street. Observa- tion mountain near Burrville, is one thousand two hundred and sixty- one feet above ocean level. Chestnut hill in the southwest part of the town is very nearly as high as Walnut mountain ; the difference being fifty feet. Torringford is not quite as high as Chestnut hill. The view from either of these hills is very picturesque and entertaining. From Chestnut hill, looking north and east, the view is extended to about twenty-five miles across valleys, and amid a number of spurs of mountains or high hills ; from Red mountain the view is down the valley of the Naugatuck, and over Litchfield, Har- winton and New Hartford hills ; from Torringford the view is ex- tended in every direction, and is far superior in extent, variety, and pleasantness of landscape, and it is no wonder, that that man, so capa- ble of appreciating the view. Father Mills, when he first saw it, should have exclaimed, "Here let me live and here let me die." Another view is from Perkins's hill, in the edge of Harwinton, look- ing over Torrington and parts of Winchester, Goshen and Litch- field, and presents, perhaps, the most perfect, quiet landscape scenery of fields and patches of woods, spread as upon smooth canvas, grad- ually rising from the Naugatuck valley to the horizon, that can be found in the state. This remark is made in regard to scenery limited to the distance of from fifteen to twenty-five miles. The view from Pratt's hill in Winchester is much more extended, but reveals the roughness of the country, while that from Perkins's hill is as one con- tinned artificial plane ascending to the horizon. It is very probable, therefore, that the town has of itself, and in connection with the adjoining towns, more interesting and entertain- ing scenery than any other in the state. The valleys are represented by the Naugatuck river ; the east branch and Still river forming that through which the rail road passes to Winsted, which was originally called the Shawngum valley, after an Indian or an Indian tradition. The valley from Newfield to Day- tonville is on the east branch of the Naugatuck. The west branch passes from near the northwest corner in a southeasterly direction, and the hills on the west side, most of the distance, are steep and rocky, and covered with woods ; on the east side there are some cul- tivated fields, and along the valley is a little good land. Two brooks run down from Goshen to the west branch and are found very en- tertaining for visitors in the summer. Topography and Geology. 171 Mill brook rises in the southwestern part of the town, runs easterly, then north, then easterly and enters the west branch of the river at Torrington hollow. On the bank of this stream, at Ebenezer Lyman's, stood the fort and the first school house, and a little way below them, the first grist mill ; and afterwards, on the same site a tannery. At Harvey Palmer's, now Albro Cowle's is a cascade or waterfall of much interest, beauty and wonder. When the late Henry Migeon was apprised of this scenery, he took his family and a photographer, and went to the place, encamped for the day, and gave to theplace the name of little Switzerland^ and ob- tained several pictures of the scenery. Along this stream above Mr. Cowle's dwelling, is a road called Lover's lane, which is a very pleasant drive in the summer, and even in the winter, and the running' of the brook over the stones and down the rocks, among the great trees which form an almost unbroken shade, gives a beauty and ro- mance to the road by which it received its name, so far as is known. On the bank of this stream, near the most secluded and shady spot,' an aged, and rather eccentric woman made her home. Having re- ceived as a gift, an old weaver's loom, she had it transported to this place and covered, and in it she lived one summer, keeping a half dozen chickens, and selling the eggs, and thus mostly supporting herself ; and when winter came she was so unwilling to leave the place, saying that being alone in the world, there was no place like home, that the neighbors refitted an old cellar place near the old loom, where she remained until near the middle of the winter, and was then taken in care by the town. Now, also, her house is left desolate, and the remains bear a close resemblance to those by the score in other parts of the town, which were once fine houses, occu- pied^y prosperous and energetic inhabitants. This was probably the humblest dwelling ever arranged in the town, but its occupant may have a far different station in another state of being. God's poor shall not want for a house by and by. The west branch is a brook rising near Goshen, and crossing the old Matthew Grant farm in two streams, but which uniting at the old Abijah Barber place, runs southeast, past the nickel mine and unites with Mill brook, before entering the Naugatuck. On this stream, near Matthew Grant's house, was a mill or tannery or both. Wist pond lies mostly in Goshen, but partly in Torrington, a little west of Squabble hill, and from it the water runs east and enters the Naugatuck at Drake's mill. On this stream, near the pond, David Hart built a grist mill, run it a ievf years, and then sold it a short time before the year 1800. 1/2 History of Torrington. There is much beauty and wildness along the streams of the town. The beds of the two branches of the riv er, and all the brooks ^ of the town, are rock, or boulders of varied sizes, except between Daytonville and Burrville, where it is difficult often to tell by any motion of the water which way it runs, /"x^" When the town was first settled, these hills and valleys were ' covered with forests of large trees and and much underbrush. The evergreen, lofty pine and hemlock, covered the valleys of the pine swamp and green woods ; also the hemlock was found along the streams, and on some of the hills, but especially along the west branch of the Naugatuck. This order of tree furnished a beautiful / verdure, a grateful and healthful fragrance, and no inconsiderable i material for commerce •, such as masts for ships, boards, timber, shm- gles and bark for tanning. From the hill-tops and slopes, the lordly maples stood as monarchs, furnishing for more than a hundred years, great quantities of sugar and molasses, without which, many a boy would have eaten his meals of dry bread •, and in the days when great fireplaces and chimneys were in common use, this maple wood was a source of great comfort and cheerfulness to the domestic and social circlg^ While the maple logs burned with a charming light in the fireplace, the old people told their marvelous stories of Indians, wolves, wildcats and witches, until the boys fell asleep in the corner, the state of atmosphere often being uncomfortably warm on one side, and cold on the other ; and late in the evening when the boys were ordered to bed (they did not carry them then) they obeyed hesitatingly lest there might be another story they should not hear. Next to the maple in size and loftiness was the chestnut tree, which flourished quite extensively in nearly every part of the town, and was of great value for 4t-s~4i4*it--*ad_tijTlljisr. The hickory and butternut trees (indigenous) grew in many portions of the territory ; sometimes in groves or clusters, and were invaluable in the mechanic arts, while they produced considerable quantities of choice fruit, which were greatly relished when served with good cider and appjea... The white oak of good quality occurred somewhat rarely and was very valuable when obtained. The white ash, black birch, cherry, basswood, white wood or tulip tree, abounded more or less in various parts of the town, and afforded valuable material for various mechani- cal purposes. The black oak, the red ash and red oak ; the white birch and beach interspersed the other varieties on the low grounds, which with 7 Topography and Geology. 173 the pretty larch, tamarack and hackmatack were valuable only for firewood. The forests in every part of the town were richly adorned with the several varieties of Kalmicr^ or laurel, with their dark leaves, and gaudy party-colored flowers in their season, and were so thick as often to form jungles impassable by man or beast. These with the Cornus^ or boxwood, its branches loaded with beautiful flowers, and its auxiliary Aronia^ or shad flower, and bush honey suckle nearly complete the list of the trees which covered the whole area of the town and constituted the glory of the native forest of Torrington. The lower order of shrubs and plants exist in great profusion and variety on the hills and in the valleys, ravines, and gorges, and contribute much to the interest of the region. In addition to their flowers and perfume, they possess important hygienic and medi- cinal properties. Much of the distinguished salubrity of the town and longevity of its inhabitants may be attributed to the hygienic in- fluence of 4ts^lants, shrubs and trees. Its grasses are of a superior quality for stimulation and nutrition, and^a'bundant in quantity. Valuable medicinal plants abound, viz : Sanguhiar'ia (blood-root),^ Eupatorium (bone-set), Prunus Virginiana (wild cherry), Macrotys (cohosh) Leontodon (dandelion), Sambucus (elder), Spirea (hardback), hellebore^ Jsclepias{m\\]ii~\VGe.d), Mintha (pepper-mint), Hedeoma{'ptnny- royal), Phytolacca (poke-weed), Chimaphila (princess-pine), Pyrus (quince), Salvia (sage), Aralia (sarsaparilla), Solanum (bitter-sweet), Laurus (sasafras), Ictodes (skunk cabbage), Convallaria (solomon seal), Aultheria (wintergreen), Rhus glabra (common sumach) Rhus vernix (poison sumach) Acorus (sweet flag), Hamamelis (witch hazel). The autumnal display of flowers and colored leaves of plants and trees is truly gorgeous and wonderful. The richest word picturing can give but a faint idea of the great beauty and variety, from the top of the tallest tree to the least creeping vines upon the earth. Geologic Formations. The formation of the town is almost exclusively diluvial. The alluvial deposits are limited to the Great swamp, valley of Still riv.er_ and Greenwoods, and consists of sediments of the rains and melted snows, which take up and carry into the valleys, the finest and richest pojtian-^f^-th#~SQiL_ Diluvium occurs in the formation of the larger, portion of the area of the town, and constitutes the surface of the hills and higher lands ; and its relations_and^ causes jxe_subjects of 174 History of Torrington. varied speculations. The prevalent theory is that the diluvial soil is the product of disintegration of its rocky base ; and that its composi- tion over the primitive granitic and gneiss foundations, indicates the "rock theory." Composed as it is of silicons material, clay, potash, magnesia, iron, coarse stones and pebbles, etc., it has been deemed, by many, as poverty stricken, or possessing no sustentation for man or beast. Yet for agricultural purposes and products, with industrial and scientific culture, with admixture of fertilizers, its character for productiveness is hardly surpassed by the alluvial soil. The vigorous growth of forest trees and apple orchards, afford unmistakable indica- tions of the native strength of the diluvium with appropriate fertilizers. The hills of Torrington are a continuance of the Hoosac range of the Green mountains of western Massachusetts and Vermont, and their altitude furnish some of the most pleasing and entertaining prospects that can be imagined, or that is often realized. The hidden mineral resources of Torrington hills have yet, mostly to be discovered and unearthed. That such exist in richness of quality cannot be doubted. The indications of their existence are so numerousand conclusive, and the evidences so demonstrably mani- fest that the practiced observer is at a loss to understand why it is that they have not already been revealed. A summary of the representative minerals of this town, which have been studied, classified, and to some extent furnished to the state cabinet, affords some little idea of what may be realized, in some not far off future day. The exhibit of specimens of copper, is rich and very promising. Specimens of almost pure ore (amorphous), others vitrified, and crystalized, of various colors, have repeatedly been obtained at the summit of Occident hill (Chestnut hill), and afford presumptive evidence of the existence of a rich cop- per ore bed in that locality. Tradition says that before the revolu- tionary war an English miner discovered this ore bed ; made considerable excavations ; obtained valuable products, which he shipped for England, he going in the same vessel, and that the ves- sel and himself were lost at sea. The copper is found in a mica slate ledge and associated with quartz distinctively. Some of the specimens are carbonates and of beautiful green crystals. The yellow or copper pyrites are also found. Marked indications of the existence of iron are abundant in this town, but the efforts to obtain it in paying quantities have been so slight, or other disastrous circumstances attending the efforts, that Topography and Geology. 175 success has not crowned this mining enterprise. The sulphuret ot iron (or iron pyrites), abound to some extent in the northern part of the town, but very little effort has been made to develop those treasures so as to know whether the results would be economical or not. Nickel has been found and mined to some considerable extent in the hill and on a line continuous and north of the designated cop- per mine locality ; blended with copper, iron, and supposed cobalt. A copper nickel bed exists in the prevailing quartz and mica slate rock of the hill about half a mile west of the site of the second Meet- ing house, or Torrington green ; and is owned by Mr. Willard PI. Barber who has taken some trouble and been at considerable ex- pense latterly to ascertain the value of the mine. The ore is abun- dant ; and a few years since extensive buildings were htted at Torrington hollow, where considerable effort was made and expense incurred to make the enterprise a paying one but that end was not reached. Another attempt is now being made by a gentleman from Hartford, and to all appearance it promises success. After the first process of smelting the result consists of iron, copper and nickel. The last is obtained by the chemical destruction of the two former. The existence of silver in the Torrington hills has been indicated by specimens found in disintegrated quartz and mica slate rock which have been carried down the hills by rains and melted snow. A little distance north of Wolcottville, and west of the railroad at the foot of Horse mountain, a mining shaft has been sunk to some consid- erable depth, for silver ore, and although silver was obtained, yet the effort to obtain it did not prove economically successful. Gneiss and granite rock constitute the firm foundations and form of Torrington hills. They exhibit interesting combinations, forms, and qualities, and occur in extensive plateau, or table rock and enormous boulders, as in Torringford ; or in spurs of mountain range, upheavals, abrupt terminal and grotesque ledges, forced and stratified gneiss rock, on the north and west sides of the town. /^"^ Several varieties of the granite rock occur in the town, much of which may be utilized for building and architectural purposes. The variety in which the feldspar constitutes a leading ingredient, is designated as white granite ; is a beautiful material for building purposes, and is extensively quarried at Plymouth, Ct. Another variety is constituted by quartz rock, hornblend and epidote blended, which is much preferred by many for its grayish aspect, great dura- 176 History of Torrington. bility, and capability of a fine polish. A variety also occurs in which the feldspar is of a beautiful flesh color, similar to what occurs in the Scotch and California granite, though not in quality or quantity for any ecortomical purpose. An uncommon and curious variety oc- curs on the way from Wolcottville to Burrville, midway between these places, constituted by the feldspar being of a deep red color. Steatite, or soap stone, designated by its grayish color, smooth soapy feel, and capability of being cut, or wrought with sharp instru- ments without injury to them, makes its appearance mostly on Chest- nut hill, in the southwestern part of the town. One quarry of this stone, nearly on the top of that hill, was worked to a considerable depth, and with fair remunerative success, a few years since, and the cutting of the stone was conducted in Wolcottville, at the old Wil- son's mill. About a mile east of this, near the old Captain Amos Wilson place, this stone crops out in considerable proportions. The extensive clay beds, which exist in the northeastern section of the town, have been utilized in the manufacture of brick, to a greater extent and more remuneratively, than any other native ma- terial which the town affords. These clay beds being of primitive formation, afford opportunity for interesting study, and for economi- cal purposes are almost an anomaly. This material for brick is of a superior quality, because of the rich color it has by oxidation, and the extreme hardness of the brick in consequence of the iron which is combined in the clay beds. The evidence of the primitive origin of these beds is their proximity to primitive rock, and the impacted round pebbles (silicious substance), small stones of brown hematite, granite boulders and jasper. These beds extend over a considerable area, and have been worked many years, by the Hudsons, Haydens and Burrs. Many varieties of the quartz rock abound in the town ; some of them of uncommon richness and beauty. During the period of more than a century since Torrington hills were first inhabited until the na- tional centennial, the economical, the psychological, and the scientific wealth which this old township affords, have been little known and studied, by a people who have been more than ordinarily character- ized for industry, schools, intelligence, and moral and scientific at- tainments. It is self-evident that the muck rake inspiration has been the inciting one, to such a degree, that great nature's constant and silent work and beautiful productions from her scientific labtiratory, have been viewed, when viewed at all, as of very little account in Topography and Geology. 177 the duties and privileges of the present life. The getting of money, has been, and still is in a great measure, the one great object of pursuit, while the magnificent gems of nature, which adorned the breast plate of Moses and Aaron, and which symbolize the heavenly gates of wisdom, purity and simplicity, have been unheeded and left by the wayside embedded in impurities. Of these gems, we find X.\\t jasper^ the chalcedony^ the sardonyx the amethyst^ the beautiful malachite^ the apatite^ of bluish white crystals, the agates^ the jet black tourmaline crystals, the epidote^ white and grass-green crystals, the laminated mica white, milky, smoky, and rose colored quarts ; and also, flesh colored and deep red feldspar ; chalcedony, of several varieties ; opal, semi-opal, of many colors and forms. The jasper occurs, of fine quality, takes a beautiful polish, and has been set for signet rings. Of all the gems thus far discovered in Torrington, those of the chalcedonic species excel in colors and beauty. They were discovered by Dr. E. D. Hudson in his miner- alogical surveys, occurring in quite large boulders, on the slope of the Torringford hill, towards Still river, directly west from the Tor- ringford Meeting house. They were interspersed along the side hill over a considerable area, and firmly impacted in the earth with here and there an encrusted, sharp point exposed to observation. When they were unearthed, they presented no attractive appearance ; had a disintegrated ragged exterior ; were oblong, and from three to four feet in length, and some eighteen inches in diameter. Not until some ragged point had been detached by the hammer, was the species of the mineral discovered to be purely chalcedonic. Heavy blows of the sledge hammer, soon revealed in the very heart of the boulder, nature's secret laboratory, and her magnificent crystaline products of many colors, of the most gorgeous tints, which no human skill could imitate. So rich an exhibit of the purest crystals of carnelian as these boulders disclose, rarely occur. They were of light pink, flesh, and deep blood red colors ; regular crystals of dazzling luster ; also botryoidal [grapeform)^ and stalagmites of yellow, green, and white colors.^ The chalcedony occurs in white and translucent uncrystalized masses ; some of it, the agate variety, makes beautiful watch seals, signet rings, sleeve buttons and the like ornaments.^ In these boulders. 'See Prof. Shepard's Report of Geological Sur-vey of Conn., and State Cabinet of Minerals. ^ Dr. Hudson has several sets of jewelry, made for members of his family, to memorial- ize the gems of his native town. They are unique, greatly admired and valuable. 23 lyS History of Torrington. beautiful specimens of the chrysoprase variety of apple green color occur ; also heliotrope, of green and red blended ; the sard and sar- doynx, deep red, bluish red, and yellow. The garnet mineral in beautiful crystals, and hornblend abound in the primitive rocks of the tow^n, especially near the nickel mine, where many fine specimens have been found in the bed of the brook a little north from the ex- cavations. The phenomenal manifestations of the formation of mountain range, hills, solidified and stratified rocks, downs, and valleys of the town are wonderful and affx)rd an interesting field for study. To contemplate the irresistible forces, which must have existed, suffi- ciently to rend these rock-bound granite hills ; to heave up their ever- lasting foundations, and force upward through their solid structure, laminated masses or veins of pure quartz, is sufficient to fill the mind with awe and wonder. It becomes evident that the Still river and the Naugatuck river, never excavated those valleys through which they course ; neither did they form the downs, or conical sand hills, which mound-like exist in those valleys and various parts of the town. The upheavals which Torrington hills have suffered, in common with every portion of the earth, and the marked results of some overwhelming deluge, floating its mountain glaciers over the hills are distinctly indicated. The angles and bends of the stratified laminated gneiss rock of Torrington, and the more solid granite table of Torringford, plowed and furrowed by the huge boulders, which were carried upon and over them by glaciers, and deposited on the north brow and very summit of that hill, aflx)rd demonstrable evidence of their origin, and of their geological formation. These mammoth granite boulders ; the peculiar and interesting chalcedonic boulders along the western slope of Torringford hill, far from their original locality ; the vast primitive clay beds, full of debris, on its north brow, lead to the irresistible conclusion that Torrington was once the scene of an overwhelming deluge ; com- pletely submerged ; that vast bodies of ice floated over it, freighted with rocks which had been detached from their native beds and left isolated upon its topmost hills, and that the current or drift was from the north to the south. The enormous boulders of sienitic granite which have lain, tor ages, strewn and isolated far distant and high above all like forma- tions; some near to and in the diluvial clay beds of that hill, and Topography and Geology. 179 others mounted on its highest elevations, indicate the chaotic state which existed during the physical formation of western Connecticut, and the hills of Litchfield county. One of those monumental rocks, is of unusual interest on account of its size, shape, position, and location upon the summit of Torring- ford hill, at an altitude considerably greater than that of any other within several miles distance, except in Winchester and Newfield mountain range, which is separated from Torringford by a deep valley. It is shaped like a cone, or great hay-stack. It rests upon the table rock with some loose stones around and beneath it, and is in its greatest diameter about twenty feet, and about twenty-five feet in height. It can be seen from many portions of Torringford and from great distances ; and has stood as a monument, during untold ages, mutely pointing northward to the locality whence it was rudely detached. It stands about a half mile due west from the Torringford parsonage. The revelations which geology furnishes are well calculated to make men humble themselves before the Creator and Ruler of the universe. Magnificent and glorious are these granite hills, and the wonderful revelations thev make. "Who great in search of God and nature grow, They l>est the wise Creator's praise declare." CHAPTER XV. TORRINGTON ROADS. The Highways. (^^^^^5 HE original town was mapped on the hills and valleys ^ v^^ '" ^^^ shape of a rhombus, the sides being about six miles in length and running twenty-one degrees east and north of north and west, as stated in the ori- ginal survey. It is found however, by actual survey to vary less than this, from the cardinal points. The lots of land, were laid in twelve tiers ; one running east and west parallel, and a half a mile distant from, the southern boundary, and eleven running north and south, with highways between them. The first highway was on the eastern boundary four rods wide, and is called Torringford East street, and is open and worked nearly the whole length of the town. The second is one-half a mile from the first and is called Torringfprd street, and is ten rods wide, and open the whole length of the town, and connects with South street to Winsted. It is the most picturesque and pleasant road, as a whole, in the town. The third is half a mile west of the second and is called Torringford West street and is open nearly if not quite all the way, though in some parts not much used. And thus were laid eleven highways, running north and south, parallel, the last or most western, being half a mile east of the Goshen east line. Another highway was laid from Torringford street half a mile from Harwinton line, running west and parallel to the southern boundary of the town, ten rods in width. These were the original highways^ including what is now Main street and Water street, in Wolcottville, and were laid before the lots or farms were laid, and hence were never any part of the adjoining farms. The roads were taken out or reserved by the proprietors, as their own property, in the right of soil and all timber growing upon them. This was the original intention, and this the proprietors claimed in law and equity until they delivered the books to the town in 1785, or ToRRINGTON RoADS. l8l fifty-three years after they took charge of these lands. In conse- quence of there having been some difference of opinion as to these highways, it is proper to insert here the proceedings of the last meet- ing of the proprietors as a legal body. Committees had been ap- pointed by the proprietors' meeting, and continued as standing committees, to prosecute any person who should make encroach- ments on the highways, or any who should cut timber on these high- ways, and also to sell parts of these highways. The Last Meeting. " Att a meeting of the proprietors of y^ town of Torrington, held in Torrington October the iith day A. D., 1785. " Voted that Mr. Benj. Phelps be Moderator of said meeting. " Voted that the proprietors impower the town of Torrington to exchange their highways, or sell highways for highways, or make up lands where wanted, if any in equity, or any ways to act and transact, as is necessary and best, as we ourselves could do legally in these matters. "Voted that moneys due to y^ proprietors, either in money or notes, the proprietors' committee shall render an account to y^ town or town committee, and give up what remains when s^ committee are called to account therefor. "Voted that the afores'' committee appointed by the proprietors, re- main to act and transact until the town appoint a committee to act in their room. "Voted that y^ proprietors committee be allowed and excepted as now brought in. " Voted that y^ proprietors book and accounts be delivered into the hands of y^ town. "The meeting then being dissolved." This shows that the proprietors held then the absolute right of soil, and the power to sell for the purpose of highways even or any other^ and that these powers were transferred by vote to the town, so that whatever power had been vested in them was thereafter pos- sessed by the town. The proposition thus made, the town accepted and in 1785, ap- pointed a committee to " exchange highways where it is necessary, and to lease out according to their discretion, and also full power to move ofF encroachments where they judge needful." 1 82 History of Torrington. From 1785 to 1826, some forty years, the town acted upon the right to sell or dispose of highways as the committees appointed deemed expedient and equitable. In April, 1826, the town took action upon a suit brought by Elihu Barber against Stephen Fyler and John Birge, who as a committee for the purpose, had sold a piece of road to the said Barber. The action taken was, that the selectmen should obtain advice with Mr. Fyler and Birge, as to the legality of the sale. At the same time the selectmen were directed to " bring a petition to the next general assembly of this state, either by themselves or in connection with other towns in this vicinity, to establish the sales of highways, here- tofore made by this town." The selectmen obeyed this request and the assembly took the following action : " Resolved by this assembly, that all sales and conveyances, here- tofore made by the town of Torrington, or by their selectmen, or committee appointed for that purpose, of any original highways, or parts of highways, or reservations for the purpose of highways, laid out or reserved in the original survey and laying out of said town by the proprietors thereof, in those cases, and those only where such sales, deed or conveyances have been made as aforesaid, to persons who at the time of such sales or conveyances, were the owners of the land adjoining such highways or reservations, so sold or conveyed, as aforesaid, and all payments made in consideration of such sales, and conveyances, be deemed and taken to be good and valid to all intents and purposes. " Said town of Torrington be and hereby are fully authorized to sell and convey any such original highway, or reservation, or parts thereof, remaining unsold as are or may be unnecessary to be used for public highways, giving the right of preemption to the adjoining proprietors."^ Against this enactment, and these claims of ownership by the pro- prietors, and the town, for more than one hundred and forty-five years, there have been no decisions of the courts so far as is known, and therefore the absolute right of soil inheres or remains in the town. These original highways were never laid through the farms for the only purpose of highways, as in the case of most towns, but were reserved for highways, or any other purpose to which the proprietors of the town might direct. » Pri-vate Laws of Conn., vol. 2, passed May, 1826. TORRINGTON RoADS. 1 83 If these items are facts, then the town owns, not only the right of soil, but all timber growing on them naturally or planted on them, and all grass, and all the valuable stone, boulders and rocks originally belonging to, or lying on these original highways, and until the pro- per courts shall judge otherwise, it is difficult to see how persons can properly claim any of these items on or in these roads, except by suffrage of the town. The one fact that a suit was pending in the court, in 1826, when the legislature rendered its judgment as to the right of property in these roads, and thereby, apparently, that suit was brought to a close, is clear evidence that the courts have no au- thority to override the old law and practice of the town. The Turnpikes. The charter for the Torrington turnpike, from Jared Mills in Canton to Litchfield, was granted in May, 1800, and the road was surveyed the following summer. Hon. Herman Swift, Sylvester Gilbert and Samuel Forbes, were appointed by the assembly to lay out the road and make report of their doings. The petition for the road was signed by eighty-five names, quite a number of whom were of Torringford, very few from the west side of this town. Col. Aaron Austin of New Hartford, was agent for the company and he did very much to secure the success of the road. The charter was surrendered in 1861, and therefore the road was in use as a turnpike nearly sixty years. In 1801, the town voted a tax of five mills on a dollar to pay the owners for the land taken by the turnpike, but refused to build the bridge over Waterbury river, for the turnpike company, and the question was carried to court, and decision rendered against the town, and they appealed to a higher court, and it was decided against them, whereupon they built the bridge. This turnpike proved to be of great advantage to the town, probably much more than it ever was to the stockholders. In 1800, Abijah Holbrook and others sued in the county court for a highway, that should go along the west branch near his house, or Holbrook's mills, and connect with other roads so as to form a through road from Norfolk to Plymouth, and thence to water naviga- tion. Mr. Holbrook was interested in the iron forge, and was mak- ing efforts to work the iron mine on Walnut mountain in Torrington, but the town opposed, and the road was not built then, but by the efforts of Israel Coe and others some years after, the road was made 184 History of Torrington. just where Mr. Holbrook desired it, but he no longer needed high- ways on the physical earth. The Waterbury turnpike was surveyed through in 1 801, or in the spring of 1802, and was soon after completed ; the directors were: William Leavenworth of Waterbury ; Noah Bronson of Litchfield ; Stephen Fyler of Torrington and Reuben Rockwell of Colebrook. It came up the old Plymouth road, and went through Newfield to Winchester. In 1803, the town by vote, instructed their representatives to op- pose in the assembly, the petition of Abijah Catlin and others, for a highway from near Torringford Meeting house, through Harwinton and Bristol, to Southington. In 1802, they opposed in the county court, the making of a high- way from Cornwall through Goshen, Winchester and Torrington to New Hartford. The Goshen and Sharon turnpike, was made mostly in 1805, and the town, seeing no other way, voted at once, that they would build and maintain bridg-es over the following streams, for that road : " The Stream east of Messrs. Cook and Soper's saw mill, the east branch of Waterbury river northwesterly of said saw mill, Waterbury river near Roger Loomis's dwelling house, and the stream near Harvey Palmer's, provided the turnpike company agree to have no further claim on the town for bridges on said road." In 181 3, a report by a committee appointed for the purpose, was made to the town, concerning a road to be laid from Torrington Meeting house (Erastus Hodges) to Litchfield north line, and in the same year there was a petition before the assembly for a turnpike road from Winsted to Litchfield, and this town instructed its repre- sentatives not to oppose it in the assembly. About this time the town was almost crazy on roads. It does not appear that the vote in town meeting was ever against any turnpike, but against building the bridges for the turnpikes. In 1807, the town started out anew on building and repairing roads ; made a thorough division into districts; collected and arranged the tax lists on every district of roads ; made new assessment of taxes, and stirred up quite a business in road making. But it was not all voluntary, for the town had been complained of in court, and some- thing must be done, but when the work began to move, they scarcely knew where to stop. The expenses for roads have been and are heavy because of the TORRINGTON RoADS. 185 washing by sudden showers and heavy rains, and the melting of snows, and in the carrying away of bridges. The Naugatuck Rail Road. Mr. Alfred Bishop, then of Bridgeport, first proposed a rail road in the Naugatuck valley, and after consultation with various parties of leading men who might be interested in such an enterprise, the matter was laid before the legislature of Connecticut, and a charter granted in the year 1845, which was altered and amended in 1847 and 1848. The following were the persons named in the grant as directors : Timothy Dwight, of New Haven, Philo Hurd, Bridgeport, Green Kendrick of Waterbury, Alfred B. Brittain of Bridgeport, Thomas Burlock of Derby, George L. Schuyler of New York. William P. Burrall, Bridgeport, The first proposition was a road from Bridgeport to Waterbury, the capital stock $800,000, but afterwards it was made $1,200,000, to go to Winsted. This amount of stock was afterwards increased for furnishing the road with engines, cars and coaches, or rolling stock, to $1,500,000. An organization of the company was ef- fected in February 1848, and a contract made with Alfred Bishop, to build the road complete, and receive in pay $800,000 cash and $400,000 in bonds. The first officers of the road were : Timothy Dwight, president ; Ira Sherman, secretary ; and Horace Nichols, treasurer. The profile and survey of the road was prepared, and presented to the directors on March 14, 1848 ; which was adopted, and in the following April the work was commenced. The contract stipulated that the road should be built in the most thorough and durable man- ner, with a heavy H rail, similar to that used on the Housatonic road, which Mr. Bishop had just completed. When the building of the road was assured, application was made to the business men along the line of the road, to take stock in the road and thus aid in securing money to build it. This they de- clined for the reason, probably, that they had no faith in any returns from such investment, but offered a bonus, or to give to the company a sum of money instead of taking stock. Mr. Bishop named the sum of $100,000 but consented to take $75,000, which was raised and delivered to the company. In raising this sum, and rendering special aid in the construction and completion of the road, Mr. Philo Hurd, 24 o a, u c h H O o O TORRINGTON RoADS. 187 who was the general agent in all this work, mentions the following men, as having been of great service to the road : At Winsted, John Boyd, Mr. Bearsley, M. and J. C. Camp, Wm. L. Gilbert, George Dudley. At Burrville, Milo Burr. At Wolcottville, Geo. D. Wadhams, John Hungerford, F. N. Holley, and Wm. R. Slade. At Thomas- ton, Seth Thomas, gave $15,000 or more.' At Waterbury, Dea. Aaron Benedict, and his son Charles, M. & W. C. Scofield, Green Kendrick, John P. Elton, Brown brothers, William Phylo, Almon Terrell, Scofield Buckingham, Charles B. Merriman, Norton J. Buell, Israel Homes. AtNaugatuck, Milo Lewis, William B. Lewis, J. Peck, William C. De Forest, Mr. Goodyear, Josiah Culver. At Seymour, Dwight French & Co., George F. De Forest, S. Y. Beach, Gen. Clark Wooster. At Ansonia, Anson G. Phelps, Thomas Burlock. At Derby and Birmingham, John J. Howe, Edward N. Shelton, Henry At- water. Fitch Smith, Abraham Hawkins. Two men are mentioned by Mr. Hurd as having been very influential throughout the valley, in behalf of the road ; George D. Wadhams of Wolcottville, and Israel Holmes then of Waterbury, but for some years also, of Wolcottville. On the fifteenth of May 1849, the first fifteen miles of the road was ready for the transaction of business ; on the eleventh of June the road was open to Waterbury ; on the twenty-third of July it was opened to Plymouth, and on the twenty-fourth day of September 1849, ^^^ whole road was completed. Mr. Bishop the contractor having died in June, the completion was thereby delayed a few days. The first time table was issued on the 14th of May 1849, ^"^ ^^^ the fourth of July 1849, ^ regular excursion train was run, and that time table mentions the following places, beginning at Inchliff's bridge and passing Waterville, Waterbury, Naugatuck, Pines Bridge, Humphreysville, Ansonia, Derby, Baldwin's Platform, Junc- tion, Bridgeport." On the twenty-third of July, a time table was issued, the train starting at Plymouth. On November 15, same year, a time table was issued, naming the following stations : Winsted, Rossiterville, Wolcottville, Harwinton, 'The amounts would have been given, but the books are not in possession of the com- pany but kept in New York. i88 History of Torrington. Plymouth, Waterville, Waterbury, Naugatuck, Humphreysville, Ansonia, and Derby. No particular change from the first plan of the road was made, except at the south end where instead of crossing the Naugatuck river at Derby and going direct to Bridgeport, they ran down to the New York and New Haven road, and on that to Bridgeport, as at present. The directors in their first report (1849) ^^Y '■ "" T^^Q road com- mences at Winsted, in Litchfield county, about nine miles from the north line of the state, and terminates in the town of Milford, near the Housatonic river, about twelve miles from New Haven, and five from Bridgeport, at which point it intersects with the New York and New Haven rail road. It is fifty-five miles in length, and passes through the villages of Winsted, Wolcottville, Thomaston, Water- ville, the city of Waterbury, Union City, Naugatuck, Seymour, Ansonia, Derby and Birmingham, besides several other intermediate stations." Wolcottville in 1836, contained about forty dwellings, and be- tween that time and 1850, there were, probably, not over ten more erected, as that was a period of very little growth. When the rail road was being constructed in 1848, the capital stock employed in Wolcottville in all manufacturing enterprises was about one hundred thousand dollars, and the annual sales of products amounted to about four hundred thousand dollars. The transportation of products, was estimated by Geo. D. Wadhams, John Hungerford and B. H. Morse, to be thirty-two thousand tons. In 1853, ^^^ directors, in their re- ports say: "Wolcottville is fifty-two miles distant from Bridge- port. At this place there have been erected during the past year thirty-five dwellings and ten manufacturing establishments and stores. The new manufacturing establishments are ; a papier mache, a carriage, a hardware, a sawing and planing, a scythe, a woolen knitting, and a lock manufactory ; also a tannery. The increased value of real estate at this place is estimated by its citizens at seventy- five to one hundred per centum." At the same time they say of Winsted ; " the additional manu- facturing capital invested here since opening the road is about $160,000, and over one hundred buildings have been erected during the same period." Of Waterbury the same report says : " there have been erected at this place, during the last three years, from four hundred and fifty TORRINGTON RoADS. I 89 to five hundred dwellings, and the mercantile business of the place has nearly quadrupled, and real estate has advanced from four to five hundred per cent." Besides this increase of business and the value of real estate in the village, the rail road has brought within the reach of every farmer in the town a market for all the milk he can produce. Some com- plaint is made as to prices realized from the milk, and from this cause some have given up the business, yet it is a significant fact that a number of the most enterprising, successful farmers in the town are selling their milk by the rail road. While the country all along the line of the road has been greatly benefited, it is pleasing to know that the road, as a business enter- prise, has been a success, and in every way an honor to the country and the men who have conducted it. There has been no repudiation of bonds, nor of bills, nor damages from the first day to the present time. The president of the New York and New Haven rail road, not long since, pronounced it, " one of the best managed roads in the country." It must have been or it would have been a lame, one horse affair, instead of being one of the most prompt and energetic institutions in the state. The extra expense in repairs on this road, above that of many others, absorbs annually a large per cent of the income. The road is built in a narrow valley, and the hills on either side much of the distance are very precipitous, and the water rushing down these steeps, often carries every thing before it. The clouds some times lower down below the tops of the adjacent hills and empty their waters as in a flood, and bridges and heavy masonry are carried away, as float- ing chips, as was the case in 1875, between Thomaston and Water- bury. And also on another occasion when the bridge was carried away at Pine brook, a little distance above Thomaston. On this oc- casion the workmen on the road above the bridge closed work at six o'clock and went down the road over the bridge to Thomaston, soon after a heavy shower came along above the bridge, and carried away a part of the abutment of the bridge, the bridge remaining in its place. When the up train came to Thomaston the workmen took a baggage or freight car, which when they came to the bridge went into the river and nine out of the sixteen men in the car were drowned. Great precaution is taken to have track walkers examine the road after showers, but in this case the shower was so confined to a short distance on the road and that between the stations, that no appre- 190 History of Torrington. hension was entertained, of any injury to the road. That shower was very unusual, as it fell within the distance of one mile on the road and in three or four hours, the flood of water was gone and the river assumed its natural low water mark. In consequence of this abruptness of these rocky hills, the scenery along the road is wild and picturesque. At High rock, especially, it is exceedingly wild and grand -, equalling in all respects, except height, that of many cele- brated places. At Wolcottville the valley widens a little and the rise of the hills both east and west is not steep but gradual and free from rocks, forming the most beautiful and convenient site for a city, of any location in the valley. It is but due credit to say, therefore, that the management of this road has been upon honor and with a careful eye to expenses as well as incomes. The receipts of the road in 1849, were $52,292.04, a little more than half the amount of the interest on the capital stock for one year. In 1850, it was $145,261.59; in i860, $241, 330.54; in 1870, $589,928.62 ; and in 1876, $501,604.86. At Wolcottville the re- ceipts of the first month were $250, but since that time have reached over $6,000, in a single month, but does not average this amount, nor half of it probably. It is for the honor of Torrington, as well as every town on the line, that this road has been a success and is still enjoying the same distinguished honor; and it is also an honor, that this success has been attained and is maintained, only by great effort and the most skillful management on the part of the officers of the road. The present officers : E. F. Bishop, son of the first president, is president ; Horace Nichols, secretary and treasurer ; George W. Beach, superintendent; Samuel Wilmot, auditor. Directors : W. D. Bishop, R. Tomlinson, and E. F. Bishop of Bridgeport ; J. G. Wetmore of Winsted ; A. L. Dennis of Newark, N. J. ; Henry Bronson and J. B. Robertson of New Haven ; R. M. Bassett of Derby, and F. J. Kingsbury of Waterbury. The company are completing the work of laying the new steel rail the whole length of the line. If the road has been a successful enterprise it must have had com- petent and honorable men engaged in its business transactions in order to secure such an end, for if either of these conditions had been wanting the end could not, and would not have been realized. It will be interesting, therefore, to look over briefly the business life of some of the leaders in this enterprise. TORRINGTON RoADS. I9I Alfred Bishop. Alfred Bishop, first president of the Naugatuck rail road, de- scended from Rev, John Bishop, minister in Stamford, and was the son of William and Susannah (Scofield) Bishop, and was born in Stamford December 21, 1798. At an early age he commenced his self reliant career as a teacher in the public schools. After teaching a short time he went into New Jersey, with the intention of spending his days in farming. While thus employed, he made personal experi- ments with his pick axe, shovel, and wheel barrow, from which he estimated the cost for removing various masses of earth to different distances. In this way he prepared himself for the great work of his life, as canal and rail road contractor. Among the public works on which he was engaged, and which constitute the best monument to his name, are the Morris canal in New Jersey, the great bridge over the Raritan, at New Brunswick ; the Housatonic, Berkshire, Washington and Saratoga, Naugatuck, and New York and New Haven rail roads. He removed from New Jersey to Bridgeport, Ct., where he spent the remainder of his life. It is not claiming too much for him to say that Bridgeport owes much to his enterprise and public spirit. Mr. Bishop readily inspired confidence in his plans for public improve- ments, and at his call the largest sums were cheerfully supplied. But in the tnidst of his extensive operations, and while forming plans for still greater works, he was suddenly arrested by his last illness. From the first he felt that it would prove fatal ; and now, still more than while in health, he displayed his remarkable talents in arranging and planning all the details of a complicated operation. In the midst of great physical suffering he detailed with minuteness the necessary steps for closing all his extensive business arrangements, laying out the work for his executors, as he would plan the details of an ordinary contract for a rail road. He then, in the same business like manner, distributed his large estate. One-quarter of it he dis- posed in gratuities, outside of his own family, partly to his more dis- tant relatives, partly to his personal friends who had been unfortunate, and partly to strictly benevolent uses. Mr. Bishop married Mary, daughter of Ethan Ferris of Green- wich and had three sons, all born in New Jersey. William D. Bishop a graduate of Yale, and president of the New York and New 192 History of Torrington. i Haven rail road ; Edward F. Bishop a graduate of Trinity college, Hartford, lives in Bridgeport and is president of the Naugatuck rail road. Henry Bishop resides in Bridgeport. Philo Hurd. Philo Hurd was born in Brookfield, Ct., in 1 795, and was the son of a farmer. He is a man of strong physical constitution and energy, which he has been heard to say, he gained " by inheritance, and by holding the plough among the rocks on the hills of Connecticut." He engaged in mercantile pursuits tor a number of years, in New York city, in the state of Georgia, and in the city of Bridgeport. While conducting business in Bridgeport he was elected sheriff of the county, and before his time in this oiEce had expired Mr. Alfred Bishop invited him to engage in making rail roads. He commenced his rail road work on the Housatonic, in completing the road. He was afterward engaged nearly a year and a half on the New York and New Haven rail road, assisting Professor Twining in locating parts of that road, and in giving deeds and arranging the pre- liminaries to that road. In the autumn of 1844, he came up the Naugatuck valley on an exploration tour, to inspect the localities, and inquire as to the feasi- bility of building a road in this valley. His report was so favorable that application was made for a charter, which was granted, and Mr. Hurd went through the entire valley with the engineers, as overseeing agent in locating the road and making the profile and survey. Then he went through again, surveyed and measured the land taken by the road, gave every deed, settled every claim, of man, widow, orphan or child, who owned any of the land, whether those persons resided on the road, in Michigan or in California. He has said that it seemed to him, that he " had slept, or taken a meal of victuals in nearly every house from Bridgeport to Winsted, and that in all this work he never had any serious difficulty with any person." This last item is remarkable, and proves without a doubt that Mr. Hurd must have been a man of unusual good nature, and that he had a kindly way of doing business, and that he succeeded in showing that the road was for the benefit of every person on the line, as has been proved to be the fact, in the development of the enterprise, or he would have had serious trouble somewhere. Mr. Hurd speaks with decided emphasis of the assistance rendered him by Mr. George D. TORRINGTON RoADS. 1 93 Wadhams of Wolcottville, as being equal to that of any man in the valley, except Israel Holmes, then of Waterbury. In the construction of the road, Mr. Hurd bought all the material along the line, paid all the men employed, and saw every thing completed and delivered into the hands of the directors. The one great thing that made the work comparatively easy was, " the people wanted the road." In 1853, ^^^ ^'^^^ ^^^ been so prosperous, and Mr. Hurd's work so acceptable that the company made him a present of $1,000. By the time the Naugatuck road was finished Mr. Hurd had be- come thoroughly a rail road man and very naturally kept in the work. He went to Indiana and was engaged some time in finishing the rail road from Indianapolis to Peru. Scarcely was he through with that when he was invited to engage on the Hudson river road. Gov. Morgan was president of that road and Mr. Hurd was made vice president. In this office and work he continued some few years. When Robert Schuyler failed and the Hudson river road became somewhat in trouble Mr. Hurd accepted the presidency of the Har- lem rail road, where he continued about three years. At this time his health failed. He went to Florida and returned no better : went to St. Paul's, and returned no better. He then packed his trunk for a longer journey ; sailed for Europe, went to Nice, Italy, and there in a short time entirely recovered, and has never since had pulmonary difficulty. After returning home he engaged a short time on the Delaware, Lackawana, and Western rail road, and, after this, with a few items in regard to other roads, ceased to be a rail road man. He resides at Bridgeport, spending the winters at the south, and is still an energetic, cheerful, and agreeable gentleman. Horace Nichols. Horace Nichols was born in 18 12, in the town of Fairfield, Conn., and was a clerk some years in Bridgeport. He became the treasurer of the Housatonic railroad in 1840, and has held that office since that time. When the Naugatuck road was started he was elected secretary and treasurer, and has continued therein, a faithful, honorable but prompt and energetic officer until the present time. He is unosten- tatious, scarcely allowing a notice to be made of him in print ; con- 25 194 History of Torrington. stant in his attention to business, and therefore greatly successful, and merits and receives the esteem of all with whom he is associated. George W. Beach. George W. Beach was born in 1833, in Humphreysville, now Seymour, then in the town of Derby, Ct. His father Sharron Yale Beach was of the Wallingford branch of the New Haven family, and still resides at Seymour. Soon after the rail road was opened, or about 1850, George W., entered the service of the company in the capacity of clerk at the depot, and also filling any place or attending to any transactions on the road, to which he might be directed. In this position, having a natural tendency to observation, he readily became in a good degree, familiar with the work, and the men, and the methods of executing the work of the road. In 185 1, he was placed as second clerk in the office at Waterbury, but was frequently sent to various places on the line of the road, and hence, has been agent at nearly every station on the road. This very naturally gave him an acquaintance with the people, and the interests centering at every station, and the requirements necessary to adapt the road to the work it had to do as a whole, and as related to each station. In 1855, he was appointed agent at Naugatuck, in which position he continued until April 1857, when he was called to the conductor- ship of a morning and evening passenger train. While in this capacity he took charge of the general ticket agency, and thereby became more familiar with the general travel on the road, the running of the trains, and the efficiency of the men and the machinery of the road. In 1861, he was transferred as agent to Waterbury, the point of greatest business on the road. In September 1868, Charles Waterbury, then superintendent of the road, died, and Mr. Beach was appointed, in the following November, to this position ; which office he has held to the present time, and in which position he has become extensively and favorably known to the people along the line of the road and throughout the state. Mr. Beach is an unpretending, plain, business man, a good specimen of the last quarter of the nineteenth century. In his quiet way he will direct fifty men in repairing a break or a bridge on the road with the least noise, and have the work done and the trains running, in the shortest time possible, for such work. ToRRINGTON RoADS. I95 A peculiar qualification of Mr. Beach for the precise position he now occupies is that of fore-thought, and fore-sight. It would not do in such a position to say " I did not think about it." And then when one in such a position thinks he must see at once whether the think is practicable and also remunerative. Several occur- rences on this road have illustrated these statements within the last ten years. He is a member of the first Congregational church of Waterbury, where he resides ; is superintendent of the Sunday school of that church. He is well known as one of the state committee of the Y. M. C. A., and was one of the few delegates to the convention in New York, which organized the Christian Commission^ for the relief of the soldiers during the late war. He represented the town of Waterbury in the legislature in 1870 and 1871. Alfred Beers. Alfred Beers, son of Jonathan Beers, was born at Canaan, Ct., Sept. 26, 18 1 7, where he resided with his parents until about five years of age, when they removed to Lewisboro, Westchester county, N. Y. He continued, after the old style, to work with his father until he was twenty-one years of age, but during which time he had, by various methods and efforts learned the trade of boot and shoe maker. At the age of twenty-three he married Mary E. daughter of Capt. Leander Bishop, of Rye, N. Y. Mr. Beers resided a time in Shrewsbury, N. J., and removed thence to Bridgeport and commenced work as a conductor with the Naugatuck railroad company in March, 1851 ; in which position he has continued to the present time ; a term of over twenty-six years. During this time he has served under all the superintendents who have been employed on the road ; Philo Hurd, W. D. Bishop, Clapp Spooner, Charles Waterbury, and George W. Beach. The distance he has traveled while in this work has been about one million miles, or the same as forty times around the world ; and has conducted about two millions of passengers over the road in safety having never lost the life of a passenger, nor having one seriously injured. But in one respect he had the advantage of his brother, in the matter of safety, his train running in the middle of the day, and his brother's at morning and evening ; and the only serious ac- cidents which have occurred on the road were two, both on the up train, each in the evening, after a heavy shower of rain. 196 - History of Torrington. Mr. Beers, having been so long connected with the road as con- ductor, has become the personal friend (and almost personal property) of every body from Long Island sound to the Old Bay state, and in traveling it is a matter of about as much satisfaction and sense of safety to the public, to see the old conductor, as it is to knovi^ there is a steam engine ahead of the train. Indeed his silver vi^edding in connection with the road ought to have been celebrated two years ago, and thereby given expression to the joyful fact that in regard to these " bans hitherto, no man hath put asunder." Mr. Beers has six children ; three sons and three daughters. His eldest son Leander J., is conductor on the Shore Line rail road, and runs from New Haven to New London ; his second son Charles W. is mail agent on the Housatonic rail road ; and his third son, Alfred B., is an attorney at law, and now judge of the city court of Bridgeport. He enlisted in the late war as a private, served three years; re-enlisted with the declared determination to do what he could to the very last to put down the rebellion. He came out of the contest unharmed, and with a captain's commission. Mr. Beers's daughters are married ; two residingin Bridgeport and oneinLitchfield. He has four grandsons, all of them doubtless if not on the rail road are traveling in the " way they should go." Mr. Beers resides and is one of the vestrymen of St. Paul's church of East Bridgeport, and warden of the borough of West Stratford. He is also one of the assessors of the town of Stratford, and also grand juror. Amos S. Beers. Amos S. Beers was born in 1827, in South Salem, New York state, and was the son of Jonathan Beers, a farmer. He worked on his father's farm until seventeen years of age, when he went to New Canaan, where he served his time, three years, as a shoemaker. From this place, he went to New York city where he remained as clerk in a shoe store two years. He engaged in the service of the Naugatuck road in 1854, as fire- man, remaining nine months and then left that service. In 1855, he was appointed conductor and has thus continued to the present time, a period of twenty-two years, and has thereby, as well as his older brother, become, if not a part of the incorporate body politic, a fixture, so important and so familiar to all the people, that his absence from his train, would require a definite explanation from high au- TORRINGTON RoADS. I97 thorities to satisfy the inquiry of the public. He has at different times run his train years in succession without losing a trip. He understands his business and attends to it, without fear or favor, and yet in the demeanor of a true gentleman as well as officer. At- tentive in an unusual degree to the sick and disabled who are com- pelled to travel, he is decided and thorough in securing perfect order and decorum on his train, at all times. In the accident which occurred a little above Thomaston, on the eleventh of May 1876, by which a coach heavily loaded with pas- sengers, was thrown into the river, by the breaking of an axle, he manifested such presence of mind in rescuing every person in safety, as to secure the approbation of all on the train, and also received a present of an elegant gold watch from the company. As to this ac- cident he has been heard to say that as he was standing on the plat- form and saw the coach (the last in the train) go down the banks, although the breaks were already on, ''it seemed to him that the train would never stop." Very likely ! persons have sometimes lived ages in a moment. He also knows the road on which he travels and looks ahead. Going down on a morning train, after a shower in the night, he said to his engineer, " when you reach such a place, before passing the curve, stop, and I will look at the track." The train stopped ; and in the waiting the passengers began to be uneasy and wonder what crazy fit had come over the engineer, or the conductor, or some body. The conductor passed around the curve and there lay a land slide covering the whole track. If they had proceeded as usual, the whole train must have gone into the river, and a coroner's jury would have rendered death to a score or more, caused by a land slide. Behind a clear intellect is often wanted a heart to feel for humanity. Men often see the danger, but having no human sympathy, rush on, and a great calamity is the result. A rail road conductor needs a heart as well as a clear head ; and also he needs courage to ignore the jeers of a thoughtless company who would be the first to condemn him if an accident occurred. The Naugatuck rail road hitherto has been very fortunate in its conductors. Mr. Beers's eldest son, Herbert S. Beers, is conductor on the New Haven and Ansonia rail road. His son Willie H. Beers, is shipping clerk for the Gilbert Clock factory at Winsted. 198 History of Torrington. HiLAN M. Rogers. HiLAN M. Rogers, was born in Michigan January 10, 1838. His father, Orlando Rogers, was born at North East, Dutchess county, N. Y., in 1810, and died at Bridgeport, Ct., in 1871. His grand- father, Joel Rogers, was born at Fishkill, N. Y., in 1769 or 70, and removed to North East, Dutchess co., about 1775, with his father, Isaac Rogers, who was born in New Jersey, and removed to Fishkill. Mr. H. M. Rogers enlisted in the twentieth regiment Connecticut volunteers, in 1862, and was under General Hooker at the battle of Chancellorville and under General Mead at Gettysburg, and followed the rebel army to the Rapidan. His regiment was soon transferred to the army of the Cumberland, and was under General Sherman in his grand march through Georgia to the Atlantic and northward. At Bentonville, N. C, he was wounded with a minie ball through the right thigh, March 19, 1865, in Sherman's last battle. He was sent to the hospital in Goldsborough, N. C, and thence to Newbern, from there to Fort Schuyler, and arrived at New Haven the night before the news of President Lincoln's assassination. He was discharged from the New Haven hospital in the latter part of June following. Mr. Rogers engaged as clerk in the service of the rail road in 1865, and was located at Ansonia, where he remained three years, but act- ing as agent on the road in different offices. In 1868, he took charge of the station at Seymour, where he remained until May 1870, when he was made agent at Wolcottville where he has remained since. Edward Kelly. Edward Kelly came to Wolcottville in 1849, and commenced work on the rail road as track repairer, and continued in that work one year. He then became baggage master and freight agent at the depot, in which position he continued until 1 871, a term of twenty- one years. Since that time he has held the position of truck and express man, and is about as well known as any other man about Wolcottville. Regularly and as faithfully as the days come and go he is on his truck or express wagon delivering goods, and although he is servant of all yet he rules the town according to the law of a certain book he carries, as thoroughly as though he were King Edward the First. CHAPTER XVI. INTEMPERANCE AND TEMPERANCE. ^HE opinion or judgment of the early settlers of Torring- ton was, in common with all the early settlers of New England, that spirituous and malt liquors possessed pro- perties of beneficence to the human race ; that the race had always thus judged, and that it was not only consistent, but also in accord with the highest wisdom, thus to use them. Intoxication was regarded as not only a wrong use, but a criminal use of a bene- ficent gift to man. Under these opinions, liquors of these kinds were trom the first brought to this country, and were, so far as skill and ability would allow, produced in this country, for the benefit of society. The early fathers of Connecticut, judging thus, that a proper use was both Christian and wise, proceeded to enact laws to restrain and prohibit men from the wrong, or excessive use of these drinks, and proposed to treat the excess in this matter, the same as any other excess should in their judgment be treated. Hence the general court of Connecticut, enacted, in 1650, only fourteen years afier the first settlement was made in the colony, the following restrictions of the sale of these liquors : Innkeepers. " For as much as there is a necessary use of houses of common entertainment in every commonwealth, and of such as retail wine, beer and victuals, yet because there are so many abuses of that law- ful liberty, both by persons entertaining and persons entertained, there is also need of strict laws and rules to regulate such an employment.' 'The need of houses of entertainment is seen from the following law made in 1650 : " It is ordered by this court and authority thereof, that no master of a family shall give en- tertainment or habitation to any young man to sojourn in his family but by the allowance of the inhabitants of the town where he dwells under penalty of twenty shillings per week. And it is also ordered, that no young man that is neither married nor hath any servant, nor is a public officer, shall keep house of himself without the consent of the town for and under pain or penalty of twenty shillings a week." — Col. Rec, i, 538. 200 History of Torrington. "It is therefore ordered by this court and authority thereof, that no person or persons licensed for common entertainment shall suffer any to be drunken or drink excessively, viz : about half a pint of wine for one person at a time, or to continue tippling above the space of half an hour, or at unseasonable times, or after nine o'clock at night, in or about any of their houses on penalty of five shillings for every such offence. And every person found drunken, viz: so that he be thereby bereaved or disabled in his understanding, appearing in his speech or gesture, in any of the said houses or elsewhere, shall for- feit ten shillings, four pence ; and for continuing above half an hour tippling, two shillings six pence ; and for tippling at unseasonable times, or after nine o'clock at night, five shillings, for every offence in these particulars, being lawfully convicted thereof; and for want of payment, such shall be imprisoned until they pay, or be set in the stocks, one hour or more, in some open place, as the weather will permit, not exceeding three hours at a time : Provided, notwithstand- ing, such licensed persons may entertain sea-faring men or land travelers in the night season when they come first on shore, or from their journey, for their necessary refreshment, or when they prepare for their voyage or journey the next day early [if there] be no dis- order amongst them ; and also strangers and other persons in an orderly way may continue [in] such houses of common entertain- ment during meal times, or upon lawful business what time their occasions shall require. " And it is also ordered that if any person offend in drunkenness, excessive or long drinking, the second time they shall pay double fines ; And if they fall into the same offence the third time they shall pay treble fines ; and if the parties be not able to pay their fines, then he that is found drunk shall be punished by whipping to the number of ten stripes, and he that offends by excessive or long drinking, shall be put into the stocks, for three hours, when the weather may not hazard his life or limbs j and if they offend the fourth time they shall be imprisoned until they put in two sufficient sureties for their good behavior."' From these provisions of law it will be seen that drinking intoxi- cating liquors made people drunken from the earliest days of the settlement of the colony, and hence the oft repeated remark that the people who used to drink liquors, did not get drunk, is historically untrue, and that too, in the best of communities. Nearly every man and woman who came early to this colony was a professed Christian, and yet there were " so many abuses of that lawful liberty," that is, so many that " be drunken or drink excessively " that laws were enacted ' Colonial Records, vol. I, p. 533. Some of the provisions of this section were enacted in the court May 25, 1647. Intemperance and Temperance. 201 to restrain men from drunkenness. Not to restrain them from drink- ing, for that was thought to be proper and advantageous to health. It may be further seen that drunkenness or excess in drinking, or "to continue tippling" and lounging about the tavern or inn, was a disgrace and dishonor that the community could not, and would not suffer to exist, and whatever may be said of the temperance principles of those days, they had one principle that they thought something of, namely, that drunkenness should not stalk abroad at noon-day, and its profanity and obscenity be a matter only of jest and sport for young and old through all the streets. Another item is worthy of notice ; that the seller and drinker were both punished ; they had both committed a trespass against the com- munity, and there was manliness enough in the people to see that both were properly, and if need be, severely punished : " And if they offend the fourth time they shall be imprisoned until they put in two sureties for their good behavior." Such were the ideas of the people of Connecticut in regard to intemperance, nearly one hundred years before Torrington was settled, and seventy-five years afterward as well, and there was some virtue in law, in those days. And they went further still, and ordered that no " innkeeper, victualer, wine drawer, or other, shall deliver any wine, nor suffer any to be delivered out of his house, to any which come for it, unless they bring a note under the hand of some one master of some family and allowed inhabitant of that town." And fearing that some interested persons might take advantage of some part of these statements, they added : " neither shall any of them sell or draw any hot water to any but in case of necessity, and in such moderation of quantity as they may have good ground to conceive it may not be abused,"' In 1659, it was further ordered, " that if any person be found drunk, and convicted so to be, in any private house, he shall pay twenty shillings for every transgression of this nature, unto the public treasury, and the owner of the house where the person is found and proved to be made drunk shall pay ten shillings."^ As early as 1670, the use of cider and the sale of it, became a subject of restriction among the new settlers ; it had been prohibited ' Col. Rec, vol. I, 535. " Ibid, p. 333. 26 202 History of Torrington. in sale to the Indians in 1660, and in some respects was prohibited much earlier than that. It is therefore historically true that cider and malt and distilled liquors, however pure, have produced drunkenness all along the life, or the existence of the American nation, and they have ever been, as a beverage, to say the least, a terrible curse, a burning, blighting shame on every community, and destroyers without equals, in any considerations under the sun. It was under this impression, that these drinks, as such, were beneficial to the community, that the early settlers of Torrington planted their thousands of apple-trees, and built their cider mills and brandy stills. Torrington soil grew apple-trees with great rapidity and thrift and hence in thirty years after the building of the Fort, the town was flooded with apples and cider, and cider brandy. In 1775, there must have been from twelve to fifteen cider mills in the town at a low estimate, and one brandy still. Not long after this Abner Loomis erected another still. Dea. Whiting's account book indicates the making by his mill about one hundred barrels a year for ten years from 1773. Noah North's, about the same. The number of in- habitants in 1774, was 843. There was made then, on a small esti- mate, one barrel of cider a year, to every man, woman and child in the town. Thrall's brandy still was no small afFair, and Abner Loomis's was such that he boasted of its mighty producing power. A barrel of brandy was brought from Windsor to the hill, a little north of Dr. Hodge's home, and thereby that hill from Capt. Abel Beach's north, was called Brandy hill ; but when Abner Loomis's still had acquired its majority years, the hill on which his house stood was called Brandy hill. It should have been Brandy hill junior, or number two. When a frame was raised for a house on the corner north of Rev. Alexander Gillett's house, a jug of brandy was thrown from the top of the frame, on a heap of stones and thus consecrated that hill to the shrine of Brandy. A tradition says the first brandy distilled in the town was effected by a woman (on some emergency of sickness or calamity), then living on the farm now known as the Palmer farm, a mile and a half north- east of Wolcottville, and that it was made in a common iron dinner pot. A number of old account books, preserved, all, so far as they show the progress of intemperance, or the regular use of intoxicating drinks as a beverage, agree as to one tiling ; the free use of cider Intemperance and Temperance. 203 from 1760, emerged into the free use of brandy about 1790: the difference seeming to be gallons of brandy in the place of barrels of cider. Hence brandies and imported wines, and other distilled liquors, constituted an important part of the sales in all the stores during fifty and more years. And this kind of merchandise bore fruit, such as the night after the rasing of John Brooker's house in a place called The Horns, but named that night Orleans village,' and such scenes as at the anti-slavery mob in Wolcottville in January, 1837. Without this liquid fire, no such scenes would ever have dis- graced this beautiful valley, nor these charming hills. Nor is it quite elegant to suggest that it was because of some " rough fellows from Harwinton " and some wild cat " fellows from Goshen," who made the row ; nor Arabs from the desert. When Joseph Taylor was elected to the office of ensign in the military company, about 1 790, he gave a dinner, as was enjoined on all persons elevated in those days to such distinguished offices. Five hundred took dinner the first day in the yard at his house, and those who could not attend that day came the next morning. He provided for the occasion a barrel, forty or more gallons of liquor, and the next morning, in order to treat those who took breakfast, he sent and bought nine gallons more. And other fruits there have been of this cider graduation into brandy, some of them so shameful that no pen has the courage to write them, and if written none but a bloated face could read them without a blush of horror. The young man who, of all in the town, started in life with the most money and the fairest prospects, before the year 1800, built a tavern and kept it, and died in the poor house. He was not a be- sotted drunkard, but even the selling of liquors, tends to poverty. A long list of idiotic children appeared in the town in the midst and towards the latter part of the brandy period and were an expense ' The night after the raising of Brooker's house was made hideous by the carousals of the crowd who had gathered from far and near to share in the frolic. Persons still living speak of it as absolutely fearful, from the noise, profanity, and rowdyism which prevailed. A little later, when the tavern was opened, a company of guests from Litchfield, after ordering supper, drinks, and other supplies to their full desire, being somewhat inspired by what they had received, took the landlord to a third story window, and put him out, head foremost, and held him by the heels until he promised to make no charges for their enter- tainment. — Rev. Dr. Perrin''s Centennial Sermon, page 12. 204 History of Torrington. to the town for a long list of years. Set this down to the account of brandy. More than a hundred of the finest sons, of a noble ancestry in this town, have gone to the close of life's short day, under a cloud : put it down to brandy ! And what sorrow, shame, ruin and death has it not perpetrated in* this town ? The climax in the production of cider was reached about 1830, when one farmer from his own orchards made three hundred barrels and more ; since that day cider has been in a glorious decline. The time was, also, when there were in great and small from one to two score brandy stills in the town, and quite a number of these are still standing. Let the traveler, as he passes the farm houses in the back parts of the town look around, and if he sees a small out house, alittle distance from thedwellings, ordown by the brook, with a chimney rising from the roof, put it down as one of the olden time brandy stills, and ride on ,• the times he will be mistaken in his judg- ment will not be worth counting. About the year 1800, there were eleven taverns in the town ; five in Torringford, two in Newfield, and four in the southwestern part of the town ; two large brandy stills, and two stores where liquors were freely sold ; and in 18 10, there were two more taverns, and one store added, making eighteen houses for the public and free sale of intoxicating drinks. Tobacco and Intemperance. Tobacco is so intimately allied, in its qualities, effects and social relations, with intemperance, that it may properly be denominated, its forerunner. All persons who use tobacco do not drink intoxicat- ing drinks, but so many do, and so many use tobacco first and then come to strong drink in consequence of the appetite created by the tobacco, that the weed may very properly be said to be the forerun- ner of the drinking, and certainly of the two the drinking is the more cleanly and elegant habit until men get into the ditch. It is there- fore important for every temperance person, or every person who values temperance principles, to weigh well and seriously, whether the use of tobacco is not a responsibility so high as to preclude all possibility of a safe investment in the matter. The history of intemperance is very far from complete with the subject of tobacco left out. The deleterious effects of the use of tobacco were recognized by Intemperance and Temperance. 205 the fathers in the early settlement of the colony. In the May session in 1647, the court considered the subject and made the following order : " Forasmuch as it is observed that many abuses are committed by frequent taking tobacco, it is ordered that no person under the age of twenty years, nor any other that hath not already accustomed himself to the use thereof, shall take any tobacco until he have brought a certificate, under the hand of some who are approved for knowledge and skill in physic, that it is useful for him, and also that he hath received a license from the court for the same. And for the regulating those who either by their former taking it, have to their own apprehensions made it necessary to them, or upon due advice are persuaded to the use thereof. It is ordered, that no man within this colony, after the publication thereof, shall take any tobacco publicly in the street, nor shall any take it in the fields or woods, unless when they be on their travel or journey at least ten miles, or at the ordinary time of repast commonly called dinner, or if it be not then taken, yet not above once in the day at most, and then not in company with any other. Nor shall any inhabitant in any of the towns within, this jurisdiction, take any tobacco in any house in the same town where he liveth, with and in company of any more than one who useth and drinketh the same weed, with him at the time ; under the penalty of six pence for each offence against this order, in any of the particulars thereof, to be paid without gain saying, upon conviction by the testi- mony of one witness that is without just exception, before any one magistrate." Thus did the fathers indicate their judgment against the use of tobacco, and if the law they enacted could have been carried into effect in the practice of the people, it is very possible that a large proportion of the drunkenness which has been experienced would have been avoided, for the perpetual and universal use of tobacco by those who drink liquors as a beverage, is such an acknowledged his- torical fact, and that with these, the use of tobacco began first, that the voice of history is, if tobacco had not been used, vast multitudes of drunkards would never have been drunkards. Tobacco and strong drinks are not only associated together in men's mouths, but in a large degree in the public markets. Where liquors are sold there, always nearly, tobacco is sold, and those who drink liquors are always expected to smoke or use tobacco, and those who use tobacco with a few exceptions, comparatively, will drink liquors. Then also the accompaniments of tobacco selling and using are in a large degree the same as those around liquor selling. Very few places used for the one purpose of selling liquors can be found without indecent 2o6 History of Torrington. pictures of women, posted so as to be gazed at while the deadly poisons are swallowed. It is also well known that during twenty years past, the brands of tobacco most sought after have been those put up in boxes, on the inside of the covers of which were the highest perfected pictures of gay women, scantily dressed. Then again, it is almost an impossibility for a lad, or young man to learn to use tobacco without learning to swear, or use profane lan- guage. It is a legitimate consequence that the tongue, having become physically unclean, should become morally the same with comparative ease. According to the best information obtained tobacco was very little used during the first thirty years after the commencement of the settling of the town. The account books which reveal the sale of tobacco, inform us that the demand for this commodity began to prevail about the year, 1770, and then demand for cider increased. Men having smoked until thirsty, drank cider to quench the thirst ; and thus smoking and drinking became a prevailing custom. At first there was very little of the chewing of tobacco ; this was rather the consequent of the smoking and drinking. When the men had fallen into the prevailing habit of smoking and drinking; filling their dwellings with the clouds of smoke and the perfumes of both, the women, out of a proper inclination to take part in social entertainments, and partly out of self defence, began to take part in the smoking, as well as the drinking ; and thus whole families, of men and women engaged, especially on social occasions, in smoking tobacco as well as drinking cider and stronger drinks. Some women chewed tobacco as well as the men, nor was this all, the use of tobacco was followed by the use of snufF, especially by the women, until many voices retained no natural sound. It used to be said that such people talked through their noses, but the fact was that the nose became so closed, and thus became a kind of sounding board, for throwing out a dull, snufFy sound, that was as unmusical as it was unnatural, and hence many persons could not sing because of the use of snufi^. Another consequence of the use of tobacco and snufi\, was the use of opium. The men, after the free use of tobacco and cider, resorted to brandy and strong drinks ; the women to the eating of opium ; and hence fifty years ago, there was probably a score of times more opium taken, for narcotic eff^ects than at the present day, in propor- tion to the number of the people in the rural parts of the country. Intemperance and Temperance. 207 The raising of tobacco has been a prolific source to the introduction of the habit of using it. Considerable tobacco has been raised in Torrington, and that of a very good quality, as reported by those who deal in it, but at present very little is here produced ; the reason being, not the diminishing of the use of it, but the increase in its pro- duction in other parts of the country. Temperance Reform. The earliest record that has been obtained concerning any reform- atory movements in the town on this subject, are recorded in a book, kept for that purpose by the Torringford temperance societies, and in this book the various stages of the reform are represented in the declared objects of the societies, and the pledges which were cir- culated and signed at different periods during thirty years. This representation is in accordance with the temperance movement throughout the town, and the state and nation. The active reform movement began here in 1827, headed by Rev. Mr. Goodman, although the community had been awaking to the subject because of the sermon delivered by the Rev. Dr. Porter of Washington, Ct., in r8o6 and Dr. Lyman Beecher's lectures, on the prevalence of intemperance, delivered about 18 12, and other public discussions of the subject.' In Torringford the first society for the promotion of temperance was organized in 1827, and the first article gives the following rea- sons for the movement : "That intemperance is an evil of alarming magnitude, in our country ; which every friend of religion, of hu- manity, and of his country, should labor to suppress and prevent. That among the causes of this vice are the common use of ardent spirits as an auxiliary to labor, or an alleviation from pain ; the com- mon practice of presenting it to friends and guests as a necessary ex- pression of hospitality or civility, and the practice of drinking it on public occasions, in social circles, and on every occasion of slight 'A temperance movement started, and a pledge was signed in May, 1789, in the town of Litchfield, repudiating the use of distilled liquors, by thirty-six gentlemen; and among the names annexed to it, were those of Julius Deming, Benjamin Tallmadge, Uriah Tracy, Ephraim Kirby, Moses Seymour, Daniel Sheldon, Tapping Reeve, Frederick Wolcott, and John Webb {^Litchfield Centennial). The next movement of this kind was in Saratoga county, N. Y., in 1808. In 1826, the American Temperance Union was organized in Boston. 2o8 History of Torrington. indisposition." Such were the plain, decided and fearless charac- terizations of intemperance as a vice, and declarations put forth by the Torringford people from the first ; and then they state their judg- ment as to what should be done in regard to this great question. "That entire abstinence from the use of ardent spirits, except for medicinal purposes, is a practice we should therefore rejoice to see adopted by the sober and conscientious part of community, as it would have, in our opinion, a powerful tendency, both to prevent and suppress the evil in question." The second article states : " We will consider it our duty to pro- pagate these sentiments, and to discourage the evil practices re- ferred to." This was all the pledge they had in this first society, and to which thirty-nine names of the leading men of the community were attached, headed by the Rev. Mr. Goodman, In June, 1829, they made a little advance in their statements of the evils and cure of intemperance and pledged themselves that : " We will abstain from the use of distilled spirits, except as a medicine in case of bodily infirmity ; that we will not allow the use of them in our families nor provide them for the entertainment of our friends, nor for persons in our employment, and in all suitable ways we will dis- countenance the use of them in the community." This pledge was a great and radical change from the usual customs and practices of those times, and after forming such a pledge the question readily arises, how many signed such an instrument? The answer is as wonderful as is was good, just eighty^ all leading and influential men of the community. Eighty heads of families (apparently) resolve, in the midst of all the old practices and customs, to that day, not to allow the use of these drinks, as such, in their homes, nor provide them for friends or guests. Eighty families in a farming community like Tor- ringford was a sweeping work with but few if any parallels in the country. But this was only the beginning for Torringford ; they invited speakers to address their society meetings, making them pub- lic, or for all to hear, and these speakers were of their own citizens, Griswold Woodward, Dr. Samuel B. Woodward, Rev. Mr. Arms of Wolcottville, and others, and also speakers from Norfolk, Hart- ford and many other places. They voted also, that the children of the several school districts should be encouraged to sign the pledge with the consent of their parents. The Rev. Mr, Goodman was invited to "hold religious meetings at the several school houses of the place as often as consistent, for the purpose-of diffusing information on the Intemperance and Temperance. 209 subject of temperance." In 1834, they resolved to offer the pledge to the youth of the several schools in the society, the result being that of securing a large number of names. At this place in the re- cords we discover the name of Dr. E. D. Hudson who at once, after settling in Torringford, entered into this work most heartily. The next year the society passed a vote to present the pledge to every person, not now a member, for signatures. This was making clean work of it ; and from this time meetings were held which were called monthly meetings; and delegates were frequently sent to the county meetings, while reports of the progress of the enterprise were frequently made at the Torringford meetings ; so that a lively interest was felt and continued from year to year. In these meetings it was a custom to call on those persons who were trying to reform as well as others, to report as to their success in fulfilling the pledge. There was one case as to whom there seems to have been some doubt, and when called to make report as to whether he had drank any during the past month, gave uniformly the answer, " No more than usual." In 1836, they discussed the duty of all temperance persons to sign the total abstinence pledge, and in 1839, the pledge was revised and made a little more definite in its terms and re-signed by two hundred and thirty persons, and under this banner they worked in the great cause some four or five years. The next form that the work took in this region was the Wash- ington temperance society, about the days of the so called Wash- ingtonians, or reformed drunkards. The pledge of Torringford society states that " we pledge ourselves that we will not use, as a beverage, any spirituous or malt liquors, wine or cider." This pledge doubtless tried the taith of some and others went away backward to their own hurt, but the Torringford people went forward, perfectly willing to deny themselves if thereby good might be secured to others, and two hundred and fifty signed this total abstinence pledge. Under this new banner against wine and cider the strength and courage of the people were fully tested, and the victory was never fully proclaimed as triumphant, though but for just this specific agitation there might have been hundreds of drunkard's graves filled which now must re- main empty, forever. In 1852, another clause was added to the pledge prohibitory of traffic in intoxicating drinks, since which time various temperance or- ganizations have been fostered and encouraged, more especially in Wolcottville, where there is now one society of the sons of temper- ance holding regular meetings. 27 CHAPTER XVII. SLAVERY AND ANTI-SLAVERY. iHE spirit and institution of African slavery were introduced to this town by the early settlers, who came from those parts where this system had been upheld and practiced nearly a century. The first slaves introduced into the colonies were sold from a Dutch vessel, which landed twenty at Jamestown in Virginia in 1620, and slavery soon came into existence in nearly every part of North America, and Indians were enslaved as well as negroes. The son of King Philip (Indian) was sold as a slave. Slavery has existed more than three thousand years, but negro, or African slavery, as a distinctive class condition, came into existence about 14J5, along the coasts of the Mediterranean sea ; and after that, grew into a traffic, of kidnapping and selling for gain. And even this trade began to decrease before the discovery of America, but after the discovery there arose a demand for this kind of slaves in the tropical climate of the new world, and the traffic revived and grew to the enormous proportions acknowledged by the history of the last century. Slavery existed in Mexico before the discovery by Columbus, but it was a very mild form compared with that after- wards practiced in the United States. In 1553, negro slaves were first sold in England, and for one hundred years slavery and the slave trade were accepted in England almost without a voice of protest. The Quakers, who arose about 1660, made the first formidable opposition to the system and to this kind of commercial enterprise. The puritans, therefore, who came to America had scarcely thought of slavery as improper or wrong, either in regard to the master or the enslaved, although they enacted severe laws against stealing men.' Also the laws concerning children and of apprenticeship in England, and those enacted at first in the New England colonies were not far below, in severity, the laws after- ward made concerning slavery, and slavery at that day was but little « " If any man stealeth a man or mankind, he shall be put to death." — Col. Rec, i, 77. Slavery and Anti-Slavery. 211 more than an apprenticeship.^ Hence it was no great transition from apprenticeship to slavery ; and they both run well together more than one hundred years. It required no act to permit slavery in the colonies because it was thought to be an unquestioned right, if any one deemed it expedient or advantageous to exercise it. The first act of the Connecticut court appears in 1660; "It is ordered by this court, that neither Indians nor negro servants shall be required to train, watch or ward, in this colony."^ The next law of the kind was made in 1677, and provided that Indians who were bound to service and ran away, when captured their masters might sell them to be " transported out of the colony." Thus gradually, without political purpose or forethought, slavery became a practical reality in the colony, so that in 1680, there were thirty persons held in servitude by it. And although increased thereafter, it was at a slow ratio and never attained any considerable proportions in the state. In 1790, there were 2,759 slaves ; the largest number ever attained ; at which time the state passed a law providing for gradual emancipa- tion, and in 1840 there were but seventeen left in the state. The records of the first church in Torrington show that among others who united with the church in 1756, was Phebe, colored servant of Joel Thrall ; this person was probably a slave. After this another slave woman was in the town held by the wives of Dea. John Whiting and William and Matthew Grant. These women were sisters and their father, Mr. Foster of Meriden, gave this woman to them. In later years these families hired Jude Freeman to keep this woman by the year, and there was considerable talk about the propriety of turning the old woman " out to pasture " when she could do no more work. But she had a good home, for Jude Freeman was a noble man, though colored. ' [13.] If any child or children above sixteen years old and of sufficient understanding, shall curse or smite their natural father or mother, he or they shall be put to death, unless it can be sufficiently testified that the parents have been very unchrlstianly negligent in the education of such children, or so provoke them by extreme and cruel correction that they have been forced thereunto, to preserve themselves from death or maiming. [14.3 If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son of sufficient years and understanding, viz : sixteen years of age, which will not obey the voice of his father, and that when they have chastened him, will not hearken unto them, then may his father and mother, being his natural parents, lay hold on him and bring him to the magistrates assembled in court, and testify unto them that their son is stubborn and rebellious and will not obey their voice and chastisement, but lives in sundry notorious crimes, such a son shall be put to death ' Col. Rec, I, 349. 212 History of Torrington. About 1787, Abijah Holbrook came from Massachusetts and settled in Torrington as a miller. He had two slaves which he after- wards made free according to the following paper ; liberty for so doing having been secured of the town authorities at the time ; the slaves being " about twenty-eight years old," and " desirous of being made free," Abijah Holbrook's Letter of Emancipation. Know all men by these presents that I, Abijah Holbrook of Tor- rington, in the county of Litchfield and state of Connecticut, being influenced by motives of humanity and benevolence, believing that ail mankind by nature are entitled to equal liberty and freedom ; and whereas I the said Holbrook agreeable to the laws and customs of this state and the owner and possessor of two certain negroes which are of that class that are called slaves for Ijfe : viz, Jacob Prince a male negro, and Ginne a female, wife of said Jacob ; and whereas the said negroes to this time have served me with faithfulness and fidelity, and they being now in the prime and vigor of life, and appear to be well qualified as to understanding and economy to maintain and support themselves by their own industry, and they manifesting a great desire to be delivered from slavery and bondage : I therefore the said Abijah Holbrook, do by these presents freely and absolutely emancipate the said Jacob and Ginne, and they are hereby discharged from all authority, title, claim, control and demand that I the said Holbrook now have or ever had in or unto the persons or services of them the said Jacob and Ginne, and they from and after the date hereof shall be entitled to their liberty and freedom, and to transact business for themselves, in their own names and for their own benefit and use. To witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this i8th day of August A. D. 1798. Abijah Holbrook.' It has been said so many times, that a multitude have believed it, that the Connecticut people freed their slaves not because of motives of humanity but for financial reasons only. This paper is a clear refutation of this saying. These slaves, healthy and '' in the prime and vigor of life," were worth, or would have been to Mr. Holbrook, one hundred and fifty dollars per year, for the succeeding twenty ' Land Record, vol. 6. Slavery and Anti-Slavery. 213 years, or a good three thousand dollars, above all costs. It is very evident to the fair minded, therefore, that what Mr. Holbrook says was strictly and religiously true, that, "influenced by motives of humanity and benevolence ; believing that all mankind are entitled to equal liberty and freedom," I " do emancipate the said Jacob and Ginne." By this emancipation paper Torrington was practically freed from slavery, but the spirit was left to do its work of darkness for years to come. As the terrible fire in the forests leaves only blackness and falling trees for years to come, so the touch of slavery in every land leaves nothing but blackness, and the falling of great men as sacrifices to the violated laws of an undying humanity. Anti-Slavery. In England the Quakers, though few in numbers, continued to oppose slavery, though unsupported by other denominations or any leading public men until 1789, when Thomas Clarkson and William Wilberforce began their efforts for the suppression of the slave traffic. The question had already become a topic of discussion and reli- gious sentiment in the American colonies, and some of these colo- nies remonstrated against the slave trade, but the mother country supporting it, they were powerless. The first societies formed in this country were abolition^ and were not confined to the northern states. The first was organized in Pennsylvania in 1775, Benjamin Franklin, president. The New York society was formed in 1785, John Jay president and Alexander Hamilton his successor. Similar associations were also formed in Connecticut, Rhode Island, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia. The anti-slavery societies, was the second movement against slavery in the United States.' These abolition societies continued gradually to multiply, and exerted a beneficial in- fluence through the country. In 1827, the general convention met in Baltimore, the capital of a slave state. To this convention dele- gates or communications were sent from the following abolition societies; New York, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania with four branches, Tennessee, West Tennessee, Ohio, Massachusetts two branches, Maryland with five branches, Loudon county Virginia, North Caro- lina with forty branches, and Delaware.^ It will be seen by these statements that the sentiment, both politi- ' Nenv American Cylcopedia, Wm. Jay's Miscellanaeous Writings on Slavery. »Ibid. 214 History of Torrington. cal and religious, of the abolition of slavery, was received and propa- gated, more than fifty years, by nearly the whole country, and there was no voice against it ; and no one dreamed that it could be a matter jof heated discussion. In 1828, a society was organized in Virginia, as an anti-abolition society, and this was the first formal opposition to abolition exhi- bited in the United States. These anti-abolition sentiments soon spread through the country, especially through the southern states, and became a political power. It is frequently said that the New England states rid themselves of slavery for financial reasons, and / not otherwise. It should be remembered that the subject was dis- cussed only as a religious and moral subject more than fifty years, and that freely throughout the United States, in the pulpits and every- where, before it became a political or financial question in any defi- nite or general sense. Also the New England and some of the middle states had all provided for gradual emancipation before 1828, when it became a financial and hence a political question ; and this indicates clearly, that the motives were those of humanity and free- dom, as Mr. Holbrook of Torrington said in 1798, that the slaves were made free in these states. When this work of freedom was all completed in the north, but not in the south, then arose the ques- tion of the right to discuss the subject, because it had a political bearing ; and all the pro-slavery sentiment in the north grew up, or was made to grow, in the interest of a political party, and that party working preeminently for sectional interests, in the hope of the one single end of party success. This was the definite shape this sub- ject assumed about 1832. All sentiment in the north against free discussion was manufactured for this one end and has been continued for the same, by those who were in the secret of the managing power. Freedom, free discussion and free obedience to conscience, were the great objects for which all New England was settled, but now a de- mand for a radical change was made, which must if successful inevitably end all these objects, and subject the people to a worse tyranny than ever England thought of imposing. In i8i9-'20 the opponents of slavery made a strong resistance to the admission of Missouri to the Union as a slave state, and were defeated. This event was followed by a period of profound repose in regard to the whole subject. The publication, by Benjamin Lundy, a Quaker, of a small journal at Baltimore entitled Genius of Universal Emancipation^ was almost the only visible sign of op- Slavery and Anti-Slavery. 215 position to slavery until William Lloyd Garrison established The Liberator in Boston, January i, 1B31, that is, three years after the agitation began in the southern states, for the suppression of anti- slavery societies, (vi^hich were doing nothing) and the extension of slavery. On Jan. i, 1832, the first anti-slavery society, on the basis of universal emancipation, was organized in Boston, by twelve men, Arnold BufFum, a Quaker, being president. The American Anti-Slavery Society was formed in Philadelphia in December 1833, Arthur Tappan being its first president. This society and its auxil- iaries expressly affirmed that congress had no right to abolish slavery in the slave states, and asked for no action on the part of the national government that had not, up to that time, been held to be constitu- tional by leading men of all parties in every portion of the country. They rejected all use of carnal weapons, and announced their weapons to be " such only as the moral opposition of purity to moral corruption, the destruction of error by the potency of truth, and the abolition of slavery by the spirit of repentance." In opposition to the southern demand that all discussion should cease, and acquiescence to their wishes be granted, the anti-slavery societies began to multiply and send forth their publications. Such is the simplest outline of historical facts to the time when Torrington began to take part in the subject of anti-slavery. Litch- field county, at the time, was a ruling county in the state, in several respects, and as anti-slavery principles took deepest root in the strongest minds as well as to find a lodgment In the lesser, a number of persons in the county were invited to meet in Wolcottville in January, 1837, for the purpose of organizing a county society. When the friends of the cause began to look around for a place for the meeting of the convention, they found every church, public and private hall, closed against them, and heard whisperings of threat- nings against any who might have the noble daring to encounter the pro-slavery element of the village and of the town. At this juncture a barn was offered for the use of the convention, and it was promptly accepted, and fitted for the occasion.' It was not the first time that strangers found the shelter in a barn, " because there was no room in the inn." In that barn the friends of impartial liberty and justice, gathered in goodly numbers ; some of them the most reliable and respectable citizens ot Litchfield county. The barn 'That barn has since been removed, refitted, and is now owned by Dr. Wood. 2i6 History of Torrington. was filled ; the floor, scaffolds, hay-mow and stables. It was an in- tense cold day in January, and there was much suffering from the severity of the weather. The convention was called to order, and Roger S. Mills of New Hartford, appointed chairman. The Rev. Daniel Coe of Winsted, offered prayer. After appointing a com- mittee to nominate permanent officers, the convention was addressed by the Rev. Nathaniel Colver, agent of the American society, and others. The county society was then organized and the following officers appointed : president, Roger S. Mills : vice presidents, Erastus Lyman of Goshen, Gen. Daniel B, Brinsmade of Washington, Gen. Uriel Tuttle of Torringford, and Jonathan Coe of Winsted ; secre- tary, Rev. R. M. Chipman of Harwinton ; treasurer. Dr. E. D. Hudson of Torringford. While thus peacefully engaged, though suffering with the cold, and counseling together for the relief of the oppressed and the elevation of humanity, a furious mob was collect- ing in the village, and elevating their courage for their deeds of violence by the intoxicating cup. A class of men from the adjoin- ing town, as well as from Torrington, had gathered for the very pur- pose of disturbing this meeting if it should attempt to exercise the liberties of religious and civil citizens. This mob, after parading the streets, making hideous and threatening noises, gathered around the barn, and by their deafening shouts, the blowing of horns and the ringing the alarm of fire by the bell of the Congregational church, and the display of brute force, broke up the meeting, which hastily took an adjournment. Then the old puritan spirit was manifested by the Torringford people, who offered the use of their meeting- house to the convention, and it repaired to that place, and continued the session two days. The opposition in Torringford though violent was undemonstrative for lack of the mob element and rum ; and partially from the fact that the fury of the mob had run its race in Wolcottville. When the convention left the barn, the shouts, thumping of pans and kettles, and the furious ringing of the church bell, characterized pandemonium broken loose. When the people were leaving Wolcottville in their sleighs, the entire village seemed to be a bedlam. That good man, Dea. Ebenezer Rood, was set upon in his sleigh, to over turn him and frighten his horses. This excited his righteous indignation, and in a voice of defiance he shouted to them : " Rattle your pans, hoot and toot, ring your bells, you pesky fools, if it does you any good," then put his horses on a run and cleared himself from the gang. Slavery and Anti-Slavery. 217 When the meeting assembled in Torringford it was inspired with new life, energy and courage. The beacon fires of liberty and free- dom blazed much higher than they would but for the violence mani- fested in the village. Deacon Rood's spirit of defiance to the mob, took possession of the whole company, and every man and woman, enlisted in the cause, gloried in the name of abolitionist, and felt annointed for the work of preaching " deliverance to the captives in chains." Such was the beginning of anti-slavery agitation, and times, in the town where John Brown, " Ossawattomie Brown," was born. This society, moved now, as well by the sense that despotism had come to their own doors, and threatened the very sacredness of church and homes, as by the thought of freedom for the slave, pro- ceeded to hold monthly meetings throughout the county. These meetings were held in barns and sheds, in groves and houses, and any where that the people would assemble for such a purpose. It raised funds by systematic method ; distributed tracts, books, and pa- pers. The state Charter Oak Society was organized in 1838, and employed lecturing agents, who besides lecturing, solicited sub- scribers to the anti-slavery papers, and scattered anti-slavery litera- ture. They were opposed everywhere, and yet moved on in their work as though every body knew they were right. They were called all sorts of opprobrious names ; were proscribed and derided, as " nig- ger friends," "disturbers of Israel." Some were unceremoniously excommunicated from the churches, for no crime but speaking against slavery ; the very thing that many of the fathers had done for a hundred years without objection having been made. All ar- gument with anti-slavery men started with the Bible, where the Quakers started nearly one hundred years before, and this brought the question into all the churches as well as committees. Some withdrew from the churches because they deemed it sinful to hold fellowship with those who voted to uphold a system, acknow- ledged to be guilty of more crime than any other system in the land. The opposition had but one argument ; namely, it offended the South; slavery was for their interest. This argument had been gradually obtaining adherents, from the time the Constitution of the United States was adopted. Before that some of the southern states was as much anti-slavery as any in the North. When the 28 2i8 History of Torrington. South changed, the spirit of proscription began to rise in the North. Hence in the first meeting house in Torrington, there was no slave pew, nor nigger pew^ but in the second one there were two. These pews were located in the gallerv over the stairs, boarded up so high, that when the colored people sat in them, they could see no part of the congregation, and could be seen by no one in the assem- bly. Jacob Prince, after being made a freeman by his master, Abi- jah Holbrook, joined the church in Goshen, and then being placed in such a seat, and treated in other ways by the same spirit, refused to go to church, because, as he said, he was not treated as a brother and thereafter held prayer meetings in his own house on the Sab- bath. Wiiereupon the Goshen church proceeded to, and did ex- communicate him for neglect of duty. This same Jacob is said to have been as fine a looking man, head and features, as nearly any one in the town, except the color of his skin. Two such pews were in the old church in Torringford, but the Rev. Samuel J. Mills (whether as a rebuke to the spirit of cast or not is not known) always seated Henry Obookiah, Thomas Hooppo, and other tawny brethren of the Sandwich Islands, when they visited him from the Cornwall Mission school, in his own pew, in the front of the congregation, quite to the dissatisfaction of some even of that congregation. A Remarkable Occurrence. In the early stages of the anti-slavery struggle. Miss Abbey Kelley, a young and educated Quakeress of superior talent, and most esti- mable character, " felt the spirit moving her " to take part in the public discussion of the subject, and came into Connecticut. Dr. Hudson was then the general agent for the Connecticut Anti-Slavery Society, and she called on him and made known her purpose to speak whenever opportunity offered. Dr. Hudson kindly extended to her the hand of fellowship in the good cause, and welcomed her to the thorny field, and to the home of his wife Martha Turner Hudson, to whose companionship he committed her, and secured respectable audiences for her at Torringford and other places in adjacent towns. This movement was very disturbing to pro-slavery and conservative orthodoxy. It occurred after Father Mills's death and after Rev. Mr. Goodman was dismissed. From many pulpits in Litchfield county she was proclaimed as " that woman Jezebel who calleth her- self a prophetess to teach and seduce my servants." The watchman of Torringford uttered a cry of distress and requested the women and Slavery and Anti-Slavery. 219 their lords to meet him at the Academy, to receive his testimony and instructions concerning the sphere of woman. (" Women obey your husbands.") The assemblage was large ; the women filled one side of the room, and the men the other, facing them. The minister presided, and after solemn preliminaries and the reading of St. Paul's epistle, adapted to the occasion, he discoursed vehemently upon the duties of woman, her proper sphere ; and the unwomanly, and un- warrantable work of woman as a public teacher ; or to address pro- miscuous audiences and thus depart from the good old ways of ortho- doxy. When he had barely closed his address, as if Providence approved his testimony, the decayed timbers in the deep cellar of the Academy, which sustained the floor, suddenly gave way on the woman's side of the house and the entire floor, and all the women were precipitated into the cellar, in one general mass of tangled con- fusion, the whole accompanied by screams, groans, and cries ; one woman exclaiming, " O Lord forgive us for having attended such a wicked meeting ; " a noise almost equal to that of the mob at the anti-slavery meeting at Wolcottville. Whether the minister of the occasion concluded that the women then had attained their appropriate sphere, is not related in the nar- ration, but the men, after the dum-astonishment had passed away, hastened from on high to drag out their wives, sisters, daughters and mothers, with bruised limbs, torn garments and dissatisfied counte- nances ; and hastened to their homes, glad to have escaped without encountering any worse sphere of action, though this was not exactly satisfactory. What precise effect this little episode had on the min- ister's mind, or whether he became celebrated as defining woman's sphere, or whether he afterwards expanded that lecture into a book, is not revealed in the book of Torringford chronicles. Prior to the anti-slavery agitation, the inhabitants of Torrington and of Litchfield county, and the state of Connecticut as well, had suffered a calamitous, moral shock; a sort of aesthetic, volcanic up- heaving, by an affair which occurred at the Foreign Mission school at Cornwall. This school had been established and mainly sustained by Congregational churches, for the purpose of educating the Indians and Sandwich Islanders as missionaries to their own people. Two young ladies of Cornwall, belonging to the most respectable and best educated families, became so perverted in their aesthetic tastes, as to choose and dare to marry two of the tawny brethren, with the idea of becoming missionaries among the native tribes. The effect was 220 History of Torrington. quite shocking ; almost pestilential. Every class of society was thrown into spiritual convulsions. The mission school was threat- ened with demolition. Those sons of the forest who had been so wicked as to fascinate the belles of Cornwall and make trophies of them were compelled to depart sans ceremonie. The school was soon after closed or rather driven out of existence, not because it was not doing a good work, but because two of the pupils had married two girls, which girls wanted to marry them. These items are but a faint illustration of the excitements, hard feelings, desperate threatenings and silly arguments that were enter- tained concerning slavery and anti-slavery. No attempt is here made to picture the contest. No human language would be equal to such a task ! If the late war of the rebellion could be fully described, there would be, in that description, some features of the terrible curse set forth somewhat appropriately ; but even then, the half would not be told. Now most people see it, and acknowledge the same. No effort is here made to sum up on this great subject. Only a few items are given as historical facts concerning the efforts on the one side in behalf of slavery, and on the other the spirit and courage of those who believed slavery to be a sin against God and humanity. One thing is strange, that after the terrible sufferings, hardships and distresses through which the pilgrim fathers and their early de- scendants passed, for the one object and end of religious and political freedom, that any body should have supposed that the American people could have been compelled, by any means whatever, to put their necks under the yoke of slavery and submit to its dictates ! CHAPTER XVIII. TORRINGTON IN WAR TIMES. The American Revolution. 'HE number of inhabitants in Torrington in 1774, was eight hundred and forty-three, of which there were only one hundred and thirty-two men, and one hundred and thirty-four women over twenty years of age, leaving five hundred and seventy-seven persons under twenty years of age, and in a great measure dependent on the older people for sustenance, care and protection. Besides this, the country was new, and the obtain- ing of food and comforts was much more difficult than it would have been under other circumstances. It is important to bear these things in mind, as we attempt to estimate the struggle through which the inhabitants passed in order to obtain their political independence. The two military companies in 1774, included one hundred and sixty-nine men, or all the men in the town over twenty years of age, and thirty-seven under that age. When hostilities commenced at Conqord, in this same year, these companies were not called on to go to Boston, but were notified to be in readiness at a minute's warn- ing. In the autumn session of the assembly of that year, an act was passed offering a sum of money to every member of the military com- panies of the state that would train twelve half days in the spring of the next year ; and the officers were required to report to the justices of the town, and they to the assembly and draw the pay. The fol- lowing are the reports made from Torrington. The report was made by the cleric of the company and addressed : "To Captain Amos Wilson, 5th Company of the 17th Regiment in the colony of Connecticut ; and to John Cook, and Epaphras Sheldon, Esqrs., Justices of the peace, etc. "This may certify that the following persons in pursuance of the late act of law of the colony, passed October last, respecting the military ; each one has trained in his own person according to order as follows: Half days. Half days. Lieut. Epaphras Loomis, . . 12. Sergt. Eli Loomis, ... 7, Sergt. Wait Beach, . . .12. " Benj. Beach, ... 12. " Noah Wilson, ... a. " Joseph Blake, . . .8. 222 History of Torrington. Corp'l Abijah Wilson, . Elijah Barber, Caleb Lyman, Ariel Brace, . Dr. Ebenezer Smith, Private William Wilson, . ' Ashbel Bronson, * Joshua Leach, ' Ashbel North, . ' Abel Beach, Jr., . * Asahel North, . ' Asahel Wilcox, . ' Benj. Eggleston, . ' Caleb Leach, * Ebenezer North, Jr. . * Ebenezer Lyman, ' Abel Thrall, . ' Ambros Marshall, ' Asahel Strong, Jr., * Epaphras Sheldon, ' Elijah Loomis, . ' Ephraim Loomis, . ' Epaphras Loomis, Jr., ' Elisha Smith, ' Ephraim Bancroft, « Friend Thrall, ' George Miller, . ' George Allyn, ' Joseph Eggleston, ' Joseph Thrall, ' John Curtiss, * John Beach, ' Josiah Whiting, Jr., . ' Israel Averitt, Jr., ' James Leach, ' John Youngs, ' James Beach, ' Joseph Beach, Jr., ' Levi Thrall, ' Noah North, ' Noah Fowler, « Noah Thrall, ' Noadiah Bancroft, ' Noah Beach, Half days. Half days. 12. Private Roswrell Coe, 6. II. (C Roger Wilson, 12. 12. (i Samuel Beach, . 12. lO. (( Shubael Cook, 12. 12. C( Thomas Marshall, lO. . 12. (< Timothy Barber, . . 12. 7- IC Urijah Cook, 12. 8. (( Wm. Grant, Jr , . . II. 12. a John Cook, Jr., 7- . 12. t( Oliver Cotton, II. 12. (( Daniel Benedict, 12. lO. (( Daniel Loomis, 12. 8. <( Jacob Johnson, . 7- . 12. (t Joseph Thompson, • ^*.- 12. t( Lott Woodruff, . 12. . 12. n Noah North, Jr., . 12. 7- « Isaac Hull, 12. . 12. (( Isaiah Tuttle, . 12. 12. << Oliver Bancroft, 12. 12. (< John Whiting, Jr., 12. 12. « Christopher Whiting, 12. 12. Amount £24 6j. 6J. Received payment Hartford, July, 1775. Capt. Amos Wilson. Epaphras Sheldon." ToRRINGTON IN WaR TiMES, 223 The ToRRiNGFORD Company. To Capt. John Strong of the 9th Company of the 17th Regiment. Half days. Half days. Sergt. Jesse Cook, 12. Private John Birge Jr., II. (( Charles Mather, II. <( Stephen Taylor, 12. « Augustus Haydon, . 12. <( - Isaac Austin, II. (( Isaac Goodwin, 12. <( Nathaniel Barber, 5- Clerk, Zachariah Mather, 12. t< Elisha Kelsey, 12. Corpl. Daniel Stow, 12. « Asaph Atwater, • 9- « Daniel Hudson, 10. ( Nathaniel Austin, 12. a John Standcliff, 12. n Abel Clark, 12. <( Oliver Bissell, 12. tc Comfort Standcliff Jr., 12. i< John Spencer, 12. (< Asa Loomis, . 12. a Seth Coe, 12- (( Joseph Austin, 12. <( Simeon Birge, 12. (1 Thomas Goodman, . • 9- « Joseph Loomis, 12. « Dan Austin, 12. iC Samuel Kelsey Jr., 12. t< Silas White, 10. u Andrew D. Austin, 10. (( Timothy Gilhtt, . 10. .( Daniel Kelsey, 12. >< Timothy Loomis, 12. << Benj. Gaylord, 12. .,„.„ c f Justices of the Peace. Amount £19, 6s. 6d. £.PAPHRAS SHELDON. ) Received payment, John Cook, Epaphras Sheldon. Capt. Shubael Griswold, as captain, was in the war of the Re- volution, as early as 1775, in the northern campaign, as the follow- 224 History oFj^jTorrington. ing receipts will show. These receipts are preserved in the pocket of the book in which he kept his journal in the French war, and which he used many years afterwards, as an account book. " Crownpoint, July 4, 1775. Elisha Andrus: Sir. Please to let Benjamin Gaylord have five shil- lings, lawful money worth of your stores. Shubael Griswold, Capt.^'' " Crownpoint, July 26, 1775. Mr. Andrus, Suttler, Sir: Please to let Edward Fuller have of your stores, three shillings lawful money, by order of Shubael Griswold, Copt.'' "Crownpoint, August 4, 1775. To Mr. Bemus, Suttler: Please to let Edward Fuller, have of your stores six shillings, lawful money. Shubael Griswold, Capt." "Crownpoint Sept. 28, 1775. Received of Mr. Jothem Bemus, sixteen shilling and three pence, york money, which I desire Capt. Griswold to pay out of my wages, and you will oblige, Sir Your's Bushniel Benedict." " To Capt. Shubael Griswold: Sir. This is your order to pay Elisha Frisbie of Torrington, two pounds money, out of what is due to me for my wages in last year's campaign, it being for value received. Dated, Farmington the 13th day of March, 1776. David Haydon.'* James Cowles. It is quite evident that a number of Torrington men were in this campaign with Capt. Griswold. The following paper found in the State Library explains itself, to the credit of Torrington : " To John Lawrence, Esq., Colony Treasurer for the State of Connecticut : Sir, these are to certify that there were forty-one soldiers, that went into the service out of the town of Torrington, in the year 1775, whose heads were all put into the common lists and county rates made thereon, 18/ per head, which by a late act made and provided, they are all abated ; therefore Sir, we desire that the same may be credited to our collector, Elisha Smith, the whole thereof amounts to the sum of thirty-six pounds, l8i lawful money, etc. These from your most humble servants. Dated, Torrington 7lh of .April 1777. John Cook, ~\ Epaphras Sheldon. Vjiutices of the Peace. John Strong. J Amos Wilson, j ^,j,,,„,„ ,» T^ r, > o elect men. hPHRAiM Bancroft, j In 1775, Goshen sent thirty-nine soldiers. New Hartford fifty-five, Cornwall twenty-nine, Harwinton thirty-two. Early in August 1776, the aspect of affairs at New York was so threatening, that at the urgent request of General Washington, the governor and council of Connecticut, ordered the whole of the TORRINGTON IN WaR TlMES. 225 Standing militia, west of the Connecticut river, with two regiments on the east side of the river, to march to New York city. This or- der took two companies from this town. This year the militia of the state were called out five times. The defence of New London was met by the eastern part of the state ; and that of the western boundary in the autumn, by the west- ern towns. Therefore the Torrington companies may not have gone more than in the call to New York. For the comfort of the militia, when they should go into the ser- vice, the assembly directed that each town should provide one tent tor every ^1,000 on the list, and Torrington standing ^5,816.15^, was required to provide five, if not six tents. Hence, Dea. John Cook, then town treasurer, paid one order to the widow Mary Birge, by the hand of her son John Birge, for tent cloth, amounting to five pounds and six shillings, and also, paid Capt. John Strong, one of the selectmen, seven pounds and sixteen shillings lawful money, for tent cloth. In May 1776, the necessity for regular soldiers who should remain in the army became more apparent, and the assembly made the regu- lar pay of a private forty shillings, and that of corporals and musicians forty-four shillings, and sergeants forty-eight. In December of the same year, to raise an army for the following two years, ten pounds were offered as a premium or bounty, and the same pay continued ; and in 1779, the authorities of this town paid as high as thirty pounds for one soldier, for three vears or during- the war. Capt. Epaphras Sheldon, of this town, was appointed cap- tain in the second, of the six battalions ordered in June 1776, to be "raised and marched directly to New York, and there join the Con- tinental army." The other officers of this company were ist lieu- tenant, John Rockwell; 2d lieutenant, Abner Wilson; ensign, Charles Goodwin. In this company were probably two of the sons of the captain viz : Epaphras, aged twenty years, served his time, returned home, and after many years removed to Hannibal, Oswego county, N. Y., where he died in 1850, ninety-four years of age. Remembrance, nineteen years of age, was taken prisoner by the British at Fort Washington ; was poisoned by the water and died in January, 1777. Wait, son of Capt. Epaphras, served in the war, and must have entered the army when fourteen or fifteen years of age ; returned, lived in this town and died in 1849, ^g^*^ eighty-four years. 29 226 History of Torringto N. The captain lived in this town until 1809, when he removed to Winchester, where he died in 18 1 2, aged eighty years. Elijah Loomis, son of Ichabod, was probably in this company and died a prisoner. Capt. Shubael Griswold was appointed captain in December, 1776, with the following officers in his company: Jonathan Mason ist lieutenant ; Theodore Catlin, 2d lieutenant; Jesse Buell ensign. The men were enlisted from Torringford, Litchfield and Cornwall. The pay roll of this company is reported, in the state library, as lost ; yet Capt. Griswold made an extra roll, which he placed in the pocket of his journal, where it remained to the present, in spite of three generations of children, and more than a hundred years of wear and tear. It is well preserved, and beautiful to behold, except some hawk-eyed pictures, which have been scribbled on it either by sol- diers in the army, or those of the household. The company marched to Sawpits where it joined the army. The Marching Roll of Capt. Griswold's Company, March 4, 1777. From Torrington. John Burr, Seth Coe, Charles Roberts, Ambrose Fyler, Jonathan Miller, Asaph Atwater, John Birge, Isaac Filley, Timothy Loomis, Ebenezer Bissell, Return Bissell, Daniel Winchell, Frederick Bigelow, Cotton Mather, Benjamin Frisbie, Thomas Skinner, Nathaniel Barber, Timothy Kelsey, Thomas Matthews, Stephen Rossiter, Elisha Kelsey. From Litchfield. Stephen Smith, Gideon Philips, Abel Catlin, Simeon Ross, Timothy Gibbs, Benjamin Stone, Ashbel Catlin, Calvin Bissell, Benjamin Palmer, John Way, Abner Baldwin, Philemon Wilcox, Solomon Linsley, John Woodruff, Enoch Sperry, Dyer Cleaveland, Enos Bains, Solomon Hurson, Harris Hopkins, Timothy Linsley, Joel Taylor, John Bissell, Solomon Woodruff, Philo Woodruff, Simeon Gibbs, BeJah Benton. From Cornwall. John Mebbins, Samuel Burton, Josiah Hopkins, Asahel Leet, Solomon Johnson, Henry Philemor, Samuel Emmons, Israel Dibble, Thomas White, Elisha Damon, Jernas Wadsworth, Joshua Hartshorn, Noah Harrison, Asa Emmons, Jonathan Bell, Simeon North. The Torringford and Cornwall men marched eighty-five miles, and the Litchfield men seventy-five, before reaching the army, on which account the former received seven shillings and one pence, each, and the latter six shillings and three pence, as traveling ex- TORRINGTON IN WaR TiMES. 227 penses. Tradition says this company was in the northern campaign, going to Crown point and Montreal, taking Fort St. Johns, and re- turning in the winter, and this agrees with the reports preserved by the state. Capt. Medad Hills was appointed captain in December, 1776, and raised his company from Goshen, Torrington and Winchester, with the following officers : Timothy Stanley, lieutenant ; and John Dowd, ensign, Capt. Hills resided in Goshen, near the Torrington line, and is celebrated for the guns which he made during the war more than for the battles he fought ; for the reason that his guns have been seen more than his battles have been heard of, although he was a brave and honored soldier. He is said to have been in com- mand of two companies at the taking of New York city, by the Brit- ish and to have conducted himself and men to the honor of his country in that perilous time. The several volunteer companies of the state this year, were put into one regiment and the assembly appointed Noadiah Hooker, col- onel ; James Root, lieut. col., and Medad Hills, major. Mr. Hills was afterwards appointed colonel. The following persons being detached [drafted] in 1777, and paid their fines, each, five pounds of money : Asahel Wilcox, Samuel Beach, Joseph Taylor, William Wilson, Isaiah Tuttle, George Baldwin, Moses Loomis, Jr., Moses Loomis, for his son, second time, Epaphras Loomis, Jr., George Baldwin, 2d draft, Roger Wilson, Noadiah Bancroft, Ephraim Loomis, Pardon Thrall, Thomas Marshall, Ashbel North, Noah Fowler, [Samuel] Cummings, Arial Brace, Benjamin Beach. In addition to these, Capt. Epaphras Loomis reported the fines of nine others in 1777. Twenty-three others gave their notes for these fines, and paid the notes in 1779, "£115, amounting in all to two hund- red and sixty pounds. These funds were used by the town in giving extra pay to those who did go, and in hiring other soldiers. Capt. Epaphras Loomis's company received of this, forty-six pounds. Benjamin Phelps, in January, 1779, " paid two hundred dollars for a fine for his son Jonathan, being detached and not going ; £60.'' In 1779, the town treasurer paid the following sums for men as soldiers. 228 History of Torrington. "Paid Samuel Roberts for his service in the army £6, \os. Paid an order in favor of Noah North for his hiring a man in the service, £io ; to Capt. Amos Wilson for his hiring a man, etc., £io ; to Urijah Cook for his hiring a man, etc., £io ; to Ebenezer Leach for his service in the army, <£io ; to Daniel Grant for money paid for clothing £43, js, 6d ; to Samuel Kelsey for his service in the army ; to Bushniel Benedect for cartouch box, £4, 4/ ; to Daniel and Abraham Loomis for their hiring a man into the army £10 ; to Jabez Gillett for two soldier's blankets, £18 ; to Daniel Waller for his hir- ing a man etc., after he was detached, £10 ; to Dea. Miller for two blankets for the soldiers £16 ; to Daniel Dibble for a soldier's blanket, £9 ; to Ambrose Fyler, a continental soldier, £13 ; to Jabez Gillett for a pot detached for the state use £12, l 2/, ; to Abner Loomis, to hire John Dear to go into the service in Phelps's boy's room, who paid his fine, £60." In 1780, the treasurer received fines as follows: By CoL Sheldon, from Ulyses Fyler, Samuel Clark, Clement Tuttle, William Wilson, and James Ferguson $216. By Maj. Strong, a fine from Stephen , $240. In 1 78 1, the following moneys were received. By several notes given for fines by those who were detached £^5 each, £35. Also by Ebenezer Bissell as fine £ro. Sundry other notes, £5, \']s. In 1 78 1, the treasurer of the town paid the following for services in the army. To Jesse Whiting for three months tour, ..... " George Baldwin for cloth blankets, pork, etc., .... " Nehemiah Gaylord, Jr., for hiring Brigadore Loomis a tour, " Elisha Kelsey for six months tour, ...... " Eliphalet Hough, six months tour for Sam. Cummings, . " Roger Marshall for six months tour, ...... " Timothy Loomis for hiring a man six months tour, " Andrew Ely for six months tour, ...... " Benjamin Gaylord for a six months tour, .... " Asahel Strong conductor of teams, ...... " Stanley Griswold for part of three months tour, " Capt. Noah Wilson for wheat for the soldiers, .... " John Ellsworth for service as a soldier, .... " Nathan Sanders for his apprentice in service one summer, . " Barber Moore for a six months tour, ....... 30,12,0 " Elijah Bissell for six months tour, . . . . . . . 36, 0,0 " Ebenezer North for one iron pot for service, . . . . . .1,80 " Nathaniel Kelsey, Jr., for part of three months tour, .... 10, o, o " Elisha Smith and Samuel Austin, receivers and packers of beef and other provisions, 38, 2, o " Zachariah Mather, Wait Beach and Abijah Wilson for clothing and trans- porting to New Milford, ........ 25, 3, 6 " John Standcliff for a six months tour, ....... 20, o, o " John Ellsworth for part of a six months tour, ..... 20, o, o £. s. d. 10, 8, o 4, 9> 6 34,10, o 34,10,0 29, 5, 6 10, 8, o 20, o, o 37, 4,0 20, o, o 18, 0,0 10, 0,0 ^, S,° 5,14,0 37, 4, o TORRINGTON IN WaR TiMES. 229 £. .1. d. To Jared Palmer for part of a three months tour, 5,14,8 " Noah North for hiring a six months tour, ...... 20, o, o " Ensign [Benj.] Whiting tor part of three months tour, . . . . 8, 8, o " Daniel Benedict was voted, ao,oo, o The following are some of the actions taken in town meeting in support of the Revolution ; Dec, 1777. "Voted that Abner Marshall, Capt. Noah Wilson, Mr. Ebenezer Coe, Sargt. Aaron Austin, and Capt. Shubael Griswold shall be a committee to look into the matter, in respect to fines and to do justice and equity to them that were fined." " Voted that Capt. Abel Beach, Capt. Ebenezer Coe, Capt. Noah Wilson, Mr. Aaron Austin, Capr. Benjamin Bissell and Lieut. Nehemiah Gaylord, shall be. a committee to get clothing for the Continental soldiers according to an act of Assembly, and that the committee give prizes as they judge just and reasonable." At a meeting of the town held Jan. 6, 1778, " to try the minds of the town, whether they would approve and adopt the articles of confederation." " Voted article by article and adopted the ist, id, 3d, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th articles, and approved the same by a very clear majority. "Voted the 8th article upon condition that if that article is to be understood onlv to mean that our lands and buildings, etc., are to be estimated according to their value for a rule to proportion the United States by and to find what each state ought to pay and then left with each state legislature to have liberty to tax the people in their own way to raise such sums of money as may be ordered from time to time by congress, then we are in the affirmative, but if it is to be understood that our taxes are to be raised by lands and buildings and improvements only and that must be the mode, then we are in the negative by a clear majority.'' This point of objection was well taken and indicates the sensitive- ness of the fathers, as to the authority of the general government to levy taxes directly upon the people. This was one cause of the war in England under Cromwell, and was one great cause of the Ame- rican Revolution, and the people were too thoroughly educated on the subject to take this authority from one party (the king of England) and put it into the hands of another (the American congress). Poli- tics, in those days meant something. They were not mere party squabbles, but questions of law, government and freedom. " Articles, ninth, tenth, eleventh, twelfth and thirteenth, are approved bv a very clear majority." " Voted that the selectmen let those families, whose husbands are in the service, have what salt they judge reasonable." " That the widow Preston have given to her gratis one bushel of salt, when it comes, as a free gift from the town." 230 History of Torrington. " Voted that Nathaniel Barber Jr., Samuel Kelsey Jr., Clerk Roberts, Am- bros Fyler, Ebenezer Scovill, Ebenezer Leach, who are now in our service to fill our quota, and all those men who will enlist or are detached, have given them twenty shillings a month for each month they are in the service, until the first day of January next, except those who take the benefit by law provided to support their tlimilies " "Voted that Lieut. Ebenezer Miller and Ensign Elijah Gaylord, Capt. x'lbel Beach, and Mr. Caleb Lyman be a committee to divide to each family the town salt according to the number of inhabitants in the town " In March 1778, they "voted that Capt. Noah Wilson, Capt. Abel Beach, Capt. Ebenezer Coe, Capt. Benjamin Bissell, Mr. Aaron Austin and Lieut, Neheiniah Gaylord, shall be a committee to provide for those families that are left and whose husbands are in the army, as the law directs." " Voted to appoint a committee to provide the clothing for our quota, and that the committee divide into six districts, and that each district provide their equal proportion, and that Lieut. Ebenezer Miller, Mr. Daniel Hudson, Mr. Asahel Strong, Mr. Abner Loomis, Ensign Daniel Grant and Mr. Ashbel North be a committee to divide and procure their equal proportions of clothing." In December, 1778, another committee was appointed to procure clothing, consisting of George Baldwin, Dr. Elkanah Hodges, Ens. Benjamin Whiting, John Wetmore, Ezekiel Bissell Jr., and John Birge. In September, 1779, a special town meeting was called for the purpose and they directed the select men with the committee, to borrow money if necessary, to provide clothing and provisions for soldiers' families. In the next December, at the regular meeting they decided that " Daniel Dibble, Reuben Burr, Noah Wilson, Jr., and Ens. Wait Beach, be a committee to take care of the soldiers' families the year ensuing." And at the same time they appointed Nehemiah Gaylord, Jr., Michael Loomis, Elisha Smith, Caleb Lyman, Hewit Hills, Eli Richards, a committee to procure clothing for the soldiers for the year ensuing. On December 4th, 1780, when war matters were looking gloomy, and further call had been made for soldiers, the town appointed Lieut, Jesse Cook, Ens. Daniel Grant, Lieut. John Burr, Sergeant Benjamin Beach, Mr. David Soper, and Mr, Ashbel North, a com- mittee to procure men for three years, or during the war to fill one quota of the Continental army ; and to leave the matter with the committee now appointed, to get the men as reasonable as they can ToRRINGTON IN WaR TiMES. 23 I and for whatever they do the town will be responsible, and will satisfy their contract with those they hire, and satisfy all reasonable expenses." In this year and in 1781, it required a great effort to procure the number of men required of the town, and the votes passed were of a very stringent and thorough character so as to meet the demands made; extra taxes were levied; authority to borrow money given ; Daniel Grant was kept in the saddle collecting taxes almost the year round ; ' three special town meetings were held in 1781 ; the town was divided into classes or districts and every district must furnish the men adjudged to be its proportion ; and the very language in which the acts are expressed indicate the extremity to which they were driven. Their town meetings were like councils of war rather than any thing else ; and on one occasion continued (June 2), in the old Torrington meeting house until after dark and they adjourned to the house of Ephraim Bancroft to have light to see to record the transactions. The great question was how to get men without op- pression and injustice, for they say to the committee, '■'■ to make out the town quota, in the most equitable way and manner as they possi- bly can, to do equal justice," for the drafts fell so heavy that there was danger of rebellion, and if not who could be found to arrest a man ; take him from his already suffering family and drag him into the army. One resolution has the ring of defiance ! " voted that it the militia officers neglect to detach three weeks (against the order) the town will defend from cost that may arise therefrom." That is, they must and would have a little time to do the work assigned. This was not all ; when the men were procured, the demands for provisions must be met. "Voted that the civil authority and select- men, divide the town into four equal classes by the lists and draw lots which class shall pay the first month's beef, and so on for the four months." This means that the authorities took a man's ox or cow, whether he would or not, and sent it to the army, that those sons and fathers already there might not starve. For any such thing taken, the town always paid a full price, but every ox and cow was wanted in the town and were not for sale. The year 1782 came, and with it another call for men from this town the number being eleven. " Voted that the four classes as set out last year he assigned to procure eleven men for one year as follows, viz : that the first class be divided into three See Biographical sketch. 232 History of Torrington. classes, each to procure one man ; the second class remain as they were last year, to procure two men ; the third class to be divided into three classes, each to procure one man ; the fourth class to remain together to procure three men ; and that the selectmen first divide and set out by the list ot 1781, into four classes or equal parts, as set out last year, and then divide as aforesaid." These eleven, were state men, and others must be procured. " Voted that the committee above mentioned be a committee to hire what men are wanted to fill our quota aforesaid of the Continental army as well as the state men." This was the last draft they had to meet and well it was, for they could not have procured many more soldiers, unless the women had volunteered. In all the votes of the town there appeared no hesitancy, but great cheerfulness in meeting all requirements, as 10 the army and the care of the soldier's families at home, in hope of final and lasting success in freedom. Not an intimation is given on the town records of any person be- ing disloyal to the American cause, and as far as can now be judged those who took the oath of fidelity to this cause, beginning in 1777, include all the voters in the town at that time, and onward as they became of age or came into the town. That list is a noble showing for the town. Epaphras Sheldon, as colonel, entered complaint against Mat- thew Grant Sen., in May 1777, as an officer in the militia, that he neglected and hindered in the exercising of the militia, and he was summoned before the assembly, but he took the oath in the next September. Taxes during the Revolution. They were very high, and on account of the scarcity of money extremely difficult to pay ; and the actual suffering, consequent, was very considerable. The town tax in 1775 amounted to X27, u, 7^<5^ for the west side, and £14,3^,2^, for the east side, or both, £/\.i^^s, g^d. In 1777, the two assessments made amounted to £181, 12^, lO^; or more than four times that of 1775. In 1779, they amounted to X308, 45, 2^. In 1780, the amount in figures was £3054, is, 10^, which they could not have paid if the figures represented hard money, but they meant Con- tinental money, which was abundant, but worth very little. In [781, the twoassessments amounted to £506, 5^,3!^, in state money, which TORRINGTON IN WaR TiMES. 233 money was then becoming the reliable currency, gold]and silver being almost unknown, practically. In the collection of these taxes, Daniel Grant became a celebrated, and almost indispensable man, because of his success in obtaining the money, and also in making it as easy as possible for the people. In many cases the persons could not raise the money, it being entirely beyond their ability. Mr. Grant would take a cow, sell it according to law, buy it himself; leave the cow with the family, taking a note for three years, at the expiration of which time he was to receive the cow with the first calf. This was a great favor to these helpless families. Mr. Grant is said to have made some money In this mat- ter, and if so it was well earned. He was the banker of the town. He accepted wheat and clothing for the army, and attended to the exchange, by which the claims for money were satisfied by other articles, and when others could not raise the money needed, he did it, and took such property (lands or goods) as could be spared ; and did the work' with such remarkable equity, that the town by vote in town meeting, committed almost the whole matter to him during the last four years of the war. No higher praise could be bestowed on one man under like circumstances. At the first there were other collectors appointed, especially one for the east side ; toward the last he was the only one appointed, and in the collection of money levied by congress, through the state, he was chosen " grand col- lector " showing the confidence placed in him and his ability to man- age the matter to the satisfaction, and as far as could be, to the comfort of all. And finally, many of the notes he took for property were never collected, and in his last will he gave a farm to the town for the pur- pose of schooling (see his biography). The Women of the Revolution, They stayed at home. Ah, did not their hearts go with their sons and husbands to the battlefield, for seven long years ? Did they not suffer more in their anxieties, sympathies and privations at home than the men in the field ? What meant the gathering of the women once a week at the taverns of Col. Epaphras Sheldon and Capt. Ben- jamin Bissell to get some news from the war, but that, there was much suffiering and hard fare at home ? But this was not all. In 1776, when the two militia companies were called away in August, who gathered the crops during the next two months ? The women 30 234 History of Torringto N. and the children, for the men were nearly all gone ; one aged lady who heard much of these times said lately, " every body went." Who was it that did without tea, and cooked the dinners without salt, and made pies without sugar, or even molasses, except they themselves obtained it from the maple trees of the forest, but the women whose hearts were growing sadder every year, and many of them, were those whose eyes were dim already, because they should see no more those sons, some of them were mere children in years, who had gone to the war never to return ? Who was it but the mother of Noah Beach's children who for weeks during the war had no bread in the house for herself and children, but griddle cakes made of buckwheat bran, of which her son said years after, " if they were baked from morning until four o'clock in the afternoon they would be so sticky that he could not swallow them ? " Who spun the wool and wove the cloth, made into the blankets, for which the town was credited nine and ten pounds e^ch, in money by the state, but the wives of Deacon Miller, Jabez Gillett, Daniel Dibble, and many others of the same noble heart and courage ? Who pulled the flax, beat off the seed, spun the linen and wove the cloth to make the soldiers' tents but such women as widow Mary Birge and fifty others who were as patriotic as any general in the army. ? < In the early part of 178 1, the French army passed through this town on their way to join Washington's army near New York, and encamped on Torringford street.' There was a company of troopers or soldiers on horses, formed in this town in 1779 or 80, who took active part in the revolutionary service, as the records show that they received pay for such service in the same proportion as the other militia companies. Two horse pistols are still preserved, and are in the hands of Mr. George Allyn, that were a part of the equipment of this company. They were made by Medad Hills, and bear his inscription. •Jeremiah Spencer, born in Bolton, Ct., February 5, 1770, was taken by his parents with five other children to Wyoming. In the summer of 1776, the father died of small pox. The two older sons were killed in the battle of Wyoming July 3, 1778, and the mother and four surviving children fled from the scene of desolation, on foot for Bolton, where they arrived at the end of five weeks, Jeremiah then in his ninth year, making the whole journey on foot, without hat, coat or shoes. He removed to Torringford about 1803, where he lived until his death. He joined the church on profession, July 4, 1858, in his eighty-ninth year, and died Oct. 22, 1863, in his ninety-fourth year. TORRINGTON IN WaR TiMES. 235 Officers and Soldiers. Gen. Epaphras Sheldon was lieutenant under Col. Oliver Wolcott and afterwards was made major, colonel and general after the war. Capt. Shubael Griswold was lieutenant in two campaigns in the French war in 1758 and 9, and was captain in two campaigns in the Revolution. Capt. John Strong was captain of the militia and was probably in two or three campaigns. Capt. Amos Wilson enlisted a company, went to the war but was taken ill by sun stroke and returned home. Capt. Epaphras Loomis, probably, was elected to Capt. Amos Wilson's position, in the commencement of the war, and as captain of the Torrington company was in several campaigns with the militia, and was afterwards appointed captain of an enlisted company. Capt. Noah Wilson was the first captain of a military company in the town, and he resigned and his brother Amos was elected in his place, and as near as can be ascertained, Amos resigned soon after the commencement of the war, and was not in the service long. Noah Wilson may have gone in the call for the militia in 1775. David Lyman served in the army some time, was honorably dis- charged to run a grist mill in New Hartford for the supply of the re- volutionary troops ; resided in Torringford a number of years before his death. He is said to have been known by the name of General Lyman. Capt. Jabez Gillett was in the service. Dr. Isaac Day, of Torringford, was appointed surgeon's mate in the regiment of Col. Webb, in 1777. Dr. Oliver Bancroft was in the army. Dr. Elkanah Hodges was probably in the army with the militia two or three terms when they were called out, as he received pay as others. Dr. Samuel Woodward was in the army, but probably with the militia. Capt. Seth Coe was a soldier in the Revolution, enlisting when but seventeen, and remaining through the war, and was probably made captain in the war. Levi Watson was at Danbury when it was burned by the British. Thomas Watson was in the state service, which he entered at 236 History of Torrington. the age of fifteen, and joined the Continental army when but nine- teen. Shubael Griswold Jr., was an officer in his father's company in the Revolution, and afterwards became general of the militia at East Hartford. Pardon Abbott, from Rhode Island, was a soldier in the Revolu- tion ; drew a pension many years ; lived in the old house on the little hill below the nickel furnace in Torrington hollow. AsAHEL Strong was conductor of teams. The following persons are known to have been in the Revolution for various lengths of time •, some in the militia and some of them in the regular army : Oliver Coe, Oliver Coe Jr., Dr. Oliver Bancroft, Nathaniel Barber jr., Bushniel Benedict, Daniel Benedict, Simeon Birge, Elijah Bissell, John Dear, Noah Drake Sen., Andrew Ely, John StandclifF, John Ellsworth, Ebenezer Scoville, Ambrose Fyler, Benjamin Whiting, Benjamin Gaylord, Jesse Whiting, Stanley Griswold, Henry Whiting, Shubael Griswold Jr., Eliphalet Hough, Joseph Hoskins Sen., Samuel Kelsey, Elisha Kelsey, Nathaniel Kelsey, Samuel Kelsey Jr., David Lyman, Epaphras Loomis Jr., Wait Loomis, Elijah Loomis, Richard Leach, Ebenezer Leach, Roger Marshall, Barber Moore, Jared Palmer, Abel Roberts, Samuel Roberts, Clerk Roberts, William Williams, Stephen Rowley, John Williams. The War of the Rebellion. The flag of the Union was fired on at Fort Sumter, April 14, 1861, and on the 21st of the same month this town issued a call for a special meeting to be held on the 27th following, " for the purpose of making an appropriation from the treasury of the town to furnish arms and clothing to those who might volunteer and be mustered in at the call of the president of the United States." At the appointed time the meeting voted the sum of four thousand and five hundred dollars, to be drawn and appropriated to the designated end by a committee, the following named persons being that committee : Bradley R. Agard, Francis N. Holly, William R. Slade, Thomas A. Miller, and Harvey L. Rood. Such was the prompt, decided and substantial manifestation of the town in favor of sustaining the Union of the United States, and the principles of national freedom. At the annual meeting in the next TORRINGTON IN WaR TiMES. I37 October, they made further provisions for soldiers' families, and for any persons who should enlist ; and on Monday July 28, 1862, at a special meeting the town voted one hundred dollars bounty to each soldier accepted in the service from the town, before the twentieth of the next August. Before that time expired another meeting was called and the sum of one hundred dollars continued ; and an addi- tional fifty dollars offered to those who should enlist, under the call for 300,000 men for nine months. On the thirtieth of August, of the same year, after a draft had been ordered the town offered two hundred dollars bounty to those who should enlist from the town to obviate the necessity of carrying the draft into effect, and $7,000 were appropriated for this end. On the 27th day of July, 1863, a meeting was held, called for the purpose of voting three hundred dollars bounty to " such of the citi- zens of this town who may be drafted," but no vote to this effect was passed, and two subsequent meetings were held before a final decision was reached in regard to certain matters of interest, when the vote passed to pay every man who should be drafted two hundred dollars, and every man who should be drafted and furnish a substitute, one hundred and fifty dollars, and the selectmen directed to hire so •much money as should be necessary to execute the vote. When five hundred thousand men were called for in July, 1864, the town voted five thousand dollars to fill the required number of soldiers, and in the next month the town gave authority for the select- men to borrow so much money as might be necessary for the purpose of filling the quota of the town, and gave them power to " use said money in such measures as they shall deem best for the object." Therefore the selectmen were entrusted with nearly the whole matter, which indicates the very great confidence of the town in them, and the great pressure the drafts were making upon the people of the land. All of this may be thought to be well enough and that when men are trying to get out of the fight themselves they can afford to sur- render a little money to accomplish that end, but this town showed its true spirit of honor when, after the war closed, they voted one hundred dollars to those soldiers who had not received a bounty, or the wives and widows of such soldiers who had been taken prisoners or who had died in the service. Such is an outline of the acts of the town for the purpose of sus- taining the nation's honor in the hour of severe and very great trial, in the hope of perpetuating to the generations to follow the great boon 238 History of Torrington. of liberty for which the fathers in the Revolution struggled so marvel- ously and successfully, but, to portray the real character of the late war as it affected the people of this town as well as others, and follow the desolations, privations and sorrows consequent upon the mis- fortune of those who by the calamities of war " crossed the dead line," would require a book of itself, and such a book, even, would be only a faint echo of the past. Were it proper and consistent with the circumstances of the author of this book, he would most gladly give a month's time, to secure some significant memorial to the noble men of this town, who left all, risked all, suffered much, and espe- cially those who laid down their lives, for their homes, their friends, and their country ; but he is compelled to leave the matter in the one effort of trying to make the catalogue of names as complete as it is in his power of doing. First Regiment Heavy Artillery, C. F. Sanford H. Perkins, capt., Co. I, May 23, 1861 ; promoted maj., 14th C. V., June 7, 1862. Albert F. Brooker, ist lieut., Co. I, May 23, 1861 ; promoted capt., Co. B, May 23, 1862. Edward H. Mix, 2d lieut., Co. I, " " " ist lieut., Co. C, resigned Feb. 6, 1862. Collis S. Hough, sergt., Co. I, May 23, i86i ; re-enlisted as veteran, Dec. 17, 1863. David W. Smith, corporal, Co. I, May 23, 1861 ; discharged May 23, 1864, term expired.* King Walbridge, " " " " Charles Huxford, " " « " Frank R. Brooker, private, Wilbur W. Birge, «' Edward C. Castle, " << (C « « <( (( « <( 1863. Twenty-Eighth Regiment Infaritry C. F . Lucius E. Bissell, corporal, Co. F, Sept. i, 1862. Lafayette Bailey, private, " " Aug. 21, 1862 ; honorably discharged Aug. 28, 1863. Erwin W. Curtiss, " " " Sept. i, 1862; died May 27, 1863. Lewis E. Dailey, " " " Sept. i, 1862; honorably discharged Aug. 28, 1863. 31 242 History of Torrington. Twenty-Ninth Regiment Infantry, C. V. Henry S. Freeman, private, Co. H, March 2, 1864. Edward Freeman, Co. C, died in Texas Oct. 13, 1855. George Wright, private, Co. I, Dec. 31, 1863. Thirtieth Regiment Infantry, C. F. Thomas W. Browne, private, Co. F, March 28, 1864; not taken on the rolls June 30, 1864. Colored Drafted Men and Substitutes, assigned to Fourteenth Regiment R. I. Heavy Artillery. Richard Harrison, private, Co. D, Sept. 9, 1863. Nelson Harrison, " Co. D, Sept. 9, 1863. Hannibal Randall, " Co. D, Aug. 22, 1863 ; died place unknown. John N. Smith, Co. B, 21st Mass., died during war. Harvey F. Bellamy, Co. B, 21st Mass. Russell P. Fellows enlisted at Bristol in Co. K, i6th regiment early in the war, was taken prisoner April 20, 1864. Harvey Fellows enlisted in Co. C, 25th regiment, was taken prisoner but was exchanged. CHAPTER XIX. THINGS THAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN LEFT OUT. [MUSEMENTS have been sought by young and old in all generations and nations ; the only difference being simply as to the kind indulged in. Among the sports engaged in for many years in Torrington, were hunting matches ; in which the animals and birds killed were counted at a certain rate and the side which counted the less number were ob- ligated to pay for a good dinner, and treat all round. On one occa- sion there was a hunt and the count was to be on the heads of the animals killed. Miles Beach being on one side, went into the corn- field and caught one or two hundred mice and brought the heads, claiming that a head was a head, and should be counted. In this transaction, whether he was much of a sportsman or not, he de- monstrated that he was a good mouser. On another occasion of a hunt, the tails of the animals were to be counted. One man shot at a squirrel, cut off his tail and carried it to the rendezvous, where it counted all the same, while the squirrel went on his way in new fashion. Wild Cats. These animals seem to have exercised the minds of either the young men or the old men or the children, to an extent quite sur- prising. During some years before 1800, the town voted fifty cents bounty for a wild cat's head, and at that rate the treasurer of the town paid for a considerable number of them, but, either to keep ^ some lazy fellows hunting, so as to keep them from worse employ- ment, or to make believe there were wild cats, or to put the real wild cats out of the way, so that the young fellows would not be scared in going home nights after seeing the girls, the town offered in 1^02, one dollar a head bounty, and in 1806, it offered two dol- lars a head. A little above Daytonville, on the road to Newfield, east of the road is a strange looking hollow called Wild Cat hollow, and it is well named if the name indicates a place where wild cats could hide. 244 History of Torrington. The formation is by the upheaval of the rocks, and large stones thrown in according to no rule of masonry. A Prosecution for Profanity. " To Ebenezer Norton, Esq., his majesty's justice of the peace, for Litchfield county in Conn. Benjamin Whiting, grand juror for said county of Litchfield for the time being, and other informing officers for said town and county, on their oath, in the name and behalf of our sovereign lord the now king ; complaint and infor- mation make against Matthew Grant of Torrington in said county for breach of law, for that he, the said Matthew, being at the dwelling house of Epaphras Sheldon Esq., and at Mr. Ebenezer Goes, in Torrington, on or about the 21st day of January last, past, and several of his majesty's subjects being present, the said Matthew did at the aforesaid place, in a very tumultuous and angry way and manner, did with a loud voice sware, bv God vainly, rashly and in a passion and profanely, and used those vain words following, viz : * The south end of Torrington is as bad as hell, and that the Wilsons would all go to hell, and that they would go to the devil,' and many other rash and profane words, did then and there express in a very wicked way and manner ; all which the complainers say, was contrary to the peace of our sovereign lord the king, and the law of this colony ; and pray that the said Matthew Grant may be pro- ceeded with as the law directs, made and provided in such cases. Dated at Torrington this 5th day of March, 1773. Joseph Allen, ^ ' Benj. Whiting, ) ^^^^^ Joseph Tanter, V Evidence for the king. Noah Wilson, >■ . Benjamin Beach, ) Isaac Goodwin, ) ^ ^' Ephraim Bancroft, ] Constables. Jabez Gillett, j of Torrington." On the back of this paper is written the order for Mr. Grant's arrest, dated September 23, 1773, or six months after the complaint was made, by which time the hot excitement had probably cooled down a little. Items taken from Mr. William Whiting's account book : " Memorandum. Be it remembered that in August, in the old of the moon, and the sign in the heart, is the time to cut bushes to kill them and not fail." " Memorandum of the day that Mr. Nathan Gillett set out for New Con- necticut [Ohio] to the town of Morgan." [Year 1801.] In those days when a family removed to the then far west it was a topic of general conversation, and prayers were offered for them in church, and many persons noted the day the family started, and for fifty years could tell the day, without having made any memo- randum. But about 1815 to 20, such removals became so common that memory failed to note the day every one started. One woman Things not Left Out. 245 now living, remembers seeing the emigrant wagons on Litchfield turnpike, day after day, moving on slowly toward Litchfield and the west, there being some times half a dozen of these wagons in com- pany, covered with white canvas ; old fashioned lumber wagons, with no springs ; some drawn by horses, some by oxen, some by cows. Hundreds of families were on the road from six to eight weeks in soing from Connecticut to Ohio. " Memorable day this 8th dav of May 1803. There was a snow midleg deep. Peach trees were all in bloom. It froze very much two nights. Young men sav it will kill the fruit, old men say it will not, and now we wait for time to bring forth." As to the result we are not informed, which is much to be re- gretted. " List for the year A. D. 1797- Six acres plough land ; fifty-five acres of cleared pasture, twentv-seven acres of bush pasture ; forty acres of wood land." This is very much in proportion, as many farms are at the present day, after the changes of eighty years. " February 20th, A. D. 1802. This day Ira Loomis took a cow for three years, and at the end of three years is to return the cow and the oldest calf" Squabble Hill. At the foot of a certain hill lived a family long ago, in a house, now all gone, which family had so much trouble within itself, so many squabbles, that the hill has been known ever since by the name of Squabble hill, and as in all such cases is a steep hill to climb. Laconic Correspondence. Mr. John Alvord, possessed a somewhat remarkable character, not for industry and wealth, but as having read up, surprisingly, the history of the ancient philosophers, and as having a great admiration for those ancient worthies. While living in Winsted the following correspondence transpired between him and Doctor Woodward of this town : " Mr. John Alvord, Sir : In looking over my old notes, I find one signed, John Alvord, dated Jan., 1808 ; ten years ago last January. You sir, are one of the philosophers and wise men of the day. 1 ask if it is not time to pay it. If you conclude it is not, I muse be compelled to submit the matter to other wise men. Yours, Sam Woodward." 246 History of Torrington. "Dr. SamL Woodward, Sir : I this day reed, a line from you, stating that you held a note against me, etc. You was also pleased to rank me with the ' philosophers and wise men' of the day. I esteem it a high honor to be ranked with the philosophers and wise men even of the present day, which fall far short of the philosophy of ancient times. We do not expect to wear the ring of Guyges, or the cap of Fortunatus at the present day. Philosophy is good, and wisdom is profita- ble to direct, but neither will pay debts without money. I have three or four times this summer been invited into the company of those wise men you speak of, which has drained me of every cent in money I had, and almost every resource, and what to do in the present case I cannot tell. If sir, you are determined ' to submit the matter to the wise men' you spoke of, I think there is no need of crossing the Styx in search of such ancient worthies as Minos, Aechus and Rhadamaiithus, they were judges of higher matters. But there are a number of the sons of your old friend and honored master, Aesculapius, who I think may be ranked with the wisest of men at the present day. There is one resides in this place. As you pass by the forge of Vulcan, you go a little beyond the leather mill, and just at the left hand of A. B. C. college, resides one who / think mav be ranked with the wisest of men at the present day. If sir, you will leave your note with him, or any of his brethren in office, I will pay it as quick as I can, and confess judgment if you desire it. Yours, John Alvord." The Whipping Post. This method of penalty was continued to a later day in Torring- ton, than in some other towns, but was resorted to largely, in cases of stealing. Mr. Israel Coe, as constable, whipped two men about the years 18 17 and 18 ; one for stealing a piece of broadcloth at the woolen mill, the other for stealing a silver spoon at Capt. Samuel Bradley's. " At a justice court holden at Torrington in the county of Litchfield, on the 15th day of January, 1830, in presence of R. C. Abernethy, justice of the peace for said county holding the same. Nelson Fyler of said Torrington was brought before said court by virtue of a warrant issued by the said R. C. Abernethy, * * on complaint of Luther Cook, grand juror of said Torrington, charging the said Nelson Fyler that on the 14th day of Januaiy, 1830, at Tor- rington aforesaid, did feloniously take, steal and carry away one certain gold finger ring with a stone set therein of the value of five dollars, the proper estate of Ransom Hine of said Torrington, against the peace and contrary to the form of the statute in such case made and provided, and the s.iid Nelson Fyler being put to plead, for plea says he is not guilty in manner and form as in such complaint is alleged. And this court having heard the evidence, as well on the part of the state as of the said Nelson Fyler, find that the said Nelson Fyler, is guilty in manner and in form as in said complaint is alleged, and also find that the said ring was, when stolen, of the value of two dollars fifty cents. It is therefore considered and adjudged that the said Nelson Fyler pay a fine of five dollars to the treasurer of the town of Torrington, together with the costs Things not'^Left Out. 247 of the prosecution, taxed at nine dollars and tliirty cents, and also pay to the said Ransom Hine, seven dollars and fifty cents, being treble the value of said ring stolen, as aforesaid, and the said Nelson Fyler neglecting and refusing to pay said fine and costs, shall be punished by whipping four stripes on his naked body and pay the cosis of prosecution, and stand committed till this judgment be complied with Russell C. Abernethy, Justice of the Peace." The warrant for execution granted and delivered to William Leach constable the same day ; but tradition says the prisoner was whipped, but on his way to prison escaped from the constable. This is said to have been the last case of whipping in the town. Wasps. Thomas Marshall, living near Winchester in Newfield, while gathering hay in the field usually worked without his pantaloons, keeping on only one garment, the old fashioned frock. In raking hay the old man frequently scolded his sons for leaving the hay, and would gather such as they left. One day the boys discovered a wasp's nest, and threw some hay on it and left it. Mr. Marshall pass- ing near it saw it, and going to it put both arms around it and began to walk away. The wasps made war on his legs with great vigor and no amount of fleetness, or persuasive influences could dispell them until they had nearly killed him. This was not the end of the matter, for he proclaimed that if he could find who did it he would whip, him severely. After some time he obtained this information, but finally gave the boy his choice to take a severe whipping or pay a fine of five dollars by doing the churning of their large dairy, at ten cents a churning, until the whole should be paid. The son knowing too well already, his father's ability to use the whip, chose to do the churning on the terms pre- scribed, although it took him nearly six months to pay the bill. Honest Oxen. Samuel Beach was a peculiar man, never answering a straight for- ward question, but talked shy in regard to everything. He lived west of Wolcottville, half a mile. On a certain occasion, he sold a yoke of oxen to Mr. Jerome of New Hartford, as honest and orderly oxen, and Mr. Jerome paying him for them, left them until he should come for them. After he had sold them Mathew Grant came along, and Mr. Beach told him he had sold his oxen. " How much did you get ?" In reply Mr. Beach told him, Mr. Grant 248 History of Torrington. said, "you sold them too cheap, I would have given ten dollars more." " I'll be boun for it," said uncle Sam, that's too bad. Well if Mr. Jerome don't take them you may have them." Upon this Mr. Beach made two great pokes and put them on the oxen. When Mr. Jerome came for them he inquired : " How is this Mr. Beach, you sold the oxen as orderly." ''Well," said uncle Sam, '■'I'll be boun for it, they wear masa great pokes, masa great pokes ; and if you don't want them you can have the money." Mr. Jerome took his money, and Mr. Grant had the cattle. This same Mr. Beach sold some pork in Goshen, agreeing that the hogs when dressed should weigh two hundred pounds. When he delivered them they weighed a little over a hundred each, and he was asked, " how is this Mr. Beach, your pigs were to weigh two hun- dred a piece." " I said, take one with another, they would weigh two hundred." Under no questioning or remarks could any one get a straight an- swer from him, as efforts were made upon bets to that effect. The summer of 18 16, was very cold and the hay crop was very light, and in the spring of 1817, there was much anxiety about getting the stock through until grass should grow. In the midst of this anxiety uncle Sam Beach was taken quite ill, and sent for Doctor "Ban" who after examining him said ; " Well, uncle Sam, I can do you no good, you will have to go now." His quick reply was; " I'll be boun for it, I've got hay enough to carry my cattle through." A minister stayed at his house one night and in the morning asked him, if he had any request for which he desired prayers. Yes, said uncle Sam, " pray that I may get the Castle lot ;" a lot of land he had long desired to get. Support the Church or go to Jail. " To Phineas North of Torrington in the county of Litchfield collector of society taxes in the first society in said Torrington Greeting. By authority of the State of Connecticut, you are hereby commanded forth- with to levy and collect of the persons named in the annexed list or rate bill herewith committed to you, each one his several proportion as herein set down ot the sum total of such list, being a tax of assessment granted and agreed upon by the inhabitants of the said first society of Torrington, regularly assembled on the 15th day of August A. D., 1791, being a tax of one cent and five mills on the dollar, on the list of said society in the year 1790 ; the other being a tax granted and agreed upon by the said inhabitants regularly assembled on the 7th day of November, A. D., 1791, being a tax of three pence on the pound on said list of 1 790. Said taxes were granted and agreed upon for the purpose of defraying the necessary charges arising in said society^ and to deliver the sums Things not Left Out. 249 you shall so levy and collect unto the committee of said first society of Tor- rington on or before the first day of March next, and if any person or persons shall neglect or refuse to make payment of the sum or sums whereat he or they are respectively assessed and set in said list or rate bill, you are to distrain the goods or chattels of such person or persons and the same dispose of as the law directs, returning the overplus (if any be) to the owner or owners, and for want of goods and chattels whereon to make distraint you are to take the body or bodies of the persons so refusing and him or them commit unto the keeper of the gaol of said Litchfield county within the said prison who is hereby com- manded to receive and safely keep him or them until he or they pay and satisfy the said sum or sums assessed on him or them as aforesaid, together with your own fees unless the said assessment or some part thereof be legally abated. Dated at Torrington the 25th day of January, A. D., 1792. Elisha Smith, 'Justice of the Peace." A Sleigh Ride in the Summer. Joshua Leach, being a little eccentric, agreed to work through hay- ing for Raphael Marshall, at a certain price, on condition that Mr. Marshall should take him in his sleigh to the meeting house green, a distance of about two miles, when they were done haying ; to which he agreed. Accordingly Mr. Marshall put his fine horses before a double sleigh, and several strings of bells on his horses, and sat on the front seat bundled in over coat, mittens and buffaloes, and Mr. Leach sat on the back seat with overcoat and mittens on, and bun- dled in buffalo skins. It being a warm day, many people came to see the ride, and there was much amusement on the occasion, and since that day it has been repeated with much interest as a ridiculous performance done for amusement. Weddings. Weddings were often occasions for noisy, rude, and tumultuous engagements, and sometimes the proceedings became destructive to property, and disgraceful to civilization and a Christian community, but generally when the proceedings were extreme, the matter was overlooked because there were so many respectable or influential men engaged in it. On such occasions, men, younger and older, would collect about the house in the night at nine, ten and twelve o'clock, and by blowing of horns, rattling of pans, and firing of guns, make such a noise as to be heard two and three miles, and such as to make night hideous, and the home wretched with fear ; and such kind of enjoyment was sometimes continued until the company were treated to a round or two, or three of brandy, and until window lights were 32 250 History of Torrington. broken, and the people of the house glad to sacrifice almost anything out of fear, to be relieved from the presence of such a company. When Ezekiel Appley was married several dozen men gathered about the house with usual noises. The provisions for the wedding guests were on the table in the back kitchen until the ceremony should be over when they were to be placed on the table in the front room. During the marriage ceremony some of the men crept in at the window and passed all the provisions out, and the men out doors carried them into the woods at some distance and there ate them, leaving not so much as a crumb for the guests in the house. This they called sport, and a good joke. And it is customary to speak of those men who did such things as having been brought up so well and as having such good manners ! When Asa Loomis of Torringford was married in June 1778, the young men banded together to steal the bride and carry her away and keep her until the bridegroom should pay for a supper and brandy all. round. The day of the marriage Mr. Loomis was to take his bride home, on horseback, the usual method of traveling. After starting with his. bride, he was overtaken, by one after another, of young men on horseback, until a dozen or two had collected about him as if to accompany him on his journey. On a given signal, the horses were put into the utmost confusion in front of, and about the one the bridal pair were riding. Just then Trumbull Ives, having been appointed, seized the bride, drew her to the saddle of his own horse, and rode away with all possible speed. The bridegroom was a little too expert, in tangles, and escaped the net laid for him and gave chase for his bride, while the multitude followed with the pur- pose of aiding the man with the bride to make his escape ; but their plans failed in part, for the bride was not taken out of Torringford, but to the tavern, where supper and liquors were ordered and the bride detained until the bridegroom paid the bill. This was not the end of the matter ; Mr. Loomis sued the whole company, a long law- suit followed ; all the individuals were fined, and it was many years before all the fines were paid and the matter ended. Jokes. Many of the early settlers possessed intellectual qualities corres- ponding to their manly forms and vigor of physical constitutions, and for want of literary attainments and occupation of the mind, their intellectual vigor took the form of oddities, jokes and daring feats of Things not Left Out. 251 physical endurance. They prided themselves in their witty sayings, in their muscular toughness, and in how much work they and their wives and children could do and not break down. This spirit of glory, made them venturesome in the storm, in the cold and heat, in places and times of danger, and very often they subjected themselves to needless hazard and endurance for the purpose of gaining renown, and distinction. They would not indulge pride in dress, that to their minds would be a sin, but would encourage a double or treble proportion in human muscle and think it quite innocent. It is said that one mother wove an immense number of yards of tow and linen cloth, the summer before her son was born, and the wonderful exhibition of this power of endurance, has been spoken of until this day, with honor to the woman, although it nearly cost her her life, and her husband thought he might well glory in the marvelous strength of his dearly beloved ; all the dearer because she could weave a thousand yards a year and receive the money for it. This was not a peculiar case, only the woman was peculiarly smart. Another illustration is given by the Rev. Grant Powers in his Cen- tennial Address in Goshen in 1838. " There arose a spinning match among the young married ladies, at the house of Nehemiah Lewis. The trial was at the foot-wheel, in spinning linen. The conditions were previously defined, and agreed to, viz : They might spin during the whole twenty-four hours if they chose. They were to have their distaffs prepared for them, and their yarn reeled by others. Upon the first trial, at Lewis's house many did well. The wife of Stephen Tuttle spun five run, which was equal to two and a half days' labor, when on hire. Several others spun four run each ; but Mrs. Tuttle came off victor. But this aroused the ambition of some of the unmarried ladies, and Lydia Beach, the daughter of Dea. Edmund Beach of East street, was the first to come forward, and take up the gauntlet. She spun from early dawn to nine o'clock in the evening. She had her distaffs prepared, her yarn reeled, and her food put into her mouth. She spun in this time, seven run ; three and a half days' labor, and took the wreath from the brow of Mrs. Tuttle. Upon hearing of the exploit of Miss Beach, the wife of Capt. Isaac Pratt, of the south part of the town, came upon the arena. Between early dawn and the setting of the sun, she had actually spun six run, but at this moment, her husband interfered, and peremptorily forbade her proceeding further. She sat down, and wept like a child, when she ought to have rejoiced, that she had such a husband, in whose eyes 252 History of Torrington. her future health and happiness were more precious than the brief applause which might arise from success in that contest. " The hand of Miss Lydia Beach was sought in marriage by the young and aspiring Jesse Buell, son of Capt. Jonathan Buell, and she was led to the hymenial altar, while her garland was yet fresh upon her brow ; but the doting husband was destined to see it wither down to the grave, for Lydia never enjoyed health from the hour of her triumph." The testimony concerning this breaking down of young people by hard work, is ample and fully verified by the oldest people now living, and much of it was through pride, or ambition to gain renown by physical endurance. Two young men in Torringford looking out of doors about nine o'clock in the evening in the winter, when the snow was nearly two feet deep and the weather severely cold, proposed to go to Harwinton meeting-house and back, barefooted, and they performed the journey, a distance of three or four miles, and then retired for sleep. Dear Postage. It is said that when postage on a letter was twenty-five cents, to be paid by the receiver, a man traveling through Wolcottville stopped at a tavern, fed his horse and procured dinner. The dinner did not suit him, consisting as he thought of too large a proportion of pork and beans. Some two weeks after the landlord received a letter, paying for it twenty-five cents, and opening it found only the words : '^ pork and beans." Some two weeks after he received another, for which he paid an equal sum, while it contained the same words. After about two weeks more a third came in the same handwriting, whereupon he concluded to let Uncle Sam keep his "pork and beans." There having been formal complaint entered against the signer of the following paper, he saw fit to make the humble and gracious reply as follows : " To the Church of Christ in Torrington. As a complaint is against me, and as I understand that there is more en- tered for being a contentious person, I reply. As it respects intemperance I do not wish to palliate or deny that I have given occasion to it. As to the other charge, I am innocent of the crime with which I am charged. I ask brethren and sisters to cast a mande of charity over my failings ; and I ask your forgiveness. In return I pledge you my continued prayers. Wm. Marsh." Things not Left Out. 253 Estimate of Money. A man called Old Whitney was at the raising of the Baptist church in Newfield, and when the men were putting up the timbers in the top of the frame a pike pole fell with the end having the pointed iron in it, first, and this iron grazed Whitney's nose so as to split it ; mak- ing quite a wound in the end of it. Whitney looked up and cried out, in a somewhat excited manner : " You can't be too damn care- ful up there, I would not run such a risk again iov five dollars." Levi Holmes was a blacksmith at Newfield four corners. He was six feet tall, large frame, and was a powerful man. A stranger passing his shop one day inquired the way to Goshen. Mr. Holmes gave him the directions very definitely as to the different roads to be taken, so that he could go without further directions. After talking a little, the man started down the road towards Winsted. After getting on some distance, Mr. Holmes started after him, and step- ping into the road before the man said : " You inquired the road to Goshen." " Yes," said the man, " I wanted to know which way went to Goshen, that's all." "Well," said Holmes," you inquired the way to Goshen, and now you shall go to Goshen, or I'll drop you." The man considered the road to Goshen the safest just then. Ben Eggleston, as he was called, was a character in Newfield. On one occasion he went to the saw mill a little below this same bridge, in the evening while the Marshall boys were sawing lumber, and as he came into the mill, which had a floor of only loose boards with large spaces between, the old man began to repeat with emphasis to the boys ; " Be careful boys, be careful ; dangerous place here, dangerous place." Scarcely had he uttered the words of caution to others before down he went, through the floor into the water, close by the water wheel. One of the men called to the other, "shut the gate quick, or uncle Ben will never make any more hob nails." The gate was shut and the men took the lantern and went down to see what the result was and as they came near the wheel uncle Ben was just scrabbling up the bank, dripping with water ; and in a very confidential resolute tone said : " Say nothing boys ; say nothing boys ! " He went to hear a Universalist minister preach in Newfield, and took his seat directly in front of the preacher, and while the minister was preaching, he kept moving nearer and nearer, and looking him directly in the face. When the minister had become quite engaged 254 History of Torrington. in setting forth iiis 'doctrine uncle Ben addressed him in a very serious manner: " Do you believe what you preach? " At another time a Baptist minister was preaching, and became very much in earnest portraying the wickedness of the people, when uncle Ben remarked : " Lay it on heavy, we are a wicked people here." Ethan Eggleston, son of uncle Ben, was a great hunter and not much of a worker. He would stand along the brook and watch a muskrat hole all day as patiently as any monument, and with as little motion, to get a shot at the animal, and he was a dead shot, too. On a certain day he did not get up as usual, but his sisters know- ing the rule that he must not be disturbed, let him lie until nearly twelve o'clock, when one of them ventured to open the door to his room, when lo, there he was lying at full lengtff on the bed, with his old musket in one hand and a horse pistol in the other, both aimed at a rat hole in the corner of the room where he had seen a rat early in the morning. But few men possess such patience and bravery ! Marriage a Hundred Years ago, Mr. Increase Grant, also called deacon, lived in the edge of Litch- field, and became a member of the Torrington church about 1786, and not far from that time (perhaps a few years sooner) married Mind- well (Lyman), widow of Jacob Strong. A jointure was signed by them before marriage by which she was to acquire none of his pro- perty, and he none of hers ; only he was to have the use of her's and she was to have her living ; which at the present date seems to have been a sharp bargain on his part. After a few years she left him and went to her home, and after a time, they both being members of the same church, the matter became a topic of much discussion, and finally a charge was brought against her, because she did not live with her husband, for this and nothing else. Upon this Samuel Everitt, son-in-law to Mindwell, testified under oath, that while Mr. Grant lived with his wife in her house, they seemed to live in harmony, but soon after they removed to his house, Mr. Grant told him that he was uneasy with his wife, on account of her being too free to treat her grand children when they came to his house, with victuals and drink. This complaint he made several times before he heard any complaint from his mother- in-law. Upon this Mr. Everitt purchased flour and put it in her house, agreeing to keep her in flour as she might need to make her grand children cakes and the like, in hope that that would end the Things not Left Out. 255 difficulty. Living in Colebrook, he had no opportunity to know how matters went, until he heard his mother-in-law was in a very low state of health, alone at her own house, where he made her a visit, and by the use cf medicines and care several days she revived so as to be able to go with him to see Mr. Grant. The interview was peculiar ; he seemed anxious only to get rid of her, and wanted Mr. Everitt to take her to his house in Colebrook (far away) but she seemed anxious to remain near him " where she could attend him if he should be sick, and where he could do something for her if she should be sick." Finding how the matter stood Mr. Everitt bound himself in writ- ing to see his mother-in-law taken care of, and Mr. Grant bound himself to pay a certain sum towards her support. It was after this, and while her health was very poor that the complaint was made against her before the church. He was a member of the same church, but no complaint was entered against him. The church took action in the matter and withdrew fellowship from her, which only made the matter worse, because some good people could not see that she had done wrong. The church then asked advice of the Rev. Ami R. Robbins of Norfolk and Rev. Samuel J. Mills of Torringford as a committee, or council, and their report was rendered September 18, 1794, and as this report reveals a number of prevailing religious notions of that day, it is here given in full. And it is important to remember that probably there could not have been selected, two men of larger benevolence and good will towards the erring or unfortunate than these, and therefore the report is as liberal as the times would possibly allow. "To the Church of Christ in Torrington. Beloved Brethren : We the subscribers, being invited by you to hear and advise in a maiter of discipline, respecting Mrs. M. Grant, a sister in your church ; after duly attending to the case, find it peculiarly complicated and difficult. We think you do well to seek for counsel and assistance in a matter so uncommon and delicate. We feel in some measure, embarrassed what ad- vice to give. But according to the light we at present have, and unless we should obtain further knowledge and light in the affair, it appears to us that the said Mrs. Grant, notwithstanding her peculiar trials, cannot be fully justified ; but has departed from that meekness and Christian spirit which becomes the followers of the meek and lowly Jesus; particularly in indulging angry and pas- sionate conduct and expressions, tending to irritate and provoke her husband, and that however unjustifiable his conduct may be, yet that does not wholly ex- culpate her. We think that it would be proper, and suitable for her to make suitable reflections ; acknowledge she hath given occasion to her brethren and sisters of the church, of stumbling and to be dissatisfied. And upon her man- 256 History of Torrington. ifesting a becoming spirit, and desiring to walk with this church, in fellowship, we think they may and ought to restore her with meekness and love. But if she should refuse to make such reflections, and in all respects justify her con- duct, we think the church cannot consistently receive her; and considering the matter so peculiar and extensive in its operations we feel rather incompetent, without further light, to advise any further, but are of opinion that it is the duty of the church, to call in the aid and assistance of an ecclesiastical council, for ' in the multitude of councillors is safety,' and thereby endeavor to obtain further advice and direction as to their duty in this unusual and difficult affair. a. r. robbins. Samuel John Mills." At this stage of the case, Rev. Mr. Gillett, as her pastor, asked Rev. Samuel J. Mills to see Mrs. Grant and learn what course to pursue, and give him advice. Mr. Mills's letter is preserved, and is a good representation of the ideas of those days concerning the re- sponsibilities of church relations, and is, therefore, here given: " Rev. and dear Brother : I have had opportunity with Mrs. Grant and find that her leaving the deacon at the time she did was conceived by her to be real duty ; that her recovery turned upon it under providence That had she not done it, she would [have] been wanting to herself and criminally negligent. That she did not then foresee the consequences that such a step which then she thought to be duty, and still thinks so, was to issue in a total separation. She supposed her retiring for a short time was no breach of the marriage cove- nant ; that she might still perform the duties of a wife, after all, and he the duties of a husband ; that the fault is not on her side, that things are now cir- cumstanced as they are. She feels not however that she is free from fault. She is sorry that she threatened to sue the peace against him, and is willing to humble herself for it. She supposes no provocation ever so great would justify it. She is greatly grieved at being the occasion of grieving the church and giving an handle to any whereby to reproach the cause of Christ. She begs the compassion of God's church and people, and stands ready publicly to re- flect on herself so far as she can be convinced she ought to do it. I feel unable to direct or advise further in the matter than I already have. The cause of religion, the honor of the Christian church you are very sensible is of more consequence than the honor or peace of any individual. If such a settle- ment can be made as may secure religion from suffering, it must be an object to be desired. If such settlement cannot be made, which on the whole may give tolerable satisfaction, then further measures must be pursued. Sensible of the embarrassments you, and the church labor under, and desirous to contribnte my mite I use this freedom. This from your affectionate Brother, To Rev. Mr. Gillett, Saml. J. Mllls. To be communicated if you think expedient. Torringford, Sept. 20, 1794." In the effort to have this matter settled Rev. Father Mills wrote a sort of confession, which is preserved in his hand writing, which Things not Left Out. 257 he thought might be something like what might answer under the circumstances. This Mrs. Grant accepted, and also added in her own hand writing more than was suggested. " I, the subscriber, Mindvvell Grant, a member of the church of Christ in Torrington, sensible that the church are dissatisfied with me on account of the separation that has taken place between Dea. Grant and myself, and that they are apprehensive that I have not been innocent as to measures which have led on to this unhappy event, whereby religion is wounded, and the peace of the church disturbed ; take this opportunity publicly to acknowledge myself a poor, imperfect creature, and to own that under my weak state of body, and weakness of mind, with which I w as attended at one time and another, I no doubt mani- fested on certain occasions an unsuitable temper ot mind ; said and did things which under other circumstances I should not have said or done. I am far from justifying myself in all my conduct, or supposing that I can be excused from blame. Particularly would I reflect on myself for that expression in re- gard to swearing the peace against Deacon Grant ; and for whatever else I have said or done, whereby 1 have given just occasion for offense to any." The following was added in her own hand. ** I ask the forgiveness of God and this church, and of all others who are ag- grieved, and request the prayers of my Christian brethren and sisters to God, that I henceforth conduct as a true and faithful disciple of Jesus Christ, and adorn the solemn vocation by which I have been called. MiNDWELL Grant. N. B. I stand ready also to return again to my husband as soon as a suitable door opens for that purpose. M. Grant.'' "The above confession made and accepted Sept. 28, 1794. Test. Alex. Gillet, Pastor.*' Whether right or wrong, the time has gone by when a wife may not swear the peace against her husband however dangerous a char- acter he may be, without incurring the censure of the church and good people; and the time is also gone when the church is held re- sponsible for not settling every little or great difficulty, that it is im- possible for human beings to settle; but what seems very strange is that it does nor seem to have occurred to any of the people at that time, that there was a duty for the church to stand by a defenceless and helpless victim, if such might have been the case, and take re- proach, if reproach should come by defending the right. If this woman's life was endangered, which is not questioned in any of these papers, then the church should have protected her to the extent of its ability in a civilized country. It is not stated that Deacon Grant was a brutal man, but a paper is preserved with a number of names of citizens attached, attesting to his good character, but life may be endangered by neglect, which when known to the person, in a 33 258 History of Torrington. Christian view is equally criminal with overt acts, and it is very evi- dent that she thought her life in danger, and Father Mills does not seem to have doubted it. /There was a disposition in those days in men to lord it over their 'wives and families and many a woman has had double work, and stinted allowance of food dealt out to her by her lord who growled about the house like a bear j and perhaps the matter was so common that it was judged to be right. A certain man in this town, well known as having but little energy to provide for his family while his wife worked like a slave, was often /Complaining of his dispepsia and feeble state of health, and his frequent (remark to his wife was in the morning after breakfast : " Now Betsey you need not cook but a small piece of pork for dinner, for I am feeling very poorly and cannot eat much," and then at dinner he would eat all the pork himself, leaving his wife and children to do the best they could on potatoes and broth. According to the very best authorities, tyranny in the family, by the lord thereof, was a common vice for ages in New England as well as in Old England. The claim that the husband is the head of the wife in government, Cis generally met at the present day with silent disgust, while the idea that he is the head to provide for, to care for, to protect and defend, "is commonly accepted and honored. Another case in this town affords some illustration of the old ideas of matrimony and the arbitrary conduct of the husband. Thomas Marshall, the first of the name in the town, married Elizabeth Tudor Oct. 9, 1725 ; she being of French descent and of a wealthy family, brought quite a sum of money to Mr. Marshall, when he was married. They lived very unhappily many years, and in 1762, agreed to a separation, Mr. Marshall giving a certain bond to Dea. John Whiting, binding himself to pay to his wife, " twenty- six shillings quarterly" for her support. In 1766, she brought a complaint of non-fulfillment of this bond, and a petition, to the assembly, to authorize the collection of the money inasmuch as he had paid only five pounds and three shillings in the four years. The legislature ordered that the specified sums should be paid to her and that Mr. John Whiting should prosecute to obtain said sums if they were not paid ; the arrearages amounting at that time to over fourteen pounds. In 1767, another petition was prepared by Epaphras Sheldon in her behalf, a copy of which, being sent to John Whiting, according to Things not Left Out. 259 law, is preserved, and which shows that only four pounds had been paid during the previous year; and asking that some other man be appointed in the place of John Whiting as he wholly neglected the matter. In this matter Dea. John Cook and Epaphras Sheldon were witnesses before the assembly, and among other things Mrs. Marshall testified : " A nice little sum I brought him when I was married." When Mr. Marshall found that the matter was likely to go into other hands for collection than Mr. Whiting's he changed his course entirely, and certified to the legislature that he would not pay the money only on condition that his wife should return to her home and duty ; and upon his manifesting a willingness to have her return, the legislature rescinded their former decree, and let the woman do whichever she might choose, go home or starve in old age. Here, this woman was, really, sent out of her home, and kept out, by the husband, who enjoyed all the comforts of that home, much of which had been secured by her money, and during five years or more she worked in various ways to obtain a living, she being nearly seventy years of age, and then was left by the legislature to go back to the place where she proved she had been most shamefully treated. But what could she do, the4aws then, and they are but little better now, protected the husband in most arbitrary assumptions and ^ tyrannical rule in the home, and the public sense was against any / claims of a wife except submission to the rule of her husband. Un- der such circumstances it is not surprising that many women of the finest and best mental qualities rejected the relations of married life and thereby retained their money and independency. Government in the Family. It is customary to make invidious comparisons between the gov- ' ernment of the family in the olden time and at the present day, and conclude that the world is growing worse, at least in this respect, instead of better. The manners taught children in the public schools are frequently repeated as testimony to the superior training of those days over the present. Now, it was a very proper thing, and for- tunate that those who received no training at home, but "sit in the corner and keep still," and "be seen and not heard" and whose " wills had been broken," so they were mere mummies, and who had been taught to " keep their mouth shut " except when they said, " what ? yes ! no ! Mam I Dad ! old man ! old woman I" besides 26o History of Torrington. the nick-names all round, should be taught so much as to take their hats off when meeting people on the highway. It is well known that a large proportion of the men were so timid and bashful, for want of a little training in manners, and how to be- have in good society that they sought to keep out of such society, and to find a lower kind, where they would not be laughed at, and where oddities and doggerel words and language brought a premium. One of the great lawyers of this nation, tells the story that he was taught when a boy in the yankee part of the nation, that he wasn't any body ; he should be " seen and not heard," and sit in the chim- ney corner ; that when through college and his law studies, he was so diffident from the effects of this teaching that he could scarcely muster courage to commence his professional business, and that he had suffered untold distress, thousands of times, even through all his life from this same cause ; and yet his name has gone all through the land, in honor, as a lawyer. One of the Christian laymen, who became celebrated in New Haven county, from 1800 to 1830, wrote in his journal, that he " had been kept under so at home that when twenty-one years of age, he did not dare to speak to any body of his very great desire to obtain a liberal education," that if he could have done so, some way would probably have opened for that end, and he should not have suffered as he did all his life, the mortification of the want of such education. Much of the civilities between young women and young men (they did not have young ladies and young gentlemen, but" gals and boys"), were of the rudest kind, and such as they picked up of them- selves, and as a whole were rather demoralizing than elevating, as the consequences fully reveal, much of which is far beyond the delicacy to be retained in a book. A young man in Torringford, about the time of the Revolution, invited a young lady to go with him to a party ; she declined the invitation, and some years passed until she and the same young man met at an evening party, and at the close of the entertainment the young lady had no way to return home, and the young man offered to take her home on his horse, which offer she accepted. When they had journeyed about half the distance, the young man dropped his riding whip, and proposed to alight and get it, the young lady said she could obtain it with less trouble than he, and jumped from the horse with much politeness to pick it up and remount, but as soon as she was safely landed, the Things not Left Out. 261 young man threw the pillion she rode on to her, and putting his horse on a run left her to travel home in the snow, some mile or two, thus settling the account of the mitten some years before. It might be that this transaction occurred before the young people were taught such excellent manners in public schools. We have heard so much about the well trained and well governed young men of seventy years ago that we are poorly prepared to learn that it was some forty or more of those same model young men who crept in the window at Ezekiel Appley's wedding, and stole all the provisions prepared for the occasion, and took all into the woods and ate it ; having, to be sure, the very great politeness of returning the dishes the next day ; and the family were thankful that they did no further damage. And it was some thirty of these model fellows in Torringford, who stole Asa Loomis's bride and attempted to escape from the town with her but failed, and went to the tavern, and had a grand supper and liquors and refused to give up the bride until the bridegroom should pay the bill. How is it now ? On the third day of October 1877, a marriage occurred in Wolcottville, and was held in the church, and by voluntary good will an elegant audience was in waiting ; the organ played its sweet music (instead of horsefiddles, old muskets and the like, of olden time) ; the house was decorated in magnificent style with the flowers of numberless gardens and conservatories from far and near, making the occasion one of beauty, joy and happiness. On the eleventh day of the same month another wedding occurred in the Episcopal church, the first being in the Congregational, and the house was decorated in most beautiful style, by the voluntary good will of a score of young people, and the presents to the bride were such as to make the occasion a joy as long as her remembrance continues. And these are not isolated cases, but the like of which occurs frequently in very humble cottages, in the most rural parts of the country, only on a less extensive scale. But it is said the children do not conduct as they used to do. Indeed they do not. There lived a family in this town about sixty years ago, that was a \ family of good standing, of considerable property and energy of character, and the children have performed very honorable parts in life since. The story is told as a real fact that on a certain morning, while the father was on his knees praying, the old bunting ram came to / the door, which was standing open, and the boys seeing him, made certain motions to him which always provoked his fury, and the animal 262 History of Torrington. made for the old man and hit him a solid bunt. This took the old gentle- man rather by surprise, and he sprang from his knees as if electrified, and remarked, "damn that ram," then kneeling again, finished his morning prayers. It would be no risk to venture a thousand dollars that no family could now be found in the town, that would treat a father, and religion, with such disrespect. At Torrington center, or green, fifty years ago, some of these model boys who could take off their hats in the highway, and keep still in the house in the presence of company, used to exhibit some of the perfection of those days around the old academy (new then) during singing school nights, where year after year it was almost impossible to conduct the school. During one season, after a variety of enterprising, ingenious tricks for disturbance, they one evening arranged to give the singers pretty thorough attention. Hence during the day the windows were all nailed down with a purpose. When the audience was well in the exercises of the evening some very long goosequills filled with wet and dry powder for the purpose, were placed under the doer and set afire. They went into the house, and around the house, everywhere filling the house with powder smoke and perfumes ; and they kept coming, one after another, as if intelligent and yet knov/ing nothing, but to dash on, here and there and everywhere, and at the same time red pepper was thrown down the stove pipe hole on the stove, which created much suff^ering in the efix)rt to breathe. A rush was made, for the door, but it was braced shut by great benches and logs outside, which it was impossible to remove from the inside. Then gasping for breath they flew to the windows only to find them nailed down, and no refuge was left but to smash the window glass and get breath. In Goshen the same thing was done in the presence of the select- men of the town, the society's committee, the constables and justices of the peace, who were all assembled to protect the singing school, and yet it was broken up and no body could be found who did it. If anything half so annoying were to take place to-day, the state militia would be called out at once if needed to put an end to it. ,^ The difference between the past and the present methods of family government seems to be, less, much less of the rod ; more love for children and parenti,^ and hence, more respectful and heartfelt obe- dience, instead of slavish dread of the lash, and hence many more young people now become devoted to religious life, benevolent en- terprises, and moral culture. The oft repeated complaint about the Things not Left Out. 263 degeneracy of family government in the present age is a scare-crow humbug of the stupidest kind. Deacon Guy Wolcott's sons were among the most intelligent, enterprising, and industrious in the town, but were celebrated for being the most sedate and quiet at home, while abroad, or out in company, they were as full of sport and enjoyment as any body. At home they were not allowed to have such enjoyment, being trained in the strictest manner, and therefore they made up lost time when they escaped the watch of the parental eye, and where was there a family of any snap in them, but that did the same under like circum- stances. And there was another deacon's family still more unfortu- nate than Guy Wolcott's. In early times when there were few carts in the town Priest Mills went to Dea. Gaylord's to borrow a cart, and making his request known, the deacon said, he would consent if Miah [his son Nehe- miah] would, but he guessed it wanted a band. Nehemiah said he would consent, if Jo would, but he guessed it wanted a gripe., and Joseph said he would consent if his father would, but he guessed it wanted a spike. Mr. Mills went home without the cart, and meet- ing a neighbor said : " I've been to Deacon Band's, Miah Gripe's, and Jo Spike's to get a cart, but I could not get one." Ever after that the deacon and his sons were called Deacon Band, Miah Gripe and Jo Spike. But it is hazardous to enter upon the list of nick- names, for they are so many, and some of them of such a character as to ruin the reputation of any book, to say nothing about the re- putation of the town, that the most discreet part of the battle is to retire from the field of observation, and suffer oblivion, if the old fellow would but do it, to hide forever, the stars of speech, that have been the sport of generations, now all gone. In nothing was the people of this town peculiar, so far as is known, fo r th ey followed in the spirit of education, customs, manners, speeches, and the various uses of language and citizenship in a free country, as the people of other parts of the state, and New England ; and as city fashions and manners and customs are the style at the present time, the next historian of the town may have the pleasure of recording the peculiarities of city life for the amusement and know- ledge of country people. CHAPTER XX. LISTS OF NAMES, Representatives in the State Legislature. 1762, May. Oct. 1763, May. Oct. 1764, May. Oct. 1765, May. Oct. 1766, May. Oct. 1767, Jan. May. Oct. 1768, May. Oct. 1769, Jan. May. Oct. 1770, May. Oct. 1771, May. Oct. 1772 May. Oct. Mr. John Cook. One vacancy. Mr. Jonathan Coe. One vacancy. Mr. John Cook. Mr. Epaphras Sheldon. None from Torrington rec. Mr. John Cook. Mr. Jonathan Coe. Mr. Jonathan Coe. One vacancy. Mr. John Cook. Mr. Jonathan Coe. Mr. John Cook. One vacancy. Mr. John Cook. Mr. Noah Wilson. Mr. John Cook. One vacancy. Mr. John Cook. One vacancy. Mr. John Cook. Mr. Noah Wilson. Mr. John Cook. One vacancy. Mr. John Cook. Mr. Noah Wilson. Mr. John Cook. One vacancy. Mr. John Cook. One vacancy. Mr. John Cook. Mr. Noah Wilson. Mr. John Cook. One vacancy. Mr. John Cook. Mr. Noah Wilson. Mr. John Cook. One vacancy. Mr. John Cook. One vacancy. Mr. John Cook. Mr. Noah Marshall. Mr Ephraim Bancroft. Capt. Amos Wilson. Mr. John Cook. Mr. Ephraim Bancroft. 1773, May. Mr. Epaphras Sheldon. Mr. John Cook. Oct. Mr. John Cook. Mr. Epaphras Sheldon. 1774, Jan. Mr. John Cook. Mr. Epaphras Sheldon. May. Mr. John Cook. One vacancy. Oct. Mr. Epaphras Sheldon. Mr. Noah Marshall. 1775, March. Mr. Epaphras Sheldon. Mr. Noah Marshall. April. Mr. Epaphras Sheldon. Mr. Noah Marshall. May. Mr. Epaphras Sheldon. Mr. Noah Marshall. July. Mr. Epaphras Sheldon. One vacancy. Oct. Mr. John Cook. One vacancy. Dec. None from Torrington. 1776, May. Mr. Ephraim Bancroft. Capt. Shubael Griswold. June. No representatives recorded. Oct. Capt. Shubael Griswold. Mr. Ephraim Bancroft. Nov. Mr. Ephraim Bancroft. Capt. Shubael Griswold. Dec. Mr. Ephraim Bancroft. Capt. Shubael Griswold. 1777, May. Col. Epaphras Sheldon. Capt. Sliubael Griswold. Aug. Col. Epaphras Sheldon. Cape. Shubael Griswold. Oct. Mr. Abner Marshall. Mr. John Cook. 1778, Jan. Mr. Abner Marshall. One vacancy. Feb. Mr. Abner Marshall. One vacancy. May. Mr. Abner Marshall. Mr. Aaron Austin. Oct. Capt. Shubael Griswold. Mr. Aaron Austin. Dec. Capt. Shubael Griswold. Mr. Aaron Austin. 1779, Apr. None given from Torrington. Lists of Names. 265 1779 . May. Oct. 1780 , Jan. Apl. May. Oct. Nov. I78I, Feb. May. Oct. 1782, Jan. May. Oct. 1783, Jan. May. Oct. 1784, Jan. May. Oct. 1785, May. Oct. 1786, May. Oct. 1787, May. Oct. 1788, May. Oct. 1789, Jan. May. Oct. 1790, May. Oct. Dec. Mr. Noah North. 1790, Dec. Mr. Abner Marshall. 1791, May. Col. Lpaphras Sheldon. Mr. Noah North. Oct. Col. Epaphras Sheldon. Mr. Noah North. 1792, May. Col. Elipiiaz Sheldon. Mr. Noah North. Oct. Capt. Shubael Griswold. Mr. Nojh North. '793, May. Mr. Noah North. Capt. Shubael Griswold. Oct. Capt. Shubael Griswold. One vacancy. '794' May. Mr. Noah North. Capt. Shubael Griswold. Oct. No representatives recorded. Col. Epaphras Sheldon. '795i May. One vacancy. Col. Epaphras Sheldon. Oct. Mr. Abner Marshall. Mr. Abner Marshall. '796, May. Mr. Aaron Austin. Mr. David Grant. Oct. Mr. Eliphalet Eno. No representatives recorded. '797, May. Mr. Noah North. Mr. Eliphalet Eno. Oct. Col. Epaphras Sheldon. Doct. Samuel Woodward. 1798, May. Col. Epaphras Sheldon. Doct. Samuel Woodward. Oct. Mr. Eliphalet Eno. Mr Noah North. '899, May. Capt. Jabez Gillett. Mr. Daniel Grant. Oct. Mr. David Soper. Gen. Epaphras Sheldon. 1800, May. Mr. Samuel Woodward. Capt. Amos Wilson. Oct. Doct. Samuel Woodward. Mr. Elisha Smith. 1801. May, Doct. Samuel Woodward. Mr. Noah North. Oct. Mr. Eliphalet Eno. Capt. Amos Wilson. 1802, May. Capt. Shubael Griswold. Gen'l Epaphras Sheldon. Oct. Mr. Eliphalet Eno. Mr. Elisha Smith. '803, May. Mr. Eliphalet Eno. Mr. Elisha Smith. Oct. Mr. Eliphalet Eno. Mr Elisha Smith. 1804, May. Capt. Shubael Griswold. Mr. Elisha Smith. Oct. Doct. Samuel Woodward. Mr. Elisha Smith. 1805, May. Doct. Samuel Woodward. Mr. Elisha Smith. Oct. Mr. Eliphalet Eno. Mr. Elisha Smith. 1806, May. 34 Mr. Eliphalet Eno. Mr. Epaphras Sheldon. Mr. Shubael Griswold. Mr. Epaphras Sheldon. Mr. Eliphalet Eno. Doct. Elkanah Hodges. Mr. Eliphalet Eno. Mr. Elisha Smith. Mr. William Battle. Mr. Elisha Smith. Mr. Shubael Griswold. Mr. Elisha Smith. Mr. Shubael Griswold. Mr. Seth Wetmore. Mr. William Battle. Mr. Seth Wetmore. One vacancy. Mr. Elisha Smith. Mr. William Battle. Mr. Elisha Smith. Mr. William Battle. Mr. Elisha Smith. Mr. Jabez Gillett. Mr. Epaphras Sheldon. Mr. Jabez Gillett. Mr. Elisha Smith. Mr. Jabez Gillett. Mr. Elisha Smith. Mr Jabez Gillett. Mr. Elisha Smith. Mr. Jabez Gillett. Mr. Wait Beach. Mr. Ebenezer Miller. Mr. Elisha Smith. Mr. Jabez Gillett. Mr. Elisha Smith. Mr. Nathaniel Austin. Mr. Wait Beach. Mr. John Gillett. Mr. Phineas North. Mr. William Battle. Mr. Elisha Smith. Mr. William Battell. Mr. Elisha Smith. Mr. William Battell. Mr. Elisha Smith. Mr. William Battell. Mr. Phineas North. Mr. Jabez Gillett. Mr. Elisha Smith. Mr. Jabez Gillett. Mr. Elisha Smith. Mr. Jabez Gillett. Mr. Phine.is North. Mr. William Battell, Jr. Mr. Elisha Smith. Mr. William Battell, Jr. Phineas North. William Battell. Elisha Hinsdale. William Battell. Elisha Hinsdale. 266 H ISTORY OF ORRINGTON. 1806, May. Oct. 1807, May. Oct. 1808, May. Oct. 1809, May. Oct. I8I0, May. Oct. I8II, May. Oct. I8I2, May. Aug. Oct. I8I3, May. Oct. 1814, May. Oct. 1815, Ja.n. May. Oct. I8I6, May. Oct. I8I7, May. Oct. I8I8, May. Oct. I8I9. 1820. I82I. 1822. William Battell, Jr. Elisha Hinsdale. William Battell, Jr. Elisha Smith. Normjn Griswold. Elisha Smith. William Battell. Elisha Smith. William Battell. Elisha Smith. William Battell. Elisha Smith. William Battell. Lyman Wetmore. John Gillett, Jun. Lyman Wetmore. John Gillett, Jr. Lyman Wetmore. Thaddeus Griswold. Elisha Smith. Norman Griswold. Elisha Smith. William Batell. Elisha Smith. Thaddeus Griswold. Elisha Smith. Thaddeus Griswold. Lyman Wetmore. Thaddeus Griswold. Erastus Hodges. Thaddeus Griswold. Erastus Hodges. John Gillett, Jr. Lyman Wetmore. Wm. Battell. Lyman Wetmore. John Gillett, Jr. Lyman Wetmore. John Gillett, Jr. Abel Hinsdale. Uriel Tuttle. Russell C. Abernethy. William Battell. Russell C. Abernethy. Thaddeus Griswold. Russell C. Abernethy. Thaddeus Griswold. Lyman Wetmore. William Battell. Lyman Wetmore. John Gillett, Jr. Lyman Wetmore. John Gillett, Jr. Abel Kinsdale. William Battell. Elihu Cook. John Gillett, Jr. Elihu Cook. John Gillett, Jr. John Gillett, Jr. Abel Hinsdale. Matthew Grant. 1822. Samuel Woodward. 1823. Levi Munsell. [ohn Gillett, Jr. 1824. Levi Munsell. Isaac H. Dibble. 1825. Russell C. Abernethy. Isaac H. Dibble. 1826. Erastus Hodges. Uriel Tuttle. 1827. Erastus Hodges. William Battell. 1828. Russell C. Abernethy. William Battell. 1829. Noah Drake, Jr. Horace Gillett. 1830. Noah Drake, Jr. Horace Gillett. 1831. Asaph Gillett. Griswold Woodward. 1832. Erastus Hodges. William Battell. 1833. Martin Webster. Levi Munsell. 1834. Noah Drake. Cicero Hayden. 1835. Ralph Deming. Noah Drake, Jr. 1836. Zaccheus W. Bissell. Giles Whiting. 1837. Giles Whiting. John Gillett. 1838. Lorrain Thrall. Israel Holmes. 1839. Elkanah H. Hodges. Anson Colt, Jr. 1840. Luman Munsell. Anson Colt, Jr. 1 841. Uri Taylor. Luman Munsf;ll. 1842 Uri Taylor. No other recorded. 1843. Griswold Woodward. Asaph Gillett. 1844. Asaph Gillett. Griswold Woodward. 1845. Lyman W. Coe. Dennis Coe. 1846. Lorrain Hindsale. Nelson Roberts. 1847. Lorrain Hindsale. Nelson Roberts. 1848. Jannah B. Phelps. Frederick P. Whiting. 1849. Jannah B. Phelps. Homer F. Thrall. 1850. Albert Bradley. Henry S. Baibour. 1851. Lewis Whiting. John W. Cooke. 1852. Edmund A. Wooding. Leverett Tuttle. 1853. Noah Drake. Lists of Names. 267 1853. L. Thompson. 1854. Noah Drake. Henry Hopkins. 1855. N. Roberts. C. A. Winship. 1856. George P. Bissell. Lewis A. Thrall. 1857. George P. Pissell. Lewis A. Thrall. 1858. Thomas A. Miller. Samuel J. Stocking. 1859. Thomas A. Miller. Andrew Roberts. i860. Harlow Fyler. Francis N. Holley. 1861. Harvey L. Rood. George L. Whiting. 1862. B. R. Agard. Roderick Bissell. 1863. Alonzo Whiting. Henry G. Colt. 1864. Lauren Wetmore. James Ashborn. 1865. Henry S. Barbour. Elijah Woodward. 1866. O. R. Fyler. W. H. Barber. 1867. Roger C. Barber. Elisha Turner. 1868. Joseph F. Calhoun. Thomas A. Starks. 1869. Charles Hotchkiss. Edward B. Birge. 1870. J. W. Phelps. Luther Bronson. 1871. E. C. Hotchkiss. John M. Burr. 1872. F. J. Seymour. Wait B. Wilson. 1873. Charles McNeil. James Alldis. 1874. Charles McNeil. Charles F. Church. 1875. Charles F. Brooker. Edward C. Hotchkiss. 1876. Charles McNeil. John W. Gamwell. 1877. Levi Hodges. Achille F. Migeon. Town Clerks. Dea. John Cook, 1740 to 1779, 38 yrs. Gen. Epaph. Sheldon, 1779 ^° '79S> '5 '' Esqr. Elisha Smith, 1795 to 1813, 18 " [ohn Gillett, !i3 to 1823, Russell C. Abernethy, 1823 to 1827, 4 " John Gillett, i827toi83i, 4" Russell C. Abernethy, i83itoi8 35, 4" John Gillett, 1835 to 1837, 2 " Russell C. Abernethy, 1837 to 1838 John Gillett, 1838 to 1844, Francis N. Holley, Giles A. Gaylord, Henry S. Barbour, Gideon H. Welch, Fred. F. Fuessenich, 1844 to 1850, 1850 to 1851, I 1851 to 1870, 19 1870 to 1877, 7 1877. I yrs. 6 " 6 " 1777. Epaphras Sheldon. Amos Wilson. Ephraim Bancroft. Shubael Griswold. Elijah Gaylord. 1778. Noah Wilson. Shubael Griswold. Abner Loomis. Noah North. Jabez Gillett. 1779. Ephraim Bancroft. John Strong. Noah North. 1780. Epaphras Sheldon. Abner Loomis. Daniel Hudson. Noah North. David Soper. Selectmen.' 1781. 1782. 1783. 1784. Epaphras Sheldon. Abner Loomis. Amos Wilson. Jesse Coolc. Jabez Gillett. Amos Wilson. Jabez Gillett. Abner Loomis. Shubael Griswold. Daniel Grant. Amos Wilson. David Soper. Noah North. Jabez Gillett. Abner Loomis. Elisha Smith. David Soper. Daniel Grant. ■'1' In consequence of the loss of the First Book of Records of the town meetings, the list before 1777, could not be given. The record of town clerks before that date was ob- tained from the town treasurer's book. 268 History of Torringtok. 1784. Austin Haydon. Abijah Wilson. 1785. Amos Wilson. Austin Haydon. Elisha Smith. David Soper. Thomas IVIarshall. 1786. Elisha Smith. David Soper. Austin Haydon. Thomas Marshall. Eikanah Hodges. 1787. Eikanah Hodges. Zachariah Mather. Abijah Wilson. Samuel Austin, Stephen Fyler. 1788. Abijah Wilson. Zachariah Mather. Caleb Lyman. David Soper. Stephen Fyler. 1789. Wait Beach. Jabez Gillett. Asahel Miller. 1790. Wait Beach. Daniel Dibble. George Miller. 1791. Eikanah Hodges. William Battell. Seth Wetmore. John Gillett. Ebenezer Lyman. 1792. Eikanah Hodges. William Battell. Seth Wetmore. John Gillett. Ebenezer Lyman. 1793. Eikanah Hodges. William Battell. Seth Wetmore. ]ohn Gillett. Ebenezer Lyman. 1794. Elisha Smith. Nathaniel Austin. Seth Wetmore. Joseph Gaylord. Fhineas North. 1795. Seth Wetmore. Joseph Gaylord. Nathaniel Austin. Elisha Smith. Phineas North. 1796. Elisha Smith. Daniel Dibble. Phineas North. Joseph Gaylord. Stephen Fyler. 1797. Elisha Smith. Daniel Dibble. Stephen Fyler. Jabez Gillett. 1797. 1798. 1799. 1802. 1803. 1804. 1805. 1806. 1807. 1808. 1809. 1810. 1811. 1812. 1813. 1814. 1815. 1816. 1817. Joseph Phelps. Guy Wolcott. Nathaniel Austin Phineas North. Michael Loomis. Noah North. Elisha Smith. John Gillett. Noah North. Elisha Smith. John Gillett. Noah North. Elisha Smith. fohn Gillett. Phineas North. Elisha Smith. John Gillett. Phineas North. Elisha Smith. John Gillett. Phineas North. Elisha Smith. John Gillett. Phineas North. Elisha Smith. John Gillett. Phineas North. Elisha Smith. John Gillett. Phineas North. Elisha Smith. John Gillett. Phineas North. Elisha Smith. Phineas North. Thaddeus Griswold. Phineas North. Thaddeus Griswold. Lyman Wetmore. Lyman Wetmore. Thaddeus Griswold. William Whiting. Lyman Wetmore. Thaddeus Griswold. William Whiting. Lyman Wetmore. Thaddeus Griswold. William Whiting. Matthew Grant. Norman Griswold. Elihu Cook. Matthew Grant. Norman Griswold. Elihu Cook. Matthew Grant. Norman Griswold. Elihu Cook. Elihu Cook. Norman Griswold. Matthew Grant. Elihu Cook. Daniel G. Humphrey. Lists of Names. 269 1817. Noah Drake, Jr. 1818. Elihu Cook. Daniel G. Humphrey. Noah Drake, Jr. 1819. Elihu Cook. Daniel G. Humphrey. Noah Drake, Jr. 1820. Isaac H. Dibble. Aaron Smith. Barzillai Hudson. 1821. Benjamin Phelps. Barzillai Hudson. Asaph Gillett. Isaac H. Dibble. 1822. Asaph Gillett. Isaac H. Dibble. Benjamin Phelps. Barzillai Hudson. 1823. Asaph Gillett. Barzillai Hudson. Benjamin Phelps. Uriel Tuttle. 1824. Benjamin Phelps. Barzillai Hudson. Levi Munsell: Uriel Tuttle. Levi Munsell. 1825. Benjamin Phelps. Barzillai Hudson. Uriel Tuttle. 1826. Levi Munsell. Uriel Tuttle. Russell C. Abernethy. Uri Taylor. 1827. Russell Abernethy. Uri Taylor. Griswold Woodward. Noah Drake, Jr. 1828. Noah Drake, Jr. Uri Taylor. Martin Webster. Griswold Woodward. 1829. Noah Drake, Jr. Demas Coe. Martin Webster. Griswold Woodward. 1830. Noah Drake, Jr. Martin Webster. George Bissell. Giiswold Woodward. 1831. Erastus Hodges. Martin Webster. Levi Munsell. Demas Coe. 1832. Horace Gillett. Erastus Hodges. Demas Coe. Levi Munsell. 1833. Erastus Hodges. Horace Gillett. Noah Drake, Jr. Demas Coe. 1834. Trumbull Ives. Russell C. Abernethy. Griswold Woodward. Noah Drake, Jr. 1835. Noah Drake, Jr. Trumbull Ives. Edmund A. Wooding. Cicero Hayden. 1836 Griswold Woodward. Noah Drake, Jr. Cicero Hayden. Edmund A. Wooding. 1837. Griswold Woodward. Lorrain Thrall. Milo Burr. Marcus Munsell. 1838. Lorrain Thrall. Uri Taylor. Marcus Munsell. Jannah B. Phelps. 1839. Frederick P. Whiting. Uri Taylor. Noah Drake, Jr. Jannah B. Phelps. 1840. Uri Taylor, Frederick P. Whiting. Jannah B. Phelps. Noah Drake, Jr. 1 841. Barzillai Hudson. Uri Whiting. 1842. Barzillai Hudson. Uri Whiting. 1843. Barzillai Hudson. Uri Whiting. 1844. Barzillai Hudson. Nelson Alvord. Asaph Gillett. 1845. Barzillai Hudson. Asaph Gillett. Nelson Alvord. 1846. Barzillai Hudson, Nelson Alvord. Frederick P. Whiting. 1847. Barzillai Hudson. George P. Bissell. Frederick P. Whiting. 1848. Barzillai Hudson. George P. Bissell. Frederick P. Whiting. 1849. George P. Bissell. Anson Colt. 1850. Frederick P. Hills. Barzillai Hudson. 1851. Barzillai Hudson. Frederick P. Hills. Harmon Cook 1852. Frederick P. Hills. Barzillai Hudson. Harmon Cook. 1853. Frederick P. Hills. Barzillai Hudson. Harmon Cook. s \ 270 1854. 1855. 1856. 1857. 1858. 1859. i860. I86I. 1862. 1863. 1864. 1865. MiSTORY OF TORRINGTON. Barzillai Hudson. Frederick P. Hills. Ephraim Fellows. Harmon Cook. Horace Loomis. Elijah Woodward. Harmon Cook. Horace Loomis. Elijah Woodward. Frederick P. Hills. George P. Bissell. Elijah Woodward. Harmon Cook. Levi Hodges. Clark B. Downs. Harmon Cook. Levi Hodges. Charles Hotchkiss. Levi Hodges. Harvey L. Rood. Harmon Cook. Bradley R. Agard. Alonzo Whiting. Harvey L. Rood. Bradley R. Agard. Alonzo Whiting. Harvey L. Rood. Bradley R. Agard. Alonzo Whiting. Harvey L. Rood. Bradley R. Agard. Alonzo Whiting. Harvey L. Rood. Bradley R. Agard. Alonzo Whiting. Harvey L. Rood. 1866. Bradley R. Agard. Roger C. Barber. Alonzo Whiting. 1867. Bradley R. Agard. Roger C. Barber. Alonzo Whiting. 1868. Bradley R. Agard. Alonzo Whiting. James G. Woodward. 1869. Bradley R. Agard. Julius Wooding. John M. Burr. 1870. Bradley R. Agard. [ulius Wooding. John M. Burr. 1871. Bradley R. Agard. John M. Burr. Lyman R. Pond. 1872. Lyman W. Coe. Edward B. Birge. Julius Wooding. 1873. Samuel Brooker. Wait B. Wilson. Edward B. Birge. 1874. Bradley R. Agard. Joseph Newbury. John W. Gamwell. 1875. Bradley R. Agard. Joseph A. Newbury. |ohn W. Garnwell. 1876. Bradley R. Agard. Joseph A. Newbury. John W. Gamwell. 1877. Bradley R. Agard. Elijah Woodward. Joseph A. Newbury. \ Freemen. " A list of the names of persons admitted to be freemen of the state of Connecticut, in the town of Torrington, with the time when they were respectively sworn, after the Declaration of Independence of the United states" (town record). 1777. Epaphras Sheldon. Ashbel North. Abner Loomis. Noah Gleason. Elisha Smith. Bushniel Benedict. Epaphras Sheldon, Jr. Benjamin Bissell. Joel Loomis. Ebenczer Lyman. Amos Wihon. John Cook, Esq. [oseph Drake. John Cook, Jr Shubael Cook. Jabez Gillett. 1777. Matthew Grant. Noah Fowler. Benjamin Whiting. Abel Beach. Levi Thrall. Shubael Griswold. Jotham Ives, [ohn Birge. Simeon Richards. Jonathan Coe. Abner Marshall Benjamin Phelps. Ebenezer North. Samuel Beach. Ebenezer North , Jr. Ebenezer Coe. Lists of Names. 271 1777. Elijah Barber. John Wetmore. Moses Loom's. John Whiting. Benjamin Beach. Joseph Beach. Abraham Loomis. Abel Beach, Jr. Abijah Wilson. John Curtiss. Salmon Agard. Asahel Strong. Ephraim Bancroft, Jr. Elkanah Hodges. Issachar Loomis. Epaphras Loomis. Nathan Kelsey. Eli Loomis. Peter Parker. David Soper. John Strong. Caleb Lyman. Ephraim Bancroft. Daniel Hudson. Asahel Wilcox. John Burr, Jr. Noah Wilson. James Bacon. Noah North. Timothy Loomis. Noah Wilson, Jr. Joseph Allyn. 1778. Daniel Dibble. Asaph Atwater. Asa Foot. David Norton. 1779. Jonathan Kelsey. Michael Loomis. Roger Wilson. William Wilson. Noah Beach. Fitch Loomis. Thomas Matthews. Daniel Winchel. Samuel Cummins. Elisha Bissell. Seth Coe. Joseph Frisbie. Simeon Birge. Joseph Loomis. Silas Fyler. Pardon Thrall. George Frazier Ambrose Marshall. John Stancliff. David Goff. Ephraim Loomis. Thomas Ellsworth. Andrew Austin. Urijah Cook. Richard Leach. Elisha Frances. 1779. 1780. 1781. 1782. 1783. 1784. 1785. 1786. 1787. 1788. 1789. 1790. 1791- Caleb Leach. Asahel North. Aaron Marshall. Isaiah I'uttle. Bela Camp. Thomas Marshall. John Richards. William Grant, Jr. Samuel Cummins. George Baldwin. Elijah Hurlbut. Stephen Taylor. Asa Loomis. Richard Loomis. Oliver Bissell. William Phelps. Seth Wetmore. Eliphalet Austin. Asahel Miller. Jedidiah Cummins. Samuel Woodward. Simeon Moore. Moses Loomis. Elihu Cook. Joseph Phelps. Richard Leach, Jr. Daniel Deming. Benoni Hills, Jr. Joseph Taylor. Joseph Holmes. William Whiting Daniel Thrall. Penfield Goodsell. Benoni Leach. Norman Griswold. William Pierpont. John Fyler. Samuel Wetmore. Ebenezer Miller, Jr. Nathan Kelsey, Jr. Guy Wolcott. Harvey Whiting. Elijah Bissell. Joel Loomis. Epaphras Loomis. John Strong, Jr. Return Bissell. Raphael Marshall. Rozel Wilson. Ashbel Bronson. Seth Holmes. Jonathan Phelps. Lemuel Loomis. Elihu Barber. Eli Barber. Noadiah Bancroft. Phineas North. David Leavenworth. Jabez Beardsley. Charles Dix. Abner Coe. William Shatiuck, Ill History of Torrington, 1794. Nehemiah Gaylord. John Brooker. Roger Marshall. Remembrance North. Stephen Hart. 1795. Russell Burr. Thaddeus Griswold. Lyman Wetmore. David Williams. Oliver Coe. Harvey Palmer. Eli Loomis. 1796. Daniel Potter. Alexander Loomis. Miles Beach. Pomeroy Wetmore. Ira Loomis. Joseph Allyn, Jr. Giles Whiting. James Yale. Roger Loomis. Barzillai Blake. Ebenezer Stoddard. Roger Foot. Samuel Foot. Augustus Humphrey. John Barber. 1797. William Battell. Daniel C. Hudson. Caleb Johnson. 1798. Anson Stone. Elijah Strong. Timothy Humiston. George Miller. Ambrose Potter. Nathaniel Hayden. Henry Miller. Seymour Bradley. Philo Eggleston. Jesse Blake. Rozel Loomis. 1799. Luke Hayden. Zacheus P. Gillett. 1800. Hezekiah Durand . John Gillett, Jr. Aaron Loomis. William Bostwick. Oliver Allyn. Cyrus Loomis. Seth Treadway. Epiiraim Loomis, Jr. Solomon Loomis. Bildad Loomis. Elias Loomis. Samuel Rowley, Jr. William Reynolds. Benjamin Phelps. Pomeroy Leach. 1801. Job Coe. Curtiss Eggleston. Benjamin Agard. Isaac Edgerton. 1801. Abel Beach, Jr. Wait Loomis. Elisha Bissell. Moses Richards. Elijah Gaylord. Horace Gillett. 1802. Daniel Richards. David Eggleston. David Miller. Jeremiah F. Miller. Allen Burr. Timo'hy Loomis, Jr. Uriel Tuttle. Thomas White. Amasa Ives. Elijah Goodwin. Ira Grant. Nathan Gillett, Jr. 1803. Salmon Burr. Chester Loomis, Orange Soper. Jedediah Eggleston. Amos Wilson, Jr. Samuel Beach, Jr. Isaac Bellows. Willard Hodges. Erastus Hodges. Erastus Ives. Norman Fowler. Beniamin Lindsley. 1804. Levi Munsell. Artemas Phillow. Asaph Gillett. Bela Hinman. Moses Rood, Jr. Thomas Hurlbut. Shelburn Ives. Hezekiah Eno. James Eggleston. 1805. Elisha Loomis. Anderson Cone. John Rood. Abel Roberts. James Rowley. Ebenezer Rood, Jr. 1806. Isaac H. Dibble. Aaron Rood. Elihu Moore. Luman Loomis. Moses Drake. Lazarus Ball. Robert Hurlbut. Ormel Leach. Elijah Pond. Ethan Eggleston. Ezekiel Apply. 1807. Levi Beach. Aaron Smith. Rolland Wilson. Harmon Wilson. John Beach, Jr. Charles Richards. Lists of Names. 273 1807. Jannah Phelps. Julius Beach. William Wilson. Gilbert AUyn. Ebenezer Turrell. Benjamin Cowles. 1808. Nathaniel Gaylord. Luther Cook. Peter M. Bissell. Anan Beach. Miles Spencer. Asa Shattuck. 1809. Elisha Bissell. David Shattuck. Selah Whiting. 1810. John Cook, Jr. Aranda Birge. Bassett Dunbar. Russell Dayton. Uri Whiting. Hezekiah Hayden. 1811. George Lyman. Leverett Birge. 1812. Nathaniel Smith. Uri Taylor. George Bissell. Abiel Taylor. Lemuel North. 1813. Joel Atkins. Catlin Bissell. Pelatiah Bissell. David Birge. Clement Carr. Cicero Hayden. Alvan Loomis. Allyn Loomis. Noah North. Levi Shepard. 1814. Charles Andrus. Elijah Woodward. Griswold Woodward. 1815. Homer F. Thrall. Ariel North. George W. Thrall. Willard North. Linus Sage. Alpheus Hodges. Norris Coe. Demas Coe. Norman Wilson. Daniel Tuttle. Giles Gaylord. Chester Birge. Asa Loomis. 1816. Abijah Osbon. James Wolcott. Henry E. Hodges. Rodney Brace. Joseph Miller. Abijah Munn. Samuel Seymour. Samuel Fyler. 35 18 1 6. Fitch Bissell. Lewis Austin. Stephen Fyler, Jr. Prescott Pond. Ambrose Fyler. William H. Whiting. Cyrus Bissell. Anson Loomis. Elias Gillett. George Roberts. Reuben Fyler. 1817. Warren Loomis. Alanson H. Kimberly. Harlow Fyler. Jubal Fyler. Orlen Loomis. Hiram Loomis. George Chase. Elisha Apley. Lewis Murray. Henry Roberts. Harlem Brace. Henry Dayton. Anson Colt, Jr. Truman Brace. Riley Griswold. Arthur Loomis. Allyn Miller. Edwin Bissell. Pelatiah Cadwell, Jr. Elizur Wolcott. Elijah M. Gaylord. David Winchell. Moses Bancroft. Thomas Hurlbut. Hezekiah Drake. Rufus Drake. Israel Coe. Horace Loomis. Julius Watkins. 1818. Michael Loomis, Jr. Leverett Tuttle. Newton Rossiter. Daniel C. Humphrey, Jr. Riley Lyman. Horace Bancroft. Trumbull Ives. Joseph Tolls. Hiram Winchell. Ira Parker. Stephen Griswold. Henry Gaylord. Chester Clark. Samuel Addis. Ebenezer Winchell. Phelps McCoe. Horace Mather. Chester Bancroft. Joseph Holcomb. Reuben Loomis. Riley Cook. Martin Webster. 274 History of Torrington. 1818. John Ellsworth. James Leach. Samuel Thrall. Luman Hinman. Marvin Barber. Augustus Grant. Joseph Eggleston. Myron Leach. Rial Burr. Milo Burr. Jeremiah Bown. William Leach. Porter Bissell. Henry F. Osborn. Ira Mason. John Cook, 4th. Joseph Lewis. Austin Moses. Alfred French. Henry Wattles. Rufus Moses. Horace Loomis. Dudley Sulivan. Erastus Bancroft. John Cook, 3d. Chester Johnson. Ira Hoyt. Christopher Pierce. Amasa Scoville. Randal Covey. Abijah Coe. Elijah Pond, Jr. Silas White. Ransley Birge. Samuel H. Foot. Matthew Grant. Samuel Deliber. Warren Bancroft. Eaton Ellsworth. Nathan Thrall. Sylvanus Cook. Julius Scoville. Sylvester Coe. Curtis Tuttle. Levi Holmes. Benjamin Curtiss. John Taylor. Luman Carr. Ambrose Thorp. Roderick Bissell. Spencer Garrett. Samuel Bartlett. Truman Seymour. 1 819. Amos Northrop. Heman Childs. Asa Hull. Curtiss Tomlinson. Sanford Palmer. William H. Hurlbut. Elihu Barber, Jr. Israel Gross. James Grant. 18 1 9. Pelatiah Roberts. Grandison Loomis. Timothy Cotton. Levi Dutton. Joshua Leach. 1820. Truman Merrill. Elisha Loomis. Leonard Bissell. Welcome Clemence. Jeremiah Page. Benjamin Eggleston. James H. Seymour. Artemas Rowley. Cyrus North. James Whiting. Charles Woodward. George O. Jarvis. 1821. Horatio Grant. Leverett Scott. Asahel Coe. Frederick P. Whiting. Dennis Hart. Frederick Rowe. Albro Cowles. Roswell Birge. Christopher Perkins. Jabez Gibbs. Chauncey Shattuck. Joel Wright. Reuben Smith. Miles Beach, Jr. Leonard Griswold. Rufus Patchen. Lauren Roberts. Daniel Richards. Uriel Johnson. Ralph Dunbar. Abner Loomis. Henry Allyn, 2d. Luther Birge. William E. Russell. 1822. Asahel Howd. Joshua Thrall. George D. Wadhams. Marcus Munsill. Willard Barber. Lucretius Moore. Miles Apley. Henry Trowbridge. George Beach. Abram Loomis. Lorrain North. Lemuel Loomis, Jr. Seth Smith. Hiram Phelps. David White. Andrew Kingsley. 1823. Marvin Henderson. Norman Coe. Truman Baldwin. Eben M. Hills. Lorrain Hinsdale. L ISTS OF N AMES. 275 1823. Alvan Looinis. John Grant. Henry Deary. John Ostrum. 1824. William Greer. Jonah Dayton. Lyman Baldwin, De Witt C. Dickinson. James H. Hubbard. Thomas Cook. William H. Masters. Minard Van De Bogert. Albert Bradley. Noel Merrill. Joel Ball. Harry Bissell. Ira Johnson, Jr. Abel S. Leach. Frederick Spencer. Elizur Johnson. Phineas North. Chauncey Allyn. Herman Wilson. Hiram J. White. Lauren Wetmore. Jedediah Munn. Martin Sage. 1825. Ralph P. Judd. Randall Shattuck. Lyman B. Squires. Darius Moore. Harvey Goodwin. John H. Tuttle. Charles Pierpont. Hiram Burr. Amos Ward. Charles M. Lines. Charles Clark. William Bissell. George Boothe. Enoch Sperry. Frederick North. 1826. Harvey Ford. Samuel Scott. Ansel Cook. David Fletcher. Elijah L Cummins. Theodore Leach. Heman Wadhams. Elkanah Barber. Wm. W. Munson. Gilman Hinsdale. Edmund Phillow. Henry Thompson. Lewis Miller. Converse Clark. Thomas More. Benjamin Dealing. Addison Palmer. Hiram Barber. William Baldwin. H. Alvord. 1827. Lorrain Moss. Garwood H. Beckwith. Abner W. Jenkins. Leonard H. Goodwin. George P. Bissell. Wells Fyler. Alanson Mitchel. Edward Calkins. Joshua Brad. Albert Grant. Ira Thrall. Eliphalet Smith. Luke Thrall. Norman Leach. Eber Coe. Nathaniel Birge. Stephen Smith. William Phipany. Jairus Case. 1828. Emery Taylor. Luman Munsell. Norman Apley. Rufus Burr. John C. Barber. Eber Gibbs. Stirling Woodruff. Otis Burnham. Allyn Roberts Edward Denny. Harman Cook. Harry Miller. Hiram A. Pettibone. Samuel Spencer. Tudor Pease. Russell Brooker. Thomas A. Miller. Henry Colt. Elisha S. Abernethy. Levi Loomis. Horace C. Gillett. James Perry. Sebo Beach. 1829. Aurora Morey, Hiram Rustin. Justus Loomis. Rufus Eggleston. Charles Johnson. Orson Barber Allyn Burr. Willard Birge. Bennett Palmer. Ranson P. Ellsworth. Anson Williams. 1830. Frederick B. Wadhams. Homer Fowler. Sheldon Barber. James Harris. Nelson Alvord. George M. Goodwin. Marcus Eggleston. Asa E. Perkins. Simeon Loomis. 276 History of Torrington. 1830. Giles L. Gaylord. Lorrain Smith. Augustus J. Taylor. Horace Rowley. Chester Bristol. Lemuel Munson. Linus Johnson. Lewis Whiting. Seth S. Treadway. William R. Gould. Riley Dunbar. 1831. David Evans. Lewis Sperry. Anson Hine. Sylvester Hurlbut. Robert Pelton. William Durand. Silas D. Spaulding. Nelson Allyn. Henry Hungerford. 1832. Samuel A. Groves. Henry Judd. James F. Harding. Miletus Huxford. Charles Smith. Hiram Munsell. Hiram Bronson. Caleb Cone. William B. Spencer. Dennis Dudley. John Frisbie. Joseph Allyn, 2d. Wait B. Wilson. Orrin Hi Hard. Edwin Hodges. James Raymond. 1833. Luther Miller. Joel Hall. Harvey H. Gross. Charles Treadway. Henry D. Denison. Merritt White. George Watson. David Davids. Joseph A. Newberry. Elkanah Fox. Ebenezer W. Beach. Oliver E. Gross. Levi Hurlbut. Elkanah H. Hodges. Lucius Dunbar. Tullius C. Hayden. Russell Tiffany. 1834. Ebenezer Sexton. Oliver Hamlin. Lucius Leach. Alfred G. Morgan. Asa G. Adams. Aaron S. W. Goodwin. Charles S. Church. Arvid Dayton. George L. Whiting. 1834. Lewis A. Thrall. Shaylor F>ler. David Tallmadge, Jr. Albert Loomis. James O'Brian. Prosper Merrills. John L Bissell. Jesse York. Horace Thompson. Stephen York. Harmon Dayton. Dennis Phillow. Abel K. Hinsdale. Richard Sperry. 1835. William Wedge. Henry H. Newell. Philo A. Loomis. Timothy W. Loomis. Charles M. Munson. Ephraim Loomis. Benj. F. Waugh. Levi T. Munsell. Ransom A. Dunbar. Asa R. Hamlin. Milo Winchell. Alonzo Whiting. Starr Holcomb. John W. Scoville. John Clark. Julius Daily. 1836. Elijah Starkweather. Alpha Rood. Edmund Wooding. Eber Rinck. Lucius Bissell. David W. Pond. Joseph Barrett. Hart H. Belding. Nelson Caul. Lewis Carrington. Nelson Roberts. Calvin Rood. Henry A. Peet. Collins Holcomb. Joseph C. Hall. Frederick Phelps. John M. Thompson, Alexander McKenzie. Nathan B. Phelps. Lorrain B. Rood. Spencer A. Terrel. Jerome A. Johnson. George W. Gross. George Canfield. Fitch R. Babcock. Linus Scovill. George Scovill. fames Walling. Thomas M. Starks. Rufus Cone. George Leach. Alexander A. Gillett. Lists of Names. 277 1836. Richard W. Griswold, Oliver S. Hills. Charles H. Judd. Joel Scoville. Gilbert Mason. Joel Loomis. Ebenezer Edmons. 1837. Frank L. Whiting. George H. Birge. Lorrain Tibbals. Joseph Scott. Samuel Winchell. George Dunbar. Larandus Beach. Lyman Andrews. 1838. William F. Hungerford Elias E. Oilman. Edward Mott. William H. Pond. Charles S. Mason. Lucius H. Foot. Frederick L. Taylor. Stanley Griswold. Henry Jackson. Charles Mansfield. Frederck W. Brown. Wolcott Cook. Ansel Cartright. William B. Wilson. Peleg Elmore. Samuel Bradley, Jr. Levi Hodges. Julius J. Phelps. William H. Leach. William F. Foot. 1839. William W. Waugh. Roswell C. Loomis. David W. Carrington. John M. Cook. Buel Austin. George H. Mason. Lewis Cook. Reuben B. Cook. Giles M. Smith. William S. Pond. Allyn A. Clark. Timothy E. Miller. Nelson Hart. Caleb Daniels. David N. Lyman. 1840. Harvey L. Rood. Horatio Wilson. Henry Hayden. Milton Huxley. Emory Morris. Daniel Robertson. Luman Chapman. Addison Johnson. Emory Loomis. William F. Strong. Smith A. Harris. James H. Perry. 1840. James H. Tuttle. Samuel W. Squires. John F. Balker. Charles T. Daniels. Elliot C. Tallmadge. Jonah Allyn, 2d. Lester K. Gaines. George P. Cowles. George W. French. James Scofield. George W. Pona. Aaron Penniston. Herbert F. Combs. Aralzaman Carr. Lyman L. Clark. Ira Mott. Erastus Lyman. George Addis. Hyman Buel. . David Combs. James Grant. Charles Cooper. James Gardner. Patrick Dellahant. 1841. Edwin C. Drake. George F. Seymour. Albert M. Westlake. Miles Grant. Richard Hennisee. 1842. Ransom W. Castle. James Dunwell. Nathan Tubbs. Bishop Squires. George Waugh. Charles L. Clark. Peter Ranney. Joseph L Morris. Gerry Winchell. Martin Dunbar. William W. Webster. Lucius Andrews. William Chapman. 1843. Rollin Fyler. Uri C. Burr. Charles T. Bancroft. Walter M. Hungerford. Joseph Eaves. Frank R. Ensign. Warren R. Curtiss. Charles F. Scofield. George H. Bowne. William B. Jones. William A. Grant. Justus Dayton. Matthew H. Grant. Daniel A. Grant. Crawford Ladd. Chester Cadwell. Ralph Palmer. Benjamin H. Morse. George Woodward. Joseph Huntington. 278 History of Torrington. 1843. Larenson Wilson. Horace Cook. Cornelius D. Cook. Samuel Day. Marshall Grilley. 1844. Chester R. Adkins. Warren Roberts. Charles Dayton. Scott Baker. Chailes HoUis. Lucijs B. FoUett. William D. Aldrich. Tho;nas Long. Lewis W. Thrall. Samuel Sperry. Luther L. Leach. John W. Rood. Chester Smith. Corridon L. Dutton. Francis M. Hale. George W. Church. Elijah Woodward. Philander P. Humphrey. Rufus Rood. Nelson Alvord, 2d Stephen Gladding. Samuel Weeks. Samuel Burr. Amos Parsons. William L. Boughton. James B Tallmadge. Henry B. Baker. William La Fogg. Hiram Lyman. Ira Hoyt, Jr. Theodore llobbins. Edward Hubbard. Daniel Brown. Julius R. Pond. Lorrain Curtiss. Homer Johnson. Austin N. Hungerford. Albert Sedgwick. Midian N. Griswold. 1845. Harvey Dayton. Chester Drake. Hiram Cobb. John R. Sedgwick. Henry Hurlbut. William O'Rourke. Ariel North. 1846. Charles G. Pond. William Cooper. Asa Wattles. Eli B. Barnes. George O Smith. Jerome Webster. Elijah Witherell. Frederick J. Seymour. Frederick Perkins. James C. Hayden. Daniel Burness. 1846. Frances King. George N. Blakeslee. Newton Morse. Giles W. Smith. Ira Brasee. Andrew E. Hull. Gaylord G. Bissell. Hermon Loomis. John Youngs. Edward Hill. Corydon Shepard. William R. Loomis. Edward Curtiss. Elias H. Rood. 1847. James G. Woodward. Samuel T. Seelye. Lorenzo E. Gore. Daniel Kerby. Rufus W. Gillett. Ashbell G. Bradford. Cornelius Winship. Henry P. Ostrum. Julius F. Blakeslee. Henry L. Smith. Albert P. Barber. Edward H. Tuttle. Charles Gale. Anson B. Rice. Orrin Potter. Lathrop Messenger. Ambrose Curtiss. Charles Pilgrim. Charles Catljn. Edward Root. William H. Moore. McKenzie Millard. Robert Wright. Warham Curtiss. Francis Burr. James Green. Harlem W. Brace. 1848. Joseph F. Calhoun. George W. Loomis. Sheldon Beach. Charles N. North. Giles D. Aden. Cornelius SkitF. Benjamin Warner. Cyrus Hubbard. David Beach. George A. Hubbell. Henry Davis. William M. Bennett. Lucius Burr. James Roberts. John G. Titus. Oliver Titus. Charles Grant. Russell Perkins. Rodman O. Pilgrim. Lemuel E. Coe. Chauncey Porter, Jr. Lists of Names. 279 1848. Alpheus H. Chickering. Mahlon W. Bancroft. Luke Barber. John N. Whiting. Truman Barber. Jolin Bennett. John C. Gillett. Marcus Dayton. Joseph Rood. Dana L. Hungerford. Abiel Taylor. Isaac M. Simons. Gillett Burr. Warren C. Clark. George Piatt. Lyman R. Pond. Martin V. Drake. Squire Scoville. John A. McKinstry. Russell Millard, Jr. John Parker. Jesse B. Rose. 1849. Albert H. Smith. ^ Edward Thorp. George Hurlbut. Henry P. Johnson. 1849. ^^' ^- Cheeseborough. Stephen Chase. 1850. Nathan Benjamin. Jeremiah W. Phelps. Joseph B. Whiting. Edward Rice. Lewis S. Smith. Harvey E. Bailey. Frederick Bailey. Franklin Abbott. William Moses. Henry Kimberly. James Birge. Eli Welden. Fayette Smith. Charles W. Cook. Benjamin N. Beardslee. Alfred Brown. Moses Weed. John Scoville. William Busby. Norman Goodwin. Willard O. Barber. Samuel J. Stocking. Alfred Starr. Alexander Francis. Marriages. Recorded by Rev. Nathaniel Roberts. Agard, Abigail, to Joshua Parsons of Farmington, April 29, 1762. " Elizabeth, to Benoni Hills, Oct. 28, 1773. " Hezekiah, of Litchfield, to Abigail Damon, Dec. 17, 1751. " Mary, to Oliver Coe, Oct. 7, 1762. Sarah, to Friend Thrall, Nov. 23, 1774. David, to Elizabeth Wetmore, Sept. 8, 1774. Ephraim, to Jemima Loomis, Nov. 2. 1775. Esther, to Roswell Coe, April 22, 1766. Elijah, to Mary Hills, July 10, 1766. Thomas, of Goshen, to Jerusha Loomis, Oct. 24, 1754. " William, Jr., to widow Brown, June 16, 1768. Bartholomew, Sarah, to Zacharia Leach, Sept. 4, 1769. Alvord, Bancroft, (( Barber, cc Beach, « ( Wilcox, Wilkinson, Wilson, « « Young, Ambrose, of Litchfield, to Elizabeth Taylor, Oct. 30, 1754. Thomas, Jr., to Desire Tuttle, Jan. 30, 1764. George, to Phebe Hurlbut, of VVetiieiifield, June 29, 1775. Ashbel, to Ruth Lyman, Jan. 26, 1757. Ebenezer, Jr., to Jerusha Cawles, Feb. 16, 1769. Lucy, to Amasa Cowles, Feb. 25, 1766. Martin, to Abigail Eno, April 2, 1760. Noah, to Jemima Loomis, March 25, 1756. Sibyl to Samuel Cowles, April 14, 1756. Joshua ot Farmington, to Abigail Agard, April 29, 1762. Esther, to Abel Beach, Jr , March 12, 1774. Benjamin, to Isabel Loomis, Oct. 16, 1755. Dinah, ot Winchester, to Wm. FiUey, Jan. 13, 1759. Rev. Nathaniel, to Margaret, dau. of Rev. J. Marsn of Windsor, Nov. 22, 1743- Rev. Nathaniel, to Esther Loomis, Nov. 7, 1848. Eunice, to Jesse Wilkinson, May 17, 1771. Mary, to Daniel Thrall, March ii, 1773. Elisha, to Lucy Loomis, Nov. 25, 1775. David, to Rachel Cook, Jan. 26, 1764. Timothy, to Deborah Stark, June, 1766. Deborah, to Timothy Soper, June, 1766. Asahel, Jr., to Marv Young, Dec. 2, I773. Mindwcll, to Samuel Evert, May 27, 1762. Elizabeth, to Ambrose Marsh of Litchfield, Oct. 30, 1754. Chloe, to Robert Coe, Dec. 26, 1764. Daniel, to Mary Sheffield, March 11, 1773. Elizabeth, to Joseph Thrall, March 23, 1758. Friend, to Sarah Agard, Nov. 23. 1774. Joseph, to Elizabeth Thrall, March 23, 1758. Levi to Mary Whiting, Nov. 15, 1770. Desire, to Thomas Marshall, Jr., Jan. 30, 1764. Rhoda, to Noah Fowler, Feb. ic, 1774. Stephen, of Goshen, to Lydia Lyman, March 23, 1758. Daniel, to widow Hannah Beach, Nov. 9, 1761. Joel, to Sarah Lyman the younger, Nov. 23, 1763. Elizabeth, to David Alvord, Sept. 8, 1774. Josiah, to Sarah Loomis, Nov. 2, 1775. Mary, to Levi Thrjll, Nov. 15, 1770. Asahel, to Mary Coe, Sept. 13, 1762. Jesse, to Eunice R^pberts, May 17, 1 771. Amos, to Zerviah Grant, Oct. 16, O. S., 1732. Abijah, to iVIargaret Beach, Oct. 5, 1767. Noah, Jr., to Hannah Young, Nov. 24, 1763. Ann, to Ebenezer Lyman, Oct. 20, 1774. Hannah, to Noah Wilson, Nov. 24, 1763. Mary, to Asahel Strong, Dec. 2, 1773. By Rev. Alexander Gillet. Agard, Apley, AUyn, « Bates, Baldwin, Barber, BeJch, Blake, Bronson, Bumpers, Clark, Benjamin, to Rhoda Loomis, April, 7, 1796. Ezekiel, to Sally Rood, Feb. 28, 1803. Joseph Jr., to Sabra Loomis, Mir. 18, 1801. Oliver, to Lucy Loomis, May 7, 1 801. ,to Polly Kimberly of Winchester, May 31, 1795. Samuel, Goshen, to widow Mary Loomis, June, 1792. Abijah, to Mary Loomis, March 19, 1795. Abel, to " Rocksey " Taylor, March 30, 1797. Jesse, to Merilla Loomis, Nov. 29, 1798. Salmon, to Mary Wheaton, both of Winchester, Oct. 3, 1800. Gladding, to Sarah Judd, in winter of 1792. Two, Jan. 21, 1799. 3G 282 History of Torrington. Coe, Deming, Drake, Eggleston, Fay, Foot, Gillet, « Hall, Hills, Hodges, Hudson, Hurlbut, Johnson, Kimberly, Loomis, « « (t (( Lyman, Marshall, Miller, Munsell, Philluw, Richards, Smith, Scone, «'Stor" Strong, Thorp, Thrall, Watson, Weltun, ■Wilson, <( Wright, Abijah, to Sibyl Baldwin, of Goshen, Oct. i8, 1792. Job, to Lois Richards, Feb. 2.4. 1801. Ichabod of Bristol, to Rebecca Loomis, April 4, 1797. John Eason, to Prudence Miner, Dec. 2.2, 1796. Edward, to widow Dinah Judd, of Winchester, March, 1802. Thaddeus, to Esther Lucas, both of Winchester, Oct. 17, 1793. Jared of Goshen, to Anne Wilson, June 19, 1797. Nathan, Jr., to Aingail Wolcott, May 26, 1803. Timothy P., Rev., to Sally Hodges, Nov. 29, 1808. Zacheus Phelps, to Clara Humphrey of Goshen, Dec. 27, 179^- David M., of Wallingford, to M.ndwell Beach, Oct. 30, 1799. Sech, to Amy Lucas, both of Winchester, Nov. 28, 1798. Erastus, to Laura Loomis, Jan. 5, 1809. Daniel Coe, to Mary Loomis, Feb 16, 1797. Joseph, of Vt., to Rhoda Lyman, Feb. 14. 1803. Caleb, to Polly Beach, Dec. 20, 1798. Jacob Jr., of Goshen, to Nancy Pond, June 11, 1797. Ale.Kander, to Submit Spencer, June, 1 792. Asa, to Margaret Loomis, May, 15, 1799- Isachar, to Hephziba Loomis, May 6, 1802. Ira, to Polly Thrall, July 25, 1793' Joel, to Prudence West, May Z3, 1792. Wait, to Sarah Stone, Nov., 1796. Ebenezer, Jr., to Clarissa Loomis, Nov. 4, 1802. Levi, to Polly Gridley, April 19, 1795. David, to Hannah, Nov. 29, 1794. Levi, to Rachel Marshall, Dec. 8, 1799. Artemus, to Louisa Loomis, Dec. 11, 1800. Moses, to Naomi Hurlbut, Jan. i, 1800. Theodore, of Goshen, to Rhoda Wilson, March, 18, 1795. , of Harwinton, to Sarah Hurlbut, Dec. 30, 1800. Anson, to Phebe Miller, April 26, 1796. Josiah, to Patty Green, of Sharon Mountain, Sept. 29, 1793. Samuel, Southington, to Jane Loomis, Oct. 14, 1792. Augustus, to Sibyl Taylor, Feb. 19, 1795. Thomas, New Hartford, to Mele Wetmore, Jan. i, 1797. Jesse, Jr., of Goshen, to Olive Wilson, Jan. 6, 1801. Capt. Amos, to widow Hannah Loomis, March 20, 1793. Amos, Jr., to Sabrah Griswold of Winchester, Mar. 25, 1801. Timothy, of New Hartford, to Triphena Bancroft, May 31, 1798. Marriages Sept. 28, 1820, Nov. 16, li Oct. 12, u Oct. 18, n Oct. 21, « <( ^3, 1820, Nov. 20, i( « 27, ( Apr. 7, '( « 27, (C June 4. June 5. (< J"iy 6, (< J"iy 3> (C Aug. 21, (C (( 27, (< Sept. 20, (( Oct. I, (( <( 18, <( <( 26, « Feb. i, 1824. Dec. 4, <( Mar. 22, <( Apr. 26, (( (( 21, (( Feb. 17. (( Mar. II. Oct. 2, <( Sept. 12, « Nov. II. <( Apr. 8, 1829 Apr. I, <( May 19. (( Aug. 10, <( Sept. 9. a Dec. 25. Sept. 25. Oct. 30, T A (31, Lurandrus Beach, Dover N. H., and Harriet Burr, Torrington. Justus p. Lewis, O., and Polly Ellsworth, Torrington. James B. Wiiite, Winchester, and Sally HuJburt, Torrington. Charles C. Beers, Goshen, and Emma R. Palmer, Torrington. William Hoyt, Wateibury, and Lucy Leach, Torrington. William Smith and Adelia Bowton, Waterbury David F. Daniels, Pieston, and Laura Sperry, Torrington. Henry S. Abbey, Buftalo, and Elizabeth Smith, " Sylvester Hurlbut and Mary Hills, " " 15, " Joseph Grey, Haddam, and Emiline H. Morgan, '• Sept. 25, " Joseph Shires and Laura Leffingwell, *• Feb. 16, 1832, Marain Barber and Eliza Whiting, " Daniel S. Rogers and Desire B. Fowler, " George Goodwin and Sally Weeks, " Nelson Allyn and Speedy Birge, " Albert B. Wilcox and Mary Munson, " Ebenezer Goodwin, N. Hartford, and Hannah Pond, Torrington. Joseph Shaw and Artemisia Merrill, Torrington. James H. Hurlbut and Elizabeth Brown, Torrington. Julius Daily and Lois Wilson, Torrington. James Wallen and Clarrissa Johnson, Torrington. Phineas North and Louisa Wetmore, " John W. Scoville and Martha Wilson, " Wilson Munson, Bristol, and Lucretia Palmer, Torrington. Benhani Barber, Harwinton, and Mary Wilson, " W^ait B. Wilson and Caroline Birge, Torrington. Wagar W. Lyman, N. Y., and Adah Shattuck, " Joseph B. Lewis, Winsted, and Cardelia CummJngs, " John Freeman and Lucina Prince, Torrington. Sheldon Barber, and Sally E. Hodges, " Elisha Loomis and Ophelia Leach, " Hezekiah H. Brace and Mary Ann Loomis, Torrington. Mansfield Bunnell, Plymouth, and Sophrona A. Miller, Torrington. Jeremiah D. Root and Hannah W. Pond, Torrington. Sylvanjs H Pease, Somers, and Emaline Roberts. Torrington. William B. Wjlson and Austria Tallmadye, Torrington. Harleigh Skinner, Winchester, and Caroline Root, BristoL Ebenezer Edmunds and Sarah C. North, Torrington. Elias Hatch, Winchester, and Cornelia Foot, " Isaac W. Riggs, Middlebury, and Ann Hoyt, " Albert Hill, Bristol, and Angeline E. Tiffany, " Charles S. Church and Charlotte A. Taylor, '' Ebenezer W. Beach apd Lucy Walling, " Hiram Johnson, Canaan, and Elizabeth Apley, " William Olcott, Harwinton, and Sarah Ann Mather, Torrington. Milain Packard, Mass., and Lucy E. Merriman, Torrington. Samuel Brooker and Julia A. Seymour, Torrington. Lorrain North and Harriet Ford, Torrington. Morgan Dudly, Winchester, and Almira Wilson, Torrington. Ansel Cook and Sophronia Eggleston, Torrington. Merrill White and Ro.\y M. Leach, Torrington. Sterling Woodruff and Minerva 1. Bradly, Torrington. Willard Birge and Julia Ann Merrill, Torrington. Addin Ph-elps and Maria Phelps, Harwinton. Albro M. Humphreyville and Harriet Andrews. Chauncey Hayden, Vt., and Aurelia Dibble, Torrington. Albro Gris'wold and Florilla Cook, Torrington. Riley Dunbar and Rhoda Huntington, Torrington. Almonson A. Buckland, E. Windsor, and Sarah Northrop, Torrington. Henry Newell and Almira Palmer, Torrington. Noah Benedict and Harriet A. Curtiss, Winchester. Francis Magrannis, Hartford, and Beulah Phelps, Harwinton. J. cu. iU, '°i-f April 17, t> « 10, <( June 7, (< May 31, « July 3. << Aug. IS (( Sept. 9, <( Aug. 9, Sept. 20, (( Oct. 10, (1 Oct. 6, (( « 16, « Nov. 24, (< Nov. 28, (( « 28, (fc Oct. 5, tl Oct. 10, c( Jan. I, 1834, Dec. 8, 1833, May 18, (< « 4, (( « 3, a (( 7, <( C( 23, (1 Sept. I, n Nov. 9, 1833, Oct. 25, 1834, Oct. 26, (( i< 28, (C Jan. 4, 1835, « 30, u Feb. 4, .( <( 17, (< Nov. 5, iC " Frances M. Hale and Lydia A. Grant, Torrington. " II, " Benjamin Crosk, Torrington, and Adeline Thompson, Waterbury. 288 History of Torrington. Jan. 1 8, 1846, George H. Mason and Lucy Bissell, Torrington. " 18, " Hosea Case and Angeline Roberts, " Apr. 6, " Samuel C. Hubbard and Merrilla Wells. May 24, " James S. Bird, Bethlehem, and Fanny M. Northrop, Torrington. Aug 22, 1838, Daniel Robertson and Mary Jane Seymour, Torrington. June 21, 1846, Chester Brooker and Piiebe A. Smith, Litchfield. July I, " Ezra D. Pratt, Cornwall, and Aurilia A. Rood, Torrington. Sept. 29, " George B. Morse and Jane L. Mix, Torrington. Oct. 12, " Lewis Bristol, Biookheld, and Mary A. Long, Torrington. " 12, " Lorenzo E. Gone and Clarinda Wilcox, Torrington. Nov. 3, ♦' Auguat^s Menill, New Hartford, and Adeline Wooding, Torrington. Dec. 6, " Christopher Senior, New Britain, and Elizabeth Hollis, Torrington. Dec. 23, *' Doct. J. W. Phelps and Charlotte A. Hayden, TorrL-igton. " 27, " Augustus F. Pope and Abba L Spencer, Torrington. Jan. 7, 1847, Enoch Jahnson and Adaline Palmer, Torrington. " 12, " John C. Woodruff, New Hartford, and MariUa Clark. Winchester. Feb. 28, " Francis Clark, Winsted, and Mary L Perkins, Winsted. Apr. 5, " Augustus Adams, Ohio, and Anna Barber. Torrini;ton. " 4, " Abner M. WiUon, Vernon, N. Y., and Mary L. Scoville, Torrington. May 26, " Rufus W. Gillett and Charlott M. Smith, Torrington. Sept. 19, " Cornelius A. Wiriship and Helen A. Kimberly, Torrington. Aug. 22, " Charles Pilguin and Elizabeth M. Smith, Torrington. Sept. 19, " Edward R. Hubbard, Winsted, and Tryphena S. Palmer, Litchfield. Oct. 2, " Charles F. Bancroft and Emma Eaves, Torrington. " 3, " William Harrison and Almira Freeman, Torrington. " 17, " James Gilbert, Waterbury, and Lucy M. Royce, Norfolk. " 27, " Martin V. Drake and Sally A. Drake, Torrington. (No Date. Erastus Simons, Colebrook, and Rosetta M. Simons, Torrington. Dec. 24, " Burr Manville, Waterbury, and Jemima I. Forest, Torrington. 1 " 26, '■ James Asiiborn, Litchfield, and Lucinda Smith, Torrington. Jan. II, 1848, Moses M. Weed, Barkhamsted, and Deborah S. Maltby, Torrington. '• 30, " Henry Bernard, Winchester, and Joan C. Stone, Litchfield. Apr. 3, " Richard Gingeil, Norfolk, and Lucia W. Whiting, Torrington. ' " 9, " Burwell Riggs, Torrington, and Emeline Kendall, SufHeld. 4 May 7, " Hiram Lyman and Julia M. Ostrum, Toriington. July 2, " George Blakeslee, Torrington, and Marian Davis, Newtown. " 4, '■ NeLon Alvord, Torrington, and Adaline Skiff, New York. '. May 4, " A. G. Bradford and Maria Scott. " 17, " Edward Root and Jane Barbour. j July 12, " Lewis G. Burgess and Eliza L. Hurlbut, Winchester. ' " 25, " Elcada Plerpont and Polly Carrington, Torrington. '; Aug. 29, *' McKenzie Millard and Ellen E. Munn, " Oct. I, " Burritt Tuttle and Catharine Bissell. ' " 17, " Harvey L. Rood and Susan M. Humphrey, Guilford. Nov. 5, " James Smith and Harriet Maine, Torrington. ' " 19, " George W. Church and Eveline B. Lathrop Sheffield. ' " 30, " Jonathan Coe, Winsted, and Betsey Wetmore, Torrington. ; Dec. 31, " Selden Beach, N. Y., and Mary A. Dunbar, " July 8, 1849, Cyrus Hubbard and Harriet Taylor, Torrington. \ " " *' Orson Moss, Litchfield, and Eliza Beach, Mass. Jan. 16, " Charles Catlin and Anna B. Churchill, Torrington. Feb. 27, " Harvey Da) ton, Torrington, and Anna A. Castle, Harwinton. ! May 9, " Andrew A. Hull, Burlington, and Sirah J. Burr, Torrington. ; " 27, " John L. Wilcox and Chloe L. Strickland, Warren. j " " " Hiram Pulver and Jane A. Kimberly, Torrington. " Apr. 10, '• George R. Clark and Susan R. Grant, " ; " 19, " Merrill Treat and Henrietta M. Taylor, " f May, " Horace H. Bunce and Anna Curtiss, " * " 14, " William L. Merrill, Waterbury, and Ellen Cleveland, Torrington. . " 22, '' Francis D. Farley, Mass , and Rhoda Rood, Torrington. j June 23, " Henry L. Smith and Amanda Mitchell, " < Sept. 30, " Charles Atwater, Waterbury, and Amanda Merrill, Naugatuck. ,1 Sept ^3. 849. Oct. »5. ( (» 17, (( Nov. 8, i. Mar. 23. 1850, May I, (( <( 8, <' <( ^3. (( « 9. (( July 13. « Oct. i» ii (C 17, i 20, (( May 4, <( June 25, << July 13, ii i( .7 T --> (( Sept. II, <( Oct. i9> i( Nov. 27, (( Dec. 3ij (( Feb. 4. 1852, Mar. 2, (1 ( 23. (< Apr. -9. <( May 5. (( (( 23, < 24, (C (1 22, (1 July 10, (( « 3. ii June 30. ii July 3. ii « ii Aug. I, C( 4< 22, i <( 14, ii « 19. ii Dec. 9, ii <( 14, ii (( 3'. ii Jan. I. 18; (1 II, ii <( 24, i( Feb. I. ii a Apr. 27, 1857, May 23- << June I, t( July 6. iC (( 3. l( June 15. (( Aug. 17, (( Sept. 13. « (( 14. (( « 18, «( Oct. 7, (( Nov. 8, (t 27, « Dec. I, t< Dec 2. 1857, iC 6, (■ Jan I, I85S, a <' Sept. 8, 1< (( 8, (( <( 14, (t (( (( 3'. t< Jan. I, 1862, li 23, << Feb. i^, a k( 18, <( Mar. 16, << 18, (* Apr. ^3' (< July 17, .( Aug. 17, (( Sept. 3. <( Oct. ^9. <( Nov. 2, it (( 23. (< Dec. 18, ( • ( 18, (< « 19. (( (1 28, (( (< 29, <( Sept. 9- (< Oct. 28, (< Dec. 3. (. (( 16, <( (( 16, it Nov. 18, (( Feb. 3. 1864, Mar. 3, (; (( 16, <( Cl i?. .< <( 29, t« Apr. 3. (( (( 17, li i< 17. (I « 20, (( C( 37, (( May 22, « « 35. <( June 19. (( July 3. (< Sept. I. (< Oct. 8, (( (( 19. a (( 30. <( Nov. 30. <( (< 16, cc June 12, Sept. 3, cc (C 5. c. « 18, cc Oct. 24. C( (( ^4, Cc (( 31, cc « 31, cc Nov I, cc rge W. Wheeler and Eliza E. Turk. J. Wolcott Wheeler and Jennie E. Cowles, Torrington. Frederick Devoe and Abbie J. Phelps, Torrington. Nathan R. Tibbals and Mary J. Mott, Torrington. Henry H. Rowley and Chloe L. Grant, Torrington. Samuel Carpenter and Mary J. Walling, Torrington. Garrett Reinders and Elizabeth Smith, Torrington. James Burr and Eliza King. James Cullim and Johannah Dewyre. Andrew Alender and Elizabeth Scott. John A. Beach and Mary J. Barber. , 1868, George H. Fish and Carrie A. Sperry. Orlando M. Carr and Flora R. Grant, Torrington. Robert Palmer and Ellen A Bogart, Torrington. John W. Reid and Ella J. Lobdell. Charles Carter and Sarah Sayles. Henry Nobut and Elizabeth Mason. David M. Grant and Paulina Benedict. Lewis S. Barnes and Ella C. North, Torrington. Richard Harrison and Mary Van Allen, Torrington. Patrick Leahy and Honora Gearey, Torrington. Albert M. Scott and Sarah E. Van De Bogart, Torrington. Hiram Coleman and Fidelia Hotchkiss, Torrington. Timothy Dalton and Bridget Cleaiy. Charles Judd and Marinda Waugh. James Gibson and Margaret Wall. Patrick O'Connor and Mary A. McDonald. Michael Walsh and Ellen Murphy. Ransom P. Ellsworth and Eliza M. Castle, Torrington. Philip Dewyre and Mary Gary. Paul Rogers and Mary Beach, Torrington. 8, " Henry Carter and Mary J. Jackson. 18, " Wilber Hayden and Augusta L. Abbott, Harwinton. Jan. I, 1867 (( I, C( <( 9, <( Feb. 14, i( <( 18, a « i8. u (. 24, (( Mar. 5. <( Apr. I. <( (( 6, a « 7, <. (1 28, (( May I, CI (( 7, <( May iS» (( it 16, t( ii i9» « « ^5. (( Oct. 20, <( « 19, <( Nov. 7, (< <( 8, i( a 13, (( Dec. I, « •t "> << (( ^, (( « 6, (( « 9. a « 12, (f Dec. 22 « Jan. 1. 1870, (( 25. <( « ^9. (< Feb. 3. n « 10, <( C( 6, u Mar. 5. i( a 15. (( 1872, << 9. (( Mar. 5. (1 <( 24, (( <( 27. it Sept. 4, (( <( 19. (t (( 23. it Oct. i» « << Mar. ^5. (( >( 27, it a t( 17, i< « 28, « Apr. ^, a May 14, a i 14. li a 14, (( Jan. 7, a Sept. 4. a Oct. 3, (( c< 4, <( (( 4, a u 13, n « 20, I. (( 21, « Dec. 5- a a 9, (( a 13, .£ Nov • 6, (( (. 15, C( a 12, (( a 23, (( a 25, ii 298 History of Torrington. Nov. 27, 1874, Julius L. Jorra and Caroline M. Parsons. " 30, " Wallace Blakeslee and Alice C. Glazier. " 30, " Albert Korrman and Etta Rank. Dec. 4, •' George D. Pond and Mary A. Dayley. " 14, " Myron H. Hill and Elizabeth M. Barrett. •' 21, " Amos F. Butler and Ella A. Cook. " 25, " Thomas C. Hendry and Josephine E. Feussenich. Baptisms. Baptisms by Rev. Nathaniel Roberts. Agard, Hezekiah, Agard, James, Mehitable, October 25, 1752. Ann, December 23, 1753. Salmon, September 16, 1 744. • Elizabeth, April, 12, 1747. Chloe, January 23, 1749. Sarah, May 6, 1753. Joseph, September 14, 1746. Mary, December 31, 1858. Elizabeth, July 4, 1762. Joseph, May 19, 1765. Chauncey, December 20, 1767. Jonah, June 3, 1770. Henry, June 6, 1773. Eunice, September 1750. Israel, July 19, 1752. David, May 8, 1763. Daniel, July i, 1764. Hannah, July 4, 1762. Esther, May 23, 1764^ Anna, January 6, 1766. Eldad, June 18, 1769. Samuel, July 13, 1755. Lucy, December 29, 1765. Luman, January 18, 1767. Olive, January 22, 1769. Nathaniel, August 29, 1742. Nathaniel, February 19, 1744. ' Elijah, May 11, 1746. Timothy, November 6, 1748. Chloe, April 7, 1 751. Lois, July 8, 1753. Keziah, November 16, 1755. Susa, February 19, 1758. Eli, March 29, 1761. Ziba, Jemima, twins, August 14, 1763. Barber, Nathaniel, Jr. Uriah, Oct. 22, 1769. Barnes, Benjamin, Miriam, November 3, 1768. John, Patience, twins, September 27, 1767 Samuel, December 5, 1742. Rebecca, May 26, 1745. Mary, September 6, 1747. John, May 6, 1750. James, December 3, 1752. Noah, September 14, 1755. Martha, January 21, 1759. Silas, March 6, 1748. Levi, December 23, 1764. Ezra, November 2, 1766. Miriam, April 22, 1770. Agard, John, Allyn, Henry, AUyn, Joseph, Avered, Israel, Austin, David, Bacon, James, Baldwin, Samuel, Barber, Elijah, Barber, Nathaniel, Barnes, f Widow, Beach, Abel, Beach, Barnibas, Beach, Benjamin, Lists of Names. 299 Beach, Benjamin, Beach, Joel, Beach, Joseph, Beach, John, Beach Wait, Benedict, Bushnell, Benedict, Elisha, Benton, Josiah, <( (< Bissell, Benjamin, Bissell, Ezekiel, Birge, David, Birge, John, Blake, Joseph, Buel, Joseph, Burr, Ariel, Burr, John, Coe, Asahel. Coe, Ebenezer, Coe, Jonathan, Coe, Jonathan Jr., Coe, Oliver, Coe, Reuben, Coe, Robert, Coe, Thomas, Coe, William, Cook, Aaron, Cook, John, Benjamin, April 30, 1775. Hezekiah, October 16, 1768. Jeremiah, June 7, 1772. Experience, September 18, 1743. Dinah, May 29, 1750. Dinah, November 10, 1751. Abel, April 30, 1775. Miles, May 9, 1773. Anna, June 13, 1773. Elisha, August 24, 1760. Lucinda, April 3, 1767. Statira, January 28, 1770. Joseph, ]\Iarch 23, 1752. Elisha, March 10, 1754. Lorenzo, April 22, 1756. Keziah, May 8, 1763. Elizabeth, June 3, 1754. Eunice, April 22, 1756. IMary, November 17, 1751. Isaac, February 2, 1755. Simeon, May 3, 1757. Hannah, September 30, 1764. Levi, August 2, 1772. Seth, April 10, 1768. Jesse, August 6, 1769. Sarah, July 14, 1770. Barzillai, February 28, 1773. Joseph, July 29, 1753. Jared, June 19, 1774. Tabitha, August 4, 1754. Russell, January 26, 1762. Chloe, September 30, 1764. Luther, December 23, 1764. Eunice, May 2, 1742. s_ Mary, September 9, 1744. ' Roswell, September 28, 1746. Elizabeth, September 18, 1743.1 Jerusha, April 6, 1746. Martha, January 8, 1749. Eunice, December 8, 1750. Lucretia, June 22, 1755. Lovina, April 10, 1768. Roger, June 11, 1775. Abner, June 19, 1763. Oliver, December 23, 1764. Mary, September 12, 1766. Justus, January 10, 1768. Samuel, August 24, 1755. Joel, July 21, 1765. Zechariah, December 11, 1757. xibigail, January 15, 1759. Levi, July 6, 1760. Lois, June 6, 1762. Mary, June 23, 1765. Eunice, August 31, 1766. September 1 1, 1768. Seth, May 7, 1758. Abigail, September 31, 1769. Ruth, September I, 1774. John, September 4, 1743.. Eunice, March 9, 1746. Francis, October 25, 1747. 300 History of Torrington. Cook, John, Cook, John, Jr., Cook, Joseph, Cook, Shubel, Cotton, Oliver, Cowles, Samuel, Cowles, Samuel, Jr., Culver, Ephraim, Curtiss, Job, Curtiss, John, Curtiss, Solomon, Curtiss, Zebulon, Damon, John, Deming, Samuel, Dibble, Thomas, Dowd, David, Durwin, Samuel, Drake, Joseph, Eggleston, Benjamin, Eggleston, Edward, Everts, Samuel, Filley, Abraham, Filley, William, Fowler, Joseph, Fowler, Noah, Frisbie, James, Frisbie, Theodore, Gaylord, Justice, Gaylord, Nehemiah, Gaylord, Timothy, Giles, Warren, " Hubael," May 28, 1749. Sarah, November 4, 1750. Edie, December 3, 1752. Urijah, October 20, 1754- Susy, November 14, 1756. Hannah, April 23, 1758. Elihu, May 5, 1761. Mary, March 17, 1765. Deborah, June 3, 1770. John, February 2, 1772. Esther, July 13, 1757. Anna, May 14, 1759. Lucinda, July 24, 1774. Esther, January 15, 1775. Abigail, June 17, 1753. Lois, May i, 1757. Zilpha, June 20, 1762. Noah, October 21, 1759. , Ephraim, February 20, I743.^ Zebulon, April 29, 1770. Ura, September 18, 177 i. Jeremiah, July 26, 1770. Huldah, March 8, 1772. Junia, Februaiy 28, 1774. Lorrain, September 24, 1775- Solomon, December, 1762. Job, July 7, 1745. John, April 17. 1748. Lydia, March 8, 1752. Elizabeth, June 12, 1743.^/ Samuel, July 15, I744.t/'' Samuel, December 6, 1767. Huldah, June i, 1755. Lent, November 22, 1753- Asa, June i, 1760. Ersula, May 10, 17 52. Elizabeth, February 17, 1754. Sarah, June 27, 1756. Joseph, December 6, 1758. John, September 26, 1770. Linda, February 16, 1772. Esther, July 4, 1762. James, June 17, 1764. Ezekiel, June 18, 1769. Philo, June 16, 1771. Mindwell, May 8, 1763. Samuel, June 4, 1769. Isaac, June 6, 1762. Jesse, September 9, 1764. Levi, March 31, 1767. Rhoda, April 29, 1769. Remembrance, August 11, 1754. Noah, September 3, 1750. Warren, July 29, 1775. James, January 26, 1762. Luman, January 26, 1762. Justice, "I . , ^ /• -V . ' V twms August 24, 1760 Jemima, J o -r; / Nehemiah, December, 1754. Naomi, May 3, 1757. Ruth, November 4, 1753. Zebulon, July 3, 1774. Lists of Names. 301 Gillet, Jabez, Gillet, Samuel, Goodwin, Isaac, Grant, Matthew, Grant, William, Grant, William Jr., Griswold, Shubael, Higley, Isaac, Hills, B-^riahj Hills, John, Hills, Medad, Hills, Beth, Hoskins, Joseph, Hosford, Isaac, Hosford, William, Ives, Benjamin, Hough, Ebenezer, Judd, James, Judd, Timothy, Judd, Timothy Jr., Judd, Zehiel, Kelsey, Nathan, Leach, Richard, Lee, E , Lemberton, Obed, Loomis, Aaron, Ann, May 8, 1763. Samuel, August 25, 17^4. Huldah, September 18, 1774. Matthew, February 26, 1764. Phebe, February 2, 1766. William, January 10, 1742. >' Daniel, February 5, I744-- jNIerana, July 6, 1746. Ira, October 20, 1765. Triphena, July 3, 1768. William, October 4, 1772. Ira, August 5, 1774. Phebe, June i, 1755. y Susannah, January 3, 1741-2. ^ Mary, .March 20, 1748. Benoni, December 24, 1749. Lois, February 2, 1752. Chauncey, February 17, 1754- Bela, August 22, 1756. Roger Eno, March 4, 1759. Zimri, April 23, 1763. Huldah, August 9, 1767. lohn, "I . - ,, Esther,r^'"='J""'='^' '766. Lauren, August 21, 1768. Huit, September 9, 1753- Elisha, June 11, 1766. Elisha, September 31, 1769. Rachel, April 12, 1762. Theoda, May 20, 1764. Theoda, June 29, 1766. Roswell, September 31, 1769. Alexander, July 3, 1774. Mindwell, September 4, 1748. Aaron, January 13, 1752. William, September 12, 1742. Levi, August 26, 1754. Anna, December 8, 1750. Rebecca, March 22, 1752. Ozias, July 7, 1754. Salmon, April 11, 1756. Selah, March 10, 1758. Oliver, June 28, 1761. Orange, August 21, 1763. Selah, April 21, 1764. Thomas Curtiss, February 7, 1768. Asa, September 30, 1770. Elnathan, July 3, 1768. Lois, April 28, 1771. Mindwell, May 22, 1774. Lois, February 12, 1769. Nathan, JSIay 16, 1762. Nathaniel, May 20, 1744.- Abigail, January 26, 1746. Joshua, "1 . T o Caleb [f"""5' J""« '^' '748. Tabitha, October 6, 1751. Jonas, October 4, 1752. Richard, September 29, 1754. Mary, April 12, 1747. Nathaniel, Feb. 3, 1754. Lemuel, May 20, 1744. v 302 History of Torrington. Loomis, Aaron, Loomis, Aaron, Jr., Loomis, Abner, Loomis, Abraham, Jr Loomis, Abram, Loomis, Ebenezer, Loomis, Epaphras, Loomis, Ephraim, Loomis, Eli, Loomis, Gideon, Loomis, Ichabod, Loomis, Isachar, Loomis, Joel, Loomis, Moses, Lyman, Ebenezer, Jr., Lyman, Caleb, Lyon, Jonathan, Mather, Charles, Matthews, Benjamin, Marshall, Amasa, Marshall, Noah, Marshall, Thos., Jr. Huldah, March 6, 1748. Deborah, January 13, 1752. Lucy, April 25, 1756. Aaron, February 6, 1746. Hannah, December 14,1746. Abner, December 4, 1757. Richard, January 15, 1759. Sylvia, Jauuary 27, 1760. Triphena, November 13, 1763. Louisa, August 30, 1772. , Benoni, March 5, 1758. Mary, December 30, 1759. Abraham, August 5, 1764. Naomi, September 10, 1769. Alexander, July i, 1770. Ebenezer, June 6, 1756. Remembrance, March 4, 1759. Jerusha, March 8, 1761. Lorrain, June 15, 1764. Wait, November 24, 1765. Ava, July 19, 1767. Mary, March 6, 1775. Ephraim, August 27, 1758. Lemuel, November 4, 1764. Dorothy, February i, 1 7 67. Eli, May 27, 1770. Margaret, May 16, 1773. Cyrus, September 24, 1775. Russell, June 2, 1754. Joanna, April 22, 1756. Elijah, November 18, 1753. Thaddeus, March i, 1767. Sybil, July I, 1770. Joseph, January 18, 1767. Mary, June 30, 1769. Ira, September 16, 1770. Elizabeth, September-, 1753- Hephziba, March 26, 1758, Joel, October 5, 1760. Sarah, June 6, 1756. Jemima, July 16, 1758. Moses, October 5, 1760. Sybil, May 27, 1742.x, Esther, August 1 1, 1745. Caleb, May 15, 1748. Ebenezer, June 3, 1750. Rhoda, July 21, 1754. Medad, March 18, 1770. Susannah, October 23, 1757. Charles, June 18, 1758. Charles, May 8, 1763. Anna, August 28, 1765-7. Eunice, July 12, 1761. Noah, November 10, 1754. Ambrose, June 6, 1756. Elias, February 28, 1758. John, June 17, 1759. Roswell, August 16, 1761. Sarah, July 19, 1767. Raphael, July 28, 1765. Reuben, Dec. 14, 1766. Harvey, July 10, 1768. Lists of Names. 3^3 Marshall, Thos., Jr., Miller, Aaron, Miller, Ebenezer, Miller, George, Moore, Simeon, Mott, Adam, Mott, Jonathan, Meet, Lent, North, Ashbel, North, Ebenezer, North, Eben., Jr., North, Martin, North, Noah, Norton, Samuel, Orvis, Eleazer, Osbon, Timothy, Parmely, Lieut., Pettibone, Isaac, Pettibone, Lieut., Phelps, Benjamin, Preston, Ebenezer, Preston, Samuel, Phelps, Joshua, Roberts, ]np\ Sarah, July I, 1770. Levi, April 26, 1772. Roswell, Jan. 9, 1774. Thankful, April 27, 1755. Jonathan, January 26, 1762. Elizabeth), August 11, 1765. Phebe, January 15, 1757. Joel, February 28, 1758. Asahel December 38, 1760. Ruth, June 26, 1763. David, June 23, 1765. Joseph, May 31, 1767. Sarah, October i, 1769. Chloe, August 28, 1757. Philander, June 15, 1759. Simeon, April 12, 1761. Eldad Barber, October 30, 1763. Azubel, 1-/^1 r ^r, , . ,' ytwms, October 16, 1768. Lucmda, J ' ' ' Elizabeth, March 30, 1761. Ira, May 20, 1754. Lodema, June 18, 1769. Simeon, December 23, 1753. Samuel, Sept. 31, 1769. Josiah, " " Mary, « " Roxellana, November 25, 1759. Phineas, August, 1762. Lemuel, December 20, 1767. Asahel, May 23, 1743. *■' Ebenezer, June 9, 1746. Achsah, October 2, 1748. Sarah, December 3, 1752. Prudence, April 29, 1770. Martin, September 13, 1761. Abigail, May 23, 1764. Lucinda, August 2, 1767. Noah, August 15, 1757. Remembrance, June 7, 1763. Samuel, July 12, 1747. Abijah, March 26, 1749. Levi, May 28, 1754. Samuel, August 24, 1755. Justin, October 16, 1768. Susannah, July 15, 1770. Highly, June 14, 1772. Seba, June 19, 1775. Seth, April 3, 1768. Roswell, August 24, 1760. John, August 12, 1750. Jerusha, May 16, 1757. Joseph, March 30, 1759. Isabel, June 21, 1761. Jonathan, June 19, 1763. Jemima, May 5, 1765. Daniel, November i6, 1766. Benjamin, June 18, 1769. Rebecca, Sept. 18, 1774. Martha, July 11, 1773. Salmon, «• " " Hannah, May 6, 1753. Judah, September 28, 1763 304 History of Torringtcn. Roberts, Joel, Roberts, Nath., Rev., Roger, Zephaniah, Richards, Joel, Sheldon, Remem., Smith, Ebenezer, Strong, Asahel, Strong, Jacob, Taintor, Joseph, Taylor, Zebulon, Thompson, Samuel, Thrall, Aaron, Thrall, Daniel, Thrall, Friend, Thrall, Joel, Thrall, Joseph, Thrall, Reuben, Thrall, Samuel, Tuttle, Isaiah, Tuttle, Timothy, Tuttla, Stephen, Wetmore, Joel, Wetmore, John, Wetmore, Noah, Whiting, Benjamin, Esther, July 17, 1768. John Loomis, April 25, 1774. Margaret, June 21, 1752.. Isaac, March 5, 1 87 1. Chloe, April 28, 1765. Russell, Feb. 23, 1772. Ebenezer, August 4, 1763. Hannah, Sept. 8, 1765. Jesse, January 11, 1767. Joseph, July 24, 1774. Miles, Oct. 29, 1775. Asahel, April 22, 1750. Hannah, December 12, 1758. Dorcas, March 2, 1758. Chloe, December 25, 1763. David, June 5, 1768 Mindwell, August i, 1742.^ Experience, August 13, 1743.'' Abagail, Feb. 2, 1746. Experience, April i, 1750. Elizabeth, September 14. 1755. Mary, July 15, 1757. Benoni (adopted) June 4, 1770. Joseph, April 26, 1772. Mary, December 12, 1773. Zebulon, June 17, 1744. v Zebulon, July 10, 1748. Sarah, September 10, 1749. Roger, March 11, 1767. Sabra, March 7, 1769. Olive, June 6, 1773. Rachel, November 6, 1743.- Martha, August 21, 1767. Lois, September 5, 1773. Augustus, March 13, 1774. Aaron, June 6, 1742. >. Chloe, April 7, 1745. Reuben, March 29, 1747. Levi, June 18, 1749. Friend, July 19, 1752. Noah, May 5, 1754. Margaret, February, 1756. Pardon, June 16, 1759. Daniel, June 5, 1763. Nathan, April 29, 1769. Amy, April 5, 1772. Joseph, May I, 1 774. Alexander, March 27, 1768. Erastus, July 3, I774' Caroline, July 13, 1755. Uriah, July 31, 1774. Louisa, December 10, 1775. Timothy, July 13, 1755. Stephen, August 9, 1772. Olive, March 10, 1765. Ebenezer Lyman, December 28, 176b Melicent, January 19, 1772. Elizabeth, October 15, 1758. .Seth, March 30, 1761. Samuel, March 20, 1764. Junia, March 30, 1 761. William, September 9, 1759. Lists of Names. 305 Whiting, Benjamin, Whiting, John, Whiting, Sarah, Wilcrx, Asahel, Wilcoxon, Wilson, Abigail, Wilson, Abijah, Wilson, Amos, Wilson, Asahel, Wilson, Ann, Wilson, John, Wilson, Noah, Wilson, Noah Jr., Young, John, Esther, September 18, 1763. Benjamin, February 33, 1766. Sarah, December 8, 1750. Josiah, August i6, 1752. Mary, July 14, 1754. Rebecca, February 2, 1757. John, July 30, 1758. Harvey, November 2, 1760. Jesse, February 6, 1763. Seth, September 29^ 1765. Giles, January 20, 1771. Roger, March 28, 1773. Phila, July 2, 1769. Mary. June 4, 1769. Abiathar, May 13, 1 77 1. Asahel, May 2, 1773. Asenath, September 17, 1775. David, July 13, 1755. Zenas, May 7, 1768. Solomon, November i, 1772. William, November 4, 1753. Ruth, December 22, 1754. Royce, August 8, 1758. Roswell, October 8, 1758. Roswell, May 19, 1765. Sarah, April 10, 1763. Climenia, July 28, 1771. Huldah, October 2, 1768. Edie, January 6, 1745. Abijah, January 5, 1747. Abiel, January 8, 1749. Ann, November 3, 1751. William, September 15, 1754. Charlotte, October 7, 1Z64. Two daughters, January 11, 1767. Edie, February 12, 1768. Triphena, February, 19, 1769. Dilenda, June 16, 1771. Mary, June 5, 1774. Hannah, December 15, 1771. Elizabeth, August 29, 1773. List of Post Masters and Date of Appointment. Nathaniel Smith, April i, 181 3. Nathaniel Smith, February 4, 1826. Nathaniel Smith, May 29, 1837. Torringford. Rufus W. Gillett, December 20, 1854. Harvey P. Hopkins, Jan. 12, 1857. Stanley Griswold, May 18, 1874. Harvey Palmer, March 26, 18 14. Harvey Palmer, Dec. 30, 1818. Harvey Palmer, May 9, 1837. Albro W. Cowles, July 13, 1841. Warren Goodwin, Jan. 27, 1848. Cornelius A. Winship, May 11, 1850. William H. Coe, April 14, 1855. Torrington. Dudley Davis, Feb. 23, 1857. Lucius Leach, Jan. 10, 1859. Henry Barnes, March i, 1869. Casimer H. Bronson, April 29, 1869. Martin B. Pratt, July 22, 1872. ^'Royal E. Hayes, March 30, 1874. Abner H. Wadhams, Sept. 18, 1876. 39 3o6 History of Torrington. JVohottmlU Samuel Bradley, May 13, 1837. Joseph F. Calhoun, May 16, 1861. Orrin B. Freeman, May 22, 1841. Orsamus R. Fyler, June 12, 1866. Russell C. Abernethy, Jan. 8, 1845. Orsamus R. Fyler, March 2, 1867. Henry B. Richards, July 5, 1851. Orsamus R. Fyler, Feb. 6, 1873. Russell C. Abernethy, July 5, 1853. Orsamus R. Fyler, Feb. 3, 1877. Burr-ville. Nelson Roberts, July 27, 1849. John M. Burr, June 20, 1861. BIOGRAPHIES. Gen. Russell Catlin Abernethy, Son of Doctor William Abernethy of Harwinton, was born Feb. 9, 1780. In the record which he made of his own family on the town records, he says he was from Washington, Ct., when he came to Torrington. He had been clerk in a store in New Preston village where he learned his trade as a merchant. He married Orrel, daughter of Elisha Smith, Esq., Sept. 17, 1803, and about the same time started a store near the Meeting house, at Torrington green ; Mr. Hodges's store being at that time on the hill north of the green. He continued this store until about 1830, when he gave up the mer- cantile business, removed to Wolcottville and engaged in manufac- turing enterprises, and interested himself more than previously in the general interests of the town. In removing from l^orrington, he took down his dwelling house which stood a little north of the green, and transported it to the village, locating it where it still remains, across the street from the Congregational church, north, and which is now owned and occupied by Mr. J. F. Calhoun. As near as can be ascertained he was justice of the peace about thirty -five years, continuing in the office until 1850, when having arrived at the age of seventy years he was thereby disqualified for holding the office longer, and in that office maintained the honor of a faithful admin- istrator of law, and an honorable, upright citizen. He was town clerk a number of years, the competition for that office seeming to be between him and John Gillett about twenty years, each being elected several years, and then the other, the change being made a number of times, but finally Mr. Gillett won the race by several years. General Abernethy was quite a military man, being well qualified for such position by his personal appearance and character, and the town had more pride in him in this character than any other, though he was highly respected in all others. His personal appear- ance was very symmetrical ; being of good height, full form and erect. His manners were always those of a gentleman, inherited by 3o8 History of Torrington. family descent, and cultivated always, as being the proper bearing of a citizen, and especially a public man of business, but in consequence of this courteousness of manner, he was judged by a certain class, to be seeking for public iavor at the expense of principle and sub- stantial character, and thereby did him most decided injustice. Such judgment is founded upon the supposition that a man of true princi- ple and honorable character must have the manners of a boor, flout- ing his personal prejudices and ill temper against everything and everybody, like a spoiled child who was never taught to curb its own resentment or ill feeling. Not so with the well bred man, who considers that the community has some demands on him in render- ing it cheerful, animating, and elevating, and therein such fulfill the law of the great teacher, to live for others, not alone for themselves. The general's manner was the same at home as elsewhere, and there- fore exhibited the real spirit and character of the man, and he had his reward in part, although he did not do it for the reward ; for, pro- bably, but few men in the town at the time received as much cordial good feeling', from the community as he, and at the present time, he is spoken of with special admiration by nearly every one. In military service he rose to be major general of the state militia, and as such, was the delight of the community and the county. His soldierly bearing on horseback, his prompt, energetic, and elegant manners as a commanding officer, were pleasing and animating to those who served under him, and to the multitude who assembled on training days to witness the parades. It is evident from these facts that there is an inherent sense in most persons, that good manners are not only agreeable but of much importance, and when cultivated as a duty, and an ennobling princi- ple, carry with them a power for good so invaluable, that every citi- zen should seek to promote them by all possible ability and cultivation. This is the more evident as the oldest people take great pleasure in speaking of those persons who manifested these qualities most pro- minently in their lives. Mrs. Genera! Sheldon and Ulysses P'yler, of the olde:" people, are spoken of in this respect with much enthu- siasm. There were doubtless many others, but those who knew them well are also departed. General Abernethy manifested more specially the ideal old time gentleman more fully, probably, than any other of as recent a date as he, and such examples give some idea of what many of the pilgrim fathers were in regard to this noble quality. Biographies. 309 Rev. Hiram P. Arms, D.D., Was born at Windsor, Ct., June i, 1779; a descendant in the fifth generation of William Arms of Deerfield, Mass. He was fitted for college under John Adams, LL.D., at Philips academy, Mass., and after graduation in 1823, studied theology under the instruction of Profs. N. W. Taylor, D.D., E. T. Fitch, D.D., and J. W. Gibbs, LL.D., and was ordained pastor of the Congregational church at Hebron, Ct., June 30, 1830 ; dismissed October 10, 1832, to ac- cept a call to Wolcottville, where he was installed February 6, 1833. Here he labored with ordinary success three years and was dismissed July 6, 1836, to accept a call to the First church in Norwich Town, Ct., where he was installed August 3, 1836. Here he has continued to labor to the present time, receiving frequent and unmistakable evidences of affection and respect from his people. On February 20, 1873, being then seventy-three years of age, he resigned the active duties of his pastorate, but continued to reside among his people as pastor emeritus. During his active pastorate he received to membership in the church five hundred and sixty-nine members. On resting from the active duties of the ministry, his people gene- rously gave him a life annuity amounting to near twelve hundred dollars, which was invested in the Continental Life Insurance com- pany, on the failure of which his people continue generously to pro- vide for his wants. He has been twice married ; first to Lucy Ann Wadhams of New Haven, September 12, 1824. She died July 3, 1837. His second wife was Abby Jane Baker of New York, to whom he was married September 12, 1858, who is still living. Seven children are living ; five sons and two daughters, all married, and he is honored in counting in his own family twenty grand child- ren. The evening of his life he is passing pleasantly, in a quiet home, among a kind and affectionate people, and this evening, it is believed, is but the prelude to the morning that shall be. Rev. John D. Baldwin Was born in North Stonington September 28, 1806; studied at New Haven, but was not a graduate ; studied theology at New Haven ; was licensed by the New Haven West association in 1833; was 3IO History of Torrington. ordained pastor at West Woodstock, September 3, 1834, and dis- missed July 25, 1837 ,• was pastor of North Branford from Jan. 17, 1838 to July 3, 1844. He preached in Torringford at intervals in 1845, ^"^ received a call to settle, February 28, 1846, which he de- clined. He was pastor at East Putnam from April 2g, 1846, to September 17, 1849, when a bronchial difficulty compelled him to retire from the ministry. He represented Killingly in the legislature of 1849, and as chair- man of the committee on education introduced the measure which established the Normal school, and was one of the three commis- sioners who located and organized it. In 1849 ^^ became owner and editor of the Hartford Republican; in 1851, became editor of the Boston Commonwealth^ afterwards the Telegraphy and held his posi- tion until the summer of 1857. Early in 1859, ^^ purchased the Worcester Daily and Weekly Spy^ which he owned many years. He was elected to congress from Massachusetts in November 1862; was twice rechosen, serving six years, and then declined re-election ; but returned to Worcester and engaged still as a journalist. Two funeral sermons delivered by him have been printed. He furnished articles for the Christian Spectator^ and the North American Review. A volume of his productions, entitled Raymond Hill and Other Poems^ was published by Ticknor and Fields. His work, Pre-Historic Nations^ was published first in London and then in New York. Dr. Erastus Bancroft, Son of Noadiah and Jerusha (Loomis) Bancroft, was born Oct. 27, 1782. He studied medicine with Dr. Elijah Lyman, and as a student was not considered peculiarly forward or ready in acquiring the knowledge of medicine, but made ordinary progress. He com- menced practice in Wolcottville in 18 17, and very readily secured much confidence in his practice, and though Dr. Jarvis followed Dr. E. Lyman, in 18 18, Dr. Bancroft secured so much of the patronage of the town, that there seemed to be but little need of others, and Dr. Jarvis removed to a larger field. Dr. Bancroft proved himself a skillful and successful physician ; especially so in the treatment of fevers. He was a man of much common sense, relying, not upon old formulas, because thev were old or because they were written, but would have his own thinking in spite of pre- judices, whims, religion or the "devil." He was the personification of neatness, always dressed in his ruffled bosom shirt and other things Biographies. 311 to match. When he rode in his carriage he sat erect, and stylish, as if ready for any emergency. He was not large in person but very energetic, active, and of quick decision and application. He occupied a small building as his office on the south side of the bridge on Main street, east of the street, near the river ; the building has been re- moved and the office of Mr. Ladd's livery stable occupies the site. Dr. Bancroft's good sense took the form of skepticism as to the prejudices, v^^himsand notions of the people, and he used, sometimes, to indulge himself in laughing at them, when among his most trusted friends. He repeated a number of times, a mistake he made when he began to practice, which he said was the making of his fame, as a physician, among the people. He had made a prescription for a patient, in the western part of the town, and supposed the case of no danger and but little importance. In the night he was sent for in great haste, and he obeyed the summons without delay. He found the patient in a very critical condition, and recognized at once that it was the medicine he had given through mistake and not the disease. He applied his skill with great earnestness, remaining with the patient some twelve hours and succeeded in the restoration. This was re- ported as a wonderful cure, " and so it was," said the doctor, " damn it, I liked to have killed her." Another case he had attended some years, sometimes giving a little medicine, but generally concluding that all the trouble was in the want of energy of the person. This he had tried many times to stimulate, and to prevail upon the woman to go at the work of the house, and thus forget, and dispel the imaginings of her own mind, but all was to no purpose. On being called again, he examined the case carefully, saw nothing only as before, and suddenly took a pail of water and threw the whole of it on the woman, and rapidly left, it being dangerous to stay longer. The woman speedily recovered her health. The doctor was gentlemanly, considerate, and attentive, yet abrupt, peculiar, queer, and sometimes severe to the extent of justice. From him the cynics and fault finders sometimes, received their just due ; he frequently putting in the words, " devil" or '* damn it," spoken very rapidly and as if unknown to himself, but sometimes very ap- propriately, if ever allowable. A description of the doctor is given in a book called The Shady Side^ under the name of Dr. Gale, which some of the doctor's oldest acquaintances say is a good representation of him. The scene is 312 History of Torrington. laid at the minister's house where there was real illness, and where a number of persons are represented as calling to give their advice and " set matters right." " Dr. Gale entered as the deacon's wife departed. Finding his patient in tears, he turned abruptly back to the kitchen, and ordered Polly to ' call the par- son.' A rough man was Dr. Gale ; tempestuous often, yet sensible. Christ- ian principles he did not profess, but humane feeling he seldom lacked. ' Parson Vernon ! ' said he, ' I give it up.' You may get your wife home to her father's as soon as possible, if you mean to have her well. / can't cure her^^r^. Your religious folks haven't a grain ol sense to spare. A pretty fool I make of myself, to come here and order sedatives, and rely on quiet, when some old woman, who was made without nerves, will bolt in, and upset it all! ' And the doctor went off in a bluster. Mrs. Nobles had stopped to report her interview to Mrs. Elton, and the two ladies stood a'j the gale as the doctor returned with quickened step. They stopped him to ask if there was any thing more alarming at the parsonage. He growled a ' no need of any thing more,' which they construed into vexation with his patient. Whereupon, they proceeded to lament that ministers should take for their wives, such feeble, inefHcient women ; and, especially that Millville should be so unfortunate in this respect. The doctor was in no gentle mood, and he gave them a blast which they were sorry to have provoked. 'Feeble women!' said he; ' feeble women ! What makes 'em so ! They've a right to be feeble, with a vengeance! Wonder any of 'em live ten years ; pulled about hither and thither, and kept on short al- lowance ! You expect her to do half enough to earn her husband's salary, with your confounded societies ! It's contrive, and cut, and stitch ; and then you set her to praying, and talking, and reforming ; and she must be dragged out here and there ; and at home, there's no peace for the calls and the tea-drinkings, to say nothing of the fault findings. Mrs. Vernon, now, is not inclined to be sickly. Good, fresh constitution, but she's worn and low, and you don't give her any chance to get up." * But,' interposed Mrs. Nobles, 'you'll allow, doctor, that Mrs. Vernon is very nervous ? ' 'Nervous,' said he, contemptuously, 'I wish the women knew what they mean by that. ' Mrs. Elton ventured, ' if she had more hopefulness and courage, doctor.' ' You don't know her,' said the doctor, less fiercely. ' She's none of your milk-and-water ladies. She has all the hope and courage there is in the house ;' and he turned away. Looking back, however, with a sudden thought ; another explosive burst of words followed. ' If I'd been a minister {tio dtitiger), but if I had, I'd ha' lived a bachelor all my days, before I'd ha' married a wife for the parish. * " Mrs. Eliza Curtiss Bassett, Daughter of Dea. Job and Eunice (Cowles) Curtiss, married Rev, Archibald Bassett, who was born in Derby, March 21, 1772 ; was graduated at Yale college in 1796 ; was ordained pastor at Winches- ter, May 20, 1801, and dismissed, Aug. 27, 1806 ; was pastor at Biographies. 313 Walton, Delaware county, N. Y., from 1807 to 1810, and resided there preaching in the region and helping his brethren in revivals, as opportunities were afforded, and died, April 29, 1859, aged ^7 yell's- She died Jan. 19, 1868. Owen Brown, Son of Capt. John and Hannah (Owen) Brown, married Ruth, daughter of Gideon Mills at Simsbury, Feb. 11, 1793. He was a tanner, and settled in his business in Norfolk, Ct., and removed to^^rrington in the spring of 1799, and purchased and settled on the place now known as the John Brown place. The dwelling house was built in 1776, and is still standing, but unoccupied. It was a well built and thoroughly finished house, at the time, being ceiled with pine lumber, the beams projecting below the ceiling, but planed smooth or cased, so that the whole interior was in its day a very comfortable, and good class of dwelling. The house is located in the western part of the town, three miles from Wolcottville, on a road very little traveled ; six miles from Litchfield, and ten from Winsted. The farm is not of an average good quality, for the town, is pleasantly located, but very secluded from j)ubric travel. The special reason why Mr. Brown bought it, seems to have been thjit^as a farm it was cheaper than many others, and had on it a brook that he thought would answer for tanning pur- poses. On this brook, west of the house some distance, on the north side of the east and west road he built his tannery and shoe shop, all of^which are now gone. Here he worked at his trade six years, ac- quiring considerable reputation, and sustaining high honor as a tanner and business man. Owen Brown was the fifth in descent from the pilgrim, Peter Brown who came to America in the Mayflower in 1620, and inherited the puritan character in its genuine traits and purest forms. He was a man of keenness of perception and remarkable wit and good humor. His brother John, was deacon of the church in New\ Hartford many years and was highly esteemed in his office, and as a j Christian man. Judge Frederick Brown, another brother, was a man ^ of the same noble character, clearness of intellect, and was judge of the court a number of years in Hudson, Ohio. Owen Brown possessed great firmness of religious character and yet great kindness of heart. He never was absent from church as illustrated in a remark as he was about to leave the town he made to 40 314 History of Torrington. Deacon Hinsdale ; " We have met fifty-two times a year, but may not meet many more," He removed to Hudson, Ohio, in 1805, and after being there a year or two came back on business, and spent the night at William Whiting's, a near neighbor. In the morning when ready to leave he said : " Neighbor^Whiting, we have loved each other i,s brothers and I want our families to know each other when we are cold." They shook hands and parted in tears. Mr. Brown was a great reader, and thinker, and he often entertained the young men while sitting in his shoe shop, by requesting them to read such pieces as he selected, and by giving them statements of what he had read. While making shoes, he often prevailed with Oliver Bancroft to read, ^ and it was this reading in Mr. Brown's shop that led him to the love of literature, and to become a printer at Hartford where he spent an honorable life. Mr. Brown was a very upright, honest man as to business transac- tions. This, many had occasion to know as his occupation led him to dealings with many persons, both near home and at a distance. From Torrington he removed to Hudson, Ohio, where he reared his children ; among them he that was to be the hero of the nation, 1 Capt. John Brown, of Kansas and Harper's Ferry fame. In Hudson, \Owen Brown lived the same noble, useful, and honorable life. In reply to a question by the author of this book the Rev. Doctor Fairchild, president of Oberlin college, wrote as follows : r " Owen Brown, father of Capt. John, was a trustee of Oberlin college from T- •~K,j 1835 to I 844, and then resigned in consequence of his growing infirmities. ^ — •, He was much esteemed by his associate members for his practical wisdom and staunch integrity. He was a man of few words because a painful habit of stammering made it ahnost impossible for him to speak, but every word was valued. His residence was at Hudson, the seat of Western Reserve college. One of his daughters, Florilla, afterwards wife of Rev. S. G. Advie, graduated here, and went with her husband to Osawatomic, Kansas, in the days of the -first settlement of Kansas, and died there in 1865. A son of Owen Brown was / also a student here, several years. John Brown himself, once performed a Q. I service tor the college in surveying and reporting on lands given to the college mP I in Western Virginia by Gerrit Smith. (©msf iBlB.©' MEMOIR OF JOHN BROWN. Though there have been so many men of this name in all parts of the world which the Anglo-Saxon race inhabit, it will readily be known which one of them merits the great space given him in these pages. We tell the story of a man who made his plain name known all over the world, and who will be remembered, when it may be that Torrington and all its history shall be forgotten, save the single fact, that a hero was born there. John Brown, of Kansas and Virginia (born at Torrington, May 9^1800, died at Charlestown, West Va., Dec. 2, 1859), was the grandson and namesake of Captain John Brown of West Simsbury, a revolutionary officer, who died in the army of Washington. He was also the sixth in descent from Peter Brown who came over in the Mayflower in 1620. Of the English ancestors of this Peter Brown, little is known. He was unmarried when he landed at Plymouth in January, 1621, but within the next thirteen years he was twice mar- ried, and died (in 1633) leaving four children. This we learn from that most unquestionable authority, the History of Plymouth Plant atlon left behind him in manuscript, by William Bradford, who succeeded Carver in 1621, as governor of the colony, and died in 1657. Writing about 1650, Bradford savs : " Peter Brown married twice. By his first wife he had two children, who are living, and both of them married, and one of them hath two children; by his second wife he had two more. He died about sixteen years since." It is supposed that his first wife was named Martha, and that Mary and Priscilla Brown were her daughters, and the two who are men- tioned by Bradford as married in 1650. In 1644 they were placed in the care of their uncle John Brown, a leading citizen of Duxbury, where also Peter Brown settled a few years after landing at Plymouth. John Brown did not come over with his brother, but a few years later, and out-lived him many years. Peter Brown died in 1633, and his inventory of estate was presented on the 14th of October that year. He settled ^£15 on his two daughters by the first marriage, Mary and Priscilla, and left the remainder, no very large sum, to his widow and her children. Of these Peter Brown, born in 1632, was the younger. This cccount of John Brown has been prepared by F. B. Sanborn, Esq., of Concord Mass., expressely for this work. 3i6 History of Torrington. He was the ancestor of John Brown, and removed from Duxbury to Windsor, Conn., at some time between 1650 and 1658, where he married Mary the daughter of Jonathan Gillett. Peter Brown the Pilgrim, is said to have been a carpenter, but from what part of England he came is not known. His home in Duxbury was but a few miles from Plymouth, and not far from the hill where Miles Standish built his house, and where the Standish monument is now seen. Brown was, no doubt, one of the soldiers of Standish, in his miniature campaigns against the Indians. He was probably one of the Separatists (often called Brownists from another person of that name) who lived for some years in Holland with Brewster, Bradford and thegood minister of Leyden, John Robinson, of whose life and character Bradford gives such graphic sketches. The picture drawn of the Leyden pastor might serve very well for Captain Brown himself, as we knew him in his Kansas and Virginia expeditions, when he had his small band of chosen men about him, and was their pastor as well as their commander. Bradford says of John Robinson — and so might it have been said two hundred and forty years later of John Brown : His love was greate towards them, and his care was all ways bente for their best good, both for soule and body; for besides his singular abilities, in divine things (wherein he excelled), he was also very able to give directions in civil! affairs and to foresee dangers and inconveniences; by which means he was verv helpful to their outward estates, and so was every way as a common father unto them. And none did more offend him than those that were close and cleaving to themselves, and retired from the commone good ; as also such as would be stiff and rigid in matters of outward order, and invey against the evills of others, and yet be remiss in themselves, and not so careful to express a vertuous conversation. Peter Brown the Pilgrim never lived in Salem, as has sometimes been said, nor any where in New England, save in Plymouth, and afterwards in Duxbury. His son Peter, who emigrated to Wind- sor, Conn., lived to be nearly sixty years old, and died at Windsor, March 9, 1692, leaving an estate of X409 to be divided among his thirteen children. Of these children, John Brown, born at Windsor, Jan. 8, 1668, married Elizabeth Loomis in 1691, and had eleven children. Among these were John Brown (born in 1700 and died in 1790), who was the father and the survivor of the revolutionary, captain, John Brown, of West Simsbury. He lived and died in Windsor, married Mary Eggleston, and Captain John Brown, just mentioned, the grandfather of our hero, was his oldest son, born Nov. Biographies. 317 4, 1728. He married Hannah Owen, of Welsh descent, in 1758. Her father was Elijah Owen of Windsor, and her first ancestor in this country was John Owen, a Welshman who married in Windsor in 1650, just before young Peter Brown came there from Duxbury. A few years afterwards an Amsterdam tailor, Peter Miles or Mills, came over to Connecticut from Holland, settled in Bloomfield, near Windsor, and became the ancestor of John Brown's grandmother, Ruth Mills, of West Simsbury. Thus three streams of nationality, English, Welsh and Dutch, united in New England to form the parentage of John Brown. He vyas jhe oldest son of Owen Brown, who was one of the eleven children of John Brown, the revolutionary captain and of Hannah Owen his wife. This large family was brought up in severe poverty by the mother, who lived to see most of her children well established in life. One of them became a judge in Ohio, another, John Brown of New Hartford, was a man much esteemed in that town, and for many years deacon of the church there. One of the daughters was the mother of Dr. Humphrey, for some years president of Amherst college. Owen Brown was bred to the trade of tanner and shoemaker, the same which he taught his son John. He followed this trade while living in Torrington, which was his home for only five or six years. He was born and bred in Simsbury (what is now CantjDn),,_was married there to Ruth Mills, daughter of the old minister. Rev. Gideon Mills, on the iith of February, 1793 ; then removed to Norfolk, where his oldest child was born, July 5, 1798, and from there came to Torrington one year later. He lived in the old house, still standing, "a mile northwest of the meeting house," which is represented in the accompanying picture. In this house John Brown was born, at the date already mentioned, and there his brothers Solomon and Oliver Owen Brown were born, in 1802 and 1804. In 1805 Owen Brown migrated, with his children and others of his family, to the Western Reserve of Ohio, and settled in the town of Hudson, of which he was one of the principal settlers. In that wilderness John Brown spent his childhood and youth, though his early recollections extended also to his home in Connecticut. This will appear from a very curious paper written by him two years before his death, in which he mentions many incidents of his childish years. Although it has several times been printed, it is due to the reader, who may never have seen it, that a paper 3i8 History of Torrington. so valuable in itself, and so characteristic of the writer, should here be reprinted. It first appeared in Redpath's Life of Brown, published BIRTH PLACE OF JOHN BROWN, TORRINGTON, MAY 9, I 80O. in Boston in i860, having been placed in Mr. Redpath's hands by Mrs. George L, Stearns of Medford, Mass. The lad to whom it was addressed was then about twelve years old, and the letter was evi- dently written for his amusement and instruction, with no thought that it would ever become public. As first printed, and as here re- produced, it is spelled, punctuated, and italicized exactly as Captain Brown wrote it. If it thus indicates, what was probably true, that Brown could spell no better than Claverhouse, and was as regardless of " stops and marks " as any old Roman stone-cutter or Greek scribe, it also shows what a piquant and forcible style he used, both in speech and on paper. It was after hearing this paper read that Miss Osgood, of Medford, remarked, " If Captain Brown had not been called, in the providence of God, to a very different work, what charming stories he could have written for young children !" The original manuscript fills six pages of closely written letter-paper, without division into paragraphs. It was written during the summer when Hugh Forbes was drilling a small company of his men for the Virginia campaign, in the western part of Iowa. Biographies. 319 Fragment of an Autobiography. Red Rock, Iowa, 11;/^ Ji^h' '^57- Mr. Henry L. Stearns My Dear Young Friend I have not forgotten my promise to write vou ; but my constant care, & anxiety have obliged me to put it off a long time. I do not flatter myself that I C(2n write anv thing that uill very much interest you: but have concluded to send you a short story of a certain boy of my acquaintance : & for convenience and shortness of name, I will call him John. His story will be mainly a narra- tion of follies and errors ; which it is to be hoped you mnj avoid ; but there is one thing connected with it, which will be calculated to encourage any young person to persevering effort: & that is the degree of success in accompliihing his objects which to a great extent marked the course of this boy throughout my entire acquaintance with him ; notwithstanding his moderate capacity ; & still more moderate acquirements. John was born May 9th 1800, at Torrington, Litchfield Co, Connecticut ; of poor but respectable parents : a decendant on the side of his father of one of the company of the Mayflower who landed at Plymouth 1620. His mother was decended from a man who came at an early period to New England from , Amsterdam, in Holland. Both his Father's & his Mother's Fathers served in \ the war of the revolution : His Father's Father ; died in a barn at New York while in the service, in 1776 I cannot tell you of any thing in the first Four years of John's life worth mentioning save that at that early age he was tempted by Three large Brass Pins belonging to a girl who lived in the family & stole them. In this he was detected by his Mother; & after having a full day to think of the wrong: re- ceived from her a thorough whipping. When he was Five years old his Father moved to Ohio ; then a wilderness filled with wild beasts, & Indians. During the long journey which was performed in part or mostly with an ox team ; he was called on by turns to assist a boy Five years older (who had been adopted by his Father & Mother) & learned to think he could accomplish smart things iajij'iiing_jthe_Covvs ; and riding the horses. Sometimes he met with Rattle Snakes which were very large ; & which some of the company generally managed to kill. After getting to Ohio in 1805 he was for some time rather afraid of the Indians, & of their Rifles; but this soon wore off: & he used to hang about them quite as much as was consistent with good manners ;-& learned a trifl e of the ir tdk. His Father learned to dress Deer Skins, & at 6 years old John was installed a young Buck Skin — He was perhaps rather observing as he ever after remembered the entire process of Deer Skin dressing ; so that he \ could at any time dress his own leather such as Squirel, Raccoon, Cat, Wolf \ or Dog Skins ; & also learned to make Whip Lashes : which brought him some change at times ; & was of considerable service in many ways. — At Six years / old John began to be quite a rambler in the wild new country finding birds & Squirels, & sometimes a wild Turkey's nest. But about this period he was placed in the school of adversity : which my young friend was a most neces- sary part of his early training. You may laugh when you come to read about it; but these v/trz sore trials to John : whose earthly treasures were very /ezo & small. These were the beginning of a severe but mueh needed course of discipline which he afterwards was to pass through ; & which it is to be hoped 320 History of Torrington. has learned him before this time that the Heavenly Fatlier sees it best to take all the little things out of his hands which he has ever placed in them. When John was in his Sixth year a poor Indian boy gave him a Yellow Marble the first he had ever seen. This he thought a great deal of; & kept it a good while ; but at last he lost it beyond recovery. // took years to heal the wound; Sc I think he cried at times about it. About Five months after this he caught a young Squirrel tearing off his tail in doing it ; & getting severely bitten at the same time himself. He however held to the little bob tail Squirrel ; & finally got him perfectly tamed, so that he almost idolized his pet. This too he lost ; by its wandering away ; or by getting killed : & for a year or Two John was in mourning; and looking at all the Squirrels he could see to try & discover Bob tail, if possible. I must not neglect to tell you of a very bad l£ foolish habbit to which fohn was somewhat addicted. I mean telling lies : generally to screen himself from blame ; or from punishment. He could not well endure to be reproached ; & I now think had he been ofteijer encouraged to be entirely frank ; by makingfrnnkness a kind of atonement for some of his faults ; he would not have been so often guilty of this fault ; nor have been obliged to struggle so long in after life with so mean a habit. John was never quarelsonie ; but was excessively fond of the hardest Iff roughest kind of plays ; & could never get enough [of] them. Indeed when for a short time he was sometimes sent to School the opportu- nity it afforded to wrestle & Snow ball & run & jump & knock off old seedy i wool hats ; offered to him almost the only compensation for the confinement, & restraints of school. I need not tell you that with such a feeling & bur litde chance of going to school at all : he did not become much of a schollar. He would always choose to stay at home & work hard rather than be sent to ^ school ; & during the warm season might generally be seen barefooted tff bare- ^-^ headed: with Buck skin Breeches suspended often with one leather strap over his shoulder but sometimes with Two. To be sent off through the wilderness alone to very considerable distances was particularly his delight ; & in this he was often indulged so that by the time he was Twelve years old he was sent off more than a Hundred Miles with companies of cattle ; & he would have thought his character much injured had he been obliged to be helped in any such job. This was a bovish kind of feeling but characteristic however. At Eight years old John was left a Motherless boy which loss was complete & permanent, for notwithstanding his Father again married to a sensible, inteli- gent, & on many accounts a very estimable woman : yet he never addopted her in feeling: but continued to pine after his own Mother for years. This op- perated very unfavourably uppon him ; as he was both naturally fond of females ; & withall extremely diffident; & deprived him of a suitable connect- ing link between the different sexes; the want of which might under some circumstances have proved his ruin. When the war broke out with England, his Father soon commenced fur- nishing the troops with beef cattle, the collecting & driving of which afforded him some opportunity for the chase (on foot) of wild steers & other cattle through the woods. During this war he had some chance to form his own boyish judgment of men tif measures: & to become somewhat familiarly ac- quainted witji some who have figured before the country since that time. The effect of what he saw during the war was to so far disgust him with military affairs that he would neither train, or drill ; but paid fines; & got along like a Quaker untill his age finally has cleared him of Military duty. Biographies 321 During the war with England a circumstance occurred that in the end made him a most determined Abolitionist: & ]ed_ him to declare, or Szvear : _Es_e£njiljML^^nihJ^\3yGV\' . He'was staying for a short time with a very gen- t leman ly, landlord-once a United States Marshall who held a slave boy near his own age very active, intelligent and good feeling; & to whom John was under considerable obligation for numerous little acts of kindness. The muster made a great ^et_oX John : brought him to table with his first company ; & friends; called their attention to every little smart thing he s^id or did : & to tlie^Jact of his being more than a hundred miles from home with a company of cattle alone ; while the negro boy (who was fully if not more than his equal) was badly cfothed, goorlyjed; ^ lodged in cold weather ; IS beaten before his eyes with Iron Shovels o^" any other thing that came first to Jiand. This brought [ohn to reflect on the wretched ; hopeless condition, o^ Fatherless & Motherless sjave children : for such children have neither Fathers nor Mothers to protect, & provide for them. He sometimes would raise the question is God their ,J Father ? .-\t the age of Ten vears an old friend induced him to read a little history ; & offered him the free use of a good library ; by ; which he acquired some taste for reading : which formed the principle part ot his early education: & diverted him in a great measure from bad company. He by this means grew to be very fond of the company, & conversaiion of old Sc intelligent persons, He_ji€-vcr attempted -to dance in his life ; nor did he._ev_en learn to know one ':-^C\ of a pack o^ cards from another. He Jearned nothing of Grammer; nor did ^-^ he get at school so much knowledge ot common Arithmetic aj the Four ground rules. This will give you some idea of the first Fifteen years of his life; dur- JngAvhich timeTieliecame very strong & large of his age & ambitious to per- form the full labour of a man ; at almost any kind of hard work. Byxeading the lives of great, wise & good men their sayings, andvvriTings ; he grew to . adislike^of vain & U-\vo\ous conversation iS persons ; & was often gi early obliged by the kind manner in which older & more inteligent persons treated him at their houses: & in conversation; which was a great relief on account of his extreme bashfulness. r ^'^^^-j-'*^ He very early in life became ambitious to excel in doing anything he under- took to perform. This kind of feeling I would recommend to all young per- sons both jnale iS fejnale : as it will certainly tend to secure admission to the ^ company of the^pnore inteligent ; & bearer Dortion of every community. By [■^ _alLine.ans endeavor to excel in some lauaatle pursuit. ' — I had like to have forgotten to tell you of one of John's misfortunes which set rather hard on him while a young bov. He had bv some means perhaps by git't of his father become the owner of a little Ewe Lamb which did finely tiJUl was^about Two TJiirds grown ; & then sickened & died. This brought another protracted mourning season : not that he felt the pecuniary loss so much for that was never his disposition; hut-so— strong & earnest were his-atach OaeiLtfr. John had been taught from earliest childhood to "fear God and keep his"\ commandments ; '' & though quite skeptical he had always by turns felt much sexious_dou.bLas_Lo his future well being ; & aboutthis time became to some ex- I tejit a convert to Christianity & ever after a firm believer in the divine authen-\ /~\ ticity of the Bible. With this book he became \'ery familiar, & possessed a ) 7^ most unusual memory of its entire contents. Now some of the things I ha\e been telling of; were just such as I would 41 322 History of Torrington. | recommend to you : & I w'^ like to know that you had selected these out ; & i adopted them as part oi your own plan of life ; & I wish you to have sof/ie de- \ finite plan Many seem Vi have none ; & others never stick to any that they r~\ j do form. This was not the case with John. He followed up wiih' t'enaatj^j^J ' whatever he set about so long as it answered his general purpose : & hence he^ -^ rarely failed in some good decree to effect the things he undertook. This was ''^^ _5CL-much— the case that he habitually expected to succeed in his undertaki-ngsX With this feeling should be coupled ; the consciousness that our plans are right \ in themselves. 1 During the period I have named John had acquired a kind of ownership to j certain animals of some little value but as he had come to understand that the title of 7uinors might be a little imperfect: he had recourse to various means in 1 C-\) prder to secure a more independent ; & perfect right of property. One of those ^^ means was to exchange with his Father for something of far less value. Another | was trading with others persons tor something his Father had never owned. Older persons have some times found difficulty with titles. F'rom fifteen to Twenty years old, he spent most of his time working at the Tanner & Currier's trade keeping Bachelors hall ; & he ofiiciating as Cook ; & for most of the time as forman of the establishment under his father. Dur- ing this period he found much trouble with some of the bad habits I have j mentioned & with some that I have not told you off: his concience urging him forward with great power in this matter: bi^t his close attention to liusiness_s^ success in its management ; together with the way he got along with a conipany j of men, & boys; made him quite a favorite with the serious & more inteligent ' portion of older persons. This was so much the case ; & secured for him so j many little notices from those he esteemed ; that his vanity was very much fed ] by it: & he came forward to manhood quite full of self-conceit ; & sclf-confi- j dent; notwithstanding his f;: introduced, and read with such effect by Gerrit Smith as to draw tears from numerous eyes in the great collection of people present. The convention has been one of the most interesting meetings I ever attended in my life; and I made a great addition to the number of warm-hearted and honest friends." Five months after this letter was written, John Brown was quietly settled at Osawatomie. He had purchased arms with the money given him at Syracuse, rifles and revolvers, and artillery sabres, with which they mustered to defend Lawrence in December, 1855. Brown and four of his sons drove up to the Free State Hotel in Lawrence at that time, " all standing, tall and well armed, in a lumber wagon, about the side of which stood rude pikes, made of bayonets fastened to poles." This was his first appearance in arms among the settlers of Kansas. These men, by no means all heroes, soon dis- covered that their new champion had other views than they. He was no squatter, but even then " his soul went marching on." He had come there to aid his sons and their neighbors against the Missouri marauders ; but that was not his main purpose. He saw that Kansas was the battle ground between slavery and freedom, and he wanted the warfare on the riglit side to be something more than defensive. He longed to attack slavery on its own ground, and there destroy it. ] The time, he thought, had come to carry out his darling scheme, and he made many enemies among the timid " free-state men " by striving to do so. In the disturbances of 1856 he was very prominent, particularly at the fights of Black Jack and Osa.watomie, in both of which he won a victory over numbers far superior to his own force. He had en- listed a small band of true men, and with these, from May to Sep- tember, he ranged the Kansas prairies at intervals, executing justice on the oppressors of the people. It was a portion of his band that 44 34^ History of Torrington. committed the so-called Potawatomie murders in May, 1856, but Captain Brown himself was not then present, although he after- wards fully justified the act. It has often been said that he took part in this deed, but that, he assured me more than once, was not the fact. Although he often told his friends the story of the fight at Black Jack on the 2d of June, 1856, it does not appear that he has left any written account of it. It was one of his most famous en- counters, and did much to make his name feared by his enemies the slave holders. On the 20th of May 1856, the town of Lawrence had been pillaged and partially destroyed by several hundred Missourians under the command of Sheriff" Jones. On the 23d Brown took the field with a small force, and on the night of the 25th some of his party committed the so-called Potawatomie murders, without Brown's knowledge at the time, but with his subsequent approval. This affair exasperated the border ruffians of Missouri, who again made an incursion into that part of Kansas where the Brown family lived, and succeeded in capturing the two eldest sons, John Brown Jr. and Jason. The leader of this raid was one Henry Clay Pate, a Vir- ginian, who put heavy irons on his captives, and after keeping them in camp for a day or two, handed them over to a body of United States dragoons who marched them in chains to the northward, where they were imprisoned at Lecompton, after having endured many hard- ships on the march. They were lodged in prison at Lecompton on the 23d of June, about four weeks after their arrest, and at this time John Brown Jr. was insane from the sufferings he had undergone, while in the hands of the United States troops. He was at first pinioned with a rope, one end of which was held by a mounted dragoon with whom he was obliged to keep pace, as the company marched rapidly under a hot sun. On reaching Tecumseh, the captives were chained two and two, about the ankles, with a common trace chain, padlocked at each end, and tightly clasped around the ankle. In this condition they were marched thirty miles one day. When Captain Brown first visited me at Concord in March T857, ''^ss than a year after this, he brought with him the chain his son had worn in this march, and told the story at a public meeting in the Town Hall there. His own words, describing the arrest, were as follows : " On or about the 30th of May 1856, two of my sons, with several others, were imprisoned without other crime than opposition to bogus legislation ; and most barbarously treated for a time, one (Jason) being held about Btographies. 347 one month, and the other (John) about four months. After this arrest, both of them had their houses burned, and all their goods consumed by the Missourians. In this burning all the eight (I and my six sons and mv son-in-law) suffered loss, and one had his oxen stolen in addition. My son John was so affected in his mind by the cruelties he endured while wearing this chain, that he became a maniac." Hearing of the capture of his two eldest sons, though not then aware of what indignities they had endured, John Brown with his men started in pursuit of the Virginian Captain Pate, who, after giving up his prisoners to the dragoons, had encamped, with fifty men, on a small stream called the Black Jack creek, near Hickory Point, within the present town of Palmyra. This place is in the southeast corner of Douglas county (of which Lawrence is the chief town), and is about halfway between Lawrence, which the pro-slavery men sacked on the 20th of May, 1856, and Osawatomie, which they sacked on the 7th of June following. Pate had been encamped there a day or two, among the "black-jack" oak trees which give a name to the stream, when Captain Brown came up with him, on Monday the 2d of June, 1856. Brown's company consisted of tvy enty-seven men besides himself,'and the names of twenty-six of these have been carefully preserved.^ He divided them into two parties, and commenced the attack with the one party, while the other moved round to get a better position. Pate was posted in a strong position, on the slope of a ravine, and with a slight defence of wagons in front of him. By the division of his forces, however, Captain Brown got him between two fires, and without much exposing his own men, harassed the enemy with rifle shots, wounded several, and drove a part of them down into the ravine. Brown began the attack with spirit, directing his men to lie down in the grass so that only their heads and shoulders were exposed to the enemy's fire, and to shoot deliberately, taking good aim, and not throwing away their fire. In this way the fight was kept up for two or three hours, during which about half of Pate's They were Samuel T. Shore, Silas More, David Hendricks, Hiram McAllister,- Parmely, Silvester Harris, O. A. Carpenter, Augustus Shore, Townsley (of Pota- watomie), William B. Hayden, John McWhinney, Montgomery Shore, Elkana Timmons, T. Weiner, August Bondy, Hugh McWhinney, Charles Kaiser, Elizur Hill, William David B. L. Cochran, Henry Thompson, Elias Basinger, Owen Brown, Frederick Brown Salmon Brown, Oliver Brown. The twenty-seventh man's name was forgotten by Captain Brown who gave me this'list. 348 History of Torrington. force had run away or been disabled, while two-thirds of Captain Brown's company were in good fighting condition. Just at the time Captain Brown's son Frederick, a wild, odd youth, who was after- wards killed at Osawatomie, left the horses he was guarding in the rear, and came upon the top of the hill overlooking the ravine,~be- tween the two parties of his father's men, brandishing a huge sword and shouting, " Come on ! come on ! the sword of the Lord and Gideon ! I have cut off all communication, come on ! " Dismayed at the supposed reinforcement, the pro-slavery men now ran away faster than ever and Captain Pate thought it necessary to send a flag of truce. This he did by hoisting a white handkerchief and sending a lieutenant to inquire what all this firing meant. Captain Brown met the lieutenant and said, " Are you the captain of this company ? " "No." "Then stay with me and send your companion to call the captain out ; I will talk with him and not with you." Thus sum- moned. Captain Pate himself appeared, saying that he was an officer acting under orders of the United States marshal of Kansas, and he supposed they did not intend to fight against the United States. He was going on in this way when Brown interrupted him, saying — " Captain, I understand exactly what you are, and do not want to hear any more about it. Have you any proposition to make to me ?" "Well, no — that is" — " Very well ; I have one to make to you ; you must surrender unconditionally." There was no resisting this demand, for Brown, taking his pistol in hand, returned with Pate to the camp leading four men with him to receive the surrender of the twenty-two men still left under Pate's command. They did surrender at once, though only eight of Brown's men were in sight at the time, and the twenty- three gave themselves up without conditions to Brown and his eight.' Twenty-one of these prisoners were unwounded, and might have kept up the fight. They surrendered themselves, their twenty-three horses, guns, ammunition, wagons, etc., and were marched off as prisoners by Brown, who encamped with them on Middle Ottawa creek near Prairie City, and about two miles from the present town called Baldwin City. Here he fortified himself, and received some ' The names of "the eight who held out to receive the surrender of Capt. Pate and twenty-two men," as given to me in April, 1857, by John Brown, were these; Charles Kaiser, Elizur Hill, Wm. David, Hugh McWhinney (seventeen years old), B. L. Cochran, Owen Brown, Salmon Brown, Oliver Brown (seventeen years old). Four of the nine were Browns therefore, and three of these were afterwards at Harper's Ferry. Biographies. 349 reinforcements — among them, John E. Cook, who was afterwards one of his lieutenants at Harper's Ferry. The victory of Brown at Black Jack roused the pro-slavery men in Missouri and in Kansas to fury, while it stimulated the freemen of "Kansas to new efforts. Both parties mustered in large force near Palmyra, and on the 5th of June a battle seemed imminent. But Col. Sumner, who afterwards, as General Sumner, distinguished himself in the civil war, came down with a force of United States cavalry and put a stop to hostilities. He also sent for Captain Brown, as soon as he heard where he was, desiring an interview. Brown left his entrenched camp on the Ottawa, and came into the camp of Col. Sumner, who requested him to give up Captain Pate and the other prisoners. Brown demurred, unless they were to be tried for highway robbery, of which, he said, they had been guilty. Col. Sumner told him they had not been properly arrested, and must be discharged, but he did not allow the United States marshal, who was present, to arrest Captain Brown, and he required the armed men on both sides to disperse. He also reprimanded Pate for having as- sumed, without proper authority, to range through the country and make arrests ; but he allowed him and his men to receive back their arms, which were the property of the United States, and were im- properly in their possession. Brown and his men returned home, such of them as had homes to go to, and for a ftw weeks after June 7, there were no serious disturbances. But it was impossible for Brown and his sons to devote themselves quietly to farming as they were requested to do. Their houses had been burnt, their farms pillaged, and two of them held as prisoners. John Brown Jr., was not dis- charged from arrest until about the middle of September. In telling the story of this summer of 1856, to the Massachusetts legislature, on the 18th of February, 1857, when it was proposed to make a state appropriation in aid of the Massachusetts men settled in Kansas, John Brown said : "I with my six sons and a son-in-law, was called out, and traveled, most of the way on foot, to try and save Lawrence (May 20 and 2M, and much of the way in the night. From that date, neither I nor my sons, nor my son-in- law, could do any work about our homes, but lost our whole time until we left in October ; except one of my sons, who had a few weeks to devote to the care of his own and his brother's family, who were then without a home.' ' Brown added, with that prosaic love of details which he had ; " I believe it safe to say that five hundred free state men lost each one hundred and twenty days, which, at §1.50 per day, would be, to say nothing of attendant losses, §90,000." This would make the services of the eight Browns worth just $1,440 during that period. They were really worth millions. 2S^ History of Torrington. From about the 20th of May, hundreds of men, like ourselves, lost their whole time, and entirely failed of securing any crop whatever." They secured the harvest of freedom in Kansas, however, and that was worth more than any other crop, that season. And to no man so much as to John Brown was this result due. He was present wherever danger threatened and, whenever he was permitted to do so, he warded off the danger, or punished the perpetrators of crime. He vi^as near Topeka on the 3d and 4th of July 1856, when the free state legislature was dispersed by federal dragoons, and was ready then, if others had consented, to resist the arbitrary action of the federal government. In August, he joined the forces of Gen. James A. Lane in northern Kansas, having first carried his wounded son-in- law, Henry Thompson, into Iowa to be taken care of. Returning from Iowa about the lOth of August, with Gen. Lane, he proceeded with him to Lawrence and to Franklin, where there was some skir- mishing, and, from the middle of August to the last of September he was in the field with his company, fighting the Missourian invaders of Kansas. By this time his name had become a terror to them, and wherever they were attacked, they believed he was in command. In an appeal to the citizens of Lafayette county, Missouri, urging them to take horses and guns and march into Kansas, David R. Atchison, formerly United States senator from Missouri, wrote as follows, under date of August 17, 1856 : " On the 6th of August, ihe notorious Brown, with a party of three hundred abolitionists, made an attack upon a colony of Georgians ' murdering about two hundred and twenty-five souls, one hundred and seventy-five of whom were women, children and slaves. Their houses were burnt to the ground, all their property stolen, horses, cattle, clothing, money, provisions, all taken away from them, and their plows burned lo ashes. August 12th, at night, three hundred abolitionists, under this satne Brown, attacked the town of Franklin, robbed, plundered and burnt, took all the arms in town, broke open and destroyed the post office, captured the old cannon "Sacramento" which our gallant Missourians captured in Mexico, and are now turning its mouth against our friends August 15th, Brown with four hundred abolitionists, mostly Lane's men, mounted and armed, attacked Trcadwcll's settlement in Douglas county, num- bering about thirty men. They planted the old cannon 'Sacramento' towards the colonv and surrounded them." ' At Battersville, eight miles soutli east of Osawatomie, on an Indian reservation. John Brown was at this time in Nebraska. " Preacher Stewart" really commanded the Free State men. Biographies. 351 No doubt Brown had his share in some of these attacks, which drove some troublesome pro-slavery marauders out of Kansas, but which led also to a formidable invasion from Missouri, under Atchison and Gen. John W. Reid. The former was routed by Gen. Lane on the 31st of August, and returned to Missouri ; the latter also re- turned, after a bloody fight with John Brown at Osawatomie, which Reid captured and burned, but which he could not hold on account of the loss inflicted on him by Brown. It was in this fight that Brown received the name of " Osawatomie," by which he was known for some years afterwards. One of his questioners at Harper's Ferry, after his capture in 1859, said, " Are you Osawatomie Brown ?" '' I tried to do my duty there," replied the old hero. He not only did his duty in the fight, but soon afterwards wrote an account of it, which is so exact that it deserves to be quoted here. The Fight of Osawatomie. Early in the morning of the 30th of August, the enemy's scouts approached to within one mile and a half of the wesiern boundary of the town of Osa- watomie. At this place my son Frederick (who was not attached to my force) had lodged, with some four other young men from Lawrence, and a young man named Garrison, from Middle Creek. The scouts, led by a pro-slavery preacher named White, shot my son dead in the road, whilst he — as I have since ascertained — supposed them to be friendly. At the same time they butchered Mr. Garrison, and badly mangled one ot the young men from Lawrence, who came with my son, leaving him for dead. This was not far from sunrise. I had stopped during the night about two and one-half miles from them, and nearly one mile from Osawatomie. I had no organized force, but only some twelve or fifteen new recruits, who were ordered to leave their preparations for breakfast, and follow me into the town as soon as this news was brought to me. As I had no means of learning correctly the force of the enemy, I placed twelve of the recruits in a log-house, hoping we might be able to defend the town. I then gathered some fifteen more men together, whom we armed with guns ; and we started in the direction of the enemy. After going a few rods, we could see them approaching the town in line of battle, about one-half a mile off, upon a hill west of the village. I then gave up all idea of doing more than to annoy, from the timber near the town, into which we were all retreated, and which was filled with a thick growth of underbrush, but had no time to recall the twelve men in the log-house, and so lost their assistance in the fight. At the point above named I met with Captain Cline, a very active young man, who had with him some twelve or fifteen mounted men, and persuaded him to go with us into the timber, on the southern shore of the Osage, or Maraisdes-Cygnes, a little to the northwest from the village. Here the men, numbering not more than thirty in all, were directed to scatter and secrete 352 History of Torrington. themselves as well as they could, and await the approach of the enemy. This was done in full view of them (^who must have seen the whole movement), and had to be done in the utmost haste. 1 believe Captain Cline and some of his men were not even dismounted in the fight, but cannot assert positively. When the left wing of the enemy had approached to within common rifle shot, we commenced firing ; and very soon threw the northern branch of the enemy's line into disorder. This continued some fifteen or twenty minutes, wliich gave us an uncommon opportunity to annoy them. Captain Cline and his men soon got out ot ammunition, and retired across tlie river. After the enemy rallied, we kept up our fire ; until, by the leaving ol one and another, we had but six or seven left. We then retired across the river. We had one man killed — a Mr. Powers, from Captain Cline's company — in the fight. One of my men, a Mr. Partridge, was shot in crossing the river. Two or three ot the party, who took part in the fight, are yet missing, and may be lost or taken prisoners. Two were wounded, viz: Dr. Updegraff and a Mr. Collis. I cannot speak in too high terms of them, and of many others 1 have not now time to mention. One ot my best men, together with myself, was struck with a partially spent ball from the enemy, in the commencement of the fight, but we were only bruised. The loss 1 refer to is one of my missing men. The loss of the enemy, as we learn by the different statements of our own, as well as their people, was some thirty-one or two killed, and from forty to fifty wounded. After burning the town to ashes, and killing a Mr. Williams they had taken, whom neither party claimed, they took a hasty leave, carrying their dead and wounded with them. They did not attempt to cross the river, nor to search for us, and have not since returned to look over their work. I give this in great haste, in the midst of constant interruptions. My second son was with me in the fight, and escaped unharmed. This I mention for the benefit of his friends. Old preacher White, I hear, boasts of having killed my son. Of course he is a Hon. John Brown. Lawrence, Kansas, September 7, 1856. In his address before the legislature in the State House at Boston, Feb. 18, 1857, Siown added some particulars concerning his son's death. He said : '' I have not yet told all I saw in Kansas. I once saw three mangled bodies, two of which were dead, and one alive, but with twenty bullet and buckshot holes in him, after the two murdered men had lain on the ground, to be worked at by flies, for some eighteen hours. One of these young men was my oiun son." He was not found by his father until the evening of that day, after the retreat of the Missouri men. His death was a murder and his mur- derer was Martin White a preacher, who was then serving as a soldier in what he called "the law and order militia," that is, the Missouri Biographies. 2S3 forces, which, upon entering Kansas, were made a part of the pro- slavery territorial militia, by order of Secretary Woodson, himself a Missouri man, who was for a (ew days acting governor of Kansas. On the I 2th of September, the new governor, Geary of Pennsylvania, ordered this invading militia to disband and disperse, but thev did not obey, until they a^ain had a taste of John Brown's quality as a com- mander. Martin White was afterwards a member' of the pro-slavery legislature, and during the session at Lecompton he boasted of the killins: of Frederick Brown. On his wav home from the session he was himseif waylaid and shot, according to Mr. Redpath. This was in the winter after the fight at Osawatomie. The number of the pro-slavery men in arms at Osawatomie on the 30th of August was about four hundred, while John Brown had just fortv-one men in his company. On the 21st anniversary of this fight, in 1877, a monument to Brown and his men was consecrated at Osawatomie, and the principal speech on the occasion was made by Hon. John J. Ingalls, a senator of the United States, from the state of Kansas. On the 7th of September, 1855, as the above letter shows, John Brown was at Lawrence. He went from there to Topeka, soon after, and was on his return from there to the neighborhood of Osa- watomie, when another Missouri army invaded Kansas and came up to destroy Lawrence. On Sunday the 14th of September, at a time when many of the armed men of Lawrence were absent on an expe- dition to Hickory Point (where they captured a fort on this same Sunday), the people of the town were alarmed by the news "that 2800 Missourians were marching down upon Lawrence with drums beating and with eagles upon their banners." The acttial number, as reported by Gov. Geary, who visited their camp at P'ranklin, on Monday the 15th was 2700, and their leaders were Gen. John W. Reid, David R. Atchison, B. F. Stringfellow, etc., — the same who had led the invasion three weeks before. The whole number of fighting men in Lawrence that Sunday did not exceed 200, and many of them were unarmed. But Brown was there and soon made himself known. He was asked to take command of the defences of the town and though he declined, he did in fact command. Between four and five o'clock in the afternoon he assembled the people in the main street, and, mounted on a dry -goods box in the midst of them, he made this speech, which is reported by one who heard him : ' From Lykins county. 4.5 354 History of Torrington. Gentlemen: It is said there are two tliousand five hundred Missourians down at Franklin,' and that they will be here in two hours. You can see for your- selves the smoke they are making by setting fire to the houses in that town. Now is probably the last opportunity you will have of seeing a fight, so that you had better do your best. If they should come up and attack us, don't yell and make a great noise, but remain perfectly silent and still. Wait till they get within- twenty-five yards of you ; get a good object ; be sure you see the ihind- sight of your gun ; then fire. A great deal o\ powder and lead and very pre- cious time, is wasted by shooting too high. You had better aim at their legs, than at iheir heads. In cither case, be sure of the hind-sights of your guns. It is from the neglect of this that I myself have so many times escaped ; for, if all the bullets that have ever been aimed at me had hit, I should have been as full of holes as a riddle." After this fitting speech, which reminds one of John Stark at Bun- ker Hill and Bennington, Brown sent his small force to the few forts and breastworks about the town, and ordered all the men who had the far-shooting Sharpe's rifle — then a new weapon — to go out upon the prairie, half a mile south ot the town, where by this time the invading horsemen could be seen, two miles off. After a halt for reconnoitering purposes, the enemy made an advance upon Brown's left, and came within half a mile of his advance guard, just as the sun was setting. Under cover of the dusk some of them came nearer, but the discharge of a few Sharpe's rifles, and the approach of a brass twelve pounder cannon, which Brown ordered up to support his riflemen, caused the enemy to turn their horses and retreat, with- out any further attempt to take the town. Captain Brown's own modest accouiit of this affair, in which he saved Lawrence from de- struction, is as follows : "I know well that on or about the 14th of September, 1856, a large force of Missourians and other rufRans, said by Gov. Geary to be two thousand seven hundred in number, invaded the territory, burned Franklin, and while the smoke of that place was going up behind them, they, on the same day, made their appearance in full view of, and within about a mile of Lawrence ; nnd I knozo of jio reason why they did not attack that place, except that about one luin- drcd free state men volunteered to go otit, and did go out on the open plain before the town, and gwc the?n the vffer of a fght ; which, after getting scat- tering shots froin our men, they declined, and retreated back towards Franklin. / sazo that zvhole thing. The government troops at this time were at Lecomp- ton, a distance of twelve miles only from Lawrence, with Gov. Geary ; and yet, notwithstanding runners had been despatched to advise him, in good time, of the setting out and approach of the enemy (who had to march some forty miles to reach Lawrence), he did not, on that memorable occasion, get a single soldier on the ground until the enemy had retreated to Franklin, and been gone for more than five hours. This is the way he saved Lawrence." * A small town five miles southeast of Lawrence. ^' Biographies. ^^^ Being asked who commanded the Lawrence men, Brown at first evaded the question, as if he did not understand it ; when asked a second time, he repHed, "No one — that he had himself heen re- quested to take comm'ind, but refused, and only acted as their adviser." It was bv his advice^ however, that the town was saved. When that was achieved, its deliverer was hunted out of Kansas by the very troops of the federal government which had neglected to prevent the Missouri invasion. He left Lawrence for northern Kansas before the 20th of September, traveling with his four sons, and with a fugitive slave whom he picked up on the way. The old hero was sick, as he often was, and travelled slowly ; appearing to be a land surveyor on a journey. He had a light wagon in which he rode, with his surveyor's instruments ostentatiously in sight ; a cow was tied behind the wagon, and inside, covered up in a blanket, was the fugitive slave. Som.etimes he pitched his camp at night near the dragoons who were ordered to arrest him, but who little suspected that the formidable fighter was so near them in the guise of a feeble old man. At Plymouth, not far from the Nebraska border, Mr. Redpath, in one of his journey's through the territory, found him lying ill in a log hut, while his four sons were camped near by. A few hours after, the dragoons, hearing he was so near them, came up to arrest him, but he had crossed the border into Nebraska, and was out of their reach. He went forward till he came to Tabor in Iowa, not far northeast of Nebraska City, and there remained among friends for two or three weeks, in Octo- ber and November. In the latter month he reached' Chicago, and made himself known to the National Kansas Committee, which then had head quarters in that city. Afterwards he traveled eastward, to Ohio, to Peterboro, N. Y., where he visited his friend Gerrit Smith, to Albany and Springfield, and finally to Boston, where I first saw him in the early part of January, 1857. As John Brown, in the autumn of 1856, passed northward through Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa, retreating slowly and painfully out of the land he had so stoutly defended, he_ieft ..behind him thexecent gcave of one of his six sons, murdered at Osawatomie. Another son had been a prisoner and a maniac, driven wild by his hardships ; a third son^was shockingly wounded, and so was Henry Thompson, the husband of his beloved eldest daughter, Ruth. His whole fam had been stripped of their little property, and the father himself was 'destitute. So scanty was his wardrobe that he wore at Osawatomie on the 30th of August the same garments that he had almost worn 2S^ History of Torrington. out in the fight of Black Jack on the 2d of June. He had been waging war at his own cost and risk ; and though the anti-slavery men of the north had given money by the hundred thousand dollars, to aid the Kansas farmers in their fight with slavery, scarcely a dollar of this had reached the man who could best have used it. But he had made himself known to his countrymen for what he was, and began to draw to him that admiration and love which has now become his portion forever. Afflictions, though neither light, nor for a moment, were working out for him, as the Apostle promises, '•'a far more ex- ceeding and eternal weight of glory." Of this he had himself some' intimation, vouchsafed him, doubtless, by that Infinite Wisdom, which has ordered and foreordained all that eternity can bring to pass. '^ After brother John's return from Kansas," said Jeremiah Brown, "■ he called on me in Ohio, and 1 urged him to go home to his family and attend to his private affairs ; saying that I feared his course would prove his own destruction, and that of his boys. He replied that he was sorry I did not sympathize with him ; that he knew he was in the line of his duty, and must pursue it, though it should destj"oy him and his family ; that he was satisfied he was a chosen instrument in the hands of God to luar against davery." This faith had sustained him in Kansas, and it was to sustain him in his more perilous work hereafter. When John Brown first called on me in Boston, in January 1857, bringing a letter of introduction from my brother-in-law, Mr. George Walker of Springfield, he was in his 57th year, and, though touched with age and its infirmities, was still vigorous and active, and of an aspect which would have made him distinguished anywhere among men who know hew to recognize courage and greatness of mind. At that time he was close shaven, and no flowing beard, as in later years, softened the force of his firm, wide mouth and his positive chin. That beard, long and gray, which nearly all his portraits now show, and by which he will be recognized hereafter, added a picturesque finish to a face that was in all its features severe and masculine, yet with a latent tenderness in them. His eyes were a piercing blue-gray. not very large, looking out from under brows " Of' dauntless courage and considerate pride." His hair was 'dark brown sprinkled with grav, short and bristling, and shooting back from a forehead of middle height and breadth ; his nose was aquiline, his ears were large, his frame angular, his voice deep and metallic, his walk positive and intrepid, though somewhat slow. His manner was modest, and in a large company even diffident ; he was by Biographies. 357 no means fluent of speech, but his words were always to the point, and his observations original, direct, and shrewd. His mien was serious and patient rather than cheerful ; it betokened the " sad wise valor" which Herbert praises ; but, though earnest and almost anxious, it was never depressed. In short, he was then, to the eye of insight, what he afterwards seemed to the world, a brave and resolved man, con- scious of a work laid upon him, and confident that he should ac- complish it. His figure was tall, slender and commanding, his bearing military, and his garb showed a singular blending of the soldier and "the deacon. He had laid aside in Chicago the torn and faded sum- mer garments which he wore throughout his campaigns, and I saw him at one of those rare periods in his life when his clothes were new. He wore a complete suit of brown broadcloth or kerseymere, cut in the fashion of a dozen years before, and giving him the air of a re- spectable deacon in a rural parish. But instead of a collar he had on a high stock of patent leather, such as soldiers used to wear, a gray military overcoat with a cape, similar to that afterwards worn in the Confederate army, and a fur cap. He was, in fact, a Puritan soldier, such as were common enough in Cromwell's day, but have not often been seen since. Yet his heart was averse to bloodshed, gentle, ten- der and devout. It was my privilege, and for a young man of twenty-six certainly an undeserved good fortune, to make Captain Brown acquainted with famous men who then allowed me the honor of their friendship. I took him to the hospitable home of Theodore Parker, in Exeter place Boston, where he met William Lloyd Garrison and Wendell Phillips ; I introduced him to that chivalrous man, the late Dr. Howe ; and a few months later I brought him to Concord and made him acquainted with Emerson, Thoreau and Alcott. Upon all these men he made a profound impression, which several of them have since declared to the world, when his fame seemed to need the voice of a friend, and before the echoes of his renown silenced the murmurs that the act of a hero so often awakens. I find among my papers a letter of Dr. Howe's sent me from New York early in 1859, when Howe and Theodore Parker were about sailing on that voyage from which only one of them returned. It was intended to introduce Brown to our friend Mr. John VI. Forbes, but, for some accidental reason was never so used, and has never been published. Here it is : 358 History of Torrington. " New York, Feb. 5, '59. " Dear Sir : It you would like to hear an honest, brave, keen and veteran backwoods- man disclose some plans for delivering our lands from the curse of slavery, the bearer will do so. I think I know him well ; he is of the Puritan militant order. He is an enthusiast, yet cool, keen and cautious. He has a marivr's spirit. He will ask nothing of you but the pledge that you keep to yourself what he may say. Faithfully yours, John M. Forbes, Esq. S. 6. Howe." "He will ask nothing of you, but the pledge that you keep to your- self what he may say." This was, in fact, the attitude of John Brown towards his friends after he returned to the eastern states from his first Kansas campaign, but should they be moved by what he said to give him money, or to enlist in his company, for perpetual and active warfare upon slavery, he welcomed the recruit and ex" pressed his thanks to the contributor. In 1857, when I first saw him, although his Virginia plans were already formed, and had been for many years, he said nothing of them, but talked of Missouri and Kansas, His immediate purpose was to raise a troop of horse, a hundred men, who might retaliate upon Missouri slave-holders for the raids they had been making into Kansas. ^C '-' - In 1859, when Dr. Howe wrote to Mr. Forbes, Brown had dis- closed to a few of us, his Virginia scheme, in all its main features though not with full details. But the Missouri plan and the Vir- ginia plan were at heart the same, their object being to make slave holding unsafe, and to give the slave a chance to fight for his free- dom under rigid discipline, and not in the wild tumult of an insur- rection. This very policy of John Brown's was adopted in 1861 by Gen. Fremont, in 1862 by Abraham Lincoln, and in 1863-4, by Secretary Stanton, after pressure from Gov. Andrew of Massachu- setts and other earnest men in all parts of the north. It was the policy that finally overcame the rebellion, and put an end to the long civil war. John Brown led the way in this policy, and the great heart of the people, wiser in its impulses than the statesmen in their coun- cils, early responded to the appeal that John Brown had made. Nothino; else than this made the name and fate of Brown the watch- word and rallying song of our armies. Hardly had the civil war begun in good earnest, when a regiment of Massachusetts soldiers with a son of Daniel Webster at their head, came marching up State street (where, ten years before, fugitive slaves were dragged Biographies. 359 back to bondage^ under the flag of the United States), startling the echoes of Boston with the new song : John Brown's body lies mouldering in the grave, John Brown's body lies mouldering in the grave, John Brown's body lies mouldering in the grave, But his soul's marching on. Glory, glory, hallelujah ! Glory, glory, hallelujah ! Glory, glory, hallelujah ! His soul's marching on. John Brown's knapsack is strapped upon his back, And his soul's marching on. He's gone to be a soldier in the army of the Lord, His soul is marching on." The words were wild and rude, nobody knew whence they came, nor from what pious soul the devout, militant melody first sounded forth; but there they were, the rough, earnest words, the martial air, wedded in one strain of popular music and sung by a million voices. It was the requiem and the resurrection hymn of a hero, sounding from the roused heart of the people, as the forest murmur rises when mountain winds stir the branches of oak and pine on a thousand hill- tops of New England. But I am anticipating the course of history, just as my brave old friend did. His special errand to me, in 1857, and to the Massa- chusetts Kansas committee, of which I was then secretary, was to provide at once for the defence of Kansas by carrying the war into the enemy'scountry. During the month of January, and indeed, in a few days after he reached Boston, he formed the acquaintance of the men there whom he wished to consult, of iMr, George L. Stearns, Dr. Cabot, Theodore Parker, Amos A. Lawrence, Judge Russell, Dr. Howe, Mr. Garrison, and all who were then conspicuous in maintain- ing the cause of the Kansas pioneers. His desire was to obtain control of some two hundred Sharpe's rifles, belonging to the Massachusetts committee, with which to arm a force of a hundred men for the pur- pose of defending Kansas and making excursions, if necessary into Missouri and other slave states. Keeping his Virginia plan in mind, he yet did not communicate it to any person in Massachusetts for more than a year; only taking pains to say that with the arms, money, and clothing that he might get for his company, he should act on his own responsibility, without taking orders from any com- 360 History of Torrington. mittee. With this understanding, and having great confidence in him, the Massachusetts committee, on the 8th of January, 1857, gave him an order for taking possession of the two hundred rifles, with their belongings, then stored at Tabor, in the southwestern part of Iowa. This order did not authorize him to make any use of the arms, though it appropriated five hundred dollars for his expenses in getting possession of them ; and it was not until April 1 1 , three months later, that a vote was passed allowing Captain Brown to sell a hun- dred of the rifles to free state inhabitants of Kansas. At the same time another sum of live hundred dollars was voted him, to be used " for the relief of persons in Kansas." The arms thus placed at his disposal were a part of those afterwards carried by him to Haiper's Ferry, and, as the true nature of the transaction by which they came, honestly, into his possession for use in Virginia, has never been well understood, it may here be explained. In the winter of 1855-56 a large subscription was collected in Boston by Dr. Samuel Cabot and others, expressly for the purchase of arms" for Kansas settlers. With this money a hundred Sharpe's rifles and some other arms were purchased by Dr. Cabot and for- warded to Kansas early in 1856. These, however, were no part of the arms of Captain Brown, which were purchased by the Massa- chusetts State Kansas Committee in the autumn of 1856, and for- warded, through the National Committee, having its head-quarters at Chicago, by the Iowa and Nebraska route to Kansas. The two hundred rifles never seem to have got farther than Tabor, where they were lying when Captain Brown made his exit from Kansas by that route, in November. On reaching Chicago, soon after, he appears to have made application to Messrs. George W, Dole, J. D. Web- ster (afterwards General Webster, of General Grant's stafi^), and Henry B. Hurd, the Chicago members of the National Committee, for the custody of the rifles at Tabor. This application was not granted, perhaps because the committee distrusted Captain Brown, per- haps because they recognized the Massachusetts committee as owners of the arms. The Chicago committee did afterwards, however, lay claim to the control of these rifles ; and one reason for the Massa- chusetts vote of January 8, 1857, above alluded to, was to place them in the hands of a man who had shown his ability to protect whatever was in his custody. Before taking actual possession of them, Captain Brown attended a full meeting of the National Com- mittee at the Astor House in New York, January 22-25, ^^S7-> ^^^ Biographies. 361 the purpose of securing an appropriation from that committee for his company of minute-men; and, in order to settle the question, which of the two committees controlled the rifles at Tabor, he made a re- quest for those arms as a part of the appropriation. This request was vehemently opposed by Mr. Hurd of Chicago, who expressed great anxiety lest Brown should make incursions into Missouri or other slave states. Mr, F. B. Sanborn, who represented Massachusetts at the Astor House meeting, as proxy for Drs. Cabot and Howe, supported the application of Captain Brown, which was viewed with favor by a majority of the meeting. As a final compromise, it was voted that the rifles at Tabor should be restored to the Massachusetts committee, to be disposed of as they should think best ; and that an appropriation of several thousand dollars, in money and clothing, should be made to Captain Brown's company by the National Com- mittee. This left the Massachusetts committee at liberty to use their own property as they saw fit, and they then gave Captain Brown undisputed possession of the arms, subject, however, to future votes of the Boston committee. In point of fict, though this was not known to the committee till a year later, the rifles were brouc^ht from Tabor to Ohio in the year 1857, ^"^ remained tJiere till they were sent to Chambersburg by John Brown, Jr., in July, 1859, for use at Harper's Ferry. During the year 1857, '•he expen- ditures of the'Massachusetts committee for the relief of the famine in Kansas were very large ; and, as advances of money were made by the chairman (Mr. George L. Stearns, a wealthy merchant of Bos- ton), much in excess of the current receipts, it was finally voted to give him, in reimbursement, most of the property and assets in the hands of the committee. Among these, of course, were the two hundred rifles, and it was with the consent of Mr. Stearns as owner, but without the consent of the committee, that Brown, in 1859, carried these rifles to Virginia. John Brown remained in Boston and its vicinity during the greater part of January and February, 1857, ^"^ ^^^ there again in the early weeks of March and of April. On the i8th of February, as above mentioned, he made the speech, from which quotations have been cited, before a committee of the state legislature to urge that Massa- chusetts should vote an appropriation of money in aid of the emigrants from the state who had settled in Kansas. It was one of the itvi speeches made by him in Massachusetts that year, and was mainly read from his manuscript. In March he made his first visit to Con- 46 362 History of Torrington. cord, where he addressed a large audience in the Town Hall, and spoke without notes, in a very impressive and eloquent manner. Among his hearers were Mr. R. W. Emerson and iVIr. Henrv D. Thoreau, who had met him the preceding day, under circumstances that it may be interesting to mention, since both these gentlemen were his warm admirers, and took up his cause when he had but few champions among the scholars of Massachusetts. Mr. Thoreau's noble appeal in his behalf, given at Concord on Sunday evening, October 30, 1859, ^"^ repeated at the Tremont Temple in Boston, November ist, was the earliest address in his praise to which the Massachusetts public listened, as it still is the best ; and it was soon followed by Mr. Emerson's famous mention of Brown in a Boston lecture as one who had "made the gallows glorious, like the cross," and by his speech at the Tremont Temple relief meeting, November 18, 1859, at which John A. Andrew presided. The first occasion of John Brown's visit to Concord was to speak at the public meeting just mentioned, in March, 1857, which had been called at my request. On the day appointed. Brown went up from Boston at noon and dined with Mr. Thoreau, then a member of his father's family, and residing not far from the rail road station. The two idealists, both of them in revolt against the civil government then established in this country, because of its base subservience to slavery, found themselves friends from the beginning of their ac- quaintance. They sat after dinner, discussing the events of the border warfare in Kansas, and Brown's share in them, when, as it often happened, Mr. Emerson called at Mr. Thoreau's door on some errand to his friend. Thus the three men first met under the same roof, and. found that they held the same opinion of what was upper- most in the mind of Brown. He did not reveal to them, either then or later, his Virginia plans ; but he declared frankly, as he always did, his purpose of attacking slavery, wherever it could be reached ; and this was the sentiment of his speech at the evening meeting, when he told the story of his Kansas life to the grandsons of the men who began the war of the Revolution at Concord bridge. He spoke of the murder of one of his seven sons, the imprisonment and insanity of another ; and as he shook before his audience the chain which his free-born son had worn, for no crime but for resisting slavery, his words rose to thrilling eloquence, and made a wonderful impression on his audience. From that time the Concord people were on his side, as they afterwards testified on several occasions. He was again Biographies. 363 in Concord for several days in April, 1857, and on this visit was the guest of Mr. Emerson for a day ; from whose house he drove across the country to Air. Stearns's house at Medford, one pleasant Sunday morning in that April. The journals of Emerson, Thoreau, and, two years later, of their friend Bronson Alcott, will bear witness to the impression made by Captain Brown on these three founders of a school of thought and literature. In the latter part of March, 1857, Captain Brown, in company with Martin F, Conway, afterwards a member of congress from Kansas, and myself, representing the Massachusetts committee, met by appointment at the Metropolitan Hotel in New York, and proceeded in company to Easton, Pennsylvania, where Mr. Andrew H. Reeder, a former governor of Kansas, was living, for the purpose of inducing him, if possible, to return to Kansas, and become the leader of the free state party there. The journey was undertaken at the request of the Massachusetts committee, of which both Brown and Conway had been agents. It resulted in nothing, for Governor Reeder was unwilling to leave his family and his occupations at Easton to engage again in the political contests of Kansas. Captain Brown had quite a different conception of his own duty to his family, as compared with his duty to the cause in which he had enlisted. Although he had been absent from home nearly two years, he re- frained from a visit to North Elba, where his family then were, until he had arranged all his military affairs in Boston, New York, and Connecticut ; and he finally reached his rough mountain home late in April. He found his daughter Ellen, whom he had left ?.n infant in the cradle, old enough to hear him sing his favorite hymn, " Blow ye the trumpet, blow !" to the old tune of Lenox. "■' He sung all his own children to sleep with it," writes his daughter Anne, " and some of his grandchildren too. He seemed to be very partial to the first verse; I think that he applied it to himself. When he was at home (I think it was the first time he came from Kansas), he told Ellen that he had sung it to all the rest, and must to her too. She was afraid to go to him alone " (the poor child had forgotten her father in his two years' absence), " so father said that I must sit with her. He took Ellen on one knee and me on the other and sung it to us." It was on this visit to North Elba that John Brown carried with him the old tombstone of his grandfather. Captain John Brown, the revolutionary soldier, from the burial place of his family in Canton, Connecticut. He caused the name of his murdered son Frederick, 364 History of Torrington. who fell in Kansas, to be carved on this stone, with the date of his death, and placed it where he desired his own grave to be, beside a huge rock on the hillside where his house stands, giving directions that his own name and the date of his death should be inscribed there too, when lie should fall, as he expected in the conflict with slavery. That stone now marks his grave and tells a story which more costly monuments and longer inscriptions could not so well declare. Although Capt. Brown spent the winter of 1856-57 in New Eng- gland, he did not by any means forget or neglect his family at North Elba, but busied himself in securing for them an addition to the two farms in the wilderness on which his wife and his married daughter, Mrs. Thompson, were then living. Several of his Massachusetts friends, chief among whom were Mr. Amos A. Lawrence and Mr. Stearns, raised a subscription of $1,000 to purchase one hundred and sixty acres of land for division in equal portions between these farms. Mr. Stearns contributed $260 to this fund, and Mr. Lawrence about the same amount ; these two gentlemen having made up the sum by which the original subscription fell short of $1,000. The connec- tion of Mr. Lawrence with this transaction, and his personal acquaint- ance with Brown in 1857, were afterwards held to imply that he had some knowledge of Brown's plans, which was not the case. The subscription thus raised was expended in completing the pur- chase of the tract in question, originally sold by Gerrit Smith to the brothers of Henry Thompson, Brown's son-in-law, but which had not been wholly paid for. In August, 1857, as the agent of Messrs. Stearns and Lawrence, I visited North Elba, examined the land, paid the Thompsons their stipulated price for improvements, and to Mr. Smith the remainder of the purchase money ; took the necessary deeds and transferred the property to Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Thomp- son, according to the terms arranged by Captain Brown in the pre- ceding spring. At this time neither Gerrit Smith, nor Mr. Stearns, nor myself had any knowledge of Brown's scheme for a campaign in Virginia. But that he was preparing for it at that time is clear from certain arrangements he had made in Connecticut in this same spring of 1857. It was at this date that John Brown engaged Mr. Charles Blair of Collinsville, to make for him the thousand pikes which he carried to Harper's Ferry in 1859. At the senatorial investigation of 1859- 60, Mr. Blair told the story, and it is curious enough to be given here, somewhat abridged. Mr. Blair testified (January 23, i860): Biographies. 2^5 "I knew the late John Brown who was recently executed under the laws of Virginia. I made his acquaintance in the early part of 1857, in the latter part of February or the fore part of March. He came to our place, Collmsville, as I suppose, to visit connections who lived in our town. He himself was born, as I have understood, at Torringford, ten miles from there, and some of his relatives lived in a town ten miles from our village. He spoke in a public hall one evening, and gave an account oi some of his experiences in Kansas, and, at the close of the meeting, made an appeal to the audience. After stating the wants of many of the free settlers in Kansas, their privations and need of clothing, etc., he made an appeal for aid, for the purpose of fur- nishing the necessaries of life, as he declared. I think there was no collection taken up for him at that time. On the following morning, he was exhibiting to some gentlemen who happened to be collected together in a druggist's store, some weapons which he claimed to have taken from Captain Pate in Kansas. Among them was a two edged dirk, with a blade about eight inches long and he remarked that, if he had a lot of those things to attach to poles about six feet long, thev would be capital weapons of defence for the settlers of Kansas to keep in their log-cabins, to defend themselves against any sudden attack that might be made on them.' " He turned to me, knowing, as I suppose, that I was engaged in edge-tool making, and asked me what I would make them for ; what it would cost to make 500 or 1,000 of those things, as he described them. I replied, without much consideration, that I would make him ^00 of them for $1.25 apiece; or, if he wanted 1,000, I thought they might be made for a dollar apiece." Brown at once contracted for 1,000 of these pikes at one dollar each, and Mr, Blair made them for him, doing a part of the work in the spring of 1857, and the rest in the summer of 1859, just before the attack on Harper's Ferry. They were all along intended to be put in the hands of freed slaves, for the defence of the log forts which Brown proposed to build in Virginia, Missouri, Kentucky, or wherever his attack should finally be made. They were sent by Mr. Blair to Chambersburg, Pa., early in September, 1859, were taken to the Kennedy farm, and a portion of them were carried by Brown's men across the Potomac to arm the slaves with. They were paid for in the early summer of 1859, w'*^^ money given to Brown by Gerrit Smith and George L. Stearns. Notwithstanding; the success attendins; some of his efforts in New England in the spring of 1857, J°^" Brown failed to raise at that time a sufficient sum of money to equip and support his company of mounted minute-men, and he left Massachusetts, late in April, much ' I remember Brown's showing me this knife of Pate's, which he was then in the habit of carrying in the leg of his boot, in order that it might not be unpleasantly obvious. It was what is jocularly known as an " Arkansas toothpick." 366 History of Torrington. saddened by this failure. Before leaving Boston he wrote a brief paper headed " Old Brown's Farewell to the Plymouth Rocks, Bun- ker Hill Monuments, Charter Oaks, and Uncle Tom's Cabins," in which he says he had been trying, since he came out of Kansas, " to secure an outfit, or, in other words, the means of arming and thoroughly equipping his regular minute men, who are mixed up with the people of Kansas ;" but that he goes back " with a feeling of deepest sadness that, after having exhausted his own small means, and with his family and his brave men suffered hunger, cold, naked- ness, and some of them sickness, wounds, imprisonment in irons, with extreme cruel treatment, and others death, he cannot secure, amidst all the wealth, luxury, and extravagance of this ' Heaven-exalted ' people, even the necessary supplies of the common soldier." He had formed an elaborate plan for raising and drilling such a company of men, and, without the knowledge of his Massa- chusetts friends, had engaged an English Garibaldian, Hugh Forbes, whom he found giving fencing-lessons in New York, to go out with him to Western Iowa, and there train his recruits for service in the field against slavery. Disappointed in raising the money he had ex- pected. Captain Brown was obliged to cancel his engagement with Forbes, who, as the event proved, was a very useless and embarrass- ing person. Forbes had traveled from New York to Tabor in Iowa, in July and August, 1857, and returned early in November, angry and disappointed, to New York, whence he soon began to write abusive and threatening letters, denouncing Brown, and speaking of his plans in a way that surprised Brown's Massachusetts friends, who had never heard of Forbes before, and who knew absolutely nothing of the grand scheme for invading Virginia. It may be that this quarrel with P'orbes impelled Brown to impart his plans more fully to his Massachusetts friends, or a few of them ; at any rate, he did so impart them, early in the year 1858, and in a manner which will be hereafter related. It is to this period of Brown's life that the incident belongs which Mr. Redpath alone has commemorated, and which some have doubted — his single interview with Charles Sumner in the spring of 1857. ^'^- Redpath says: " I visited Senator Sumner in his house in Hancock street to introduce John Brown, then known only as a Kansas captain who had done some service in driving back the Southern invaders. The classical orator and the guerilla chief then met for the first time, and, I believe, for the only time in their lives. Each Biographies. 367 was impressed with the character of the other, and they talked long and earnestly about the struggle in the Far West. This I recall ; but 1 wrote down a single sentence only that each of them uttered on that topic. 'No,' said Brown, 'I did not intend ever to settle in Kansas unless I happened to find my last home there.* ' In that case,' rejoined Sumner, * vours, like mine, would be a long home.' The senator was suffering from the blows of ihe assassin Brooks, of South Carolina, at this time, and lay on his bed during the whole of the interview. The talk turned on the assault. Suddenly the old man asked iVlr. Sumner: ' Have you still the coat ?' ' Yes,' replied Sumner ; ' it is in that closet. Would you like to see it?' ' Very much, indeed,' returned the captain. Mr. Sumner rose slowly and painfully from his bed, opened a closet door and handed the garment to John Brown. I shall never forget that impressive picture. Mr. Sumner was bending slightly, and supported himselt by resting his liand on the bed, while Captain Brown stood erect as a pillar, holding up the blood-smeared coat and intently scanning it. The old man said nothing, but his lips were compressed and his eyes shone like polished steel." In the autumn of 1857, John Brown was in Western Iowa, and wrote from there to his friend Theodore Parker, on the ilth of September, enclosing an address to soldiers of the United States army on the subject of slavery, which was written by Brown's drill master, Hugh Forbes, and was intended to be, as Brown tells Parker, " the first number of a series of tracts," for distribution when his great work should really^ begin. It was a dull and heavy paper, like most that Forbes wrote, and probably Parker caused Brown to know what his opinion of it was. In the same letter. Brown says : " My particular object in writing is to say that I am in immediate want of ^500 or $1000, for secret service and no questions asked. I want the friends of freedom to 'prove me one herewith.' Will you bring this matter before your congregation, or exert your influence in some way to have it, or some part of it, raised and put in the hands of George L. Stearns Esq., Boston, subject to my order t '' Similar letters were sent to Mr. Stearns and to me, but it was not easy in that autumn, when business was greatly depressed by the panic of 1857, to raise money for so indefinite an object. I find that I sent him some money, which he received on the 3d of October, and others contributed something. But no movement was made before winter, nor did he disclose to us his purposes. In January, 1858, however, he suddenly left Kansas without the knowledge of his friends there, and appeared, in the beginning of February, at the house of Frederick Douglass in Rochester, New York. From there he wrote, February 2, 1858, to Theodore Parker, George L. Stearns, 368 History of Torrington. F. B. Sanborn, and Thomas Wentworth Higginson, asking them to aid him in raising a small sum of money to carry out "an important measure in which the world has a deep interest," This he tells Mr. Parker, is his only errand at the east, and he goes on ; ''I have written some of our mutual friends in regard to it, but none of them understand my views so well as you do, and I cannot explain with- out their committing themselves more than I know of their doing. I have heard that Parker Pillsbury, and some others in your quarter, hold out ideas similar to those on which I act, but I have no personal acquaintance with them, and know nothing of their influence or means. Do you think any of our Garrisonian friends, either at Bos- ton, Worcester, or in any other place, can be induced to supply a little straw " if I will absolute make 'bricks? I must beg of you to con- sider this communication strictly confidential, unless you know of parties who will feel and act and hold their peace. "^ Brown's letters of the same date and for a few weeks after, to Col. Higginson and to me, were of a similar tenor, though rather •more explicit, but they conveyed no distinct intimation of his plans. He wrote to Higginson, February 2, from Rochester: "I am here, concealing my whereabouts for good reasons (as I think), not, how- ever, from any anxiety about my personal safety. I have been told that you are both a true man and a true abolitionist^ and I partly be- lieve the whole story. Last fall I undertook to raise from five hun- dred to one thousand dollars for secret service^ and succeeded in getting five hundred dollars, I now want to get, for the perfecting of by far the most important undertaking of my whole life, five hun- dred to eight hundred dollars within the next sixty days. I have written Rev. Theodore Parker, George L. Stearns, and F. B. San- born, Esquires, on the subject, but do not know as either IVIr. Stearns or Mr. Sanborn are abolitionists. 1 suppose they are." On the 1 2th of February he wrote again in response to a remark in Higginson's reply about the Underground rail road in Kansas : " Rail road business on a somewhat extended scale is the identical object for which I am trying to get means. I have been connected with that business, as commonly conducted^ from myl)oyhood, and never let an opportunity slip. I have been operating to some purpose the past season, but I now have a measure on foot that I feel sure would awaken in you something more than a common interest, if you could understand it. I have just written my friends G. L. Stearns ' Weiss's Life of Theodore Parker, vol. ii, pp. 163, 164. Biographies. 369 and F. B. Sanborn, asking them to meet me for consultation at Peterboro, N. Y. I am very anxious to have you come along, certain as I feel that you will never regret having been one of the council." It was inconvenient for any of the persons addressed to take the long journey proposed, and on the 13th, I wrote for myself and Mr. Stearns, inviting Brown to visit Boston, and offering to pay his traveling expenses. To this request Brown replied, February 17th: " It would be almost impossible for me to pass through Albany, Springfield, or any of those parts, on my way to Boston, and not have it known ; and my reasons for keeping quiet are such that, when I left Kansas, I kept it from every friend there ; and I suppose it is still understood that I am hiding somewhere in the territory; and such will be the idea until it comes to be generally known that I am in these parts. I want to continue that impression as long as I can, or for the present. I want very much to see Mr. Stearns, and also Mr. Parker, and it may be that I can before long ; but I must decline accepting your kind offer at present, and sorry as I am to do so, ask you both to meet me by the middle of next week at the furthest. I wrote Mr. Higginson of Worcester to meet me also. It may be he would come on with you. My reasons for keeping still are sufficient to keep me from seeing my wife and children, much as I long to do so. I will endeavor to explain when I see you." This letter was written from Rochester. Mr. Stearns being still unable to accept this second and pressing request from Brown for a meeting at Peterboro, I determined to go, and invited Colonel Higginson to join me at Worcester on the 20th. In fact I made the journey alone, and reached the place of meeting on the evening of Washington's birthday, February 22d. A few friends of Brown were there gathered, among them another Massa- chusetts man, Mr. Edwin Morton of Plymouth, now of Boston, but then residing in the family of Mr. Gerrit Smith as tutor and private secretary. In the long winter evening which followed, the whole outline of Brown's campaign in Virginia was laid before the little council, to the astonishment and almost the dismay of all present. The constitution which he had drawn up for the government of his men, and such territory as they might occupy, and which was found among his papers at the Kennedy farm, was exhibited by Brown, its provisions recited and explained, the proposed movements of his men indicated, and the middle of May was named as the time of the at- tack. To begin this hazardous adventure he asked for but eight 47 370 History of Torrington. hundred dollars, and would think himself rich with a thousand. Being questioned and opposed by his friends, he laid before them in detail his methods of organization and fortification ; of settlement in the South, if that were possible, and of retreat through the North, if necessary ; and his theory of the way in which such an invasion would be received in the country at large. He desired from his friends a patient hearing of his statements, a candid opinion concern- ing them, and, if that were favorable, then that they should co-ope- rate with him and persuade others to do so. This was the important business which he had to communicate on the anniversary of Wash- ington's birthday. After what has passed in the last twenty years, no one can picture to himself the startling effect of such a plan, heard for the first time in the dismal days of Buchanan's administration, when Floyd was secretary of war, and Jefferson Davis and Senator Mason omnipo- tent in congress. Those who listened to Captain Brown had been familiar with the bold plots and counter-plots of the Kansas border, and had aided the escape of slaves in various parts of the South. But to strike at once at the existence of slavery, by an organized force, acting for years, if need be, on the dubious principles of guer- illa warfare, and exposed, perhaps, to the whole power of the country, was something they had never contemplated. That was the long meditated plan of a poor, obscure, old man, uncertain at best of another ten years' lease of life, and yet calmly proposing an enter- prise which, if successful, might require a whole generation to accomplish. His friends listened until late at night, proposing ob- jections and raising difficulties, but nothing shook the purpose of the old Puritan. To every objection he had an answer ; every difficulty had been foreseen and provided for ; the great difficulty of all, the apparent hopelessness of undertaking anything so vast with such slender means, he met with the words of scripture, " If God be for us, who can be against us ? " and ••' Except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain." To all suggestions of delay until a more favorable time, he would reply, " I am nearly sixty years old ; I have desired to do this work for many years ; if I do not begin soon, it will be too late for me." He had made nearly all his arrangements ; he had so many hundred weapons, so many men enlisted, all that he wanted was the small sum of money. With that he would open his campaign with the spring, and he did not doubt that his enterprise would pay. But Biographies. 371 those who heard him, while they looked upon the success of Brown's undertaking as a great blessing and relief to the country, felt also that to fail, contending against such odds, might hazard for many years the cause of freedom and union. They had not yet fully attained the sublime faith of Brown when he said, " A few men in the right, and knowing they are right, can overturn a king. Twenty men in the Alleghanies could break slavery to pieces in two years." On the 23d of February, the discussion was renewed, and, as usually happened when he had time enough. Captain Brown began to prevail over the objections of his friends. At any rate, they saw that they must either stand by him, or leave him to dash himself alone against the fortress he was determined to assault. To withhold aid would only delay, not prevent him; nothing short of betraying him to the enemy would do that. As the sun was setting over the snowy hills of the region where we met, I walked for an hour with the principal person in our little council of war, leaving Captain Brown to discuss re- ligion with an old captain of Wellington's army who, by chance, was a guest in the house. My companion, of equal age with Brown, and for many years a devoted abolitionist, said, '' You see how it is ; our old friend has made up his mind to this course of action, and cannot be turned from it. We cannot give him up to die alone ; we must stand by him. I will raise so many hundred dollars for him ; you must lay the case before your friends in Massachusetts and perhaps they will do the same. I see no other way." For myself, I had reached the same conclusion, and I engaged to bring the scheme at once to the attention of the three Massachusetts men to whom Brown had written, and also of Dr. S. G. Howe, who had sometimes favored action almost as extreme as this proposed by Brown. I returned to Boston on the 25th of February, and on the same day communicated the enterprise to Theodore Parker and Colonel Higginson. At the suggestion of Parker, Brown, who had gone to Brooklyn, New York, was invited to visit Boston secretly, and did so the 4th of March, taking a room at the American House, in Hano- ver street. He registered himself as "J. Brown," instead of writing out the customary "John " in full, and remained for the most part in his room (No. 126) during the four days of his stay. Parker was one of the first persons to call on him, and promised aid at once. He was deeply interested in the project, but not very sanguine of its success. He wished to see it tried, believing that it must do good even if it failed. John Brown remained at the American House until 2J2 History of Torrington. Monday, March 8th, when he departed for Philadelphia. On the Friday, Saturday and Sunday intervening, he had seen at his hotel Mr. Parker, Dr. Howe, Mr. Stearns, Mr. Wentworth Higginson and two or three other persons. He did not think it prudent to show himself at Mr. Parker's Sunday evening reception, on the 7th of March, as he had done when he was in Boston the year before ; and therefore he wrote Mr. Parker a letter which I carried to him that afternoon, and which shall here be copied entire : To Rev. Theodore Parker, Boston. Boston, Mass., March -jth, 1858. My Dear Sir, Since vou know 1 have an almost countless brood of poor hungry chickens to " scratch for," you will not reproach me for scratching even on the Sabbath. At any rate, I trust God will not. 1 want you to under- take to provide a substitute for an address you saw last season, directed to the officers and soldiers of the United States army. The ideas contained in that address, I of course like, for I furnished the skeleton. I never had the ability to clothe those ideas in language at all to satisfy myself ; and I was by no means satisfied with the style of that address, and do not know as I can give any correct idea of what I want. I will, however, try. In the first place it must be short, or it will not be generally read. It must be in the simplest or plainest language, without the least affectation of the scholar about it, and yet be worded with great clearness, and power. The anonymous writer must (in the language of the Paddy) be " afther others, " and not " afther himself at all, at all." If the spirit that communicated Frank- lin's Poor Richard (or some other good spirit) would dictate, I think it would be quite as well employed as the " dear sister spirits " have been for some years past. The address should be appropriate, and particularly adapted to the peculiar circumstances we anticipate, and should look to the actual change of service from that of Satan to the service of God. It should be, in short, a most earnest and powerful appeal to men's sense of right and to their feelings of humanity. Soldiers are men, and no man can certainly calculate the value and importance of getting a single " nail into old Captain Kidd's chest." It should be provided before hand, and be readv in advance to distribute, by all persons, male and female, who may be disposed to favor the right. I also want a similar short address, appropriate to the peculiar circumstances, intended for all persons, old and young, male and female, slave-holding and non slave holding, to be sent out broadcast over the entire nation. So by every male and female prisoner on being set at libertv, and to be read by them during confinement. I know that men will listen and reflect too, under such circumstances. Persons will hear your anti-slavery lectures and abolition lectures when they have become virtuallv slaves themselves. The impressions made on prisoners by kindness and plain dealing, instead of barbarous and cruel treat- ment, such as they might give, and instead of being slaughtered like wild rep- tiles, as they might very naturally expect, are not only powerful but lasting. Females are susceptible of being carried away entirely by the kindness of an Biographies. 373 intrepid and magnanimous soldier, even when his bare name was but a terror the dav previous. ' Now, dear sir, I have told you about as well as I know how, what I am anxious at once to secure. Will you write the tracts, or get them written, so that I may commence ' Colporteur ?' Very respectfully, your friend, John Brown. P. S. If I should never see you again, please drop me a line (enclosed to Stephen Smith, Esq., Lombard St., Philadelphia), at once, saying what you will encourage me to expect. You are at liberty to make anv prudent use of this to stir up any friend. Yours for the right, J. B. Probably Brown was not aware how hard was the task imposed by these masterly directions in the art of writing. It does not appear that Parker, who was then overweighted with work, ever under- took to write the tracts desired, or that they were written by any one else. Only one such was ever printed. It may be worth mentioning, that Parker sent Brown from his library on this Sunday, the report of McClellan on the European armies, which was then a new book, and was thought likely to be of service to Brown. At the same time Brown praised Plutarch's Lives as a book he had read with great profit for its military and rnoral lessons, and particularly mentioned the life of Sertorius, the Roman commander who so lono- carried on a partisan warfare in Spain. He wished to get a few copies of Plu- tarch for his men to read in camp, and inquired particularly about the best edition. Although Brown communicated freely to the persons above named his plans of attack and defence in Virginia, it is not known that he spoke to more than one person in Boston of his purpose of surpris- ing the arsenal and town of Harper's Ferry. Both Dr. Howe and Mr. Stearns testified before Mason's committee, in i860, that they were ignorant of Brown's plan of attack ; which was true so far as the place and manner of beginning the campaign were concerned. It is probable that in 1858, Brown had not definitely resolved to » A Kansas paper said in 1859 : " At the sacking of Osawatomie, one of the most bit- ter pro-slavery men in Lykins county was killed. His name was Ed. Timmons. Some- time afterwards, Brown stopped at the log-house where Timmons had lived. His widow and children were there, and in great destitution. He inquired into their wants, relieved their distresses, and supported them until their friends in Missouri, informed, through Brown, of the condition of Mrs. Timmons, had time to come to her and carry her to her former home. Mrs. Timmons fully appreciated the great kindness thus shown her, but never learned that Captain John Brown was her benefactor. " 374 History of Torrington. seize Harper's Ferry, since, when he spoke of it to the person referred to, he put it as a question, and did not seem to have made up his mind to a course of action so immediately hazardous. He then argued that it would strike great terror into the whole slaveholding class to find that an armed force had strength enough to capture a place so important and so near Washington ; and it was to inspire terror, rather than to possess himself of the arms there, that he then proposed to capture the arsenal. It is believed that Theodore Parker was aware of this half-formed plan of Brown's, but it was not communicated to his men until a year and a half later, or just before the attack was actually made. Charles Plummer Tidd, one of Brown's men, who escaped from Harper's Ferry, afterwards enlisted in a Massachusetts regiment under the name of Plummer, and died under Burnside in North Carolina, is authority for this statement. He told me that when Brown called his small company together in October, 1859, on the Maryland side of the Potomac, and disclosed to them his plan for the capture of the town, they all declared that it would be fatal to attempt it, and refused to take part in it ; even his own sons, except Owen, being unwilling to follow their father to what they said would be certain defeat and death. But Brown had now decided upon his course, and adhered to it inflexibly ; he would make the attack with a single man, if only one man would obey him. His sons, finding their father so determined, and know- ing how impossible it was to change his purpose, first gave in their adhesion ; they believed it to be a fatal scheme, but they would not desert him. Gradually all the others came round to the same opin- ion, and the attack was made with precisely the result that Brown's followers had predicted. It is probable that Tidd's statement was true in substance, if not literally. On the departure of Brown from Boston in March, 1858, the five persons mentioned — Parker, Howe, Higginson, Sanborn and Stearns — formed themselves into a secret committee to raise for him the money (now set at $1,000) which it was agreed should be raised in New England. Each of the five was to raise $100, and as much more as he could. Dr. Howe having hopes of securing a larger subscription from his friend Mr. George R. Russell. Mr. Stearns was made treasurer of the committee, and the small sum judged necessary for beginning the enterprise was nearly made up, either in money or pledges, before the ist of May, at which time Brown was on his way from Iowa to Ohio, with the arms that had been stored Biographies. 375 in Iowa, and with some of his men. He was to enlist others in Canada about May 8th, and to strike his first blow in the latter part of the same month. On the 28th of April, Brown was in Chicago ; on the 2d of May at Chatham, in Canada. But, meanwhile, a for- midable obstacle had appeared. Hugh Forbes interposed again, writing from Washington, and threatened to disclose the whole plan to the republican leaders, and even to the government. In these letters of April and May, Forbes insisted that Brown's enterprise should stop, that Brown himself should be dismissed as the leader of the movement, and Forbes be put in his place ; and these demands were accompanied by a threat of making public the whole transaction, so far as it had gone. To increase the difficulties of the situation, Forbes had evidently learned, from some quarter, of the countenance given to Brown, since the 1st of March, by his Boston committee. On the 2d of May these letters were submitted to this committee, Howe, Parker, Sanborn and Stearns being present, and Higginson being informed of them by mail. Parker, Sanborn and Stearns at once said that the blow must be deferred till another year, and in this opinion Howe partially coincided. Higginson thought otherwise, and so did Brown, who declared that he would go for- ward, in spite of Forbes and his threats, if the money promised him should be furnished. Here, however, another difficulty sprang up. Forbes, early in May, carried out his threat so far as to inform Sen- ators Hale, Seward and Wilson, and Dr. Bailey, in general terms, of Brown's purposes, and Wilson wrote to Dr. Howe, earnestly pro- testing against any such demonstration. As the rifles which had been purchased by the Massachusetts Kansas committee and intrusted to Brown by them were still, so far as Senator Wilson and the public knew, the property of that committee (though really, as has been explained, the personal property of Mr. Stearns, the chairman), it would expose the Kansas committee, who were ignorant of Brown's later plans, to suspicions of bad faith, if those arms were used by him in any expedition to Virginia. This awkward complication seems to have decided Dr. Howe in favor of postponing the attack, and both he and Mr. Stearns, as members of the Kansas Committee, wrote to Brown that the arms must not be used for the present, except for the defence of Kansas. Brown saw that nothing further could then be done, and yielded, though with regret, to the postponement. About the 20th of May, Mr. Stearns met Brown in New York, and arranged that hereafter the custody of the Kansas rifles should he 376 History of Torrington. Brown's, as the agent of Stearns, the real owner, and not of the nominal owners, the Kansas committee. On the 24th of May, a meeting of the Boston secret committee, with one of the principal friends of Brown's plan outside of New England, Mr. Gerrit Smith — took place at the Revere House in Boston — Parker, Howe, Sanborn and Stearns being present, as before ; and it was agreed that the exe- cution of the plan should be postponed till the spring of 1B59. I the meantime a larger sum of money — from two to three thousand dollars — was to be raised, and Brown was to throw Forbes off his track by returning to Kansas and engaging in the defence of the free- state men on the border. The alleged property of the Kansas com- mittee was to be so transferred as to relieve that committee of all responsibility, and the secret committee were, in future, to know nothing in detail of Brown's plans. Brown was not himself present at this Revere House meeting, but came to Boston the next week, and was at the American House May 31st. Here he met all the committee, Higginson included ; and, in the two or three days that he stayed, the Revere House arrangement was completed. He re- ceived the sole custody of the arms which had belonged to the Kan- sas committee, and five hundred dollars beside ; was to go to Kansas at once, but after that to use his own discretion ; and, though still believing the postponement unwise, he left New England in good spirits the first week in June. He reached Kansas June 26th, with about ten men, and in a week or two after was on the border, near the scenes of the Marais des Cygnes murders of May 19th, which he has described in one of his later letters soon to be cited, but written after he had made his incur- sion into Missouri, six months afterwards, and brought off some fugitive slaves. In the summer he was occupied with the defence of Kansas once more, and with plans for his next year's campaign in Virginia. On the 28th of June, he wrote me from Lawrence a short letter addressed to " F. B. Sanborn and Dear Friends at Boston^ IVorcester^ and , " and containing this passage: "I reached Kansas with friends, on the 26th inst. ; came here last night, and leave here to- day for the neighborhood of late troubles. It seems the troubles are not over yet. ... I do hope you will be in earnest now to carry out, as soon as possible, the measure proposed in Mr. Sanborn's letter inviting me to Boston this last spring." (This was the raising or money for a campaign in Virginia in 1859, after the Kansas fighting Biographies. 377 had ended.) " I hope there will be no delay of that matter. Can you send me by express, care of E. B. Whitman, Esqr., half a dozen or a full dozen whistles, such as I described, at once?" These whistles were for use in making signals among his men when in night attacks, or amid woody or mountainous regions in the day-time, and he had both spoken and written to me about them before. They were to be "such as are used by boatswains on ships of war;" and Brown thought them of great service. *•' Every ten men ought to have one at least." He had also requested me to procure for him *' some little articles as marks of distinction," — badges, medals, or the like — to be given to his men in token of good conduct. Hap- pening to be at Dr. Howe's house in South Boston one day in the spring of 1858, the doctor (who was a chevalier of the GreekLegion of Honor, for services rendered in the Greek Revolution of 1 820-27), had shown me his cross of Malta and other decorations, given by the Legion to its members, and some of these seemed to me exactly what Brown would want. I therefore made rude sketches of them and showed these to Brown, who selected the Maltese cross and one or two other designs, as suitable for his badges, but I doubt if they were ever used for that purpose. How well Brown looked after Kansas matters will be seen by the following letter, a very long one for the old soldier to write : " Missouri Line (on Kansas Side), zoth July, 1858. F. B. Sanborn, Esq., and Friends at Boston and Worcester: I am here with about ten of my men, located on the same quarter section where the terrible murders of the igih May were committed, called the Hamilton or Trading Post murders. Deserted faims and dwelHngs lie in all directions for some miles along the line, and the remaining inhabitants watch every ap- pearance of persons moving about, with anxious jealousy and vigilance. Four of the persons wounded or attacked on that occasion are staying zvilh me. The blacksmith Snyder, who fought the murderers, with his brorher aud son, are of the number. Old Mr. Hargrove, who was terribly wounded at the same time, is another. The blacksmith returned here with me, and intends to bring back his family on to his claim, within two or three days. A constant fear of new troubles seems to p'evail on both sides the line, and on both sides are companies of armed men. Any little affair may open the quarrel afresh. Two murders and cases of robbery are reported of late. [ have also a man with me who fled from his family and farm in Missouri but a day or two since, his life being threatened on account of being accused of informing Kansas men of the whereabouts of one of the murderers, who was lately taken and brought to this side. I have concealed the fact of my presence pretty much, lest it should tend to create excitement ; but it is getting leaked out, and will soon be 48 378 History of Torrington. known to all. As I am not here to seek or secure revenge, I do not mean to be the first to reopen the quarrel. How soon it may be raised against me, I cannot say, nor am I over-anxious. A portion of my men are in other neigh- borhoods. We shall soon be in great want of a small amount in a draft or drafts on New York, to feed us. We' cannot work for wages, and provisions are not easily obtained on the frontier. I cannot refrain from quoting or rather referring to a notice of the terrible afFair before alluded to, in an account found in the New York Tribune of May 31st, dated at Westport, May 21st. The writer says : 'From one of the prisoners it was ascertained that a number of persons were stationed at Snyder's, a short distance from the Post, a house built in the gorge of two mounds, and flanked by rock walls, a fit place for robbers and murderers.' At a spring in a rocky ravine stands a very small open blacksmith's shop, made of thin slabs from a saw-mill. This is the only building that has ever been known to stand there, and in that article is called a ' fortification.' It is to-day just as it was the 19th May, — a little pent-up shop, containing Snyder's tools (what have not been carried off") all covered with rust, — and had never been thought of as a ' fortification ' before the poor man attempted in it his own and his brother's and son's defense. I give this as an illustration of the truthfulness of that whole account. It should be left to stand while it may last, and should be known hereat'ter as Fort Snyder. I may contitiue here for some time. Mr. Russell and other friends at New Haven assured me before I left that, if the Lecompton abomination should pass througli congress, something could be done there to relieve me from a diffi- culty I am in, and which they understand. Will not some of my Boston friends 'stir up their minds' in the matter.? I do believe they would be listened to.' You may use this as you think best. Please let friends in New York and at North Elba" hear from me. I am not very stout, have much to think of and to do, and have but little time or chance Br writing. The weather of late has been very hot. I will write you all when I can. I believe all honest, sensible Free State men in Kansas consider George Wash- ington Brown's Herald of Freedom one of the most mischievous, traitorous publications in the whole country. July 2.id. Since the previous date, another free state Missourian has been over to see us, who reports great excitement on the other side of the line, and thai the house of Mr. Bishop (the man who fled to us) was beset during the night after he left ; but, on finding he was not there, they left. Yesterday a pro-slavery man from West Point (Missouri) came over, professing that he wanted to buy Bishop's farm. I think he was a spy. He reported all quiet ' The allusion here is probably to Brown's contract with Charles Blair of Collinsville, the blacksmith who was to make the thousand pikes. Brown had engaged them in 1857, and had paid in that year five hundred and fifty of the thousand dollars which the pikes were to cost when finished. In 1858, Brown had not been able, for lack of money, to complete the payment, and was afraid his contract would be forfeited and the money already paid would be lost. He therefore communicated (as I suppose) the facts in the case to Mr. Russell, who was then the head of a military school at New Haven, and had some assur- ance from him of money to be raised in Connecticut to meet this Connecticut contract. ' His wife and children. Biographies. 379 on the other side. At present, along this part of the line the free state men may be said in some sense to ' possess the field,' but we deem it wise to ' be on the alert ' Whether Missouri people are more excited through fear than otherwise I am not yet prepared to judge. The blacksmith (Snyder) has got his familv back ; also some others have returned, and a few new settlers are coming in. Those who fled or were driven off will pretty much lose the season. Since we came here, about twenty-five to thirty of Governor Den- ver's men have moved a little nearer to the line, I believe. August 6th. Have been down with ague since last date, and had no safe way of getting off my letter. I had lain every night without shelter, suffering from cold rains and heavy dews, together with the oppressive heat of the days. A few days since. Governor Denver's officer then in command bravely moved his men on to the line, and on the next adjoining claim with us. Several of them immediately sought opportunity to tender their service to me secretly. I, how- ever, advised them to remain where they were. Soon after I came on the line, my right name was reported, but the majority did not credit the report. I am getting better. You will know the true result of the election of the 2d inst., much sooner than I shall, probably. lam in no place for correct general information. May God bless you all. Your friend, John Brown. Inclose in envelope directed to Augustus Wattles, Moneka, Linn County, Kansas ; inside direct to S. Morgan." Some of the incidents and allusions in the above letter need to be further explained. The " Hamilton murders " are better known in border story as the Marais des Cygnes Massacre, a tragedy which Whittier has celebrated in verse. Near the river named by the old French voyageurs of Louisiana "■' The Swan's Marsh " [Marais des Cygnes or du Cygne)., in Southern Kansas, was a little settlement of northern farmers. As they were planting their fields and fencing them in May, 1858, an unprovoked assault was made on them by a party from Missouri, under the lead of three brothers named Hamilton, from Georgia ; five farmers were killed and five wounded. The murderers were not Missourians, but men from farther south, who had been in Kansas but v/ere driven out in some of the contests of 1856—57. They marched over in an armed band from Missouri, gathered up their victims from the prairie farms and the lonely roads, or took them from their cabins, formed them into a line, and shot them down by a platoon discharge. Then the invaders gave out word that they meant to shoot all the free state settlers in Linn county in the same way. The farmers mustered for defense, in a band of two hundred, near the Missouri line, and detailed a company of mounted men to stand guard, or to ride up and down the line and keep watch of the Hamiltons and their band. When Brown reached ,> 380 History of Torrington. the spot a month later, he put his own men on guard, and the settlers went back to their work. The governor of Kansas, Denver, also sent armed men, perhaps United States troops, to keep the peace, and it is to these that Brown alludes as having offered to serve under him. Brown went to the spot where the massacre took place, assuming the name of " Captain Morgan " for the occasion, fortified himself, and gave out that he was there to fight or be peaceable as the other side might choose ; " they could make him as good a neighbor or as bad as they pleased." Gradually his secret came out and the terror of his name frightened the enemy away ; the Hamil- tons left the neighborhood, and the trouble there ceased. But Brown himself fell sick and was obliged to take shelter for a few weeks with his friend Wattles, at Moneka. I wrote to him early in July a letter which reached him there, and to which he replied as follows : OsAWATOMiE, Kansas, lotb September, 1858. Dear Friend, and other Friends — Your kind and very welcome letter of the llth July was received a long time since, but I was sick at the time, and have been ever since until now ; so that I did not even answer the letters of my own family, or any one else, before yesterday, when 1 began to try. I am very weak yet, but gaining well. All seems quiet now. I have been down about six weeks. As things now look I would say that, if you had not already sent forward those little articles,' do not do it. Before I was taken sick there seemed to be every prospect of some business very soon ; and there is some now that requires doing ; but, under all the circumstances, I think not best to send them. I have heard nothing direct from Forbes for months, but expect to when I get to Lawrence. I have but fourteen regularly employed hands, the most of whom are now at common work, and some are sick. Much sickness prevails. How we travel m^ij not be best to write. I have often met the ' notorious ' Montgomery,^ and think very favorably of him. It now looks as though but little business can be accomplished until we get oar mill into operation. \ am most anxious about that, and want you to naine the earliest date possible, as near as you can learn, when you can have your matters gathered up. Do let me hear from you on this point (as soon as consist- ent), so that I may have some idea how to arrange my business. Dear friends, do be in earnest ; the harvest we shall reap, if we are only up and doing. \-^th September, 1858. Yours of the 25th August, containing draft of Mr. S. for fifty dollars is received. I am most grateful for it, and to you for your kind letter. This would have been sooner mailed but for want of stamps and envelopes. I am gaining slowly, but hope to be on my legs soon. Have no further news. Mailed, September 15th. Still weak. Your friend, ' The boatswain's whistles. » This was James Montgomery, one of the bravest partisans on the Kansas border, and during the civil war colonel of a black regiment in South Carolina. Biographies. 381 The money which I sent to Brown, as above acknowledged, was probably contributed by Gerrit Smith, who, first and last, gave Brown or sent him more than a thousand dollars. Most of the smaller sums which Brown received during the years 1858-59, I suppose, passed through my hands, while the larger sums were paid to him directly by Mr. Stearns or other contributors. Most of the correspondence on this Virginia business also went through my hands ; it being Brown's custom to write one letter to be read by the half dozen persons with whom he desired to communicate -, and this letter generally (by no means always) coming to me in the first instance. My custom was to show it to Mr. Parker and Dr. Howe, when they were at home, then to send it to Mr. Stearns, who sometimes forwarded it to Colonel Higginson or some more distant correspondent, and sometimes returned it to me. It appears that both the letters just quoted came back to me in October, 1858, and were by me forwarded to Higginson on the 13th of that month. Colonel Higginson expressed the hope that the enterprise would not be deferred longer that the spring of 1859, ^"^ made some con- tribution to the fund, as also did Mr. Parker and the other members of the secret committee. No active movement to raise money was undertaken, however, until the winter and spring of 1859. In December 1858, Brown wishing to show by experiment in Missouri what he could do in Virginia, crossed the border from Kan- sas with a few men, and brought away a party of slaves, with whom he traveled in January and February, 1859, from the border of southern Kansas, through Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, and Michigan, to Detroit, where he arrived March 12th, and landed his fugitives safely in Canada. In the latter part of March, 1859, ^^ ^^^ ^^ Cleveland, where he sold publicly the horses he had brought from Missouri. While still in Kansas he wrote this striking letter for publication in the New York Tribune and other friendly newspapers : John Brown's Parallels. Trading Post, Kansas, January, 1859. Gentlemen : You will greatly oblige a humble friend by allowing the use of your columns while I briefly state two parallels, in my poor way. Not one year ago eleven quiet citizens of this neighborhood, viz : William Robertson, William Colpetzer, Amos Hall, Austin Hall, John Campbell, Asa Snvder, Thomas Stilwell, William Hairgrove, Asa Hairgrove, Patrick Ross, and B. L. Reed, were gathered up from their work and their homes by an armed force under one Hamilton, and without trial or opportunity to speak in 382 History of Torrington. their own defense, were formed into line, and all but one shot — five killed and five wounded. One fell unharmed, pretending to be dead. All were left for dead. The only crime charged against them was that of being free state men. Now, I inquire what action has ever, since the occurrence in May last, been taken by cither the president of the United States, the governor of Mis- souri, the governor of Kansas, or any of their tools, or by any pro-slavery or administration man, to ferret out and punish the perpetrators of this crime? Now for the other parallel. On Sunday, December 19, a negro man called Jim came over to the Osage settlement, from Missouri, and stated that he together with his wife, two children, and another negro man, was to be sold within a day or two, and begged for help to get away. On Monday (the fol- lowing) night, two small companies were made up 10 go to Missouri and forci- bly liberate the five slaves, together with other slaves. One of these companies I assumed to direct. We proceeded to the place, surrounded the buildings, liberated the slaves, and also took certain property supposed to belong to the estate. We however learned before leaving, that a portion of the articles we had taken belonged to a man living on the plantation as a tenant, and who was sup- posed to have no interest in the estate. We promptly returned to him all we had taken. We then went to another plantation, where we found five more slaves, took some property and two white men. We moved all slowly away into the territory for some distance, and then sent the white men back, telling them to follow us as soon as they chose to do so. The other company freed one female slave, took some property, and, as I am informed, killed one white man (the master), who fought against the liberation. Now for a comparison. Eleven persons are forcibly restored to tlieir natu- ral and inalienable rights, with but one man killed, and all ' hell is stirred from beneath.' It is currently reported that the governor of Missouri has made a requisition upon the governor of Kansas for the delivery of all such as were concerned in the last-named ' dreadful outrage.' The marshal of Kansas is said to be collecting a posse of MissTuri (not Kansas) men at West Point, in Missouri, a little town about ten miles distant, to 'enforce the laws.' All pro- slavery, conservative, free state, and doughface men, and administration tools, are filled with holy horror. Consider the two cases, and the action of the Administration party. Respectfully yours, John Brown. On the 4th of March, 1859, ^ wrote to a friend thus : " Brown was at Tabor (Iowa) on the 19th February, with his stock in fine condition, as he says in a letter to G. Smith. He also says he is ready with some new men to set his mill in operation, and seems to be cominp; east for that purpose. Mr. Smith proposes to raise one thousand dollars for him, and to contribute one hundred dollars him- self. I think a larger sum ought to be raised, but can we raise so much as this ? Brown says he thinks any one of us who talked with him might raise the sum if we should set about it ; perhaps this is so, but I doubt. As a reward for what he has done, perhaps money Biographies. 383 might be raised for him. At any rate he means to do the work, and I expect to hear of him in New York within a few weeks. Dr. Howe thinks J. F. and some others, not of our party, would help the project if they knew of it." Following up this last suggestion, I sounded several anti-slavery men of wealth and influence in the spring of 1859, ^"^ ^'^ obtain some subscriptions from persons who were willing to give to a brave man forcibly interfering with slavery, without inquiring very closely what he would do next. But on the other hand I found that Brown's manly action in Missouri had made some of our friends more shy of him. When he reached Boston in May, he was invited to dine one Saturday at the Bird Club, and there for the first time met Senator Wilson, afterwards vice-president, who has thus described the inter- view : "The last of May, 1859, ^ "^^^ Jo^^n Brown at the Parker House in Boston. There were a dozen persons present ; Brown came in with somebody, and was introduced to quite a number of gentlemen there. I was introduced to him, and he, 1 think, did not recollect my name. I stepped aside. In a moment, after speaking to somebody else, he came up again, and said to me that he did not understand my name when it was mentioned. He then said, in a very calm but firm tone, ' I understand you do not approve of my course ;' referring, as I supposed, to his going into Missouri and getting slaves and running them off. It was said with a great deal of firmness of manner, and it was the first salutation after speaking to me. I said I did not ; I believed it to be a very great injury to the anti-slavery cause ; that I regarded every illegal act, and every im- prudent act, as being against it. I said that, if this action had been a year or two before, it might have been followed by the invasion of Kansas by a large number of excited people on the border, and a great many lives might have been lost. He said he thought differ- ently, believed he had acted right, and that it would have a good in- fluence." If Brown had known Senator Wilson as well as he did that Kansas friend who reproved him for the same cause, he would have gone further, and given the senator the same answer j " Brown called in to see me, in going out of Kansas in 1859, and I censured him for going into Missouri and getting those slaves. He said, ' I considered the matter well ; you will have no more attacks from Mis- souri. I shall now leave Kansas ; probably you will never see me again. / consider it my duty to draw the scene of the excitement to some other part of the country.'' " In this aim he certainly succeeded. 384 . History of Torrington, Even Dr. Howe who had been concerned in the Greek revolution, the French revolution of July, 1 830, and the Polish revolution of 1 83 1, was distressed, on his return from Cuba in the spring of 1859, to rind that Brown had actually been taking the property of slave- holders with which to give their escaping slaves an outfit, and for a time withdrew his support from the veteran, who chafed greatly at this unexpected rebuff. I have an impression that Dr. Howe, on his way home from Cuba (whither he accompanied Theodore Parker in February, 1858), had journeyed through the Carolinas, and had there accepted the splendid hospitality of Wade Hampton and other rich planters ; and that it shocked him to think he might have been instrumental in giving up to fire and pillage the noble mansions where he had been entertained. If so, it was a generous relutance which held him back from heartily entering again into John Brown's plans j nor did he after 1858 so completely support them as before, although he never withdrew from the secret committee, and continued to give money to the enterprise. Parker never returned to Boston, but died in P'lorence May, i860. He contributed nothing after 1858, nor did Higginson give so much, or interest himself so warmly in the enterprise after its first postponement. All this would have made it more difficult, during 1859, to raise the money which Brown needed, had it not been for the munificence of Mr. Stearns, who, at each emergency, came forward with his in- dispensable gifts. After placing about twelve hundred dollars in Brown's hands in the spring and summer of 1859, he still continued to aid him in one way and another, until almost the day of the out- break, which was delayed by the slowness of Brown's own move- ments during the spring and summer of 1859. ^ ^"^ ^^^^ '" °^^ °^ my letters, dated "Concord, June 4, 1859 •" " Brown has set out on his expedition, having got some eight hundred dollars from all sources except from Mr. Stearns, and from hi.Ti the balance of two thousand dollars ; Mr. S being a man who, ' having put his hand to the plow, turneth not back.' Brown left Boston for Springfield and New York on Wednesday morning at 8 : 30, and Mr. Stearns has probably gone to New York to-day to make final arrangements for him. Brown means to be on the ground as soon as he can, per- haps so as to begin by the 4th of July. He could not say where he should be for a few weeks, but letters are addressed to him, under cover to his son John, Jr., at West Andover, Ohio. This point is not far from where Brown will begin, and his son will communicate Biographies. 385 with him. Two of his sons will go with him. He is desirous of getting some one to go to Canada and collect recruits for him among the fugitives, with Harriet Tubman or alone, as the case may be." This letter shows I had then no thought that the attack would be made at Harper's Ferry, nor had Mr. Stearns, to whom I was then in the habit of talking or writing about the matter every few days. I have no doubt he knew as much as I did about the general plan. On the 1 8th of August, Brown sent me word from Chambersburg that he was again delayed for want of money, and must have three hundred dollars, which I undertook to raise for him. On the 4th of September I had sent him two hundred dollars, of which Dr. Howe gave fifty and Gerrit Smith a hundred ; on the 14th of September, I had all but thirty-five dollars of the remaining hundred, Colonel Higginson having sent me twenty dollars. I think the balance was paid by Mr. Stearns. On the 6th of October — ten days before the attack was made — I wrote to Higginson, " The three hundred dollars desired has been made up and received. Four or five men will be on the ground next week, from these regions and elsewhere." These facts were all known to Mr. Stearns, who within a fortnight of the outbreak was in consultation with Mr. Lewis Hayden, and other colored men of Boston, about forwarding recruits to Brown. I think he paid some of the expenses of recruits, but am not certain. To the unthinking public, slavery had never seemed more secure, or more likely to continue for centuries, than in this very year 1859. But Brown and his friends believed that it could be overthrown ; that it must be overthrown, and that speedily, else it would destroy the nation. Brown did not contemplate insurrection, but partisan war- fare, at first on a small scale, then more extensive. Yet he did not shrink from the extreme consequences of his position. A man of peace for more than fifty years of his life, he nevertheless understood that war had its uses, and that there were worse evils than warfare for a great principle. He more than once said to me, and doubtless said the same to others, " I believe in the Golden Rule and the De- claration of Independence ; I think they both mean the same thing ; and it is better that a whole generation should pass off^the face of the earth — men, women and children — by a violent death, than that one jot of either should fail in this country. I mean exactly so sir." He also told me that "• he had much considered the matter, and had about concluded that forcible separation of the connection between master and slave was necessary to fit the blacks for self-government." 49 386 History of Torrington. First a soldier, then a citizen, was his plan with the liberated slaves. " When they stand like men, the nation will respect them," he said ; *' it is necessary to teach them this." He looked forward, no doubt, to years of conflict, in which the blacks, as in the later years of the civil war, would be formed into regiments and brigades and be drilled in the whole art of war, as were the black soldiers of Toussaint L'Ouverture and Dessalines, in Hayti. But in his more inspired moments he foresaw a speedier end to the combat which he began. Once he said, " A few men in the right, and knowing they are right, can overturn a mighty king. Fifty men, twenty men, in the Alleghanies, could break slavery to pieces in two years." Within less than three years from the day he crossed the Potomac with his twenty men, Abraham Lincoln had made his first proclamation of emancipation. Before six years had passed, every one of the four million slaves in our country was a free man. The Virginia Campaign. Until the troubles in Kansas in 1856-7, the world knew nothing of John Brown, After that time he was well known, though not always kept in mind, until his final adventure in Virginia, and the remarkable scenes at the close of his life fastened the attention of all men, and made his name as familiar to our countrymen and to foreign nations, as are those of Washington and Abraham Lincoln. And it was on the banks of Washington's own noble stream, the Potomac, and among regions familiar to the great Virginian, that this son of Connecticut achieved his highest renown. Robert Harper, an English carpenter from the neighborhood of Oxford, who gave his name to the romantic spot since known as " Harper's Ferry," was a contemporary of Washington, though somewhat older. It was then (in 1747), a part of Lord Fairfax's broad Virginia manor, be- tween the Potomac and the Rappahannock, in which Washington, at the request of his friend and patron Fairfax, first began work as a land surveyor. Without waiting for the formality of a survey, Robert Harper, who saw the advantages of the situation, determined to buy out the squatter's cabin and claim which then occupied the locality, paying fifty English guineas for such rights as could be possessed under squatter law. In the year 1748, while Washington was ex- ploring and surveying the Shenandoah valley. Harper went to Lord Fairfax's hunting lodge at Greenway Court (not far off), and obtained a patent for the lands he had purchased. Probably the first survey Biographies. 387 of this tract was made by Washington, who also is said to have selected the Ferrv, in 1794, as the site of a national armory. The scenery of this region has been described by Jefferson in his Notes on Virginia^ written shortly before the death of Robert Harper in 1782, and presenting the view as it shows itself from Jefferson's rock, above the present village of Harper's Ferry. '^' You stand, on a very high point of land ; on your right comes up the Shenandoah, having ranged along the foot of the mountain a hundred miles to find a vent ; on your left approaches the Potomac, in quest of a passage also. In the moment of their junction they rush together against the mountain, rend it asunder, and pass off to the sea. The scene is worth a voyage across the Atlantic. Yet here are people who have passed their lives within half a dozen miles, and have never been to survey these monuments of a war between rivers and moun- tains which must have shaken the earth itself to its centre." Around this junction of the two rivers, in the sixty years that followed the death of Washington, had grown up a village of three or four thousand inhabitants. On the northern side of the Potomac rise the Maryland Heights almost perpendicular to the river's bank, and some thirteen hundred feet above it. The Loudon Heights, across the Shenandoah, are lower, but both ridges overtop the hill between them, and make it untenable for an army, as was more than once demonstrated during the civil war. Yet this hill itself commands all below it, and makes the town indefensible against a force occupying that position. Therefore when John Brown, on the night of Sun- day, October 16, 1859, entered and captured Harper's Ferry, he placed himself in a trap where he was sure to be taken, unless he should quickly leave it. His purpose, beyond question, was to hold the village but a ^ew hours, make such disposal as he should think best of the government armory and arsenal there, with its tens of thousands of muskets and rifles, get together the principal persons of the whole neighborhood to be detained as hostages, and then to move forward into the mountains of Virginia, keeping open such com- munication as he could, with the mountain region of Maryland and so with the northern states. His first mistake (and he made many in this choice of his point of attack and his method of warfare) was in crossing the Potomac at a place so near the cities of Washington and Baltimore, which are distant but sixty and eighty miles respect- ively from the bridge over which he marched his men. This bridge is used both by the Baltimore and Ohio rail road and by the travelers 388 History of Torrington. along the public highway ; and the only approach to it from the Maryland side is by a narrow road under the steep clifF, or by the rail road itself. On the Virginia side there are roads leading up from the Shenandoah valley, and both up and down the Potomac. Har- per's Ferry is indeed the Thermopylae of Virginia. Robert Lee, the Hector of the Southern Troy, came here with, soldiers of the national army to capture John Brown, in 1859 > ^^ came here again and re- peatedly as commander of the Southern armies, during the five years that followed. His soldiers and their opponents of the Union army canonaded, burnt, pillaged and abandoned the town, which has never recovered from the ruin of the war. The armory workshops are abandoned, both those beside the Potomac, where Brown fought and was captured, and those beside the Shenandoah, where his com- rade Kagi fought and was slain. The fine houses of the officers who directed the armory work before the war are turned over to the directors of a school for the colored people, young and old, almost the only thing that flourishes now at Harper's Ferry. The popula- tion of the two or three villages crowded together there is but little more than half what it was in 1859. Brown's attention was turned toward Harper's Ferry and the Vir- ginia counties within easy reach, not only by the natural advantages of the place, and its historical associations with the heroes of Vir- ginia, but also by the number of slaves held there. In the village itself there were few^ but in Jeff'erson county there were four thou- sand slaves and five hundred free blacks, while the white population was but ten thousand ; and within a range of thirty miles from the Ferry there were perhaps twenty thousand slaves, of whom four or five thousand were capable of bearing arms. Brown may well have supposed that out of this population he could obtain the few hundred recruits that he desired for the first operations of his Virginia cam- paign ; and could he have succeeded in fortifying himself in the Blue Ridge, as he proposed, it is quite possible he would have had these recruits. A colored clergyman, who heard him unfold his plan in 1858, at a secret meeting of colored people in one of the western cities, reports this version of what he then said: "I design to make a few midnight raids upon the plantations, in order to give those who are willing among the slaves an opportunity of joining us or escap- ing; and it matters little whether we begin with many or few. Hav- ing done this for two or three times, until the neighborhood becomes alarmed and the generality of the slaves encouraged, we will retire to Biographies. 389 the fastness of the mountains; and, ever and anon, strike unexpected though bloodless blows upon the Old Dominion ; in the mean time sending away those slaves who may desire to go to the North. We shall by this means conquer without bloodshed, awaken the slaves to the possibility of escape, and frighten the slaveholders into a desire to get rid of slavery." It was the possibility of success in such a plan, that so alarmed the slaveholders of the whole South, and caused Vallandigham of Ohio to say, as he did a few days after Brown's capture, "Certainly it was one of the best planned and best executed conspiracies that ever failed." Had Brown gone forward as he proposed, he might have secured a foothold for his operations, and it is possible that he could not only have made slavery insecure, and emancipation desirable, but grad- ually have extended forcible emancipation over a large part of the South. That this was a perilous undertaking. Brown and his men well knew, but they did not believe it hopeless. Thus young Jerry Anderson, who was killed by the side of his captain in the engine- house at Harper's Ferry, wrote to his brother in Iowa less than three weeks before the outbreak, in terms of great confidence. " Our mining company will consist of between twenty five and thirty, well equipped with tools. You can tell Uncle Dan it will be impossible for me to visit him before next spring. If my life is spared, I will be tired of work by that time, and I shall visit my relatives and friends in Iowa, if I can get leave of absence. At present, I am bound by all that is honorable to continue in the course. We go in to win, at all hazards. So if you should hear of a failure, it will be after a desperate struggle, and loss of capital on both sides. But that is the last of our thoughts. Everything seems to work to our hands, and victory will surely perch upon our banner. The old man has had this operation in view for twenty years, and last winter^ was just a hint and trial of what could be done. This is not a large place, ^ but a precious one to Uncle Sam, as he has a great many tools here. I expect (when I start again travel- ing) to start at this place and go through the state of Virginia and on south, ju5t as circumstances require ; mining and prospecting, and carrying the ore with us I suppose this is the last letter I shall write before there is something in the wind. Whether I will have a chance of sending letters then I do not know, but when I have an opportuuity, I shall improve it. But if you don't get any from me, don't take it for granted that I am gone up till you know it to be so. I consider my life about as safe in one place as an- other." This letter shows the smallness of the force with which Brown ^In Missouri, December 1858, whence he carried oft' a dozen slaves safely to Canada. " Harper's Ferry. • 390 History of Torringtom. intended to begin his work. He would gladly have raised a hundred men (or more) for his first operations, but he was quite ready to com- mence with thirty, hoping to increase their number by recruits from the freed slaves and accessions from the North, both white and black. He had several persons at the North engaged to enlist and forward recruits, the most active of these being his son, John Brown, Jr., then living at West Andover, Ohio. During the summer of 1859, John Brown, the younger, had visited Boston, and there made arrangements for receiving recruits from Massachusetts. Only one of the six colored recruits from Massachusetts reached Harper's Ferry before the attack, and even he took no part in the fight. The others were delayed at home, from one cause or another, until the enterprise had failed. The same thing happened with rej gard to a few other recruits enlisted by John Brown, Jr., or under his direction, while a few persons, who had been counted on to join the expedition, at last refused or hesitated to do so. Had it been de- layed, as some of the party expected, until the following spring, it is possible that the number of men would have been increased to fifty ; but probably no more than fifty were at any time pledged to join in this particular expedition. Probably it would have been unsafe to trust more persons with the secret, which was so often on the point of being disclosed, yet never really became public. It would appear from a letter of John Brown, Jr., dated September 8, 1859, ^^^"^ ^^ ^^^ ^'^^ informed, until early in September, that the attack would be made in October. " I had supposed," he writes to Kagi, " that you would not think it best to commence opening the coal banks before spring, unless circumstances should make it imperative. However, I sup- pose the reasons are satisfactory to you." The actual force with which Captain Brown undertook his Vir- ginia campaign consisted of twenty-three men, including himself; but four of these never crossed the Potomac, nor had they all been mustered together on the Kennedy farm or elsewhere. Six of them were colored men, of whom three were fugitive slaves. In the fol- lowing list those who did not cross the river are marked with an as- terisk, and the names of the colored men are in italics. Of the whole number only one, Owen Brown, now survives. Ten of them were killed or died of their wounds in Virginia, seven were hanged, and six escaped. Six of the white men were members of the Brown family or connected with it by marriage, and five of these died in Virginia. The list is as follows : Biographies. 391 1. John Brown, commander-in-chief; 2. John Henry Kagi, adjutant, and second in command; 3. Aaron C.Stevens, captain; 4. Watson Brown, captain ; 5. Oliver Brown, captain ; 6. John E. Cook, captain ; 7. Charles Plummer Tidd, captain ; 8. William H. Leman, lieutenant ; 9. Albert Haz- lett, lieutenant ; 10. Owen Brown,* lieutenant ; 11. Jeremiah G. Anderson, lieutenant; 12. Edwin Coppoc, lieutenant ; 13. William Thompson, lieuten- ant ; 14. Dauphin Thompson, lieutenant ; 15. Shields Green; 16. Danger- field Nezvby ; 17. John J. Copeland ; 18. Oshorn P. Anderson; 19. Lewis Leary ; 20. Stewart Taylor; 21. Barclay Coppoc;* 22. Francis Jackson Merriam ;* 23. John Anderson.^ It will at once be seen that this company was but the skeleton of an organization, which it was intended to fill up with recruits gath- ered from among the slaves and at the North ; hence the great dis- proportion of officers to privates. According to the general orders issued by Brown, dated at Harper's Ferry, October 10, 1859, ^ week before his capture of the town, his forces were to be divided into battalions of four companies, which would contain, when full, seventy-two officers and men in each company, or two hundred and eighty-eight in the battalion. Provision was made for officering and arming the four companies of the first battalion, which, in the event of Brown's success, would have been filled up as quickly as possi- ble. Each company was to be divided into bands of seven men, under a corporal, and every two bands made a section of sixteen men, under a sergeant. Until the companies were filled up, the commissioned officers seem to have been intended to act as corporals and sergeants in these bands and sections, and they did so during the engagement at the village and the operations in Maryland and Vir- ginia. Brown's first appearance in the neighborhood of Harper's Ferry, for the purpose of organizing his attack upon the place, was on the 30th of June, 1859, when he went down from Chambersburg in Penn- sylvania to Hagerstown in Maryland, accompanied by his lieutenant, Anderson. They spent the night at a tavern in Hagerstown, and there passed for Yankees going through the mountains to search for minerals On the 3d of July Brown was at the Ferry with Ander- son, and his sons Watson and Oliver, and they spent that night at a tavern in Sandy Hook, a hamlet on the Maryland side of the Potomac, about a mile below. On the 4th of July they went up the river road towards the house of Mr. John C. Unseld, a Maryland slave- holder, who lived in Washington county about a mile from the Ferry on one of the mountain roads. Between eight and nine o'clock that 39^ History of Torrington. morning, as Mr. Unseld was riding down to the Ferry, he met the party strolling along the edge of the mountain. Falling into conver- sation with them, in the country fashion, he learned that the old man was named Smith, that these were his sons, Watson and Oliver Smith, and that the shorter youth was named Anderson. " Well, gentlemen," said the Marylander, " I suppose you are out hunting minerals, gold and silver, perhaps." " No," said Brown, " we are out looking for land. We want to buy land ; we have a little money, and want to make it go as far as we can. How much is land worth an acre hereabouts ?" Being told that it "ranged from fifteen dollars to thirty dollars in that neighborhood," he said, " That is high ; I thought I could buy for a dollar or two an acre. " No," said the Marylander, "not here ; if you expect to get land for that price, you'll have to go farther west, to Kansas, or some of those territories where there is congress land. Where are you from !" " The northern part of New York state." " What have you fol- lowed there ?" " Farming," said Brown ; but the frost had been so heavy of late years it had cut off their crops, they could not make anything there, so he had sold out, and thought they would come farther south and try it awhile. Having thus satisfied a natural curiosity, Mr, Unseld rode on, and as we may suppose, took his morning dram among his Virginia acquaintances. Returning, some hours afterwards, he again met Mr. Smith and his young men not far from the same place. " I have been looking round your country up here," said he, "and it is a very fine country, — a pleasant place, a fine view. The land is much better than I expected to find it ; your crops are pretty good." As he said this he pointed to where the men had been cutting grain, some white men and some negroes at work in the fields, as the cus- tom is there. For in Washington county there were few slaves even then, and most of the field work was done by whites or free colored men.' Brown then asked if any farm in the neighborhood was for sale. " Yes, there is a farm four miles up the road here, towards Boonsborough, owned by the heirs of Dr. Booth Kennedy ; you can ' In walking up the valley road to the Kennedy farm in May 1875, a distance of nearly five miles, I saw scarcely any negroes cultivating the farms, and but one colored woman who was working out-doors; while I saw and talked with several white men plowing or planting their own land. It was not very different from this in 1859, for, out of 31,000 inhabitants of Washington county then, only 1435 were slaves, while 1677 were free col- ored persons. Biographies. 393 buy that." " Can I rent it ?" said Brown ; then turning to his com- panions he said, " I thinic we had better rent awhile, until we get better acquainted, so that they cannot take advantage of us in the pur- chase of land." To this they appeared to assent, and Mr. Unseld then said, " Perhaps you can rent the Kennedy farm ; I do not know about that, but it is for sale I know." Brown then turned to his sons and said, " Boys, as you are not very well, you had better go back and tell the landlord at Sandy Hook that Oliver and I shall not be there to dinner, but will go on up and see the Kennedy place ; however, you can do as you please." Watson Brown looked at An- derson and then said, " We will go with you." " Well," said the friendly Marylander, '' if you will go on with me up to my house, I can then point you the road exactly." Arrived there he invited them to take dinner, for by this time it was nearly noon. They thanked him, but declined, nor would they accept an invitation to " drink some- thing." "Well," said Unseld, "if you must go on, just follow up this road along the foot of the mountain ; it is shady and pleasant, and you will come out at a church up here about three miles. Then you can see the Kennedy house by looking from that church right up the road that leads to Boonsborough, or you can go right across and get into the county road, and follow that up." Brown sat and talked with Unseld for a while, who asked him " what he expected to follow, up yonder at Kennedy's ? " adding that Brown " could not more than make a living there." " Well," said Brown, " my business has been buying up fat cattle and driving them on to the state of New York, and we expect to engage in that again." Three days later, the genial Unseld, again jogging to or from the Ferry, again met the gray-bearded rustic, who said, " Well, I think that place will suit me ; now just give me a description where I can find the widow Kennedy and the administrator," which Unseld did. A few days after, he once more met the new comer, and found Mr. Smith had rented the two houses on the Kennedy farm, the farm house, about theee hundred yards from the public road on the west side, where, as Unseld thought, " it makes a very pretty show for a small house," and " the cabin," which stood about as far from the road on the east side, " hidden by shrubbery in the summer season, pretty much."' For the two houses, pasture for a cow and horse, ' It was at this cabin, since torn down, that Brown kept his boxes of rifles and pistols, after they reached him from Ohio. The pikes from Connecticut, a thousand in number, were stored in the loft or attic of the farm house, where Brown and his family lived. 50 394 History of Torrington. and firewood, from July rill March, Brown paid thirty-five dollars, as he took pains to tell Unseld, showing him the receipt of the widow Kennedy. How was it possible to doubt or mistrust a plain Yankee farmer and cattledrover who talked in that way, and had no concealments, no tricks, and no airs ? Evidently the Marylander did not once mis- trust him; though he rode up to the Kennedy farm nearly every week from the middle of July till the first of October. " I just went up to talk to the old man," said he to Senator Mason, when telling the story before the senate committee, " but sometimes, at the request of others, on business about selling him some horses or cows. He was in my yard frequently, perhaps four or five times. I would always ask him in, but he would never go in, and of course I would not go in his house. He often invited me in ; indeed, nearly every time I went there he asked me to go in, and remarked to me fre- quently, ' we have no chairs for you to sit on, but we have trunks and boxes.' I declined going in, but sat on my horse and chatted with him." Before the 20th of July he saw there " two females," who were Martha, the wife of Oliver Brown, and Anne, the eldest unmarried sister of Oliver, then a girl of not quite sixteen years. " Twice I went there," says Unseld, "and found none of the men, but the two ladies, and I sat there on my horse — there was a high porch on the house, and I could sit there and chat with them — and then I rode ofF and left them. They told me there were none of the men at home, but did not tell me where they were. One time I went there and inquired for them, and one of the females answered me, ' they are across there at the cabin ; you had better ride over and see them.' I replied it did not make any difference, and I would not bother them, and I rode back home." I quote all this gossip because it pictures, as no description of mine could, the quiet and drowsiness of this woodland, primitive, easy- going, hard-living population, amid the hills and mountains of Mary- land, where John Brown spent the last three months of his free life, and gathered his forces for the battle in which he fell. It is a region of home-keeping, honest, dull country people ; and so completely did Brown make himself one of its denizens, that he was accepted as part and parcel of it, even when plotting his most audacious strokes. His wifedid not visit him there, but his daughterand daughter-in law — a bride of the year before, a widow, a mother, and in her grave with her infant beside her when the next winter's snows were falling — Biographies. 395 made his cabin cheerful, and softened with feminine tenderness and tact the roush features of their rustic life. Osborn Ander- son, who spent the last three weeks before the attack at the Kennedy farm, has pictured the impression made upon him, one of the despised people of color, by the circle in which he found himself: "All the men concerned in the undertaking were on hand when I arrived, except Copeland, Leary, and Merriam ; and when all had collected, a more earnest, fearless, and determined company of men it would be difficult to get together. I saw evidence of strong and commanding intellect, high toned morality, and inflexibility of purpose in the men, and a profound and holy reverence for God, united to the most comprehensive, practical, systematic philanthropy and un- doubted bravery, in the patriarch leader. There was no milk and water sentimentality, no offensive contempt for the negro while working in his cause ; the pulsations of each and every heart beat in harmony for the suffering and pleading slave. Every morning when the noble old man was at home, he called the family around, read from his Bible, and offered to God most fervent and touching suppli- cations for all flesh I never heard John Brown pray, that he did not make strong appeals to God for the deliverance of the slave. This duty over, the men went to the loft [of the farm house], there to remain all the day long We were, while the ladies remained, often relieved of much of the dullness growing out of restraint, by their kindness. We were well supplied with grapes, paw-paws, chestnuts, and other small fruits, besides bouquets of fall flowers, through their thoughtful consideration." Just before Brown expected to begin his campaign, he sent back to their mother in the Adirondac wilderness his daughter and daughter- in-law, under the escort of his son Oliver, who accompanied them as far north as New York. The father soon sent after them this touching and most characteristic letter, which he then thought might be the last he should write to his wife and family : Chambersburg, Pa., October \, 1859. Dear Wife and Children all, I parted with Martha and Anne at Har- risburg, yesterday, in company with Oliver, on their way home. 1 trust, before this reaches you, the women will have arrived safe. I have encourage- ment of having fifty dollars or more sent you soon, to help you to get through the winter ; and I shall certainly do ^7// in my power for you, and try to com- mend you always to the God of my fathers. Perhaps you can keep your animals in good condition through the winter on potatoes mostly, much cheaper than on any other feed. I think that would certainly be the case if the crop '\?, good, and is secured well zwdk in time. I sent along four pair blankets, with directions for Martha to have the first 39^ History of Torrington. choice, and for Bell, Abbie, and Anne to ^asi lots for a choice in the three other pairs. My reason is that I think Martha fairly entitled to particular notice." To my other daughters I can only send rx\y blessing just now. Anne, I want •^ou, first of all, to become a sincere, humble, earnest, and consistent Christian ; and then acquire good znd^ efficient business habits. Save this letter to remember your father by, Annie. You must all send to John hereafter anything you want should get to us, and you may be sure we shall all be very anxious to learn everything about your welfare. Read the Tribune carefully. It may not always be certainly true, however. Begin early to take good care of all your animals, and pinch them at the close of the winter, if you must at all. God Almighty bless and save you all ! Your affectionate husband and father. Oliver Brown was not then twenty-one. His next older brother, Watson, was just twenty-four, and had been married for three years to Isabel Thompson, whose brothers, William and Dauphin Thomp- son, like her husband and brother-in-law, were killed at Harper's Ferry. In letters to his wife at various dates from September 3d to October 14th, Watson Brown wrote thus : " I received your letter of September 1 4th, the night the girls got home, which I was very glad to get. Oh, Bell, I do want to see you and the little fellow [the young child born in the father's absence] very much, but I must wait. There was a slave near here whose wife was sold off south the other day, and he was found in Thomas Kennedy's orchard, dead, the next morning. Cannot come home so long as such things are done here. . . . We are all eager for the work and confident of success. There was another murder committed near our place the other day, making in all five murders and one suicide within five miles of our place since we have lived there ; thev- were all slaves, too. . . . Give my regards to all the friends, and keep up good courage ; there is a better day a-coming. I can but commend you to yourself and your friends, if I should never see you again. Your affectionate husband. Watson Brown." On Friday, October 14, Watson Brown, waited at Chambers- burg until it was late enough to escort the two latest recruits, John Copeland and Lewis Leary, from the Pennsylvania line, near Mid- dletown, through Maryland to the Kennedy farm, a work which must alwavs be done by night, if the recruits were negroes. He reached the farm at daybreak on the 15th, bringing the two recruits and accompanied by Kagi. On the i6th he and his brothers, Oliver and Owen, received their orders from Captain Brown for the night » Martha was the wife of Oliver, and was to be confined in March. Bell was the wife of Watson, and the sister of William and Dauphin Thompson; Abbie was the wife of Salmon Brown, who stayed at home with his mother. Biographies. 397 attack. Owen Brown, with Merriam and Barclay Coppoc, were to remain at the farm as a guard till morning, when, upon the arrival of horses and men from the Ferry, they were to move the arms by wagon-loads to an old school -house, now destroyed, about three miles from the Ferry, on the Maryland side. This place had been selected a few days before by Captain Brown, and it was in fact seized and held by Owen Brown during most of the 17th, while the fighting was going on across the Potomac. Watson Brown, with Stewart Taylor, was to hold the bridge across the Potomac, and Oliver Brown, with William Thompson, the bridge across the Shenandoah, a duty which they performed until the morning of the 17th, when the village of Harper's Ferry was fully in possession ot Brown and his men. It was Watson Brown who stopped the train for Washington, on the Baltimore and Ohio rail road, not long after midnisht on the i6th. Both Watson and Oliver were with their father early in the afternoon of the 17th, when he repulsed the sharp attack of the Virginia militia, after intrenching himself in the engine house, where he was captured on Tuesday morning, the i8th. Shortly before noon on Monday, Watson was sent out with a flag of truce, in company with Stevens and one of Brown's hostages, named Kitzmiller ; was fired upon and severely wounded, but re- turned to his father, while Stevens was captured. Edwin Coppoc, writing to Captain Brown's wife from his cell in Charlestown a month afterward, said : " I was with your sons when they fell. Oliver lived but a very few moments after he was shot [during the charge of Monday afternoon.] He spoke no word, but yielded calmly to his fate. Watson was shot at ten o'clock on Monday and died about three o'clock on Wednesday morning. He suffered much. Though mortally wounded at ten o'clock, yet at three o'clock Monday afternoon he fought bravely against the men who charged on us. When the enemy were repulsed, and the excitement of the charge was over, he began to sink rapidly. After we were taken prisoners he was placed in the guard-house with me. He complained of the hardness of the bench on which he was lying. T begged hard for a bed for him, or even a blanket, but could obtain none. I took off my coat and placed it under him, and held his head in my lap, in which position he died without a groan or struggle.'" ' When in 1875 I visited Harper's Ferry, I found that it was not known there which ol the bodies buried by the Shenandoah was that of Watson Brown, and which was Ander- son's. Oliver Brown was not buried at all, but thrust roughly, after death, into a barrel, and carried away to the medical college in Winchester. It is said that his body was there dissected and treated with insult. At any rate, an attempt made by their mother to obtain the bodies of her two sons, in December, 1859, for burial at North Elba, was unsuccessful. They have monuments at North Elba, near their father's but their bodies do not lie beside his. 39^ History of Torrington. Before the attack on Harper's Ferry, one of Brown's captains, John E. Cook, of Connecticut, had visited the house of Colonel Lewis Washington, great-grandson of George Washington, and learned where to put his hand upon the sword of Frederick the Great and the pistols of Lafayette, presented by them to General Washing- ton, and by him transmitted to his brother's descendants. With that instinctive sense of historical association which led Brown to make his first attack upon slavery in Virginia and amid the scenes of Washington's early life, this liberator of the slaves had determined to appear at their head wielding Washington's own sword, and fol- lowed by freedmen who had owed service in the Washington family. He therefore assigned to Stevens and to Cook, as their first duty after Harper's Ferry should be taken, to proceed to Colonel Wash- ington's plantation of Bellair, about four miles south of the Ferry, seize him, with his arms, set free his slaves, and bring him as a hostage to the captured town ; and he even went so far as to direct that Osborn Anderson, a free black, should receive from Washing- ton the historical weapons. The order was executed to the let- ter, and before daybreak on Monday morning Colonel Washington was a prisoner in the hands of Brown,' who belted on the sword of ' The interview between Brown and Colonel Washington (who was one of the military staff of the governor of Virginia, and thence derived his title) is worth describing in the words of Washington himself. " We drove to the armory gate. The person on the front seat of the carriage said, ' All's well,' and the reply came from the sentinel at the gate 'All's well.' Then the gates were opened, and I was driven in and was received by old Brown. He did not address me by name, but said, 'You will find a fire in here, sir ; it is rather cool this morning.' Afterwards he came and said, ' I presume you are Mr. Wash- ington. It is too dark to see to write at this time, but when it shall have cleared off a little and become lighter, if you have not pen and ink I will furnish them, and shall require you to write to some of your friends to send a stout, able-bodied negro. I think after a while, possibly I shall be able to release you, but only on condition of getting your friends to send in a negro man as a ransom. I shall be very attentive to you, sir, for I may get the worst of it in my first encounter, and if so, your life is worth as much as mine. My par- ticular reason for taking you first was that, as an aid to the governor of Virginia, I knew you would endeavor to perform your duty; and apart from that I wanted you particularly for the moral effect it would give our cause having one of your name as a prisoner.' I sup. posed at that time, from his actions, that his force was a large one; that he was very strong. Shortly after reaching the armory I found the sword of General Washington in old Brown's hand. He said, ' I will take especial care of it, and shall endeavor to return it to you after you are released.' Brown carried it is his hand all day Monday ; when the attacking party came on, Tuesday morning, he laid it on the fire engine, and after the rescue I got it.'' Colonel Washington survived the civil war, in which he took no part, but is now dead. His widow lives in Charlestown, and has sold this sword, with other mementos of Washington, to the state of New York. Biographies. 399 Washington and wore it from that time until his own capture, twenty- tour hours after. When Virginia awoke on that October morning, the haughty commonwealth, mother of presidents and of slaves, be- held a gray-bearded old man, wearing the sword of Washington, standing amid the broken fetters of Virginia slaves, with a town of three thousand Virginians, white and black, at his mercy. At no time during the civil war, even when the national government was pouring soldiers into the South by hundreds of thousands and eman- cipating the slaves by millions, was there greater fear and commotion among the slaveholders than when they first learned of Brown's suc- cess at Harper's Ferry. How simply and in what a plain country fashion Brown made his famous foray ought to be related ; since, like all he did, it was in keeping with his primitive and ideal character. At the Kennedy farm house, about eight o'clock on the evening of Sunday, the i6th of October, — a cold and dark night, ending in rain, — Brown mus- tered his eighteen followers, saying, " Men, get on your arms ; we will proceed to the Ferry." His horse and wagon were brought to the door of the farm house, and some pikes, a sledge-hammer, and a crowbar were placed in the wagon. Brown " put on his old Kansas cap," ' mounted the wagon, and said, " Come, boys ! " at the same time driving his horse down the rude lane into the main road. His men followed him on foot, two and two, Charles Plummer Tidd, a Maine farmer who had joined him in Kansas, and John E. Cook taking the lead. At a proper time they were sent forward in ad- vance of the wagon to tear down the telegraph wires on the Mary- land side of the Potomac. The other couples walked at some distance apart, and in silence, making no display of arms. Now and then some of them rode beside Brown. When overtaken by any one, the rear couple were to detain the stranger until the party had passed on or concealed themselves, and the same order was given if they were met by any one. The road was unfrequented that night, and they passed down through the woods to the bridge across the Potomac without delay or adventure. Upon entering the covered bridge, they halted and fastened their cartridge-boxes, with forty rounds of ammunition, outside their coats, and brought their rifles into view. * This was a fur cap with a patent-leather visor, which had been bought for him in Chicago in December, 1856, as he came from Kansas to Massachusetts. He wore also a gray overcoat with a cape, a soldier's overcoat which had seen equal service. No shepherd- king or peasant-captain ever went forth to war more plainly clad. 400 HlSTORV OF ToRRINGTON. Kagi and Stevens were at this time at the head of the company, Tidd and Cook having tarried in Maryland to cut the u^ires. As they approached the Virginia side, the watchman who patrolled the bridge met them and was arrested by Kagi and Stevens, who took him with them to the armory gate, leaving Watson Brown and Stewart Taylor to guard the bridge. The rest of the company proceeded with Brown, in his wagon or on foot, to the armory gate, which was but a few rods from the Virginia end of the bridge. There they halted, at about half past ten o'clock, broke open the gate with the crowbar in the wagon, rushed inside the armory yard, and seized one of the two watchmen on duty. Brown himself, with two men, then mounted guard at the armory gate, and the other fourteen men were sent to different parts of the village. Oliver Brown and William Thomp- son occupied the bridge over the Shenandoah, and there arrested a few prisoners. Kagi, with John Copeland, went up the Shenandoah a half mile or more to that part of the armory called "the rifle works," where he captured the watchmen, sent them to Brown, and occupied the buildings. Edwin Coppoc and Albert Hazlett went across the street^from the armory gate and occupied the arsenal, which was not in the armory inclosure. HARPER. S FERRY. All this was done quietly and without the snapping of a gun ; and before midnight the whole village was in the possession of Brown and his eighteen men. He then dispatched Stevens, Cook, and others, six in all, on the turnpike towards Charlestown to bring in Biographies. 401 Colonel Washington and some of his neighbors, with their slaves, as has been already said. This was done before four o'clock in the morning. In the mean time, at 1:30 a.m., the rail road train from the west had reached Harper's Ferry, and a negro porter, who was crossing the bridge to find the missing watchman, was stopped by Watson Brown's guard. Turning to run back and refusing to halt, he was shot and mortally wounded by one of the bridge guard, which was now increased to three. This was the first shot fired on either side, and was three hours after the entrance of Brown into the vil- lage. Shots were fired in return by some of the rail road men, and then no more firing took place until after sunrise. Before sunrise the train had been allowed to go forward, Brown and one of his men walking across the bridge with the conductor of the train to satisfy him that all was safe, and that the bridge was not broken down. The work of gathering up prisoners as hostages had also been pushed vigorously, and before noon Brown had more than twice the number of his own force imprisoned in the armory yard. None of his own men were killed or captured until ten or eleven o'clock on Monday morning, when Dangerfield Newby, the Virginia fugitive, was shot near the armory gate. Shortly afterward Stevens was wounded and captured, Watson Brown was wounded, and William Thompson was captured. For from nine o'clock (when the terrified citizens of Harper's Ferry found a few arms and mustered courage enough to use them) until night, the Virginians, armed and officered, had been surrounding Brown'? position, and before noon had cut off his retreat into Maryland. During the four or five hours after daybreak, when he might have escaped from the town, he was urged to do so by Kagi, by Stevens, and by others ; but for one reason or another he delayed his movements until it was too late. For twelve hours he held the town at his mercy ; after that he was firmly caught in the trap he had entered, and the defeat of his foray was only a question of a few hours' time. He drew back his shattered forces into the engine-house near the armory gate, soon after noon, but neither his men at the rifle works, nor those at the arsenal across the ENGINE HOUSE. 51 402 History of Torrington. street, nor his son Owen, on the Maryland side of the Potomac, could join him. He fought bravely, and so did Kagi and his few men on the bank of the Shenandoah, but the latter were all killed or captured before the middle of the afternoon, and at evening, when Colonel Lee arrived from Washington with a company of United States marines, nothing was left of Brown's band except himself and six men, two of whom were wounded, in his weak fortress, and two unharmed and undiscovered men, Hazlett and Osborn Anderson, in the arsenal not far off. His enterprise had failed, and apparently through his own fault. His own explanation of this failure is characteristic : it was fore- ordained to be so. " All our actions," he said to one who visited him in prison, " even all the follies that led to this disaster, were decreed to happen ages before the world was made." He declared at the same time that had he betaken himself to the mountains, he could never have been captured, " for he and his men had studied the country carefully, and knew it a hundred times better than any of the inhabitants." He ascribed his ruin to his weakness in listen- ing to the entreaties of his prisoners and delaying his departure from the captured town. " It was the first time," somebody reports him as saying, "that I ever lost command of myself, and now I am pun- ished for it." But he soon began to see that this mistake was lead- ing him to his most glorious success, a victory such as he might never have won in his own way. A month after his capture he wrote thus to his old school-master in Connecticut : " I have been a good deal disappointed, as it regards myself, in not keeping up to my own plans ; but I now feel entirely reconciled to that, even ; for God's plan was infinitely better, no doubt, or I should have kept to my own. Had Samson kept to his determination of not telling Delilah wherein his great strength lay, he would probably have never overturned the house. I did not tell Delilah, but I was induced to act very contrary to my better judgment ; and I have lost my two noble boys, and other friends, if not my two eyes. But God's will, not mine, be dons." Thus his thoughts took recourse, as often before, to the story and the fate of Samson, whose last victory over the enemies of Israel was more than paralleled by the short and de- feated campaign of John Brown in Virginia. The story of Brown's capture, of the slaughter of his men, of his own fearless bearing and heroic sayings during his captivity, and of his final martyrdom, '' making the gallows glorious like the cross," Biographies. 403 all this is too familiar to be told here. It has become a part of the world's history and literature, a new chapter added to the record of heroism and self-devotion, a new incident in the long romance which has been for three hundred years the history of Virginia. It was little to the honor of Virginia then ; but so heavy has been the penalty since visited on that state and her people, that we may omit all censure upon what was done. God has judged between them and John Brown, and His judgment, as always, will be found not only just but merciful, since it has removed from a brave and gene- rous people the curse of human slavery. It was for this result, and this alone, that Brown plotted and fought, prayed and died, and even before his death he saw that his prayers would be answered. Through his grandfather, the revolutionary captain, John Brown was related to Dr. Humphrey, once president of Amherst college, and to the Rev. Luther Humphrey. They were his cousins, and to the latter, not long before his execution. Brown wrote one of those remarkable letters which did so much, during his six weeks' impri- sonment, to change the public opinion concerning him into that which now prevails. His conversation with Senator Mason at Har- per's Ferry and his speech to the court after his conviction are better known than this letter (which, indeed, has seldom been printed), but neither of them gives a nobler image of the " plain heroic magnitude of mind" with which he accepted his fate and explained his course of life. The letter also contains some touches of autobiography which add to its value. It is as follows : Charlestown, Jefferson Co., Va., \gth November, 1815 9. Rev. Luther Humphrey : My dear Friend, Your kind letter of the 12th instant is now before me. So far as my knowledge goes as to our mutual kindred, I suppose lam the first, since the landing of Peter Brown from the Mayflower, that has either been sentenced to imprisonment or to the gallows. But, my dear old friend, let not that fact alone grieve you. You cannot have forgotten how and where our grandfather fell in 1776, and that he, too, might have perished on the scaffold, had circumstances been but a very little different. The fact that a man dies under the hand of an executioner (or otherwise) has but little to do with his true character, as I suppose. John Rogers perished at the stake, a great and good man, as I suppose; but his doing so does not prove that any other man who has died in the same way was good or otherwise. Whether I have any reason to " be of good cheer" (or not) in view of mv end, I can assure you that I feel so ; and I am totally blinded if I do not really experience that strengthening and consolation you so faithfully implore in my behalf. The God of our fathers reward your fidelity. I neither feel 404 History of Torrington. mortified, degraded, nor in the least ashamed of my imprisonment, my chain, or near prospect of death by hanging. I feel assured " that not one hair shall fall from my head without the will of my heavenly Father." 1 also feel that I have long been endeavoring to hold exactly " such a fast as God has chosen." See the passage in Isaiah which you have quoted.' No part of my life has been more hippily spent than that I have spent here, and I humbly trust that no part has been spent to better purpose. I would not say this boastingly ; but " thanks be unto God, who giveth us the victory through infinite grace." I should be sixty years old, were T to live to May 9, i860. I have en- joyed much of life as it is, and have been remarkably prosperous; having early learned to regard the welfare and prosperity of others as my own. I have never, since I can remember, required a great amout of sleep; so that I con- clude that 1 have already enjoyed full an average number of working hours with those who reach their threescore years and ten. I have not yet been driven to the use of glasses, but can see to read and write quite comfortably. But more than that, I have generally enjoyed remarkably good health. I might go on to recount unnumbered and unmerited blessings, among which would be some very severe afflictions, and those the most needed blessings of all. And now, when I think how easily I might be left to spoil all I have done or sufi^ered in the cause of freedom, I hardly dare wish another voyage, even if I had the opportunity. It is a long time since we met ; but we shall come together in our Father's house, I trust. Let us hold fast that we already have, remembering we shall reap in due time, if we faint not. Thanks be unto God, who giveth us the victory through lesus Christ our Lord. And now, my old, warm-hearted friend, goodby ! Your affectionate cousin, loHN Brown. A few days before this letter to his cousin Humphrey he had written to another old. friend, " I wish I could tell you about a few only of the interesting times I here experience with different classes of men, clergymen among others. Christ, the great captain of liberty as well as of salvation, and who began his mission, as foretold of him, by proclaiming it, saw fit to take from me a sword of steel after I had carried it for a time ; but he has put another in my hand (the sword of the Spirit) ; and I pray God to make me a faithful soldier ' The reference here is to the familiar text in the fifty-eighth chapter of the prophet, who may be said to have foretold Brown as clearly as he predicted any event in Hebrew history ; " Is not this the fast that I have chosen ? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke .' Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh .''... Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer ; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, H''.re I am. . . . Thou shalt raise up the foundations of many gene- rations ; and thou shalt be called, The Repairer of the breach, The Restorer of paths to dwell in." Biographies. 405 wherever he may send me." In explanation of this passage it is to be said that during Brown's imprisonment he was often visited by Virginian clergymen and itinerant preachers, desirous of praying with him and of converting him from his errors. One of these afterward said that when he offered to pray with Brown the old man asked if he was willing to fight, in case of need, for the freedom of the slaves. Receiving a negative reply, Brown then said, " I will thank you to leave me alone ; your prayers would be an abomination to my God." To another he said that he " would not insult God by bowing down in prayer with any one who had the blood of the slave on his skirts." A Methodist preacher named March having argued to Brown in his cell in favor of slavery as " a Christian institution," his hearer grew impatient and replied, " My dear sir, you know nothing about Christianity ; you will have to learn its A, B, C ; I find you quite ignorant of what the word Christianity means." Seeing that his visitor was disconcerted by such plain speaking, Brown added, " I respect you as a gentleman, of course ; but it is as a heathen gentleman." To these interviews he has alluded in some of his letters of that period, and to a lady who visited him in prison he said, " I do not believe I shall deny my Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, as I should, if I denied my principles against slavery. Why, I preach against it all the time ; Captain Avis knows I do ; " whereat his jailer smiled and said, " Yes." A citizen of Charlestown, named Blessing, had dressed Brown's wounds while in prison, and had shown him other kind attentions, for which Brown, who was very scrupulous about acknowledging and returning favors, desired to make him some acknowledgment. On one of the last days of November, therefore, in the last week of his life. Brown sent for Mr. Blessing, and asked him to accept his pocket Bible, as a token of gratitude. In this book, which was a cheap edition in small print, much worn by use. Brown had marked many hundred passages (bearing witness more or less directly against human slavery) by turning down the corner of a page and by heavy pencillings in the margin. On the fly leaves he had written this : To }no. F. Blessing, of Charlestown, Va., with the best wishes of the un- dersigned, and his sincere thanks for many acts of kindness received. There is no commentary in the world so good, in order to a right understanding of this blessed book, as an honest, childlike, and teachable spirit. John Brown. Charlestown, zgth November, 1859. 4o6 History of Torrington. He had written his own name as owner of the book on the op- posite page, and immediately following it was this inscription : "The leaves were turned down by him while in prison at Charlestown. But a small part of those passages which in the most positive language condemn oppression and violence are marked." Except a codicil to his will, and a note to his wife inclosing it, the very last paper written by John Brown was this sentence, which he handed to one of his guards in the jail on the morning of his execution : Charlestown, Va., December z, 1859. I, John Brown, am now quite certain that the crimes of this guilty land will never be purged away but with blood. I had, as I now think, vainly, flattered myself that without very much bloodshed it might be done. A week before this. Brown's friend and supporter in his Virginia campaign, Theodore Parker, had written from Rome, to Francis Jackson in Boston, the same declaration, to the truth of which history has fully borne witness. " A few years ago," wrote Parker, on the 24th of November, 1859, "it did not seem difficult first to check slavery, and then to end it, without any bloodshed. I think this cannot be done now, nor ever in the future. All the great charters of humanity have been writ in blood, I once hoped that of Ame- rican democracy would be engrossed in less costly ink ; but it is plain now that our pilgrimage must lead through a Red sea, wherein many a Pharaoh will go under and perish." So it happened, and not only the Pharaohs, but the leaders of the people perished. Standing on the battle-field at Gettysburg, just four years after the date of Brown's letter to Humphrey (November 19, 1863), Abraham Lin- coln pronounced that immortal eulogy on those who "gave their lives that the nation might live," in which he called upon his hearers to resolve " that these dead shall not have died in vain ; that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom, and that gov- ernment of the people, by the people and for the people, shall not perish from the earth," — echoing in this last period the very words of Parker, so often heard in prayer and sermon from his Boston pul- pit. Not long afterward Lincoln himself fell, the last great victim in the struggle, as John Brown had been its first great martyr. Hence- forth their names will be joined and their words will be remembered together, the speeches of the condemned convict at Charlestown and of the successful statesman at Gettysburg going down to posterity as Biographies. 407 the highest range of eloquence in our time. But those brave men whom Lincoln commemorated in his funeral oration went forth to battle at the call of a great people ; they were sustained by the re- sources and by the ardor of millions. When I remember my old friend, lonely, poor, persecuted, making a stand with his handful of followers on the outpost of freedom, our own batteries trained upon him as the furious enemy swept him away in the storm of their ven- geance, I see that history will justly exalt his fame above that of all the soldiers in the civil war. It was the mission of John Brown to show our nation the full height and depth of her crime and punishment. It was not till the tragedy of Harper's Ferry and Charlestown, that the inevitable was clearly seen to be inevitable. Lying in his blood, and the blood of his sons, in that fatal town where the blood of his murderers, north- ern as well as southern, has since been so freely shed to atone for his, the brave old soldier of the Lord uttered the oracles which this nation must hear, though she had not sought them. " You had better, all you people of the South, prepare yourselves for a settlement of this question. It must come up for settlement sooner than you are prepared for it, and the sooner vou are prepared for it, the better for you. You may dispose of me very easily ; I am nearly disposed of now. But this question is still to be settled — this negro question, I mean. The end of that is not yet." Simple words, yet full of the pith and marrow of truth. Long before, he had writ- ten, " I expect nothing but to endure hardness, but I expect to win a great victory, even though it be like the last victory of Sampson." And this American Sampson, " a Nazarite unto God from the womb to the day of his death," died in that " last victory," which he hoped for, and pulled down in utter ruin our whole house of idols. " O dearly bought revenge, yet glorious ! Living or dying thou hast fulfilled The work for which thou wast foretold To Israel, and now liest victorious Among thy slain, self-killed, Not willingly, but tangled in the fold Of dire necessity; whose law in death conjoined Thee with thy slaughtered foes, in number more Than all thy life had slain before." Mr. Alcott, the Connecticut Pythagorean, who met John Brown in Concord in 1859, g^ve this description of him at one of his Bos- ton conversations in 1865 : 4o8 History of Torrington. " The only time I saw the Captain, — for so he was then named, — was at a lecture of his, given at our Town Hall. He spoke with the directness that so became him on the Kansas troubles, modestly alluding to the part he had taken in those encounters. Our people heard him with tavor He impressed me as a person of surpassing sense, courage and religious earnestness. A man of reserves, yet he inspired a confidence in his integrity and good judgment. He seemed superior to any legal traditions, able to do his own thinking, was an idealist, at least in matters of state, if not on all points of his religious faith. He did not conceal his hatred of slavery, much less his readiness to strike a blow for freedom at the fitting moment. I thought him equal to anything he should dare, the man to dothe deed necessary to be done with the patriot's zeal, the martyr's temper and purpose. And as I looked, it was plain that Nature was interested in his purpose, and had intimated hers in his person. Though but little above medium height, he seemed tall as he rose to speak, and there was something thunderous about his brow that Brackett has caught in his bust. His eyes were remarkable for their depth of grey bravery, as if the lion lay couchant there, and ready to spring at the least rustling, yet they were kindly in repose, though dauntless and determined. I am accustomed to divine men's tempers by their voices ; his was vaulting and metallic, suggesting reserved force and indomitable will. In short, his countenance and frame throughout were surcharged with unmistakable power. At a later date, he cultivated the flowing beard which gave him the soldierly air and port of an aposde. Not far from sixty then, he seemed alert and agile, resolute and ready for any crisis. I thought him the manliest of men, and the type synonym of the Just. Per- haps I felt more disposed to magnify his claims upon my admiration on learn- ing that he came from my native state. The public murder of John Brown upon a Virginia gallows, fol- lowing closely after his capture of Harper's Ferry, was the first act in the long tragedy, of which the public murder of Lincoln was the final catastrophe : " Bloodily closed what bloodily began. With slaughter of that far-foreseeing man ; Whose spirit, from the scaffold where he died. Armies and senates could inspire and guide." Nor is it without the deepest reason, in the fitness of things, that the great heart of the people, in all nations, responding to the voice of Nature, joins the names of Brown and Lincoln in the same throb of gratitude. An American lady, who had known intimately both these martyrs of liberty, was spending a few weeks, soon after the eman- cipation of the Russian serfs, in Moscow, that citadel of ancient op- pression. Entering a poor man's shop one day to purchase the icon or picture of some Russian saint, and giving the shopkeeper to un- derstand that she was an American, he drew her with enthusiasm into a recess of his dingy rooms, where a lamp was continually burn- ing before rude pictures of his American saints, John Brown and Biographies. 409 Abraham Lincoln, placed side by side for his daily worship. He had been a serf, one of the millions whom the noble edict of Alexander set free. Along with the czar and his patron saint, he paid religious honors to the two American emancipators, the echoes of whose good fame had reached him, blended sweetly in one lofty note, as they came borne across seas and lands, from the Potomac to the Moskwa. It was their deeds, not their words, that reached the ears of the Russian serf, yet how imperishable are the very words of Brown! "What avail all your scholarly accomplishments and learning, com- pared with wisdom and manhood ?" said Henry Thoreau, speaking of John Brown, at the commemoration in North Elba, July 4, i860. " To omit his other behavior, see what a work this comparatively unread and unlettered man wrote within six weeks. He wrote in prison, not a History of the World, like Raleigh, but an American book which, 1 think, will live longer than that. What a variety of themes he touched on in that short space ! There are words in that letter to his wife, respecting the education of his daughters which deserve to be framed and hung over every mantelpiece in the land." It seems fitting to include in this biography not the short passage thus mentioned, but his whole last letter, which deals with graver matters : John Brown's Last Letter to his Family. Charlestovvn Prison, Jefferson Co. Va., Nov. 30, 1859. My dear/y beloved Wife, Sons and Daughters, Every One : As I now begin probably what is the last letter I shall ever write to any of you, I conclude to write to all at the same time. I will mention some little matters particularly applicable to little property concerns in another place. I recently received a letter from my wife, from near Philadelphia, dated Nov. 22, by which it would seem that she was about giving up the idea of seeing me again. I had written her to come on if she felt equal to the under- taking, but I do not know that she will get my letter in time. It was on her own account chiefly that I asked her to stay back. At first I had a most strong desire to see her again, but there appeared to be very serious objections ; and should we never meet in this life, I trust that she will in the end be satisfied it was for the best at least, if not most for her comfort. I am waiting the hour of my public murder with great composure of mind and cheerfulness, feeling the strong assurance that in no other possible way could I be used to so much advantage to the cause of God and of humanity, and that nothing that either I or all my family have sacrificed or suffered will be lost. The reflection that a wise and m.-rciful, as well as just and holy, God rules not only the affairs of this world, but of all worlds, is a rock to set our feet upon under all circumstances — even those more severely trying ones into which our own feelings and wrongs have placed us. / have now no doubt but that our seetning disaster will ulti?nntely result in the most glorious success. So, my dear shattered and broken family, be of good cheer, and believe and trust in God with all your heart, and with all your soul, for he doeth all things well. 4IO History of Torrington. Do not feel ashamed on my account, nor for one moment despair of the cause, or grow weary of well doing. I bless God I never felt stronger confidence in the certain and near approach of a bright morning and glorious day than I have felt, and do now feel, since my confinement here. I am endeavoring to return like a poor prodigal as I am, to my Father, against whom I have always sinned, in the hope that he may kindly and forgivingly meet me, though a very great way off. O, my dear wife and children! would to God you could know how I have been travailing in birth for you all, that no one of you may fail of the grace of God through Jesus Christ ; that no one of you may be blind to the truth and glorious light of his Word, in which life and immortality are brought to light. I beseech you, every one, to make the Bible your daily and nightly study, with a child-like, honest, candid, teachable spirit of love and respect for your husband and father. And I beseech the God of my fathers to open all your eyes to the discovery of the truth. You cannot imagine how much you may soon need the consolations of the Christian religion. Circumstances like my own, for more than a month past, have convinced me beyond all doubt of my own great need of some theories treasured up when our prejudices are excited, our vanity worked up to the highest pitch. O, do not trust your eternal all upon the boisterous ocean without even a helm or compass to aid you in steering! I do not ask of you to throw away your reason ; I only ask you to make a candid, sober use of your reason. My dear young children, will you listen to this last poor admonition of one who can only love you ? O, be determined at once to give your whole heart to God, and let nothing shake or alter that resolution. You need have no fears of regretting it. Do not be vain and thoughtless, but sober-minded ; and let me entreat you all to love the whole remnant of our once great family. Try and build up again your broken walis, and to make the utmost of every stone that is left. Nothing can so tend to make life a blessing as the consciousness that your life and example bless and leave others stronger. Still, it is ground of the utmost comfort to my mind to know that so many of you as have had the opportunity, have given some proof of your fidelity to the great family of men. Be faithful unto death ; from the exercise of habitual love to man it can- not be very hard to love his Maker. I must yet insert the reason for my firm belief in the divine inspiration of the Bible, notwithstanding I am, perhaps, naturally sceptical ; certainly not credulous. I wish all to consider it most thoroughly when you read that blessed book, and see whether you cannot discover such evidence yourselves. It is the purity of heart, filling our minds as well as work and actions, which is everywhere insisted on, that distinguishes it from all the other teachings, that commends it to my conscience. Whether my heart be willing and obedient or not, the inducement that it holds out is another reason of my convictions oi its truth and genuineness ; but I do not here omit this my last argument on the Bible, that eternal lite is what my soul is panting after this moment. I mention this as a reason for endeavoring to leave a valuable copy of the Bible, to be carefully preserved in remembrance of me, to so many of my posterity, instead of some other book at equal cost. I beseech you all to live in habitual contentment with moderate circumstances and gains of wordly store, and earnestly to teach this to your children and children's children after you, by example as well as piecept. Be determined to know by experience, as scon as may be, whether Bible instruction is of divine origin or not. Be sure to owe no man any thing, but to love one another. John Rogers wrote to his children, "' Abhor that arrant whore of Biographies. 411 Rome." John Brown writes to his children to abhor, with undying hatred also, that sum of all villanies — Slavery Remember, he that is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city. Remember also, that they, being wise, shall shine, and they that turn many to righteousness, as the stars forever and ever. And now, dearly beloved family, to God and the work of his grace I com- mend you all. Your affectionate husband and father. John Brown, And here too should stand, though earlier in date, that famous speech of Brown's in court, November 2, 18 "59. He was not allowed to address the people before his execution, December 2, 1859 • John Brown's Last Speech. I have, may it please the Court, a few words to say. In the first place, I deny every thing but what I have all along admitted — the design on my part to free the slaves. I intended certainly to have made a clean thing of that matter, as I did last winter, when I went into Missouri, and there took slaves without the snapping of a gun on either side, moved them through the country, and finally left them in Canada. I designed to have done the same thing again, on a larger scale. That was all I intended, I never did intend murder, or treason, or the destruction of property, or to excite or incite slaves to rebellion, or to make insurrection. I have another objection : and that is, it is unjust that I should suffer such a penalty. Had I interfered in the manner which I admit, and which I admit has been fairly proved (fori admire the truthfulness and candor of the greater portion of the witnesses who have testified in this case) — had I so interfered in behalf of the rich, the powerful, the intelligent, the so-called great, or in be- half of any of their friends, either father, mother, brother, sister, wife or children, or any of that class, and suffered and sacrificed what I have in this interference, it would have been all right, and every man in this Court would have deemed it an act worthy of reward rather than punishment. This Court acknowledges, as I suppose, the validity of the law of God. I see a book kissed here which I suppose to be the Bible, or, at least, the New Testament. That teaches me that all things ' whatsoever I would that men should do unto me, I should do even so to them.' It teaches me further, to ' remember them that are in bonds as bound with them.' I endeavored to act up to that instruction. I say, I am yet too young to understand that God is any respecter of persons. I believe that to have interfered as I have done, as I have always freely admitted I have done, in behalf of His despised poor, was not wrong, but right. Now, if it is deemed necessary that I should forfeit my life for the furtherance of the ends of justice, and mingle my blood further with the blood of my children, and with the blood of millions in this slave country whose rights are disregarded by wicked, cruel, and unjust enactments — I sub- mit ; so let it be done. Let me say one word further. I feel entirely satisfied with the treatment I have received on my trial. Con- sidering all the circumstances, it has been more generous than I expected. But I feel no consciousness of guilt. I have stated from the first what was my in- tention and what was not. I never had any design against the life of any per- son, nor any dispositiou to commit treason, or excite slaves to rebel, or make 412 History of Torrington. any general insurrection. I never encouraged any man to do so, but always discouraged any idea of that kind. Let me say, also, a word in regard to the statements made by some of those connected with me. I hear it has been stated by some of them that I have in- duced them to join me- But the contrary is true. I do not say this to injure them, but as regretting their weakness. There is not one of them but joined me ot his own accord, and the greater part at their own expense. A number of them I never saw, and never had a word of conversation with, till the dav they came to me, and that was for the purpose I have stated. Now I have done. No, brave and generous old friend ! when you uttered those words you had not **• done," you had only begun. " On the day of his translation " said Thoreau, " I heard, to be sure, that he was hung, but I did not know what that meant ; I felt no sorrow on that account. But not for a day or two did I even hear that he was dead^ and not after any number of days shall I believe it. Of all the men who were said to be my contemporaries, it seemed to me that John Brown was the only one who had not died. I meet him at every turn. He is more alive than ever he was. He has earned immortality. He is not confined to North Elba nor to Kansas. He is no longer working in secret. He works in public, and in the clearest Hght that shines on this land." And what a work he has accomplished already, in the few brief years since his body was carried from the scaffold in Charlestown to its resting place beside the great rock at North Elba ! Like " the rock Etam," upon which Samson dwelt, his grave became his strong hold,- while " his soul went marching on." Those who, unlike Thoreau, had mourned his death, now finding him risen and triumphant, were ready to chant, with Milton's Hebrews, after that "last victory of Samson" which Brown had foretold for himself.' " All is best, though we oft doubt What the unsearchable dispose Of highest wisdom brings about. And ever best found in the close. Oft He seems to hide his face. But unexpectedly returns, And to His faithful champion hath in place Borne witness gloriously, whence Gaza mourns, And all that band them to resist His uncontrollable intent ; His servants he, with new acquist Of true experience, from this great event. With peace and consolation hath dismissed, And calm of mind, all passion spent." ' See page 95. Biographies. 413 THE BURIAL OF JOHN BROWN. BY WILLIAM E. CHANNING. That day, I mind it well, we buried him. There, in our heart of hearts ! From city's wall, From depth of deepest woods, came up the moan, The weariness, the wail, all that was grief. Or could be, in a world all pain and woe. Gone and forever gone ! the good, the just. The patriot fervid, he who lived — to die. As he had lived to act, — for the oppressed, the weak. A shining stone shall be engraved for him, Thereon a martyr's name, the last and best, Not Rose, not Lancaster, but " For the Slave," Hapless and helpless, for his breaking heart, He stood, truest and best, that hero-soul, Old Ossawatomie ! Slow tolled those bells ! Slow and how far away, and yet too near ! Where grey Monadnoc lifts a forest front Over low Jeffrey's pass, sunk in the vale, (Or what seems such, to them who climb that mount), And wide guonaticut, the Indian's stream, And those White hills that bend their brows in heaven By seas and farthest lands, and sky and shore. Slow tolled the weary peal, John Brown is dead ! Gone — in his prime of good and thought, and hope. Stabbed to his heart so foully by the men. Who wore the Southern Madness in their souls. Yes ! like a falling star, thro' twilight's depth, He sank in Heaven, his words were like the hues Some gentlest eve imprints with Zephyr's touch, And overlays the ripples of the stream, In her last glory soothing earth to tears. And yet that knell, his form this fatal hour, Is swinging on the scaffold ! " Never I planned. To kill or ravage, torture or destroy, Not in rebellion, not to slay their foes Incite the slave, solely to loose his cords. 'Do unto me as ye would have me do. And in my bonds be bound, even as myself,' By that, as far as in me I have done, God hath not parted persons in his law. Father! if by thy will, I came to be What now I am, if ever in my heart. From my first recollection, still I felt Thy guiding hand, be still to me, the same, 414 History of Torrington. This lovely hour all gentleness and peace, Ere the faint dawn has painted the dim slcy, And all her beauty sleeps upon the world. I am at peace with all men, in my heart I feel the quiet of thy mnrn, O give Me strength of hope, and power of faith to meet This sacrifice, I make for man, myself A poor and sinful creature, worn and weak. Unfailing God, our friend, O give me strength. Truly uplift in love, renew my prayer, Father ! pardon what I have done amiss, These deeds were sad, they wore a troubled look. Yet for that principle alone, of right, I forward moved, then sanctify these acts. May they upon the future, throw their light. As yonder rising orb who paints the morn. With beauteous tints of life ; let them awake The hearts of a great people, who have moved Too sluggishly in freedom's cause, and let My name if vain, unnoticed, be the word To lift a struggling race, and free the Slave ! O God ! my Savior, my redeemer too. Receive me to thyself, now that the day Has dawned, when I must die, and those I leave That poor and scattered remnant on the hills, Of my contentment something breathe in them. And let their weeping souls be filled with light, And from their breaking hearts be heaven in view. Seeing that they, who try for duty, so to live. However weak, and so to die for it, May with thee be received — " Mild was that morn, and peaceful was the day. When forth from his last prison, stepped this man, Who made the Union sacred, and renewed By heavenly deeds, the early patriot's faith, — Forth from his cell, a wounded dying saint, Far from his home, far from his loved-ones aid, But closest in their hearts. — with step unshaken. And firmly went he forth ! and as he went, A poor devoted slave, a mother stood. One of the race that Christ came down to love. Bearing upon her breast, an infant-slave. There, by the prison-gate, his blessing craved. Softly, with angel-voice, he blessed her there. One of his children, for whose good he lived. His mind on heaven, his heart still loving earth ! Then, forth, that tread of soldiers with bright arms. Biographies. 4ir Rifles in long derision at his side, Flashed on December sunshine, like a pall O'er all that speechless world, cutting the cold And hard rapacity of civil lines Across God's sky of light, — on, with his cheerful thoughts. That patriot fared, and sitting on the bier, That soon should hold his silent form, he said : " This is a country beautiful, and first With pleasure have I seen it now." Serene, And clear, modest and sensible. He passed along, eyeing in peace the hills. That urge the steep Potomac on its flight. By old romantic wood and cliff" tower tall, — Blue as the skies above them, far away O'er drear Virginia's vales, — soft russet shades The earth, and some few trees, leafless this day. Recalling in their grace more vernal bliss. O had the might been present in that hour ! • To lift his sinking form and bear him on With the dark race he fondly rushed to save ! O had the soul, the power acquitted then. Its future to the world ? (his name is graved. First on the Capitol, his figure shines Above the highest, who holds the nation's heart) ; And now he asked : " Why are not all within the field, Not only soldiers, but the citizens ?" Faithful to freedom in this cruel hour. Why were ye faithless, heavens ? Shall yon chill sky. Wherein December's sun gleams sadly forth, Fail to prefer one pitying look on him, Who dies to liberate the down-trod race. From stripes and crime, and legal butcheries, Inexpiable, untold woes, the stake, the lash, — Not tears, not pity, mercy, no remorse. In those who stand around, to slay this man, (They called him brave ; " That was my mother's lesson)," So mild and pure, an infant without guile ! — 'Twas o'er, 'twas done, the noble, generous soul. Now more than martyr, met a felon's doom. — He went To death ! — death for a multitude, whose hearts Were wrung with time-worn suffering, all one pang, And torn, like desolation's corses chill. Across some mountain-chain, where hungry wolves Gnaw the sliil quivering flesh, and reek their thirst On hearts, quick with life's pulses, went to death, After those words spoke on Judea's mount, The text of love, no wild revenge or hate: " I could have moved. 4i6 History of Torrington. But there were prisoners, within my charge, I did not fire, this came we for alone, But this, no more, to free the Slave, 'tis right, The poorest and the weakest, these we aid." He stood, he could not fly, His children fell, that loss was on his soul. He spared the lives of them, who sought his own. Weak as a dying infant spake great words, Soft as an angel's voice, they clearly fall ; " I think my friends ! you wrong both God and man, And such as interfere in this respect. Must act for right, to break man's galling chains," They answered, — " Yes," They felt it in their hearts, knew in their minds, A voice sprang back from the dark centuries' folds, " Father forgive them, they know not what they do." They could have wept, bound up the brave man's wounds. And set him on a throne, a hero's throne. And triumphed him to Alabama's shores. Or where the hot Caribbean melts her wave Of fire and silver on the Texan's coast, O'er Carolina's sands and rice-bound marsh, And proud Virginia, once of Washington. That could not be ! God's hand was on the hour, — it must not be! Never since human breath had moulded sound. Or given words to sense, more awful truths. Were stretched across the strands of Fate, than those, Trom that poor, simple, dying, tender soul. It could not be ! by camp and tower, and ford. By crashing cannon tearing down the glen, In the lone forest, up dark mountains hoar, On sea and land, and giaves on earth and wave, Sons, fathers falling, doomed without a shrift, Unburied not unknelled, came forth that voice From the cold armory of Harper's vale, A prophecy of woe, " Prepare, prepare. The soonest — best, the settlement will come. The end's not yet," a voice of woe and war, — Where thro' their valleys dash the liberal streams, And at day's dying hour, the purple hills Smile in their forests at the bounteous heavens. His seat, is vacant now The son is gone ; his mother folds her hands, Her hair is gray, " Yes, he was mine, 'tis just ! I gave him for the slave, that hour was God's, The negro's blood was ours, he died for him, (All that I loved sat in his empty chair). Biographies. 417 Died for the mother weeping o'er her child, Torn from her bleeding arms ; the scourging lash Striping her naked flesh, because she wept For her young infant's life, sold on the block — Sold ? God in heaven, yes, for her, he died !" (Their barren fields dry shrinking in the sun, The city's pomp is o'er, the grass grows green Along the siient mart, the drooping flag Fades in the hot glare of that Southern tomb). Here, in these quiet fields, John Brown came forth. Cradled in peace and modest competence; In pleasant Torrington, drew first his breath, Where swift a gleaming wave, darts Naugatuck, And the calm hills stretch off to Wolcott's side, Soft in their laurel clumps 'neath towers of pine, Birthplace of kindred thought all purely reared. Where mellow Alcott spake and fetched that strain Of sweet, melodious converse. O ye hills ! And groves, and charming greensward meads, Of rural Torrington, never had yet, A more devoted soul emerged to life. Among the baffling shades that sepulchre. This large, afflictive, unwound web of time, Than him, I vainly speak of. From your force, A child, he drew perpetual courage. Full rich in the love of a good mother. To life's adventure saintly and resigned. Taught to serve truth, seek God and do the right ! Yes ! must there move all blessings in this air Of dear Connecticut, o'er her green fields. Her lone romantic hills, her torrents bold. And yonder wave-fringed town, whence busy Yale Pours forth such learned rivers, o'er the States. And still, it stands, the home where he was born, — The homely house, domestic in its style. As he, who there first felt the wrench of time. With sloping roof behind, with windows quaint. And lavish chimney from its centre flung, Shaming the villa's brick. And here he played, A merry boy beneath the low stone wall. Or saw the sunset fade across the lines That suit yon happy fields. Here, as a child, Along the meadows, where the streamlet glides, No future condescension could reveal The boding years, and yet remain these things ; But he, who saw them so unconsciously Of days in store, he may not come again. When even the weeds and tall, neglected grass, 53 4i8 History of Torrington. whisper their fitful surmise to the breeze, That overtops their dreams ! Widely the day, On this uncumbered horizon tails in From those blue skies, a house standing so free. In its society of light and air. What tho' its casements rattle in the blast. Immortal deeds within them sprang to life ! Not long his hours among his household gods, For, far away, where bold Ohio's stream, Pours down her volume, past Kentucky's vales, And further yet, and in maturer years. He spent his strength upon that prairie fight For bleeding Kansas, when Missouri's crimes Burnt thro' a freeman's heart and lit its flames. There, came the sorrow o'er him, theie his race Fell at the Southern rifle, there he fought. And with superior calmness, or swift guile Such as a woodman's creed sweetly allows. Thus preached a hero's truth, saintly if strong. Wise Ossawatomie ! He knew not that, — The day in Harper's vale. Never he heard, Those pealing strains ascend from camp and town, "We're marching on," unknown, unheard-of lived, Where the dark Adirondacs fling the pine. Up the unsounded ramparts of their chains. And lakes, whence the wild waterfall alone, Whirls thro' the steep-cut flume a curdling hymn. There, as a settler on the silent lands, Within his heart musing of many things. His children near, their mother by his side, (She, who walked truly with him to the end. Soothed his affliction, staunched his wounds with love). There, in that tranquil Elba, might have lived, — And all that is, not been ? Most vain that thought ! Before him lay the laws, the swift reward, The spy, the bribe, the scoft", hunted from town To town, bearing a charmed life, for death Grimly prepared. And still that voice, a cry From breaking hearts, more wretched than his own. That simple, childlike, lielpless, loving race, — Enough, he heard it still ! No, no, not rest, He knew no rest, sleeping or waking none ! Holding his plough across the fresh- broke swards, When fell his children in the prairie-fight. Or at the good man's burial from the church. In storm or calm, in danger or repose, Biographies. 419 "Do ye for us, as we should do, for you. We are the poor, oppressed, and you — the strong." Nor aid he sought, nor force of arms nor men, But in his daring heart, and soldier's brain, Matched to heroic will with earnest prayers, And those few watchful souls who knew this man, As one, a bride, upon a summer morn. To some sweet sacrifice of all her dower. Devoted to the death for him she loves, He went, not all alone ! That race kept with him. The oppressed, the weak, those who him needed. The souls went too, of all the martyred good. Who died for men, stars that adorn the Past, And light the sky of ages, lamps of fame! And one whom he had worshiped from his birth. The Savior ! Those too, him half-way welcomed. Fluent and loud, fixed pioneers of speech. Who poured forth abolition, and preferred Scant reconcilement in all human souls. To close companionship. And women. Of tried passion, who surprised man's fortitude, And off their silvery lips loosed the shrill breath Of liberty into war's clarion keen. Shaping man's rancor. With this host he passed, — All that was acting on life's stage, he passed : Or crowding street, or miscellaneous wain. Towering with luxuries, the Mill whose bleach. Was spun from bloody thread ; the Court, the Church, Where never yet, that name of Slave was breathed. He knew them well, twas the loud treacherous world. He oft had dreamed of, masking Human Right, (Pouring envenomed death, thro' life and love) Till one man touch the cords and hunch the bark, With loud acclaim. United Liberty ! He came, he touched the cords, 'tis done ! The chain is snapt; the vessel leaves the shore. 420 History of Torrington. William Battell Came from Woodbury about 1784, and settled as a merchant at Torringford, where he lived and died. His business career was one of honor and success until 1808, when he sold his store to his sons Joseph and William, and gave his attention to farming and a quiet independent life until his death, Feb. 29, 1832. As illustrative of the careful manner in which he commericed his business transactions at Torringford, it is said that Dr. Woodward went to his store to buy a skillet and Mr. Battell would not trust him, and that the doctor in later life, frequently laughed about it, as quite a joke. Mr. Battell became extensively and favorably known throughout the county and the state and in his store did a large business for many years, being in competition with Doctor Hodges' store on the west side of the town, and being nearer Hartford had quite the ad- vantage over the west side. He was entrusted largely in public of- fices and the business responsibilities of the town, and in all was not only regarded as competent but of superior judgment and executive ability ; a kind of dignity and honor being still coupled with his name as a citizen that marks him with pre-eminence among the citi- zens of the town and also of the county. This store was the chief place of resort and public gat'r.ering for the news until about 18 10, when Nathaniel Smith's store took the lead. In those times it was deemed wise and entertaining to amuse com- pany by jokes, and by taking advantage of sayings and doings of in- dividuals to create merriment, and in this Father Mills was not far behind the chief of all of them. Having occasion, as every body did in those days, to go to the store for some rum he took a teakettle instead of a bottle, in which to carry it home. Mr. Battell said, *' why did you bring a teakettle ?" said Father Mills, "I did not know but that it might want boiling down a little." Such a suggestion is thought to have more pertinency at the present day than when Mr. Battell kept store ; but it is also believed that the more water to-day, the less the poison. For further account of Mr. Battell's store, see page seventy five. Joseph Battell, Son of William and Sarah (Buckingham) Battell, was born in Mil- ford, July 21, 1774. The family removed soon after to Woodbury and thence to Torringford, where he was engaged in his father's store Biographies. 421 except the time devoted to schooling. In 1792, at the age of eighteen years, he went to Norfolk, Ct., and commenced business as a mer- chant, for himself, where he continued forty-six years, being very successful, and becoming extensively and honorably known at the south and west, as well as at home. He was one of the earliest and most liberal donors to the American Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb, and to the Connecticut Retreat for the Insane, of which he was a director. He was a trustee of Middlebury college, and received the honorary title of Master of Arts from that institution. He often re- presented Norfolk in the legislature. He married Sarah, daughter of Rev. Ammi R. Robbins, first pastor of the church in Norfolk. The first year of their married life, they adopted as a son, her nephew William Lawrence, who married Caroline A. Rockwell of Colebrook, and resided at North- ampton, Mass., where he died Feb. 22, 1867, aged 65 years. They subsequently had nine children : Joseph, Philip, Sarah, Irene, Urania, Anna, Robbins, John, Ellen. He died Nov. 30, 1841, aged 67. She died Sept. 23, 1854, aged 75 years. Their son Joseph was graduated at Middlebury college in 1 823, Philip at the same institution in 1826, and Robbins at Yale in 1839. Their daughter Sarah married Rev. Joseph Eldridge, D.D., who was ordained pastor of the church in Norfolk, April 25, 1832, which office he held until his decease in 1875. Irene married Rev. William A. Larned, who was ordained pastor of the church in Millbury, Mass., in May, 1834, and dis- missed in October, 1835 ; was associated with Rev. N. S. S. Beeman, D.D., and Rev. E. A. Kirk, in teaching in a theological institution at Troy, N. Y., three years, and was professor of rhetoric and English literature in Yale college from the autunm of 1839 until his decease in February, 1862. Urania married Hon. James Hum- phrey, who began the practice of law in Louisville, Ky., in 1836 ; re- moved to Brooklyn, N. Y., in 1838, and followed his profession in New York city nearly thirty years in the eminent law firm of Butler, Barney and Humphrey ; was sent to the legislature, and was elected to congress in 1858 and 1864, and died while a member of congress in June, 1866. Ellen married Rev. Azariah Eldridge, D.D., pastor of the North Congregational church in New Bedford, Mass., from 1847 ^'^ 1856 ; pastor of Fort street Presbyterian church, Detroit, Mich., from 1858 to 1865, and preacher at the American chapel at Paris, France, from 1866 to 1868. 422 History of Torrington. Mrs. Ann S. Battell Loomis, Daughter of William and Sarah (Buckingham) Battell of Torringford, married Rev. Harvey Loomis in i8ii. She died, July 27, 1861, aged 78 years ; the same age of her sister iVIrs. McEwan. See biography of Mr. Loomis. Rev. James Beach Was born in Winchester June 10, 1780, but when one year old his parents removed to Torrington where he was brought up. He was the son of John and Mercy (Bassett) Beach of Torrington. His years of childhood were spent on the old homestead of his grandfather, Capt. Abel Beach, near Torrington church. He united with the church September i, 1799, at the same time with Rev. Timothy P. Gillett and the Rev. Luther Hart, having entered into the experimental part of religious life that year during the revival under Mr. Gillett. His exercises of mind, during several days previous to his obtaining hope of acceptance through Jesus, the Savior, were very great and of great discouragement. He walked the fields in meditation ; read his Bible with much earnestness, sought the counsels of those in whom he had confidence as Christians, and for a time seemed in great doubt as to any intentions of good in the Divine Being, towards him. But light came and the day was one of decided joy and hope ; and from that day he was very decided in his religious convictions, and very earnest and continuous in his efforts to make known the hope of the gospel. He graduated at Williams college ; studied theology under Rev, Asahel P. Hooker of Goshen, 1804-5 » ^n^ ^^^^^ ^ brief can- didacy was called to and ordained pastor of the First Congregational church of Winsted, Conn., on a salary of three hundred and fifty dollars a year, with an advance of funds to purchase a dwelling, repayable in yearly installments. He was sound, dignified, and conservative ; faithful in his paro- chial duties ; especially in his pastoral visits and his supervision of the schools. The faithfulness of his ministry was attested by re- peated revivals and the exemplary lives of most of the converts. He was dismissed from his pastorate at his own request, January 26 1842, but continued his residence in Winsted until his death on the lOth day of June, 1850, at the age of seventy years. His character and standing in the ministry are happily portrayed in the following sketch by Rev. Dr. Eldredge of Norfolk, an adjoining parish. Biographies. 423 " Rev. Mr. Beach had been settled in the ministry at Winsted many years when I came to reside at Norfolic. I immediately formed his acquaintance, and soon came to look on him with filial affection and confidence, feelings that I continued to entertain towards him to the end ot his lite. Mr. Beach was endowed with strong intellectual powers. His bias was more towards the practical than the merely speculative. This tendency, combined with a" calm temperament, fitted him to be a wise counselor, and a most useful member of our ecclesiastical association. His disposition was social and genial. He was a pleasant man to meet. He had a considerate regard for his ministerial brethren, in respect to their feelings and reputations; rejoiced in their successes and their usefulness. I never saw him out of temper, never heard him utter a harsh or censorious remark. He never thrust himself forward, but was more disposed to stand back and make room for others. I heard him preach but a few times. His sermons were full of truth clearly and plainly expressed. In their delivery he was earnest but never impassioned, perhaps more of emotion would have improved them. His prayers in public, especially those on special occasions, such as ordinations, and the like, were very remarkable for their ease, their felicitous adaptation in all respects to the circumstances of the case, and the happy introduction of spiritual quotations ; and at the same time remarkable for their exemption from everything of the nature of effort at display, and for their simple tone and humble earnestness. My recollections of Father Beach, as I used to call him, are very dear to me. I loved him in life, and lamented him in death, and feel that I owe it to his kindness and his encouragement and advice in no small degree, that I have so long remained where I am.'" He married, October 28, 1806, Hannah Clarissa Baldwin, born in Goshen, Conn., March 10, 1784, daughter of Isaac and Lucy (Lewis) Baldwin. They had three daughters. His widow survived him two years and died May 7, 1852. Gen. Allen G. Brady, Son of James W. and Mary S. Brady of Middlesex county, Mass., was born February 13, 1822. He was engaged a time in a cotton mill in East Haddam, and came to Wolcottville in 1845, ^° superin- tend the work in the cotton mill, then just erected on the sire of the first woolen mill. He directed in the making, fitting and putting in of the looms and machinery of this mill, and getting it started in the manufacture of cotton cloth. He then went to Litchfield station, and succeeded in starting a mill there of the same kind, which be- came the Mattatuck Manufacturing Company. Mr. Brady was engaged in the manufacturing business in connec- tion with this mill in Wolcottville much of the time fifteen years, as ' Over forty years as pastor. 4^4 History of Torrington. agent, superintendent, contractor and owner, and then became largely engaged in the manufacture of shirts, drawers and collars, in Wol- cottville, with a branch manufactory in Georgetown, Ct., and a large store at 55 Murray street New York city, under the firm of A. G. Brady & Co. He was also engaged with Ostrum and Welton in the papier mache business where the cap shop now stands, and afterwards pur- chased that entire business, continuing the manufacture of ornamen- tal pocket knife handles, table knives, porte monnaies, and such like articles. When the war broke out he accepted for three months the com- mission, oflieut. col. of the third regiment of Conn, volunteers, from Gov. Buckingham, and took charge of the regiment May 9, 1861. He was in the army of the Potomac during that time, received an honorable discharge and returned home. He then, with head quarters at Stamford, organized company B, seventeenth regiment, and was appointed captain of the company and major of regiment the same month. The regiment went to Baltimore and stayed a time, then joined the eleventh army corps and was in the battles of Chancellorville and Gettysburg, in the first of which, the colonel was killed and the next officer wounded and the command devolving upon Major Brady, he held this position during the battles, and was wounded July second at Gettysburg. After the battle of Chancellorville Mrs. Brady re- ceived the following telegram. " Mrs. A. G. Brady, Wolcottville. Major — well — Monday last; bore himself most gallantly in fight. Wm. H. Noble Col. 17th Reg't C. V." Being wounded so as to be disabled he had leave of absence thirty days and came home, after which he was ordered to the officers' hospital at Annapolis, Md., where he received appointment as major of the 20th U. S. Veteran reserved corps ; was afterwards ordered to the command of his regiment, head quarters at Baltimore, where he continued some months ; was then ordered with his regiment to Point Lookout, Md., where soon after he was made provost marshal general of St, Mary's district where he had command of the camp over a year, remaining there until the last prisoner of war was re- leased after the close of the war in 1865. He was breveted major general, and remained in the regular army until 1867, since which time he has been engaged mostly in mercantile business. mjJn/ln^U Jj-vuvd Cl utt ^^ 7^ years. Rev. John A. McKinstry Was born in Springfield parish, now the town of Chicopee, Massachusetts, April 19, 181 1. When quite a youth, desirous of increasing his knowledge of the English branches, he attended the DOC? ' * See account of Torrington church. Biographies. 521 academy at Amherst, Mass., for two winters, where he enjoyed the privilege of attending lectures in the college, to which students of the academy had access. When sixteen years of age he engaged in teaching the district school near his residence, during the winter. When eighteen years of age, his father, pastor of the church at Chicopee, died, and he himself was very ill with fever which disqualified him for his accus- tomed labors on the farm, for a season. While engaged as a teacher in the state of Delaware, during a revival, in 1832, he became savingly interested in Christ, as he hoped, and united with the Presbyterian church at St. George's, Delaware. On his return to New England he consulted Dr. Jenkins^ pre- sident of La Fayette college and concluded to take a full course of study, and then resumed his study of the languages in 1833 ; and in 1834 entered Amherst college, from which he was graduated in 1838. With encouragement from his mother and other friends he entered the Theological institute at East Windsor Hill, Conn,, making arrangements to teach school near the institute. On the tenth of October, 1840, he was licensed to preach the gospel, by the Tolland Association, at Ellington, Ct., the place where his great grandfather was installed as the first pastor, more than a century before. He preached his first sermon at Somers on the following Sabbath. At the close of his theological course in 1841, he accepted an invitation to supply the pulpit a few Sabbaths at Ellsworth, a society in Litchfield county, where he had preached during a vaca- tion. While fulfilling this engagement he was invited to preach at Torrington. He commenced preaching here on the last Sabbath of November. 1841, and on the fifth of October, 1842, was ordained pastor of that church and society, the Rev. Bennett Tyler, D. D., preaching the sermon. On the twenty-third of August, 1843, ^^ married Mary Elizabeth Morton, of Whitely, Mass., a graduate of Mt. Holyoke seminary, class 1840. After a pastorate of fifteen years he received an invitation to become pastor of the church in Harvvinton, Ct., which he accepted. He preached his fare- well sermon in Torrington on the last Sabbath in September and was installed in Haruinton, on the first day of October, 1857, Rev. Nahum Gale, D.U., of Lee, Mass., preaching on the occasion. His introductory discourse in his new field was delivered on the succeeding one after his farewell in the old one. In Torrington he labored with success and acceptability to the people, taking great interest in the Sunday school, and all other enterprises of religious and 522 History of Torrington. social improvement, and is still remembered with great kindness by the people of that parish. In his new field he had a good degree of success but certain elements which it was hoped, would be harmonized did not yield, and during the sixth year of this pastorate he tendered his resignation, which was accepted, and he was to close his labors at the end of his sixth year as pastor, and eix months subsequent to his resignation. Previous to his dismission he had received an invitation from the Theological institution of Connecticut, to engage in the interests of that institution. Interested in the seminary as a graduate, and for several years as a trustee, he accepted the appointment devoting himself to this work for six months. Before this service was ended he received an invitation from the first Congregational church in Richfield, Summit county, Ohio, to preach for them. He commenced his labors in that place on the second Sabbath of August, 1864, and where he still continues. By the ordering of a kind hand, he has been in constant service since his first entrance upon the ministry ; having been laid aside by illness not to ex- ceed six Sabbaths during the thirty-four years of labor. Henri Migeon Was born Sept. n, 1799, in Haraucourt, department of Ardennes, near Sedan, France, and was the son of Jacques Migeon, a strong friend and personal acquaintance of General Lafayette, the great friend of America. Mr. Migeon was a self made-man. Although his advantages for early schooling were limited, yet he was a thorough student of his own inclinations, and devoted himself to the study of the sciences ; and especially as connected with the manufacture of woolen cloths in his native country ; and also to general literature. He was employed for a time by a woolen house, as traveling agent in the sale of their goods in his native country. By such a course of life he became a proficient in the methods of the production of such cloths, and this being known to General Lafayette, he warmly re- commended the youno; man to go to America where his skill and labor would find, not only a large field for occupancy, but larger re- muneration and reward. Upon his decision to come to this country. General Lafayette furnished him with a letter of introduction and commendation to the mayor New York city, Mr. Hone, through whom he was favorably introduced to leading manufacturers of woolen cloths in the country, in 1828. After a stay of some months in America, Mr. Migeon returned to his native country, bearing expressions of gratitude from leading citi- zens here, to General Lafayette, for sending to them a man of such ability and advantage to the interests of that branch of enterprise in this nation, whereupon General Lafayette sent an autograph letter to Mr. Migeon's father as follows : Biographies. 523 "Paris, July 8, 1829. Sir : It is with great pleasure that in renewing our ancient acquaintance. I am able to congratulate you upon the return of your excellent son. I have re- cicved news bv him from the hiends to whom I have written, viz: Mr. Hone, one of the most respectable gentlemen in the state ot New York, expresses his thanks for the introduction of Mr. Migeon to him, and hopes he will soon return. A friend of the manufacturer informs me that he is regarded with sen- timents of esteem and approbation in his employment. Mr. Hone also in- forms me that the respectable agent ot the manufactory is much attached to him. I am persuaded that these expressions of approbation and friendship will be agreeable to you, and also to all his family. I beg of you to accept the assurance of my distinguished consideration. Lafayette.'" Upon Mr. Migeon's return with his family to New York, in 1829, several places opened before him for employment, among them was that of Wolcottville by Governor Oliver Wolcott, and he finally de- termined to go to Milbury, Mass., having received greater pecuniary inducements from there. But this decision quite disappointed Gov- ernor Wolcott, and he continued at intervals to write to Mr. Migeon on the subject; several letters concerning the matter being preserved and dated in 1831 and 1832, From Milbury he removed to New York. The first time Mr. Migeon was in Wolcottville he came from New York to Litchfield in the stage, arriving there about dark, and as the stage came no further than Litchfield, determined to proceed on foot to Wolcottville. The road from Litchfield to Wolcottville wound among the hills, through lonely forests and deep valleys, and it being a very windy night various disturbing noises were heard from every direction, and Mr. Migeon being in a strange country, among a people whose lan- guage he did not well understand, and possessed naturally of a nervous temperament, he was very much disturbed in his feelings of safety especially as he remembered that he had with him all the capital he possessed in the world. In after life he often alluded to this journey as being one of great terror to him, and stated his thankfulness that he met no person that night, for if he had he feared that in his nervous state of mind he might have shot any body as a robber although they might have been the best friends in the world. In 1836, after having been engaged in the woolen mills some few years with Mr. Groves, he purchased his house and lot, which he 'The original letter is deposited with the Connecticut Historical Society, at Hartford. 524 History of Torrington. retained until his decease and which still remains in the possession of the family. During the financial pressure in 1837, Mr, Migeon, removed to New York to prosecute business for himself. He had invented a method of refinishing broad cloths ; an invention which enabled a great saving, and one which entirely revolutionized the trade in cloths, since before that time damaged cloths were regarded as nearly worth- less. Mr. Migeon established his new enterprise in New York and was eminently successful in it. The value of this invention was so much appreciated that he received a prize medal of gold from the American Institute. He continued in this business a number of years, during nearly all of which time his family resided in Litchfield, Conn., where he had purchased the Governor Wolcott place, the ample grounds of which evidenced his fine taste and fondness for horticulture. In his work in New York, after a few years, he associated with him in business two of his nephews, John and Eugene Lenoir, enter- prising young men, who, with their young wives, were on the ill fated steamer Arctic in 1853, on their way home from France after a visit. The steamer has not been heard from since, an event that is remembered by this family with peculiar interest and sadness. This event so disarranged Mr. Migeon's business relations that, having up to this time, accumulated money so that he judged he might retire from business, he sold the establishment to his son and son-in-law, and made Wolcottville his permanent home. Here he purchased considerable lands, and entered upon improvements such as have been, and will be for many years to come an ornament and honor to the village. Many of the trees along the streets near his late residence were planted by him, and are now in a thrifty state, and if cared for as they are likely to be, will be an ornament a hun- dred years to come. One of the finest avenues in the village which he had done so much to improve is justly named after him. Mr. Migeon was an enthusiastic citizen in favor of his adopted country. Born in the time of the French revolution •, his father an actor in that revolution and a special admirer and friend of Lafayette, who had strong leanings towards republican principles and institu- tions, he became thoroughly educated to republican freedom, and after being in this country a short time became familiar with political opinions aud took his position with the old whig party, and therein became a great admirer of Henry Clay. When Mr. Clay was north on a certain occasion Mr. Migeon made him cloth for a fine suit of Biographies. 525 clothes, and some years after, when Mr. Clay was in New York at a great dinner, Mr. Migeon being present reminded him of the suit. " Yes," said Mr. Clay, " they still hang in my wardrobe not worn out." In satisfying his patriotic zeal Mr. Migeon found much pleasure for a number of years in aiding the children in the celebration of the Fourth of July in Wolcottviile by giving each child fire crackers. When the hard times came he gave them the price of a pack, thinking the money might be of more advantage to tlie families. In 1876, he distributed coins of the United States, from the mint, with the date of that year, to each child of the public school to be kept in remembrance of that day. To the more advanced classes he gave pieces of more value, and on that occasion made the following re- marks, which have remained in the possession of the principal. " Mr. Fellows, principal, and young ladies and gentleman scholars of the Wolcottviile academy.* On this memorable epoch of our centennial, and Fourth of July, 1876, I am happy to see you all on such an occasion, as it affords me opportunity to congratulate you all upon the result of your studies and good behavior during this your last term of scholarship ; in consideration of which I beg you to accept from me a small piece of silver as a souvenir. After the report of your excellent teacher, which I see in the Wolcottviile Register, I thought it due to those who are best noted in that report, to call them out by name that they may first receive said souvenir. H. Migeon." WoLCOTTviLLE, July 4, 1876. Mr. Migeon was well read in the general literature of the day, and in all practical applications of science was greatly interested. His personal appearance was that of familiarity with business life ; dis- criminating judgment ; self-reliant and courageous, but with due deference to the rights and privileges of others. He retired from business early in life, and the remainder of his days were far from being unprofitably occupied. A fine cabinet of mineralogical and fossilliferous specimens gave evidence of his esthetic disposition. He also made an extensive collection of ancient coins and other antiquities, for the reception of which he built a little museum to his house. xMr. Migeon was favored in forming the acquaintance of many public and distinguished men, in consequence of his frequent journeyings, he having crossed the Atlantic about forty times, and his reminiscences of them were very entertaining. He was presented at the court of Napoleon Third, during the height of that emperor's power and prosperity. • The school was at first an academy. ^26 History of Torrington. The following was published in the Courier des Etats Unis^ the leading French paper of this country : " Mr. Henri Migeon, one of the oldest French residents of the United States, died at his residence at Wolcottville, Conn., Dec. 24, 1876, in the seventy-eighth vear of his age. Mr. Migeon was born in Haraucourt, Depart- ment of the Ardennes, France ; came to America in 1829, with letters of recommendation from General Lafayette. His residence in this country was a long life of industry and probity. He was the first to introduce machinery, which with his skill greatly promoted the manufacture of cloths in Massachu- setts and Connecticut. He died Inved and honored by all those who knew him both in business and social relations. His liberality was proverbial, and there was not a philanthropic or patriotic object to which he did not contribute generously." During the late French war with Germany, he actively promoted the rising and contributed large sums, specially for the relief of the suffering near Sedan, where his daughter Madame Baudelot resides. Her house was protected by the American flag, and was the daily resort of many persons, both as fugitives, and the almost starving people of the vicinity. This sympathy for his native region he con- tinued until his decease, keeping a deposit of money in that country the interest of which was regularly appropriated to such ends. The same thoughtfulness for the needy was manifested in his own com- munity during many years. Mr. Migeon married Marie Louise, daughter of Francois Baudelot of Haraucourt, France. Her father was a distinguished man in his time for science and patriotism, in 1792, he was mayor of Vendresse, and took all the available men to cut down the forests of Mazaim to blockade the passage of the ene- mies. His eldest son was decorated on the field of battle by Napoleon First, who himself placed the cross of chevalier, the legion of honor upon him, in recompense for his bravery. His second son was the originator of the idea of utilizing the gases of furnaces as fuel, which formerly were allowed to escape. This invention is now in univer- sal use. He also invented the beer cooler which is celebrated the world over. iMrs. Mio-eon was a noble and honored companion of her husband. Although raised in comparative affluence, yet during the first years of their residence in this country, though placed under straitened circumstances, she cheerfully rendered all possible assistance to him, and by their united efforts, comfort and enjoyments crowned their closing years. While returning from France in the steamer Lafayette on June 30, 1871, she died on the ocean; her remains being brought to Wolcottville and interred. Biographies. 527 Rev. Jonathan Miller, Son of Dea, Ebenezer and Thankful (Allen) Miller, of Torringford, was born Nov. 26, 1761 ; was graduated at Yale college in 1781 ; was ordained pastor at Burlington, Nov. 26, 1783, and died there in that office July 21, 1831, aged seventy years. He preached a concio ad clerum in 1812, which was published. He also published the substance of forty sermons in the Connecticut Evangelical Maga-zine. He possessed a clear, strong, active mind, and was fond of study ; was a discriminating and instructive preacher, and held a prominent place among his brethren. The overflowing fountain of good feeling in his soul seconded always by the utmost sincerity and agreeable frankness in look and language, more than compensated for some lack of refinement, and a sort of noble contempt of etiquette. If his composition lacked polish and embellishment, it had the more valuable qualities of solid, sterling matter, logically arranged and clearly ex- pressed. He might plead also the fashion of the times, for any want of elegance in his large amount of rapid writing, for the pulpit and the periodical press. Mr. Miller was of medium height and dark complexion. His large, round fleshy face of high color ; his short neck and broad shoulders ; his compact and corpulent form, joined to a great flow of animal spirits, and to social powers of high order, were admirably suited to disappoint the phrenologist. About the time of passing his grand climacteric, his hard worked mind suddenly and seriously failed. A colleague was provided, after which he rarely attempted any public service. It was delightful, as the powers of his intellect waned in subsequent years, to witness the abounding of his love to God and man, more and more. Rev. David Miller, Son of David and Clarissa (Moore) Miller, was born in Torringford Nov. 24, 1793. He taught school in early life in Virginia ; entered the itinerant ministry of the Methodist Episcopal church. New York conference, in 1816 ; was ordained deacon in 1818, and elder in 1820, and labored in the following pbces ; in 1816, Granville, Mass.; 1817-18, Durham, Ct. ; 1819-20, Stratford ; 1821, Pittsfield, Mass. ; 1822, Goshen, Ct. ; 1823, Winsted ; 1824-25, Salisbury ; 1826, Granville, Mass.; 1827-33, I'^cated at Windsor; 1834, Burlington; 1835-36, Stratford; 1837-38, Derby; 1839-40, Sag 5^8 History of Torrington. Harbor, L. I,; 1841-42, Burlington; 1843-44, New Britain; 1845 -50, chaplain at states prison at Wethersfield ; 1 850-51, Gashen ; 1852, Pleasant Valley and New Hartford ; 1855, was presiding elder of Hartford district in New York East conference, and in this office he died at Bristol Dec. 21, 1855, aged sixty-three years. Mrs. Marcia (Whiting) Miller, Daughter of Hervey and Olive (Barber) Whiting, married Rev. David Miller in 1816. She died April 20, 1863, aged 71. [See biography of Mr. Miller.) Rev. Samuel J. Mills, Son of John and Jane (Lewis) Mills, was born in Kent, Ct., May 17, 1743, and was the fifth child and fourth son In the family. His father was a native of Windsor and his mother of Stratford. The family was somewhat celebrated for its proclivity to ministerial life. Two of his uncles and one cousin were ministers. Jane, a sister of Samuel J., married Rev. Joel Bordwell, long the pastor at Kent ; Sarah, another sister, married Rev. Jeremiah Day of New Preston ; Edmund Mills, a younger brother, was a well known min- ister in Massachusetts ; and the widowed mother married Rev. Phile- mon Robbins of Branford, when she was sixty-six years of age, and lived to be eighty-six, dying in 1798. Samuel John Mills (for so he wrote his own name very frequently, although there is no John in the name on the original family record), was thoroughly schooled in the religious principles and practices of the age of his youth as is evident from the remark he made while walking with a friend by the house in which he was born, " Yonder : " said he, " did my father direct my little brother to go night and morn- ing, and call upon God; and yonder, behind that other object did he charge me to go and perform the same service." After spending some of his years in work upon his father's farm, he was fitted for college under the instruction of the Rev. Joel Bordwell, the pastor of his native place, and was graduated at Yale college in 1764, at the age of twenty -one, and outlived all his classmates. He was licensed by the Litchfield South Association at Kent, Feb. 7, 1766, having pursued a course of theological studies during the two preceding years, with his pastor Rev. Joel Bordwell. In the spring of 1767, iVlr. Mills was preaching as a candidate at Wilton, Fairfield county, and on the fifth of March that society "voted to call Mr. Mills; Biographies. 529 fifteen in the negative." This invitation was not accepted and on the first of the next July they renewed the invitation, by "a great majority," says the record, only fourteen in the minority ; and in October they repeated the call, only fourteen in the minority. Still the invitation was not accepted, and in February the society made another effort, appointing a large committee to call upon him and if he could not be obtained, to seek another candidate."' But they did not prevail, Mr. Mills evidently being determined not to become the pastor of a divided people, and yet his excellence was so apparent that the people of that place persisted in giving him a call about once a quarter during a whole year. From the records of the Litchfield Association, it appears that according to their rules Mr. Mills offered himself, Sept. 20, 1768, for examination in order to being approved of for ordination in the work of the gospel ministry over the church and people of Torring- ford and was examined and approved and recommended to them as a meet person, qualified to settle with them in that work, and probably began to preach in that place about that time. In February, 1769, the people of that parish gave him a probationary call, and in March a call to settle. They offered him a settlement of two hundred pounds, to be paid in three years in annual instalments, and a salary of fifty-five pounds to be increased five pounds yearly until it reached seventy pounds, to be paid one-half in money and the other half in wheat, rye and Indian corn at the market price, and his firewood. Mr. Mills accepted the call and the society appointed Shubael Gris- wold, Elijah Gaylord, Jabez Gillett and John Strong tavern keepers for the ordination, and the consociation of Litchfield county met at the house of Nehemiah Gaylord on Tuesday June 27, and examined the candidate, and on Wednesday June 28, 1769, he was ordained to the work of the pastorate among this people, there being eleven ministers present and thirteen delegates, the Rev. Jonathan Lee, moderator. Rev. Daniel Farrand, scribe, and Rev. Joel Bordwell of Kent preaching the sermon. At this time Torringford had been settled about twenty-five years, the forests much of them had been cleared away, several mansion like framed houses had been erected, the meeting house was stand- ing, though in an unfinished state, and the general community was composed of such a number of families, of such substantial charac- » Wilton Records. 67 530 History of Torrington. ters and qualities of mind, to whom to preach should inspire the energy, intellect and heart of any man, at any time and any where, and Mr. Mills knew that he had a strong parish and a noble people, for he had sufficient discernment to judge intelligently on such a matter, and hence he began his ministry with great courage and re- solution as being assured of success in his high calling and of doing much good to his fellow men, for without such endowments of mind he would never have made the record he did, and this inbred victory and strength went with him through life. He was not at a loss to know what to do or whither to go to find some work to do, but was always pushing on, as if already too much work was laid before him and he must hasten or some part of the harvest field would suffer loss, and hence the perpetual inspiring, new life in his soul, grasping the world of nature as intellectual food, and throwing out light and life until every man, woman and child, and all classes and conditions, all circumstances and places felt the inspiration of his inward, yet outgoing, conquering victory over sin and death, through the might of the gospel which he preached. Such was the beginning of this man of God who went out on one mission, determined on having but one, and in that one to devote all of life, all of powers and faculties, all of sentiments and sensibilities, and aspirations and in- terests for two worlds or for thousands, if there might be as many, that the great end sought should not fail for lack of oneness and purpose on his part, and, as Alexander conquered, he conquered, as Napoleon triumphed he triumphed, and as Wellington rested, so he rested, at the end, before he was glorified. This oneness of purpose with high courage and love for the work, was the secret of his great success, and that also of his son, the missionary prince. Mr. Mills, after preaching two years in this parish, married Esther Robbins of Canaan, Nov. 19, 1771, a woman of most amiable quali- ties, and possessing very appropriate qualifications for the position which she so honorably filled many years. She was the great angel of comfort, strength, support, guide and help to her husband and family, and standing; in such relations and rendering such aid, she did the highest work that woman can do in the life that now is, which work is equal to anything that man can do, only that the man takes the heaviest of the work and the hardest of the toil while the woman takes the lighter and easier part. Mrs. Mills was honored, loved and appreciated while living, and greatly missed and lamented when Biographies. 53^ gone. She died Dec. 30, 1809. The following extract reveals still further the character and life of this truly noble woman : " I remember very well Mr, and Mrs. Mills and their family, for I lived near neighbor when young and in after life lived in their family some years. Mrs. Mills was slight built, fine cut features, mild and lovely in appearance ; a perfect lady. I can hear her gentle ' how do you do Fanny,' even now, spoken when I was a little girl and used to go in there. She was a true Christian ; a thorough student of the Bible, and practiced daily what she studied, and to her was intrusted the principal management of the family, owing to her husband's many duties and his perfect confidence in her skill and ability for the responsi- bility. Her influence was everywhere that of a refined Christian woman. She was sometimes called stingy but that was not true. She gave as the Bible teaches. To the needy she was very generous, but was not always inclined to give to the rich. She was a close calculator, and necessarily so, for her hus- band was a careless giver, giving to any one who asked, yet he had the utmost confidence in her judgment on such occasions, and when she would gently re- monstrate saying, ' I don't believe it is best this tiine' he would reply ' I believe you are right ma'am, 1 think you are right ma'am !'" Such was the impress of this woman in her home, inwrought there by her marvelous sweetness of spirit, wonderful skill and Chris- tian love that the inspiration still abides on the community, and will for many years to come. Everywhere she is spoken of in the same spirit of admiration and sweet remembrance, and every year, by strangers from afar as well as neighbors in the old parish, is her grave stone the witness, by the moistened eye and quivering lip, of the far reaching influence of her life, in her home and in her hus- band's parish. Nearly seventy years after she ceased to toil on earth, is the fragrance of her life a balm for the consolation and inspiration of great numbers who through seas of conflict are following her to the land of fame and eternal peace ; yes, even the far off* islands of the sea, to the ends of the earth have heard of the fame of the mother of Samuel J. Mills^ 'Junior. Mr. Mills's pastorate extended through many years of peculiar difficulties and trials as connected with the history of the community and the country. While the southern part of Torringford parish had been settled twenty-four or five years yet much of the northern portion had been but recendy taken up, and the settlers were in their log houses, clearing away the forests, and were not under circumstances to render that support, materially to a minister and parish, as would have been advantageous, even in a cominunity where such wants were few. Five years only had passed, in which but little had been accomplished except the preparations to live and commence his work, when the rumblings of the war chariots of the Revolution began to be heard, and the fearful con- flicts which were to continue seven long and dreary years, were introduced ; and when that exhausting conflict was past, there came another wave of disin- tegration of religious society, that was worse than the war to dishearten the 532 History of Torrington. minister, regarded by a large proportion of the people as the " prevailing infi- delity of the age," during which the constitutional law of the commonwealth in regard to the support of the gospel ministry was changed, and a number of the most able and influential members of the community withdrew their allegiance to the standing order of religious societies and gave heed to anything they chose, save only that it was outside of the old forms. A growing dissatisfaction with the established forms of church support and rule had been experienced from 1741, until it culminated in the change of the state constitution in 1784, and from that time it took new force, assumed new prerogatives, and marched on with greater rudeness toward the established order, until it reached its second triumph in full denominational equality in the new constitution of 18 18. The parties both misunderstood each other, and neither understood themselves. The spirit and principles of freedom which drove the pilgrims from the old world to the new, was destined to overthrow the order of the churches which had reigned more than a hundred years, almost without an objection, as cer- tainly as effect followed cause, but the fathers of 1790 saw it not, nor knew the power that was moving in the midst of them although they had planted and cherished it from the first. The law of freedom that would uphold a puritan in withdrawing from the established church in England would uphold an Epis- copalian, or one of any denomination, in withdrawing from the established church in Connecticut or America ; but this was not generally perceived, and when it began to be felt the faithful church member was greatly grieved and dissatisfied. On the other hand the dissenter to the established order scarcely knew the power that moved him or what he wanted save his own choice and judgment about something connected with religious life. He was called " infidel/' or "free thinker" and accepted the name, and then joining himself to another denomination did double duty, supposing he had escaped some grievous op- pression, scarcely knowing what. In Newfield in this town this was peculiarly illustrated in 1803, when a man dissenting from supporting the old church, subscribing towards the building of a new church, signed himself " a free thinker," and explained the ineaning by saying: "that is, if I think wrong at first I have a right to think again." It is very evident that this man did not know what he thought, only that he wanted to enjoy his inherited right to think for himself, and least of all does it appear that he was infidel. Of those who withdrew from the support of the Torringford church Dr. Samuel Woodward was the most prominent, but several others were decidedly of the first class of mind. Dr. W jodward was called "infidel," but was as far from rejecting the Bible as anybody in Torringford. Yet he did object with a muhiude of others, many of whom did not withdraw from the society, to the fatalism preached in those days as the highest honor to an omnipotent Jehovah, and as a matter settled in theology, which no man had a right to question. Instead of being infidel, it is stated that he was at one time at least, so exercised in religious things that he was almost incapacitated for the regular performance of his professional duties, and to the close of life manifested the greatest respecc for and confidence in true Christian life. But in those days a man could not object to the formulated statements of doctrine, without being called " infidel, freethinker," or worse names, for there were worse used, that had no more foundation in truth than these, when applied as they frequently were, to the most trifling objections to theological stateinents. There were then two causes, which led directly to the withdrawing of quite a number of Biographies. ^^3 substantial men from the support of the Torringford church ; the interpreta- tions of freedom, as maintained in political economy, applied to the privileges o^ religious life ; and under this application there grew up a decided objection to some of the doctrines taught by the standing order. Through all these pecu- liar difficulties Mr. Mills moved with steadiness, fidelity, and a large degree of conservative social kindness, but never wavering a single moment from the doc- trinal line on which he started, but if anything, held closer thereto, as if very life depended upon the questions against which objections were made ; nor did the community here (as well as everywhere', become fullv settled in its relations to ecclesiastical privileges until i8i8, and soon after which Mr. Mills was supplied with a colleague. Notwithstanding the times and circumstances which surrounded Mr. Mills in his labors, the church prospered more than many that surrounded it in neighboring towns, and came to have a name more illustrious than most others in the county or in the state. It is said that there was some considerable revival in 1773, 1782, and 1793 ' ^"^ ^^^^ °^ ^799? ^^^ ^^'7 remarkable and brought with it permanent and lasting blessings to the people, and prosperity and increased strength to the church, for after it the withdrawing from the support of the society almost entirely ceased for many vears.^ There were also revivals to some considerable extent in the years 1816, 1821, 1827, and 1831. * The following account of that revival was given by Rev. Father Mills, in the E'van- gelical Magazine in July, 1800. "In the latter end of August, 1798, unusual religious appearances commenced in this place, especially among the young people. They met weekly by themselves. Their num- ber constantly increased, until it was found that a private room would not contain them. They then repaired to the meeting. house, where they prayed, sang, and conversed on re- ligious subjects. An event so extraordinary excited a spirit of general inquiry throughout the society, and several weeks, and. even months passed away, while as yet one was scarce able to decide whether any deep or powerful impressions were on their minds or not, unless in a very few instances. In the meantime an unusual solemnity appeared on the counte- nances of the people in general. And those who, antecedently to all this, had been much in prayer to God for a day of his divine power, " thanked God and took courage." Of course, conference meetings of a more general nature were appointed, and crowds were wont to assemble at such seasons. Thus things passed on, with but few instances of hopeful con- versions, until about the middle of the following winter. While our hopes and our fears had thus long been very sensibly excited by turns, as appearances varied, at this memorable period, it pleased the Great Head of the church, in a very peculiar manner, to show forth his presence and power in the midst of the people. So extraordinary a season for weeks, and we may say for months, we never witnessed. An answer to the inquiry whether the Lord was indeed among us or not, was now attended with no difficulty. The minds of many were greatly agitated, and unusual attention was paid to means of instruction. In the time of this extraordinary visitation, a goodly number of the people obtained hope of their recon- ciliation to God. Having made this general statement, I shall now descend to some particular observations. I. It is worthy of particular notice, that the work has been carried on with remark- able regularity. Little or nothing has been discovered of wild enthusiasm or disorder. 534 History of Torrington. Mr. Mills as a Man.' On this topic the Rev. Abel McEwin, D.D., who in his child- hood and youth saw much of Mr. Mills, because living in an adjoin- ing parish writes : "In person he was tall, large with well proportioned limbs; in attitude and action graceful. His face, large and round, in which was set a pair of bold, yet benignant eyes, was at once attractive and impressive. His gait, though stately was natural and easy. His finest appearance out of the pulpit was on horseback. He was a good judge and a better manager of a horse. Dressed The subjects of the work have been as able and ready in any stage of it, to inform of the ground of their distress, as a patient to tell what part of his body was in pain. This, perhaps, may account for it, in a measure, that there has been so little open opposi- tion to the work. Such as wished to censure and reproach it, were confounded. It may be observed — II. As to the nature of the work, that it has been such, in the course and issue of it, as wonderfully to display divine power and grace, and to bring out to view the human heart. The subject of it, in the first stages of their concern, have generally been filled with surprise and astonishment at themselves and their past lives ; and seeing themselves in danger, have formed resolutions, and entered on measures to amend their situation. When led to a more full discovery of their own hearts, and to an increasing conviction of the impossibility of ever obtaining relief in their own w.iy, they have felt very sensibly disturbed. They have been ready to plead in their own defence, while they dared to do it, that they could do no more than they could — that they never made their own hearts — and that it was out of their power to change them. They have contended also against God for showing mercy to others, while they were left — and even for giving them existence. But as their con- victions increased, they became sensible of the dreadful obstinacy of their own hearts, and found themselves growing worse and worse, till finally all hope disappeared, except what arose from the sovereign grace of God — from the consideration that he could, and that he would, have mercy on whom he would have mercy. They found their hearts so much opposed to God, to his law, and to the gospel, as to see that nothing short of divine power could ever subdue them. In the midst of all this, their proud and obstinate spirits would rise against that very sovereign grace which secured them from despair, and contained their only remaining hope of escaping divine wrath. But no sooner were they led to a discovery of the justice of God in their condemnation — to see and to feel that the law was right and holy, and hell their proper place — than they found their mouths shut, and their complaints at an end. They have readily acknowledged that God would be glorious in executing sentence against them. Thus have they been brought to resign themselves cheerfully, without any reserve, into the hands of God, to be disposed of as may be most for his glory — rejoicing that they were, and might be, in the hands of such a holy, just, and wise God, let their future situation be what it might. There have been among them such like expressions as these — ' The character of God has appeared inexpressibly beautiful, even in the view of his pronouncing sentence against me ;' ' I wish that others might praise God, though I should perish.' It has been no uncommon thing for the subjects of the work, whose chief distress and • The paintings of Mr. and Mrs. Mills were burned with their house in 1822, and there- fore no portraits could be obtained for this work. Biographies. ^25 in clothes of good material, well cut and adjusted ; his legs and feet decked with white topped boots and spurs ; a white wig upon his head in ringlets not lacking powder, over his broad shoulders, and crowned with a large smooth beaver; in one hand a polished cane, in the other the bridle, he sat in the saddle, the boys thought, the generalissimo of Connecticut clergymen. On one occasion I rode at his left hand, his aid-de-camp. Familiarly he accosted adults and children of all classes by the way. At length, with all the presence of horse arid man he reigned up to a house and called. A young lady presented her- self: "Daughter," said he, "give us a good noggen of cold water." Dr. Charles Woodward M.D., who lived many years next door to him, says : " he had a stalwart form and I think the most remarkable physique I ever be- held." anxiety antecedently arose from a sense of their being in the hands of God, unexpectedly to find themselves rejoicing in that very consideration — contemplating the glory and happi- ness of God as an object of higher consequence, and more precious, than their own personal salvation; and all this, while as yet they have had no idea of having experienced any saving change of heart. They have in various instances apparently rejoiced in God's supremacy, and in being at his disposal, calmly leaving their case to his wise and holy decision, and have conversed in a language to which they never before was accustomed, and have gained the favorable opinion of others, while they have had no such thought respecting themselves. Instead of this, jealousies have often been excited in their minds, on finding themselves so calm and peaceful, that God had left them — that their concern was over, and have wished it to return again. And when at length, reflecting on their views and feelings, or by con- versing with others, they have ventured to entertain some feeble hope about themselves, it has been in various instances of short continuance. Within the course of a few days, or perhaps a shorter period, they have had such an overwhelming sense of the extreme sinful- ness and corruption of their own hearts, as to be ready to conclude it to be utterly impossi- ble that they should have any grace. This may account for a remark frequently made by themselves, and circulated by others, that they had given up their hope. In consequence of becoming reconciled to the divine character, law, and sovereignty, to which before they were so much opposed, the character and work of Christ have been wont to appear unspeakably glorious and beautiful, as magnifying the divine law, and opening a way for the acceptance of sinners in such a manner as glorifies God, and exalts the grace and work of Christ, and lays them prostrate at his feet. The great and essential difference between their former and present views and feelings, has very sensibly affected their own minds as well as the minds of others, especially in those instances in which they had antecedently distinguished themselves by their opposition to the doctrines of decrees, divine sovereignty, the absolute dependence of the creature on God, and his universal providence, and the duties of unconditional submission and disinterested affec- tion. To find themselves now attached to those very doctrines and duties, and lamenting their former blindness, has served to excite peculiar admiration and gratitude. III. It may, perhaps, be proper to notice that the Great Head of the church has by no means confined himself in the display of his grace to persons of any particular rank or age. Children and young people of both sexes, and heads of families of different ages, and, in one or two instances, such as were far advanced in life, are among the number who hope, though they once were blind, that now they see. The impressions were such on the minds of the children, in different schools, as led them to lay aside their customary diversions, and some- times to pass their intermissions in prayer, reading, or religious conversation among themselves. Such as were capable, requested it as a privilege that they might be allowed at school to 536 History of Torrington. Rev. Luther Hart, who was well acquainted with him says : " His personal appearance was of no little advantage to him as a preacher. With a large frame and well proportioned, tall, erect, and with a countenance expressive of intelligence and mildness, he stood before his congregation as if he had been the personification of dignity itself. His features too in all their diversified changes, were a striking index of the successive emotions excited in his breast by the theme he was discussing, and by the combined influence of his looks, his whole manner and the nature of the truths he proclaimed, he exerted under God a three-fold power on the understanding and moral susceptibilities of his auditors." The impression his personal appearance made upon all classes was very remarkable, and what Dr. Charles Woodward said, thousands of others could have said with great propriety : " The most remarka- ble physique I ever beheld." read in their Bibles. Several of the scholars obtained hope respecting themselves, some under twelve years of age, but the greatest number between twelve and eighteen. IV. The uniformity every where observable as to the views, and exercises of the work is a circumstance particularly to be noticed, both antecedent to their obtaining relief as well as afterwards. Most generally, let any person become informed in respect to a single in- stance, of the views and feelir.gs of a sinner under concern, and of his consequent exercises and different views and apprehensions, and he would for substance learn what others could say. The same excuses, pleas, cavils, and objections, against the doctrines and precepts of the gospel while under conviction, and the same kind of submission, when brought to a cheer- ful surrendery of themselves to God, which were found in one case were to be looked for in another. To find persons who never conversed, one with the other, communicating the same ideas, has been very striking to many. And it ought to be particularly observed here, that this is not the case merely in neighborhoods or societies, but in distant and different quarters, wherever the work has spread, amongst those who never saw nor heard of each other. The observations already made respecting the nature of the work in this society, apply with equal truth to other societies, so far as can be known, both far and near. All are made to drink into one spirit, and to speak one language. After all — V. It is by no means pretended that the wheat is wholly free from a mixture of tares, or that all who entertain hope of themselves are really friends to Christ. The parable of the sower may doubtless be applied in a greater or less degree ; and -it is to be feared that more or less will finally wither away. Sufficient to such is the evil thereof It is very gratify- ing to the friends of Zion that there are so few instances of this nature, where apparent evidence of a change of heart has been exhibited. One observation farther. VI. It is conceived, and it is thought no more than proper to acknowledge it, that the measures which have been adopted by the state for the spread of the gospel — the address from tile general assembly, recommending a more careful observation of the Sabbath — the regulations respecting schools — together with the various late publications — have been employed under Providence to promote and spread this great and glorious work which God hath already wrought, and is still accomplishing." Biographies. 537 A lady still living, who was brought up near neighbor to him, and whose family was very intimate with that of Mr. Mills, has attempted many times to describe him but always ends by saying, "when I used to see him while I was very young, I always thought of him as God." " In person he was tall and strongly built. His bearing was dignified, and on horseback his appearance was commandiug. His eyes were large and expres- sive and his voice was rich and tull. His prominent natural traits were a childlike simplicity, drollness, impulsiveness, tenderness and a large hearted benevolence. He was sound in the doctrines and devoted to his flock. As a speaker, he was at times memorably eloquent, and swayed his hearers power- fully by the wit or pathos of his discourse. He had a glowing interest in the evangelizing enterprises which sprung up about the opening of the present cen- tury, and was one of the pioneers in the missionary work in Vermont. He enjoyed the confidence and respect of his brethren, and was one of the editors of the Connecticut Evangelical Maga7ii7ie. "Father Mills of Torringford ;" his name confers honor on the place where he served so long and so faithfully in the gospel ; and a grateful people may well celebrate the centennial of his settleinent."' Mr. Mills as a Pastor. While possessing unusual dignity of personal appearance his great- ness of soul rendered him capable of meeting in the kindest and most gentle manner any and all classes of persons under all circumstances in such a manner as to attract them to himself and to the cause he represented, and to leave the impression on every mind of his very deep sincerity as a gospel minister, and his great desire to do good to all men. If in the impression he made on others there was one thing more prominent than another, it was his very great anxiety^ and eagerness to lead men from the danger of a sinful life to safety under the light of the gospel, and so fully was this true that the uncon- verted seemed almost anxious to help him and willing to become the subjects of saving grace, so as to relieve the concern which he felt in their behalf and to cause him to rejoice. Every body was made to feel this by his constant manner of life and conversation. Going out one morning on horse back he met a young lady also on horse back, and addressed her with a sweetness, and melodiousness of voice that no one could imitate : " Good morning my daughter, I started out this morning to see if I could find any body that was anxious about their souls ;" giving a very deep and full emphasis to the last word. Nearly seventy years have passed since those words were spoken, but they are fresh in the mind of her who was then the young lady, and she can repeat them in the same measured style and ' Torringford Centennial, p. 27. 68 S2^ History of Torrington. somewhat of the same emphasis with which they were originally spoken. They have been living characters upon the tablet of memory as the hand writing upon the wall of the ancient king's palace, growing none the less since that day. This was the great theme : Souls and salvation! He took a great interest in the pios- perity of the people, and sympathized with them, " as bound with them" in their misfortunes and sorrows ; he was jo)ful with them ; was witty, amusing, and full of anecdote, and curious representations ; but, he seemed never to lose sight of, and never willing that others should entertain the impression that he could deviate from, the one great object and mission of his life, to save men from the second death. His common address to all the young was, my daughter^ my son^ with a modulation of voice as though he was really the father of every one of them, and had all the responsibility as such to lead them from earth to heaven. As illustrative of these statements, the following letter of his, written about the year 1800, to Rev. Alexander Gillett, with whom he seems to have had some previous arrangement or plan as to some meeting to be held elsewhere than at home. It was written on a part of a sheet of paper and is preserved among the papers of the Torrington church. "Dear Brother. It is time for every one, even for the whole world to awake from their slumberings. A little more sleep, a little more folding the hands, will not answer. It ought not to answer. I have never done any thing yet worth being born for. I have sometimes thought, had I never been born*, the world would have lost nothing. After all I do not know as I can go next Wednesday ; possibly I may. You must come on. It I can go I will ; If not I will exchange with him on the Sabbath, or with you both, any way that will best commode. Yours, S.-^ml. J. Mills." From every source the testimony is the same and direct as to this one thing that in the parish, in the home, and everywhere he carried with him the one great thought of saving the people from the way of sin and death. His sympathies were with the people j with the poor and suffering, and he scarcely knew any limit to benevolence where relief to the suffering was the object. At a certain time in the winter it came to his mind that a certain poor woman in the parish might be in want of food, and taking his saddle bags he filled them with provisions and went to her house in the morning and told her he had come to take breakfast with her. ^' Well," said she -'you are welcome to such as I have, but I have nothing but roast potatoes." " That will do," said he, and after sitting down and eating, he brought Biographies. 539 in what he had with him, finding thus that he had not come any too soon. A poor woman of the neighborhood was present one day while his wife was setting the table, and as she put on a loaf of bread and left the room, he seizjd it, handed it to the woman and told her to cover it with her apron and carry it home. Mrs. Mills came in soon after and asked what had become of that loaf of bread, and he replied, " Madame, are you sure you put any bread on the table ?" A worthy man in the parish, of Arminian views, refused to pay his rate for the support of the pastor, and for this he was arrested, bound, and placed on a horse that he might be carried away and dealt with according to the law. But just then Father Mills came up, his great heart swelling with emotion, and exclaimed ^' Untie him, untie him ; take him ofF, take him off;" and the man was released. A colored man came to his back door on an errand and Mr. Mills said to him, " Why did you come to the back door ? When you come to my house, come to the front door, for we shall all go into heaven by one door." Rev. Abel McEwin, D.D., says : " In hospitality he was not sur- passed. Food and fuel, and provender for horses, were without stint. The host was generous in all things ; especially in fruit, both to himself, and in the distribution of it to others. One autumn the boys stole his peaches. In a sermon soon after, he reported a visit which he made in a neighboring town, where the people complained that the boys stole peaches. Hearing this he said he expressed his surprise and abhorrence of such conduct. The reply was ; " But Mr. Mills, don't the boys steal peaches in Torringford ?" " Dear me," said he, " what could I say, I could not tell a lie ; I was obliged to say, yes." ^Ir. Mills as a Preacher. To preach the gospel seems to have been his greatest joy and delight, and to this work he devoted his life. On this topic, the Rev. Noah Porter, D.D., writes: "Some things in Fatlier Mills were too prominent for even a stranger, who had the slightest personal acquaintance wiih him, soon to forget. His tall, well proportioned form and dignified bearing gave him a princely air. His voice, too, so deep toned and mellow, was very commindiiig. He was often tender in his addresses, and even in his remarks in conversation on evangelical subjects: and was often mehed to tears, thou2;h rartly, if ever, interrupted by emotion in his utterances. Such tenderness in so gigantic a frame, and £0 powerful intellect, was exceedingly winning and impressive. His sermons abounded in 540 History of Torrington. anecdotes and other illustrations taken from common life, drawn out in collate- ral and rather homely style, and adapted to the comprehension and habits of a plain, agricultural people, shut out from the busy world ; such as were the people of his charge. Yet if I do not mistake, his sermons were not commonly loose or immethodical ; but on the contrary, were closely argumentative, and powerfully convincing. This was particularly the case on subjects pertaining to the sovereignty of God, which were leading topics in " the Litchfield county Divinity " that was so often talked of in his day, as having been connected with the revivals for which the county was distinguished. Mr. Mills, I believe, spent much of his time among his people, preaching from house to hous'.' ; had few books and read but little; drew his discources from the resources of his own mind, enlightened by the word and spirit of God, and in consequence was able to give to every one a portion in due season."* The Rev. Abel McEwin, D.D., of New London, writes Decem- ber 1 8, 1848: " Rev. Samuel J, Mills was of the same age of my father ; they lived in ad- jacent parishes and were intimate friends. In my childhood and youth, I saw much of Mr. Mills at his home and at my own home. "The mind of Mr Mills was peculiar, In him we;-e combined strength of intellect, comic powers, and deep sensibility. As a sermonizer he was eccen- tric, ever original. Drollery undesigned, and sometimes perhaps designed which would have marred the service oi any other man, in his were not merely effective, but turned to serious account. People who hearing his ordinary dis- courses, inadvertently laughed inside or out, often wept before he closed. He was always grave ; his hearers could not always conceal their amusement. His brethren sometimes admonished him that liis sayings were too ludicrous for the pulpit; yet they all received him as a lover of truth and of souls, and as a dex- trous, faithful and powerful preacher. The pious Jeremiah Hallock denomi- nated him • the godly Mr. Mills.' " My wife, before marriage, belonged to a family in his neighborhood. After our settlement in a distant part of the state, we made frequent visits to her for- mer home. Soon after our arrival, we were greeted by our venerable friend. The prime object of the call was, after the salutation, to ask me whit I had lately preached. I must give an outline of two or three sermons. This, on his part, and mine was merely to give him opportunity to detail twice or thrice as many of his. The report though laconic, was graphic. Usually after my return home, the clues which he had drawn from his texts, the plans of his discourses, and the Millsish illustrations, so haunted me that I could do little else, until I had attempted to make two or three sermons out of the exotics which he had pitched into my mind. Once our arrival in Torringford was in April, a time of mud and a great scarcity of forage. Before I alighted from the carriage, he was present on horseback. ' Come,' said he, ' I have a lec- ture in West street ; and the people are now waiting. Where is a horse for Mr. McEwin?' We were soon on our way, and the services were in due time performed. Returned to the house of our friends, he went to my wife and said ; ' It was kind, very kind ot your husband, before he took his tea, to go and help mc out of the lurch ; it was worth a stack of hay.' " • Sprague's Annals, I, 672. Biographies. 541 "The famous Roger Griswold heard Mr. Millspreach at Litchfield. On his return to New London county he said to me : *• I heard a man preach at Litchfield ; Mr. Mills ; I never heard of him before, I know not what the clergymen think of him, but I must say that I never heard the man in the pulpit or out of it, so eloquent as he was in one of his sermons.' Some time after this, I said to Mr. Mills; 'yousawour Judge Griswoldat Litchfield,' ' Yes,' he replied, *- 1 looked down among the judges, and I did not want any one to tell me which Judge Griswold was.' I added, ' Mr. Mills, as you are an elderly man, and I am young, I will venture to tell you what he said of your preaching. He said that in one of your sermons you was more eloquent than any man he had ever heard in the pulpit or out of it.' He replied instantly, 'I know which sermon it was. Monday,' he added, '|I went with Mr. Huntington to dine with the court. They said, the judges are coming ? I was determined not to be introduced to him ; so I placed myself by the side of the door, and, as he en- tered, seized his hand and said ; Judge Griswold how do you do ? I am glad to see your face and eyes. With a grasp as hard as mine, the judge replied ; Mr. Mills, how do you do ? I am glad to see you.' " The English language did not seem to be copious enough for the old gentleman's eccentricity. He coined words, and he used current language with a very equivocal meaning. He was sent bv the clergy of Connecticut on a summer's mission to Vermont. When he re- turned, he was asked what sort of a jaunt he had. ' Fatiguing, fatiguing,' was his reply ; ' it was so tremendolous hot.' ' Hot in Vermont ? " said the inquirer. ' Hot ? yes, and mosquitoes.' ' Mosquitoes in Vermont ? ' ' Yes, a great many of them would weigh a pound.' ' O, no, Mr. Mills, not a pound.' 'Yes,' said he, ' I can testify that a great many of them would weigh a pound.' A neighbor called on him one morning, and to him Mr. Mills said : ' I have been to work to day like a dog.' ' Not like a dog, ' re- sponded his friend. ' Yes,' said he, ' like a dog ; but of dogs there are many kinds ; and one sort never go a step beyond where they are driven.' His oddity was not affectation. He was ludicrous without design, and without consciousness of the fact. His very griefs he sometimes expressed in terms and by figures which made those who sympathized with him laugh. He and his wife lost their first infant child. Then the second was taken away. Some female friends came in to express their sympathy. One of their number commenced their condolence ; ' You lost your first child.' ' Yes,' 542 History of Torrington. he replied with a gush of tears, ' and now the fat is all in the fire again.' . *'To find subjects for sermons and to plan them was his pastime. Though this exercise appeared in him like play, the result of it showed the work of a man. Writing a sermon after the frame of it was set up, did not agree with his constitution. He could preach on any emergency. Well was it for him that he could make passing events or objects that met his eye serve for illustrations. ' Once,' said he, ' I went up to B to preach ; my pocket was full of written ser- mons. But one text which I had never used would employ all my thoughts. I culled over all my manuscripts ; but God would have me take that new text : ' Wherefore do the wicked live ?' I went into the pulpit all raw and dark. My doctrine was, the wicked live for the benefit of the righteous. As I went on to illustrate, I looked out at the window and said, ' the wicked live to cut down these great hemlock trees for the righteous. Much as ever,' 'said he, have the people of B forgiven me to this day.' "He was passionately fond of music, though he could sing but in- differently himself. Sacred music was a feast of fat things to his soul. He must have in his parish, during the three winter months, a singing school headed by a skillful master. At the close of this term, he appointed what he called a singing lecture. On one of these occasions, he invited his neighbor, Dr. Lee of Colebook, a writer of music, to preach. His text was ; 'and it came to pass when the spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took a harp and played with his hand. So Saul was refreshed and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.' At the close of the discourse, according to the custom of the old pastor, he presented himself in the pulpit. 'This,' said he 'is true doctrine, I have come into this meeting house a great many times, and I saw that the devil was here. I wished to begin service, but I did not like to introduce the worship of God, while the devil was in the people. 1 took up the Psalm book and read ; but I could see him skipping about from pew to pew in the galleries ; but the instant the chorister got up and blew the pitch pipe, he quit, and all was sobriety and decorum among the young people and child- ren.' " I have seen this man in the days of affliction. He was an affec- tionate father ; but he loved Christian missions better than his own children. About to leave his neighborhood after a visit, I was stand- ing with him upon the broad street j a horseman rode up and handed Biographies. 543 to him a letter. He broke the seal and read a few lines ; stopped -, and, with the letter in one hand and spectacles in the other, his face filled with astonishment and consternation, he said, 'Samuel is dsad. This beats all. When Obookiah died, I thought that beat every- thing ; but this beats that.' At this time the rider took out a watch and handed him saying, 'this was his watch.' The patron of mis- sions gave place to the father. He took the watch, and with streaming tears and a voice choked with grief his lament burst forth: 'Samuel is dead ; I shall never see Samuel again ; he is in the bottom of the sea ! ' "This surviving parent lived to a great age. In the last stage of his life his house was burnt and a new one built. I made my last call. He was sitting among the shavings, watching the workmen who were finishing the interior of the building. His eyes were dim j his memory had failed. When I accosted him, he took my hand, but I perceived he did not recognize me. In his hand he had Woodbridge's small geography. He gave it to me, and our conversation began. ' Did you ever see that book sir?' 'O yes, it is Woodbridge's Geography, ym children use it.' ' The world, sir, is round, is it not ?' ' Yes sir.' 'Rolls over does it not ?' ' Yes sir.' 'Is it not a miracle that when we get on the downward side, we don't fall off?' ' No sir, if we should fall off, that would be a miracle ; because the law of gravitation would be counteracted, which draws us to the center of the earth.' 'True sir,' said he 'but I don't know who you are.' I told him my name. It was in vain. ' You, sir, recollect my father,' said I ; ' Robert McEwin of Winchester ?' ' Much as ever,' he replied. I pulled another cord. I have been much at your house in early life. I was a companion of Jerry, and Flora, and Samuel. You married me. My wife was S. B. I have often preached for you. I live at New London.' He rose up, girded his huge arms around me, laid his broad chin on my shoulder and wept." A grand daughter used to relate the following as coming under her knowledge. While preaching on a theological topic, which greatly displeased some of the congregation, one of the prominent men rose in the audience and exclaimed " Mr. Mills, you make machines of us all, you do," and stamped out of the church in the midst of the service. As showing his great love for the preaching of the gospel, he con- tinued to desire to preach when his mind had become unreliable. In his last attempt he forgot his text after having started quite well 544 History of Torrington. in the sermon, and turning to Rev. Mr. Goodman said, " My son I have forgotten my text." Mr. Goodman repeated it and he went on a little time and said '' I must stop." Thus closed the preaching of one who had moved the hearts of thousands by his eloquence. The following extract is from the funeral sermon of Father Mills, by Rev. Luther Hart of Plymouth. "Father Mills!" why this is an appellation designating the wonderful man that has greeted my ears ever since my earliest childhood, and inspired affection and reverence at every successive repetition. With hundreds of others, I have cause to remember him with deep emotion on more accounts than one. It was he that some thirty years ago, in discoursing on the distinguishing grace of God, was the instrument in God's hand of showing me the perversity of my heart, by waking into action its latent enmity against divine sovereignty. And if ever my poor soul bowed at the feet of Christ, it was in connection with his faithful and affecting disclosure of that humiliating doctrine. I exceedingly lament that I am not able, on this solemn occasion, to give as minute an account as will probably be expected, of a minister who for many years, and for many reasons, attracted more attention than perhaps any other clergyman in this region, and whose praise is still in all the churches. When I entered into the ministry, his sun had already declined in the far west. He belonged also to a different association, and a different circular meeting, so that I had little opportunity to enjoy his society. And had I been familiar with him during the last ten years, I should have seen little of those commanding traits which once so eminently distinguished him as a man, and a minister, in the days of his undecayeu vigor. It is long since he entirely forgot me and almost every other person he did not see daily. Much important matter respecting him might have been afibrded me by numbers of his people who formerly hung on his lips with deliglit, had I had time to apply to them for the requisite information. But notwithstanding my conscious incompetence to delineate satisfactorily the life and character of the venerable Mr. Mills, I venture with not a little diffidence to submit the following sketch. Concerning Mr. Mills's personal piety I never heard but one opinion. He was eminently a man of prayer. His habitual deportment was grave and solemn, peculiarly accordant with the dignity of the sacred office. His conversation related almost exclusively to subjects connected with the kingdom of Christ. With worldly afi-airs, whether domestic or cixil, he had little concern. His thoughts, affections, conversations, and labors were chiefly, nay, almost exclusively, de- voted to matters of infinitely higher moment. He was pre-eminently a pro- fessional man. Some other pastors have been among their people more, and have been more sociable and familiar; but what one has ever been more ready to visit the sick, the sorrowful and the poor ; and to administer religious in- struction, Christian consolation, or temporal relief, according to the various wants of his people, and his own ability to supply them.? At the side of what sick-bed did he neglect to perform the appropriate office of an ambassador of the Lord Jesus Christ? By the dwelling of what broken-hearted widow was he accustomed to pass, without at least coming up to her door to impress in a few words on her heart for her instruction or comfort, some weighty truth which she could scarcely ever forget? And what child of misfortune and Biographies. 545 want ever applied to him for relief of real necessities, and went from his door without abundant reason for leaving many thanks behind ? He had constitutionally, a remarkable susceptibility to impressions from a view of the wants and woes of mankind. Bu: there was something beyond nature in all this. His uncommon benevolence towards the needy was not so much an instinct as an enlightened, evangelical sympathy. And 1 know not where to look for a brighter practical exemplification than he furnished, ot the import of the sacred injunction, ' Be ye kind to one another, tender hfnrled* His house was the abode of hospitality alike to the friend and the stranger; and his heart the seat of good will to his people and the world. On no subject did jic seem to meditate and converse so much as upon re- vivals of religion, and the ultimate diffusion of the light of the gospel among all nations. The beauty of the church in the millcnium, the peace and happi- ness of the world which it will secure, and the consequent glory of the son ot God, filled his eye, fired his soul, animated his prayers, and led him not only to advocate and rejoice in the great benevolent operations of the present age, but cheerfully to give up a beloved son as an instrument to facilitate the arrival of that blessed period by traversing the distant forests of the west, and by en- countering the perils; alas to that dear missionary ; the perils of the deep. And when the tidings of the death of that son, who fell a sacrifice to the cause of humanity, were brought to his ears, there was witnessed as noble a demon- stration of personal piety in the striking expressions of resignation which he poured forth from his heart, as there was of paternal grief in the tears that gushed from his eyes. His popularity as a preacher, and his great influence with his ministerial brethren, instead of generating elation and arrogance, were connected with an uncommon degree of self distrust and humility. While others were ready to applaud his talents and ingenuity, he was meditating on his own sinful- ness and ready to smite on his breast with the abashed and abased publican. And here I cannot do better than to recite two or three sentences from a note received last Saturday from your pastor, informing me of the de- cease of our reverend friend. '• Of himself," says the letter, " he often remarked with emphasis, that he could not find the man on the face of the earth to whom he could say, ' stand by thyself, J am holier than thou.' No subject would seem to awaken his apparently torpid sensi- bilities, as he drew near the close of life, like the mention of Christ's kingdom from the efforts now made for its advancement. And his sense of his own unworthiness seemed to arise chiefly from the reflection that he had done no more in this service when in the vigor of life. On asking him at my last in- terview with him, if he felt ready and willing to depart, his characteristic re- ply was, ' No objections.' What he was as a preacher, it is less necessary for me minutely to describe, because very many of us often heard him while in full vigor, and none can be ignorant of his high eminence in the pulpit. Still it may be interesting to ad- vert a few moments, to some of the peculiar traits to which that eminence was in a great degree owing. His mind was more distinguished by the clearness of its perceptions, and the quickness of its operations, than by its comprehension or profoundness, although it was not deficient in these respects. It was culti- vated less by extensive reading than by independent reflection. His was an uncommonly original mind. In his views of truth, he depended on nothing but the word of God ; and with the whole of it, and especially with the his- torical parts of it, he had a more minute and familiar acquaintance than any 69 546 History of Torrington. other minister within my knowledge, one individual only excepted. A large proportion of the texts which he selected were short, and such as most other ministers would have overlooked as containing nothing worthy of special atten- tion ; and the plans of his sermons were at once exceedingly simple and strik- ing, and yet such as with all their excellence, almost no other man would have though: of Still they were not far fetched nor forced. His inferences, whether derived from the Bible and constituting the main points of discussion, or derived from the body of the sermon itself and constituting its close, while they would have been made by almost no other preacher, were when stated by him obviously just in the estimation of the merest child. His original manner of treating subjects sometimes seemed to border on oddity, and his expressions were too often of a nature to awaken a smile, and sometimes to excite our laughter. This it must be admitted was a defect. But we have good reason to believe that when momentary levity was excited, it was never an object at which he aimed, but the undesigned effect of the presentation ot his own thoughts in his own peculiar manner. Or, if he ever aimed for a moment at the ludicrous, it was but for a moment. With a con- summate knowledge of the intimate relations between the passions of laughter and weeping, it was often the case that no sooner did he perceive that he had awakened a smile than by a sudden transition to some rcle\ant but unexpected reinark, he caused the assembly to be at once bathed in tears. He excelled most men also in the power o'i deicription ; and this was of great service to hiin in the pulpit. When he described God, or the creature, the saint or the sinner, heaven or hell, so vivid were his own apprehensions of the sub- ject set forth, so ready was his imagination to stretch its pinions and soar, and such was ills command of language ; not indeed the most classical and refined, but fullv adequate to express the precise shade of the thought that glowed within him, that whatever he undertook to portray was as distinctly apprehended by his hearers, as if he had delineated all that he had in view on canvass immedi- ately before their eyes. He derived great advantage from his skill in illustration. In this happy art, the vast body of the ministers in his day were lamentably deficient. Ttiey had little to do with reference to the common business of life, and the analogies found in the physical world, in order to impart to their hearers clearer notions of spiritual things. They did not so extensively as is the case at the present dav, allude like their Lord and Master to the field of nature, and the every day occurrences of common life and thus familiarize the mind to religious truths through the medium of resemblances which natural objects sustain to them. Theology was not only made a distinct science that bore no relations to any other, and was incapable of borrowing useful exem- plifications from any other. But Mr. Mills was a diligent student of nature, a careful observer of men and things ; and never was he more successful in the pulpit than when, for the purpose of conveying notions of sacred truth to the minds of his audience, he seized upon some analogy derived from some familiar occurrence, or from some object palpable to the senses. If the justice of God in his dealings with men was to be illustrated or defended, he reasoned from what all admit to be equitable in human courts and human families. If God's long suffering and compassion towards guiltv men were to be set forth in an af- fecting manner, then he would depict before the assembly the obstinacy of a wayward child and the parent all in tears expostulating, beseeching, hoping and waiting long for the ultimate return of the young offender to duty. Multitudes of us can never forget how in other year.s, he held and charmed us, and caused Biographies. 547 our tears to flow by the vivid representation of these and thousands of other simple bur striking analogies, for the purpose of giving us clearer conceptions of the character and dealings of God, the wonders of redeeming mercy, or the recklessness of the hard hearted, obstinate perishing sinner. Another thing which contributed to his eminence in the pulpit was, if I mis- take mt, the habit of speaking extemporaneously. How early in his ministry he commenced this practice, I have not been able to learn. Owing to the failure of his memory, he was necessitated to write out his sermons, during several of the last years of his labors ; and when he resorted to this course, there was evidently less animation, originality and force than he had long been accustomed to exhibit. But when for a long series of years before, he only sketched the leading topics of his discourses on paper, having wrought out all the subordinate matter in his mind and treasured it in his memory, and stood before the listening throng, and gave them tlie whole influence of his e/es, and receiyed in return the kitidling influence of his gaze, and his attention was untrammelcd by his notes, so that he could allow both excitement and range to his imagination, then it was that he disclosed the full majesty and power of his noble mind ; then it was that the genuine Samuel John Mills was seen and felt to be a great man in Israel. Nor am 1 alone in this estimate of him as a com- manding speaker and preacher. There are hundreds before me, who from their own recollected emotions, excited by his instructive voice, are ready to concur with me. And p.nhaps it is proper for me to say, it has long been currently reported as a declaration of the late distinguished Governor Griswold, that if eloquence consists in completely enchaining the attention of an audience, Mr. Mills was the most eloquent preacher he had ever heard, " It is doubtless true that the great theme in his conversation was revivals of religion, and he delighted in being present in such meet- ings, and participating in the preaching, and particularly because it was judged in those times to be very essential to a successful revival, as is indicated in his account of the revival of 1799, to preach most earnestly the doctrines of God's " Sovereignty and distinguishing grace," and that these were best calculated to break and humble the sinners' heart, so that he would be capable of valuing the mercy of God as offered to those who were appointed to be saved. It is quite evident that if in any one point of doctrine Mr. Mills excelled this was it, and he preached it with all its objectionable features. It did not matter to him how angry men became under such preaching, for he charged them with being angry with God ; not with the interpre- tations the minister gave but with God, and that it was a very strong evidence of their very great hardness of heart and the greater need that they should be humbled under just such arbitrary dictation of the Almighty ; and he also believed that such manifestation of re- sistance was indicative of hope of final conversion. One example, as given by Dr. Charles Woodward, is illustrative, and is confirmed by his own account of the revival, and from many other sources. 548 History of Torrington. ••' A young woman who offered herself for admission to the church in 1818, said at her examination, that she had thought little of God until she was awakened, when her feelings against his government rose to such a degree that, if possible, she would have torn him from his throne ; and from that the transition was so great that she beheld him in every thing, and was willing to be damned, if he decreed it. Mr. Mills pronounced the experience ' glorious. ' " A woman now living uniting with the church about the same time was asked as she now says, " If she was willing, if it should be for the glory of God, to go to hell forever ? " Upon an affirmative answer, from which her heart revolts with a shudder to the present day, she was judged acceptable, and received. Another person who, nearly at the same time, became much exercised as to a religious life, when the feeling of rebellion against partial grace subsided, she became persuaded that she had committed the unpardonable sin ; that she had " grieved the Holy Spirit," and that was the end of it, and thus she has remained to the present time, although her life is as exemplary as any person in the town. It is a matter of rejoicing that the first Congregational council that was held in America, while standing on old Piymouih rock, voted unanimously that it did not hold the doctrine of " fatalism." The only remark necessary in these days is that Father Mills's heart was vastly larger than this point in his theology. Mr. Mills as a writer, it is evident even from his account of the revival, given, was very able and competent in regard to any question of theology or of grace, as held in those times ; and could make as close, clear and definite discriminations and observations, as religious thought demanded or allowed, and hence had he directed the energy of his mind to theological discussion as he did to the saving of men, he might have had a lasting name in that direction. Rev. Samuel J. Mills, Jr., Was born April 21, 1783, in Torringford society, and was the seventh child of Rev. Samuel J. Mills, pastor of the Torringford church more than fifty years, and who was a very remarkable man in many respects, being great in goodness and love for the salvation of man. Young Samuel's mother was noted also for symmetry of character, excellency of judgment, and largeness of Christian love and sympathy toward all men, and it might be expected that such a scion, reared under such favoring circumstances would eventuate in some great Biographies. 549 and noble end. Torringford is a very advantageous place to be reared and educated in, if nature's grandeur may have any pouter to mould and fashion the mind and enlarge the heart of the intelligent beings to whom the infinite has subjected all created things. From the old parsonage where this man was born, the view extends in every direction over the surrounding country to the distance of between ten and thirty miles, revealing a large portion of the intervening valleys and hills, and this scenery was the topic of frequent remark by the father; it having been that which charmed him the first time he was in the place ; and it is very possible that this scenery had much to do in fixing upon the mind of young Mills that enlarged interest which he afterwards manifested, for the salvation and well being of the whole world. The childhood and youth of this man were chiefly spent under his father's roof amid these surroundings in the possession of the most faithful instructions which were of the best kind, both as to intellectual and heart cultivation. When quite a child, his mind exhibited no common sensibility to the concerns of relio[ion, and was easily and some times deeply afi^ected with the importance of them, and the advantage to be secured by a careful attention to the teach- ings of the divine word. These impressions however were not as carefully cherished as they probably would have been but for the prevailing opinion of that day that nothing availed toward salvation without first experiencing a marvellous and almost miraculous change of heart, which change young people were supposed, as a general rule, to be nearly incapable of properly entertaining. But when, in 1798, the religious interest in his father's parish began to be recognized by special meetings and an unusual attendance on their meetings by the community, he being at the age of fifteen, was moved, with many others, by the anxious inquiry whether the great provisions of the gospel were likely to avail any thing in his behalf. The inquiry was not whether he would accept the abundant provisions of the gospel for the salvation of all men but whether the very limited provisions of salvation included hirn^ as well as some others." To ascertain the right to answer this inquiry almost drove him to distraction and infidelity. In regard to this point his Memoir gives some light. " But such were his views of his own sinfulness, so severe his distress, and so bitter his opposition to God, that he would someiimes ' break out in expressions of unyielding rebellion.' With nothing was his dissaiisfaction more painful, than the discriminations of the divine favor in showing mercy to those who were around him, while he himself was apparently left lo obduracy and ruin. He had beheld many of his companions in years and in sin, together with an elder 550 History of Torrington. brother, a sister and a niece of his mother, all residing under the same roof, and all that remained o\ his father's family, rejoicing in hope, and united to the visible church, while he himself obtained no relief from his agony, but remained in 'the gall of bitterness and the bonds of iniquity.' Such was his state of mind for many months, and such it continued, when the revival began to decline, and when it was gone. Two full years he remained in this dismal frame of mind, still refusing to bow at the footstool of mercy ; and to adopt his own sentiment, * at heart still cursing the day in which he was born.' " ' This language is peculiar yet in perfect accord with the doctrines held at that time. Here he is represented as greatly distressed two years, because he obtained no evidences that he specially was included in the number of the elect, while others received those evidences, and yet he is represented as ^' refusing to bow at the footstool of mercy." The question was not whether he was willing or not, but whether there was any " footstool of mercy " for him to bow to, for, if he was not of the elect, then there was no such place for him, and his will- ingness to curse the day he was born was the soundest wisdom pos- sible. This was seen by Dr. Spring, and hence he says (page i6), " It is far from being indispensable to our cordial acquiescence in God's character and government, to be persuaded that we are inter- ested in his mercy." This was the precise quiistion, Did the mercy of God include Samuel J. Mills Jr..'' He had no assurances that it did and hence he said to his mother : " O that I had never been born ! O that I had never been born ! For two years I have been sorry God ever made me." All the theological discussions in the universe could not change the soundness of this logic ; and it was not until months after, that Mr. Mills, by taking a very different view of the mercy of God ; until he by dwelling upon the goodness of God as sufficiently large so as to include him, at all risks, that he dared entertain a hope of salvation. And this case was not an isolated one, for that which he experienced many others passed through in that revival in 179B and 9, according to the account given by Father Mills, wherein it is indicated that the dread horrors of despair abode upon the trembling penitent for months, because he could not tell whether he was included in the covenant of mercy or left out ; and it was also thought that the genuineness of the conversion depended on the greatness of the horrors experienced. After nearly three years of dreadful suffering in mind, this youth, not quite eighteen years of age, became a trusting arid obedient servant of the gospel of promise^ and henceforward walked in hope. Memoir by Re-v. Dr. Spring, p. 12. Biographies. 5S^ When Mr. Mills entered into this hope, he was attending school at Litchfield ; and the first intimation his father had of any change arose from an observation he made that '■^ he could not conceive of any course of life in xvhich to pass the rest of his days^ that would prove so pleasant^ as to go and communicate the gospel salvation to the poor heathen^ Thus did the spirit and ambition to help a ruined world, take possession of this young man's heart and life, as soon as he appre- hended the benefits of the gospel in his own personal well being, and from that time onward, ever, they were his guiding stars until his life work was ended. "It is somewhat remarkable, that from this same hour, he never once lost sight of this great thought. Though but a youth of seventeen, he discovered a zeal in the missionary cause, an eagerness in the pursuit of missionary intelli- gence, and an enlargement of though: in his plans to become acquainted with the true state of the unevangelized world, which left little doubt that he was chained to this purpose by a superior power. It was a heart yearning over the miseries of perishing millions, that first led him to think of acquiring an education with a view to the gospel ministry. Having consulted his parents, and unfolded all his purpose, which should God permit, was no less than to devote his life to the cause of missions in foreign lands ; and having received their approbation and their blessing, he resobcd on measures for changing his course of life. The spirit of God came over him like Elisha in the field. While toiling at the plough, was his heart touched with compassion tor the heathen world, and he bid adieu to his farm, to obtain an education on purpose to carry the gospel to millions who perish for lack of knowledge. Thus in a retired field in Litchfield county, was the King of Zion beginning that grand course of operations which have produced such a mighty revolution in the American churches, and which bear so intimate a relation to the progressive glories of his kingdom. Having put his secular concerns into other liands, and having previously connected himself with the church, under the pastoral care of his father, Mills became a member of Williams college, in Massachusetts, in the autumn of 1805. As a scholar, he was of respectable standing, but as a youth who "v.alked with God,'' and whose uniform deport- ment evinced that he was devoted to interests superior to his own, he shone as a light in the earth. Ardent and matured as his piety was at more advanced periods, it may be said of him, that he began his career very much as he ended it. At this early period his piety was of that strong, yet fervent; that unostentatious, yet practi- cal and efficient kind, that gave the highest evidence that he was a child of God. Engaged in pursuits, in which many a godly youth is allured from duty, by the glare of science and the love of fame, he not only retained his integrity, and made sensible progression in holiness, but by a deportment so circumspect and kind, that even the enemies of religion could not but respect him ; and bv a consistency and sweetness of character, which gave so much lustre to vital piety, that his friends felt the reproach of his example, did he become the means of conversion, steadfastness and zeal, and will be long remembered as a distin- guished blessing to the seminary of which he was a member." SS'^ History of Torrington. There are some characteristics here revealed that are worthy of imi- tation, and history reveals the satisfying fact that whenever and wherever followed they always bring their reward of usefulness, success and honor. Having committed himself to a life for the purpose of spread- ing the gospel news, there was to him no honorable way to be pur- sued but to fulfill the engagement to the utmost of his ability as if assured all the time of certain success, and yet not caring as to the success in regard to personal honor if only duty should be done. Such negation of self while moving as if inspired by the highest am- bition or honor is the richest glory of man, and is the spirit that makes martyrs for country and religion and every thing in life. To him there was no charm in anything except it was in the line of life which he had chosen and to which he had devoted all his powers, and to be unfaithful to such an engagement was a thing too humiliat- ing to be entertained by one destined to a life in a future state of being. Then also if the life he had engaged in, had any foundation in realities as he himself and thousands of others professed to know, it was reasonable that he should pursue that life with as much energy, and determination and forethought, as any business engagement that could be presented to the necessity or ambition of men. This re- veals the secret of his life -, one perpetual onward movement in the same line, as though there could be no other possible way for him to move, and as though he never once stopped to think, whether there could be any other way, and yet as knowing all the time that life to him would be an utter failure except he should attain the end for which he had started. It is not surprising therefore to learn that, " to him nothing had charms so powerful as the glory of his Redeemer and the salvation of men. The conversion of a sinner from the error of his way, the deliverance of one immortal being from the indescribable consequences of sin, was to his benevolent mind enough to compensate a thousand fold for the loss of all the laurels of a Caesar. While he was a member of college, there was a revival of religion in the institution, of which he was the chief instrument ; and afterwards there were not a few of his fellow students in the ministry, who owed their hopes of heaven, and their usefulness on earth, to his instrumentality. Nor should it be forgotten that quite many of those beloved men whom the American church has been permitted to send into the se- clusions of the wilderness of this country, as well as those who went Biographies. ^^2 to plant the standard on the banks of the Ganges and the Indus, long remembered his instrumentality in their conversion and missionary zeal. His cotemporaries at the college delighted to linger on the recollection of his excellence ; and could never forget how the sal- vation of the dear youth with whom he was associated, the revival of pure and undefiled religion, and the desolations of the heathen world, were themes that often drew tears from his eyes and persuasion from his tongue, as he visited from room to room, and walked from grove to grove. As illustrative of the epergy and zeal with which he pursued his relitrious life the followins: extracts from his journal are yiven. "June 25, 1806. I hope I shall I'avc an oppoituniiv to retire and address the Throne of grace to day without molestation. O tlat God would be with me, and assist me in the performance of duty ! It will be a stupid time indeed, if the Lord docs not pour down liis spine and convince me of my unworthi- ness and dependence. O how unworthy we are at this institution to partake of the crumbs that fall from our Master's table ! Blessed be God, he has, as I trust, wrought a good work upon the hearts of some, and is forcing conviction and light upon the minds of others. I hope nothing may retard the progress of this most glorious work. Thursday, 26. Attended conference this evening, composed principally of the Freshman class. A very good meeting Many very solemn; K — much cast down. It was very evident God was striving with some of his disobedient creatures. The work is the Lord's, and he is abundantly able to carry it on. Arise, O Lord, thou and the ark of thy strength. It seems to me I never longed so much for the Sabbath as 1 do now. I am afraid the impressions of my classmates will wear off. But all thii gs are possible with God. Saturday, 28. Think I feel something ut a praying frame this morning. O for more fervour, more engagedness, more activity, in the cause of the blessed God ! I hope this may be a sweet day to my soul. Think I see something of my unworthiness. Sabbath morning, 29. Have some view of my dependence upon God and of my awful stupidity. I pray God to be with ine to-day, and keep me from injuring his cause, and preserve me in a praying frame, y// noi)/i,jmt returned from meeting — an uncommon time with me — think I have never been so carried above this world before; never found myself so nigh the cross. Come Holy Spirit, heavenly Dove, give me, unworthy me, a spirit of prayer! O humble me — keep me at the foot of the cross. Grant that I may always feel uneasy when 1 wander from that delightful place! Grant that I may make ic my hoine there, and never wound my Redeemer in the house of his friends ! November 10. [After vacation] I have been in town two weeks. Pro- fessing Christians not so much alive as they generally were last term. O that God would revive us again ! that his saints might rejoice, and that immortal souls might be ransomed from eternal death. O that he would make his children feel their dependence, and bring them to cast themselves at his foot- stool. All our strength is from the Lord ; I hope he will not cast us ofF forever, but carry on his work as best pleases him. We are brought very low; and if the Lord look not upon us, where is our hope? Where can wc look but to the holy hill." 70 554 History of Torrington. The revival referred to was not extensive, but the part which Mr. Mills took in the work, and the peculiar, earnest interest which he manifested for the good of others, is quite appropriately presented by one of his most valued classmates, who afterwards was successfully engaged in the ministry. '' During the last term of his first year, there was a revival of religion in college, which commenced in his class. It was then my opinion, and I believe the general opinion, that Mr. Mills was principally instrumental in the hands of God, in producing the blessed work. Certain it is, that no one was so much resorted to as he by those under serious impressions. He was singu- larly devoted and engaged, a little before the revival commenced, and while it lasted. Nor did he, after it had ceased, relapse into that state of apathy and indifference so common with many, and to which there are so many temptations in college. It may well be said of him, that he walked with God, and I trust his footsteps were seen long after he left the college." It is important to the understanding of some parts of his subse- quent history, to observe the invariable tendencies of his mind toward the grand objects of benevolence to which his life was so sacredly devoted, and upon this another extract from his journal while in college will throw some light on this subject. " O that I might be aroused from this careless and stupid state, and be enabled to fill up my life well ! I think I can trust myself in the hands of God, and all that is dear to me, but I long to have the time arrive, when the gospel shall be preached to the poor Africans and likewise to all nations" Here is exhibited the onward moving of an unyielding mind of a philanthropist, almost unequaled among men except under special Divine inspiration, grasping with marvelous eagerness for the instru- mentalities by which to lift a degraded world to affluence, righteous- ness and holiness. Said ]ie to a brother of kindred spirit in the ministry, " Brother, though you and I are very small beings, we must not rest satisfied until we have made our influence extend to the re- motest corner of this ruined world." This was the real man, though one of the most modest of men, yet this was the largeness of his heart and his purpose in the exercise of his responsibility as an in- telligent being. Simply to becoine a missionary himself, and live and die in pagan lands, surrounded with all the evidences of successful labor, was with him a very small matter. His charities were the most exalted, and his plans most sublime, and he knew how to labor Biographies. ^^^ for an interest, distant enough to bring nothing to himself, and form a purpose to feel and act efficiently for more than two-thirds of the human race, never baptized by the Christian name. If it be asked, why this man, knowing so much less of the needs and conditions of the heathen, stretched out his liands to such a mighty work, the answer comes from thousands of years gone by, why should Moses, a stranger forty years, go back to Egypt to lead the people to de- liverance, or why should John the Baptist preach in the wilderness more than others ? Mr. Mills and Foreign Missions. From the very first dawn of hope of his own interest in saving grace, Mr. Mills's mind was directed to the heathen world, and from that hour his interest in its behalf continued to increase, and to the work of their enlightenment his life seemed consecrated. It was this that led him to leave his farm and enter school and college, and while laboring in the revival in college in behalf of those immediately around him the great study of his mind was for those far away in the shadow of death, and under impressions his mind was directed more and more to the design of propagating the gospel among the heathen in foreign lands, by means of missionaries from this country. And it is remarkable that his mind, then that of but a youth in college, should have been directed in those channels, which the missionary enterprises of the western world have followed ever since. "The dawn of a missionary spirit had begun to appear in some of the American churches before this period. To those who have ob- served the signs of the times there is no doubt but that a new era had dawned on the otiier side of the Atlantic before the cominw in of the eighteenth century. In the year 1792, the first missionary society was established by Carey, Fuller, Pcarce, and Ryland, at Kettering, in England. In 1795, the London Missionary Society was instituted, and from tliat period missionary institutions have been increasing in number throughout the four quarters of the globe. America began gradually to participate in the sacred spirit. Aside from an establishment formed by the Moravians in 1734, and a branch of the society in Scotland for propagating Christian knowledge among the Indians in North America, which was instituted at Boston, in 1787, the honor of commencing the first missionary exertions in the United States belongs to the general assembly of the Presbyterian church. At their first session, as early as the year 1789, that body passed an order requiring the churches under their care to take col- S5^ History of Torrington. lections for a missionary fund ; and in 1802, they established a stand- ing committee of missions, which has been in successful operation since that time. The New York missionary society was instituted in 1796 ; the Connecticut missionary society in 1798 ; the Massa- chusetts missionary society in 1799 ; and the New Jersey missionary society in 1801. Hitherto, however, the attention of the western world had been exclusively directed to domestic missions, among the new settlements and Indians. To the eye of the few who watched its growth, it was obvious that the germ of this tree of life had been gaining strength and activity, but it was not destined to shoot out its branches to the river, and its boughs to the ends of the earth, until the period at which we have now arrived. That she had a distinguished part to act in the conversion of six hundred millions of our guilty creation abroad, beyond her destitute at home, was a thought that had never till nov.' sunk into the bosom of the American church. Why was it so? Surely no nation possessed greater advantages for disseminating religious truth, whether we rcgaid resources or men ; and no nation was under greater obligations to make many and great obligations for this exalted object. Why should the nations of Europe, in the midst of all their conflict and blood, have been sending their sons through different continents and to the islands of the sea, while America, this land of freedom, peace, wealth, and privilege, circum- scribes her exertions to a handful of men within her own territory ? In tracing the progress of the missionary spirit in this coimtry, in respect to foreign missions, we have little else to do than follow the leading events of Mr. Mills's life from his first year in college to the em» barkation of the American missionaries for Calcutta, under the direction of the American Board of Commissioners, in the year 1812. As already intimated his devotion to the missionary cause was early and invincible. It was not, however, until he became a member of college that his spirit in regard to missions came to view. Then the subject took a definite form in his mind, engrossed the meditations of his serious hours, took deep hold of his feelings, and became the burden of his prayers and heart. It seems to have been a peculiar visitation of the Spirit of God that turned all the solicitude and affec- tion of his heart to this subject. He reflected lung and prayed much, before he disclosed his views and when he determined to unburden his mind, by conversing with two or three of his more intimate fellow stu- dents, it was in a manner that deserves to be related. He led them into a meadow at a distance from the college, to a retirement, probably o H to 02 H o H O H O <1 E-i H Biographies. 557 familiar to himself, though little exposed to observation or liable to be approached, where, by the side of a large stack of hay, he devoted the day to prayer and fasting, and familiar conversation on this new^ and interesting theme ; when, much to his surprise and gratification, he found that the spirit of God had been enkindling in their bosoms the flame which had so long been burninp; in his own. It will not be surprising to learn, that from this hour, this endeared retreat was often made solemn by the presence, and hallowed by the piety of these dear young men.' It was to this consecated spot they repaired to cherish the high born influence, and dedicate themselves re- newedly to Christ in this blessed cause; to spend many a precious day in humiliation, fasting and prayer, and there to offer to a present God those early and fervent supplications to which may be traced the institution of foreign missions in the new world. "^ When Mr. Mills had made known his mind, and had found these companions in the spirit of the missionary work for heathen lands ; and when they had fully devoted their lives to this work, he commu- nicated the intelligence to his parents and family at home. These tidings greatly affected the heart of his affectionate mother, and to find comfort with a sister-in-law, Mrs. Austin, she took the letter and repaired to her house and read it. Here she gave free expres- sion to the feelings of her ht-art and while walking back and forth in the house, the tears falling as if she were heart broken, she exclaimed, " But little did I know when I dedicated the child to God what it would cost and whereunto it would end." It has been said that his mother had dedicated iiim to the service of God as a missionary, but it does not appear that she had any idea of the service of a mission- ary to foreign lands. She intended him for the ministry, and possi- bly for the ministry in new parts of this country, but as there is a living witness to the occurrence at the house of her sister-in-law, and to the surprise she then manifested that her son might be taken far away to a strange land, it is evident that she was now realizing that the cost to her heart was far greater than she had ever imagined it might be. " How little did I know what it was going to cost," was her repeated exclamation. The spirit and enterprise of foreign missions were scarcely known through the country until brought to the attention of the people by these young men ; for when they formed themselves into a society for inquiry concerning missions, * These young men were San)uel J. Mills, Jr., Gordon Hall, and James Richards. 'Memoir, p. 27. ^^S History of Torrington. the movement was judged to be the offspring of an over heated zeal that would soon cool and be forgotten, and none probably were more surprised at the idea than his mother alchough she looked upon it as the call of God, while others laughed that the heathen should be noticed in the call of God. The mind of Mr. Mills had now received a new impulse, and his paramount object was to devise measures to carry the plans which had begun to present themselves in some definite shape, into immediate execution. Having, as he supposed, accomplished what he could for the cause in Williams college, he feh that institution, and became a resident graduate a few months at Yale college. His ostensible object was the study of theology, but his real object was to ascertain whether there were not some kindred spirits in that institution, who could be excited and encouraged to participate in this glorious enter- prise. While here he became acquainted with Obookiah, a youth from the Sandwich Islands, whom Rev. Edwin W. Dwight had found in the streets of New Haven and taken him in charge with the purpose of instructing him in letters as he was greatly desirous of ob- taining an education. By a pleasing coincidence of circumstances, Mr. Mills, on his arrival at New Haven became the companion of Mr. Dwight and was deeply interested in this youth. He soon con- ceived the plan of educating him as a missionary to his native islands, and took him in the course of the winter to his father's at Torringford and afterwards to Andover, patiently instructing him in the knowledge of what is useful in this life, and momentous to the life to come. It was in consequence of the design to educate this youth as a mission- ary that the plan of a missionary school was conceived and finally established at Cornwall, Ct. The following spring Mr. Mills became a member of the Theo- logical seminary at Andover, soon after which his mother died, which was a sore bereavement to him. Hearing of her sickness he hastened home and coming up the old road to Torringford, past the > burying ground, he saw her newly made grave, and stopped to visit it. ''Here," he says, "I gave vent lo the most impassioned woe." In i8i I, he and others formed at Andover the Society of Inquiry concerning missions; from which as early as 1829, over thirty had gone out as missionaries under the American board. In i8i2and 1813, he made a missionary tour through some of the southern and western states in company with the Rev. John F. Scher- merhorn of the Dutch Reformed church, and in 1814 and 1815, he Biographies. 559 made a second tour, accompanied by the Rev. Daniel Smith of Natchez, going as far as New Orleans and returning through the western parts of Georgia, the Carolinas and Virginia. Five or six hundred miles of this route was a mere wilderness. In New Orleans, in March, 1815, he found no Bibles for gitt or for sale, but being particularly entrusted by the Philadelphia Bible Society with the dis- tribution of a quantity of French Bibles, he readily appropriated them according to directions, and they were received with great eagerness by the people. In connection with the efforts then being made in regard to Bible distribution Mr. Mills is credited with exerting much influence to hasten the organization of the American Bible Society, an institution which has done and is doing a marvelous great woik in publishing and distributing Bibles. Mr. Mills was ordained as a missionary with Messrs. Richards, Bardwell, Poor, Warren and Meigs, on the 21st of June, 1815, at Newburyport, Mass. In 1816, he secured the formation of the African school, under the care of the Synods of New York and New Jersey, to fit colored young men to preach and become missionaries. It appears that at this time Mr. Mills was very much interested in and devoted to a plan of his own proposing, of a missionary tour into South America, with a view to explore the country, and prepare the way for missionary enterprise in that interesting part of the world. He made overtures of this nature to the American Board, and the plan for such a tour was once in a very considerable degree matured, but it was found necessary to abandon it for a time. While some of his plans were ripening for execution, he spent the summer and autumn of 1816, in the city of New York, where he devoted himself to inquiries into the moral condition of the poor, with a particular view to supply them with Bibles and tracts. His judg- ment of the importance of this work, and of the moral state of society in the cicies, are seen somewhat in his journal kept at the time, and indicates that there was a great necessity for such a work as he at- tempted to do. His Interest in Africa. From the very first of Mr. Mills's meditations on missionary in- terests, his mind was directed toward the African race ; and after- ward more and more, the civil, moral, and spiritual degradation of 560 History of Torrington. the children of Africa, both in this land of civilization and Christianity, and their own native regions of darkness, lay with continual weight upon his mind, and particularly after his first visit to the middle and southern states. Those to uhom he unbosomed himself on this sub- ject, could easily perceive that he was actuated by a power of feeling, and a confidence of faith, and a disinterestedness of desire, that pre- pared him to compass sea and land, to perform any labor, to endure any losses, to sustain any sacrifices in the prosecution of his design, and, if it were necessary, to die in the service of Africa. With the piety of the Christiaii, and the wisdom of the statesman, he early suggested, as one of the means of accelerating this work ot benevo- lence, the establishment of a school, to quality young men of color for preachers and teachers to the African race. While he was linger- inw in New York and New Jersey, in the summer and autumn of 1 8 16, he suggested and matured this plan. In his itineration through the states, he had been preparing the minds of many gentlemen of influence to favor such an establishment, and had received from them so much encouragement, that he was heard to say, that if only a treasury was opened at the north, it would be filled irom the slave- holding states.' By very wise methods the subject was brought before the synods of New York and New Jersey, and the school was estab- lished and successfully conducted several years. The agency of Mr. Mills in giving existence to this institution was very afl:ectionately acknowledged by the board of directors in their report to the synod in 18 1 8, soon after the tidings of his decease. That portion of the report reads as follows : " But while the board refer to these encouraging events, they cannot pass over one •.• liich has filled them and many of the friends of Zion with sorrow. They allude to the death ot him to whom, though his modesty and retiring nature concealed his agency from the world, the praise really belongs of originating the African school, as well as several other institutions, which rank among the most important and beneficial in our country, who died in the service ot Africa. The name of Samuel J. Mills ought to be known to the churches, and to be had in grateful remembrance, while worth is honored, and humble, ditinterestcd, laborious piety is btloved. For a mind teeming with plans to extend the Redeemer's kingdom, wholly devoted to that single object, and incessantly eng';^\>SK'. Biographies. 613 gallows," and so it was, and in so dying his name has become honored as a hero, beyond that of almost any other American citizen. By this remark it is clear that Captain Taylor was not slow to discern and understand the mind of the American public, and that his conservative principles had their foundation in conscientiousness and fear of consequences, rather than in the want of a benevolent dis- position, but John Brown knew no such caution or fear, for with him only one question merited consideration ; what was right must be done even if one should hang for it. Captain Uri Taylor did much for his own village and town, was much respected, and is still kindly remembered by the community generally. Elisha Turner, Was born at New London, Ct., Jan. 20, 1822, and received a common school education and attended the academies of Suffield and Colchester. Received his business education in a dry good store at New London and went into business for himself before he was twenty-one years of age, and had considerable interest in the whale fishing some years. In consequence of poor health he sold his business at New London and removed to Waterbury in the spring of 1846, and conducted the dry goods trade two years, when with others, in 1848, he started the hook and eye business under the name of the Waterbury Hook and Eye Company, in which he was the president and financial manager, and continued as such to the removal of the company to Wolcottville in 1864, and the formation of the new company called Turner and Clark Manufacturing Company, which js now the Turner and Sey- mour Company. Mr. Turner has represented the town in the legislature and has always been prominent in all public enterprises and responsibilities of high moral character, and is a most reliable and substantial citizen. Major Isaiah Tuttle, Was born in North Haven, May 23, 1752, and came to Torrington about 1772, on the west side of the town, where he married Ruth, daughter of Capt. Amos Wilson. After the birth of three children he removed to Torringford Society, northeast corner, when it was a wilderness, and built a house, and commenced clearing the lands. It is said that before removing his family to this part of the town he 6i4 History of Torrington. spent some time here, preparing for his family, and that he was obliged to keep fires at night to keep the wolves at a distance, as they were inclined to be troublesome. Previous to burning the brush on the land, he set an orchard, which he bent to the ground and covered with earth to prevent the fire from burning them. The orchard is still in a bearing condition. Major Tuttle was a hard working man and acquired quite a landed property ; owning lands in the towns of Torrington, Winchester, New Hartford and Barkhamsted. He erected the first house in that corner of the town, now owned and occupied by his granddaughter, Mrs. O. L. Hopkins. In 1803, he built a large two story house, opposite the original one, which with a portion of the land of the old homestead, was inherited by his son Leverette Tuttle, and in turn was inherited by his grandson John L. Tuttle, who now owns and occupies the homestead. Major Tuttle was noted for his wit and hospitality ; many of his sayings are quoted still by the old people. From the Winchester Annals^ the following is illustrative. " A hardy race were these South street pioneers, from Still river bridge to Major Isaiah Tuttle's, who sifted their corn meal for hasty pudding, 'through a ladder.'" The major remarked that by working bare- footed in the stubble fields, their heels became so hard and flinty that if they happened to tread on the feet of their cattle it would make them bellow. "Apropos of the major; the horse-tamer, who could ride any thing but chain-lightning ; was with his bovs felling timber on the top of the rid^e of mountains. 'Ihev felled a tail tree, so that one-third of its length extended over a precipice of some twenty or thirty feet. The major ordered his eldest son to go out on the trunk and cut away the tTp. Uriel went out and after striking a few blows came back with a swimming head. Daniel was sent out to finisii the job, but soon came back equally dizzv. After blazing away in his characteristic manner at his bovs for their want of pluck the major took his axe and went out himself, and chopped away, until the top of the tree unexpectedly yielded. He was standing with a foot on each side of the chopping, and as the one on the top section yielded he lost his presence of mind, and instead of grasping the main body of the tree, threw his arms around the falling section and went down with it. The boys, hastening around the precipice, came to the landing place of the lop of the tree, and found the major bruised and wounded, but on his feet, wiping away with green leaves the blood that was flowing into his eyes and mouth from a wound in his forehead. ' Father, said one of the boys, you have had a terrible fall.' 'Yes! yes!' said the major, ' a terrible fall ! Adam's fall was nothing to this ! ' " Major Tuttle had a ten year old bull in the lot with other cattle, Biographies. 615 which he ordered his son and hired man to drive out of the lot, and put him elsewhere. They went and after chasing him around in the field for a long time gave it up and reported to the major that they could not get him out. He said he was very sorry he had a son and hired man who could not get a bull out of a lot ; he would try what he could do with the critter. He took with him a dish of salt, and on his way cut two large clubs. When he reached the lot, having let down the bars on his way, he gave the cows some salt, the bull seeking his share as well, and watching his opportunity the major, with a single leap, sprang to the back of his bullship, which in fright started for dear lite on a run, making a hideous bellowing as he sped across the lot ; while the major, with a club in each hand, tanned his bulls hide vigorously, and by hitting him on the side of the head as was proper, guided him across the field under full sail and out into the highway. This somewhat indicates the spirit and energy of the major, and also of his descendants. They were prompt, energetic, spirited, courageous, and the end is not yet. General Uriel Tuttle, Son of Isaiah and Ruth (Wilson) Tuttle, was born in Torrington in 1774, and spent his life at the north end of Torringford street, as an energetic, industrious, successful farmer. He was a man of large in- fluence, not only in the town, but throughout the county, and con- siderably so through the northern portion of the state. The following extract from a letter written on the death of Gene- ral Tuttle, by his neighbor, Dea. Thomas A. Miller, to the Repub- lican^ is a proper tribute to the character of this good and great man : " Of the numerous virtues, and enlarged philanrhropy of General Tuttle, those only who were intimately acquainted with him can form a jubt appreci- ation. His eye was quick to perceive, his heart to feel, and his hand to relieve the wants of his fellow men. He was ready to enlist in any effort for the amelioration of suffering humanity. Possessed of an indomitable energy of character, he would surmount and overcome the most formidable obstacles. He was one of the first to enlist in the temperance reform, and threw his influence into that cause at a time when nothing was gained but obloquy and reproach. He ever remained firm and undaunted in this cause, until his death ; for only a few hours before he was stricken down by the hand of death, he was engaged in devising plans for the advancement of this reform. His efforts and untiring zeal in the cause of emancipation are too well known to the public in this state to need a delineation. Those who stood with him in the time which tried men's souls know as no others can the value of his counsels and self-denying labors. For many years and until his death he was 6i6 History of Torrington. president of the Litchfield County Anti-Slavery Society, and at the time of his death, the president of the State An'.i-Slavery Society. His house was literally a place of refuge for the panting fugitive, and his purse and team were often employed to help him forward to a place of safety. No man watched with more interest the advance of t^iis cause, in this and other lands, or longed more ardently for its ultimate success. But his work is done. That voice so often raised in behalf of suffering humanity is hushed in death ; that heart which was wont to beat quick for the down trodden and crushed bond- man has beat its last ; those hands which were prompt to relieve the wants of the distressed, are palsied in death. While we sympathize with the afflicted family, and while we deplore our loss, and the loss which every philanthropic cause has sustained, let us who sur- vive be incited to do with our might what our hands find to do." Rev. Herman L. Vaill, Was born in Litchfield, Dec. 7, 1794; united with the Congrega- tional church there in May, 1816 ; was disabled by ill health from a collegiate course ; began the study of divinity under Rev. Joseph Harvey, D.D., of Goshen, in 1821 ; was licensed by the Litchfield South Association, Oct. 15, 1822; was ordained pastor at Milling- ton, April 6, 1825, and dismissed April i, 1828 ; was pastor at East Lyme eight years, and came to Torringford and was settled pastor two years, being dismissed Sept. 29, 1839. He was afterwards settled at Seneca Falls, N. Y., three years. He was obliged thereafter to decline several invitations to settle, because of enfeebled health, and returned to Litchfield county in 1848, and preached at Milton two years, after which he preached only occasionally until his decease. His widow resides in Litchfield. George D. Wadhams, Son of Seth Wadhams of Goshen, was born in Cornwall in 1800, and became clerk for R. C. Abernethy at Torrington green, some time during his minority and came to Wolcottville, about 1825, and entered the store with John Hungerford as partner, where Workman and Weeks now are, where he continued many years in the mercantile business. In 1836, this store was united with the woolen mill and Messrs. Hungerford and Wadhams became partners of the mill com- pany, and the former giving his time to the work of manufacturing, the latter gave his time to the store, and other enterprises of business but did not long continue with the woolen mill company. Mr. Wadhams was an enterprising, energetic business man and citizen, and his plans and methods of business would have brought him better Biographies. 617 remuneration if they could have been executed fifty years later or in a large city, for all his work was thorough and honorable but much of it on too large a scale for the limited returns he could realize in so small a community. He built the house now owned and occupied by Mrs. Elizabeth Smith, and after residing in it some years sold it to Israel Coe, and afterwards built the dwelling, now the residence of Ransom Holly. By his directions and counsels a stock company was organized and the first button shop ot the place built ; which was afterwards, the papier machie shop, in which business he was still stock owner. He was engaged in several other manufacturing companies, as stock owner and officer ; in all of which he seems to have been, and is so spoken of by many, an honorable, upright, generous hearted man. Mr. Wadhams also built the granite block, an ornament to the village, in which is the Wadhams Hall, and in- asmuch as the community are enjoying and will be for many years the benefits of that hall at the expense of Mr. Wadhams it would be a matter of decided exhibition of want of gratitude if that hall should be called anything but Wadhams Hall. Mrs. Caroline H. Hayden Wainwright, Daughter of Cicero and Sophia (Squires) Hayden, married Rev. Jonathan A. Wainwright, M.D., of Montpelier, Vt., Sept, 8, 1858. He was ordained deacon by Bishop Horatio Potter, in Trinity church, New York city, June 27, 1858, and became assistant of the rector of the Church of the Transfiguration in that city ; resigned that position, Sept. 8, 1858, and took temporary charge of St. John's church near Fort Caswell, N. C. ; served at that military post one year, when he became rector of St. John's church, Wilmington, N. C. ; where he was ordained priest on Ascension day. May 17, i860; held that position until Nov., 1861. From that time until Sept., 1862, he had no settled charge, but officiated on Sundays at Milton and Bantam in Litchfield. He was elected chaplain of the 19th Regt. Conn. Vols., or 2d Conn. Heavy Artillery, and resigned that office, March, i, 1863. He became rector of St, John's church, Salisbury, Conn., March 27, 1863, which position he re- signed in 1 87 1. He is now president of St. Paul's college in Pal- myra, Mo. Lauren Wetmore, Son of Ebenezer L. and Elizabeth (Miller) Wetmore, married Fanny C. Austin in 1827. He has been an active, energetic busi- 78 6i8 History of Torrington. ness man, and an enterprising, progressive citizen, encouraging every moral, philanthropic, and elevating enterprise. He joined the first temperance society organized in Litchfield county, when he was about twenty-three years of age, and is still forcibly and heartily proclaiming total abstinence and no license principles through the village paper, the Wolcottville Register. ^ He united with the church and worked in it with success and acceptability to the people. Joined the abolitionists about 1837, and worked in this cause amid difficulties and at considerable cost. As the conflict increased and the cause of human freedom seemed more and more imperilled, he lost confidence in the church, believing it to be a pro-slavery organization, and left it, very much to the regret of many of his friends, but doubtless very much to his own comfort of moral rectitude. He has resided in his native town all his life except eighteen years spent in mercantile business in the city of New York, and is in full vigor of intellect and his natural strength but little abated though now in his seventy-fifth year. He remembers well the eclipse of the sun in June, 1806, though he could not at that time comprehend the fearful apprehensions of the' good fathers concerning such events. Of the district school when he attended it, he says. *' It was small in summer and large in winter ; sixty or more, in the latter case, of boys and girls, many of them sixteen and eighteen years of age, onlya few of whom formed a grammar class and remained after school hours to re- ceive instruction, as it was judged that the regular hours of the sehool should not be dissipated by the intrusion of the almost needless study of grammar. Morse's descriptive geography, with a very stinted allowance of maps, met with more general reception than grammar and a few more applied themseKes to this branch of learning. Dabol's arithmetic was the only mathematical series known in the school In reading, the American Preceptor and C 'lumbian Orator comprised the series unless some of the smaller readei-s were given the New Testament as the intermediate between the spelling book and the Precep- tor. Dilworth's and afterwards Webster's spelling books were the standards, but few persons having heard of or seen any othcis. Of the fine arts, writing was the chief, drawing being a punishable offence, as it was never indulged in except tor mischief. To excel in writing was an honor not easily won, and in this I remember Gerry Grant as the most distinguished. Of all those who used to crowd into the old school house only one or two arc left, the others are gone beyond the shadows, whither all must soon follow." Besides giving adheretice to all moral reforms, Mr. Wetmore is a strong, ac- tive supporter of educational interests, and has devoted much time and money, and is doing the same still, in behalf of the high school of Wolcottville. For 'See Register Dec. 1875. Biographies. 619 this institution he gave the lot on which it is located, and is continually exerting his influence for an efficient, thorough and advantageous system of public in- struction. Capt. Noah Wilson, Son of Dea. John Wilson, of Windsor, was born in 1715, and married in Windsor, Ann, daughter of William Cook, one of the original proprietors of Torrington lands. Noah received from his father about fifty acres of land and his wife about as much more from her father, from the first division and probably more afterwards. He and his wife joined the Torrington church in the spring of 1742, or about two years after Deacon John Cook, and was probably the first settler between deacon Cook's and the pine timber, now Wolcottville. His brother Amos probably lived with him ten or more years before marriage. Amos bought the mill privileges, but soon after Noah took one-fourth of the property, Amos retaining the same amount and others the rest. Noah seems to have attended more to his farm and farm work, and buying land, and his sons bought land, almost everywhere, in the town but specially in Mast swamp, and his daughter Ann bought land and sold land in various parts of Mast swamp, with her husband, Joseph Taylor. Noah Wilson was not a speculator in lands ; he bought to keep, and it would not have hurt his feelings much if he had owned half of the town. Not that he would wish others driven away, but he liked land, and liked to clear it, and see it improved, and let Amos do the work of the merchant. He was probably the first military captain in the town, but resigned and his brother Amos was elected to fill his place before the Revolu- tion. Noah Wilson was a true blue puritan in principles and character ; steady on the same track ; so much so that it almost takes one's breath to think of it. True to the pilgrims' idea of the Bible, so that any one in the town knew just what principles he held in religion, and what he would do when those principles should be put to the test as well as he himself knew. He was so sedate, so regular in all his doings, so strict in religious principles, that the youngsters called him " His Majesty." Under such circumstances, it may easily be seen how afflictive it was to him when his son Abijah became a Methodist, and one of the first Methodists in the state, probably about 1776 or 7. But the devoted Christian life of Abijah and his noted good wife, somewhat 620 History of Torringto N. modified the old gentlemen's opinions of the Methodists, and their doctrines. He closed his earthly career March 9th, 1796, aged 81 years. Such is an outline of the life of one of many of the early settlers and the strict followers of the doctrines of the Bible as taught and re- ceived by the New England people during the first century and a half after its settlement. Whatever notions may be entertained as to the errors of interpretation given to Bible statements in those days, or any errors of practical life, there is certainly great pleasure arising from the consideration of such fidelity, integrity, and nobleness of character as was produced in those times. In this respect the present age does not surpass that of a hundred years ago. Amos Wilson, Son of Dea. John and Mary Marshall Wilson, was born in Windsor in 1726, and came to Torrington a young man and united with the Torrington church in 1752, worked here ten or more years before his marriage to Zerviah, daughter of William Grant, in 1762. He settled on a farm given him by his father, one mile west of the then pine swamp, where he resided until his death. He was a man of great industry, and could " turn his hand " to almost any kind of work or business enterprises of that day, as is evident from his account book still preserved. Before his marriage he and his elder brother Noah entered into the enterprise of building the saw mill, known ever after as Wilson's mill, and wherein he and '^his brother did a great amount of hard, heavy work, both night and day during many years. How many days and years of cold and wet and heat, they endured, about that saw mill and in the woods " getting out logs," and afterwards in the grist mill also, cannot now be numbered nor imagined, but they were very many and the endurances very great. And thus the land was cleared for a beautiful village and for generations who might follow. The work was hard, unceasing, and brought small remuneration. Amos Wilson kept articles for sale as a merchant, probably, in his dwelling house, such as tea, sugar, indigo, silks, buttons, cloths and such things as were not raised in the town as well as the native productions of the soil. He was a man of considerable influence in the ecclesiastical society and in the church, at the time the second meeting house was built. He furnished material tor that house nearly two years before it was opened for service, and Biographies. 621 did much to secure its final completion. All through the church difficulties he sustained the side that finally built the new house and maintained steady public worship. He was thorough and straightforward in religious as well as business life. When Mindwell Grant did not live with her husband, and the church people were much exercised about it, Amos VV'ilson did not try to satisfy him- self with a great amount of talk, but preferred charges against her, and believed in doing something, and he made the church do sometliing, and thereby the matter was peaceably settled. When Dea. Abel Hinsdale became a member of the Masonic order, Amos Wilson stopped going to church, and refused fellowship with such a deacon, and a church that would keep such an one ; but when the deacon on oath before a justice of the peace declared that there was nothing in the Masonic oath, that was contrary to the character of a true Christian, so far as he could judge, Mr. Wilson was satisfied, and that matter ended peacefully, and in edification to all. The following is the only paper of the kind given during the Revo- lution, that has been found : "Jonathan Trumbull, Esq., Captain General and Commander-in-Chief of the English colony of Connecticut, in New England, in America. To Amos Wilson, Greeting: You being by the General Assembly of this Colony, appointed to ht captain of a company now ordered to be raised in this colony, and to join the conti- nental army, reposing especial trust and confidence in your fidelity, courage and good conduct, I do, by virtue of the laws of this colonv, me thereunto enabling, appoint and empower you, the said Amos Wilson, to be captain of said com- pany ; you are therefore, carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of a captain in leading, ordering and exercising said company in arms, both inferior officers and soldiers, in the service aforesaid, and to keep them in good order and discipline, hereby commanding them to obey you as their captain, and yourself to observe and follow such orders and instructions as you shall from time to time receive from me, or the commander-in-chief of said colony, for the time being, or other your superior officer, according to the rules and discipline of war, ordained and established by the continental congress, pursu- ant to the trust hereby reposed in vou. Given under my hand, and the public seal of said colony, at Hartford, the zoth day of June, anno do mini, 1776. Jon'th Trumbull. By his honor's command, George Wyllys, Sec^y. Dea. John Whiting, Son of Benjamin and Rebecca (Parmelee) Whiting, was born in Wallingford, now Meriden, Nov. 23, 1726, and came to Torrington about 1750. His house stood across the road west of the first meet- ing house in the southwestern part of the town. He was descended from one of the most noted men who came among the number called Pilgrim Fathers to America, the Rev. Samuel Whiting of Boston in 622 History of Torringto N. Lincolnshire, England, and later of Lynn, iVlass. His father was the third deacon of the first church in Meriden. Dea. Whiting was a man of great energy, steadiness of purpose, and of great faithfulness to the Christian church, as is clearly shown by the fragmentary records still preserved. He was elected in 1764, the third deacon of the first church in the town, and continued in that office until his death, fifty-six years. In the time of the great division and troublein the first church he continued to support the church and gave all his effort to keep the meetings at their regular times; and then aided in building the second church and sustaining the meetings until the whole matter was amicably settled under Mr. Gillett as pastor. He was the treasurer of the town several years after the decease of Dea. Cook, and was treasurer of the society, and for a number of years attended to the securing of preaching and paying for it, when it seemed almost every year, that the church would be closed. The deacon was a man of much work and very careful in keeping accounts, and very precise as to every farthing, for or against himself, being as particular to pay every penny as to be paid. He kept an account with his sons and daughters, the same as though they were strangers, so as to make the final settlement equita- ble between them. On January 10, 1771, he says: "Then de- livered to my daughter Mary, the wife of Levi Thrall, in movables and household furniture at money price, sum total, X49, igs. iid.^ i/., i. e., it lacked only three farthings of fifty pounds, yet he did not say fifty pounds. When he gave his daughter Rebecca her portion six years after Mary received hers, he says the goods were valued as when Mary had her things ; the high prices of 1778, made no differ- ence in his estimation of goods delivered to his children. This prin- ciple of equity he seems to have carried out in all his dealings. He had a slave girl Tilly who worked for his daughter Sarah, some months, and he charged Sarah two shillings a week for this help, but afterward credited Sarah with all the work she had done for her father, and the balance was largely in Sarah's favor. He was a man of rigid character, yet that character had high and noble qualities. Daniel Grant, one of the wealthiest and finest men as a citizen in the town, wanted to marry his daughter, but the deacon would not give his consent; his reason announced was, "he did not like the blood." He may have prided himself a little on " blood " for there Biographies. 623 was no blood in Torrington that went in a more direct line back through the kings of England and France to William the conqueror, than that of the Whitings. Dea. Whiting died Feb. 21, 1820, in his 94th year. Dr. Samuel W^oodward/ Was born in Watertown, Conn., Nov. 8, 1750, and was one of the nine children of Israel and Abigail Woodward, the average of whose ages was eighty-five years. His father was a farmer and educated his children to some useful vocation and enterprise, and Samuel was apprenticed to an elder brother, to the trade of a shoemaker and tanner, until he should be twenty-one years of age ; for in those days it was thought to be no disparagement tea young man's character to be energetically engaged in some employment that would render a good and independent living. When his term of service had expired, the employment being distasteful to his mind, he being studiously in- clined, he abandoned it and entered upon a course of study during the summer and teaching school winters, to fit himself for entering college with a view of becoming a clergyman, agreeably to the wishes of his pious mother. He entered Yale poUege in 1776, and made honorable proficiency in his studies. When the British troops attacked New Haven, and the college was transferred to Glastonbury ; the excitement and distraction became very great, in consequence of which, and in consideration of advanced age, he entirely relinquished his collegiate course. From that time he gave his mind to the study of medicine, and entered the office of Dr. Hastings, of Washington, Conn. ; and subsequently of Dr. Daniel Sheldon, of Litchfield, where he completed his studies. Doctor Woodward commenced the practice of medicine in Tor- ringford, in 1779, where he continued twelve years, and then re- moved to his native place. After remaining in Watertown two years he returned to his original field of practice which soon became extensive, arduous and lucrative. He married Polly Griswold, of Torringford, Feb. 10, 1782, by whom he had six sons and three daughters, all of whom are deceased. Doctor Woodward was possessed of a fine physique, vigorous con- stitution, and great powers of endurance ; so much so that he scarcely » Contributed by E. D. Hudson, M.D., of New York city, in memoriam. 624. History of Torrington. knew a day's illness, until a few years before his decease. He had a well organized and developed brain ; strong intellect, quick per- ceptions, good sense, sound judgment, independent thought and ex- pression. His moral faculties were equally worthy and philanthropic for his day. To temperance, industry, intellectual and moral culture, and practical religion, he rendered homage and in public and private schools, and the academy of Torringford, which have sent forth so many teachers, missionaries, clergymen, lawyers and physicians, the influence of his character was always a quickening power. He drew more young men unto him to learn the healing art, than any other physician in Litchfield county having had over forty students of this kind. He was a self educated man and physician, always seeking for the light of science in the arts. On the lid of an electric machine which he gave me as a token of his regard for my attention to his chronic ailments, a copy of prophecy was pasted ; viz: " Men shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased." He was a well read physician and surgeon for his day ; when the ad- vantages for scientific acquirements were very limited, and much of success in the practice of medicine was attained only by critical and attentive observation and experience ; in consequence of which, as it was well known, much of the practice of medicine, with the less critical and unthinking minds, was pretty much a routine. As a characteristic of Doctor Woodward's independence of mind power of analysis, and natural resources for special occasions, it may be men- tioned, that, at the time when malignant typhoid pneumonia, known as spotted fever, prevailed as an epidemic most fearfully and fatally in Torrington and various parts of New England, and which for a time baffled the most skillful physicians. Dr. Woodward quickly perceived the strange, low and virulent type of the disease and immediately abandoned the routine treatment of pneumonia, and all depleting remedies, and resorted to stimulants, and vigorous supporting reme- dial agencies, with such signal success as gave to him deservedly an extended reputation.' In a later period of his practice, he was called to visit a patient in an adjoining town, in consultation with a young and worthy physician, who had enjoyed distinguished privi- ' A woman now living says that Dr. Woodward told in her father's house how he learned to treat this disease. A young girl was attacked with the disease j the mother was much frightened and sent for the doctor, but perceiving the girl was cold in her extremities she began to give her brandy, and make hemlock tea, in the effort to get her into a perspiration. When the doctor came the patient was doing so well that he said, " that learned me how to treat spotted fever." — Ed. Biographies. 625 leges of education, and graduate^d at one of the modern medical colleges. After consultation Dr. Woodward prescribed so pecu liarly, as to greatly surprise the young doctor, who asked for his authority for such a prescription. The reply was graphic and sum- mary: '' the authority of Samuel Woodward." Such decision and self reliance characterized the man as to inspire his patients and every class of men, to repose unlimited confidence in him. On one occa- sion, of a bad case of compound fracture of the leg, an eminent surgeon of a neighboring town was sent for; mean time Doctor Woodward, called for the immediate exigency of the case was greatly indignant that any one should suppose him incompetent for the case, and at once assumed the responsibility and put up the limb with such successful results as was highly creditable to his skill as a surgeon. To all the physical and civil interests and aspects of the town, he was ever attentive, and contributed his judgment and leading in fluence. At a time when almost the entire interval of alluvial de posit, of Torrington and Winchester high hills from Wolcottville to Winsted, along the banks of Still river, was an everglade, a fenny, dense bush and miry bog, dangerous for man or beast to enter, Newton Rossiter, then an enterprising and extensive tanner, currier, and shoemaker, being located at what is now Burrville ; and having to transport hides and leather from, and to New Haven, over abrupt and toilsome hills, projected a road through this morass, along the river, from Winsted to Wolcottville, for his own, and the public benefit. The project was deemed impracticable and Utopian, by the inhabitants of the town who regarded the lands wholly unreclaimable. The opposition, headed by Dr. Woodward, raged intensely. In town meeting where it was voted down, he heatedly declared it a " fool- hardy idea, and that if it were built, no living creature could or would travel it save snakes, polecats, woodchucks and foxes." The project was forced and executed by private enterprise ; was useful and appreciated. Since then the Naugatuck railroad has been built in that valley, and " men ride to and fro " upon it ; the signal of the steam whistle reverberates over Torrington hills ; the telegraph wires communicate knowledge. If father Mills, and Dr. Wood- ward, could awake from their sleep, and see, hear and understand these wonderful changes, they would exclaim as Mr. Mills was wont to do : "I am astonished ! I am amazed ! I am confounded ! I am speechless ! " 79 626 History of Torrington. To whatever cause Dr. Woodward allied himself, he became a power. His native strength of organization, and acquired abilities shone forth conspicuously with great effect. He was ingenuously and nobly above all intrigue. " In politics, he was a democratic re- publican ; ever zealous of rulers, and an unflinching advocate of the rights of the people." He was one of the exceptional few of Litch- field county, to adopt the principles of what was designated as the "Jeffersonian democracy" immediately after the close of the war with Great Britain, for which he was ever a strong and persistent advocate. In thus doing, and in the face of his numerous patrons and friends, who were unflinching federalists, of the Cromwellian stamp, he exhibited great fearlessness, and an independent mind and character, with distinguished ability. He was equally vigorous, con- cise and graphic in his writings for the press, as in his speeches. Many respected him through fear, for he was no ordinary opponent to confront. Dr. Woodward was for his day a great man ; a physician beloved, and a philanthropist. Although he was regarded with much doubt by the federal and orthodox Calvinists, and with whisperings of in- fidelity^ yet he was a man who feared God, and loved his fellow men. And when in unmeasurable usefulness, and at an advanced age, be- cause of chronic physical disease, he was compelled to retire from the practice of medicine, and eventually to yield up his life, the people mourned for him as a father to the whole community, and could not be comforted, " because he was not ; " and after forty years, his place is vacant, as a house without inhabitant, as a desert without the healing fountain, as a land without its Washington. He deceased on the twenty- sixth day of January, 1835, aged eighty- four years and two months. He was attended as his physician and surgeon by the writer of this sketch, during the later days of his life -, and who was the subject of Dr. W's, surgery for a fractured leg, while a youth ; and who had intimate opportunities to know him and his character, and who most cheerfully avails himself of this opportunity to make this small contribution to the honor of the phy- sician, surgeon and friend of his youth, and one of the great, the noble, and true men. Mary Woodward, The only daughter of Dr. Samuel and Polly (Griswold) Woodward, was born September 20, 1783. She was possessed of many of the BrOGRAPHIES. 627 Strong mental and physical characteristics of her father and had ex- cellent intellectual capacity ; was amiable in disposition and manners, and studious in her habits, and havino; received a good education, moved in the best society, being in no wise the least of that remark- able household. Many noble families there have been in the town of Torrington, but of all of them, few equaled the one where this young lady was the joy and pride of brothers ; the comfort of parents ; and possessing sterling good sense, great wisdom of thought and pow- er of discrimination, a symetrical and dignified personal appearance, she commanded great respect and consideration and was as perfectly a lady, as her elder brother was a gentleman, and no way inferior in native talents. She remained unmarried until considerably advanced in years, when she married John Gillet, an intelligent, stable and highly respected bachelor, and farmer, with whom she had always been acquainted, he having been reared in her immediate neighbor- hood. Samuel B. Woodward, M.D.,^ Was born June 11, 1787, and was the eldest son of Dr. Samuel and Polly (Griswold) Woodward of Torringford, and inherited the physi- cal and mental powers of his father; if anything different, was an improvement in elegance of stature and demeanor. Under the limited facilities for obtaining an education in his own community, his father instructed him principally, and prepared him for the medical profession. He studied medicine, with other young men in the of- fice of his father, three or four years, when he was licensed to prac- tice medicine, thereafter assisted his father for a time in order to acquire some knowledge of clinical medicine. In the year 1808, he settled in Wethersfield, Hartford county; and soon became popular as a man, and a physician, and gained an extensive and lucrative practice. He had the honor of the degreeof doctor of medicine, conferred by the State Medical Society, before the present medical department of Yale college was instituted. Dr. Woodward's physical conformation, stalwart frame, physiog- nomy, dignity of carriage, great urbanity of manners, and benevo- lence, were very imposing, and prepossessing, and secured for him popular favor, while his studious, thoughtful and analytical qualities of mind, inspired general and unqualified respect and confidence in him as a beloved physician. He was by nature a noble gentleman. 'Manuscript of Dr. E. D. Hudson, of New York, 1875. 628 History of Torrington. He early associated with the choicest, most talented, and scientific physicians of the valley of the Connecticut, and of the state ; and be- came an honored cotemporary with them in their scientific pursuits and practice of medicine. With such men as Eli Todd, Mason F. Cogswell, Thomas Miner, William Tully, and Eli Ives, he was in moral, philanthropic and medical rapport^ though many of them were greatly his seniors in years. It was their custom to hold stated monthly meetings of what was denominated as the Hopkins^ Medical Society^ every mem- ber becoming such, by a unanimous ballot ; to read essays, discuss the character, types, and causes of any prevailing or local disease ; also the properties, powers and availability of various remedial agencies. Pharmacy received a good share of their attention, which by their analytical studies and personal experiments was scientifically advanced ; the improvement, in the present practice of medicine re- flects their wisdom and philanthropy. Dr. Todd had an immediate and special concern for the insane ; and made nervous and brain affections the subject of weighty consideration, and untiring research. In that important study and humane desire. Dr. Woodward con- tributed his warmest sympathy and mental efforts. They intro- duced the subject to the State Medical Society, and urged the prac- tical advantage and necessity of a public institution for the special study and treatment of insanity. Their appeals were cordially accepted and adopted, and both were appointed on a committee to devise the ways and means to accom- plish the worthy object. The Connecticut Retreat for the Insane, at Hartford, and its immeasurable good and scientific re- sults, testify to the wisdom and beneficent works of these men. In 1832, Dr. Woodward left Wethersfield, abandoned his general practice of medicine, accepted the honorable appointment of super- intendent and physician-in-chief, of the Massachusetts State Lunatic Asylum, at Worcester ; wherein he devoted his great talents exclu- sively to the treatment and well being of the insane. His annual reports of the cases in that institution, his medical and moral treat- ment of its inmates were very creditable to his head and heart, and were valuable auxiliaries to medical science. He also manifested great interest, and exercised commendable zeal and influence on behaif of inebriates and idiots, for their treat- ment, and evolution by legitimate means ; and to establish an asylum for the one class of unfortunates, and a school for the other. Biographies. 629 As a testimonial of the regard which was entertained for his profes- sional and moral worth, the " old Bay state " has deposited a marble bust of the man in the lunatic asylum. In 1846, he retired from professional duties, because of impaired health, and made his resi- dence at Northampton, where he deceased in 1850, aged sixty-three years. In religion. Dr. Woodward was a Christian democrat ; a philan- thropist of a most worthy pattern; not regardful of sectarism, yet respectful to all lived faiths^ manifested in love to God and good will to men. His life being almost exclusively devoted to science and philanthropy, gave him very little time to bestow upon politics and parties. Yet on one or two occasions he was elected to the state senate, when as usual he magnified his office for the public good. Such in brief was the character and life of Dr. Samuel B. Wood- ward, one of the sons of the town of Torrington ; a son in whom all other of her sons may justly feel a pride. Dr. Elijah Woodward, M.D.,^ Was -born April 25, 1789, and was the second son of Dr. Samuel and Polly (Griswold) Woodward. He inherited a constitutional tendency to lung affection, from some source, which disease made sad havoc for many of the members of Dr. Woodward's family. He was possessed of a fine intellect, and was an accomplished young man ; a student with his father, in medicine, and was very promising. He received a license to practice medicine, and assisted his father to some extent, though his health was precarious and threatening. In 1817, when he was twenty-eight years of age, he was violently attacked with haemoptysis, and tubercular ulceration of his lungs, which proved fatal. It was a sorrowful event to his father, and family, and his numerous, sympathising friends in Torringford. Griswold Woodward, ^ Was born in Torringford, February 3, 1 791, and was the son of Dr. Samuel and Polly (Griswold) Woodward. He received a good English education, and being inclined to agricultural pursuits, was allowed to devote himself to the farm and ' Manuscript of Dr. E. D. Hudson of New York, 1875. 630 History of Torrington. the farming interests of the family home. He became a good and reputable farmer of the town. During the winter seasons he fre- quently taught school, and always manifested much interest in the promotion of education, both in the common school and the aca- demy, for which latter Torringford became quite noted. He was much respected, and was elected to various ecclesiastical, civil, military, and political positions which he filled with honor. At the commencement of the temperance reform he was one of the foremost advocates ; making public addresses ; attending meetings in different parts of the county, and was the first man in his community to abandon the practice of furnishing liquors during harvest time, paying his men additional wages in the place of the cost of the liquor, showing that it was not a matter of money but of beneficence to humanity. His name is mentioned with much respect throughout the town. RuFus Woodward, A.M.,^ Was born in Torringford July 16, 1793, and was the son of Dr. Samuel and Polly (Griswold) Woodward. He gave early promise of more than ordinary intellect, and of be- coming the ornament to the paternal household. His father, with great appreciation and pride of so bright a son, gave to his education greater attention and effort than to any of the other sons, and secured to him a collegiate education at Yale, where he was graduated in 1 8 1 6 with the principal honors of that institution. He was appointed tutor in the college in 1818, which position he filled with great credit until 1822, when on account of his failing health he was compelled to resign. He was an apt scholar, of rare attainments and great moral worth ; and was on the way to distinguished preferment, when the insidious foe of his house indicated that he was a marked victim. For the purpose of regaining his health and escaping if possible the fell de-^ stroyer, and progressing in his literary pursuits, he made a voyage across the Atlantic, spent a season of travel in Europe, England and Scotland. He there became prostrated and died among strangers ; though not without numerous sympathizing friends, in Edinburgh ; in the autumn of 1823, in the thirtieth year of his age ; " when the genius of Columbia sped over the ocean wave, to meet, and weep with Scotia's bard in McFingal's cave." His remains were respect- ^ Manuscript of Dr. E. D. Hudson of New York, 1875. Biographies. 631 fully deposited in the cemetery of the protestant kirk of Edinburgh, where rests the dust of John Knox, and where a marble slab com- memorates the short but brilliant life granted to him. In St. Cuthbert's church yard in Edinburgh on a tablet set in the wall close by DeQuincy's grave is the following inscription. " In memory of RuFUs Woodward, born at Torringford, Connecticut, i6th of July, 1793 ; graduated at Yale college 18 16 ; visited Europe to pursue his studies and restore his health, 1823. Died at Edin- burgh 24th Nov. 1823. His friends here who cheered his last hours and committed his remains to this grave knew and recognized him as the amiable American stranger."' The early fall of this man was a great loss to the world. Society, literature, science, philanthropy, and the good of men suffered greatly when he departed this life. There was great sorrow and heaviness of heart in the old home on Torringford hill when it was known that the son Rufus, would return no more to that sacred hearthstone. The several essays and reviews which he contributed to the Christian Spectator^ together with his other literary productions, characterize his intellectual powers as those of critical philosophical analysis, vivid, entertaining and instructive description, and great love of literary research. He was of the college class of 18 16 ; of which William C. Fowler, LL.D., was one, and of whom he published a sketch in the Christian Spectator. Dr. Henry Woodward^ Was born in Torringford May 26, 1795, and was the son of Dr. Samuel and Polly (Griswold) Woodward. When a youth he exhibited unusual mental abilities and personal qualities. At sixteen years of age he was induced to enter a store to assist in trade, which soon proved irksome and repulsive to his mind. He left the store and commenced the study of medicine un- der his father's instruction; and after a time continued the same under his brother, Dr. S. B. Woodward of Wethersfield, until he received his degree of doctor of medicine at Yale college. He after- ward entered into a co-partnership of medical practice with his brother during a limited period, when he removed to Middletown, as a suc- cessor to Dr. William Tully, who was about to leave that city. ' Hartford Daily Courant, Oct. 1 1, 1872. 'Manuscript of Dr. E. D. Hudson, New York, 1875. 632 History of Torrington. He became highly respected as a physician and citizen, and soon acquired an extensive practice and considerable celebrity. He was very highly esteemed by the noted of the profession, and early re- ceived the honorary degree of doctor of medicine by the State Medi- cal Society. He possessed and exercised that frankness of speech and firmness of character which characterized his father, which, with his active benevolence and philanthropy, rendered him a very useful member of society. He was a member, vestryman and war- den of the Episcopal church. He was cut down in early life, in his growing usefulness by dis- ease of the lungs and rapid phthisis, that insidious foe to others of his father's family, in 1832, in the thirty-seventh year of his age. Dr. Charles Woodward' Was born in Torringford, August 16, 1798, and was the son of Dr. Samuel and Polly (Griswold) Woodward. He received most* of his education by the instruction of his father and at the Torringford academy ; and afterward studied medicine with his brother. Dr. S. B. Woodward. He then received his degree of doctor of medicine from the medical department of Yale college. In 1822, in his twenty-fourth year, after having spent some time with his father in practice, he went to Windsor, Ct., and settled. There he encoun- tered the opposition of physicians, much his seniors in age and prac- tice, who had been trained in the practice of the expectantia system^ quite inefficient for the successful treatment of the type of most of the acute diseases incident to that malarious region. His discriminating sense, studious habits, great fortitude, attentive- ness and sympathy won for him a good business, a commanding ascendancy over his competitors and respect of his professional breth- ren, with whom he maintained an honorable standing. He was an earnest, active member of the Hopkins Medical Society, for the ad- vancement of medical seience, and an honored fellow of the state Medical Society. Dr. Woodward remained in Windsor ten years when he removed to Middletown to fill the place made vacant by the death of his brother Henry, to whose practice he succeeded with great credit. Dr. Charles Woodward, probably, inherited more of the tempera- ment and prominent traits of character of his father than any other 'Manuscript of Dr. E. D. Hudson, of New York, 1875. Biographies. 6^3 member of the family. He possessed great decision of character, self reliance and adherence. His religious views and practice were similar to his father's ; and in politics he was an active and promi- nent member of the democratic party. He was for several years in succession, alternately a member of the state legislature and senate. He continued in the practice of medicine until nearly the time of his decease in 1872, in the seventy-fourth year of his age. Luther H. Wood, M.D., Son of A. F- Wood, druggist of New Haven, was graduated in Sheffield Scientific school at Yale college, in 1867, and in the medi- cal school of the same institution in 1869. He settled in Wolcott- ville in the autumn of 1872, having previously practiced in Monroe and Southington, and has devoted himself entirely to his profession in which he has had much success. George Wolcott, Son of Guy and Abigail Wolcott, was born in Torrington, July 26, 1826, and was one of a family of twelve children. At the age of sixteen, he removed with his father's family, to Tallmadge, Summit county, O., in 1822. His father died the next August, leaving him in care of the farm, assisted only by his youngest brother, where he continued until the spring of 1828. Desiring to engage in business for himself he went to Wadsworth, O., where he purchased on credit, one hundred acres of wild land at four dollars per acre, and commenced clearing it himself. He married Aug, 6, 1828, Mar- garet Hine, of Tallmadge, O., who was born in North Milford, now Orange, Ct. The second day after marriage he took his wife to his new home, beginning married life in a log house with only one room and a chamber. The same autumn he took a contract to fur- nish plank for a large bridge, sawing the lumber himself by night, as the mill was used by others during the day time, and for this work received fifteen dollars, the first money realized after engaging in business for himself. In 1832, he bought half of a saw mill and engaged in the manu- facture of fanning mills, which enterprise proved successful. In 1836, he sold his possessions at Wadsworth, and made arrangements for finding a home and facilities for water power farther west. Leaving home in March, 1837, he went into Indiana and established his enterprise near the southern line of Johnson township. La Grange 80 634 History of Torrington. county, on the middle branch of the Elkhart river. Here he put up a log house and laid the floors, leaving the rest to be completed by the neighbors, while he went after his family. This is the place now called Wolcottville, Indiana. Returning with his family he reached his new home September 28, in the fore part of the day, the weather being cold and rainy, and found his house in the same un- finished condition, without doors, windows and fire-place, as when he left it. He left Mrs. Wolcott ^nd her five children at the nearest neighbor's, Mr. Taylor's, while he and the three hired men, whom he brought with him, gathered stones to build a temporary chimney back, so that fire could be built for the night. This being accom- plished blankets were substituted for windows and doors ; beds put up to accommodate eleven persons, and the family were settled in their western home. By a few days' work the house was made comfortable and Mr. Wolcott proceeded to business " by clearing a piece of land for a mill dam and pond and constructed a race halt a mile long. In 1838, he built a saw mill, appropriating a part of it for a temporary grist mill, putting one run of stone for custom work. In 1839, he built a store and a frame barn, and put a few goods into the store. In 1845 ^^ '^"•'^ ^ large grist mill with three run of stone, bring- ing the machinery from Ann Arbor, Michigan, on wagons with horses and oxen, a distance of one hundred and sixty-five miles, and occupying from ten days to three weeks in the journey. He ground the first grist November 9th, which made it a day to be celebrated. This same year he built another saw mill. In 1847 ^^ built a new store, putting into it a full stock of goods, and thereby was conduct- ing seven different branches of business ; milling, sawing, coopering, blacksmithing, mercantile, ashery and farming. Having succeeded thus far he turned his attention to another en- terprise. Being anxious to give his children a better education than could be obtained in the district schools he sent to Governor Slade, president of the National Educational Society that met at Hartford, Conn., to send a teacher as governess in his family. The governor sent from one of his classes Miss Susan Griggs, of Westfield, Ver- mont, a lady of culture and true Christian refinement. She taught one year in the family, during which time he had received frequent requests to grant other children to receive the benefit of her instruc- tion. The next year hq put up a building suitable for such a pur- pose, and school commenced November 23d, and the institution Biographies. 635 took the name of Wolcottville Young Ladies Seminary. After- wards young men were admitted. Soon after this he built a board- ing house with rooms for students to board themselves and also to be boarded in the institution, and rooms for a steward and matron. All the money used by Mr. Wolcott in these enterprises were from his own resources. He also gave largely for the support of the gospel, and was in the true sense of the word the poor man's friend. He died March 31, 1857, aged fifty-one years, leaving a wife and six children. GENEALOGIES. < • • » > ABERNETHY, William, was a native of Scotland, and came to Branford and thence to Wallingford. The name of his first wife was Sarah, that of his second Elizabeth. He was an active energetic man. Children : 1. Elizabeth, b. Oct. 15, 1673. 5. Samuel, b. Jan. 10, 1683, d. Mar. 14, 2. William, b. Jan. 23, 1675. 1723- 3. Sarah, b. Oct. 10, 1677. 6. Daniel, b. Sept. 3, 1686. 4. Mary, b. Mar. 29, 1679. 7- Susannah, b. July 18, 1689. 2. William, son of William of Wallingford, m. Mary , and lived in Wallingford. He d. Feb., 1728, and she d. Jan. i, 1757. Children: 8. Mary, b. April 30, 1700. ning May 12, 1727, a. 19. 9. Jemima, b. Aug. 20, 1702. 13. Caleb, b. Feb. 11, 1710, m. Lois Gay- 10. Sarah, b. Dec. 15, 1704. lord. 11. Ann, b. June 7, 1706. 14. Susannah, b. April 28, 1712, m. Sam- 12. John, b. Feb. 27, 1708, killed by light- uel Yale. 13. Caleb, son of Wm. and Mary Abernethy, m. Lois Gaylord of Wal- lingford, Sept. 26, 1733. Children: 15. William, b. July i, 1734. 18. Mary, b. Dec. 9, 1739. 16. Mary, b. Nov. 23, 1736. 19. Jared, b. Oct. 31, 1741. 17. John, b. July 2, 1738. 15. Dr. William, son of Caleb and Lois (Gaylord) Abernethy, studied medicine and settled in Harwinton, as a physician and m. June 20, 1762, Honor, daughter of Abijah Catlin, the first of the name in Harwinton. Dr. Wm. Abernethy was a successful, much esteemed and honored physician in Harwinton, where he d. Nov. 26, 1802, aged 68 years. His widow Honor, d. Sept. 14, 181 1, aged 66. Children: 20. Honor, b. Aug. 28, 1763, m. Daniel 26. Andrew, b. April 23, 1776, d. June 2, Catlin. 1782. 21. Lorain, b. Sept. 25, 1768, m. Abel 27. Huldah, b. Feb. 21, 1778. Peck. 28. Russell Catlin, b. Feb. 9, 1780, m. 22. Capt. Wm. Conant,b. May 25, 1770, m. 29. Andrew, b. June 28, 1782, m. 23. Lucretia, b. June 8, 1772, m. Timothy 30. Sabrah, b. June 3, 1785, m. Clark. 31. Horace, b. June 14, 1787, d. Feb. 12, 24. Roswell, "lb. June 20, ~| m. 1788. 25. Rosseter, J 1774, /d. young. 28. Gen. Russell, son of Dr. William and Honor (Catlin) Abernethy, was in Washington, Ct., some time before coming to Torrington, He m. Sept. 17, 1803, Orrel, daughter of Elisha Smith Esq,, who was at that time one of the prominent officers of the town. Mr. .■\bernethy became one of the most prominent and higlily respected men the town ever had. (^See biography^ His wife Orrel d. May 26, 1835. He d. Sept. 16, 1861, a. 81 years. Ch. : 32. Elisha Smith, b. Oct. 24, 1805. Wm. B. DeForest May 3, 1836, d. in 33. Lucy S., b. Sept. 7, 1807, m. George New Haven in 1877. D. Wadhams, Dec. 25, 1829, d. in Wol- 35. Charlotte Leaming, b. Oct. 2, 1820, m. cottville. George P. Cowles Sept. 18, 1844, resides 34. Mary Lucretia, b. Mar. 27, i8iz, m. in Ansonia. 638 History of Torrington. 32. Elisha Smith, son of Gen'], m. Charlotte Huginsof New Haven, He entered Yale when 16 years of age and graduated, and studied law and became a lawyer, resided some years in Bridgeport where he died 1869. Children: Helen, m. Oviatt, lives in Bridgeport. Agastus. Russell, d. in the West. Charlotte, d. young. Augustus, rec'd diploma M.D., at Yale 1864, is a physician in Bridgeport. AGARD, James, lived in Litchfield, probably not far from the Torrington line, as his children were baptized in Torrington, there being a settled minister at Litchfield during the time. Children : 1. Abigail, b. , m. Joshua Parsons of dau. who m. Chauncey Humphrey of Farmington, April 29 1762. Winchester. 2. Salmon, b. Sept. 9, 1744. 4. Chloe, b. Dec. 4, 1748. 3. Elizabeth, b. Mar 19, 1747, m. Benoni 5. Sarah, b. April 9, 1753, m. Friend Hills of Torrington Oct. 28, 1773, l^ad a Thrall, Nov. 23, 1774. 2. Salmon, son of James, m. and lived in the southeasterly part of Newfield where he died, not far from 1800. It is said, the family removed west soon after the death of the father. Children : 6. Salmon, b. ; removed west. 9. Rhoda, b. 7. James, b. 10. Olive, b. And probably others. 8. Benjamin, b. Benjamin, son of Salmon, m. Rhoda daughter of Issachar Loomis of Tor- rington, April 7, 1 796, lived in Torrington and Colebrook, and left there in 1816 with his brother-in-law, Joseph Loomis and removed to- Wadsworth, Medina 'o., Ohio. Going in the winter, and after some distance on their way, they took the wheels from their wagons and put them on sleds, with boxes on top with their goods, and traveled most of the way in that manner, on the snow, to Wadsworth. He bought a large tract of land in the northeast part of the town, and cleared a large farm. He was a very careful farmer, of great prudence and economy in saving everything, and keeping everything in order ; always holding an abundant supply of grain for the next year, for fear the next year might not render a sufficient supply. 12. Alvin, was the eldest son of Benjamin, b. in Torrington Jan. 14, 1797, d. July 29, 1837. He was an industrious farmer, of very diffident and retiring disposition, but little known even by his neighbors. He was a man ot much reading, intelligence and observation. For many years he kept a complete meteorological record, on a plan of his own, noting the tem- perature at 6, 12, and 6 o'clock, the direction of the wind, and the fall of rain and snow. He married Lucy, daughter of Salmon Warner. 13. AuRELius b. March 6, 1799, M.D., of Sandusky City. 14. Rhoda b. July 23, 1802. 15. Roman Loomis, b. Dec. 3, 1804 ; b. in 1805 ; married a Miss Wright. He was a worthy citizen, and a member of the Congrega- tional church. He died June 3, 1846. No descendants of the Agard family remain in Wadsworth. Bradley R., son of Luman Agard of Litchfield, m. Mary A., daughter of Charles S. Church, Npv. 3, 184I ; and is one of the prominent and reliable men of the town. He has been first selectman many years and has served the town in other offices with unusual acceptance. Children : 1. Arthur B., b. June 3, 1846. ville. 2. Susie Church, b. Oct. 16, 1852, m. 3. Charlie G., b. June 29, 1863. Gideon H. Welch, a lawyer in Wolcott- 4. Ollie F., b. Dec. 10, 1867. Genealogies. 639 ALLEN, Hiram, came from Hebron to Torrington about 1825. He had been m. to a Miss Tinker, a relative of Col. George P. Bissell's mother. He taught school on the Guinea road, near Harwinton line. He m. a Barber and d. Apr. 3, 1826, a. 63. Child: 1. William, b. Dec. 26, 1790. 1. William, son of Henry and (Tinker) Allen, m. Hannah Johnson, Nov. 26, 1816, and lived in Hebron. His wife Hannah was born May 27, 1798, in New London. Children : 2. William, b. Jan. 20, 1818, was a phy- Pennfield in New Britain. sician and practiced medicine in Meriden, 7. Adaline L., b. Sept. 30, 1828, m. ist d. in 1850. Alfred L. Burt of New Britain ; 2d Milo 3. Edwin, b. Sept. 12, 18 18, d. an infant. Shattuck of Manchester, Ct. 4. Harriet N., b. July 16, 1821, d. when 18. 8. Hannah E., b. May 13, 1830, d. an in- 5. Nancy E., b. Jan. 27, 1823, m. C. M. fant. Burt in 1841 ; lived in New Britain, Ct. 9. Henry J., b. May 26, 1831, in Man- 6. Caroline A., b. .May 27, 1826, m. Lemuel Chester, Ct. 9. Henry J , son ni' William and Hannah (Johnson) Allen, m. Ellen Robin- son of New Britain, Nov. 14, 1853, and came to Wolcottville in 1859, and bought of Charles F. Church the Allen House property, where he has kept a hotel ever since. Children : 10. Henry J., b. Feb. 20, 1855, in New Britain. Britain. 12. Hattie B., b. Oct. 5, 1867, in Wolcott- 11. Nellie H., b. Dec. 14, 1857, in New ville. 10. Henry J. Jr., son of Henry J. and Ellen (Robinson) Allen, m. Mary- Walling, Dec. 16, 1875 ; resides with his father. Child: 13. Emma Mary, b. Nov. 30, 1876. ALLYN,' Hon. Matthew, came from Braintree, Essex county, England, probably, with his sons, and settled at Cambridge, Mass., in l63^ ; removed to Connecticut, 1635 ; may have lived a short time in Hartford, and after- wards settled in Windsor. He m. Margaret in England. He d. Feb. I, 1670. Children: I. Hon. John, m. Hannah, dau. of Henry 2. Thomas. Smith of Springfield and died at Hartford. 3. Mary, m. Benjamin Newberry of Windsor. 2. Thomas, son of Matthew and Margaret Allyn, m. Oct 21, 1658, Abigail, daughter of Rev. John Warham, first pastor at Windsor. He d. in Windsor, Feb. 14, 1695-6. Shed. Children: 4. John, b. Aug. 17, 1659, d. Oct. 4, 1659. Wolcottt, Jan. 6, 1686, descendants nu- 5. Matthew, b. Jan. 5, 1660. merous. 6. Thomas, b. Mar. 11, 1663, m. Martha CoL. Matthew, son of Thomas and Abigail (Warham) Allyn, m. Jan. 5, 1686, Elizabeth, daughter of Hon. Henry Wolcott and granddaughter of Henry Wolcott the first of the name in Windsor. .She inherited from her grandfather an estate situated in the parishes of Tolland and Ledyard Lauran, in Somerset- shire, and at Willington, called Long Forth, in England. The rents of these lands, held by her husband in her right, were disposed of by him in his will, 1740, to their three living sons, and the four sons of his son Thomas, deceased. His estate was £1,806. On his tombstone in Windsor is the following: The Hon. Col. Matthew Allyn, Esq., who was many years the council and judge ' There was from the first two spellings of this name but the ^/len family was not related to the Allyn family. The Allen family came from Enfield and settled in East Windsor. The Henry All)n family came with Mr. Warham 's company, in 1636, to Windsor. Another Scotch family by the name Allyn came fifty or more years later. 640 History of Torrington. of the superior court, for the colony of Connecticut, d. Feb. 17, A.D. 1758, in ye 98th year of his age. Mrs. Elizabeth Allyn, consort, d. June 4th, A.D. 1734, ^^ y^ 69th year of her age. " And here their bodies sleep in dust Till the resurrection of the just." Children : 7. Matthew, b. Aug., 1687. 10. Thomas, b. 1696. 8. Peletiah, b. May 3, 1689. 11. Henry, b. Dec. 16, 1699. 9. Jusiah, b. March 9, 1692. 12. Theophilus, b. Aug. 26, 1702. 10. Capt. Thomas, son of Matthew and Elizabeth ( Wolcott) Allyn, m. Elizabeth . Besides being a prominent military man he was one of the responsible and active men in the first society. He d. Dec. 11, 1738, a. 42. Children : 13. Thomas b. Nov. 7, 1725, m. Sarah 15. Eunice, b. June 7, 1730, m. Epaphras Phelps. Sheldon, April 30, 1752. 14. Theophilus, b. Nov. 23, 1726, m. Tri- 16. Jonathan, b. March 5, 1733. phena Wolcott. 17. Joseph, b. June 3, 1737. 17. Joseph, son ot Thomas and Elizabeth Allyn, m. Elizabeth Filley, at Windsor, and removed to Torrington and settled on a farm nearly a mile west of Wolcottville, on which he lived until his death. This farm consisted, at his decease, of about two hundred acres of land. His wife Elizabeth united with the Torrington church December 11, 1763. She d July 15, 1810, aged 72 years. He d. April 14, 1831, aged 94 years. Children : 18. Elizabeth, b. June 23, 1762, never 22. Henry, b. May 20, 1773. married, d. Nov. 23, 1843, a. 81. 23. Oliver, b. Dec. 15, 1775. 19. Joseph, b. May 14, 1765. 24. Hannah, b. Sept. 26, 1778, never mar- 20. Chauncey, b. Dec. 2, 1767, d. may 20, ried, d. Dec. 12, 1836, a 58. 1784, a 17. 25. Gilbert, b. Oct. 11, 1780. 21. Jonah, b. May 23, 1770. 19. Joseph, son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Filley) Allyn, m. 1st, Phebe Smith, March 28, 1793. She d. Sept. 21, 1798. He m. 2d Sabra Loomis, March 18, 1801. She d. Nov. 20, 1833, a. 56. He lived a little east of his father's homestead, and was an active, energetic farmer, until nearly the time of his decease. He d. October 12, 1841,3. 77 years. 21. Jonah, son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Filley) Allyn, m. Laura Root of Burlington, Ct., abont 1826, and lived with his brother Gilbert some years, when he removed to and lived on Gilbert's farm on the Litchfield turnpike. Ch. : 26. Jonah, b 1827, d. young. 27. Laura Caroline, b. 1831, d. young. 22. Henry, son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Filley) Allyn, m. Betsey Palmer of Windsor, July 26, 1798. He lived some years about a mile north ot west from his father's home, on the north side of the road on the hill, where the re- mains of a chimney arc to be seen ; the place having been long known as the " old chimney lot." He was a tall, broad shouldered, powerful man. He d. Nov. 25, 1843, a. 71 years. His widow Betsey, d. March 3, 1859, a. 84 years. Children : 28. Henry, b. July 17, 1799. 32. Leonard, b. Nov. 24, 1807, removed to 29. Julia, b. July 4, 1801, m. Lyman the state of" New York, where he married Beach of Litchfield, April 7, 1823, and Laura Bowen. removed to the town and county of Greene, 33. Jonah, b. May 27, 1811, m. and re- N. Y. > moved to Missouri and afterwards toTexas. 30. Chauncey, b. July 7, 1802, d. Oct. 18, 34. Amorit, b. Aug. 23, 1812, m. Riley 1851, a. 49, not m. ; built the house across Cook'hnd resides in Wolcottville. the road a little east of his father's home. 35. Annis, b. Feb. i, 1814, m. Geo. P. 31. Elizabeth, b. Jan. 4, 1804, never m. Roberts. Genealogies. 641 23. Oliver, son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Filley) Allyn, m. Lury Looinis, May 7th, 1801, and settled on the Sarah Higley farm on the hill half a mile north of west from his father's homestead. Two of his deeds were dated, the one in 1799, the other January 30, 1800. His life came to a close while hunting the cows at evening during a thunder storm. Not returning home as expected, search was made for him late in the evening with lanterns but with- out success. In the morning he was found dead in the lot ; supposed to have died of a fit or something of the kind. He d. Aug. 27, 1831, a. 56 His widow Lury d. April 2, 1843, a. 68 years. Children: 36. Amelia, b. July i, 1S03, m. James 39. Phebe Smith, b. June 8, 1813, never Whiting, April 10, 1828. m. , she collected in part her family gene- 37. Horatio Nelson, b. March 11, 1805. ^logy* guing to Windsor and making dili- 38. Joseph, b. May 29, 1809. I^Toiun Rec.) gent searchj d. May 9, 1862, a. 49 years. 25. Gilbert, son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Filloy) Allyn, m. Mrs. Phebe Chamberlin. He was an efficient and active man in behalf of the interests of the town and community for many years. He d. Nov. 18, 1850, a. 71. 28. Henry Jr., son of Henry and Betsey (Palmer) Allyn, m. Rheuba, daughter of Giles Whiiing, Feb. 17, 1824, lived in different parts of Torring- ton, and removed to Windsor, where he d. Children : 40. Giles. 43. Henry. 41. Chauncey. 44. Charles. 42. Sophia. 37. H. Nelson, son of Oliver and Lurv (Loomis) Allyn, m. Speedy, dau. ofL. Hamlin Birge June 7, 1832. She was born July 16, 1812. He resides on a farm half a mile west of Wolcottville, a beautiful and picturesque location, as are nearly all the residences on the road running west from the \illdge the distance of two miles. A part of (his farm he bought as an out lot or an un- occupied lot, and settled on it as the first resident. It was covered with bushes, briers and weeds wherever the rocks and stones left room for a weed to grow, but it has become, under the energetic hand of iis owner, a productive and desirable homestead. It is to be doubted however, whether the success of the farm had been as great, but for the fact that there was as much energy in the house as on the farm. Children : 45. Ellen Eliza, b. April 14, 1833, d. Feb. B. Johnson of Cornwall, may 25, 1875, 27, 1844, a. II years. and has a son Satiford Allen b. March 46. Alonzo Nelson, b. April 6, 1838, d. 25, 1876; Mr. Johnson is a lawyer and Aug. 30, 1839, a. one and a half years. formerly editor at Lilchtield, and a farmer. 47. Edward, b. 1840, d. Feb. 19, 1844, a. 50. Sarah Elizabeth, b. March 25, 1876, d. 3 years. a, 7 weeks. 48. Mary Ellen, b. Sept. 24, 1844, d. Sept. 51. Cornelia Dellie, b. Aug. 27, 1850. 14, 1862, aged 19 years. 52. Charles Edward, b. Jan. i, 1852, d. 49 Martha Eliza, b. Oct. 2, 1846, m. Solon Jan. 17, 1874, a. 21 years. 38. Joseph, son of Oliver and Lury (Loomis) Allyn, m. Esther dau. of Samuel VVestlake, April 17, 1845 ; settled on the farm at the foot of the hill where he lived until his death, and where his widow and her sons still reside. He was a man of considerable public spirit and enterprise, taking special in- terest in the enlargement and beautifying the Torrington burying ground. During the last few years of his life pior health did not allow him to perfect the work about the burying ground as he had purposed, and when he went the work stopped. When Mrs. .■^llyn was a girl and working by the week, she re- ceived one dollar and twenty-five cents a week which was the usual wages. Work- ing hours ranged in the summer from half past four in the morning until bedtime 81 642 History of Torrington. in the evening, and the work was hard woric. The wedding coat of Joseph, the first Allyn in the town, is still to be seen in the possessi. n of this family, also a pair of revoluiionary horse pistols, made by Medad Hills. Children : 53. Frederick A., b. Feb. 17, 1846. 55. J. Eugene, b. Aug. 28, 1859. 54. George A., b. Feb. 27, 1850. APPLY, EzEKiEL, was a revolutionary soldier and settled at Holbrook's mills about 1800. He had children, Josiah, John, Ezekiel, David, Eunice, Charlotte, and Betsy ; the last who m. Hiram Johnson, and lives in Goshen, East street with her son George. She had also Laura, and Caroline. Tlie Apply families were well known many years through their grist mill and other enterprises of labor, as mechanics and farmers, but all arc removed from the town. ASHBORN, James, m. Maria L. daughter of Luther Cook Feb. 14, 1859. He d. Dec. 7, 1876. Children: I. Luther, b. Dec. 8, 1859, d. Jan. 20, 2. Charles, b. Mar. 12, 1861. 1876. ASHLEY, Henry, son of John Ashley, was b. in Sheffield, Mass., May 27, 1832, and enlisted in the army in October 1863, where he remained one year, and came to Wolcottville in the spring of 1864. He m. Mary L dau. of Samuel S. Rider of Sheffield, Mass.. Oct. 12, 1864. She was born Feb. 14, 1843. He is a carpenter, engaged in the shop with C. Hotchkiss and sons, and resides on Migeon avenue. ATWATER, Asaph, a native of Southingtoji, m. Lucy Ann Dibble, May 27, 1772, both of Torrington at the time of marriage. Children rec. in Tor- rington : 1. Mehitible, b. March 4, 1773. ^- Benaroy, b. March 20, 1779. 2. Thomas, b. March 7, 1774. 7. Enos, b. Feb. 14, 1783. 3. Mehitible, b. Sept. 11,1775. ^- A daughter, b. Aug. 4, 1785, not named, 4. Asaph, b. Aug. 15, 1776. and probably died in infancy. 5. Lucy, b. Jan. 28, 1778. AUSTIN, x'\aron, with his wife and several sons came from Suffield, Ct., to Torringford about 1755 or 6, and some of them settled on West street. Some of his sons were probably married when they came here. Joshua, David, Daniel and Aaron are mentioned in the deeds as among the early settlers. These may not all have been sons ot the first Aaron. The wife of Aaron died Oct. 28, 1794, a. 73, Aaron d. Feb. 9, 1801, a. 84. The following are said to have been sons of the first Aaron : 1. Aaron. 3. Samuel. 2. Nathaniel. There was another Samuel Austin who m. Ruth Gillett of Torringford, Nov. 14, 1765, and had the following children: Mindwell, b. Aug. 25, 1766. Ruth, b. Feb. 12, 1769. Sarah, b. Mar. 6, 1768. Clymena, b. Mar. 15, 1772. 1. .Aaron, son of .Aaron, lived a short time in Torringford, removed to New Hartford, became judge of the court and an iiiflueniial man. Children : 4. Euseba, b. Apr. 7, 1758 ; became a 6. Roswell, b. Mar. 23, 1765, m. physician. Strong, removed to Ohio. 5. Eliphalet, b. June 8, 1760, m. 2. Nathaniel, son of Aaron, m. 1st Anne Bidwell of Windsor Sept. 28, 1775, she d. May 7, 1793 ; 2d Margaret Mills, iiicce of Rev, Sam. J. Mills, Genealogies. 643 He lived on Toringford West street, and d. Sept. 4, 1844, a. 92. Hiswidow d. Oct. 8, 1851, a. 90, Children by 1st wife: 6. Nathaniel, b. Aug. 20, I78£, m., removed 9. Anne, b. Nov. 24,1787, d. Feb. 28, west and d. at Ravena, Ohio. 1868, a. 81. 8. Joab, b. Mar. 15, i 785, removed to O. ; 10. Abigail, b. Jan. 26, 1790. d. Nov. 10, 1839, a. 54. II. Clarissa, b. Mai. 26, 1793. By 2d wife : 12. Lewis, b. ; removed to Austinburg, O. ; Wolcottville. d. Mar. 10, 1872, a. 77. 15. Fanny, b. in 1802, m. in 1827 Laurin 1 3. Rebecca, b.j m. Ransom Coe of Charl/^s- Wetmore. town, Ohio. 16. Esther, b. ; m. Giles A. Gaylord. 14. Charlott, b.; m. John Hungerford of 3. Samuel, son of Aaron, ist, m. Mary Bissell of Torringford Oct. 18, 1774 ; and after some years removed to Ohio. Children : 17. Polly, b. Apr. 8, 1776. Gillett. 18. Cyrenius, b. Mar. 5, 1779. 20. Samuel, b. Sept. 15, 1783. 19. Rachel, b. July 29, 178 1, m. Horace 21. Bissell. 5. Eliphalet, son of Aaron Austin of New Hartford, m. Sibyl Dudley of Torrington ; removed to Ohio, bought one-third of a township of land, and was called alter his name Austinburg, he being the first settler in the town. He d. Jan. 28, 1838, a. 77. Children: 22. Elizabeth, b. May 25, 1780, m.j removed 23. Roswell, b. July 21, 1781 ; removed to west. Austinburg with his father. AUSTIN, Theodore W., son of Nelson Austin, of Goshen, was b. Aug. 5, 1838. He m. first Esther S , daughter of Stephen Roberts of Goshen, Sept. 27, 1854. She was b. Feb. 17, 1837, and d. Feb. 2, 1867. He m. second Lizzia A., daughter of Marcus Ovidtt of Torrington, Oct. 16, 1867, and removed to Wolcottville in the spring of 1872, where he continued in the livery business until spring of 1873, when he removed to Plymouth, Ct. His wife Lizzia A., was b. May 8, 1841, and d. Nov. 4, 1876. Children : 1. Wilbert N., b. June 23, 1859. 3. Elmer Grant, b. Jan. 15, 1869. 2. Emma L , b. Dec. 28, 1863. B.'^LDWIN, Junius, son of Stephen and Hannah (Burgess) Baldwin, of Goshen, was b. Sept. 15, 1807; d. of typhoid fever June 10, 1861, a. 54. Hem. Julia A. P., daughter of Dennis Hallock, of Cairo, Greene Co., N. Y., Sept. 14, 1828. She was b. Sept. 19, 1803. He was a farrner and resided in North Goshen. Children : 1. Eliza Hannah, b. Aug. i, 1829, m. 8, 1841. These three d. of scarlet fever. Daniel Kimberly. 5. Caroline Lucretia, b. Nov. 13, 1840, d. 2. Lydia Lucedia, b. Sept. 29, 1832, d. June Sept. 12, 1861. 23, 1841. 6. Junius Dudley, b. Dec. 26, 1843, d. Apr. 3. Junius Dudley, b. Dec. 5, 1835, d. June 18, 1861. 18, 1841. 7. James Burgess, b. Sept. 14, 1846, m. 4. Stephen John, b. June 15, 1838, d. June 7. James B., son of Junius and Hannah (Burgess) Baldwin, m. Martha E., daughter of George Merriman of Litchfield, May h, 1868. Children : 8. Charlie Hodges, b. June 25, 1870. 9. Ralph Merriman, b. June 17, 1874. B.'\CON, James, m. Hannah . Children recorded in Torrington : 1. Hannah, b. June 6, 1762. 4. Eldad, b. Dec. 17, 1768. 2. Esther, b. April 2, 1764. 5. Rachel, b. Aug. i, 1772. 3. Ann, b. June 5, 1766, d. next day. 6. James, b, Sept. 23, 1775. 644 History of Torrington. BANCROFT, John/ perhaps son of John, of Lynn, Mass., was at Windsor, in 1645 ; m. ilannah Dupper, Dec. 3, 1650, he d. Aug.6, 1622. Ch : 1. John, b. Dec, 1651. 4. Hannah, b. April 6, 1659. 2. Nathaniel, b. Nov. 19, 1653. 5. Sarah, b. Dec. z6, 1661. 3. Ephraim, b. June 15, 1656. 3. Ephraim, son of John and Hannah (Dupper) Bancroft, m. Sarah Stiles, May 5, 1681 ; lived in Windsor. Children: 6. Ephraim, b. Feb. 8, 1682. 10. Benjamin, b. May 10, 1694. 7. John, b. Feb. 8, 1685. 11. Daniel, b. July 16, 1700. 8. Sarah, b. Feb. z6, 1687. 12. Thomas, b. Dec. 14, 1703. 9. John, b. Dec. 19, 1690. 6. Ephraim, son ot Ephraim and Sarah (Stiles) Bancroft, m. Frances Phelps, March 17, 171 5. Children: 13. Sarah, b. 30, 1715. 17. Hannah, b. July 23, 1723. 14. Ephraim, b. Oct. 17, 17 1 7, d. 'young. 18. Eliza, b. July 13, 1725. 15. Ephraim, b. Mar. 12, 1719. 19. Ruth, b. ; d. Jan. 28, 1728. 16. Isaac, b. Aug. 17, 1720. 20. Ruth, b. Sept. 7, 1729. 15. Lieut. Ephraim, son of Ephriam and Frances (Stiles) Bancroft, m. Esther Gleason of Enfield Dec. 6, 1739. He settled in Torrington about 1759, on the lot which his father drew in the first division ; the lot joining Ebenezer Lyman's on the north, his house standing on the east side of the road a few rods north of Gen. Epaphras Sheldon's. He kept a tavern during the Revolution and years afterwards. He was a man ot quiet disposition ; clear, discriminating judgment, and was very much esteemed and respected, and when he died, Esqr. Benjamin Whiting said "no man in this society can fill Lieut, Bancroft's shoes " (see chapter on Business Centres, Lyman Street, and War of Revolution 1. Mr. Bancroft's wife was a high-spirited woman ; would not let her children play with other neighboring children. Children : 21. Tryphena, b. Aug. 10, 1740. Burke, Vt. 22. Alice, b. Mar. 4, 1742, d. 1750. 25. Ephraim, b. Feb. 6, 1749, d. July 6, 23. Esther, b. Dec. 23, 1744, m. Roswell 1750. Coe, April 22, 1766. 26. Ephraim, b. Feb. 24, 175 i, m. 24. Ruth, b. Dec. 13, 1746, m. Barber, vifho was a tailor and removed to 27. Noadiah, b. Dec. 13, 1753, '"• 18. Oliver b. July 22, 1757, m. 26. Ephraim, son of Lieut Ephraiin and Esther (Gleason) Bancroft, m. Jemima, daughter of Moses Loomis Nov. 2, 1775, and settled on a farm, then new, east side of the road a little north of Esqr. Benjamin Whiting's, where he lived until his death. He was a man of genius in making farming implements, and in putting up buildings. He died by a fall from the scaffolding over the barn floor, in 1808 or 9. His widow died about 1834. or 5. Children: 29. Miles, b. July 27, 1776, d. April 5, shop. He became a printer, learning his 1795, by eating maple sugar. 30. Tiyphena, b. Feb. 5, 1779, m. Wright of New Hartford, had one dau., Huldah ; m. 2d. Seymour Bradley. 31. Jemima, b. May 30, 1781, m. David Grant, of Litchfield, removed to Che- nango Co., N. Y., and became wealthy. 32. Huldah, b. Aug. 12, 1784, d. July 2, 1788. 33. Oliver, b. June 9, 1787 ; he first ac- quired a taste for literature, by reading books and papers in Owen Brown's shoe trade with Hudson & Goodwin at Hartford; was a great reader and had a great memory ; was never married. 34. Moses, b. Aug. 27, 1789; lived on his father's homestead, where he died, not m. 35. Horace, b. Sept. 30, 1791, m. 36. Dr. Rueben, b. Aug. 3, 1794; became a physician, settled in Plymouth, Ct., a time, then removed to (Jhenango Co., N. Y., where he became a celebrated physi- cian. Is deceased. 'Written sometimes Bancraft. — Hiil, IVindsor. Genealogies. 645 27. NoADiAH, son of Lieut. Ephraim and Esther (Gleason) Bancroft, m. Jerusha, dau. of Capt. Epaphras Loomis, Sept. 7, 1780. He lived on his father's homestead on the Lyman street; a farmer, and a man of energy and spirit. Children : 37. Erastus, b. Oct. 27, 1782, d. young. 38. Luman, b. Mar. 23, 17845 was a shoe- maker; settled in Harwinton and d. about 1871. 41. Dr. Erastus, b. Oct. 31, 1790. 42. Chester, b. , m. Harriet, dau. of Richard Loomis, lived in the town a time then removed to Winchester. 39. Noadiah, b. Apr. 12, 1786, became a 43. Warren, b, lived and died in this town, lawyer and settled in Mass. 44. Charlotte, b. , m. Miles Beach ; 40. Jerusha, b. May 19, 1788, m. Miles lives in the town. Wilcox, a blacksmith, and removed to 45. Clarissa, b. m. Seymour; d. Chenango Co., N. Y. April 25, 1875 (.?) 28. Dr. Oliver, son of Lieut. Ephraim and Esther Gleason) Bancroft, was a revolutionary soldier and was in the battle of Monmouth, N. J. He became a physician, settled in Newtown, where he was a practicing physician many years, and where he died. Children : 42. Lurandus. 43. A daughter, never m. 35. HoR.ACE, son of Ephraim and Jemima (Loomis) Bancroft, m Damaris Thompson of Mansfield, Ct., and lived on the old homestead of his father. Ch. : 4.4. Helois, "I . , Beach, lived on the homestead a time, TT , y twms d. young. , .,11 jl u. f~- 45. Helen, J •' ° then so. d the home and bought a farm in 46. Mahlon, b. Sept , 1827, d. 1852. Goshen, where he and his wile died. He 47. Horace, b. Dec. 9, 1830, m. Elizabeth was a peddler and a s.nart man. 41. Dr. Er.-^stus, son of Noadiah and Jerusha (Loomis) Bancroft, m. Amanda, dau. ot Capt. Sa iiuel Bradley ; was a physician in Wolcottville over 50 years. {See Biography.) Children: 48. Charles, b. d. in 1876, and both were buried in one 49. Caroline, b. ; m. Nathan Phelps; they grave; leaving a son and a daughter. BARBER, Elizur, son of Issachar Barber of Harwinton, was b. Sept. 4, 1798; m. Polly Phelps Oct. 25, 1825, She was b. Aug. 7, 1799. He owned and lived some years on the farm now owned by Frederick Taylor below Wolcottville, then came to Wolcottville where he still resides. Children : 1. Adaline E., b. Sept. 9, 1826, d. Dec. 4. Sarah E., b. Oct. 14, 1833, d. June 18, 9, 1828. 2. Adaline M., b. Nov. 9, 1828, m. San- ford H. Perkins, Sept. 11, 1851, who d. 1 8 34. 5. Charles E., b. June 7, 1835, d. March 8, 1836. 6. Mary E., b. Nov. 13, 1837, m. Sid- ney G. Law, Oct. 27, 1859; had Addie E., b. June 9, 1861, d. Aug. 6, 1861 ; Freddie H., b. July 13, 1862; Nellie M., b. April 4, 1865; Carrie, b. Aug. 24, 1869; Laura Julia, b. Dec. 31, 1873. 7. Charles P., b. Feb. 20, 1840, d. Dec. II, 1^63. 8. Myron E., b. Oct. 21, 1843, m. Eliza- beth Young, June 12, 1873; had Eliza- beth Young, b. Oct. 10, 1875. BARBER, Thomas, the first in New England, came to Windsor, with Mr. Francis Stiles's party m 1635. He was made freeman in 1645, and was a soldier in the Pequot fight. He removed to Simsbury, where he contracted to build the first meeting house. He married Jane , October 7, 1640. Ch. : 1. John, bap. July 24, 1642. 4. Samuel, bap. Oct. i, 1648. 2. Thomas, bap. July 14, 1644. 5. Mary, bap. Oct. 12, 1651, m. Hale. 3. Sarah, bap. July 19, 1646. 6. Josiah, bap. Feb. 15, 1653. Dec. 9, 1874; had Frank B., b. Nov. 20, 1852, who m. Nellie Hartwell, May 20, 1874, lives in Springfield, Mass.; Edson A., b. Dec. 18, 1858; Alfred H., b. Sept. 17, i860. 3. Elvin E., b. April 7, 1831, is a physi- cian, practiced a time in Wolcottville then removed to Bethel, Ct., where he resides. He m. Julia A. Birge, Nov. 29, 1854; had Lizzie M., b. Nov. 21, i860, Minnie B., b. July 4, 1864. 646 History of Torrington. 6. JosiAH, son of Thomas and Jane Barber m. Abigail, daughter of Na- thaniel Loomis, Nov. 22, 1677, lived in the south part of Windsor, near the river. Children : 7. Abigail, b. March 12, 1678. 10. Jonathan, b. June 4, 1694. 8. Josiah, b. 1685. 11. Aaron, b. July 20, 1697 9. Nathaniel, b. Apr. 6, 1691. 12. Rebecca, b. Apr. 11, 1698. 9. Nathaniel, sen., son of Josiah and x^bigail (Loomis) Barber, m. Mary Filley July 2, 171 i. He was one of the original proprietors in Torrington, but never resided in this town, but remained in Windsor. Children : 13. Mary, b. Aug. 6, 1713. 16. Abigail, b. Dec. 11, 1720. 14. Josiah, b. Mar. 6, 1714. 17. Azuba, b. Oct. 31, 1725. 15. Nathaniel, b. Dec. 5, 1717. 15. Capt. Nathaniel, son of Nathaniel and Mary (Filley) Barber, m. Hepziba Loomis, Sept. 13, 1739. He removed to Torrington among the first settlers and lived in southwest part of the town, across the road from Mr. Charles S. Munger's present dwelling. (So said Uncle Luman Loomis.) This was the first family of the name in the town. He d. Mar. 8, 1788. His widow d. March 26, 1793. Children: 18. Hepziba, b. March 9, 1740, d. Jan. 2, 23. Chloe, bap. April 7, 1751, m. Abner 1760. Loomis, as 2d wife. 19. Nathaniel, bap. Aug. 29, 1742. d. 24. Lois, bap. July 8, 1753. Mar. 9, 1743. 25. Keziah, bap. Nov. 16, 1755, d. May 20. Nathaniel, bap. Feb. 19, 1744, m. 22, 1774. 21. Elijah, bap. May 11, 1746, m. 26. Susa, bap. Feb. 19, 1758. 22. Timothy, bap. Nov. 6, 1748, m. and 27. Eli, bap. Mar. 29, 1761. lived west of Luman Loomis's present 28. Ziba, \ bap. Aug. "1 Jemima m. Be- dwelling. 29. Jemima, J 14,1764,/ noni Loomis. 20. Nathaniel, 3d, son of Nathaniel and Hepzeba (Loomis) Barber, m. Mercy SpofFord of Salisbury, March 17, 1769. He d- March 31, 1782, a. 37. Children : 30. Uri, b. June i, 1769. 32. Zimri, b. May 29, 1773. 31. Levi, b. June 11, 1771. 33. Eli, b. Apr. 22, 1775. 2 1. Elijah, son of Nathaniel and Hepzeba (Loomis) Barber, m. Mary, daughter of Beriah Hills, July 10, 1766, and lived near Luman Loomis's late residence. He had a son Elijah James, who built the house, the late residence of Luman Loomis, which house is 96 or 7 years old. Child : 34. Luman [Toivn Rfc), b. Nov. 12, 1766. BARBER, Abijah, son of Joseph and Zain Barber, was born July 15, 1767. Some of his brothers and sisters were Joseph, Elisha, Friend, Elihu, Roswell, Sina, Susannah, Jemima, Huldah, m. Henry L. Meade, post master at Bethle- hem, N. Y. Most of these lived a time with their parents at Bethlehem, N. Y., where the father Joseph, d. about 1795, and the motlier Zain, d. Feb. 1817. Abijah Barber came to Torrington, before he was twenty-one years of age, and m. Mary, daughter of Issachar Loomis, Feb. 16, 1797, and settled on the farm of his father-in-law. He was an industrious successful faimer, and d. May 5, 1832, a. 65. His widow d. Jan. 18, 1839, a. 70. Children: 1. Marvin, b Aug. 6, 1796, m. 28, 1877, a. 75. 2. Millard, b. June 28, 1798, m. 4. Hiram, b. Oct. 31, 1804. 3. Alzada, b. Sept. 22, 1801, not m. d. Jan. 5. Sheldon, b. May 13, 1807. I. Dea. Marvin, son of Abijah and Mary (Loomis) Barber, m. first Re- becca Whiting; 2d, Elizabeth Whiting, Feb. 16, 1832. He was elected deacon Genealogies. 647 of the Torrington church in 1822; is well spoken of as such. He d. in 1840, a. 44; his widow m. Augustus Grant, Nov. 9, 1847. Children by his first wife: 6. Marvin. By his 2d wife : 7. Charles M., b. May 22, 1833. Eighmie, Jan. 19, 1872; lives in Pough- 8. Milo F., b. Aug. 28, 1835, m. Sarah J. keepsie, N. Y. 2. Millard, son of Abijah and Mary (Loomis) Barber, m. in Pennsylvania; removed to Illinois, where he d. April 5, 1874. Children : 9. Robert. II. Mary. 10. Martha. 12. One that d. about 14 years of age. 4. Capt. Hiram, son of Abijah and Mary Loomis Barber, m. He d. Feb. 26, 1877, a. 72. 5. Sheldon, son of Abijah and Mary (Loomis) Baiber, m. Sally E., daughter of Willard Hodges, April 10, 1833, and sctiled on the old Aaron Loomis farm, owned for a time by Willard Hodges, where he lived until his death Jan. 15, 1877. He was a very hard working, successful farmer, owning many hundreds of acres of land at his death. His widow d. Nov. 5, 1865. Child : 13. Willard H., b. Oct. I, 1835. 7. Charles M., son of Marvin and Elizabeth H. (Whiting) Barber, m. Emily M., daughter of Benjamin Price of Goshen, Nov. 24, 1859 ; lives on the homestead of the late Capt. Hiram Barber. Children : 14. Mary Elizabeth, b. July 30, 1864. 16. Elizabeth Hyatt, b. Dec. 15, 1868, d. 15. Lucretia Jane, b. March 17, 1866. July 15, 1869. 13. Willard H., son of Sheldon and Sally E. (Hodges) Barber, m. Jane E. daughter of Wait B. Wilson, Nov. 11, 1855, and lives on his father's home- stead. Children : 17. Aduna J., b. March 16, 1859. 20. Carrie J., b. Feb. 28, 1864. 18. Allan W., b Aug. 18, 1861. 2X. Jennie C, b. May 28, 1865. 19. Winfield, b. Feb. 16, 1863. 22. Sheldon, b. March 12, 1867. 4. Elihu, son of Joseph and Zain Barber was born April 19, 1787, came to Torrington from Harwinton, m. ist, Jemima North, x^pril 19, 1787 ; was a man of great physical strength and endurance and a hard worker, acquired considerable property ; built the house in Newfield where his son Orson now resides, and afterwards removed to West H.irtford, where he d. Oct., 1832, a. 69. His wife Jemima d. Dec. 4, 1818 ; he m. 2d, Sally Goodwin, of Litchfield. He is said to have been drawing a load of rye from the field with a yoke of oxen, and going down a steep hill, the yoke dropped from one of the oxen, whereupon he took up the yoke and carried it in the place of the ox, down the hill safeiv- In the time of the temperance movement, about 1830, Rev. Mr. Gould called on him and asked him to give his influence to the reform by signing the pledge. He replied that he could not sign the pledge but that he was trying to reform He used to drink quite bad but had got down to a quart a day, and that was doing as well as he dared venture on the start. Children : 1. Mary b. June 22, 1793, rn. Oliver Loomis. Loomis, Feb. 4, 1814. 4. Elkanah, b. June 25, 1803, m. 2. Elihu, b. Feb. 24, 1798, m. 5. Orson, b. Nov. 6, 1805, m. 3. Jemima, b. April 16, 1800, m. Ephraim 648 History of Torrington. 2. Elihu, son of Elihu and Jemima (North) Barber, m. ist Sally Demlng of Wethersfield ; 2d Mary Cartwright ; 3d Emily Clark of Avon ; lived in West Hariford ; d, Feb., 1857. Children by 2d wife; 6. Mary, d. young. 7. Elihu, d. young. By 3d wife : 8. Roxanna, d. young. 10. Emily, m. Seth Griswold. 9. Lucy Ann, d. young. 4. Elkanah, son of Elihu and Jemima (North) Barber, m. Cynthia Tubbs ; lived a short distance above Daytonville on the east branch ; m. 2d Electa Tubbs; d. in 1865. Children by 1st wife : II. Truman. 12. Nathan. By 2d wife: 13. Maria. 14. John. 5. Orson, son of Elihu and Jemima (Norih) Barber, m. 1st Roxy Ann Egglesion in 1829, who was b. May 16, 1811, d. June 29, 1840, a. 29. He m. 2d Martha Starks, Dec. 4, 1842, who was b. Aug. 9, 1823. He lives on his father's homestead near Ncwfield corners, on the old Capt. Eli Richards place Children by 1st wife : 15. Elihu D., b. Aug. 28, 1831, d. May 16. Louisa R., b. May 15, 1840, m. Carlton 27, 1839, a. 7 yrs. C. Fyler, Aug. 15, i85i. By 2d wife : 17. Francis M., b. April 29, 1854, m. John W. Gamwell, Nov. 23, 1874. BARBER. Chester, son of Simeon and Sarah (Peck) Barber, of Harwin- ton, m. Marilla, dau. of John Biige, Feb. 6, 1821 ; and purchased the Elihu Olmstead place, on Torringford East street, east side (or in New Hartford) and settled on it in 1822, where he still resides. His wife Marilla, d. Jan. 7, 1862, aged 64. Children : 1. Chester H., b. Sept. i, 1822, m. 3. Sarah M., b. Sept. 28, 1835, '^- Chris- 2. Willard O. b. Sept. 15, 1825, m. topher Colt, Oct. 27, i860. 1. Chester H., son of Chester and Marilla (Birge) Barber, m. Maria, dau. of Allen Blake of Winchester, May 1, 1844. She was b. Apr. 16, 1822. Mr. Barber lives on his father's homes'ead and is a successful farmer as well as his father before. Mrs. Barber's mother, Mrs. Mabel (Beach), Blake, resides with this family. 2. Willard O., son of Chester and Marilla (Birge) Barber, m. ist Sarah, dau. of Allen Birge of Harwinton Oct. 16, 1850. She d. Mar. 12, 1853. He m. 2d. Mary E., dau. of Griswold Woodward, May 23, 1855. Children by 1st wife : 4. Sarah B., b. Mar. 7, 1855, ■"• Charles 5. Willard V., b. June 17, 1858. Waterman o t' WolcottviUe. 6. Erwin W., b. Nov. 22, 1867. B.ARBOUR, Henry S, son of Henry and Noamy (Humphrey) Barbour, b., m. Pemala J., dau. of |ehu M. Baiholomew, Sheffield, Mass., Nov. 2^, 185 1. After settlement at Wolcottville, he built and occupied the house now occupied by Dr. Hanchett, until he removed to Hartford where he still resides. {See Biog.) Children : 1. John H., b. May 28, 1853, he was in the Protestant E. church, and in the fitted tor college at Riverdale, N. Y., and charge of Grace chapel, Hartford, was graduated at Trinity college, Hart- 2. Edward W., b. May 2, 1857, d. May ford in 1873, and at Berkeley Divinity 28, 1861. school in 1876, and was ordained deacon 3. Lucy A., b. May 6, 1863. Genealogies. 649 BARNES, Harvey, was b. in Cornwall, Feb. i8, 1838, and came to Torrington, in 1852, and engaged in the lock factory of James Wooding; afterwards worked for Lucius Leach several years, then some time for Henry Ostrum in Wolcottville ; then engaged with the Union Hardware Company in 1864, at its beginning, and has continued with it to the present time. He m. Imogene L, daughter of Samuel Cadin of Harwinton ; lives on Migeon avenue. Child : I. Clara Eliza, b. July z, 1876. BATTELL, John, came from France to America and settled at Dedham, Mass., and d. Sept. 30, 1713, leaving a son John, b. in 1689, m. Abigail Draper Jan. 17, 1710, d. Sept. 14, 1729, leaving a son John who was b. April 30, 1717, m. Mehitable Sherman, sister of the patriot Roger Sherman, signer of the declaration, and d. Nov. 18, 1800. Children: I. William, b. Aug. 12, 1748, and others. 1. William, son o\ John and Mehitabel (Sherman) Battell, emigrated from Dedham to Milford, Conn , and m. Sarah Buckingham in 1753. He was in Woodbury some years, and came to Torringford, about 1784 ; bought land and built a store and entered into the work of a merchant. He m. second in 1807, Mrs. Margaret Mitchell, his cousin and daughter of the Rev. Josiah Sherman of Goshen, and Woburn, Mass., and sister of the Hon. Roger M. Sherman of Fairfield, Conn. Mrs. Battell d Feb. 29, 1732 {^See Biography), his second wife d. Oct. 25, 1829. Children: 1. William, b. March 25, 1773, was a 5. Sally, b. Mar. 29, 1781, at Woodbury, merchant at Torrington, taking his father's m. Rev. Abel McEwen, D.D., of New store from 1808, about twenty years j was London. a man of considerable influence, and much 6. Nancy, b. Feb. 20, 1783, at Woodbury, respected in the town. m. Rev. Harvey Loomis, of Bangor, 2. Joseph, b. July 21, 1774, at Milford, Maine, had two sons. merchant in Norfolk. (^^ee Biography.) 7. Harriet, b. June 7, 1785, at Torringford, He d. Nov. 30, 1841, leaving family. d. Feb. 24, 1822, unm, 3. Josiah B., b. March I, 1776, m. Sarah 8. Urana P., b. May 15, 1787, at Torring- Gillett, of Torringford, had three daughters ford, d. Jan. 23, 1814, unm. deceased. 9. Charles L, b. July 23, 1789, at Tor- 4. John B., b. July 21, 1779, at Wood- ringford, d. unm. bury, d. in Virginia, Nov. 7, 1819. 10. Charlotte, b. Feb. 19, 1796, m. Austin. EE.'^CH, Dea. Wait, son of Edmund, son of Dea. John of Wallingford was b. in Goshen, Oct. 25, 1747. He came to Torrington and m. Huldah, dau. of Aaron Loomis, Jan. 9, 1767. He was an important man in the ecclesias- tical society, and in the town ; possessed very good judgment, was active on various town committees during the Revolution ; was highly esteemed, and greatly missed when he departed this life. He was elected deacon in 1794, which office he held until his death in 1710, aged 64. Children : 1. Aaron L., b. Dec. 9, 1767. 5. Huldah, b. Oct. 27, 1775. 2. Miles, b. Aug. 20, 1769, d. Aug. 25, 6. Amanda, b. Aug. 24, 1778. 1769. 7. Unartia, b. June 13, 1781. 3. Nancy, b. Aug. 23, 1770. 8. Wait, b. May 6, 1785, d. Feb. 22, 1795. 4. Miles, b. March 17, 1773. 9- Malinda, b. June 28, 1787. I. Dea. Aaron L., son of Dea. Wait Beach, m. Elizabeth Weeks lived in Salisbury, when he d. April, 1827. Children: 10. Aaron, b. Ang. 11, 1789, m. Salisbury, Vt. II. Hannah A., b. Sept. II, 1793; m. Dr. 13. Uriel E., b. July 4, 1806, d. at Salis- Samuel Shumway, d. Oct. 1859, at Essex, bury, Vt. N. Y. 14. Wait E., b. lives at Keeseville, N. Y. 12. Flavel M., b. May 20, 1797, d. at 82 650 History of Torrington. 4, Miles, son of Dea. Wait, m. Huldah Grant of Litchfield. He d. Aug. 16,1827. His widow removed to her dnughtcr's at Bridgehampton, where she d. Children : 16 /^Imeda, b. Oct. 24, 1795, m. William to Bridl-ehampton, N. Y. H. Whiiing. 18. Edmund. 16. Lewis, b. March 14, 1797, d. young. 19. Miles, b. March 16, 1800. 17. Hannah, m. Heniy Judd, and remuved 10. Aaron L., son ot Dea. Aaron L. Beach, m. Dec. 29, 1810 ; had four children, b. at Charlotte, Vt. Children : 20. Aaron L., b. Oct. 21, 1811, d. March 22. Charles G., b. Aug. 13, 1815, resides 13, i860, at Aurora, Ohio. in Wis. 21. Adelia, b. Aug. 31, 18 13, m. Dec. 13, 23. Samuel E., b. Dec. 14, 1817, resides in 1859, resides at St. Albans, Vt. Williston, Vt. 19. Miles, son of Miles, m. Charlotte, daughter of Noadiah Bancroft, April 26, 1824, who was b. Dec. 8, 1802. Children: 24. Emeline, b. April 25, 1825, m. Harmon 25. Loomis B., b. Dec. 3, 1827. Loomis, and had Emma, b. July, 1855, 26. Mary, b. Mar. 8, 1827, d. in 1862, a. 32. and Wilbur, d. young. 27- Jonathan, d. young. BEERS, Amos S., was b. in Lewisboro, Westchester Co , N. Y , March 15, 1827 ; m. Susan Olmsted of New Canaan, Ct , Nov. 1848. She d. in March, i860, in Waterbury, and he m. second, Rachel H. Thompson, of Hartford, in 1864, and in 1866, he made his residence in Winsted, Ct., where he still resides. He has been conductor on the Naugatuck rail road twenty- three years. Children by 1st wife. 1. Herbert S., b. in 1849. 3. Edward J., b. in 1857. 2. Willie H., b. in 1854. Bv zd wife : 4. Anna May, b. May 20, 1867. BIRGE, Daniel, came from Dorchester, Mass., with Mr. Warham, of whose church he was a member, and had a home lot in Windsor, Feb. 6, 1640. He m. Elizabeth, dau. of William Gaylord, Oct. 5, 1641. He d. 1851 : his widow m. Thomas Hoskins of Windsor. Children: 1. John, b. 1642, d. 1643. fall of a tree. 2. Daniel, b. Nov. 24, 1644. 5. J«hn, b Jan. 14, 1 649. 3. Elizabeth, b. July 28, 1646, d. soon. 6. Joseph, bap. Nov. 2, 1651, d. July 18, 4. Jeremiah, b. May 6, 1648, killed by the 1705. Joseph, one of the first of Litchfield, was probably of this family. 5. John, son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Gaylord) Birge, m. Hannah Watson, Mar. 28, 1678. He d. Dec. 2, 1697 ; she d. July 24, 1690. Children: 7. John, b Feb. 4, 1679. 9. Jeremiah, b. Sept. 22, 1682. 8. Hannah, b. June 17, 1682. 10. Mary, b. Sept. 9, 1688. 9. Jeremiah, son of John and Hannah (Watson) Birge, m. Mary Griswold Jan. 1, 1718. He d. in 1775. He was an original proprietor of Torrington but did not reside here. Children : 11. Jeremiah, b. Dec. 23, 1718. 1-5. Ann, b. Oct. 28, 1726. 12. Mary, b. Aug. 23, 1721. 16. Peletiah, b. Sept. 8, 1730. 13. John, b. Apr. 25, 1723, m. and settled in 17. Hannah, b. Mar. 18, 1731. Torringford. 18. Mindwell, b. Mar. 24, 1733. 14. David, b. May 16, 1725, m. 19. Lucy, b. Sept. 23, 1736. 13. Capt. John, son of Jeremiah and Mary (Griswold) Birge, m. Mary Kellogg. He is said to have been the third settler in Torringford. His father gave him and his brother David each a farm, but not large ones. He is said Genealogies. 651 to have come to this town before his marriage, but this is not certain. He first built a log house in which he resided, half a mile south of Shubael Griswold's, or near the south end of Torringford street. Children : 20. Mary, b. Oct. 31, 1752, m. Silas White. 24. Roswell, went into the Rev. army, came 21. John, b. Mar. 15, 1753. home and died when seventeen. 22. Simeon, b. Dec. 26, 2756. 25. Anna, m. Ellsworth. Z3. Isaac. 14. David, son of Jeremiah and Mary (Griswold) Birge, m. Elizabeth , and settled on Torringford street a little south of his brother John's home. Children : 26. Elizabeth, b. Mar. 21, 1754, m. Eliphaz 27. Daughter, m. Catlin of Harwinton, bad . Bissell. a daughter Eunice. 2 1. John, son of John and Mary (Kellogg) Birge, m. Lydia Hopkins of Canaan, Mar. 23, 1779 ; lived on south end of Torringford street, where his descendants still reside. Children : 28. Polly, b. Feb. 22, 1781, m. Dea. Garrish, removed to Hudson, Ohio. Richard Bristol, lived in Harwinton. 32. Hopkins, not m. was in business in the 29. Aranda, b. Sept. i, 1782, m. southern states, returned as far as New 30. John, b. May 4, 1785, m. Betsey Hiven. where he d. Loomis ; lived in Bristol, Ct., and had ; 33. Mariila, b. j m. Chester Barber, Feb. 6, Juliette, Mary and Nathan. 1821. 31. Chester, b. July 23, 1788, m. Sally 22. Simeon, son of John and Mary (Kellogg) Birge, m. Experience Ham- lin, October, 1783, and lived on his father's homestead. He d. June 8, 1854, a. 97. His wife d. March 16, 1844, a. 83. Children : 34. Hamlin, b. Aug. 25, 1784, m. 39. Sally, b. Jan. 26, 1794, m. Gideon 35. Experience, b. April 7, 1786, d. Feb. Hammond, of West Port, N. Y. 26, 1803. 40. Roswell, b. Feb. 5, 1796, m. 36. Ransley, b. Feb. 17, 1788, d. not m. in 41. Luther, b. Oct. 28, 1797, m. settled in Ga.; was merchant. Farmington, 111. 37. Clarissa, b. April 28, 1780, m. Calvin 42. William S., b. May 5, 1800, m. ; lives Hammond ; rem. to West Port, in N. Y. in Texas. 38. Betsey, b. Feb. 7, 1792, m. Anson 43. Nathaniel, b. July 23, 1802, m. Little, of New Hartford, removed to 111. 44. Infant, b.; d. 29. Aranda, son of John and Lydia (Hopkins) Birge, m. first Sally Barber, of Harwinton, April 12, 1810. She was b. Sept. 11, 1787 ; d. March 12, 181 2. Hem. second Laura Barber, July 20, 18 14. She was b. August 16, 179V She m. as her second husband Norman Griswold in 1821. Aranda Birge d. May 27, 1819; Mrs. Laura Griswold, d. May 13, 1840. (Jh. : 45. George H., b. March 28, 181 6. 34 Hamlin, son of Simeon and Experience (Hamlin) Birge, m. Betsey Dutton. He resided in different parts of the town, and for a time near Hotch- kiss mill on the west branch. Children : 46. Willard L., b. Jan. 7, 1808. 48. Experience, b. July 16, 1812. 47. Caroline, b. Dec. 28, 18 10. 40. Roswell, son of Simeon and Experience (Hamlin) Birge, m. Amanda, dau^ihter of Harvey Whiting. June 23, 1826, lives on his father's homestead on Torrinofbrd street. Children: 49. James R , b. March 5, 1828. 52. Edward B., b. Jan. 16, 1854, m. 50 Jane, b, J.in. 4, 1830, m. S. E. Calkins, 53. Allstine M., b. Jan 14, 1836, m. in Athens, N. Y. 54. Sherman, b. Oct. 4, 1838, d. July 5, 51. CandaceE,b.Mjrch3.i832,m. Penn- 1839. field Burr, and removed to ill. ; d. June 55. Wilber, b. June 17, 1840, m. 7, 1854. 6^2 History of Torrington. 43, Nathaniel, son of Simeon and Experience (Hamlin) Birge, m. Olive Peck of Torringford, and lives on Torringford street, east side a little way north of his brother RoswelPs. Children : 56. Jenette. i;8. Martha. 57. Maryette. 45. George H., son of Aranda and Laura (Barber) Birge, m. Mar. 14, T838, Sallie B., dau. of Norris B. Barber of Harwinton ; lived on his father's farm, a little north of his grandfather. She was born July 26, 1816, d. Oct. 19, 1877. He d. Oct. 30, 1877. Children: 59. Laura E., b. Apr. 22, 1843, m. Theo- Harvey B., b. Mar 18, 1868; George H., dore H. Reed, Mar. 29, 1864, d. Jan. 15, b. Nov 20, 1869. 1871; had Ellen E., b. Dec. 16, 1865; 60. Celia M., b. Aug. 4, 1849. 46. WiLLARD L , son of Hamlin and Betsey Dutton, m. Nov, 9, 1833, Julia A. dau. of Bissell Merrill. She was b. Apr. 15, 18 1 5. He resides on the Levi Thrall place ; is a farmer and dealer in cattle. Children: 61. Willard H., b. Mar. 20, 1841 ; was East Hampton, Mass. killed by the bursting of a cannon at Wol- 63. Luther M., b. Feb. 20, 1848, d. eleven cottville July 4, 18^6. months of age. 62. Carrie E., b. June 3, 1843, m. Henry 64. Lida J., b. June 6, 1857. F. Pomeroy, Dec. i, 18705 resides in 52. Edward B , son of Roswell and Amanda (Whiting) Birge, m. Anna E. Miiler of New Hartford, Nov. 24, 1863 ; lives on the farm with the father. Children : 65. Merton E., b. No-u. 10, 1864. 66. James E., b. Sept. 5, 1866. 53. Allstine, son of Roswell and Amanda (Whiting) Birge, m. Eliza M. Hewitt, Sept. 26, 1869; lives half mile south of his father's, east side of the street. Children : 67. Wilbur Hewitt, b. July 19, 1863, 68. Lizzie Amanda, b. Oct. 8, 1864, drowned with his sister in the brook Feb. drowned Feb. 14, 1867. 14, 1867, in each other's arms. 55. Wilbur, son of Roswell and Amanda (Whiting) Birge, m. Julia A , dau. of Isaac P. Waterman of Torringford April i, 1870 ; li\es in Wolcott- ville ; clerk in Charles McNeil's drug store. BIRNEY, Robert, the present owner and occupant of the far.m known as the Demas Coe place situated within the limits of Wolcottville, was b. May 19, 1842, and spent his earlier years in the town of Southeast, Putnam county, N. Y. He came to New Hartford, Ct., in 1859, and united with the Baptist church there the same year. He was among the first who responded to the first call for troops to defend the national capital and was among the last to leave the service when the war was ended, having been mustered into the U- S. service May 7th, 1861, and his second discharge dating May 15, 1865. He removed to Wolcottville in 1871, and since that time has been engaged in farming. He had an active part in consolidating the several school districts in the village and their reorganization as a graded school, serving as first district committee under the new order of things. He m. Mary A. Henderson \ov. 28, 1859. She was b. in Montreal, Canada, Oct. 18, 1842. Her parents removed from Canada to New York citv where they resided until 1856, when they removed to New Hartford where she united with the Baptist church in 1859. Children: Nellie E., b. Dec. 6, 1861. Mary J., b. Sept. 2, 1870. Ina B., b. Sept. 2, 1866. Grace H., b. Mar. 21, 1876. Emma L., b. Dec. 10, 1867. Genealogies. 6^^ BTSSELL, John, who came to Windsor is the only one known to have come to this coiinlrv. Tradition asserts that this John, with a brother Thomas, came from Somersetshire, England, to Plymouth, in 1628. The latter died at Plymouth or returned to England. The family is probably of Huguenot descent, many of whom fled to England to escape the persecutions which followed the massacre of St. Bartholomew's day in 1572. John came to Windsor about 1640. He was the first settler on the east side of the Con- necticut. He died Oct. 3, 1677, a. 86 years; his wife died May 21, 1641. Children : 1. John, b. in England. 4. Samuel. 2. Thomas, b. in England. 5. Nathaniel, b. Sept. 24, 1640. 3. Mary, b. in England, m. Jacob Drake, 6. Joice, b.; m. Samuel Pinney, Nov. 7, 1665. Apr. 12, 1649. I. John, jr , son of John, married Izreel Mason, of Saybrook, June 17, 1658 ; she d. Mar. 29, 1665 ; of a second wife married in 1669, there is no reliable record. He d. in 1693. Children: 7. Mary, b. Feb. 22, 1659. 12. Ezekiel, b. Apr. 30, 1673, ^- "^^'' ■^'" 8. John, b. May 4, 1661. bany Oct. 17, 1709. 9. Daniel, b. Sept. 29, 1663. 13. Ann, b. Apr. 28, 1675. m. Capt. Daniel 10. Dorothy, b. Aug. 10, 1665. White, of Windsor. 11. Josiah, b. Oct. 10, 1670. 14 Jeremiah, b. June 22, 1677. 9. Daniel, son of John and Tzreel (Mason) Bissell, m. Margaret Dewey, of Westfield, Oct. 27, 1692. He d. Dec. 9, 1738 ; she d. Nov. 27, 1712. Children: 15. Daniel, b. Oct. 31, 1694. 18. Ezekiel, b. Sept. 6, 1706. 16. Margaret, b. Mar. 19, 1698. 19. Ann, b. Jan. 6, 1709. 17. Mary, b. Nov. 17, 1701, m Nathaniel Gilbert, of Colcester. II. Josiah, son of Jacob and Izreel (Mason) Bissell, married widow Miriam Hayden Dec. 10, 1703 ; she d. July 8, 1747, a. 66. Children: 20. Josiah, b. Nov. 17, 1714. 21, 1776, a. 63. 21. Amelia, b. , d. at Reading, Dec. 22. Benjamin, b. , 1719-20. 18. Ezekiel, son of Daniel and Margaret (Dewey) Bissell, m. Ruth, dau. of Rev. Ebenezer Devotion of Windham, Dec. 13, 1742 ; removed to Sufficld, and in 1757, to Toriingford. He was a cooper and farmer, and purchased one hundred and forty acres of land at first, in 1757, and afterwards added to it until he owned about five hundred acres upon which he settled his four sons ; Hezekiah on the homestead; Ezekiel next north ; Eliphaz next, and Ebenezer next; all the dwellings on the west ride of Torringford street, nearly a mile north of the present meeting house. Children : 22. Ebenezer, b. Oct. 25, 1743, m 1827, a. 77. 23. Eliphaz, b. Oct. II, 1744, m. 28. Margaret, b. June 14, 1754, m. 24. Ezekiel, b. March 14, 1746, m. Hinman, and Capt. Elijah Gayiord. 25. Margaret, b. Oct. 28, 1747, d. Dec. 3, 29. Ann, b. Jan. 30, 1756. 1747. 30. Hezekiah, b. Sept. 7, 1758, m. 26. Ann, b. Sept. 3, 1748, d. Sept. 6, 1748. 31. Keziah, b. Dec. 29, 1762, d. Sept. 27. Ruth, b. April 17, 1750, d. Nov. 22, 23, 1819, a. 57. 22. Ebenezer, son of Ezekiel and Ruth (Devotion) Bissell, m Roberts; set- tled on a part of his lather's farm on Torringford street Children : o 32. Pericles, b. ; d. a. 21 years. Y., d. Sept. 1856, had Marcus, Byron and 33. John, b. ; a physician, settled in Onon- Frederick ; all lived near Syracuse. daga Co., N. Y. 35. Peletiah, b. ; d. at Volney, N. Y. ; had 34. Elizur, b. ; m., settled in Syracuse, N. Lucius and Erasmus. 654 History of Torrington. 23. Eliphaz, son of Ezekiel and Ruth (Devotion) Bissell, m. Elizabeth, daughter of David and Elizabeth Birge of Torringford. Children : 36. Eliphaz, b. ; m. [See Biography). 37. Catlin, b. ; lived in Torringford, and d. 39. A daughter, b. in 1 8 17. 40. A daughter, b. 38. Hezekiah, b. ; d. in Texas, in 1837 24. EzEKiEL, son of Ezekiel and Ruth (Devotion) Bissell, m, Lucretia Spencer, Dec. 9, 1779. He d. in Torringford, Oct. i, 1834, a. 88 years. Shed, in 1833. Children: 41. Ezekiel, b. Canton, N. Y, 42. Theodocia, b. June 24, 1784, m. Wm. 45. Fitch, b. Aug. 19, 1791, d. at Zanes- Smith, in Potsdam, N. Y. ville, N. Y., July 26, 1849. 43. Apollos, b. Jan. 11, 1786, not m. ; d. 46. Cyrus, b. Dec. 9, 1793, ^- ^^ Hartford, in Charlotte, Vt. Wis., June 3, 1857. 44. Samuel, b. Jan. 14, 1789, m. went to 47. Roderick, b. July 17, 1796, m. 30. Hezekiah, son of Ezekiel and Ruth (Devotion) Bi.-sell, m. Margaret Mills, lived near his father's homestead, and d. Jan 30, 1792. Children: 48. Luman, b. ; d. young. 50. Henry, b. ; lives at Austinburg, O. 49. Peter Mills, b. ; m. removed to Austin- 51. Lucretius, b. ; m. dau. of Joseph Loomis burg, Ohio ; had Piatt, lives at Kent, Ct. and lived at Austinburg, O. 34. Elizur, son of Ebenezer and Bissell, m. and settled in Syracuse, where he d. Sept., 1856. Children: 52. Marcus, b., lived near Syracuse. 54. Frederick, b., lived near Syracuse. 53. Byron, b., lived near Syracuse. 36. Dr. Eliphaz, son of Eliphaz and Elizabeth (Birge) Bissell, m. Diantha Norton, Dec. 29, 1806. He d. in Conn, in 1829, Csee Biog.J Children: 55. Samuel. 57. Charles. 56. Henry. 41. Ezekiel, son of Ezekiel and Lucretia (Spencer) Bissell, m. and removed to Madrid, N. Y., where hq d. in 1833. 58. Frederick, a lawyer at Dubuque, Iowa, had RoUin, Ralph of St. Lawrence Co.N.Y. 47. Roderick, son of Ezekiel and Lucretia (Spencer) Bissell, m. Fanny, daughter of Elijah Gaylord, May 11, 1824; lived in the old homestead of his father and grandfather in Torringford. Was an active, influential man, with more than an ordinary spirit of enterprise and general information. He d. Feb. 10, 1875, a. 78 years Children: 59. Gaylord, M.D., b. Feb. 1825, m. Emily nie Bell, b. Aug. 8, 1864; Anna E., b. Tallmadge Nov. 7, 1849; resides at Lov- Oct. 24, 1867, d. Feb. 14, 1875. ilia, Iowa, has a son Edwin R. (See B'og.) 62. John Edgar, b. Mar. 15, 1833, m. Leah 60. Charles R., b. May 18, 183 I ; m. Anna Byerly Sept. I 5, I 870, lives at Frederick, Henn, 1866, a physician in Colorado. [See lovsa Biog.) 63. Esther Ann, b. Apr. 19, 1835. 61. Mary Jane, b. Mar. 4, 1829, m. Merritt 64. Virgil R., b. Dec. 80. 1841, m. Nettie Bronson Nov. i, 18555 ^^^ Edgar M., Owens, lives in Lovilia, Iowa. b. Aug. 9, 1862, d. Feb. 25, 1876; Fan- 22. Benjamin, son of Josiah, an.l first cousin to Ezekiel, who settled in Torringford, ni. Mary Strong and came to Torringford in 1745,' ^^^ ^^s the second settler in Torringford. His house was on the east side of the street a little north of Shubacl Gri^wold's house. Here Mr. Bissell kept tavern quite a number of years ' So says the Biistll GeniaUgj, Genealogies. 6^^ He died Sept. 12, 1790, a. 71. His widow died Aug. 17, 1806, a. 86. Cliildren : 65. Benjamin, b. at Torrington. a. 75; not m. 66. Mary, b , m. Samufl Austin, 69. Elisha. Oct., 1778. 70. Lorain, b. March 6, 1755, m. Ebenezcr 67. Oliver, b. , d. Oct. 18, 1828, a. Miller, Dec. 6, 1802. 86. 71. Martha, b. , m. Daniel WincheU. 68. Return, b. , d. Nov. 25, 1832, 72. Elijah. 65. Benjamin, Jr., son of Benjamin and Mary (Strong) Bissell, m. Silence Winchell, April 21, 1778 ; d. at Harwinton, June I, 1829. Children : 73. Porter, b. March, 22, 1779. jc,. Benjamin, b. Nov. 7, 1782. 74. Almira, b. Sept. 22, 1780. 76. Horace, b. Nov. 18, 1786. 69. Elish.a, son of Benjamin and Mary (Strong) Bissell, m. Rhoda dau. of Ebenezer F. Bissell. He d. June 6, 181 2, a 58. Children: 77. Edwin, b. Aug. 1795. 79. Rhoda, b. July 12, 1800. 78. Esther, b. Sept. 27, 1797, 80. Henry, b. Nov. 8. 72. Elijah, son of Benjamin and Mary (Strong) Bissell, m. Rachel dau. of David Soper, Jan. 22, 1789. He died Feb. 23, 1825, a. 63. Children: 81. Elijah, b. 28, 1791, d. in Ohio. 86. Mary. 82. Hannibal C, b. April 10, 1793, went 87. George, to Ohio. 88. Rachel. 83. Leonard, b. , went to Georgia. 89. Lucius. 84. Edward, b. ; went to Detroit. 90. George L. 85. Nancy. 73. Porter, son of Elijah and Rachel (Soper) Bissell, m. Mary Tucker. Children : 91. George P., b. May 14, 1803, d. Aug. 98. Elizabeth, b. April 23, 1816, d. May 30, 1804. I, 1847. 92. Ann W., b. Nov. 21, 1804. 99. Mary E., b. June 17, 1818. 93. George P., b. March 27, 1806. 100. Lucy, b. June 25, 1820. 94. Martin, b. Feb. 26, 1808. loi. William, b. Feb. 7, 1822, d. Feb. 22, 95. Lebeus P., b.Jan. 8, 1810; a merchant 1825. at Rockville, Ct. 102. Catharine, b. Oct. 27, 1823, d. Oct. 96. John, b. Oct. 18, 1811. 31, 1849. 97. Rosetta F., b. Nov. 27, 1813. 93. Col, George P., m.; lived on the Hczekiah Eno place, and he and his wife d. and were buried in the same grave in 1876. BISSELL, Benjamin, m. Betsey daughter of Chester Brooker, Oct. 24, 1749. Children : 1. Ellen G., b. Dec. 9, 1850, m. Dec. 25, 4. Ruth M., b. Nov. 16, 1861. 1871, Lewis Brague, has j Lewis, b. Dec. 5. Andrew J., b. May 16, 1864. 25, 1872; Paul, b. June 25, 18745 d. 6. Melissa P., b. April 15, 1866, d. March March 10, 1875 J Mabel, b. Jan. 22, 6, 1874. 1876. 7, Grace A., b. Feb. 6, 1868. 2. Mary J., b. Sept. I, 1857. 8. Benjamin B., b. Sept. 17, 1871. 3. Jennie B., b. Nov. 17, 1859. 9. John C, b. March 2, 1873. BLAKE, Joseph, came to Torrington, about 1760, probably from Middle- town, and was engaged in the carding mill across the river opposite the Wilson's saw mill, and afterwards in the one (hat stood near the rock opposite the present woolen mill. He m. Aug. 27, 1767, Manara, dau. of Wm. Grant, who d. in Wolcottville. Children : 1. Seth, b. Dec. 7, 1767. 4. Barzillai, b. Nov. 5, 1772. 2. Jesse, b. July 2, 1769, d. May 22, 1773. 5. Jesse, b. Dec. 14, 1776. 3. Sarah, b. Nov. 22, 1770. 6. Lorrain, b. Dec. 27, 1778. 656 History of Torrington. Barzillai, son qf Joseph, m. Ruth Murry, Sept. 27, 1798. Children. 7. William, b. Sept. 25, 1799. 8. Ruby, b. Dec. 20, 1800. Elijah, probably brother to Joseph, m. Sarah Hamlin, Nov. 27, 1779, then both of Middletown, Ct. He was a tanner at Griswold's corners, Tor- ringford Children : 1. Sally, b. Dec. 12, 1780, in Torringford, 5. Harry, b. June 29, 1788. d. June 17, 1793. 6. Ithiel, b. Aug. i, 1790. 2. Polly, b. Sept. 15, 1782. 7. Allen, b. May 19, 1792. 3. Elijah, b. June 26, 1784. 8. Sally, b. Dec. 16, 1794. 4. Jonathan, b. Aug. 17, 1786. 9. Maria, b. Oct. 18, 1797. BOSTVVICK, Dr. William, and his wife Philomela, and family resided in the town about ten years. He built the house afterwards owned by and the residence of Dr. Elijah Lyman. Children recorded in Torrington : 1. Wm. Frederick, b. June 8, 1798. 3. Harmon B., b. Mar. 23, 1805. 2. Eliza Potter, b. Feb. 6, 1800. BR.'^CE, Arl^l, fourth son of Henry Brace Sen., miller and carpenter of West Hartford, baptized Aug 7, 1748, came to Torrington previous to 1771. He received by his father's will, 1789, "twenty pounds hard money." He m. Deborah dau. of Aaron Loomis, Jr., of Torrington, and bought of Reuben Thrall, land of the first division, lot 126, 43 acres, deed dated I 77 1, and was the farm, probably where he lived many years, on Goshen turnpike, next house east of Mr. V\ illard Birge's present dwelling. He d. She d. Mar. 13, 1839, a. 87. Children : 1. Jared, b. Dec. 7, 1773, went to Camden, Merriman of T., removed to Litchfield Oneida Co., N. Y., d. July 13, 1818, a. thence to Cheshire, Ct., where she d. Sept. 44. 7, 1 8 14 2. Willis, b. Aug. 31, 1779, d. in Torring- 6. Harlan, b. Aug. 1787, m. ton with lockjaw from a cut on his toe, 7. Rodney, b. May i, 1790, m. Jerusha Apr. 12, 1810. Egglestun of T., no children, d. Oct. 10, 3. Rial, b. July 8, 1781, went to Camden, 1862, a. 72. N. Y., d. May 4, 1859, a. 80. 8. Lucy, b. Mar. 12, 1793, m. Alanson 4. Truman, b. Aug. 11, 1783, d. in 111., Morris in 1812, and lived on the home- Jan. 18, 1855, a. 72. stead. 5. Semantha, b. Dec. 10, 1784, m. Reuben 6. Harlan, son of Rial and Deborah (Loomis) Brace in. Parlia Johnson of Harwintown. He was a cooper and lived in Torrington hollow. He d. Nov. II, 1857, a. 70. Children : 1. Electa, m. Charles Hotchkiss. 4. Parlia Ann, m. Lewis Butler, of Harwinton. 2. Rhoda, m. David Evans. 5. Wallace, works at skate shop. 3. Lois, m. Charles Benham, of Naugatuck. BRADLEY, Capt Samuel, son of Nehemiah, of Litchfield, m. Chloe Rossiter, of Harwinton, and kept the hotel, now the American House, many years. Children : 1. Amanda, m. Dr. Erastus Bancroft. 4. Albert, m. a Miss Hunt, kept the 2. Clarissa, m. Salmon Hunt, removed Allen House a time, then the American to Bridc;eport, where both died. House. 3. Emeline, m. Wm. Bisseli, removed 5. Caroline, d. in Wolcottville. to Massachusetts, where both died. 6. Samuel. BRADLEY, Seymour, and Tryphena Grant North, both of Torrington, m. May 30, 1791. Children: 1. Ralph, b. June 17, 1791. 4. Laura, b. July 24, 1796. 2. Almeda, b. May 13, 1793. 5. Seymour, b. Mar. 15, 1798. 3. Elvira, b. Dec. 10, 1794. Genealogies. 6^y BRADY, Gen. Allen G., son of James W., and Mary S. Brady of Mid- dlesex county, Mass., wash. Feh. 13, 1822. He m. Lucinda, daughter of Daniel and Clarissa Chandler of Hartford, Conn., July 10, 1842. He was engaged a time in East Haddam, in a cotton mill and came to Wolcottville, in 184^, to superintend the cotton mill, then just erected on the site of the old woolen mill, in which business he continued many years. He has now a dry goods store and shirt manufactory. {See Biogr^phy.^ Children : 1. William Edgar, b. April 22, 1843. 4. James Wolfe, b. Jan. 13, 1851, d. Nov. 2. Mary jane, b. July 12, 1845, m. Henry 22, 1854. E. Hotchkiss, Dec. i, 1866. 5. Lucinda Estella, b. Oct. 24, 1862. 3. Amanda Jane, b. July 11, 1847, d. Sept. 30, 1848. I. William E., son of Allen G. and Lucinda (Chandler) Brady, m. Mary daughter of Archibald and Elizabeth A. Campbell of Fayetteville, N. C, Dec. 28, 1868. He served as sergeant major in the late war and thereby became acquainted with this lady and persuaded her to come to his Wolcottville home. He is engaged with his father in the dry goods store on Main street, south of the bridge. Children : 6 Mary E., b. Jan. 23, 1871, in Wolcott- 7. Lizzie M., b. Aug. 31, 1875, Fayettville, ville. N. C. BROOKER, John, is found in Guilford, Ct., in 1695, and his wife Mary. This is the first trace found of this family in this country. There was a George Brooker in Boston, in 1635, ""^'^^ removed to Virginia. It is probable that this John Brooker was in Boston, some little time before he came to Guilford, as he continued to transact business with leading men of that city, until his de- cease. He is said to have been ol East Guilford, (now Madison) and his six children are recorded in Guilford, but the seventh is not. He bought land in Killingworth (now Clinton), in 1708 ; bounded easterly on Indian river near the town plot, with "dwelling house, barn, orchard and other privileges" for £100. He was a shipwright and followed this business apparently until his decease. In his will dated 1742, he provides that: "Whereas I have had former dealings with sundry merchants in Boston, viz: Simeon Stodard, John Eyre, Thomas S<)lvage, Sen., Thomas Salvage, Jr., Charles Chauncey, Francis Foxcroft, Edward Proctor and William Keen, accounts of my executors being made up with them, each of them shall have a share in what I leave in propor- tion as above said." The remainder of his property, after paying all cliims, he divides to his four sons or their children, saving nothing about his two daughters nor his son Edward. The inventory of his property amounted to £472,17.11. He united with the old church in Killingworth (now Clinton) in 171 I, and his wife Mary in 1714. He does not mention his wife in his will and hence she was probably not then living. Children : 1. John, b. July 9, 1695, m. 4. Edward, b. Jan. 7, 1701. 2. Orton, b. Jan. 2, 1698. 5. Sarah, b. Jan. I, 1703. 3. Mary, b. July 5, 1699, m. John Nettle- 6. Abraham, b. March — , 1705. ton, Dec. 20, 1720. 7. Jacob, b.; mentioned in his father's wilL I. John, son of John and Mary Brooker, m. Sarah Grinnell, April 29, 17 I 7. He settled in Say brook, Conn., where he died, suddenly, his will being dated Feb. 21, 1732. He seems 10 have been merchant or ship builder, from the unsettled accounts brought against the estate. His widow Sarah of Saybrook, m. John Marvin Feb. 10, 1747, and lived in Lyme, Ct., until 1767, when they removed to Guilford or Surrey in New Hampshire. They had five children : 83 658 History of Torrington. 8. John, b. July l, 1718; " eldest son " 11. Sarah, b. ; mentioned in her grand- chose his uncle Abraham his guardian, father's will. Jan., 1784. 12.. P.itience, b. j mentioned in her grand- 9. Sumuel, b. ," second son," father's will, m. Gideon Allen, Jr., Feb. chose his mother his guardian, June, 1784. 10, 1752. 10. Mary, b. ; mentioned in her grand- father's will. 2. Orton, son of Abraham and Mary Brooker, was in Killingworth, (Clinton), and sold land to his brother Abraham, Feb. 1, 1739 ; "twenty-six rods of land with mansion house standing thereon." 6. Abraham, son of John and Mary Brooker, m. Mary -; his m. being recorded in Killingworth, but he remained in Madison until 1735, when he settled in (now) Clinton, near his father, and is Crtlled " Merchant" in the deeds. He was taken ill suddenly and made his will, dated April 10, 1739, which was proved April 16, 1739. By his will he gave to each ot his sons Isaac and Abraham, £100 ; and aher providing for his widow, he gave the remainder to be distributed equally among his two sons and three daughters. His estate after payingdebts amounted to £1,780 (^Probate Records of Guilford) ; a good estate in those days for a young man to leave, his widow m. Matthew McCure, April 15, 1740; and they relinquished all property in favor of Abraham's children. Children mentioned in his will: 13. Isaac, b. Dec. 22, 1730. 16. Abraham, b. Aug. 17, 1736. [Killitig- 14. Mary. -worth Records.) 15. Sibyl. 17. Elizabeth, b. Oct. 7. 1738. 7. Jacob, son of John and Mary Brooker, m. Judith . The birth of one child only is recorded in Killingworth. On a grave stone in Clinton, which must be his, is inscribed : "•■' In memory of Jacob Brooker, who died April 28, 1844, a. 47 years. The memory of the just shall live." Close by his grave stone is another standing with only two words engraved thereon : "Judith Brooker." Child recorded. 18. Jacob, b. April 28, 1744; the date of his father's death ; d. early. 13. Isaac, son of Abraham, Jr., and Mary Brooker, m. Tamar ; and lived in Killingworth (Clinton), on Chestnut hill. He deed land in Hartford county, to the amount ol £5 50.) Children recorded in Killingworth : 19. Sarah, b. June 3, 1764, m. John 21. Tamar, b. July 15, 1769, m. Rufus Nettleton. Crane, of Killingworth. 20. Chloe, b. Feb. 29, 1767. 16. Abraham, son of Abraham and Mary Brookei', married Tamar Murry, of Guilford, Oct. 12, 1758. His father died when he was but three years of age, and his mother and five children, probably, remained in what is now Clinton, some years. Some of the land left by his grandfather on Chestnut hill, fell to him ; which he sold in May 1759, when he was living in Bran- ford. His marriage is recorded in Branford where he was probably living at the time. His wife died in Branford. He died in Wolcottville. Children: 22. John, b. Mar. 29, 1759, settled in Tor- Imogene I., b. Apr. 2, 1848, m. Feb. 18, rington. 1875, Harvey Barnes, of Wolcottville, and 23. Mary, b. Dec. 18, 1760. has dau. Clara Eliza, b. July 2, 1876. 24. Tamar, m. Rufus Crane, who lived a 25. Chloe, m. John Scoville. time in Winchester ; his daughter Betsey 26. Sally, m. Asher Scoville. Eliza, b. Jan. i, 1796, m. Bradley Catlin 27. Samuel, b. 1774, settled in Torrington. of Harwinton in 1X18, and had one son 28. Polly, m. Roberts. Samuel, b. Oct. 9, 1820, who m. Mary 29. Eliza, m. William Wilson. M. Frost May 22, 1845. Their child V 1 Genealogies. 659 22. John, son of Abraham and Tamar (Murray) Brooker, came to Tor- rington when a young man and married Jerusha, daughter of Noah Wilson Feb. 18, 1783. He first resided in a house across the river opposite the pre- sent Valley Park, and afterwards purchased some land and built on it the house still standing a little eastward of the iron foundery, where he resided a number of vears. In 180^, he built the first house in Wolcottville, on the site of the present residence of Mr. L. W. Coe, He removed to Mount Washington, Mass. Children : 30. Edee, b. Mar. 19, 1783, m Merryfield ; went to Ohio. 31. Warren, b. Sept. 29, 1786, d. Sept. i, 1787. 32. Lucy. b. Sept. 25, 1789, m. Ensign ; went to Ohio. 27. Samuel, son of Abraham and Tamar Murray, came to Torrington, while a young man and m. Mary Cook of Harwinton. He purchased a farm, then lying in Litchfield, a little south of Wolcottville, where he lived and d. His house stood near the site of Mr. Charles F. Church's present dwelling. He was a successful farmer. His wife Mary, d. in 1852. He d. in 1856, a. 82 years. Children : 33. Riley, b. Mar. 28, 1791 ; lived in Mt. Washington. 34. Sallv, b. 1793, rn. Nobles in N. Y.' 35. John, lived in town of Rye, N. Y. 34. Warren, b. July 27, 17; d. 35. Russell, b. Dec. 29, 1802, removed to Litchfield, Medina county, O., where he still resides. 36. Ursula, b. Oct. 17, 1804, m. Selah Root. 37. Marv, b. July 16, 1807, d. July 23, 18 12.' 38. Chester, b. Sept. 26, t8lo, m. 39. Samuel, b. April 13, 1813, m. 40. Martin, b. April 5, 1816, m. 38. Chester, son of Samuel and Mary (Cook) Brooker, m. first Huldah D. Smith, March, 1831, who d. April 30, 1845, a. 36 ; serond Phebe A. Smith, June 16, 1846, who d. Nov. 11, 1859, a. 38 ; third Mehetable Griggs, Oct. 24, i860, who d. .^pril 11, 1876, a. 61. He is a farmer ; lives in the edge of Litchfield. Children by ist wife. Miller, Aug. i, 1862, and d. June 16, 1864, a. 24 ; no children. 41. Betsey A , b. May 27, 1832, m. Ben- jamin Bissell. 42. Andrew J., b. Sept. i, 1840, m. Maria By 2d wife : 43. Marion M., b. April 17, 1847, m. Charles Whitney, Sept. 2, 1873, ^^^ Mary, b. Sept. 17, 1877. 44. Julia, b. Oct. 10, 1848. 45. Frances L., b. Nov. 23, 1850. 39. Samuel, son of Samuel and Mary (Cook) Brooker, m. Julia M., dau.of Samuel Seymour, May 10, 1834; is a farmer, and resides on Litchfield street near the rail road. 46. Charles S., b. May 19, 1853. 47. Adelaide U., b. Aug 31, 1855, '^• Frank McNeil, Aug. 31, 1876, had Addie, b. Sept. 5, 1877, d. Sept. 11, 1877. 48. Annie T., b. July 2, 1858. 49 Maria, b. Apr. 23, 1835, *^- ^P*"- '3' 1859. 50 Albert Frederick, b. Mar. 10, 1837, m. 51 Helen Eliza, b. Oct. 10, 1839, m Charles Pierpont. 52 Mary Jane, b. Sept. i, 1841, m. William H. Davol. 53 Frank Russell, b. Mar. 31, 1843. 54 Alice Josephine, b. Dec. 25, 1847. 55 Arthur Seymour, b. Feb. 3. 1850. 56 Ella Taylor, b. Feb. 23, 1852, m. Charles Blown of Brooklyn, N. Y. 40. Martin, son of Samuel and Mary (Cook) Brooker, m. Sarah Maria, dau. of Samuel Seymour May 3, 1838 ; was a farmer and resided on Litchfield street. He d. Feb. 24, 1874, aged 58 years. His widow d. April 3, 1876, aged 60 years. Children: 66o History of Torrington. 57 Eliza Seymour, b. May lo, 1840, m. 60 Edward Martin, b. Nov. 20, 1850, d. Joseph Travis. J""s 10, 1853. 58 Emma Maria, b. Aug. 17, 184a, m. 6i Mary Lura, b. Oct. 22, 1853. Stephen Oviatt, Nov. 21, i860. 62 Sarah Maria, b. Aug. 9, 1856, d. Sept. 3, 59 Charles F., b. Mar. 4, 1847. 1872, aged 16 years. BROOKS, Charles, of Durham, m. Mehitable, eldest dau. of Joseph Norton. Joseph, son of Charles and Mehitable (Norton) Brooks, was b. in Durham, about 1753 j ^""^ "^- Amanda, dau. of Cyprian Collins. Harvey, son of Joseph and Amanda (Collins) Brooks, was b. Oct. 26, 1779, and m. Polly Taylor, April 24, 1803. She was the dau. of John and Mary Taylor of Litchfield. This wife of )ohn Taylor was the dau. of Capt. Isaac Pratt, of Goshen. Harvey Brooks d. Feb. 17, 1873, a. 93 years. Watts H., son of Harvey and Polly (Taylor) Brooks, was b. July 24, 1808, and m. Mary, dau. of John Wadhams, Jr., April 3, 1834. She d. Sept. 5, 1872. He resides on his father's homestead ; the old Capt. Pratt place in South Goshen. Children : 1. John W., b. Jan. 19, 1836, m. 3. Mary E., b. April 30, 1842. 2. Isaac W., b. Nov. 8, 1838, resides in 4. Amanda C, b. May 8, 1849. Wolcottville 5 is secretary and treasurer of the Wolcottville Savings Bank. 1. John W., son of Watts H , and Mary (Wadhams) Brooks, m. Marana L., dau. of Dea. Lewis M. Norton, of Goshen, Nov., i860. BROWN, Owen, son of Capt. John and Hannah (Owen) Brown, m. ist, Ruth, daughter of Gideon Mills, at Simsbury, Feb. 11, 1793, and made his residence a short time in Norfolk, Conn., where he had a tannery and shoe shop. He purchased a farm and dwelling house in Torrington and settled on it in the spring of I 799, and erected a tannery and shop ; the place being now known as the "John Brown house." Here he resided over five years engaged in his trade ; then removed to Hudson, Ohio, where, after some years his wife Ruth died, and he married Lucy (Drake) Hinsdale, widow of Harmon Hinsdale. He died about 1852 or 3, at the a. of 87 years. {See Biog.) Children re- corded in Torrington : 1. Anna Ruth, b. July 5, 1798, in Norfolk. 4. Oliver Owen, b. Oct. 26, 1804, in Tor- 2. John, b. May 9, 1800, in Torrington. rington. 3. Salmon, b. Apr. 30, 1802, in Torrington. 2. Capt. John, son of Owen and Ruth (Mills) Brown, married istDiantha Lusk, June 21, 1820, at Hudson, O. She died Aug 8. 1832. He m. 2d, Mary A. Day, at Meadville, Pa. {See Biography. ) Children by 1st wife : 5. John, b. July 25, 1821, at Hudson, O., m. Wealthy C. Hotchkiss July 1847 lived in Ashtabula Co., O. 6. Jason, b. Jan. 19, 1823, at Hudson, O. m. Ellen Sherboudy, July, 1847. 7. Owen, b. Nov. 4, 1824, Hudson, O. he escaped from Harper's Ferry. 8. Frederick, b. Jan. 9, 1827, at Rich- mond, Pa.; d. Mar. 11, 1831. By second wife : 12. Sarah, b. May 11, 1834, at Richmond, Pa., d. Sept. 23, 1843. 13. Watson, b. Oct. 7, 1835, at Franklin, 9. Ruth, b. Feb. 18, 1829, m. Henry Thompson, Sept. 26, 1850. 10. Frederick, b. Dec. 21, 1830, at Rich- mond, Pa. ; murdered at Oswattomie by Rev. Martin White, Aug. 10, 1856. 11. An infant son, b. Aug. 7, 1832; was buried with his mother three days after his birth. O.; m. Isabella M. Thompson, Sept. 1856; wounded at Harper's Ferry, Oct. 17, while bearing a Hag of truce ; d. Oct. 19, 1859. Genealogies. 66i 14. Salmon, b. Oct. 2, 1836, at Hudson, O.; 18. Austin, b. Sept. 14, 1842, Richfield, O.; m. Abbie C. Hinckley Oct. 15, 1S56, d. Sept. 27, 1843. lived at North Elba. 19. Anne, b. Dec. 23, 1843, Richfield. 15. Charles, b. Nov. 3, 1837, at Hudson, 20. Amelia, b. June 22, 1845, Akron, O.; O., d. Sept. II, 1843. d. Oct. 30, 1846. 16. Oliver, b. Mar. 9, 1839, at Franklin, 21. Sarah, b. Sept. 11, 1846, Akron, O. O.J m. Martha E. Brewster, April 17, 22. Ellen, b. May 20, 1848, Springfield, 1858 5 was killed at Harper's Ferry, Oct. Mass.; d. April 30, 1849. 17, 1859. 23. Infant son, b. Apr. 26, 1852, Akron, 17. Peter, b. Dec. 7, 1840, Hudson, O.; d. O.; d. May, 17, a 21 days Sept. 22, 1843. 24. Ellen, b. Sept. 25, 1854, Akron, O. BRONSON, Luther, son of Solomon of Winsted, was b. Feb. 7, 1821 ; m. Flora M. Grant, Nov. 3, 1842. Children: I. Casimer H., b. Aug. 29, 1845; m. Au- 1870. gusta Palmer, Oct. 23, 1866; lives in 2. Stella A., b. April 3, 1851. Waterbury ; has Clara Abel, b. Dec. 25, BURR, Benjamin, was an early settler of Hartford, and was one of the original proprietors there in 1639. His wife's name was Anne, her maiden sir name not .found. He died in Hartford March 31, 1681. His will was dated June 2, 1677, and m it he gave his son Samuel all his lands and buildings at Greenfield, in Windsor, and his son Thomas his house and land in Hart- ford. He also gave a small sum to each of his daughters Mary and Hannah. His inventory amounted to £234-12-6. His widow Anne and son Thomas were executors of his will. Anne his widow d. Aug. 31, 1683. Children : 1. Samuel, b. before his father came to 3. Mary, b. ; m. Christopher Crowe of Windsor, Hartford. ' Jan. 15, 1656. 2. Thomas, b. Jan. 26, 1645. 4. Hannah, b. ; m. Hillyer of Windsor. I. Samuel, son of Benjamin and Anne Burr, was made a freeman at Hart- ford in May, 1658. He m. Mary, daughter of John and Elizabeth Baysey of Hartford. She d. before her husband and he d. Sept. 29, 1682, leaving an estate of £541-10-1 1., which was considered a large estate at that time, and was distributed to his children as follows ; to Samuel then aged 19, £160 ; John aged 12, £101 ; Mary aged 9, £80; Elizabeth aged 7, ^lESo ; Jonathan aged 3. £100. Children : 5. Samuel, b. about 1663, m. 8. Elizabeth, b. 1675. 6. John, b. 1670, m. 9. Jonathan, b. 1679, "^' Abigail Hubbard, 7. Mary, b. 1673, m. Daniel Clark, 1693. and settled in Middletown. 6. John, son of Samuel and Mary (Baysey) Burr, m. Sarah and settled in Farmington. His children as given may not be in the order of their birth, but are taken from Farmington records. Children : 10. John, m. 16. Ebenezer, ] b. July 9, 1712. 11. Stephen. ' 17. Thankful, / b. " " " m. Ephraim 12. Noadiah, m. Nov. 5, 1731, Hannah Brown, of Farmington. Gilbert. 18. Lucy, bap. March 21, 1714. 13. Sarah, m. Joseph Gillett. 19. Gideon, b. Nov. 16, 1715, settled in 14. Nathaniel, settled in Farmington. Goshen. 15. Eunice, m. Samuel Case of Simsbury. 20. Mariam, m. Nathaniel Case. 10. John, son of John and Sarah Burr, m. Mary, daughter of Caleb Root, of Farmington, Nov. ic, 1722. Children: 21. Salmon, b. Sept. 25, 1723. ford. 22. John, b. May 28, 1726, m. 24. Ruth, b. Oct. 26, 1732. 23. Mary, b. June 14, 1729, d. in Torring- 22. John, son of John and Mary (Root) Burr, m. Tabitha Loomis of 662 History of Torrington. Windsor, Dec. 17, 1747 ; purchased land in Torringford, east of Burrville, in 1752, and settled on it probably that spring; the place being known many years as the Burr hosiery or tavern and afterwards the Daniel Coe Hudson place. Here John Burr spent his life in clearing the forests and preparing the way for his children and the future generations. He was a man of import- ance taking an active part in the interest of the town and community in those early times when every body worked hard and had but little. Children: 25. John, b. July 19, 1750, in Farmington. children : Justice, George Russell, Timo- 26. Reuben, b. Jan. 13, 1752. thy, William, Hiram, Lucina, Flora, Al- 27. Tabitha, b. June 23, 1754, d. Apr. 2, mira ; ail went to Ohio except Hiram, lygp who went to Illinois. 29. Jehiel, b. Apr. 11, 1757, m. and lived 30. Chloe, b. Sept. 27, 1764, m. Ira Fuller in Winsted and had children: Erasmus, of Vermont, no children. Rozel, Halsey, Dency. 31. Tabitha, m. Foot, had 2 children. 29. Russell, b. Oct. 19, 1761, m. and had 25. Lieut. John, son of John and Tabitha (Loomis) Burr, m. Joel Mark- ham of Torrington Dec. 13, 1770 ; and sometime after 1781, removed west with his family. Children; 32. Theodore, b. Aug. i6, 1771, went west. 35. John, b. Sept. 13, 1776, went west. 33. John, b. May 2, 1773, d. Aug. 26, 1775. 26. Arnold, b. Dec. 10, i 778, went west." 34. Joel, b. Aug, 7, 1775, d. Oct. 17, 1775. 37. Horatio, b. Aug. 30, 1781, went west. 26. Reuben, son of John and Tabitha (Loomis) Burr, m. ist Mehitable Stanley of Torrington, July 2, 1772. She d. Sept. 29, 1793, and he m. 2d Martha Wilson Aug. 20, 1784. Children: 38. Reuben, b. Aug. 15, 1773, m. and 44. Urial, b. May 19, 1795, •"• went to Amsterdam N. Y. 45. Milo, b. Jan. i, 1797, m. 39. Salmon, b. May 26, 1775, ^- 4^- F^nny, b. Dec. 4, 1798, not m., d. Mar. Doolittle, settled in Winsted. 1873- 40. Mehitable, b. Nov. 22, 1777, m. ; re- 47. Eliza, b. Jan. 16, 1801, m. ist. moved to Watertown, Ct., had children. Humphrey, and lived near Dea. Roods; 41. Allyn, b. Feb. 15, 1780, m., lived and he d., and she m. 2d Steele. d. in Winchester, had two children. Her son and wife and two children were 42. Chloe, b. May 15, 1786, m. Henry murdered in Kansas by the Indians. Roberts of Torringford. 48. Harriett, b. Jan. 13, 1803, m. Lurandus 43. Sally, b. Aug. 4, 1789, m. Asa Loomis. Beach and lived in Lawrence, Mass. 44. Uriel, son of Reuben and Martha (Wilson) Burr, m. 1st Esther, dau. of Uri Curtiss, Dec. 13, 1820. She was born Sept. 13, 1797, and d. Dec. 10, 1831, and he m. 2d, widow Fanny Taylor, Aug, 14, 1861, and is living a little east of Burrville. Children : 49. Uri, b. Jan. 15, 1822. removed to Kansas, has children : Alice, 50. Esther G., b. June 28, 1824, m. James Cora, Hattie, Fisher, Chester, Edith, Tallmadge, a wagon-maker of Burrville Freddie, Infant. and Winsted, Apr. 22, 1845 , had child- 54. Son, b. June 14, 1837, d. ren ; Henrietta, b. Aug. 15, 1847, Alice 55. Sarah A., b. Aug. 10, 1838, m. Charles Olive, b July 8, 1854. O. Baldwin, of Harwinton, Jan. i, 1859; 51. Lucius, b. Dec. 9, 1826, m. lives near her father's and has children; 52. Harriett, b. Feb. 12, 1830, d. Dec. 10, Charles A., b. Sept. 11, i86o; Alfred, b. 1831. Jan. 27, 1864; C.irrie L., b. July 25, 53. Mary E., b. Dec. 16, 1832, m. Andrew 1867 ; John, b. Sept. 15, 1869 ; Burr, b. S. Baldwin ofHarwinton, Jan. 24, 1857; Sept. 30, 1872. 45. Mild, son of Reuben and Martha (Wilson) Burr, m. Mary Skinner of Winsted Mar. l, 1825, and purchased timber lands where Burrville stands, and in 1827, built the house in which he resided and where his son, John M., now resides. He engaged in the lumber business, cutting the pine timber in ^!^c; ^^ 7-r. Genealogies. 66^ the vicinity, and reducing it to lumber ; owned several hundred acres of land ; had two and some of the time three saw mills in use in this busint-ss. The tannery which he bought of Newton Rossisier, was run a time by Martin Webster and afterwards a Mr. Bai Mary 60 Hannah C, b. Mar. 20, 1809, d. Oct. B., b. Dec. 6, 1875; 3. James B., b. 26, 1815. Oct. 15, 1876, d. Nov. 13, 1849; 4. 61. Mary, b. Dec. 16, 1814. m. Caleb J. Anna B., b. Aug. 2, 1850, d. Mar. 24, Camp; had children; i. Mary M., b. 1852; 5. Ellen B., b. Aug. 1 6, 1 855. Mar. 4, 1842, m. Oct. 23, 1866, Herman ' " IVadsworth Memorial,^'' Ohio. 84 666 History of Torrington. 54. JuLTUS, son of Noah and Sarah (Bradley) Beach, married Jerusha Weeks, ot" Litchfield, April, 1806. Children: 62. Eliza, b. Apr. 30, 1807. CABLE, Amos, was b. in Blanford, Mass , June 18, 1801, m. Diantha C. Jones, of Sharon, Ct. She was b. Nov. 25, 1801. Children: 1. Lucinda, b. Sept. 25, 1823; lives at 5. Frances, b. Aug. 20, 1851. Great Barrintiton, at the Berkshire House. 6. Helen, b. Feb. 10, 1853, m. Lewis Mc- 2. Sherman, b. Sept, 13, 18 — . Cary and has Lottie, b. Oct. 16, 1874; 3. Mary, b. Sept. 25, 1836. Alice, b. Aug. 30, 1875. 4. Lewis, b. Feb. 25, 18 — . CADY, Joshua, b. July 2, 1771, m. Lemantha Cadwell, Oct. 19, 1799, she was b. Sept. 30, 1780. Children recorded in Torrington: 1. Horatio Nelson, b. March 10,1800. 3. Alonzo, b. Sept. 8, 1804. 2. Anna Brace, b. April 3, 1802. CALHOUN, Joseph F., was born in 1819, in Cornwall, Ct. ; came to Wolcottville in 1847, and engaged in the manufacture of brass kettles for the brass mill company ; in 185 I engaged with the Wadhams Manufacturing Com- pany, as secretary, and has continued in the manufacturing business in connec- tion with various companies to the present time He is now secretary of the Union Hardware Company. He has been justice of the peace twenty-three years ; judge of probate since 1870, and a member of the legislature in 1858. He m. Clarissa A. Caswell, of Glastonburv, in 1848, and owns and occupies the Gen. Abernethv homestead in Wolcottville. Children : I. Sarah, b. Sept. 3, 1852; is a teacher in 2. John, b. March 11, 1865. the high school. 3. Clara L., b. March 7, 1867. CARR, Clement, of Torrington, m. Jedidah Pelton, of Chatham, May 18, 1785. Children recorded in Torrington: 1. Lemuel, b. Sept. 29, 1785. 3. Florilla, b. July 25, 1792. 2. Stillman, b. Jan 15, 1788, d. Jan., 1790. Carr, Robert, m. Mary Preston, Dec. 29, 1785 ; both of Torrington. Children recorded in Torrington : 1. Polly, b. Dec. 10, 1786. 3. Lois, b. Nov. 4, 1790. 2. Ruth, b. March i, 1788. CARTER, Ithiel, son of Jacob and Dorcas (Tyler) Carter, m. and removed from Wolcott to Warren, thence to Torrington. Children recorded in Torrington, Ct. ; 1. Julius, b. July 5, 1786. 4. Martha, b. Aug. 4, 1790. 2. Lucius, b. Sept. 2, 1787. 5. Lois, b. Feb., 1792. 3. Ezra, b. April i, 1789. 6. Sarah, b. Aug. 18, 1793. CHILDS, Timothy, m. Nancv, dau. of Seth Wadhams, of South Goshen. He purciiased the farm with the new house on it that Gen. Epaphras Sheldon had owned in the southwest corner of the town. He was an eccentric, energetic business man and larmer. He was a drover and brought into the town many cattle from the west. .A story is related of this family that is illustrative offamily government in those times. The father being displeased with his daughter thought it necessary to inflict chastisement by way o\ whipping, and started to execute the purpose. The daughter, then nearly grown to womanhood, ran down stairs and ran round the big chimney, the lather following, she keeping out of the reach of the parent. Soon he began to weary, and then to scold in a scripture wav • " Children obey your parents," "children obey your parents." Upon which the daughter, having been trained Genealogies. 667 to scripture precepts also, replied : "Fathers provoke not your children to wrath.'' History docs not tell us how long the father continued the chase after that fleet child. Children: hundred. 3. Samuel R , M.D., practiced a short time in Litchfield, removed to New York city, m. a wealthy lady j became quite an in- fluential man in politics ; was one who originated the plan of the Croton Aqueduct to convey water to New York city, and his name is engraved on the Croton Tablet at High Bridge, as one of the commis- sioners in the construction of that great and noble enterprise. In 1842, Mr. Israel Coe met him and traveled in com- pany with him several days in Europe. He was a man of decided intellectual ability and honorable character. 4. Edward. I. Stephen, went west. a. Col. Heman W., m ; lived some time on the homestead ; removed to New York city, where he became a man of much in- fluence in political circles ; went to the legislature several times, and bid fair to rise to the highest positions, when his early decease closed all earthly acquirements. He was in his early days a natural and very successful school teacher. He very seldom resorted to the rod, having dignity and genality in such degree as to be able to control any school with ease, and honor to himself and to all the pupils. He taught in Litchfield, when he had ninety- nine pupils and went to a neighbors and borrowed a baby to make the number one CHURCH, Samuel, of Southington, m. Nov. 30, 1774, Mary, daughter of Nathaniel Jones and his wite Sarah Merriman, of VVallingford ; and resided in Southington village, on a place known as the Levi Hart tavern stand, many years, and was considerably noted in the town. His ancestry has not been ob- tained. Children : 1. Samuel, b. Dec. 5, 1775. 5. May, b. Aug. 29, 1784, d. Mar. 18, I786. 2. John, b. Nov. 15, 1777, m. 6. Mary, b. July 4, 1786. 3. Rollin, b. Sept. 25, 1779. 7. Harvey, b. Oct. 26, 1788. 4. Harvey, b. Oct. 26, 1782, d. Sept. 23, 8. David, b. Aug. 20, 1791. 1786. 9. Nathaniel, b. Nov. 15, 1794. 2. John, son of Samuel and Mary (Jones) Church, m. Elizabeth, daughter of Samuel Andrews of Southington, Nov. 27, 1800, and lived in Southington village, where he followed the trade of a tinner until he came to Wolcottville, about 1830. He lost, it is said, two very inreresting daughters in Southington, Sylvia, and Harriet.' He engaged as a tinner with his son Charles S., in Wolcottville where he deceased July 15, 1845. Children : 10. John, ^ b. Apr. 30, i8oi,d. Apr. 28, 15. Adaline, b. Mar. 10, 1809, m. Alvin I 1843. Betsey m. Skid- Tyler, lives in Fountain Green, 111. Betsey, | more, lives in Bridgewater, 16. Charles S, b. Apr. 26, 1811, m. J Conn 12. Henry, b. Mar. 12, 1803, lives in Og- densburg, N. Y. 13. Sylvia, b. Mar. 12, 1805, d. Sept. 12, 1824, aged 19 years. 14. Harriet, b. Mar. 21, 1 807, d. Oct. 7, 1826, a. 19 year 17. Edward, b. Aug. 17, 1813, d. Oct. 7, 1 838, a. 21 years. 18. Mary, b. Jan. 7, 18 1 6, m. Bradley R. Agard. 19. Susan, b. Jan. 28, 18 18, m. Aaron Cline. 20. George, b. June 2, 1822, m. 16. Ch.arles S., son of John and Elizabeth (Andrews) Church, m Char- lott, daughter of Capt. Uii Taylor, of Wolcottville, Nov. 28, 1833. He was a tinner and made wares for supplying peddlers in various parts ot the country. Children : 21. Charlotte T., b. Dec. 11, 1834. the Wolcottville new cemetery. 22. Charles F , b. May 8, 1836, m. 24. Henry A., b. Mar. I g, 1841, m. 23. Harriett J., b. Apr. 23, 1839, d. Oct. 25. Nellie E., b. Mar. 29, 1843. 20, 1841, and was the 2d or 3d buried in 26. Uri T., b. May 21, 1845. 1 Mr. Gad Andrews of Southington. 668 History of Torrington. zo. George, son of John and Elizabeth (Andrews) Church, m. Eveline V, Lathrop, Nov. 20, 1848. He is partner in the hardware store of Agard and Church, and resides on Prospect street. Child : 27. Albert, b. July 30, 1849, d. Sept. 2, 1850. 22. Charles F., son of Charles S. and Charlotte (Taylor) Church, m. Catharine A. Carrington, of Waterbury, May 21, 1861, and resides on South Main street, Wolcottville. He is president and engaged in the Hendey Machine Company. Children : 27. Albert H., b. Feb. 22, 1862. 28. Elton C, b. Sept. 25, 1866. 24. Henry A., son of Charles S. and Charlotte (Taylor) Church, married 1st, Emma L. Benham, of New Haven, Sept. 29, 1869, and resided in New Haven. She deceased Dec. 20, 1871, and he married, 2d, Ella Walsh, of Sheffield, Mass., Nov., 1875 26. Uri Taylor, son of Charles S. and Charlotte (Taylor) Church, mar- ried Charlotte H. Sevmour Oct. 28, 1868, and resides on Waterbury road two miles south of Wolcottville. He is a farmer. Child: 29. Harry S., b. Aug. 15, 1871, d. Aug. 6, 1872. CLARK, Dexter W., son of Wilkins Clark, was born April 13, 1834, in Shelburn, Franklin county, Mass., came to Wolcottville in Feb. 1856, and en- gaged in McNeil's drugstore, where he has continued since that rime with the exception of being in the late war about three months. He m. Fannie E. Langdon. Child : I. Henry Langdon, b. Dec. 25, 1867. COE. According to Burke's Heraldry, all the members of this family, of distinction, resided in Norfolk county, England. Robert, the first in America, sailed from Ipswich, and probably came from Norfolk, this being his nearest shipping port. He came in the ship Frances, in the year 1634. His age was 38, that of his wife Ann, 43, his son John 8, Robert 7, and Benjamin 5. He settled in Watcrtown, Mass , in 1634, where he was made a freeman Sept. 3d, of that year. In 1635 or 6 he removed to Wethersfield, Ct., and thence, in 16150, to Stamford or Stratford. In 1662, he removed to Hempstead or Jamaica on Long Island, and in New York jurisdiction ; was made sheriff in 1669, which office he held until 1672. Children : 1. John, b. about 1626, in England. 3. Benjamin, b. about 1629, in England. 2. Robert b. about 1627, in England. 1. John, son of Robert and Ann Coe, came to New England in 1634 with his parents, and to Wethersfield and Stratford, and was of Newtown, L. I., in 1655, and of Greenwich, Ct., in 1660, and that year was one of the pur- chasers of Rye, N. Y. He was captain and was appointed a magistrate by Connecticut ; was representative to the general court of Ct. from Newtown in 1664. He was of Stratford in 1685. Children: 4. John. 7. Samuel. 5. Robert. 8. David. 6. Jonathan. 4. John, son of John, 1st, married in Stratford Dec. 20, 1682, Mary, dau. of Joseph Hawley of Stratford. She was born July 16, in Siratford. His four oldest sons settled in Durham where they had families. He died April 19, 1741. Children : Genealogies. 669 9. Robert, b. Sept. 21, 1684. 14. Sarah, b. Mar. 26, 1696. 10. Joseph, b. Feb. 2, 1686. ' ' , 15. Ephraim, b. Dec. 18, 1698. , II. Hannah, b. April 14, 168^. \(^V^^-''^ 16. Catharine, b. Sept. 23, 1700. "^ 12. Mary, b. Aug. 11, i69l.-<^>."' 17. Abigail, b. Nov. 11, 1702. 13. John, b. Dec. 5, 1693. 18. Ebenezer, b. Aug. 18, 1704. 9. Robert, son of John and Mary (Hawley) Coe, married Barbara Parmele and settled in Durham, Ct. His wife Barbara died in Bristol Sept. 26, 1774, in her 86th year. He was commissioned as ensign in train band in 1718. He purchased land in Torrington, deed dated 1736-7. Children: — 19. John, b., 13, 1710, settled in Tor. 24. Hannah, bap. April 1721. 20. Martha, b. Mar 21, 1713. 25. Robert 2d, bap. June 1723. 21. Ebenezer, b. Aug. 21, 1715, settled in 26. Thomas, bap. June 25, 1727. Torrington. 27. Reuben, bap. Dec. 22, 1728. 22. Mary, b. Apr. 11, 1717. 28. William, bap. June 7, 1730. 23. Robert, b. June 11, 1719, d. young. 29. Rachel, bap. Oct. 22, 1732. 19. JoN.ATH.^N, son of Robert and Barbara (Parmele) Coe, married Eliza- beth Elmer, of Windsor, ' Sept. 23, 1737. At the time of his marriage he is said to have been of Torrington^ ; indicating that he had been in the town during the summer, and at work in such a way as to make his residence here. He settled on a tarm adjoining Ebenezer Lyman's on the south where he lived about thirty years. He was one ol the first petitioners for sociL-ty piivileges, and seems to have been a very good citizen ; one of the original members of the first church ; a man esteemed and honored. He removed to Winchester, ill 1 768, having spent thirty-one years in Torrington. His wife, Elizabeth, d. June 28, 1794, a. 84 years ; he d. April 23, 1795, a. 84 years. Children : 30. Oliver, b. in T., Sept. 3, 1738, m. 35. Martha, b. in T., Jan 15, 1749. 31. Robert, b. in T., March 28, 1740, m. 36. Ebenezer, b. in T., Dec. 2, 1750, d. 32. Jonathan, b. in T., Aug. 20, 1742, m. Oct. 18, 1784. 33. Elizabeth, b. in T., Sept. 15, 1743. 37. Lucretia, b. in T., June 9, 1755, "^• 34. Jerusha, b. in T., March 27, 1746, m. Daniel Murray, March 18 j 1776, d. in John Lucas of Goshen Dec. 5, 1763. J^ns, 1792. 30. Oliver, son of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Elmer) Coe, m Marv Agard, of Torrington, Oct. 7, ij6i. In 1765, or soon after, he settled on a farm deeded to him by his father, in Winchester, near Torrington line, where he resided until his death Dec. 31, 1775, at the age of 37. He served in the continental army under Captain Sedgwick and Colonel Hinman, at Ticon- deroga, in 1775 ; vvas discharged Nov. 20th ; was taken sick on his way home near Lake George ; procured a horse on which he reached home Nov. 28th, and was confined to his bed with the camp or typhoid fever, until his death five weeks afterward. He left a widow and six children, all of whom were sick with the same disease. These facts are gathi-red from a memorial to the assembly by his administrator, asking a reimbursement of the expenses of his sickness and death, on which a grant was allowed of £14 6 s.^ Children : 38. Abner, b. April 12, 1763, m. and re- removed to Jewett, N. Y. moved to Vt. 42. Mary, b Dec. 6, 1769, m. Dr. 39. Oliver, b. Nov. 7, 1764, m. Abraham Camp of Mt. Morris, N. Y. 40. Mary, b. Sept. 2, 1766, d. Sept. 13, 43. Job, b. April 22, 1772. 1766. 44. James, b. May 31, 1774. 41. Justus, b. Sept. I, 1767, m. Ruth Bailey, 31. Robert, son of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Elmer) Coe, m. Chloe, dau. of Joel Thrall, of Torrington, Dec. 26, 1764, and settled on a farm near ' Not of Durham as in lytnchesttr Annals. 2 lown Rec. 3 H^inchcster Annals., 51. 670 History of Torrington. his brother Oliver's in Winchester. He sold this farm to his brother Jonathan, and removed to the western part of Winchester, and thence to Unadilla, New York,' where he died in 1830, a. 90 years. His wife Chloe, d. about 1810, and he m. a second wife. Children : 45. Joel, b. May 4, 1765, removed to Ox- separately, because some of them returned ford, Chenango Co., N. Y. to Torringcon. 46. Armanda (son), b. July 3, 1767, d. 48. Ariel, b. Oct. 31, 1772, removed to young. Coventry, N. Y. 47. Abijah, b. Oct. 23. 1769, m. Sibyl 49. Roswell, b. Feb. 5, 1780, went west. Baldwin in 1792. This family is treated 32. Ens. Jonathan, son of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Elmer) Coe, known as Ensign Jonathan Coe, reinoved with his father and mother in 1768, on the farm until then occupied by his brother Robert Coe. He m. April 11;, 1767, Eunice daughter of Dea. John Cook of Torrington. He removed to Winsted, in 1796, where he d. August i, 1824. His wife Eunice d. April 12, 1818. Ensign Coe has been considered the lather ot the Methodist denomination in the town of Winchester ; having been, probably, the earliest adherent and a consistent and earnest supporter of that order through his life. Children: 50. Lavinia, b. in T., Feb. 11, 1768, m. Woodruff of Barkhampsted. Asahel Miller, Oct. 26, 1788. 55 Huldah, b. Jan. 3, 1779, ^- Major 51. Jonathan, b. in T., Mar. 23, 1770, m. Lloyd Andrews, May 16, 1796, who was 52. Eunice, b. Mar. 23, 1772, m. Abiel cousin to Dea. John Whiting. Loomis, Jan. 20, 1793. 56. David, b. Feb. 11, 1781. 53. Roger, b. July 27, 1774, m. 57, Daniel, b. Feb. 2, 1783. 54. Rhoda, b. Mar. 27, 1777, m. Eben 58. Eben, b. July 9, 1785. 39. Oliver Jr., son of Oliver and Mary (Agard) Coe, m. Sarah, daughter of Thomas Marshall of Torrington, Dec. 1, 1791. He m. second Chloe Spencer daughter oi Thomas. He owned and lived on the Henry Drake farm in Winchester, near the Torrington line, from 1805, to 1814, when he re- moved to Hudson, Ohio. He served on several tours of duty in the revolu- tionary war, and on the breaking out of the Indian war again enlisted for three years. He d. in Hudson, Ohio, August 14, 1825, a. 61 years.* Children : 59. Norris, b. May 16, 1792, m. Chloe 61. Artemisia, b. Dec, 1799, "^- George Hubbell. Chase. 60. Demas, b. Jan. 11, 1794, m. Eliza Ward. 51. JONATHAN 3d, son'of Jonathan, 2d, and Eunice (Cook) Coe, m. Char- lotte, daughter of Thomas Spencer, Oct. 3, 1792. She d. July 15, 1842, a. 70 years. He m second Huldah (Spencer) Wetmore, widow of John Wet- more, second, and sister of his first wife. She d. July 10, 1845 ; he m. third Mrs. Betsey (Miller) Wetmore, of Wolcoitville. He d. in Winsted, May 31, 1849 ; she d. Sept. 18, 1850, a. 80 years. Children: 62. Jehial, b. Oct. 5, 1794. 67. Sylvia, b. Aug. 12, 1806, m. Samuel 63. Chloe, b. Feb. 24, 1797, m. Chauncey Boyd. Eggleston. 68. Huldah, b Apr. 6, 1809, m. Erastus S. 64 Wealthy, b. Mar. l, 1799, m. Nelson Woodford. Wilson. 69. Jane, b. Aug. 14, 1812, m. Henry 65. Charlotte, b. Aug. 24, 1801, d. Feb. Hinsdale. 15, 1814. 70. Ruth, b. Apr. 5, 1814, m. Abel A. 66. Msahel, b. Apr. 4, 1804. Smith. 56. David, son of Jonathan, 2d, and Eunice (Cook) Coe, married Prudence ' Annals of IVinchester, $Z. 2 ylnnals of IVinchtsttr, 53 ; Town Rec. Genealogies. 6yi Ward, Mar. 15, 1804. She died Feb. 23, 1823, a. 42 years. He married, 2d, Esther Wright. He d. June 12, 1834. Children : 71. Samuel Ward, b. June 15, 1806, m. office-bearer in the M. E. church from Aug. 16, 1831, Abigail B. Sanford ; she early manhood. His children were Chas. died Dec. 23, 1838, and he married 2d, Betts, David Ward, Francis Abby, Wilbur May 10, 1841, |ulia M. Starks. In com- Fisk. piny with Luman Hubbell and E. S. 72. Emery, b. Mar. 17, 1809, m. May 7, Woodford, he engaged in trade at Win- 1837, Almira Griswold, and had children, sted about 1830, and continued the busi- Sarah, Jane, Edward, Griswold. ness untill his death, Sept. 20, 1868, and 73. Sally, b. June 24, 1811, m. Alvin Gil- was largely identified with the public in- bert. terests of the town, filling with ability 74. David Fletcher, b. June 30, 1819, d. many offices of trust and honor; justice, Sept. 7, 1823. town clerk, senator, and judge of pro- 75. Prudence, b. July i, 1828, d. Sept. II, bate. He was also a faithful member and 1829. 5?. Rev. D.'^niel, son of Jonathan 2d and Eunice (Cook) Coe, married Oct. 17, 1803, Mrs. Anna (Sweet) Keyes, daug'iter of Rev. John Sweet ; she d Nov. 29, 1818; and he married, 2d, Lucy Hall, Jan. 20, 1820. He died Jan. 12, 1847. Children: 76. Caroline, b. Sept. 20, 1804, m. William Loomis. Carrier. 79. Col. Nelson Daniel, b Nov. 8, 1811. 77. Clarissa Anna, b. Apr. 16, 1807, m. 80. Rev. Jonathan, b. June i, 1815. Shadrach Manchester. 81. Rev. James Roger, b. Mar. 30, 1818. 78. Louisa, b. Apr. 11, 1809, m. Oliver H. 57. Eben, son of Jonathan, 2d, and Eunice (Cook) Coe, married Eliza Hirkman Dec. i, 1806. He d. Sept. 10, 1818. Children: 82. Julia, b. Aug. 26, 1807, m. Voorhies. 84. Eliza, b. Dec. 23, 181 1, m. Porter of 83. Samuel Mills, b. Feb. 21, 1809, d. Dec. Cleveland, O. 26,1809. 85- Charles, b. Oct. 25, 1816. 60. Demas, son of Oliver and Sarah (Marshall) Coe, m. Eliza Ward, April 15, 18 19. She was b. Nov. 29, 1800, and is still living. Mr. Coe lived some years in the west part of Wolcottville. Children : 86. Lewis, b. July 8, 1820, d. Feb. 22, 90. Elizabeth [.. b. Nov. 12, 1829, m. C. 1840, and was the first interment madein J. Wyman Nov. 25, 1852, April 10, 1871. the new Wolcottville burying ground. 91. Edward L., b. April 8, 1835, "^- Char- 87. Sarah, b. Aug. 22, 1821, m. Elias E. lott R. Robb Nov. 28, 1865, d. Aug. 2, Oilman Jan. 3'-, 1854, and resides in 1877. Winsted. 92. Amos Ward, b. June 15, 1841, d. 88. Burell F., b. Aug. 12, 1823, d. Nov. March 28, 1844. 25, 1842. 93. James .M., b. Feb. 21, 1845, m. Lucie 89. Oliver, b. March 18, 1827, d. Sept. 26, E. Sparks, Jan. 17, 1867. 1828. 62. Jehiel, son of Jonathan, 3d, and Charlotte (Spencer) Coe, married, Sept. 4, 1816, Amanda Betsey Case, born in Simshury. She died, and he married, 2d, Mrs. Harriet E. Sage, Sept. 25, 1856. Children : 94. Charlotte, b. Dec. 21, 1817, m. Lem- Carrie Capron of New York. phier B Tuttle. 97. William GiUmore, b. Sept. 10, 1829, 95. Luke Case, b. June 13, 1821, m. Sarah m. Martha A. Williams, and 2d, Jean- J. Andrews. nette T. L-e. 96. Spencer Wallace, b. Oct. 15, 1827, m. 98. Mary Jane, b. June 20, 1831. 66 As.^hel, son of Jonathan, 3d, and Charlotte (Spencer) Coe, married Louisa Hak- of Glastonbury, July 31. 1803. They removed to Pennsylvania, settling finally at Lock Haven. Children : 99. Anna, b. Oct. 2, 1827, m. E. S. Wood- 100. Jonathan Hale, b. Mar. 6, 1831, d,i832. ford. loi. Vvilliam Hale, b. Jan. 25, 1843. 672 History of Torrington. 79. Col. Nelson, son of Rev. Daniel and Anna (Keyes) Coe, m. Maria H. Seymour, Feb. 5, 1834. He d. Nov. i, 1856. Children : 102. Lucy Ann, b. Nov. 18, 1834, m. 104. A son, b. 1838, d. same day. Rufus E. Holmes. 105. Daniel Sidney, b. Aug., 1840. 103. James Nelson, b. Oct. 20, 1836, m. 106. Ellen Maria, b. March 31, 1845. Kate R. Goddard. 80. Rev. Jonathan, son of Rev. Daniel and Anna (Keyes) Coe, m. in Bridge- water, Mass., Oct. 15, 1844, Sarah Wales Whitman; b. March 30, 1815. She d. Sept. 5, 1848 ; and he m. 2d, Susan L. Whitman, sister ot his first wife, Jan. I, 1850. He was a graduate of Trinity college, Hartford, a minister of the Protestant Episcopal church and first rector of St. James' church, Winsted. He died of a rail road accident at Athens, New York, about 1867. Children : 107. James Herbert, b. July 22, 1845. ill. Robert Henning, b. Oct., 1852, d. 108. William Watson, b. Nov., 1846. 112. Reginald, b. July 22, 1854. 109. Harriet Whitman, b. Sept. 2, 1848, d. 113. Mary Cleaveland, b. July 22, 1856, d. Sept. 4, 5848. 1857. no. Alien Whitman, b. Aug. 27, 1851, d. 114. Anna Caroline, b. Oct., 1858. April, 1852. 81. Rev. James R., son of Rev. Daniel and Anna (Keyes) Coe, m. Oct. 4, 1848, Mary Cleaveland, b. Dec. 23, 1830. He was a minister of the Pro- testant Episcopal church. Children : 115. Anna Higley, b. Aug. 10, 1849. 118. Charles Cleveland, b. June 13, 1855. 116. Sarah Whitman, b. Jan. 13, 1851. 119. Mary Cleaveland, b. Dec. 17, 1857. 117. George Jarvis, b. May 7, 1853. 2 1. Ebenezer, son of Robert and Barbara (Parmcle) Coe, of Durham, m. Jane , and settled in Torrington, a little later than his brother Jonathan; his house standing where Mr. x'\lonzo Whiting's spring house now stands, and hence just across the highway from Priest Roberts. In after years the remark was made ot him that there was no inan in town as well off as Capt. Coe. He was one of the leading men in forming the strict Congregational church, and building the second meeting house. Children : 120. Eunice, b. April 29, 1742, m. Joseph Wilcox, Sept. 13, 1762. Hoskins, Jr., Aug. 20, 1761. 122. Rozel, b. Sept. 20, 1746, m. Esther 121. Mary, b. Sept. 7, 1744, m. Asahel Bancroft. 12 2. RoswELL, son of Ebcnczcr and Jane Coe, m. Esther Bancroft, April 22, 1766. He kept a tavern a number of years a little south of the crossing of the roads on Goshen turnpike, near Alonzo Whiting's. He began for him- self it is said, with more property than any other young man of his day, but with the keeping of a tavern, and signing notes for other people, which he finally had to pay. he lost all his property and d. poor. He and his wife d. in the old Dea. Whiting house and were buried in the same grave. They had no children. 47. Abij^h, son of Robert and Chloe (Thrall) Coe, m. Sibyl, daughter of Israel Baldwin, of Goshen, Oct. 18, 1792, and settled in Goshen, East street, a blacksmith, where he reinained until 1810, when he came to Torrington, near Wist pond, where he resided until the decease of his wife. She d. April 5, 1848. He d. in Wolcottville, April 8, 1852. Children: 123. Chloe, b. Mar. 5, 1793, m. Ira Mott Sophia C, b. Dec. 24, 1816; Flora, b. in 1813, and lived in Winchester. He Dec. 22, 1818, Asahel, b. March 27, d. Mar. 20, 1846, she d. in 1877. They 1820, d. Dec. 30, 1825 ; Ira, b. April 5, had: Edward W., b. Jan. 24, 1814; 1822, d. April 8, 1824; Emerson, b. Genealogies. 673 Nov. I, 1824, d. at sea, Feb. 8, 1845 ; 127. Norman, b. May i, 1801, m. Ellen, b. Aug. 17, 1826; Wakeman, b. 128. Eliza, b. Nov. 27, 1803, m. Chauncey June 21, 1830; Chloe Ann, b. Nov. 16, Spencer 1827, and d. Aug. 26, 1830. 1834; Adeline, b. Feb. 21, 1827. They had: Homer, b. Aug. 14, 1828. 124. Israel, b. Dec. 14, 1794, m. 129. fiber Norton, b. March 7, 1806, m. 125. Flora, b. Feb. 17, 1797, m. Anson 130. Sibyl, b. June 29, 1808, d. unm. Sept. Stocking, May 15, 1825. They had: 11, 1864. Flora E., b. June 22, 1827 ; Omer C, b Oct. 14, 1828, Fanny M., b. Dec. 4, 1830; Phila H., b. April 2, 1836; fiber N., b. Feb. 14, 1838. 126. Asahel, b. Jan. 28, 1799, m. 131. Orrel, b. Nov. 25, 1 8 10, m. Samuel J. Stocking, Mar. 22, 1835, d. Dec. 8, 1850. 132. Harvey, b. Jan. 3, 1817, d. Aug., 1839, in Alabama. 124. Israel, son of Abijah and Sibyl (Baldwin) Coe, married Nancy Wet- more Sept. 17, 1817. She was born July 19, i 796, and died Aug. 30, 1838. He married, 2d, Huldah De Forrest Oct. 16, 1839. (^See Biogrtiphy.) Children : 133. Lyman, b. Aug. 14, 1818, d. Apr. 5, 138. Cornelia, b. Feb. 18, 1828, m. Israel 1819 134. Lyman W., b. Jan. 20, 1820, m. 13J. Russell A., b. Nov. 10, 1821, d. Nov. 24, 1867, in Detroit, unmarried. 136. William H., b. Jan. 17, 1824, m. 137. Sarah M., b. April 27, 1826, m. Je- dediah Hibbard, at Detroit, May 9, 1850. He was born Sept. 13, 18 14, and d. Feb. 8,1856. Their children : Nancy Wet- more, b-. April 14, 1851, d. Aug. 30, 1853 ; Charles, b. June 23, 1853 ; Rus- sell Abernethy, b. Mar. 9, 1855, d. Oct. 17, 1868. 126. As..\HEL, son of Abijah and Sibyl (Baldwin) Coe, married Maria Wetmore, June 2, 1830. She was born May 14, 1805. He resided some years in Wolcottville, being engaged with Geo. D. Wadhams and Webster, in the button business, and in 1838 removed to Waverly, 111, He had five sons in the late war, all of whom returned home uninjured. They went with Gen. Sherman through Georgia. Children: Holmes 2d, in Detroit, May 22, 1848. He was born Aug. 10, 1823. He with his family, spent several years after 1863, in England in business engagements. Their children : Martha Cornelia, b. July 17, 1850; Samuel Judd, b. Jan. 14, 1853, d. July 4, 1855; William Coe, b. Aug. 25, 1854; Franklin (Jarter, b. Aug. 21. 1859; Charles Leland, b. Oct. 16, 1863, in England J Frederick Nelson, b. Nov. 12, 1864, in England; Walter Wetmore, b. Oct. 13, 1866, in England. 139. Adelaide E., b. Apr. 26, 1833. 140. Charles W., b. March 8, 1831; m.j in the late war. 141. Edward B., b. Feb. 22, 1833; in the war; d. at Cheyenne, April i, 1876. 142. Lauren W., b. July 25, 1835, m. ; in the late war. 173. Louisa M.,b. April 18, 1838, m. John M. Van Deren, Springfield, HI., Sept. 8, 1864. 144. William, b. Nov. 13, 1841 ; in the late war. 145. Alfred, b. April 4, 1843; in the late war. 146. Israel, b. Aug. 19, 1847. 147. Sarah Eveline, b. Oct. 31, ,1849, 127. NoRM.^N, son of Abijah and Sibyl (Baldwin) Coe, married Naney Whiting Aug. 26, 1827 ; removed to Alabama, where he resided some years, and thence to Grenada, Mississippi, where he d. Oct. i, 1859. Children: 148. Irwin P., b. July 15, 1828. 149. Edwin M., b. May 23, 1830. 150. Norman, b. Feb. 22, 1834, d. June 27, 1854. 251. fiber, b. Sept. 5, 1835, d. June 20, 1836. 152. Eliza M., b. Oct. 30, 1837, in Ala- bama. 153. Flora Janette, b. Sept. 3, 1841, in Alabama, d. in Miss., Sept. 10, 1856. 129. Eben Norton, son of Abijah and Sibyl (Baldwin) Coe, married Sarah 85 674 History of Torrington. Townsend Apr. lo, 1837. She was born Mar. 4, 1820. He died in Ala- bama Dec. 16, 1857. His wife Sarah died Mar. 13, 1849. Children: 154. Ellen Cornelia, b. April 9, 1838. 156. Marion Napoleon, b. Aug. 5, 1847. 155. Martha Frances, b. Aug. 22, 1840. 157. William Harvey, b. Feb. 28, 1849. 134. Lyman Wetmore, son of Israel and Nancy (Wetmore) Coe, m. Eliza, daughter of Samuel Seymour, of Wolcottville, Nov. 3, 1841, and has resided some years in Waterbury, but since 1863, in Wolcottville, and is a prominent man in the town, counfy, and state. {See Biography.) Children : 148. Adelaide Eliza, b. Oct. 29, 1745, m. Oct. 9, 1873. W. H. K Godfrey of Waterbury, where 160. Ella Seymour, b. Feb. 24, 1854, m. they reside. Had: Mary, b. July 16, 1876. Oct. 21, 1874, Thomas J. Nichols, of 159. Edward Turner, b. June i, 1846, at- Brooklyn, N. Y., son of Charles M. and tended school at Mr. F. W. Gunns Wash- Sarah M. (Green) Nichols. Mr. T. J. ington, Ct., and at Mr. Wm. H. Russell's, Nichols is engaged as clerk with the Tur- military school New Haven; m. Lelia ner and Seymour company. dau. of Amos Wheeler of Wolcottville, 136. William H., son of Israel and Nancy (Wetmore) Coe, m. Deborah S. Archer, at Waverly, 111., Nov. 11, 1846. She was b. Sept. I,.i824, Children: 161. Frederick Archer, b. Aug. 12, 1847. 163. Charles Henry. 162. Franklin Lyman, b. Apr. 8, 1850, d. 164. William Augustus. Aug. 30, 1867, at Appleton, Wis. 140. Charles W., son of Asahel and Maria (Wetmore) Coe, m. Phebe Crawford in Iowa. Children : 165. Louisa M., b. Oct. 26, 1857. 166. Franklin, b. Oct. 12, 1859. 142. Lauren W., son of Asahel and Maria (Wetmore) Coe, m. Martha E. Jarins, Aug. 31, 1858. She was b. July i, 1837. Child: 167. Russell J., b. July 22, 1859. 28. William, son of Robert and Barbara (Parmela) Coe, of Durham, and being a younger brother of Jonathan and Ebenezcr, came to Torrington some years later than they, and purchased in 1752, twenty-eight acres of land in the southwestern part of the town. Whom he m. is not known ; the town records giving the names of only two children. He and his wife united with the Torrington church in 1757, and afterwards removed to Torringtord where he d. in 1 766. Children : 168. Seth, b. Dec. 21, 1757, m. 169. William, b. March 23, 1764, nothing is known about him. 168. Capt. Seth, son of William Coe, was in the Revolution eight years, enlisting when seventeen years of age, leaving his mother a widow. After the war he settled in the southeast corner of the town on a farm, still known by his name. He drew a pension many years, living to be quite aged, and was always ready to tell stories to the young people about the war. He m. first Hopkins, second Elmer, sister of Abialliar. Children by 1st wife : 170. Lucianna, b.; m. Scoville. By 2d wife : 171. Luranna, b., never m. 173- Marilla, b. 172. Henry, b. Sept. 2, 1792, m. 174. Sylvester, b. 172. Henry, son of Seth and (Elmer) Coe, m. Sophrona, daughter of Alexander Elmer, March 16, 1815, and lived on his father-in-law's farm until 1836, when he removed to Wolcottville, where he had purchased fifty Genealogies. 675 acres of land and built him a house, on South Main street, where he lived until his death, Jan. 4, 1862. Children : 175. Henry P., b. Aug. 3, 1877, "i- ^st 178. Oliver P., b. Apr. 25, 1828, m. Mary dau. of Porter Bissell, 2 , and 179. Laurana, b. Dec. 20, 1830, d. Jan. 18, removed to Clayton, 111., and has five 1833. child. en. 180. James £., b. Jan. 16, 1834, went to 176 Sophrona E , b. Sept. 16, 1820, d. Chicago, where he m. and has five Mar. 16, 1836. children. 177. Jane E., b Nov. 20, 1824, m. Samuel 181. Nelson W., b. Jan. 2, 1837. A. Healy of Torrington, lives Canton, Ct. 178. Oliver. P., son of Henry and Sophronia (Elmer) Coe, m Annie Ash- born, Sept. I, 1864, who d. July 14, 1874. He m. second Lucy A. Upson, of Wolcott, Oct. 19, 1876. He is foreman in the Coe Furniture Manufactory. Children : 182. William Henry, b. Aug. 13, 1865, d. July 19, 1871. Sept. 18. 1866. 185 Sophronia Isabel, b. Feb. 17, 1872. 183. Mary Elizabeth, b. June 12, 1867. 186. Oliver Elmer, b. Apr. 20, 1874. 184. Harry Elmer, b. Oct. 28, 1869, d. 181. Nelson W., son of Henry and Sophronia (Elmer) Coe, m Caroline E., daughter of Samuel Workman, Sept. 19, 1862, lives on North Main street. Children ; 187. Frank E., b. ; d. young. 189. Frank E., b. Feb., 1872. 188. Grace F., b. June, 1866. COLT. The name of Dution Colt appears often in English history. He was dispossessed of his estate for opposing popery, and afterwards regained it by valiant service for his countrv, and war granted one of the coat of arms of the Colt family. He was probably son of Sir Oliver Colt. We read during the 15th century, also, of Sir Thomas, Sir Henry and Sir George Colt. It is yrobable the line of descent is as follows: Sir Peter, a peer in Enghnd, son of Sir John Dutton Colt. John, son of Sir Peter Colt. John, son of John. John, son of John. John, son of John, who was born in England about the year 1625, came from Colchester, England, during the troubles of George I, at the age of eleven years. In 1638 he removed from Dorchester, Mass., to Hartford, with a col- ony that came thither during that year. He afterwards married Skin- ner and settled in Windsor. He probably married for a 2d wife, Mary Fitch, daughter of Joseph Fitch, from whom he received land in Windsor for love and good will. He was one of the early settlers on the east side of the river, and was much troubled with the Indians. In 1665, he subscribed six shillings to raise the minister's salary. He lived to the age of 105 years. John, son of John and Mary Fitch Colt, was born in 1658. Benjamin, son of John Colt, born in Conn., in 1700, was one of the early proprietors of Harwinton, though probably he never lived there himself In 1735, he deeds, "for the natural love and good will I do have for my son John, all my land in Harwinton." John, married Mercy Higley and lived about one-half mile east and then one-half mile north of the present church in Harwinton. Children : 1. Jonathan Higley b. Oct. 13, 1735. 5. Ruth, b. Dec. 14, 1742. 2. Anna, b. May 6, 1737. 6. John, b. March 16, 1745. 3. Mary. b. April 5, 1739. 7- Ann, b. Nov. 17, 1747. 4. John, b. Feb. 19, 1741. 8. Dorothy, b, Sept. 10, 1753. 676 History of Torrington. I. Jonathan Higley, son of John and Mercy (Higley) Colt, married Oct. 12, 1761, Mary Tutile of Harwinton, born Mar. 22, 1741, and died Oct. 17, 1822. Children : 9. John, b. Sept. 9, 1762. Hopkins. 10. Eliphalet, b. Feb. 12, 1764, m. Huldah 16. Sarah, b. Oct. 3, 1776 ; m. Darius Wil- Adams, settled in Otis, Mass., removed son. Had a son Darius who m. Clarissa and d. in Ohio in extreme old age. Treadway. 11. Anson, b. July 19, 1766. 17. Pollythi, b. Dec. 20, 1778; m. James 12. Allen, b. March 4, 1769, m. Polly Wilson, lived in Paris, Canada. Webster, had several children: Allen, 18. Huldah, b. Aug. 7, 1780, m. Silas Polly, Nancy and others. Gridley, had Eliza, Sally, Belinda, Silas 13. Truman, b. Jan. 13, 1771. Riley. 14. Milicent, b. Jan. I., 1773 ; m. 1st, Ruel 19. Electa, b. April i 5, 1785; m. and set- Gridley, 2d Abel Gridley. tied in Western New York. 15. Rhoda, b. Jan. 11, 1775; m. Benjamin 9. John, son of Jonathan Higley and Mary (Tuttle) Colt, m. Ruth Gilbert, Dec. 7, 1785, and lived in Harwinton ; she d. June iith, 1792 ; he m. 2d, Chloe Bull, June 5, 1793- Children by 1st wife: 20. Belinda, b. Sept. 7, 1786, m. Edward m. Almira Strong. Bartholomew, and is still living and in her 21. John, b. Dec. 23d, 1788, m. Mary 92d year. Her son, John Bartholomew, Grimes Dec, 1819. Children by 2d wife: 22. Gilbert, b. April 19, 1794. lotte, b. Feb. 12, 1835; Yi. Mary, b. 23. Lyman, b. March 22, 1796. April 8, 1837; vii. Lyman, b. Feb. 12, 24. Riley, b. Dec. 4, 1797. 1^39 > viii. Caroline, b. Jan. 20, 1841 ; 25. Wolcott, b. July II, 1801, m. Sept. ix. Adaline, b. March 5, 1842 ; viii. Julia, 10, 1826, Polly Tomkinsj Their b. Sept. 12, 1844; x. Martha, b. April children were: i. James W , b. June 30, 1848; xi. Ruth, b. Dec. 7, 1849. 20,1827; 11. Charles, b. March 3, 1829; 26. Elias, b. Aug. 4, 1803. III. John Riley, b. Jan. ist, 1831 ; iv. 27. Elias, 2d, b. Feb. 14, 1807. Cornelius, b. Feb. ist, 1833; v. Char- 13. Truman, the filth son of Jonathan Higley and Mary (Tuttle) Colt, m. Anna Forbes, and settled in East Han, had two children : 28. Willis, b. , traveled south and residedin New Haven, and later in New d. in New Haven. Children: i. Edwin, York. Children: i. William Tomlinson; 11. m. lived and d. in Stockton, Cal. ; 11. Frederic Sherman; iii. Mary Henrietta; Francis, m. S. B. Jerome ot New Haven ; iv. Charles Frederic; v. Sherman Pres- III. Orilla: Sarah, m. R. S. Stillman of cott ; vi. Charlotte Jannett ; vii. William North Haven; Anson T., b. June 30, 1822, Edward; viii. James Bennett. m. Dec. 31, 18 — , Mary Ann Tomlinson, II. Anson, the third son of Jonathan Higley and Mary (Tuttle) Colt, m. Feb. 23d, 1792, Chloe, daughter of Jabez and Ann Gillett. He came from Harwinton to Torringford when twentv-one years of age, and was married when twenty-six. He built, first, the second house south of the present Torringford church on the same side of the road, also the shop standing near; he afterwards lived in the large two story house standing where James Woodward's house now stands, 6ne-half mile north of the church. About the year 1813 he removed to Greenwoods, and after living in the one story brown house three years, built, in 1816, the substantial house now occupied by George Colt. Here they lived and fulfilled well the mission assigned them, and were gathered to their heavenly home at a ripe old age, Mrs. Colt retain- ing her mental faculties perfectly to the age of 96 yeai's. In visiting their rela- tives and friends in Windsor and Otis, Mass., the journey was performed on horseback, the mother taking a child on a pillow, and the father taking a younger Genealogies. 677 one on a pillow in front of his saddle. He died Oct. 28th, 1848, aged 82 years. Children: 34. Nancy, b. Jan. 15, 1793, ™- Ralzinion Cornelius, b. June 19, 1831, d. March Loomis, July 1 1, 18 19, removed to Char- 26, 1834. Marcellus, b Oct. 28, 1833; lestown, Ohio, making the journey with d. May 22, 1857; Charlotte Ann, b. May oxen and cart in 40 days {See Loomis 6, 1840; m. May 30, 1861, to Nathan Family). She d. Jan. 30, 1S76. Bronson, who was b. Nov. ao, 1837. 35. Anson, b. fan. 11, 1795. She d. Dec. 7, 1871. Children : i. Alice, 36. Chloe, b. Feb. 12, 1797, m. Feb. 14, b. Aug. 23, 1862; 11. Henry B., b. 1830, to Leverett Tuttle. {See luttle Sept. 6, 1864, d. June 8, 1865 ; in. Family. Joseph S., b. Aug. 22, 1866, d. June 37. Henry, b. Nov. 25, 1800. 17, 1870, iv. Wilbur N., b. Nov. 29, 38. Charlotte, b. Feb. 21, 1803, m. Burton 1870; d. June 11, 1876. Pond, Oct. 5, 1829, and had children: 39. Cornelia, b. Dec. 20, 1843. 35. Col. Anson, son of -^nson and Chloe (Gillett) Colt, married Sept. 12, 1824, Mary Ann Newberry Barber. H3-traveled south in the mercantile business while a young man, and settled as a farmer on the opposite side of the street to his father He possesssed sound mind, good judgment, and business ability. He died .Aug. 16, 1865. Children: 40. Christopher, b. May 14, 1829 ; m. Sept. May 23, 1862; 11. James C, b. March 28, 1851, Francis Chidsey who d. Aug. 17, 1869. 15, 1S58 ; he m. 2d Sarah Barber, Oct. 41. John Anson, b. April 3, 18365 d. July 29, i860. Children : i. John B., b. 23, 1859. 37. Henry, son of .•\nson and Chloe (Gillett) Colt, married Chloe Catlin Oct. 19, 1829. He also traveled south, trading in dry goods, and afterwards settled on his father's homestead where he lived, honored for his piety and in- tegrity, and died Nov. 22, 1876 Children : 42. Henry Gillett, b. Nov. 2, 1832; m. 1843; had Julia Maria, b. July 6, 1866. Nettie Grisvvold (b. June 24, 1 849), Mar. 45. Emerette S., b. Nov. 21, 1 841; m. '9> 1874 ; lives in Winsted. Children: David Strong, June 7, 1 866. Children: Ella Chloe, d. Dec. 19, 1874; Florence Frederick Clark, b. May 12, 1867. Ar- A., b. Jan. 7, 1876; Henry L5ne, b. July thur David, b. Apr. 7,18705 d. Feb. 2, n 15- i**77- 1871 ; HerbertGillett,b. Dec.2o, 1871 J 43.^ Maria C, b. Sept. 6, 1834; m. David Walter Colt, b. June 15, 1875; d. Jan. Strong, b. Aug. 17, 1825; Sept. 14, 15,1877. 1857; d. Feb. 2, 1865, had John Henry, 46. Luman Catlin, b. Jan. 20, 1849; m. b. Sept. 1st, 1859; d. Aug. 20. i860. Oct. 11, 1870, Mary Virginia Tutile, b. 44. George Kellogg, b. Oct. 26, 1838; m. Dec. 2, 1850; lives in Winsted, has Chas. Dec. 24, 18635 Margarette E. Griswold, Henry, b. Sept. 24, 1872. daughter of Richard Griswold ; b. Feb. 4, COOK, Capt. .Aaron, was b. in Plymouth, England, about 1610, and was at Dorchester, Mass., in 1630; and received a grant of land, voted him, July 5, 1636, in Windsor. He in. as supposed, a daughter of Henry Smith, of Springfield, son-in-law of William Pyncheon. From V\indsor he went to Northampton, where he was a representative, and thence to Hadley, which town he also represented at the Mass. Gen. Court. " Mr. Cooke was a man of great energy, and a devoted friend of the regicide judges, GofFe and Whalley ; while they were in this country, they resided in his neighborhood ; his first wife was a dau. of Thomas Ford ; his second, was Joan, dau. of Nicholas Denslaw ; he had a third and a fourth wife, and d. in the year 1690." (///>/, Dorchester.^ Children : 1. Nathaniel; no record. 6. Samuel, b. Nov. 21, 1650. 2. Joanna, b. Feb. 21, 1640. 7. Elizabeth, b. April 7, 1653. 3. Aaron, bapt. Feb. 21, 1640. 8. Noah, b. June 14, 1657 (old ch. Rec, 4. Miriam, b. Mjrch 12, 1642. Windsor.) 5. Moses, b. Nov. 16, 1645. 678 History of Torrington. I. Nathaniel, son of Capt. Aaron Cook, m. Lydia Vore, June 29, 1649 ; was made freeman, May 16, 1650. He and his wife were members of the Windsor church. He died May 19, 1688 ; his widow Lydia, d. June 14, 1698. Children : 9. Sarah, b. June 26, 1650. 13. Abigail, b. March i, 1660. 10. Lydia, b. Jan. 9, 1652, d. Oct. 24. 14. John, b. Aug. 3, 1662. 11. Hannah, b. Sept. 11, 1655. 15. Josiah, b. Dec. 22, 1664. 12. Nathaniel, b. May 13, 1658. 14. John, son of Nathaniel and Lvdia (Vore) Cook, m. and lived in Wind- sor. Children : 16. John. 16. Dea. John, was son of John, the son of Nathaniel (certified by the late Herman Cook, of Wolcotiville). This Dea. John Cook, was an original proprietor in Torrington, and is called invariably John Cook, 2d, or junior. He was one of sixteen men, appointed by the towns of Hartford and Windsor, to locate the corner monuments of Torrington, and the other five towns, which were included in Hartford and Windsor's " western lands." Dea. Cook's initials were on stones at the southeast corner of Torrington. The record of his family h^s not been obtained. He d. in 1751. His widow Edee, d. in Torrington, Oct. 29, 1781. Child: 17. John, b. in 1718. 17. Dea. John, son of Dea. John Cook, of Windsor, came to Torrington, in 1740, and was m. to Rachel Wilson, sister to Noah and Amos, June 22, I 741. His father gave him the farm lot, 56, of the first division on which he built so tar as is known the first framed house in the town, probably in the spring of 1741, and in this house he lived until his decease ; and the place is still known by his name ; the frame of the house is still standing but has been recovered, and is in good repair. In this house the first church was organized and the first minister ordained, October 21, 1741. Dea. Cook was much honored, and apparently greatly respected as long as he lived. Dea. Cook's mother Ede, d. in Torrington, Oct. 29, 1781. He d. April 8, 1779. -^'^ widow d. April 8, 1789. Children: 18. Rachel, b. May 2, 1742, m. David Beach, Jr., Jan. 4, 1776. Soper Jan. 26, 1764. 25. Urijah, b. Sept. I, 1754, m. 19. John, b. Aug. 29, 1743, m. 26. Lucy, b. Oct. 2, 1756, m. Moses Loomis, 20. Eunice, b. March 5, 1746, m. Ensign Jr., Aug. 8, 1782. Jonathan Coe, Jr., April 15, 1767. 27. Hannah, b. March 3, 1758, m. Simeon 21. Francis, b. Sept. 18, 1747, d. Dec. 23, Moore, Jan. 21, 1784. 1750. 28. Elihu, b. Feb. 18, 1760, d. Feb. 20, 22. Shubael, b. April 21, 1749, m. 1760. 23. Sarah, b. Oct. 31, 1750, m. Levi 29. Elihu, b. March 29, 1761, m. Hurlbut July 26, 1777. 30. Mary, b. Nov. 10, 1764, d. Nov. 14, 24. Edee, b. Nov. 28, 1752, m. Joseph 1784. 19. John, son of Dea. John and Rachel (Wilson) Cocjk, married Deborah Palmer, of Windsor, May 25, 1769. She died Aug 25, 1775. He married 2, Bethiah Winchel, Feb. 2, 1777. He died Jan. 16, 1823, She died Mar. 5, 1823. Children by first wife: 31. Deborah, b. Nov. 25, 1769, d. Oct. 14, 32. John, b. Dec. 2, 1741, d. Feb. 29, 1774- 1775- By second wife : 33. John, b. May 27, 1779. 35. Luther, b. Sept. 21, 1783. 34. David, b. Jan. 31, 1781. ^^^^^.. G (^^"-^-^^ Genealogies. 79 22. Dea. Shubael, son of Dea. John and Rachel (Wilson) Cook, married Sept. 17, 1773, Sarah Bassert Gillcit of Windsor. He removed in 1792 to Winsted and settled on the Daniel Tuttle farm, adjoining Torringford line on South street. About 18 iq he removed to a house on the south side of Green- woods turnpike, in which he died Dec 27, 1824, aged 75. His wife died in 1827, aged 79. In 1802, he was chosen deacon ol the Congregational church, which office he filled with great fidelity and acceptance, until his death. Dea. Cook was a man of warm and cheerful piety, poor in this world's goods, but rich in Christian attainments, and in the love uf his brethren.' Children: 36. Rosinda, b. Mar. 17, 1774, in Tor., 38. Ede, b. in 1783, d. single, Feb. i, 1818, m. Asher Loomis of Windsor, where she a. 35. d. in 1805. 39. Reuben, b. Sept. 10, 1786, a manufac- 37. Reuben, b. ; d. young, scalded. turer in Winsted. 25. Urijah, son of Dea. John and Rachel (Wilson) Cook, married Submit Tuttle Feb. 8, 1779. ^^ removed to Winchester in 1788, and in 18 19, he removed to Barkhamsted where he died June 28, 1832, aged 73. His wife. Submit, died Dec. 16, 1844, aged 88. He was a farmer ; a zealous theolo- gian and federalist. Children : 40. Anson, b. Oct. 4, 1779, m. 44. Rachel, b. Jan. 7, 1790, m. Hamlin 41. Lois, b. Mar. 25, 1781, m. Giles Rus- Russell. sell. 45. Huldah, b. Feb. 9, 1795. 42. Sally, b. March, 28, 1782, d. unm. 46. Philo, b. Sept. 28, 1798, d. in Bark- 43. Rhoda, b. Jan. 7, 1790, d. April 29, hamsted, 1858. 1807. 29. Elihu, son of Dea. John and Rachel (Wilson) Cook, married Huldah Yale Jan. 6, 1787. Children: 47. Huldah, b. Feb. 14, 1788. 49. Ophelia, b. Jan. 3, 1794. 48. Roxy, b. Oct. 28, 1790. 50. Riley, b. Jan. 14, 1797. 33. John, son of John and Bethiah (Winchell) Cook, married Lydia Loomis of Harwinton, 19, 1806. He died Sept. 7, 1863, and his wife Lydia died Feb. 7, 1861. Children: 51. Herman, b. Feb. 2, 1807. 52. Lewis, b. Sept. 23, 1817. 34. David, son of John and Bethiah (Winchell) Cook, married Hannah L. Beach Dec. 21, 1806. They removed to Charlotte, Vt., where he died, Sept. 24, 1857, and his widow, Hannah L., died May 9th, 1870. Children: 53. Mary A. b. Aug. 20, 1808, m. Frank- 54. Charles B., b. Mar. 24, 1814, m. lin Barber, Mar. 23, 1835, and had Ar- 55. Harriet P., b. July 12, 1816. thur C, b. Jan. 4. 1837; Ellen M., b. June 3, 1843 > Cljarles H., b. Feb. 10, 1847. 35. Luther, son of John and Beihiah (Winchell) Cook, married Louisa Fuller, of Kent, Feb. 9, 1815. He died Nov. 19,1855. His widow, Louisa, died Dec. 2, 1863. Children: 56. John W., b. March 12, 1818. Ashborn, Feb. 14, 1859. 57. Maria L., b. Sept. 26, 1833, m. James 39. Reuben, son of Shubael and Sarah B. (Gillett) Cook, m. Apr. 15, 18 I I, Ruth, dau of Eldad and Rebecca Shepard, born in Hariland Apr. 27, 1787; removed to Winsted in early life, and became a manufacturer of bar iron. Shed. Jan. 8, 1841, and he died Mar. 16, 1872. Children: > Sec Hist. Ifiruhtsttr. 68o History of Torrington. 58. Jerusha, b. Mar. 17, 1812, m. Jan. 62. Julia, b. Dec. i, 1820, d. Jan. 22, 1837. 1856, Daniel Spring. 63. John R., b. Feb. 18, 1813, m. Mar- 59. Sarah, b. June 9, 1813, m. Shepard S. ietta A. Phelps of Norfolk, Oct. 15, 1845 ; Wheeler 5 d. Feb. 8, 1855. she d. Jan. 21, 1861, and he m. 2d Sept. 60. Charles, b. Oct. 15, 1815, m. Sept. 29, 1863, Jane M. Dickinson of New 1837, Mary Jane Lewis of Suffield, had, Britain, who d. July 25, 1873, and he 1. Jane Elizabeth, b. in 1838, d June 1842; m. 3d July 13, 1875, Mrs. Helen M. % Rollin Hillyer, b. Aug. 24, 1844, m. Wickham of Winsted. He d. Nov. 10, June 1866, Minnie Graves of New Mil- 1876. Children : i. John Phelps, b. ford 5 shed. Oct. 20, 1868, leaving Min- Jan. 25, 1849, m. Mar. 3, 1877, Eliza- nie Graves, b. June 1867, and Eliza Jane beth L. Norton of Norfolk; 2. Eliza b. Sept. 30, 1868. He m. 2d Rose Phelps b. Feb. 15, 1857; 3. Marietta, Terry of Hartford, April 16, 1873. b. June 5, 1861, d. at Chicago, July 12, 61. Harriet, b. i\Iay 29, 1818, m. Sept. 7, 1864. 1853, Eli R. Miller. 40. Anson, son of Urijah and Submit (Tuttle) Cook, m. Dec. 31, 1806, Amelia Hinsdale, who d. May 15, 185 I, a. 70. He was a millwright, and was an industrious, quiet, upright, good man. He d. Dec. 17, i860, a. 81. Children : 64. James, b. Mar. 9, 1809. (Stillman)^Cross. Children: Edward, b. 65. Rhoda A., b. Dec. 16, 1810. Dec. 20, 1841 ; 2. Frederick M., b. 66. Sherman T., b. Mar. 22, 1813, m. Nov. Mar. 28, 1843 '■> 3- Cornelia E., b. Sept. 27, 1839, Cornelia E. Jaqua, b. Oct. 16, 15, 1850 ; 4. Emma A., b. Oct. 3, 1853. 1817. She d. by a railroad accident 67. Anson Russell, b. Dec. 12, 1814. about 1858, and he m. 2d Mrs. Lucia 68. Laura, b. May 24, 1818. 50. Riley, son ot' Elihu and Huldah (Yale) Cook, married Emerette Allyn ; lived on his father's homestead until his death. May 9, 1865. Children : 69. Frank, b. Jan. 13, 1839, d. Dec. 2, mour Eldredge of Goshen Jan. 21, 1866. 1845. 72. Ella, b. Aug. 28, 1850, m. A. F. Bat- 70. Albert, b. July 30, 1842, d. Jan. 2, ler, Dec. 21, 1876. 1846. 73. Frank, b. Sept. 30, 1852. 71. Emogene, b. Nov. 18, 1849, m. Sey- 51. Herman, son of John and Lydia (Loomis) Cook, m. Augustine Dare, May 22, 1836. Children: 74. Lucy J., b. May 18, 1843. 76. John E., b. March 24, 1846. 75. Mary E., b. Sept. 17, 1844. 52. Lewis, son of John and Lydia (Loomis) Cook, m. Eliza A. Mills of Canton, March 25, 1844. 54. Charles B., son of David and Hannah (Beach) Cook, m. Harriet M. Breckenridge, Oct. 5, 1836; 2d Mary A. Callender, Jan. 13, 1864. He resides in Charlotte, Vt. Children : 77. Mary C, b. Jan. 2, 1865. 79. Harriet B., b. April 24, 1872. 78. Charles D., b. June 21, 1867. 56. John W., son of Luther and Louisa (Fuller) Cook, m. Cornelia, dau. of Caleb Beach, of Winchester, Nov. 22, 1864. Children: 80. Louisa J., b. Feb. 27, 1868, d. Jan., 8, 81. Charles W., b. Nov. 5, 1770. 1870. COWLES, Elijah, was b. in New Hartford, Sept. 6, 1776, and was the son of John Cowles who lived and d. in New Hartford. He m. Cliloe Woodruff, in New Hartford, March i, 1799. She was b. Sept. 5, 1778. He came to Torrington about 1800, and established himself as a hatter on the Goshen road a little above Harney Palmer's, where he continued his trade many years. While he made hats his wife made bonnets, the latter being made of Genealogies. 68 i rye straw and leghorn, and for the leghorn she received fifteen dollars each. Mr. Cowles d. Feb. 6, 1855, a. 78 years. His widow Chloe d. Oct. 24, 1859, a. 82 years. Child : 1. Albro W., b. Dec. 17, 1799. 1. Albro W., son of Elijah and Chloe (Woodruff) Cowles, m. Eliza, dau. of David Tallmadge, March 5, 1828, and lived on the old homestead an'd the Harvey Palmer place which he bought. He d. Feb. 14, 1866, a. 66 years. His widow is still living, one of the old members of the Torrington church and highly esteemed. Children : 2. Burton Tallmadge, b. April 30, 1829, m. 4. Jane E., b. June 2, 1847, an adopted 3. Angeline Eliza, b. Nov. 28, 1831, m. dau. m. Wolcott Wheeler of Litchfield Franklin Abbott of jMiddlebury March 30, Nov. 7, 1867; has William H., b. Oct. 1852. 30, 1868. 2. Burton T., son of Albro and Eliza (Tallmadge) Cowles, m. Eliza H., dau. of Moses Waugh, Dec. 23, 1851, and resides on the old homestead. Child : 5. Willard Albro, b. Sept. 17, 1858. COWLES, S.'^MUEL, came from Farmington, before 1753, probably in con- nection with Timothy Judd and Ebenezer North. He was, probably, brother of Timothy, Joseph, Lemuel and Daniel Cowles, who settled in Canaan, about 1740. He probably removed to Canaan. ' Children baptized in T. : 1. Abigail, bap. June 17, 1753. 3. Zilpha, bap. June 20, 1762. He had 2. Lois, bap. May i, 1757. other children before coming to T. Samuel, son of Samuel and Martha Cowles, m. Sibyl, daughter of Ebenezer North, April 14, 1756. He removed to Norfolk. Children: 4. Lois, b. Apr. 25, 1757. 6. Zilpha, b. June 7, 1762. 5. Noah, b. Oct. 17, 1759. CUMMINGS, Samuel, m. Margaret, daughter of Rev. Nathaniel Roberts, Sept. 28, 1778. Children recorded in Torrington : 1. Rama, b. Sept. 6, 1778. 4. Reuben, b. Sept. 4, 1786. 2. Nathaniel, b. July 6, 1780. 5. Zilpha, b. Oct. 17, 1788. 3. Esther, b. Nov. 20. 1782. 6. Lovell, b. Apr. 17, 1791. CURTISS, Capt. Zebulon, came to Torrington with Ebenezer North and purchased land with him on the west side of the town in 1741, where he re- sided, probablv, twenty years or more. His sons settled in Torringford. His wife Lydia d. June 22, 1776. Capt. Thomas Curtiss, probably the father of Zebulon, d. Jan. 20, 1752. Children: I. Job, b. July 5, 1745, m.; hid: Zebulon, 2. John, b. March 10, 1746. bap. Apr. 29, 1770, Un, bap. Sept. 18, 3. Lydia, b. Dec. 24, 1751. 1771. 2. John, son of Zebulon, m. Mary Fillcy, June 4, 1769. 4. Jeremiah, b. April 8, 1770. 7. Lorrain, b. Sept. 18, 1775. 5. Huldah, b. Feb 17, 1772. 8. Thomas, b. Apr. 3, 1778. 6. Junia, b. Feb. 16, 1774. 9. Mary, b. Dec. 26, 1779. Solomon, had a son Solomon bap. Dec. 1762. DAV7, John, m. Emma Smith in 1852 ; is a shoe merchant in Wolcott- ville. Children : 1. William T. 5. Florence C. 2. Fred. 6. John S. 3. Eliza A. 7. Kitty. 4. Emily E. 8. Grace. 86 682 History of Torringto N. DAYTON, Marcus, b. Apr. 4, 1827, m. Jenette Starkwell Sept. 26, 18152. Children: 1. Albert M., b. Sept. 19, 1854, m. Anna 5. Ella Jenette, b. Nov. 2a, 1857, m. Dayton, Sept. 20, 1876, lives in Win- Heniy Beach, Feb. 14, 1876. Chester. 4. Alice Irene, b. Nov. 16, 1859, d. May 2. Etta Jane, b Nov. 8, 1855, m. Elihu 16, 1861. Dayton, of Winchester. DELEBER, Samuel, b. May 31, 1785 married Minerva, daughter of Raphael Marshall, June 19, 1806. She was born May 30, 1789. Children: 1. Mary K., b. Oct. 17, 1808. 4. Lucius, b. April 12, 1815. 2. Raphael, b. Fen., i, 1810. 5. Samuel, b. July 18, 1819. 3. Daniel, b. June 24, 1812. DIBBLE, Abraham, born May 15, 1684, was the son of Thomas who was the son ot Thomas Dibble, an early settler at Dorchester and at Windsor. Abraham Dibble was an original proprietor in a thirty-eight pound right, and the second lot ot land laid out in the town in the southeast corner, was his, and on this lot his son Thomas settled in the spring of 1745, ^""^ ^^^^ father came later, and was a man of much importance in those early days ot Torringford. Abraham married Hannah Hosford Aug. 18, 1809. Children: I. Abraham, b. May 4, 1711. 6. Martha, b. Dec. 25, 1719. a. Hannah, b. Dec. 2, 1712. 7. Daniel, b. Nov, 5, 1721. 3. Ann, b. Dec. 16, 1714. 8. Hannah, b. My 6, 1724. 4. Mary, b. Sept. 24, 1716. 9. Abigail, b. March 30, 1728. 5. Thomas, b. July 12, 1718. 5. Thomas, son of Abraham and Hannah (Hosford) Dibble, married Hannah Woolworth ofSufReld, Dec. 22, 1843, and was the first settler in Tor- ringford, making his home there in the spring of 1745. His house stood on Torringford street at the south end on a little hill, the site being still known as the Dibble place, Here Thomas Dibble broke the silence of the forests w^ith the first sound of the axe, and put up his log house and introduced civilized life to that region which was afterwards called Torringford Society. Here he toiled the few short years allotted him, finishing his life work Aug. 20, 1758, and his remains were the first to be committed to the dust in the Torringford burying ground. Children : 10. Daniel, b. Oct. 20, 1744, in Windsor, 11. Ebenezer, b. June 21, 1750. and hence as his father was the first set- 12. Hannah, b. Jan. 11, 1753. tier in Toiringford, he itiust have come 13. Thomas, b. iNjay 25, 1757, d. Dec. 2, thither in the spring of 1745. '759- 10. Daniel, son of Thomas and Hannah (Woolworth) Dibble, m., ist, Anna .Nov, 17, 1768, who d. Feb. 14, 1786; 2d, Ruth Phelps of Windsor, Jan. 8, 1788, and she d. Feb. 23, 1834, a. 84. He was killed by being thrown out of a wagon coming down the Eno hill towards Wolcottville, July 13, 1821,3. 77. Children: 14. Mehitable, b. Jan. 28, 1770, m. Harvey 17. Isaac Hayden, b. Oct. 31, 1781, not Palmer, Nov. 25, 1795. m. ; d. on the homestead April 23, 1834, 15. Aurelia, b. March 5, 1772, m. a. 52. Hayden of Windsor. 18. Lucretia, b. Jan. 17, 1784, m. Janna B. 16. Miriam, b. Mar. 22, 1776, m. John P. Phelps, had son Fredeiick, who m. in Wetmore, Nov. 25, 1795. Lit«.hheld, and d. early. DOOLITTLE, David, m. Taphath. Ciiildren recorded inTorrington : 1. Eli, b. July 15, 1773. 3. David, b. Oct. 3, 1777. 2, Lydia, b. July 23, 1775. DRAKE. The family of Drake has been distinguished in England, from Genealogies. 683 the earliest ages by a long array of noblemen, soldiers, navigators, clergymen, martyrs and authprs. Among the many noble families of the name, in Great Britain, the familv who held their seat at Ashe, were ever prominent and from them it is supposed the Drakes of New England were descended Of this familv was John, one of the council of Plymouth, England, a member of the original company established by King James in 1606, for settling New England. Several of his sons came hither and settled, viz: Richard, who came over with two or more sons, and nine daughters, and settled at Hampton, N. H. ; and John, who came to Boston, in 1630, and afterwards settled at Windsor. From these are descended all of the name in America' 1. John, son of John, member of Plymouth council, in England, was among the earlv settlers in Windsor, and of him the Windsor Records say : " August 17, 1659, John Drake senior, d. accidentally as he was driving a cart loaded with corn to carry from his house to his son Jacob's, the cattle being two oxen, and his mare. In the highway, against John Griffin's, something scared the cattle, and they set a running, and he laboring to stop them by taking hold on the mare, was thrown down on his face and the cart wheel went over him, broke one of his legs, and bruised his body, so that he was taken up dead, being carried into his daughter's house, had life come again, but d. in a short time, and was buried on the 1 8th of August, 1659." " Old widow [Elizabeth] Drake, d. Oct. 7, 1681, at 100th year of age, having lived a widow, 22 years." Children : 1. Job. 3. Jacob. 2. John. 2. John, son of John the emigrant, m. Hannah Moore, Nov. 30, 1648, was one of the first settlers at Simsbury ; inventory presented Sept. 12, 1689; Simsbury property £393, 15s ; Windsor property £223. 2S. Children: 4. John, b. Sept. 14, 1649, settled in Dan- 9. Simon, b Oct. 28, 1659. bury. 10. Lydia, b. Jan. 10, 1661. 5. Job, b. June 15, 1651. 11. Elizabeth, b. July 22, 1664. 6. Hannah,) b Dec. 8. 1655. 12. Mary, b. Jan. 29, 1666. 7. Enoch, J 13. Mindwell, b. Nov. 10, 1671. 8. Ruth, b. Dec. 8, 1657. 14. Joseph, b. June 26, 1674. 7. Enoch, son of John and Hinnah (Moore) Drake, m. Sarah Porter, Nov. II, 1680, lived in Simsbury. Children: 15. Sarah, b. May 31, 1681. 18. Hannah, b, Oct. 6, 1695. 16. Enoch, b. May 5, 1683. 19. Nathaniel, b. (in probate record). 17. Samuel, b. July 27, 1688. 16. Enoch, son of Enoch and Sarah (Porter) Drake, m. Elizabeth Barber, April 20, 1704 ; she d. April 2, 1717 ; he m. 2d Lydia Cook, who d. May 18. 1718 ; he m. 3d Dorcas Eggleston, May 6, 1719- Children: 20. Enoch, b. Jan. 12, 1705. 27. Hezekiah, b. Jan. 17, 1722. 21. Llizjbeth, b. Feb. 3, 1708. 28. Dorcas, b. Sept. 11, 1723. 22. Eunice. 29. Dudley, b. Aug. 30, 1725. 23. Lois, b. June 15, 1710. 30. Lydia, b. Nov. 15, 1727. 24. Noah, b. June 13, 1714. 31. Ebenezer, b. Nov. 28, 1729. 25. Hannah, b. March 29, 1717. 32. Isaac, b. July 13, 1733. 26. Jerusha, b. June 14, 1720. 24. Noah, son of Enoch and Elizabeth (Barber) Drake; m. Hannah Skinner, Oct. i, 174I ; lived in Simsbury. Children: I See Hist, of JVindmr. 684 History of Torrington. 33. Noah, b. May 30, 1743, ^- June 13, 37. Lucy, b. May, 8, 1754, m. Silas Fyler, 1743. Feb., 1779 34. Hannah, b. 1743, m. Zacheus Munsell. 38. Noah, b. Sept. 10, 1758, m. Anne 35. Noah, b. May 5, 1744, d. July 21, Parsons. 1744. 39. Armira, b. Jan. 15, 1762, m. Aaron 36. Moses, b. May 23, 1751, m. Abigail Loomis, d. in 1814. Hubbard. 36. Moses, son of Noah and Hannah (Skinner) Drake, m. May 3, 1783, Abigail Hubbard, of Wintonbury, and settled in the edge of Winchester, where Hewett Hills afterwards lived. He d. July 4, 1831, a. 80 years: his widow x'\bigail, d. Nov. 29 1849, a. 91 years. Children : 40. Abigail, b. Feb., 1784, m. ist Stephen 44. Ira, b. 1792, d. March 8, 1794. Wheadon. Winchester. 45. Lucy, b. April 18, 1796, m. ist Hins- 41. Chloe, b. Jan., 1786,01. Grove Weslin, dale, 2d Owen Brown, d. in Hudson, O., went to Ohio. Sept. 17, 1876, a. 80. 42. Moses, b. Feb. 14, 1788, m. 46. Huldah, b 1806, m. William Ford, 43. Roxa, b. March, I , 90, not m. d. a. 17. went to Ohio. 38. Noah, son ot Noah and Hannah (Skinner) Drake, m. Anna Parsons, who was b May 7, 1764. He settled in Newfield, a little west of Silas Fyler's farm. Children: 47. Noah, b. 1784, m. ; d. Nov. i, 1874, a. 49. Rufus, b. 1791, m. ; d. April 15, 1874, 91. a. 83. 48. Hezekiah, b. March 7, 1789, m. 42. Moses, son of Moses and Abigail (Hubbard) Drake, in. Lucy Shepard, of Somers, lived on his father's homestead. Children : 50. Roxana F., b. March 5, 1817, d. Sept. 53. Delia C, b. March I, 1824, m. Levi 6, 1869, a. 52 ; m. David Norton, Goshen, Hodges. went to 111. 54. Sherman, b. Jan. 2, 1826, d. Aug. 18, 51. Marantha, b. Oct. 5, 1818, m. ist 1828. Alexander Gillett, 2d John M. Wadhams 55. Henry, I b. June 9, ) Helen m. F. El- of Goshen. 56. Helen,/ 1829, m. / more, went to O. 52. Martin, b. Jan. 10, 1822, m. 47. Noah, son of Noah and Anna (Parsons) Drake, m. Polly, dau. of Stephen Fyler; lived in north part of Newfield ; quite a land owner and farmer. Children : 57. Mary Ann. b. Dec. 31, 1805, m. Har- 58. Flora P., b. Oct. i, 1817, m Thomas vey Ford, June 26, 1825 ; had Nelson D., A. Starks. and Reuben F. 48. Hezekiah son of Noah and Anna (Parsons) Drake, m, Lucy Covey, Feb. 21, i8r4 ; she d. May 28, 1861, a. 70. He lives with his dau. Mrs. Martin Drake, and is in his eighty-third year. Children : 59. Edwin C, b. Nov. 9, 1819, m. Betsey in the north pjrt of the town. Carrier, Dec. 24, 1845; removed to New 61. Chester P., b. Feb. 8, 1824, m. York state, had children. Lucia W., b, April 29, 1827, m. Sterling 60. Sally A., b. March 20, 1822, m. Martin E, Elmore, Sept., 23, 1845; had Edgar V. Drake, Oct. 27, 1847 ; lives on the S., b. Dec. 24, 1846; Lucy J., b. April 5, hill north of the old Noah Thrall place, 1849. 49. RuFus, son ot Noah and Anna (Parsons) Drake, m. Children : 62. Lucius M., b. Aug. 24, 18 17. 64. Frances W. 63. Lorrain N. 52. Martin, son of Moses and Lucy (Shepard) Drake, m. Sally Drake, Oct. 27, 1847. Children : 65. Mary, b, Feb. 1 1, 1 853, an adopted dau. 66. Lucy Barnum, b. Jan. 7, '867, an m. Stanley Pulver, Oct. 1, 1872, lives in adopted dau. Terryville. Genealogies. 685 55. Henry, son of Moses and Lucy (Shepard) Drake, m. ist Harriet Elmore, Dec. 25, 1850, who d. Sept. 28, 1872 ; m. 2d, Mrs. Lucia (Drake) Elmore, Dec. 25, 1877. Children : 67. Ella S., b. Nov. 8, 1851, m. Roger 68. Eddie M., b. June 9, 1854, d. a. 5 years. Starks, Nov. 29, 1877. 61. Chester P., son of Hezekiah and Lucy (Covev) Drake, m, Caroline (Moore) Fyler, Dec. 24, 1846, lived in New Haven. Children : 69. Carlton Fyler, b. Aug. 29, 1857 ; gra- Nov 6, i860. duated at Yale law school in 1877. 71. W. Sherman, b. Sept. 10, 1864. 70. Willie Moore, b. March 12, i860, d. 6z. Lucius M., son of Rufus, m. Harriet, dau. of John Knccttle, of Lowell, Mass., June 4, 1843. Children : 72. Henrietta A., b. April i, 1844, d. May 1858. !• 18+8. 75. Lucius P , b. Sept. i, 1852. 73. Hannah F., b. Sept. 4, 1847. 76. Mary M., b. Nov. 5, 1856. 74. Rufus N., b. Dec. 2, 1850, d. Feb. 5, 75. Lucius P., son of Lucius M., m. Adelia, dau, of Wallace Bruce, Oct. 2, 1872. Children : 77. Luella A., b. March 29, 1873. 78. Gertrude A., b. Nov., 1874. DRAKE, Joseph, of T , m. Elizabeth Barber of Windsor, Mar. 7, 1751, and settled as one of the first in ihe western part of Newfield, half a mile west of the corners near the burying ground. Children : 1. Ursula, b. Jan. 21, 1752. 4. Hannah, b. Mar. 12, 1761. 2. Elizabeth, b. Feb. i, 1754. 5. Loranda, b. Nov. 18, 1765. 3. Sarah, b. May 13, 1756. 6. Julianna, b. Mar. 28, 1769. By 2d wife : 7. John Eson, b. Sept. 10, 1777. DUNBAR, Bassett, m. Mary Munn and lived on the Munn place at Day- tonville. Children : 1. Riley. 4. Allen, lives in Ohio. 2. Esther, m. Palmer, lived below Wol- 5. Betsey, m. in New York state. cottville. 6. Mary. 3. Lucius, went to Ohio. 7. Abijah. 1. Riley, m. Rhoda, dau. of William Huntington. Children: 8. Solon G., m. Mary Evans. 10. Addie L. 9. Adelaide, d. young. 11. Edward M. R.ALPH came to Torrington about the time his brother Bassett Dunbar. Children : 12. Hiram. 18. Albert. 13. Nelson. 19. Emeline. 14. Mary Ann. 20. Frederick. 15. Lyman. 21. Walrer. 16. Morton. 22. Minerva. 17. Harriett. DURWIN, Samuel, from Waterbury was in the town as early as 1749 ; his farm joined New Hartford. DOWNER, WiLLi.AM J., son of William J. Downer of Colchester, of Spanish descent, was born Dec. 27, 1818, and married Elizabeth A. Watson, of Canaan, Ct. ; she was born Nov. 25, 1819. They were married May 2, 1841 ; settled in Wrightville in 1865, where they still reside. Children ; 686 History of Torrington. 1. William Watson, b. Feb. 27, 1842, m. 4. Helen Elizabeth, b. Sept. 13, 1851, d. ISIrs. Julia J. Evans. May, 19, 1852. 2. Edwin Martin, b. Oct. 3, 1845, "'• ''^^s 4. Delia Elizabeth, b. March 10, i860. in Auburn, N. Y. t^" EGGLESTON, Edw.^rd, son of John and Esther (Mills) Eggleston, of Windsor, married Esther, daughter of Thomas Eggleston, and resided in Wind- sor, on Broad street, west side, opposite the present St Gabriel's church. His 1/ father John was grandson of Bigot Eggleston, who came in Mr. Warham's company to Dorchester, Mass., and thence to Windsor in 1635 ; Edward was b. Jan. 31, 1707; d. in 1758 ; his estate in Torrington amounted to £120. Children : I. Edward, b. April, 1736. 4. Timothy, b. Apr. 7, 1746. ^ 1. Benjamin, b. Mar. 16, 1743. 5. Ason, b. May 11, 1747, d. six days after. 3. Joseph, b. Aug. 10, 1744. I. Edward, Jr., son of Edward and Esther (Eggleston) Eggleston, came to Torrington and married Elizabeth Curtiss Dec. 4, 1760. She died Nov. 27, 1801. He died Sept. 28, 1807, aged 71. Children : 6. Esther, b. Mar. 5, 1762. 9. Ezekiel, b. Mar. 13, 1769. 7. James, b. May 17, 1764. 10. Philo, b. Apr. 7, 1771. 8. Eunice, b. Oct. 30, 1766, d. Nov. 11, 11. Curtiss, b. Apr. 4, 1774. 1801. ^ 2. Benjanin, son of Edward and Esther (Eggleston) Eggleston, came to Torrington and married Hannah Agard, of Litchfield, Jan. 5, 1769. He set- tled in south part of Newfield on west side of Walnut mountain. Besides cul- tivating a little land he was a tinker and smith, mending and recasting pewter dishes and spoons of all kinds ; mending articles made of copper. He also made copper buttons of various descriptions for boys and young men ; made nails for shoes and other uses. Children : 12. John, b. May 9, 1770, d. March 6, 16. Jedediah, b. Dec. 30, 1777, never m. 1791, a. 21. 17. Jonathan, b. Sept. 12, 1780, m. and 13. Linda, b. Dec. 17, 1772, never m. lived m Vt. 14. Ann, b. Sep. 30, 1773, m. Perry Hub- 18. Molly, b. Nov. 21, 1782, never m. bard. 19. Ethan, b. Jan. 7, 1785, never m. 15. Judah, b. Oct. 9, 1775, removed to N. Y. 20. Benjamin, b. Apiil 16, 1788, m. 3. Joseph, son of Edward and Esther (Eggleston) Eggleston, m. Susanna Mason, of Litchfield, Mar. 23, 1775. He settled in Newfield a little south of his brother Benjamin ; was a farmer and laborer. Children : 21. David, b. April 29, 1776. 24. Nabby, b. June 15, 1789. 22. Timothy, b. Oct. 21, 1779. 25. Eunice, b. Aug. 31, 1791. 23. William, b. June 21, 1787. 26. Anson, b. July 15, 1794. * 7. James, son of Edward and Elizabeth (Curtiss) Eggleston, m. Jemiah Phelps, of Tor. Dec. 24, 1789. Children: 27. Jerusha, b. June 21, 1791. II. CuRTiss, son of Edward and Elizabeth (Curtiss) Eggleston, m, Amarilla Fowler, June 27, 1 799. The births of three children are recorded in Torring- ton. He removed to Hiram, O. Clnldren: 28. Norman F., b. July 17, 1800. 31. Amarilla. 29. Elizabeth, b. July 7, 1803. 32. Rhoda, m. Roswell Parsons of Charl- 30. Amanda, b. Feb. 11, 1805, m. Geo. ton, O. Pitkin of Mullville, Utah. 33. Esther, m. Geo. Wood of Mulville, Utah. i^ 20. Benjamin, son of Benjamin an.l Hannah (.^gard) Eggleston, m. Sophia daughter of John Atkins of Vermont, May 12, 1816. He resided in Newfield Genealogies. 687 and worked by the day for farmers and others most of his life. He d. March 5, 1852, a. nearly 64 years. Children: 34. Elmira, b. June 22, 1818, m. Daniel Blackwell's Island, N. Y., Sept. i, 1864. A. Grant, Nov. 6, 1845. 39 Sophia J , b. Oct. 9, 1833, m. Samuel 35. Lucia A., b. Aug. i, 1821, d. Feb. 19, Cluud of" Missouri where she resides, and 1853, not m. has children : Dewitt, Wilbur, Horatio 36. Mary A., b. Sept. 4, 1824, m. Henry E., Louis, Walter, Norval and Lucia. Rouse, resides in Missouri. 40. Horatio G., b. Nov. 22, 1835 ; was in y^ll- Candace G., b. May 5, 1827, m. Joseph, the army and d. in the hospital at Alex- son of" Rev. Frederick Marsh of Win- andria, Va., Mar. 7, 1864 The bodies of Chester, where she resides, having children : these two sons, Philander and Horatio G., Joseph, Henry, Ellen, Parnell, Jane, and were broujiht toKew Haitford and buried Mary. in 1 ne grave and on their grave-stone is 38. Philander, b. Feb. 19, 1830; was in inscribed, "The only sons of a widowed the army of the late rebellion and d. at mother." 21. David, son of Joseph and Susanna (Mason) Eggleston, m. Sina Benton, of Harwinion, Dec. 15, 1796. Children: 41. Barnabas, b. M.ny 7, 1797. 46. Alma, b. Oct. 3, 1806. 42. John, b. Feb. 28, 1799. 47. Alexa, b. Nov. 2, 1808. 43. Barbarina, b, Dec. 2, 1800. 48. Frederick B., b. Mar. 13, 1801. 44. Aurinda, b. Oct. 28, 1802. 49. David M., b. Dec. 13, 1813. 45. Anna, b. Aug. 28, 1804. ELDRIDGE, H. Seymour, son of Orson B. Eldridge, was b. in Salisbury, July 10, 1838, and m. Emogene, daughter of Riley Cook, June 21, 1866. He has a market on Main street. Children : I. Archer Wentworth, b. Sept. 20, 1873, 2.. Florence Yale, b. Nov. i, 1875. d. Mar. 22, 1874. ELLIOT, Thomas A., came to Wolcottville in June, 1862, m. Sept. 1863, Sarah J. Buell of Litchfield ; is a merchant. Children : 1. Jennie E., b. Dec. 5, 1865. 3. Susie A , b. Nov. 17, 1870. 2. George, b. Oct. 15, 1868. ELMER, Alexander, b. in Windsor, came to Torrington, bought 400 acres of land part in Tor. southeast part, m. Elizabeth daughter of Thomas Pitkin of Huntington. He d. nearly one hundred years of age. He lived in New Hartford just over the line. Children : 1. Abiel. 4. Oliver, removed to "Vermont. 2. John, m. Bull of Harwinton, went 5. Lucretia. to Ohio. 6. David. 3. Betsey, m. Wm. Wood of South Wilbra- 7. Sophronia, b. Aug. 3, 1795, m. Henry ham, d. in Hartford in 1872, a. 81 or 2 Coe, Mar. 16, 1815. years. ENO, James, settled at Windsor, in 1646, and m. 1st Anna Bidwell, Aug. 18, 1648, and 2d Elizabeth Holcomb, Aug. 5, 1658, and 3d Hester Eggleston, April 29, 1680. He d. in 1682. Children: I. Sarah, bap. June 15, 1649. 3. John, b. Dec. 2, 1652, m. ■z. James, b. Oct. 30, 1651, m. 2. James Jr., son of James and Anna (Bidwell) Eno, m. Abigail Bissell, Dec. 26, 1678. Hed. July 16, 1714; his widow d. in March, 1728, Ch. : 4. James, b. Sept. 23, 1679. 9. John, b. Jan. 5, 1693. 5. Ann, b. Apr. 10, 1682. 10. Samuel, b. July 7, 1696. 6. William, b. Dec. 15, 1684. 11. Susjnnah, b. May 15, 1699. 7. Abigail, b. Mar. I, 1686. 12. David, b. Aug. 12, 1702. 8. Mary, b. May 5, 1691. 10. Capt. Samuel, son of James and Abigail (Bissell) Eno, m. Eunice 688 History of Torrington. Marshall, Dec. 24, 1735, who d. May 7, 1792, a. 83. He d. Aug. 17, 1778, a. 82. Children: 13. Eunice, b. Mar. 14, 1737, d. Mar. 23, 16. Daniel, b. Apr. 12, 1742. 1737. 17- Asbel, b. Aug, 2, 1744. 14. Samuel, b. Mar. 19, 1738. 18. Eunice, b. Oct. 5, 1746. 15. Eliphalet, b. Mar. 29, 1740. 19. Moses, b. Aug. 13, 1752. 15. Eliphalet, son of Samuel and Eunice (Marshall) Eno, came to Tor- rington and purchased a farm on the hill a mile east of Wolcottville, on which he settled and where he lived until his death, a farmer of considerable reputa- tion. He m. Sarah, daughter of Dea John Whiting, Aug. 31, 1789. He d. Sept. 14, 1833, a. 93 years 5 mo. 16 days. His widow Sarah d. June 10, 1838, a. 88 years 6 mo. 12 days. Child : 20. Eunice, b. Nov. 23, 1794, m. Abiel Taylor, May 4, 1813. Hezekiah, son of Lieut. Daniel, was nephew to Eliphalet, and settled on a farm east of his uncle's. He was b. July i, 1783 ; m. Betsey Griswold ; had no children. He d. Oct. 14, 1830, a, 57. Child : I. George P. Bissell, an adopted son, who his wife d. and were both buried in one m. lived on the homestead, and he and grave in 1876. EVANS, David, son of Benoni Evans, was born in Conway, Mass., May 6, 1809, and removed, while young, with his father to Southington, Conn., from whence he came to Torrington in November, 1824, and engaged in learning the shoe maker's trade with his uncle, Martin L. Sage, at the place now called Drake's mills. David Evans married Rhoda C, daughter of Harlem Brace, May 10, 1839. He purchased the place of his uncle Sage and has re- sided 'there ever since, and is a shoe maker still, well thought of by all the peo- ple. Children : I. Orlando D., b. June 15, 1844; he en- 1863, aged 19. listed in the late war in 1862; went to 2. Alfred M., b. Apr. 19, 1846, d. July Alexandria, Va., returned to New Haven, 15, 1859, aged 13. where he d. in the hospital Feb. 28, Jesse, son of Benoni Evans, was b. in Mass., went with his father to South- ington, Ct., when but three years of age ; came to Torrington when 18, and learned the tanner's and shoe mikcr's trade He m. Elvira Goodrich ot South- ington in 1835. Children : 3. Augusta, b. 1837, m. RuUin Wilson, in 1872, live in Burrville ; have son live in Winsted. George Jesse, b. Aug. 1873. 4. George M., b. 1840, m. Sylvia E. Case EVERITT, Israel, and his uife Abigail came from Wallingford, and was ainong the first settlers in Torrington, and sef.L'd near the Fowkr place, his second house, then a grand one. built in 1761, is still standing and is owned by Richard Henncssee. He was a miller and built the first corn mill in the town as near as can be ascertained. His son Samuel was a miller also, and bought part of the Wilson's mill. He married the daughter of Jacob Strong and some time afterwards removed to Colcbrook, Ct. The births of three children are recorded in the town : 1. Hannah, b. May 7, 1747. 3- Eunice, b. April, 16, 1755. 2. Israel, b. June 16, 1752. 2. Israel, son of Israel and .Abigail Evcritt, m, Abi Fylcr of Ncwfield, Sept. 26, 1782, and after some years he and his family removed to Ballston, N. Y. Children: Genealogies. 689 4. Israel, b. June, i8, 1783. 7. Abi, b. Dec. 28, 1792, m. Arvin Miller, 5. Josiah, b. Nov. 14, 1785. in 1819; d. in Tyringham, Mass. 6. Fyler b. April 7, 1787. FELLOWS, Ephr.'MM, son of Ephraim, and grandson of Ephraim, all of Canaan (but originally from Stonington), was born Aug. 31, 1803. He mar- ried Sabra, daughter of Abel Roberts, Nov 2, 1825, and resided in Cornwall until 1850, wlien he settled in Torrington on the Abel Roberts place where he still resides. His wite, Sabra, d. Apr. 18, 1872, aged 69. He m., 2d, Lucia (Vaill) Taylor Nov. 20, 1875. Children: 1. Mary L., b. May 3, 1827, m. Dea. Sam- 3. George W., b. June 3, 1832, m. uel J. Stocking, June 9, 1852. 4. Harvey R., b. Aug. 15, 1834, m. 2. Sarah A., b. Oct. 3, 1829, m. Lewis H. 5. William H., b. Nov. 5, 1836, d. young. Todd, June 30, 1853, and bad Alice M., 6. Russell F., b. Dec. 15, 1838, d. in rebel b. Aug. 15, 1854; Charles H., b. Nov. prison, Florence, S. C, Nov. 20, 1864. II, 1856 i Rosa M., b. Apr. 8, i860; 7. Charles L., July 31, 1842, m. Estella A., b. Jan. 5, 1863 5 Emma A., 8. Lucy E., b. Aug. 28, 1844, d. May 4, b. July 4, 1865; Dora W., b. Jan. i, 1861. 1869. 3. George W., son of Ephraim and Sabra (Roberts) Fellows, m. Ellen S. Todd of East Plymouth Aug. 1, 1852, and resides in Forestviile, and is en- gaged in the clock shop. Children : 9. Wilbur R., b. Sept. 2, 1853. 11. Addie, b. Apr. 20, 1864. 10. Edith L., b. June 8, 1858. 4. Harvey R., son of Fphraim and Sabre (Roberts) Fellows, m., 1st, Caroline A., dau. Lewis A. Morris Apr 24, 1856. He m., 2d, Sarah Coe, of Winst-jd, Sept. 5, 1872. Children by 1st wife. 12. Frederick L., b. May 17, 1858. 13. Willie, b. Jan. 23, 1865. 5. WiLLi.'^M H., son of Ephraim and Sabra (Roberts) Fellows, m. Rhoda Sackett of Thompson, O., May 19, 1857. He resided a time in Ohio, until his health failed when he came home and died May 22, 1861. His widow d. June 25, 1865. 7. Charles L., son of Ephraim and Sabra (Roberts) Fellows, m. Julia E. Crippin May 25, 1864, He is principal of Wolcottxille High School, and has been some four years ; has taught school twelve years. Children: 14. Edwin Russell, b. May 27, 1865. 15. Herbert Clinton, b. Dec. 4, 1871. FENN, Isaac Camp, son of John and Betsey (Camp) Fenn, was born in Middlebury, Jan. 1821. He m. Oct. 4, 1843, Laura, dau. of Eli Curtiss, of Northfield. She was b. Feb. 10, 1826. They settled in Torrington hollow, soon alter their marriage, where he was engaged some years as a lock maker. He was occupied, to a considerable extent, in the latter part of his life as a farmer and gardener. He d. Nov. 5, 1875. She d. March 9, 1877. Children: I. Augusta Laura, b. Aug. 7, 1846, m. 2. Frederick Eli, b. Dec. 13, 1862. Albert W. Camp, Jan. 12, 1871, and re- sides in Northtield. FERGUSON, James, m. Martha Squire, both of Durham, Jan. 9, 1767. Children : 1. Samuel, b. May 20, 1767. 3. Joseph, b. Feb. i, 1771. 2. James, b. March 2, 1769. FirCH, Luther and Lydia Fitch. Children: 1. Wm. Beecher, b. Feb. 11, 1801. 3. Julia Bethia, b. Feb. 5, 1805. 2. John Mills, b. May 20, 1803. 87 690 History of Torrington. FILLEY, Wm., m. Abiah , joined the church in Torrington, July 17, 1754, and after some years removed to Winchester, Ct. He d. and his wife Abiah, m. Joel Beach, and lived in Winchester afterwards Children : 1. William. 4. Mary, m. John Curtiss, of T., June 5, 2. Abraham. 1769. 3. Abiah, m. Adam Mott, Jr., of Win- 5. Marcy. Chester. 6. Remembrance, bapt. in T. Aug. 1 1, 1754. FOWLER. Crusader to Holy Land Knight, and Baron. Coat of Arms. Shield: — Two Lions, rampant: Owl, perched upon the Shield^ and head partially reversed. Watchfully. Motto : Sapiens qui vigilant. In " Weever's Funeral Monuments" of Monumental Remains at Islington, near (now) London, the following occurs. "Here Lyeth John Fowler, 1538. and Alis Fowler, wife of Robert Fowler, who d, 1540. Divers of this family lie here interred, — the ancestors of Sir Thomas Fowler, Knight and Baron, living 1630." St. Thomas, in the county of Stafford was long the chief seat oi the Fowler family, descended from Sir Richard Fowler of Foxlev, county of Buckingham ; a crusader in the time of King Richard first (^aboul A. D. i 180}, who because of his extraordinary vigilance in saving the Christian camp from a nocmrnal surprise, received the honor of knighthood on the field of battle, by his royal master ; who, savs tradition, caused the crest which Sir Richard then wore, (a hand and lurej, to be changed to the vigilant owl. Alter Sir Richard Fowler there were a number of his descendants who bore the honored name of knights and barons. I. Mr. William, the only one bearing the honorable prefix " Mr." of the New Haven company, was the ancestor of all the Fowlers of Milford, New Haven, Guilford and Windsor. He settled in Milford ; was chosen judge in 1639. He had had a classical education and was a man of prominence and influence in his native land, and was therefore well qualified for the honor and responsibility conferred upon him as judge in the new world. He d. Jan. 25, 1660. His will was executed in 1661. Children, all born in England: 2. William, lived at New Haven; was exe- and had a numerous family of children, cutor of his father's will. His descendants Prof. Wm. Fowler of Durham, graduate dwell in Milford, Lebanon and Haddam. of Yale college, is one_of them. 3. Dea. John, removed from Milford to 4. Ambrose, removed from Milford to Win- Guilford in 1648 ; where he m. jMary sor, Conn., in 1640. daughter of George Hubbard of Guilford 4. Ambrose, son of Judge William, of Mliford, removed to Windsor, in 1640, and became a member of Mr. Warham's church.' He m. Jane Alvord, in 1645. Children : 5. Abigail, b. in 1646, m. Morease Sikes, 8. Samuel, b. Nov. 1652. of Springfield, Mass. 9. Hannah, b. Dec, 1654, m. James Sex- 6. John, b. in 1648, m. Mercy Miller, of ton, Westfield, Mass. Northampton, Mass. 10. Elizabeth, b. Dec, 1656. 7. Mary, b. in 1650, m. Fearnot King. 11. Ambrose, b. in 1658. 8. Samuel, son of Ambrose and Jane (.'^Ivord) Fowler, m. Abigail Brown, of Windsor, in 1683 ; removed to Westfield, Mass., in 1689. Children: » Hist, of l^indiDr. i '' ipiiiisi iiff Genealogies. 691 18. Hester, b. in 1695. 19. Sarah, b. in 1 698. 20. Isabel, b. in 1700, m. Ezra Strong, of Northampton. 21. Elizabeth, b. in 1704. 22. Mindwell. 12. Sannuel, b. in 1683. 13. Mercy. 14. Jonathan, b. in 1685, m. Catharine Marshall, of Windsor. 15. Abigail, b. in 1687. 16. Mary, b. in 1689. 17. Hannah, b. in 1693. II. Ambrose, son of Ambrose and Jane (Alvord) Fowler, m. Mary Baker, Sept. 1693; removed to Westfield, Mass. Children: 23. Ruth, b. 1694, m. John Seward, Jr., children. 1718- 26. Joseph, b. July, 1703, settled in Tor- 24. Mary, b. 1696, m. Samuel Hanchett, of rington. Westfield and removed to Durham. 27. David, "I b. Feb., 1708, both d. same 25. Samuel, b. Oct., 1700, m. Mary , 28. Noah, J day. of Durham in 1742, and d. same year; no 26. Joseph, son of Ambrose and Mary (Baker) Fowler, m. Ruth, dau. of Samuel Baker, of Branford, April 2, 1734. He was born in Westfield, Mass., went to Durham ; m. Ruth Baker, and setded there, and had six children; five daus all born in Durham, and one son b. in Torrington. In 1748, he sold his estate in Durham, and removed with his family to this town and settled on a farm, a quarter of a mile west ol" Dca. John Cook's, in the hollow, south side of the road, west side of the brook. This farm ot fifty-two acres, he pur- chased, with a " mansion dwelling thereon." That house is still standing, and is the oldest one standing in the town, that has not been "re-covered so far as is known. This farm they occupied until some time after Noah, their youngest child, was m. when what were left of the family at home removed to what is still known as the Fowler place. Children: 33. Hannah, b. in 1742, m. Paul Roberts of Winsted, had a daughter Sarah who m. Caleb Leach of Tor. 34. Sarah, b. in 1744. 35. Noah, b. Sept. 24, 1750, in Tor. 29. Phebe, b. in 1735, never m. 30. Noah, b. in 1736, d. young. 31. Ruth, b. in 1738, never m. 32. Mary, b. in 1740, m. Issachar Loomis, Dec. 10, 1765, lived in Torrington ; d. Sept. 16, 1800. 35. Noah, son of Joseph and Ruth (Baker) Fowler, m. Rhoda, daughter of Capt. Levi Xuttle of East Haven, Feb. 10, 1774. He purchased the farm first settled by Jacob Strong near Dea. John Cook's, and made it his home ; and it is known to this dav as the Fowler place. He d. in 1824, a. 74 years, and his wife d. a. 90 years. {See Biographies.^ Children : 36. Warren R., b. Mar. 2, 1773, {See Biog.) 37. Amarilla, b. Feb. 6, ijiG, m. Curtiss Eggleston and removed to Hiram, Ohio. 38. Norman, b. Apr. 9, 1777, m. Statira Blake. 39. George, b. Dec. 5, 1778. 40. Rhoda, b. in 1781, m. Hudson. 41. Parleman B., b. in 1783 42. Desire, b. m I7J 3» Baldwin; removed to Marcy, N. Y., had children: Fowler, m. had no children; Sabra A., never m. ; Laura, m. Eldridge Farwell of Holly, had children. Fowler, Laura, Gertrude A., Susan, Florence, Horace. 43. Raphael, b. in 1787. 44. Sibyl Catlin, b. in 1790, unm. {See Biog.) 45. Remus Marcus, ") b. 1793, Romulus Daniel Coe 46. Romulus Julius, / an intelligent youth d. a. 14. 47. Ursula, b. in 1796, m. Rufus Curtiss of Torringford ; had one son, Warren R., who d at Stockbridge, Mass., a. 30, unm. She d. at Florence, Mass., June, 1873, greatly esteemed and honored. Mr. Cur- tiss d. at Wolco_ttville, Sept. 1834. m. Canfield S. 36. Warren R., M.D., son of Noah and Rhoda (Tuttle) Fowler, studied medicine in the office of Dr. Sheldon, of Litchfield ; m. Polly Hanford of 692 History of Torrington. Washington, Ct., where he settled as successor to Dr. Hastings. (See Bio- graphy.) Children : 48. Henry Hanford, a physician. 49. George, a physician. 38. Norman, son of Noah and Rhoda (Tuttle) Fowler, m Statia Blake of Stockbridge, Mass , and lived on the old homestead, on the brow of " Occident hill." The years of his life were lengthened to ninety-five, and being a man of good judgment and of a clear sense of right and honorable life he became extensively and favorably known and greatly respected in his closing years. He d. in 1871, a. 95. Children: 50. Desire, m. had no children. 52. Phebe, m. Addison Palmer, May 23, 51. Homer, d. in Florida, unm. 1839, had three children. 39. George, son of Noah and Rhoda (Tuttle) Fowler, served an apprentice- ship, with a tanner, and engaged in business in Burlington, Vt., where he died unmarried in 1803. 41. Parleman, B., M.D., son of Noah and Rhoda (Tuttle) Fowler, was a favorite in his father's family and greatly beloved. He studied medicine with his brother Warren R., and was settled, and practiced medicine in Bethlehem. He m. Polly Lemon, of Washington, and in the prevailing epidemic, so fatal, in 1813, he d. a. 33, greatly lamented. Children: 53. Romulus, who early entered Yale He gave great promise of a man of un- college, was taken suddenly ill and d. usually good qualities. 43. Raphael, son of Noah and Rhoda (Tuttle) Fowler, learned the shoe- maker s trade ; removed to Whitesboro, N. Y., and m. Hannah Byard.' He removed to Meridian, N. Y., thence to Jonesville, Mich., where he d. Nov. 1870, a. 83. She d. Sept. 1874. Children: 54. Parleman, d. young. 59. Harriet, m. Walter Thompson, Clayton, 55. Raphael. Mich., no children. 56. Sarah, m. Wm. I. Carroll. 59. Martin. 57. Ursula, m. Alexander Beach, of Jones- 60. Noah, ville and has a dau. Mary Fowler. 61. Thomas. 58. Hetty, m. S. K. hartley, of Norwalk, 62. Hannah, m. George B. Earle, of Daven- Ohio, and has children ; Otto K., Leon, port, Iowa, and has child j Stella May. Hugh. 45. Remus M., M.D., son of Noah and Rhoda (Tuttle) Fowler, studied medicine with his brother Warren R., settled and practiced in his profession at New Marlboro, Mass. He m. ist Harriet M., dau. of Timothy Childs, of Litchfield, Ct. She d. at New Marlboro, Nov. 1824, a. 31, a very good woman. He removed to Washington, Ct., as successor to his deceased brother Warren R., in 1826, and m. 2d Mary Miller, dau of Wm. Miller, of Tor- ringtord, and formerly of Hesse Castle, Germany, prisoner of Burgoyne's army. He is now (1875), in active practice as a physician at the age of 82. His wife is a " smart house keeper at the age of 83." Children : 63. Nancy Maria, m. Dr. Ford, d. April thence to Chicago, 111. 29, 1868, a. 47, no children ; buried at W. 65. Stanley G., m ; no children, removed to 64. Jane, b. 1820, m. Woolsey Leavitt, of Denver, Col., is editor of the Denver Washington, had children j William, Ne-jvs. Nellie, and removed to Portage City, Wis., 66. Harriet M., not m. 48. Henry H, M.D., son of Warren and Polly (Hanford) Fowler, m. Betsey Ann Frisbie of Branford, removed to Bristol, Indiana. Children: 67. George, m. ; has children. 68. William. 1 See Records Fresh. Church, Genealogies. 693 49. George, M.D., son of Warren and Polly (Hanford) Fowler, studied with his father and became a physician, m. Louisa, dau. of Archibald Camp- bell of Pawling, N. Y., removed to Indiana, where he d She m. Rev. John Pierpont, since deceased at St. Luke's Hospital under a surgical operation. Children : 69. Archibald Campbell, graduated at Union college, was surveyor in the U. S. A. 55. Raphael, son of Raphael and Hannah (Byard) Fowler, m., and re- moved to Galva, Illinois. Children : 70. John. 72. Robert, in Orleans Co., N. Y. 71. William, in Iowa. 73. Martin. 59. Martin, son of Raphael and Hannah (Byard) Fowler, removed to Snapping Shoals, Ga., m. Sarah Webb. Children: 74. Mary H. 77. Varney. 75. Emma. 78. Robert. 76. Flora. 60. Noah, son of Raphael and Hannah (Byard) Fowler, settled in Atlanta, Ga., and m. Flora McKean. Children : 79. Georgia. 83. William Raphael. 80. Alice Mary. 84. Byard. 81. Hattie. 85. Grace. 82. Jennie. 86. Lizzie Duncan. 61. Thomas, son of Raphael and Hannah (Byard) Fowler, m. Julia Breck- enridge of Litchfield, Mich., resides in Jonesville, Mich., was an officer in the war of the rebellion. Child : 87. \\ illiam. 65. Stanley G., son of Remno M, and Mary (Miller) Fowler, graduated at law school, Yale college; m., removed to Chicago, 111.; editor ol Railway Gazette; removed to Denver City, Col, ^dnor o( Denver Sunday News. No children. 69. Archibald C, M.D , son of Dr. Georgeand Louisa (Campbell) Fowler, graduated at Union college, xN. Y, studied medicine, was assistant surgeon in the U. S. navy during the rebellion, then settled in general practice at Brighton, Mass. He was married and had one child. He died in 1870. FREEMAN, JuDE, lived on Red mountain ; owned considerable property ; was much respected, and lived a very honorable life. Children : 2. Luke. 3. Laura, and others. 2. Luke, son of Jude Freeman, m. Jane Bradley, once a slave. He d. in 1844. His wife d. previously. Children: 4. Eleanor, m. Lorenzo Bellamy and had a family. 5. George, d. in WolcottviUe. 6. Alvira^ \ b. Oct. \ Alvira m. y 1807, V Almira m. William 7. Almira, J j Harrison. FUESSENICH, Leon.ard, of Duren, family in May, 1853. Children : 1. Leonard. 4 2. Anna M. 5, 3. Helen F. By 2d wife : 8. Julia Ann, d. in WolcottviUe. 9. Hiram, went west. 10. Charles. 11. Harriet, m. John Johnson of Torring- ford. Prussia, came to America with his Clara. Frederick F. 6. William F. 7. Mary M. 8. Josephine E. 6q4 History of Torrington. 5. Frederick F., son of Leonard, came with his father's family to America, and came to Wolcottville, in 1857. He has been engaged in the drugstore of IVIr. Charles McNeil, twelve years, and is much respected as a citizen. He m. Lizzie C. Blake, of Essex, Ct., Oct. 4, 1876, and resides on the Litchfield road. FYLER, Lieut. Walter, was at Dorchester as early as 1637, and came to Windsor in 1635, ^'^ house being within the Palisado ; the well being still to be seen on the place of the Misses Stiles. He was deputy lo the general Court in 1647, and from 1661 to 1663. He was juror in 1637, '42 and '44. He d. Dec. 12, 1683. In his will he gave the use of his estate to his widow, Jane, during her naturallife, and alsoXloo, in cash to bestow upon another husband, or to reserve it to herself to bestow upon whom she pleased. He gave his grandson, Thomas (son of Zerubbabelj, £20 ; and his other three grand children £5 each ; estate i£3i8,6/ \od. His widow, Jane, died in 1690. Children : I. John, b. at Windsor, Sept. 12, 1642; ly^Si leaving a large estate, no children. graduate of Havard in 1666, m. twice, d. 2. Zerubbabel, b. Dec. 23, 1644. 2. Zerubbabel, son uf Walter and Jane Fyler, m. Experience, dau. of El- der John Strong, of Northampton, May 27, 1669. After living a time in Windsor he removed to Stony river in Suffield, but soon returned to Windsor where he d. Oct. 2, 1714, leaving a good estate. Children : 3. Thomas, b. Jan. 25, 1670. 1680. 4. Jane, b Jan. I, 1672. 10. Samuel b. Sept. 26, 1681, at Suffield. 5. Zerubbabel, b. Oct. 31, 1873, d. early. 11. Abigail, b. Apr. 8, 1683, at Suffield. 6. Zerubbabel, b. Dec. 25, 1674. 12. Stephen, b. Mar. 27, 1688, d. Feb. 21, 7. John, b. Mar. 2, 1676, went to Suf- 1760. field, d. Aug. 10, 171 5. 13. Ebenezer, b. Dec. 2, 1690, d. Dec. 16, 8. Samuel, b. Jan. 5, 1680, d. June 5, 1690. 1680. 14. Experience, b. Dec. 25, 1691. 9. Abigail, b. Jan. 5, 1680, d. June 9, 15. Elizabeth, b. June 2, 1694. 6. Zerubbabel, son of Zerubbaljel and Experience (Strong) Fyler, m. Rachel, daughter of Jeremiah Gillett, of Simsbury, (an. 3, 1706, and was a farmer in Windsor, where he d. Jan. 29, 1761. His wife d. Jan. 28, 1768. Children : 16. Rachel, b. Sept. 29, 1706. 19. Samuel, b. in 171 5, m. Oct. 11, 1739, 17. Experience, b. Feb. 7, 1707. Ann Stoughton was a farmer in Windsor. 18. Silas, b. in 1710. 20. Jeremiah. •' 18. Silas, son of Zerubbabel and Rachel (Gillett) Fyler, m. Catharine Drake, of Windsor, in 1747. They lived in Windsor, where all their children were born, until the spring of 1779, when he came to Newfield, in Torrington, and began to clear his land and put up a house. He was taken ill at Chauncey Hill's where he was boarding, and d, in a fit April 12, 1779, a. 69 years. The farm he purchased was that now owned by Thomas A. Starkson the road from Newfield to Burrville. His widow.settled on this farm, with some of her child- ren, but afterwards removed to Colebrook, where she d. in March, 1809, in her 80th year. Children : 21. Abi, b. 1748, m. Israel Everitt, Sept. 25. Stephen, b. May 27, 1755, m. 26, 1782, d. at Ballston, N. Y. 26. John, lb. 1760, m. 22. Catharine, b. in 1750, m. Samuel 27. Bethesda, J m. Asbel Bronson. Rowley in 1770. 28. Sabra, b. April 24, 1764, m. Junius 23. Silas, b. 1752, m. North, Feb. 25, 1785. 24. Jane, b. 1754, m. Ephraim Loomis, 29. Roman, b. Aug. 12, 1769, m. Oct. 30, 1783. Genealogies. 695 « 23. Silas, son of Silas and Catharine (Drake) Fyler, m. Lucy, daughter of Noah Drake, Feb. — , 1779. She was b. May 8, 1754- He was a farmer ; lived nearly two miles northeast of Newfield churches, and d. in Sullivan, N. Y., I 81 2. Children: 30. Lucy, b. Feb. 26, 1780, m. Orange 32. Shaylor, b. Dec. 9, 1786, m. Soper, 1797. 33. Erastus, b. Oct. 2, 1789. 31. Silas, b. May 31, 1782, m. 25. Capt. Stephen, son of Silas and Catharine (Drake) Fyler, m. Polly Collier, July 1778. She was born Jan. 15, 1758. He was a soldier in the Revolution, and drew a pension a number of years. He came to Newfield, about 1781 ; was a farmer, and generally respected and honored by the com- munity. He was captain of a military company of Newfield, aher the Revo- Ijtion. He was an energetic, hard working man. He d. July 15, 1836, a. 81. His widow Polly, d. June 12, 1847, a. 89. Her mother, Mary Collier, second husband Coman. He d. and she lived a time in Newfield, and d. Nov. i, 1821, a. 86. Children : 34 Stephen F., b. Mar. 6, 1780, at Windsor. Their children: Frederick Beach, a far- 35. George, b. Feb. 10, 1782, at Tarring- mer living at Hunter, N. Y. : George ton, removed to Burke, Vt. Beach, lives at Catskill, N. Y. : has served 36. Polly, b. March 13, 1784, m. Noah two terms in the state senate: Marcus Drake, 3d, Nov. 1804. Beach lives at Hoboken, N. Y. : is a 37. Catharine, b. July 16, 1786, m. Na- man of wealth. than Rowley, Feb. 3, 1810, removed to 39. Reuben, b. July 9, 1791, d. unm. Jan. Tyringham, Mass.; no descendants re- 19, 1821. maiiiing. 40. Juba, b. Aug. 5, 1793 ; never m. ; was 38. Roxy, b. Oct. 22, 1788, m. Fisk Beach a farmer with his brother Harlow; in his Feb. 24, 1814. He was born March will he gave all to his brother Harlow; 26, 1788. ' She d. in Winchester, March was a great story teller, d. June 22, 1869. 13, 1823. He d. in Hunter, N. Y. 41. Harlow, b. Dec. 21, 1795. 26. loHN, son of Silas and Catharine (Drake) Fyler, m. Esther, dau of James Bacon, Dec. 27, 1783. She was b. Apr. 12, 1764. He removed to Colebrook where he died Dec. 20, 1839, a. 80. She d. Oct. 17, 1829, aged 65. Children : 42. Sally, b. Sept. 25, 1785, m. Elisha 44. Horatio N., b. Feb. 27, I799,"d. unm. Smith, of Winsted. at Colebrook, May 28, 1823. Studied 43. John C, b. April 15, 1787, left home law with Charles M. Johnson of Pine Nov. 1809, for Pleasant Valley, Poughkeep- Plains, N. Y. : his health failed, he went sie, N. Y., and has not been heard from south, returned and d. ; was greatly lamcn- but once since. ted as a young man of much promise. 27. Bethesday, dau. of Silas and Catharine (Drake) Fyler, m. Ashbel Bronson, removed to Elizabethtown, N. Y. Children : 45. Sylvia. 47. Rhoda. 46. Ashbel. 48. Roman, b. April 24, 1764. 29. Roman, son of Silas and Catharine (Drake) Fyler, m. 1st Hannah Bar- ton, Feb. 8, 1793. She d Nov. 15, 1794, a. 25. He m. 2d, Mrs. Sally (Bray) Lyman, in 1797. He lived in Newfield, joining his brother Silas, on the same street. In 1794, he built, in company with Reuben Marshall, the Washington Hatch house at Winchester centre, in the north wing of which they kept store, while Mr. Fyier kept a tavern in the body of the house. About 1800, he removed to Burke, Vt. Children : 49. Orsamus Roman, b. Nov. 4, 1793. 54. Marcus W., b. 1805, lived in Killingly. 50. Barton Nichols I b. Oct. 17, "Id. unm. 54. Calvin L., b. 1808. 51. A dau. J 1795. Jd.atb. 55. Minerva, b. 1810, d. 1811. 52. Alfred Bray, b. Jan. 17, 1799. 56. Carlton C, b. 1812, d. a young man. 53. Horace R., b. 1801, livedin Vt. 6^6 History of Torrington. 31. Silas, son of Silas and Lucy (Drake) Fyler, m. March 7, 1807, Hylah Taylor, who was b. July 11, 1786, She d. Feb. 20, 1855, at Sullivan, Madi- son Co., N. Y., Silas d. at Sullivan, April 16, 1841. Children: 57. Silas T., b. July 4, 1809. 60. Jerusha M., b. Dec. 11, 18 I 8, m. Wm. 58. Harriet, b. Jan. 28, 1812, d. Jan. 9, Mecomber, March 10, 1841, who was 1816. Feb. 29, 1820, d. Sept. 8, 1865. 59. Hylah Ann, b. Feb. 11, 1816, m. John 61. Clarrissa C, b. Nov. 16, 1824, tn. F. Prosser, Feb. 20, 1838, who was b. Stephen D. Lamatter, March 7, 1844. Jan. 12, 181 6. 32. Shaylor, son of Silas and Lucy (Drake) Fyler, m. Mary Hurlbut, June, 1819. They removed to Sullivan, Madison county, N. Y. He d. Oct 12, 1850. Children : 62. Sheldon H., b. Aug. 6, 1820, m. 64. Mary, b. Sept. 25, 1824, m. Abijah 63. Roman, b. Aug. 28, 1822, m. Elizabeth Hubbard, April, 1845, d. Nov., 1845. M. Brink, March 24, 185a, no children. 33. Erastus, son of Silas and Lucy (Drake) Fyler, m. Abigail Smith, May 15, 1816, at Sullivan, N. Y. She was b. in Mass., May 15, 1795, and d. Sept. II, i860. He removed to Sullivan; d. at Parish, Oswego Co., N. Y., Dec. 24, 1856. Children: 65. Flora, b. April 3, 1817, d. young. Davey, Sept. 11, 1842. 66. Lorenzo S., b. June i, 1818, m. 69. Hannah M., b. March 13, 1826, m. 67. Harriet, b. June 17, 1820, m. Edward Jesse A. Slawson, Sept. 26, 1847. C. Spicer, Jan. 9, 1848. 70. Eliza F., b. Nov. 12, 1828, m. Reuben 68. Lucy, b. April 11, 1822, m. Henry A. W. Slayton, June 26, 1850. 34. Stephen, son of Stephen and Polly (Collier) Fyler, m. Almira Wilson, Sept. 3, 1803. She was b. Mar. 15, 1780. He settled in Burke, Vt. He was a man of energy and resolution ; talked loud and as though he was angry. He returned to Winchester on South street, near Torringford, where he lived as a farmer until his death, Apr. 21, 1853. His widow, Armira, d. Dec. 27, 1856, aged 87 years. Children: 71. Hilaman, b. Aug. 8, 1804, m. 73. Albro, b. Feb. 29, 1808, m. 72. Sophronia, b. Oct. 9, 1806, m. William 74. Mason, b. Oct. 7, 1801, m. San ford. 35. George, son of Stephen and Polly (Collier") Fyler, m. Prudence Den- nison of Burke, Vt., in June 1808. Children : 75. George Dennison, b. Feb. 5, 1810, m. 79. Catharine, b. June 25, 1816, m. Hiram Hannah Bundy lived at Burke, a farmer. Perkins iMar. 13, 1838, had Emily b. 76. Elhanan W., b. July 23, i8ii,m. Dec. 4, 1838, who m. Harvey L. Roberts ; 77. Adaline, b. Nov 18 1 3, m. Levi Mun- and Oscar F., b. Dec. 27, 1840, who m. sill, Jr , in 1843, lived in Torrington; no Goldsmith and has three children, children, d. at Winchester. 80. Octavia, b. Feb. 10, 1818, m. Willard 78. Maria, b. Oct., 1815 ; m. Dr. Redding Bundy, Sept. 1843, lives in Vt. of Vermont, who died soon, had a dau. 81. Alfred, b Mar. 23, 1823, d. a young Octavia who lives with her uncle Elha- man. nan, in Bridgeport, Ct. 41. Harlow, son of Stephen and Polly (Collier) Fyler, m. ibt Prudence E., daughter of Crosby, Nov. 26, 1818. She was b. at Chatham, July i 795, d March 6, 1819 ; m. 2d Sibyl R Tolles, daughter of Joseph and Rosannah (Peck) Toltes, July 6, 1823. She was b. at Montague, Mass., Sept. 22, 1802. Mr. Fyler resided on the old homestead undl 1874, when he removed to Win- sted, so as to be near one of his sons, and find some help and comfort in that fact in his last years. {^See Biogrnphy.^ Children: Genealogies. 697 82. Juba, b. Dec. lo, 1824, d. Dec. 13, 86. Chnrles H., b. Sept. 2, 1831, d. June 1824. 23, 1832. 83. Carolina Moore, b. Dec. 13, 1824. an 87. Charles H., b. Mar. 16, 1833, d. June adopted daughter, m. Chester P. Drake, 10, 1834. Dec. 24, 1846. 88. Florimond D., b. Dec. 11, 1834, m. 84. Harlow, b. Oct. 3, 1827, d. Oct. 8, 89. Carlton C, b. Dec. 31, 1837, m. 1827. 90. Orsamus R., b. Jan. 17, 1840, m. 85. Jenette E., b. May 27, 1829, not m. j went to school at Wilbraham, lives with her father at Winsted. 42. Sally, daughter of John and Esther (Bacon) Fylcr, m. Elisha Smith, Dec. 3, 1812 He was deacon of the first church in Winsted, and d. Jan. 9, 1861. Children: 91. Amelia, b. Aug. 30, 1S13, m. Alex- 94. Sarah, b. Dec. 11, 1825, m. Sept. 8, ander P. Cleaveland, Mar. 30, 1835. 1858. Rev. Henry A. Russell, Cong. 92. Miles, b. July 6, 1817, m. Matilda clergyman. Baldwin, Dec. 3, 1839. 93. Zebina, b. Aug. 9, 1820, d. Nov. 25, 1841. 49. Orsamus R., son of Roman and Hannah (Barton) Fyler, did not marry, but was a man of much energy and character. He was first inventor of a clock to run eight days in a short case, so far as i 1795- 5'- Louisa, m. Stephen Wade, March 49. Mary, m. Abijah Bronson, Nov. 16, 1797. y 24. Miles, son of Medad and Sarah Hills, m. 1st Abigail, dau. of John Wilcox, of Goshen ; 2d Anne Butrick, March 9, 1794. He lived in Goshen, where he d. March 10, 1815, aged 49 years. His widow d. Oct. 12, 1830. Children : 1/ a>^ ,1802.^ I ' See Hilt, (f^inchtsttr. Genealogies. 715 52. Levi, b. May 39, 1795, m. went to 56. Mary A., b. Sept. z, 1804, m. Frede- Georgia, thence to Lisbon, 111., where he died, leaving a family. 53. Medad, b. June 17, 1797, d. Sept. 15, 1803. ^54. Abigail, b. July 17, 1799, m. Nelson T. Loomis, Nov., 1827, lived in Cornwall and then in VVinsted ; had Sarah L. b. Vfune 26, 1829; Frederick L., b. Aug. ^ cL«^^-' ^^34- 1, 55. Eben, b. Oct. 8, 1801, removed to Ver- rick P. Whiting, Feb. 15, 1826. 57. Frederick P., b. Sept. I, 1808, m. 58. Lucy A., b. March 18, 1810, m. Abel >^ S. Wetmore of Winchester, Nov. 24,1829, had Julia A., b. Aug. 18, 1830; John N., b. March 8, 1833; Ellen E., b. Oct. 29, 1834; Leroy W., b. Sept. 23, 1836; Miles H., b. Sept. 6, 18405 Samuel A., b. Sept. 25, 18425 Hubert, b. Feb. 21, 1847. non and then to Lisbon, 111 , had Caroline, 59 Elisha, b. May 23, 1812, m. in Vernon, Hubert, Frederick B , Melissa, Mary A., had a family. Eben L., Sarah L., and Luther B. 60. Roxy, b. Oct. 6, 1 8 14, d. Dec. 15, 1 8 1 6. 57. Dea. Frederick P , son of Miles and Anne (Butrick) Hills, m., 1st, Lucy E., dau. of John Wetmore of Winchester, Sept. 11, 1833, lived in Win- chester until April 1846, when he settled on the Matthew Grant farm on Goshen turnpike where he still resides. He is a successful farmer ; has been deacon of the Torrington church many years; has been selectman of the town a number of years, and has filled other positions of honor and trust with honor to himself and the town. His wife, Lucy E., died Dec. 26, 1858, aged 52. He married, 2d, Mrs. Harriet B (Frisbie) Bailey of Litchfield, Dec. 7, 1859. Children by 1st wile: 61. Lucy A., b. Sept. 7, 1841, m. Leroy W. Wetmore, Feb. 12, 1861, and d. Aug. 24, 1871. Her husband d. Nov. 27, 1872. HINSDALE, Barnaeas, of Hartford, was an original proprietor of lands in Harwinton, to the amount of -£120, and when Harwinton was laid out, six lots were appropriated to his heirs and one of these was Jacob Hinsdale, one of the first settlers of that town. Barnabas had, apparently, six children, but six names are found : 1. Daniel. 3. Mary. 2. Amos. 3. John. 2. Jacob, settled in Harwinton. 4. Martha. 2. Jacob, m. Hannah Seymour and settled in Harwinton on lands inherited from his father. Children: 4. Jacob, b. , probably in Hartford and hence the date is not on Harwinton Re- cords. 5. Hannah, b. , m. William Cook, Mar. 7, 1759, and d. Mar. 28, 1775. 7. Ezra, Jan. 5, 1740, m. Sarah Hopkins, had 8 children. 8. Stephen, ") b. Mar. 1 m. Rhoda Judd. 9. Samuel, / 22, 1743,/ 10. George, b. April 15, 1745. 1 1. Sarah, b. Mar. i, 1747- 5. Lois, b. Feb. 27, 1737. 6. Stephen, b. Nov. 16, 1738, d. Nov. 7, 1741. 4. Jacob, son of Jacob and Hannah Hinsdale, m. Mary Brace of Harwin- ton May II, 1758 ; he removed with his family to Canaan, probably soon after 1773, and he is said to have had ten children, but six are recorded in Harwinton. Children : 12. Jacob, b. April 18, 1759. 13. Elisha, b. Feb. 28, 1761, m. 14. Elias, b. Apr. 20, 1763. 15. Abel, b. July 19, 1765. 16. Rhoda, b. Feb. 27, 1770. 17. Whiting, b. Oct. 17, 1773. 18. Sherman. 19. Eliazur. And two others. 13. Captain Elisha, son of Jacob and Mary (Brace) Hinsdale, enlisted at ji6 History of Torrington. Canaan, in the continental army and served principally on the Delaware; was under the command of LaFayette ; wintered at Valley Forge. After three years' service he left the army completely broken down in health, but hoping to do something he learned the jeweler's trade, serving his apprenticeship at Litchfield, tradition says, when the elms were planted in that village. He re- covered his health and learned the trade of a blacksmith. In the year 1799, Capt. Elisha and his brother Dea. Abel, settled in Tor- rington, on the Naugatuck about three miles north of Torrington hollow, at a place once called the axe factory, and later the tannery, and Appley's mills. Here the Hinsdales made the celebrated " clover leaf" scythes and axes, and did general blacksmithing, until 18 16, when having obtained with his brother, land in the western reserve, he removed with his wife and vounger children to Ohio, and the year following settled in Norton, now Summit county. He made the journey to the west with a wagon, drawn by two yoke of oxen in eight weeks. He d. at Norton, June 22, 1827, a. 66 years. His first wife, x^ssenath Barnes, d. in Torrington, in 1800. In 1801, he m. Elizabeth Holcomb, who d. in Wadsworth, Ohio, in 1846, a. 77. He was captain of a company in Torrington and representative in the legislalature, and in Ohio was justice of the peace. Children by 1st wife: 20. Horace, b. 1776, in Canaan, d. May 31, I6I6, a. 32. 21. Elisha, b. in Canaan, removed to Ohio, thence in 18 31 to Michigan where he d. Feb. 4, 1S56, a. 65. His widow, Orpha 25. Assenath, m. Edward Spicer, d. July 8, 1835,3. 50, and their dau. Elizabeth is living, wife of Charles Mattin. 26. George, b. in Ohio, d. a. 25, Mar. 31, 1842. dau. of Giles Whiting of Torrington is 27. Albert, b. July 18, 1809, in Tor., son of Elizabeth Holcomb, went to O., with his father and in 1836, he removed from Norton to Wadsworth, where he still re- sides, a respected farmer and citizen. He m. Clarinda, dau. of Judge William Eyles, who removed from Warren, Ct., to O., in 1814. Their children are: i. Assenath, b. Oct. 2, 1834, d. a. 13 ; II. Burke still living near Adrian, Mich. They had two sons: Whiting still living; Elisha deceased. 22. Herman, removed to Ohio, d. at Hudson, Sept. 31, 1831, a. 42. He m. Lucy Drake of Torrington, who d. in 1876. He stood second to no citizen of Hudson as a man of upright character. His only son L. M. Hinsdale d. a. 44, in 1876. His daughter Mrs. Fidelia Cray d. in 1876, and his three daughters, Mrs. Bissell, Mrs. Brown, and Mrs, Hall, all widows, are still living. 23. Julius, d. in Ohio, Aug. 24, 18 18, a. 23. 24. Sherman, removed with his father to O., d. Aug. 30, 1859, a. 59, in Wellington, O. His descendants have removed further west. 15. Dea. Abel, son of Jacob and Mary (Brace) Hinsdale, came with his brother Capt. Elisha, to Torrington, and engaged with him in the scythe manu- factory and blacksmithing. He m. Mary, daughter of Rev. Joshua Knapp, of Winchester, who was b. Dec. 8, 1772, and d. in Torrington, Oct. 10, i8f;i. He was elected deacon of the Torrington church in 1802, and held the office until his death April 9, 1851. He is very highly spoken of by the older people. Children : Aaron, b. Mar. 31, 1837. {See Biog.) III. Roldon O., b. Mar. 27, i84o^m. ; resides in Wadsworth, O., a farmer; iv. Louisa, b. Apr. 23, 1844, d. greatly la- mented Sept. 8, 1876, a. 32; v. Wilbert B., b. May 23, 1850, m. graduate of Hiram college and is teaching in W. Richland, O. 28. Lophelia, b. July 27, 1795, d. Sept. 25, 1863, in Tor. 29. Lorrain, b. Sept. 19, 1801, m. Aurora J. Slater, Feb. 28, 1 847. b. in New Britain, Mar. 30, 1 8 17, no children ; live in Win- chester. 30. Gilman, b. Dec. 26, 1803, m. Amanda Ward, Mar. 23, 1827; live in New Britain ; had Mary Louisa, b, Jan. 30, 1830. 31. Abel Knapp, b. Oct. 6, 1807; was a missionary. (See B'tog.) Genealogies. 717 HODGES.* There was a Captain Hodges at Boston as early as 1633. It is supposed, from several reasons that Captain Hodges of Boston and William Hodges, who was enrolled in the militia in Taunton, Mass., in the year 1643, were the same individual. He died in Taunton, April 2, 1654. Children: I. John, b. about 1650. 2. Henry, b. 1652. I. John, son of William of Taunton, Mass., m. Elizabeth Macy, May 15, 1672. He resided in Taunton, where some of his descendants were residing in 1853, and was successful in the accumulation of property. He died probably about 1745. Children: 3. John, b. April 5, 1673. 7- George, b. Nov. 27, 1685, d. in Norton, 4. Nathan, b. April 2, 1675. Mass., Aug. 10, 171 3, a. 27. 5. Samuel, b. May, 20, 1678. 8. Ebenezer, b. March 13, 1687. 6. William, b. June, 6, 1682. 9. Nathan, b. Oct. z£, 1690. 6. William, son of [ohn and Elizabeth (Macy) Hodges, m., 1st, , 2d, Clapp, and lived on his father's homestead. He d. June 23, 1766, aged 84. Children : 10. George. 13. Elijah. II. Abigail. 14. Abijah. 12. Job. 15. Mary, m. Chandler. 10. George, son of William and Hodges, m. Susannah and lived in Taunton and Norton, Mass., and Woodstock, Conn. He was a man of more than ordinary mind and influence. He died in 1786 aged 78. Child- ren : 16. George, b. in Norton, Jan. 26, 1789. 20. Leonard, removed to Vt. 17. Silas. 21. Susannah, m. John Richardson of 18. Elkanah, b. 1747. Woodstock Conn. 19. Daniel. 18. Dr. Elkanah, son of George and Susannah Hodges, came from Woodstock to Torrington, and became eminent as a physician and merchant. He m. 1st Roxalany, dau. of Ashbel North, Jan. 14, 1777, and she d. Feb* 1 3' 1777- 2d, Rebecca, dau. of Dea. John Whiting, March 26, 1778. His farm and house were on the hill a litttle north of the meeting house at Torrington Centre. An ulcerated tooth caused his death, March 21, 1797, a. 50. His widow Rebecca, d. July 13, 1839, a. 82. (See Biography^ Children : 22. Willard, b. Dec. 16, 1778, m. 26. William Franklin, b. Aug. 24, 1789, 23. Erastus, b. March 9, 1781, m. was graduated at college, studied 24. Roxalany, b. April 27, 1784, m. Rev. law, went to south and d. in Alabama, Amasa Jerome, of New Hartford, and d. Oct. 10, 1837, a. 48 years; not m. Feb. 12, 1856, leaving a number of child- 27. Alpheus, b. May 4, 1792. ren. 28. Henry Elkanha, b. Oct. 3, 1794. 25. Sally, b. March 29, 1787, m. Rev. Timothy P. Gillett, of Branford. She is living and in her 90th year. 22. Willard, son of Dr. Elkanah and Rebecca (Whiting) Hodges, m. May 28, 1811, Ruth Mansfield of Harwinton. She was b. July 2, 1779. He continued in business as a merchant, with his brother Erastus, after his father's death, in the old store on the hill, until about 1809, when they dissolved partnership and he bought the Aaron Loomis place on which he lived and died. He had a large farm including the old priest Robert's place ; was a ' Genealogical Record of the Hodges Family. yiS History of Torrington. kindly disposed man, possessing many agreeable qualities. His brief life closed June 8, 1817, atthe age of 38 years. His widow survived him and was known as a woman of decided religious character, good sense, entertaining to the young; and was much esteemed. The school house being near her farm and orchard, she gave the school children one of the best apple trees in the orchard, which they were to use as their own. The apples were very beautiful, having red cheeks, and were often placed in rows along the writing desks in the school house, adding beauty to the place as well as enjoyment in the eating. She departed this life Jan. 15, 1863, a. 64. Children: 29. Sally Emeline, b. March 8, 1812, m. 30. Eunice W., b. Jan. 19, 1817, m. John Sheldon Barber, April lo, 1833. M. Wadhams, of Goshen, Oct. 30, 1837, 30. George Elkanah, b. Sept. 19, 1814, d. d. Aug. 7, 1855. Feb. 8, 1815. 23. Erastus, son of Dr. Elkanah and Rebecca (Whiting) Hodges, m. Laura, dau. of Richard Loomis, Jan. 5, 1809. He was one of the most pro- minent, successful and respected citizens of the town. (See Biograph-^, and Torrington as a Business Centre.) He d. June 13, 1847, a. 66. His wife, Laura, d. Dec. 7, 1839, a. 52. Children : 31. Edwin, b. June 26, 1810. 34. Levi, b. Jan. 26, 1817, m. 32. Elkanah H., b. Jan. 12, 1812. 35. Willard, b. May 25, 1820, m. 33. Roxa, b. May 7, 1814, never m. d. 36. Laura M., b. July 25, 1827, not m. ; d. June 22, 1838, a. 24. Aug., 1864. 27. Alpheus, son of Dr. Elkanah and Rebecca (Whiting) Hodges, was never m. ; lived on his father's homestead and conducted his farm many years. He possessed a quiet and agreeable disposition, good judgment ; and was much respected in the community. He d. Dec. 27, 1870. 28. Henry E., son of Dr. Elkanah and Rebecca (Whiting) Hodge's, m. Betsey Fowler, of Guilford, and was a merchant Taylor in New Haven, where he d.' March 13, 1859. Child : 37. Caroline, an adopted daughter. 31. Edwin, son of Erastus and Laura (Loomis) Hodges, m. Catharine Hickox, of Mass. He had a store in Torrington hollow, where he also was engaged in the manufacture of clocks ; was also interested a time in the cotton factory ; removed to, and kept a store some years in Wolcottville ; and in later years removed to Kansas. Children : 38. Roxa Elvira, d. June 24, 1840, a. 3 yrs. 40. George, lives in Elkhorn, and is a 39. Laura, m. Charles Bricton of Elkhorn, druggist. Wis., and had three children. 32. Elkan.'\h H., son of Erastus and Laura (Loomis) Hodges, m. Mary Purdv. He removed to San Francisco, Cal , where he d. in March, 1862. Child : 41. A child, d. young. 34. Col. Levi, son of Erastus and Laura (Loomis) Hodges, m. Delia, dau. of Moses Drake )r., Sept. 24, J 844, and lived on the homestead of his father, and was a farmer. He possessed very amiable qualities and was much re- spected and honored by all classes of citizens ; was a strong supporter of the church and all humane and benevolent enterprises; a straight forward, upright, and honorable citizen. When he departed this life, the people mourned as for a brother, whose place as a citizen would remain vacant in all the years to come. He d. Dec. 27, i860. Children: Genealogies. 719 42. Lucy, b. Dec. 24, 1846, m. Frederic 43. Erastus, b. Jan. 20, 1848, d. Mar. 12, Wilcox of Portland, Ct., May 25, 1871, 1S65. and resides in Waterbury ; Mr. Wilcox is 44. Levi, b. May 12, 1849, m. a druggist. They have : William H., b. 45. Helen, b. June 20, i860. July 6, 1874, and Levi, b. Jan. 19, 1876. 35. VViLLARD, son of Erastus and Laura (Loomis) Hodges, was graduated at Yale college in 1845 ; engaged in business in New York city a short time and then settled on a farm near Rochester, N. Y., where he still resides. He m. Jane A. Bradley, of Fairfield, Herkimer county, N. Y., Aug. 28, 1848. He has served several terms in the legislature of New York state, and is well reported as a farmer of enterprise and intelligence. Children : 46. Guerdon H., b. May 8, 1850, d. Mar. 48. Roxy Jane, b. Oct. 6, 1855. 7, 1S62. 49. Amy Martha, b. Aug. 19, 1858. 47. Alpheus C, b. Feb. i, 1853, ^^^ spent 50. Mary Louise, b. Apr. 16, 1861. three years in Yale college. 51. Fannie L., b. May 21. 1863. 44. Levi, son of Levi and Delia (Drake) Hodges, m. Lucy M. H., dau. of Dr. Henry F. Fish, of Waterbury, Feb. 15, 1873, and resides with his mother on his father's homestead, and is a farmer. He is the only one of the name residing in the town ; is much respected; has represented the town in the legislature. Children : 52. Lucy Helen, b. May 13, 1875, May 20, 33. Elkanah, b. April 27, 1877. 1876. HOLBROOK, Abijah, came from Bellingham, Mass.; was son of Asa Holbrook, who, in his advanced life, came to Torrington and died here. He m. Mary, dau. of Dr, Silas Pratt, of Mass., and sister to Elijah Pond's wife. Her mother, Mrs. Pratt, came to Torrington and d. here. Mr. Holbrook, having slaves and other property, was considered wealthy. He built a flouring mill and saw mill, and it is thought had some hope of working the iron mines supposed then to exist in Torrington. He had children but no account of them has been obtained. His widow m. Judge Hopkins of Mount Morris, N. Y. She sold her property at Holbrook's mills in 1814. HOLBROOK, Sylvanus, and wife, Betsey, had children recorded in Tor- rington : I. Huldah, b. June 27, 1804. 2. Uri, b. March 11, 1806. HOLLEY, Francis N., son of Newman and Sarah (Stiles) Holley, was born May 13, 1807, in Salisbury, Ct. , and m., 1st, Eliza A. Hotchkiss May 27, 1846; she was born May 29, 1824, died May, 1866. Hem., 2d, Mrs. Lucinda R. Hayden, dau. of Charles Bronson of Waterbury, Dec. 22, 1869. Mr. Holley came to Wolcottville about 1837, and engaged in the woolen mills. When this the first mill was burned in in 1844, he and John Hungerford formed the Union Manufacturing Company and bought the old finishing house and es- tablished what is now the woolen mill and engaged in the manufacture of doe- skin cloths ; in which business he continued with good success until 1872, when he sold his interest in that mill. He has served the town in various offices with credit and honor and maintained the high esteem of its citizens, and though living in retired life is benevolently interested in the prosperity of the town. Children by 1st wife: 1. Edward H., b. July 17, 1848, m. Nellie 3. Harriet, b. May 31, 1857, d. June 17, M. Wheeler of Wolcottville, May 4, 1857. 1876; resides in East Bradford, Pa. 4. Horace, b. April 17, i860. 2. Francis A., b. Aug. 29, 185 1, d. Sept. 9, 1853. 720 History of Torrington. Mrs. Holley's children by her first husband, Edmund J. Hayden, are : 5. Helen E. Hayden, b. March 29, 1861. 6. Edmund Hayden, b. Nov. 13, 1865. Ransom, brother to Francis N., was born in Sahsbury Aug. 8, 1813, and was the son of Newman Holley who was connected with the iron works in that town. Mr. Holley came to Wolcottville in 1859, ^"*^ became a partner in the woolen mill with his brother, and remained in business until 1872, when he and his brother sold their interest in that property. He married, 1st, Mary M., dau. of C. S. Sperry of VVaterbury, in 1864. She died in May 1874, and he married, zd, June 10, 1875, Laura Ward, adopted dau. of ex-Gov. A. H. Holley of Connecticut. He is well and favorably known as a business man ; resides on Main street next north of the post office, the house built by George D. Wadhams, but Mr. Holley has refitted it and beautified the grounds so that it is one of the most beautiful in the village. ^ HOLMES, David, m. Chloe, dau. of Asahel Strong ; had a large family, removed to Russell, Mass. Joseph, m. Lydia Curtiss Sept, 9, 1778, both of Torrington. {Town Rec.') Children : 1. David, b Apr. 27, 1779. 3. Jerusha, b. Apr. 25, 1783. 2. Rufus, b. Apr. 29, 1781. Seth, m. Phebe Grant Mar. 31, 1785. Child : Marens, b. May 5, 1786. Levi, a blacksmith, a man of great physical power ; learned his trade with A, Dea. Abel Hinsdale. Levi, son of Lebeus of Goshen, m. Hancey Ward, and d- at Norfolk in 1876 ; had a dau. Hancey who m. Tibbies of Norfolk. HOPKINS, Harvey P., of Warren, Ct., m. Lydia Tanner in 1844 ; set- tled on Torringford street about 1857 ; bought the farm of Rufus W. Gillett, where they still reside. Children : 1. Edward T. 4. Ella A. 2. Arthur E. 5. Albert H. ' 3. Frank N. I. Edward T., son of Harvey P. and Lydia (Tanner) Hopkins, m. Ger- trude Waterman and resides in Winsted. Child : I. Grace W. HOPSON, Orrin L., was born in the town of Wells, Rutland county, Vt., June 23, 1814. His father, John C. Hopson, was at the battle ofPlatts- burgh, but not under fire in the war of 1813. His grandfather, Samuel, of Wallingford was in the battle of Quebec, when Gen. Wolfe was killed. Mr. 0. L. Hopson, m. Susan Caroline Wilson at Whitehall, N. Y., July 7, 1837, and resided some years in Waterbury ; from which place he removed to Wol- cottville in February 1872 ; having previously become a partner in the Ex- celsior Needle Company. Children : 1. Marion Pamelia, b. Aug. 18, 1838, m. 2. William Fowler, b. Aug. 30, 1849, rn. 1st, Merritt C.Ives, Dec. 1855; 2d,George Mary Allen of New Haven, May 10, Partree. Dec. 1867. Child by ist hus- 1871, where he residesj and is a de- band: John C, b. Mar. 5,1860: Child- signer and engraver. He has a son Or- ren by 2d husband: Susan H., b. Jan. rin L., b. Apr. 12, 1875. 26, 1871, d. July 21, 1871; Lewis H., b. Sept. 3, 1872 J Marion E., b. Sept. 4, 1875. Genealogies. 721 HODGKINS, Samuel, from, probably, Essex, England, arrived at New Haven, previous to 1641, and was traditional brother of John of Guilford, Conn. After the first hundred years it became customary to write the name Hotchkiss. The ancestors of the Wolcottville family are as follows: Samuel, of New Haven, Ensign Joshua, of New Haven, Dea. Stephen, of Cheshire, Dea. Gideon, of Watcrbury now Prospect, Asahel of Prospect, and Dyer, of Naugatlick. HOTCHKISS, Dea. Charles, son of Dyer Hotchkiss, of Naugatuck, was b. Feb. 23, 18 I I, and came into Torrington, in June, 1841. He purchased the water privileges and erected a saw mill and two dwelling houses at the place known many years as Hotchkiss' mill, and more recently as Drakes mill, about two miles north of Torrington hollow. In 1851, Mr Hotchkiss removed to Wolcottville, and in 1857, sold his mill property above Torrington hollow and purchased the old Wilson's mill property in the village and established what is now the shops and lumber yard of Hotchkiss and Sons, builders. A large proportion of the buildings in Wolcottville, have been built by Mr. C. Hotch- kiss and this firm, and they are, at the present time, very busy in the same line of work. Their work has been extended into the adjoining towns of Litchfield, Goshen, Norfolk, Harwinton and Northfield. Mr. Hotchkiss has served as deacon of the Congregational church sixteen years, and therein has been a good representative of his ancestors Dea. Stephen, and Dea. Gideon. He m. in Feb. 1833, Electa Susannah, daughter of Harlan Brace. Children : 1. Edward C, b. Nov. 5, 1833. 5. Albert G., b. Aug. 4, 1844. 2. Lucia E., b. Nov. 25, 1835, m. Henry 6. Fidelia, b. Aug. 21, 1846, m. Hiram Wilmot, and d. Feb. 28, 1863. Clemence June 14, 1868 and has Charlie, 3. Chauncey G., b. Nov., 1838, d. a. 5 yrs. b. May, 1869. and Eva, b. Feb., 1870. 4. Henry E., b. Feb. 5, 1841. 7. Eugene, b. May 18, 1854. I. Edward C, son of Charles and Electa S. (Brace) Hotchkiss, m. Amelia Briggs, of Saratoga, N. Y., April 9, 1856. He is a builder in the firm ot C. Hotchkiss and Sons ; has been to the legislature twice, and is a successful, honored business man. Children : 8. Edward H., b. Oct. 29, 1861. 10. Minnie E., b. Nov. 5, 1866. 9. Josephine A., b. Nov. 29, 1864. 4. Henry E., son of Charles and Electa S. (Brace) Hotchkiss, m. Jennie, daughter of Allen G. Brady, Dec. i, 1866. He is a builder of the firm of C. Hotchkiss and Sons. Cliildren : 11. Hattie Electa, b. Oct. 26, 1867. 13. Jennie Elizabeth, b. Oct. 19, 1871. 12. Mary Lucinda, b. Oct. 17, 1869. 14. Clara Isabel, b. July 25, 1875. 5. Albert G., son of Charles and Electa S. (Brace) Hotchkiss, m. Ella Osbond of Naugatuck, June, 1869, and resides in Springfield, Mass., and is a machinist in a needle shop. Child : 15. Walter, b. Oct., 1871. 7. Eugene, son of Charles and Electa S. (Brace) Hotchkiss, m. Amanda, dau. of Henry Berry, Dec. 9, 1874 ; works with his father and the firm as builder. Child : 16. Ella A., b. Nov. 25, 1876. HOSKINS, Joseph, perhaps of Litchfield, m. Eunice dau. of Ebenezer Coe, Aug. 20, 1761, and settled just over the line from Newficld, in Winchester, about 1769, but three of the children were baptized in Torrington church. He served as trumpeter in the cavalry detachment that went from Litchfield 91 722 History of Torrington. county to Long Island in the Revolution, whose gaunt appearance, rusty equip- ments, and pacing horses excited the ridicule of Washington's army, until their good service in the battle and retreat from Brooklyn Heights made them better acquainted. He was a kind hearted, jovial man as was indicated by his life long sobriquet of " Uncle Jo." He d. in Winchester in Dec. 1818, a. 88 years. Children : 1. Rachel, bap. April 12, 1762, m. Laura- 5. Alexander, b. Aug. 31, 1773, lived a nus Palmer. short time in Winchester then removed to 2. Theodore, bap. May 20, 1764, d. young. Vernon, N. Y. 3. Theodore, bap. April, 1766, lived in 6. Loranda, b. Dec. 19, 1778, m. Ichabod Winchester. Loomis, Nov. 22, 1 803. 4. Roswell, bap. Aug, 30, 1769. 7. Gustavus, b. March 4, 1784. Elisha, probably brother to Joseph, m. Delight Holmes, Dec. 24, 1766. {Town Rec.') Children : "^ 8. Benjamin, b. Nov. 27, 1767. 12. Tamma, b. Jan. 5, 1775. 9. Elisha, b. June 18, 1769, d. July 26, 13. Luther, b. Jan. 5, 1777. 1771. 14. Calvin, b. Sept. 24, 1778. 10. Ladema, b. May 17, 1771. 15. Delight, b. Jan. 8, 1782. 11. Elisha, b. Jan. 16, 1773. HOYT, Ira, son of Nathaniel and Anna Hoyt, was born in Danbury, Jan. 13, 1787, and married, 1st, Anna Plumb of Litchfield, in 1808, and, 2d, Anna Shove, dau. of Levi and Abigail Shove of Warren, Oct. 1821. He was a blacksmith, and lived in Warren, Litchfield and Torrington. In the last named town he lived on the Waterbury turnpike a mile south of Newfield and kept the toll gate many years. His first wife died May, 1821,3. 35. He removed to Halsey Valley, Tioga Co., N. Y., where he died Jan. 2, 1864, aged 77. Second wife still living. Children : 1. Harriet, b. March 30, 1810, in Warren, unm., and living in New York city. m. Frederick North, June 14, 1830. 4. Ruth E., b. April 8, 1817, in Tor., m. 2. Ann, b. July 4, 18 I 2, in Warren, m. 1st, Lewis Smith, resides in Constantia, N. Y. Isaac Riggs, and 2d, James Haggadom, in 5. Zeri, b. Nov. 8, 1818, d. in N. Y. city, 1856, resides in Spencer, N. Y. in 1871. 3. Charles, b. Dec. 12, 1814, in Litchfield, By 2d wife. 6. Ira, b. Sept. 1822, m. ist, Helen Rob- 8. Maria Lucy, b. June, 1832, m. George erts, and 2d Lydia Hollenback, in 1864, Taylor In 1854, resides in Halsey Valley, lives in Halsey Valley N. Y. N. Y. 7. Alonzo, b. Feb. 2, 1826, d in 1831. 9. Warren Jerorne, b. Sept. 17, 1834. 9. Warren Jerome, son of Ira and Anna (Shove) Hoyt, m. Jenctte H., dau. of Matthew Manchester of Torrington, Aug, 30, 1853. He removed Middlebury and thence to Halsey Valley, N. Y., where he resides. Children; 10. Ella M., b. June 23, 1854, in Middle- 12. Vesta C, b. Oct. 16, 1857. bury. 13. Seth S., b. June 14, 1862. 11. Addie M., b. Dec. 29, 1855, in Halsey Valley. 1. HUDSON, Daniel, wife, two daughters, and sons William and Daniel, came to America in one of the ships which arrived at the New England colony in 1629 or 1630, possibly with the Dorchester company. Daniel Hudson and family settled in Lancaster, now Leominster, Mass., in 1630. He, his wife and daughters were killed there by the Indians in 1697. Children : 2. William. Two daughters. 3. Daniel. 2. William, son of Daniel, ist, m. Experience, dau. of John Willis, was Genealogies. 723 made freeman in Boston in 1631. He afterwards removed to West Bridge- water, where he d. without children. 3. Daniel, Jr., son of Daniel, ist, removed to South Bridgewater, Mass., and married Mary, dau. of William Orcutt, in 1697. Children: 4. Mary, b. 1701, m. Isaac Lazell, in 1719. 5. Daniel, b. 1704. He. d. 1750. 6. William, b. 1707. 5. Daniel, 3d, son of Daniel and Mary (Orcutt) Hudson, m. Mary, dau. of John Fobes, and removed to Middletown, Ct. He died in 1775, aged 71. His widow, Mary, died in 1786. aged 81. Children: 7. Mary, b. 1727, m. Dea. Nathan Alden, 10. Daniel, b. 1738, removed to iVIiddle- 1750. town, Conn. 8. Abigail, b. 173c, m. John Howard, 11. Nathan, b. 1740. 1752. 12. John, b. 1743. 9. Reliance, b. 1735, m. Samuel Billings, 1756. 6. William, son of Daniel and Mary (Orcutt) Hudson, m. Sarah, dau. ot John Fobes, 1737. She d. 1789 ; he 1796, a. 87. Children : 13. Sarah, b. 1738, m. John Ward of Mid- 17. Edward, b. 1745, went to New Brain- dletown, Ct., 1768. tree. 14. Silence, b. 1740, m. Ebenezer Soule of 18. Marah, b. 1747, m. Asaph Soule of Plympton, 1764; d. 1835,3. 94 yrs. 8m. Plympton, 1767. 15. Barzillai, b. 1741, removed to Hartford, 19. Asa, b. 1749. Ct. 20. Eli, b. 1 751. 16. William, b. 1743. 10. Daniel, son of Daniel and Mary (Fobes) Hudson, removed from Bridgewater, Mass., to Middletown, Ct., and m. Mary, dau. of David Coe, July, 1766.'-^ She d. Dec 8, 1787, aged 42. He m., 2d, Dorothy Hubbard of Glastonbury, Dec. 10, 1788, who d. May 4, 1807. He m., 3d, Abigail Watson of Torringford He d. Aug. 1821, a. 83. His widow, Abigail, d. in Mar. 1834. Children: 21. Hannah, b. 1767, m. Phineas Elmer of Kinsley of Bridgewater, Mass., had chil- Wintonbury. dren, went^to Ashland, N. Y. 22. Rhuda, b. 1768, removed to Torring- 26. Adah, b. Feb. 8, 1778, m. Gen. Uriel ford in 1 768, one of the early settlers, m. Tuttle of Torringford, had John Hubbard David Birge of Torrington. Tuttle. 22. Molly, b. May i, 1770, m. Zenas Wil- 27. Barzillai, b. Aug. 13, 1780. ' son of Torrington, had children, removed 28. Clarissa, b. June 7, 1782, d. Dec. 5, to Concord, O. N., Chardom. 1782. 23. Grace, b. Apr. 17, 1772, m. Ozias 29. Sarah, b. Nov. 18, 1783, d. Jan. 17, Bronson, went to Amsterdam, N. Y. (See 1784. Annals of Wincheiter.^ 30. Clarissa, b. Dec. 29, 1785, m. Daniel 24. Daniel Coe, b. Apr. 24, 1774. Tuttle of Torringford, had children. She 25. Eunice, b. Feb. 5, 1776, m. Benjamin is now living (1878). 11. N.^THAN, son of Daniel and Mary (Fobes) Hudson, m. Betty, dau of Capt. Joseph Gannett, 1767 ; who d. in 1777, a. 28 ; m. 2d, Anna Gibbs, of Sandwich, 1777. He d. in 1834, a. 93. His wife, Anna, d. in 1831, aged 81. Child: 31. Betty, m. Rev. Wm. Briggs in 1799. 12 John, son of Daniel and Mary (Fobes) Hudson, m. Bethiah, dau. of Dr. Isaac Otis, in 1769. He d. in 1819, a. "]■]. His widow d. in 1825, a. 78. Children: 1 See Middletown Records. 724 History of Torrington. 32. Mary, b. 1770, John Q^Keith 1792. 38. Melzar, b. 1784, m. Lucinda, dau. 33. Mehitable, b. 1772, m. Jonathan King- of Mark Phillips in 1818, had a family, man, 1793. 39. Susannah, b. 1788, m. Martin Whit- 34. Otis, b. 1774, a bachelor. man 1810. 35. Hannah, b. 1777, m. Cyrus Edson 1797. 40. Isaac, b. 1791, m. Molly, dau. of John 36. Daniel, b. 1779. Wade, 1819, and had a family. (See 37. Abigail, b. 1782, m. Jonathan Snell History of Bridgc-zuater, Alass). 1809. 41. Bethiah, m. Nicholas Wade, 1823. 24. Daniel C, son of Daniel and Mary (Coe) Hudson, m. Mary, dau. of Capt. Epaphras Loomis, Feb. 16, 1797. She d. July 22, 1804. He m. 2d Rhoda Fowler, dau. of Noah Fowler, Jan. 24, 1805. He bought and settled on a farm (the old Burr Hostlery) adjoining his father's homestead, on the northwestern brow ol Torringford hill. (^See Biography.) He d. July 1840, a. 66. His widow, Rhoda, d. May 20, 1850, at Springfield, Mass. Child of ist wife : 42. Daniel, b. Mar. 9, 1798, d. Mar. 16, 1805. By 2d wife : 43. Erasmus Darwin, b. Dec. 15, 1806. Elias Oilman of West Hartland, and Win- 44. Daniel Coe, b. Jan. 16, 1808, d. while sted. She d. Oct. 12, 18525 no children. on a business tour, unm. at Trenton, Ohio, 47. Mary Loomis, b. Mar. 31, 1818, m. March 10, 1832, of pneunomia, a. 24. Henry Rummell of Wolcottville ; re- 45. Flora HoUister, b. May 6, 1811, m. moved to Florence, Northampton, Mass. ; James H. Seymour of Wolcottville. had George, Frank, Philip and Charlotte. 46. Charlotte L., b. Oct. 21, 1813, m. Dea. OW^^r^ 27. Barrillai, son of Daniel and Mary (Coe) Hudson, m. Content, dau- ^ A(^of '^iuidtby Pickett, of Windsor, Ct., Jan. 26, 1803. He d. in i860, a. 80. "' Children : 48. Ann Squires, b. Oct. 21, 1803, m. d. the same day and were buried in the Rufus Burr of Winsted, and removed to same grave. Bloomington, 111., had : Alonzo, Hudson, 50. Abigail Watson, m. Dea. Eben. N Franklin, Adeline, Luman, John, Helen, Gibbs, of Farmington, had George E. and Annette, Delphine. Mary E. 49. Mary Coe, b. April 12, 1806, m. Dea. 51. Juliette King, m. John S. Bancroft of Thomas A. Miller of Torringford, had : South Windsor, Ct., had Mary, and Julia Gaylord B., John T., Hobart B., all resid- Hudson. ing at Grand Rapids, Mich. He and she 42. Dr. Erasmus D., ' son of Daniel C, and Rhoda (Fowler) Hudson* studied medicine with Dr. R. M. Fowler, was graduated, M. D., at the Berk- shire Medical college, Mass., December, 1827 (see Bzog.). Children: 52. Romulus Fowler, b. April, 1828, in 34. Erasmus Darwin, b. Nov. 10, 1843, in New Marlboro, Mass. Northampton, Mass. 53. Daniel Wyatt, b. Dec. 10, 1853, in Torringford. 52. RoMULus, F., son of Erasmus D., and Martha (Turner) Hudson, m. Elizabeth Hutchings, of Lowell, Mass. Resided a time in Hartford, associated in Exchange Bank. Removed to New York, in 1865, and was associated with A. G. Paine & Co., a Woolen Goods House. No children. His wife Elizabeth, d. Feb. 1873. -^^ '"• ^d, Caroline Troocshlut, of New York. Nov., 1873. 53. Daniel W., son of Erasmus D., and Martha (Turner) Hudson, learned book binding at Hartford. In 1854, he had a protracted and painful sickness. 1 A Malacca ca:i; was brought to this country by D.iiiiei HuJson, in 1630, which has been transmitted through the Daniels of ths fainily, and is now in possesiion of Dr. E. 1). HuJson, awaiting some Daniel Hudson to prove title to it. Genealogies. 725 of which he died January 25, 1855, a. 21. His remains were interred in Springfield Cemetery, Mass. (Hudson Lot). 54. Dr. Era-mus D. Jr., son of Erasmus D.,and Martha (Turner) Hudson, graduated A. B., at the college of the city of New York, and also M.D., at the college of physicians and surgeons, of the same city. Passed through a prac- tical course of nearly two years in surgical, and medical wards, at the Bellevue Hospital, New York ; and became a practicing physician and surgeon in the city, and professor ot the theory and practice of medicine in the Female Medical college and New York Infirmary in New York. He was an extensive con- tributor to Johnson's Cvclopedia, and has also contributed several popular essays on medical subjccrs. He m. Laura A., dau. of Samuel Shaw, M. D., of Plain- field, Mass. She was a graduate ot Vassar college. Children : 55. Samuel Fowler, b. ^lay 18, 1872. 57. Darwin Shaw, b. Aug. 31, 1876. 56. Helen Turner, b. Aug. 8, 1874, ^■ March 7, 1877, interred in cemetery lot, Springfield, Mass. HUNGERFORD, John, was born in Southington, Ct., in 1787 ; lived a time in Harwinton ; m. ist Elizabeth Webster, of Albany, N. Y. ; came to Wolcottville, about 1813, and commenced a store south of the bridge. His wife Elizabeth, d. June 12, 18 19, and he m. Charlotte Austin, June 5, 1820, and spent his life in Wolcottville, as a merchant and manufacturer, and died in 1856. {See Biography.) His widow still survives, cheerful and courageous, and has been of much advantage to the author of this work, in regard to the history of several families of Torringford, specially that of Father Mills. Children bv 1st wife : 2. Elizabeth W., b. April 19, 1817, m. Roderick White, M.D., and lived in Simsbury. resides in Brooklyn, N. Y., and has daus. Sarah, Lotrie and Hattie. 9. Frances A., b. Oct. 17, 1833, m. Dr. J. B. Whiting, lived in Wolcottville, d. June, 1823. 10. Ellen L., I. John T., b. June 4, 1S15, m. Susan McQuarter in Georgia, in which state he was a merchant. Children by 2d wife : 3. Walter M., b. Feb. 6, 1822, m. Miss. Swift, of Dutchess county. N. Y., and kept the store on the corner, now occupied by Agard and Church until after his father's death. In 1874, he romoved to Mount Pleasant, Iowa ; his children are : Mary, Frances, Morton S., Charles B., Harrie S. 4. Austin N., b. Oct. 20, 1824, m. Sarah Prinile, of Rochester, N. Y. ; d. Nov., 1873, leaving son Harrie Prindle 5. Charlotte, b. April 15, 1825, d. Oct. 15, 1826. 6. Edward (Rev.), b. Sept. 10, 1829, m. Maria Buell, of Burlington, Vt. ; preaches in Meriden, Ct. (see Bic^.), has, Linnie, Charles L., Frederic B., Catharine. 8. Dana L. R., b. April 19, 1827, m. Caroline Grace, of Hartford, and is a merchant in New York. 8. Charlotte A., b. July 13, 1831, m. Roger Olmstead, M.D., of New Haven j HUNTINGTON, Joseph, of Harwinton, m. Rachel Preston of Litchfield, June 10, 1773. Children : I. Lucy, b. .March 8, 1775, 0:1 Wednesday, 2. Rachel, b. Aug. 4, 1776, on Sunday, m. m. Blazo, and removed to Vt. Fraud and removed to Vt. II. Helen, "] m. George Foot, I of Detroit in b. July I i860, and has, 1-13.1837, y George H., Lottie A., Fre- deric J. d. Jan. 7, 1838. 12. George D., b. Aug. 25, 1840, d. Aug. 25, 1840. 13. Uri T., b. Dec. 14, 1841, m. Delia Hyde, of Brooklyn, N. Y. ; d. in March, 1870 J was a merchant. 14. Frank L., b. Nov. 6, 1843, ^- Sarah Churchill, Dec, 1868, and has son William C. J is a lawyer in New Britain. 726 History of Torrington. 3. Joseph, b. July 8, 1778, on Wednesday, 5. William, b. April I3, 1782, m. when young went to Montreal, Ca. 6. Phebe, b. Aug. 19, 1787, when young 4. Rhoda, b. Nov. 27, 1780, m. went to her sisters in Vermont where she Tryon and d. in N. Hartford. was taken ill and d. 5. William, son of Joseph and Rachel (Preston) Huntington, m. in Har- winton, Elizabeth Vincent, of Martha's Vineyard. He was a carpenter by trade, but had a carding mill in Harwinton. He came to Torrington — ^ — and built a carding mill on the East branch a little distance above Daytonville which he conducted some years. He afterwards lived in Wolcottville, where he d. Children : 7. Mary, m. David Sammis and removed to i 3. Susan, m. Dr. William Porter of Bridge- Warsaw, Wyoming Co., N. Y., has ch. port, where she resides. 8. Solon, m. Harriet Summers of N. Y., 14. Joseph, d. unm. in Warsaw, N. Y. resided in Oneonta, N.Y. He is a farmer 15. Ellen, m. Rev. J. E. Yates, resides m and of considerable success and wealth. Elizabeth, N. J. She is quite well known 9. Rhoda, m. Riley Dunbar of Wolcottville. in literary circles, especially as the authoress 10. Phebe, m. Henry Pardee of Waterbury, resides in Oneonta, N. Y. 11. Elizabeth, m. Hiram Yager of Oneonta. 12. Collis P., m.; is president of Central Pacific rail road. of the poem Tour Mission, which has be- come celebrated through the lamented President Lincoln. She is continuing her literary labors in producing poems foj magazines and various periodicals. IVES, Abner, of Wallingford, m. Anna Ferguson of Haddam, May ll, 1768, and settled in Torringford, on the place still known as the old Ives place, a little way east of his brother's home, where he died. Children : 1. Eunice, b. March 10, 1796, m. Gay- lord of Goshen. 2. Jesse, b. Oct. 16, 1770, m. Polly Phelps, and removed to northern N. Y. 3. Abner, b. Sept. 29, 17725 lived some time in this town and went to Whites- town, N. Y. 4. Anna, b. July 11, 1774. 5. Amasa, b. Oct. 18, 1776, m. 6. Catharine, b. Aug. 11, 1778. 7. Charlotte, b. Feb. 25, 178 1, m. Beebe Wadhams of Goshen and had, Caroline, Henry, Beebe, Julius, Willard, and Albert. 8. She'lbourn, b. Feb. 2. 1783. 9. Nancy, b. July 8, 1785. 10. Dimedia, b. Aug. 6, 1787, not m.; d. in this town. 11. Trumbull, b. Oct. 24, 1789. JoTHAM, of Wallingford, brother of Abner, m. .Anna Foster of Walling- ford, May 10, 1769, and settled in Torringford, east of Wolcottville, on what is known as the Elijah Phelps place. He d. about 1823. Children: 12. Joel, b. May 13, 1770, removed to 14. Erastus, went to Black river country, Black river country, N. Y. N. Y. 13. Anna, b. Sept. 26, 1771. 5. Amasa, son of Abner and .Anna (Ferguson) Ives, m. and lived some years west of Wolcottville where Mr. Birney resides. II. Trumbull, son of Abner and Anna (Ferguson) Ives, m. Abigail S., dau. of Thaddeus Griswold, and lived on his father's homestead, JOHNSON, Jacob (probably son of Israel or .Abner of Wallingford), m. Esjher She was a professional doctrcss ; a very noble woman; d. in Torrington. He removed with his family to Johnstown, N. Y., a little after i 800. Children : 1. Caleb, b. May I, 1774. 2. Thankful, b. Oct. 16, 1776. 3. Stephen, b. May 9, 1778. 4. Charity, b. Dec. 25, 1779. 5. Jacob, b. Feb. 8, 1782. 6. Adolphus, b. April 25, 1784, d. Dec. 6, 1787. 7. Susanna, b. April 23, 1786. 8. Abner Adolphus, b. Jan. 11, 1788. 9. Jerusha, b. Nov. 24, 1789. Genealogies. 727 1. Caleb, son of Jacob and Johnson, m. Mary Beach Dec. 20, 1798. Children : 10. Frederick, b. Dec. 15, 1799. 12. Caleb, b. Apr. 10, 1804, in Johnstown 11. James W., b. Dec. 27, 1801, in Johns- N Y. town, N. Y. 13. John Beach, b. Sept. 26, 1806, in Tor. JOHNSON, Levi F., was b. in Cheshire, Ct., Jan. 10, 1791, in. Mary M. Morris of N. Y. state in 1812. She was a slave, and her father bought her time when she was eighteen years of age. She is nearly 92 years of age. Mr. Johnson is much respected, and has been sexton of the Torringford society over fifty years, and is now in his 88th year. Children: 1. John S., m. in 1833 Huldah Peterson, man, hjd 11 children, d. in 1862. had 2 children. 4. Jarvis B., m. 2. Hilligar J., m. in 1833, Artimicia 5. Miles, m., d. Feb. 22, 1842. Thompson. 6. Sarah E., d. Mar. 30, 1843. 3. Daniel V., m. about 1840 Elizabeth Free- 4. Jarvis B., son of Levi F., m. Elizabeth Hills in 1844. Children: 7. Sarah E., b. 1845, d. 1866. 14. William H., b. 1863. 8. Emily A,, b. 1847. 15. Nellie F., b. 1868. 9. Celia M., b. 1849, d. 1863. 16. Alice L., b. 1872. 10. Julia Ann, b. 1852. Hannibal Randall, son of Mrs. Johnson, 11. Daniel H., b. 1854. b. 1 841, went to the war, d. at Fort Jack- 12. Fannie M., b. 1856. son, La., Aug. 24, 1864. 13. Fatie J., b. 1859. JONES, Lewis M., was b. in Burlington, Ct., fuly 16, 1835 ; came to Wolcottville, in 1871 ; m. Christina M. Lankton, and lives on Migeon avenue. Child : I. Grace Mabel, b. Oct., 1874. JONES, David, of Shrewsbury, England, m. Eliza Norton, Sept., 1855 I came to Wolcottville, in 187 1 ; is a shoemaker. Children: 1. Eliza, b. Nov. 22, 1856. 4. Walter D., b. July, 1866. 2. James H., b. Mar., 1862. 5. Clara B., b. Sept., 1875. 3. John C, b. Aug., 1864. JUDD, Timothy, of East Middleto\*n, m. Lois Curtiss, at Farmington, Nov. 6, 1 744, where he resided some years. He was in Tor. as early as i 754, when his son Ozias was baptized here and remained until after 1770. He had eight children baptized here. He removed to Tyringham, Mass., where he d. April 29, 1785, a. 64, He uniied with the church in Torrington, May 10, 1754. Children : 1. Timothy, b. Sept. 21, 1745. 7. Selah, b. Mar. 2, 1758, d. Apr. 9, 1758. 2. Arunah, b. Dec. 16, 1747, m. Sarah 8. Oliver, b June 10, 1761. Spring; removed to N. Y. 9. Orange, b. Aug. 14, 1763, bap. in Tor- 3. Lois, b. Jan. 13, 1750, d. July 18, 1777. rington, Aug. 21, 1763. 4. Rebecca, b. Mar. 15, 1752, m. Anjos 10. Selah, b. Apr. 10, 1765. Spring. II. Thomas Curtiss, Feb. 4, 1768. 5. Ozias, b. July 3, 1754. 12. Asa, b. Sept. 23, 1770, d. Aug. 24, 1777. 6. Salmon, b. Apr. 9, 1756, d. Apr. 26, 1756. 1. Timothy, son of Timothy and Lois (Curtiss) Judd, m. Mindwell Cowles, of Torrington, Jan. 15, 1767. Four of his children were baptized in Torrington. He removed to Sandisfield, and d. there April 7, 1819. His wife d. in Otis, March 2, 1802. Children: 728 History of Torrington. 13. Elnathan, b. Mar. 18, 1768. 16. Mindwell, b. Oct. 22, 1773. 14. Mary, b. Aug. 29, 1769. 17. Timothy, b. Nov. 30, 1775, ^- Nov. 15. Lois, b. Feb. 20, 1771, m. Jared 28, 1834. Thompson. 18. Sylvester, b. May 3, 1782. 5. OziAS, son of Timothy and Lois (Curtiss) Jiidd, m. Sarah Wilson (she may have been of Torrington, dau. of Asahel) ; lived in Stockbridge ; d. in 1806, leaving one son who removed to state of N. Y. 8. Oliver, son of Timothy and Lois (Curtiss) Judd, m. Triphena Heath, Sep. 25, 1780; was deacon in Sandis more than forty years. 9. Orange, son of Timothy and Lois (Curtiss Judd, was b. in Torrington, m. Abigail Deke at Sandisfield, Feb. 4, 1784. He removed to Leroy, Genesee Co., N. Y., about 1812, and d. there in 1844. His children were all born in Mass. Child : 9. Ozias, b. June 12, 1791, m. Rebecca cal, agricultural chemistry at Yale college j Wright, Jan. i, 18 17, removed to Niagara, entered the office of the American yigricui- thence to Lockport, thence to Oberlin, O., /«;7'i7 in New York, in 1853, as editor; to educate his children ; returned to Lock- became proprietor of that paper in 1856, port, and afterwards removed to Kansas. in which he has had unusual success. He His son Orange, b. July 26, 1822, was has given a large sum as an endowment, graduated at Wesleyan University, Ct. ; to the university of Middletown where he and afterwards pursued a course of analyti- resides. KELSEY, Dea. Jonathan, of Woodbury, settled in Torringford, about 1753. ^'^ wife's name seems to have been Ruth. He was a man of much value in the society, church and community, and d. April 13, 1792, a. 86 years. A complete list of his family has not been obtained ; all the descendants having disappeared from the town, so far as known Children: 1. Nathan, m. 3. Esaias, d. Sept. 21, 1759. 2. Jonathan, m. Rachel Loomis, of Wind- 4. Samuel, m. ist Mary , who d. sor, Nov. 12, 1767; d. Sept. 15, 1776, May 10, 1770; 2d Betsey HoUister, of a. 37 years. Glastenbury, Oct. 25, 1774. 1. Nathan, son of Jonathan and Ruth Kelsey, m. Sarah Judd, of Farmington, Dec. 10, 1760 ; lived in Torringford. Children : 5. Nathan, b. Feb. 19, 1762. 8. Amos, b. March 8, 1767. 6. Lois, b. Sept. 8, 1763. 9. Rozel, b. June 7, 1768. 7. Noah, b. June 13, 1765. KIMBERLY, Henry, of Goshen, m.,Dec. 6, 1824, Sylvia, dau. of Jared Curtiss of Onondaga Co., N. Y., and settled on the Parmelee farm west side of Wist pond, in Goshen, where he d. Jan. l, 1855, with heart disease. Ch.: 1. Edward, b. April 17, 1826, m. Mary killed by a horse in California, Sept. 2, Clark, of Cornwall, Oct. 1849, resides in 1855. Goshen. 6. Uri, b. July 14, 1834. m. 2. AndrcA', b. Nov. 26, 1827, d in Iowa, 7. Daniel, b. Dec. 21, 1836. Jan. 13, 1856. 8. Sylvia, b. Oct. 25, 1840, m. Elmer Bun- 3. Henry, b. May 20, 1829, enlisted in the nell, Oct. 10,1860, resides in Broome Co., late war 5 was killed by a shell at the N. Y. battle of Fort Darling, May 14, 1864. 9. Ledelia, b. June 26, 1842, m. Samuel 4. Sherman, b. May 14, 1831, m. D. Reed, Sept. I, 1867. 5. Arthur Mills, b. Oct. 21, 1832, was 3. Henry, son of Henry and Sylvia Kimberly, m, Lucy Hurlbut of Tor. Children : 10. Emily, b. Aug. 15, 1854. la. Andrew T., b. Feb. 23, i860. 11. Charles H., b. April 10, 1857. 4. Sherman, son of Henry and Sylvia (Curtiss) Kimberly, m. Loretta Genealogies. 729 Pendleton of Norfolk, April 27, 1856, resides on his father's homestead at Wist pond. He lived a number of years on the town farm of Torrington which he conducted with success and a good name. Children : 13. Nellie Maria, b. July 8, 1858. 15. Kerrel, b. Oct. 1873. 14. Ellora May, b. Aug. 16, 1866, in Tor. 6. Uri, son of Henry and Sylvia (Curtiss) Kimberly, m. Maria Davison of Iowa, where he resided. He enlisted in the late war and was killed by a min- nie ball, Sept. 19, 1864, at the battle of Winchester, Va. Children : 16. Henry William, b. March 2, 1861. 17. Delia Alice, b. Jan. 13, 1863. 7. Daniel, son of Henry and Sylvia (Curtiss) Kimberly, m. Jan. 28, 1856, Eliza H., dau. of Junius Baldwin. He enlisted in the late war Aug. 28, 1 861, tor three years, and before his time was out re-enlisted for three more ; was wounded and d. in the hospital at Hampton, Va , July 5, 1864. Children: 18. Julia Sylvia, b. Oct. 10, 1857. 19. Carrie Ledelia, b. Feb. 8, 1861. KUNKLE, Edward A., a practicing lawyer in Wolcottville, wasb. in 1850; m. Emily R. Estlow in 1871. Children: I. Emily C, b. Sept. 10, 1872. 2. Frederick W., b. Oct., 1875. L.ATHROP, Norman B., son of Chauncey Lathrop of Victory, Cavuga Co., N. Y , was born Dec. 18, 1820. He was engaged four years as book- keeper, in the wholesale commission house of Howe, Mather & Morgan of Hartford. He came to Wolcottville in Mar. 1846, and established a . store ; the firm being Lathrop & Bradley, in what is now the Coe furniture building. He has been in the mercantile business most of the time since ; is now in his own store ; the Lathrop block on Main street. He m. Sarah Comstock of Hartford, Sept. 1, 1847, She was b. in Kent, Ct., Jan, 30, 1823. Children: 1. Frank P., b Nov. 17, 1853. 4. Mary C, b. Mar. 7, 1869. 2. Edward C, b. Jan. 20, 1856. Willard Mix, b. Feb. 14, 1844, has lived 3. Caroline C, b. Sept. 12, i860. in this family sixteen years. LEACH, Richard, came from Ashford, Winham county, Ct.^ and was b. in 1709, and d. in Torrington, in 1805, a. 96. Children : 1. Caleb. 3. Ebenezer. 2. Richard. 4. Nathaniel. 1. Caleb, son of Richard, m. first Experience , who d. April 21, 1770; 2d Fowler. Children: 4. Benoni, b. Apr. 12, 1770. 7. David; became a Baptist minister in N. Y 5. Oramel. 8. Jesse ; removed west. 6. Caleb ; removed to Chicago. 9. Myron. 2. Richard, son of Richard, m. Mary, daughter of Jacob Strong, March 23, 1775. His wife Mary, d. April 19, 1791, and he m. 2d, Elizabeth Ly- man, of New Hartford, Jan. 12, 1792. He was a revolutionary soldier ; d, in Lyons, July 6, 1827, a. 72; his widow Elizabeth, d. in 1847. Children: 10. Pomeroy, b. Dec. 6, 1775. '4- Richard, b. May 10, 1784. 11. Jacob, b. Dec. 8, 1777. 15. Lyman, b. Dec. 14, 1786. 12. Polly, b. May 28, 1780. 16. Betsey, b. Mar. 3, 1789. 13. Percy, b. Sept. 3, 1782, d. same day. 17. Miles, b. Apr. 7, 1791. 3. Ebenezer, son of Richard, m. Lettice Ferguson, of Torrington. Ch. : 18. Washington, b. Nov. i, 1785. 20. Desdemony, b. Dec. 20, 1788. 19. Lorinda, b. July 6, 1785. 92 73© History of Torrington. 4. Nathaniel, m. Eiinic Marshall, Nov. 19, 1779. Children : 21. Eunice, b. Nov. 29, 1780. 23. Hannah, b. Aug. 5, 1785. 22. Olive, b. Nov. 10, 1782. 24. Nathaniel, b. Feb. 12, 1788. 5. Oramel, son of Caleb, m. Sarah, daughter of Noah Beach ; lived on the hill where Sheldon Johnson now resides. Children : 25. Mary, m. Lewis Murry. 27. Laura, d. in 1873. 26. Candace, m. Childs Pierpont. 28. Lucius, b. Nov. 29, 18 11. 9. Myron, son of Caleb, m. isi Laura Loomis, zd Almeda Loomis ; is livirrg and in his 92d year. Children : 29. Roxa, lives in Vermont. 30. Laura, m. White of Cornwall. By 2d wife : 31. Amanda, m. Grilly. father on the hill northeast of Torrington 32. Luther, m. hollow. 33. Julia, m. Henry Johnson, lives with her 34. Almeda, m. Lucius Emmons. 10. PoMEROY, son of Richard and Mary (Strong) Leach, m. Sarah, dau. of Abel Beach Jr., Sept. 24, 1797. She d. with cancer Feb. 22, 1838. He d. Feb. 12, 1852. Children: 35. Almena, b. Sept. 16, 1798. 37. Almira, b. May 13, 1804. 36. Abel, b. May 22, 1800. 38. Orphelia, b. May 12, 1806. 23. Lucius, son of Oramel and Sarah (Beach) Leach, m. Adaline Beardsley ; resides in Torrington hollow. Children : 39. George T., d. in 1867. 40. Jennie M. LEWIS, Walter S., son of Capt. Charles Lewis of New Haven, was born Feb. 21, 1833 ; brother of Wm. B. Lewis of New London and of Henry C. Lewis of Clinton, Ct. Walter S. came to Wolcottville Dec. 1849, engaged as clerk in dry goods store; is now a prosperous merchant of Wolcottville. Hem. Mary J. Wooding, Nov. 29, 1855. LOOMIS,' Joseph, was probably b. about 1590. He was a woolen draper in Braintree, Essex county, England; sailed from London April 11, 1638, in the ship Susan and Ellen and arrived at Boston July 17, 1638. He came to Windsor, probably in the summer or autumn of 1639, and is generally sup- posed to have come in company with Rev, Ephraim Huet, who arrived at Windsor Aug. 17, 1639. The Windsor records mention that he bought land in that town Feb. 24, 1640. His wife d. Aug. 23, 1652. He d. Nov. 25, 1658. Children : 1. Joseph, b. in England, and was freeman and a representative. in 1654. 5. Thomas, b. in England, was freeman in 2. A daughter, m. Nicholas Olmstead. 1654. 3. Elizabeth, b. in England, m. Josiah Hull 6. Nathaniel, b. in England. May 20, I 641, and removed to Fairfield. 7. Mary, b. in England, m. 1st, John Skin- 4. John, b. in England, admitted to Wind- ner, 2d, Owen Tudor, Nov. 13, 1651. sor church, Oct. 11, 1640, was deacon 8. Samuel, b. in England. 6. Nathaniel, son of Joseph of England, m. Elizabeth, dau. of John Moore, Nov. 24, 1653. He was freeman in 1654, and admitted to the church May 3, 1663, and d. Aug. 19, 1688. Children: 9. Elizabeth, b. Aug. 7, 1655, m. John 11. Abigail, b. March 29, 1659, ^- Josiah Lee, Dec. 27, 1682. Barber, ofSimsbury, Nov. 22, 1677. 10. Nathaniel, b. March 20, 1657. 12. Josiah, b. Feb. 17, 1661. ' See History 0/ tfindior, also Genealogy of Loomis family, by Prof. Loomis, of Yale college. Genealogies. 731 13. Jonathan, b. March 30, 1664. 18. Ebenezer, b. March 22, 1765. 14. David, b. Jan. 11, 1668. 19. Mary, b. Jan. 5, 1680. 15. Hezekiah, b. Feb. 21, 1669. 20. Rebecca, b. Dec. 10, 1682. 16. Moses, b. May 15, 167 1. 17. Mindwell, b. July 20, 1673, m. Jonathan Brown, Oct. I, 1696. 14. David, son of Nathaniel and Elizabeth (Moore) Loomis, m. Lydia Marsh, Dec. 8, 1692. Children: 21. Lydia, b. Oct. 21, 1693. 26. Elizabeth, b. Sept. 26, 1704 22. David, b. Dec. 2, 1694. 27. Richard, b. June i, 1707, d. Dec. 7, 23. Aaron, b. Sept. 5, 1696. 1726. 24. Hepzibah, b. Dec. 2, 1698. 28. Hannah, b. Aug. 2, 1709. 25. Eliakim, b. July 27, 1701. •323. Aaron, son of David and Lydia (Marsh) Loomis, m. Deborah Eggleston, Feb 5, I 719, and settled in Torrington first on a farm a little southwest of Charles S. Munger's present dwelling, in a house by the creek. After a few years he sold this farm and purchased one now occupied by Sheldon Barber, where he d. Children : 29. Deborah, b. April 10, 1720. 37. Richard, b. Oct. 17, 1732, d. May ic, 30. Grace, b. April 28, 1721, m. Stephen I7S3- Loomis, June 9, 1743- 38. Eli, b. Feb. 18, 1734. 31. Aaron, b. Jan. 30, 1723. 39. Issachar, b. May 28, 1736. 32. Mindwell, b. March 16, 1724, m. Isaac 40. Naomi, b. May 10, 1738. Hosford, of Litchfield, July 8, 1747. 41. Abiah, b. April 22, 1742, m. Benjamin 33. Moses, b. Sept. 12, 1726. Beach, Aug. 31, 1763. 34. Abner, b. Nov. 26, 1727. 42. Lemuel, b. May 8, 1744, bap. in Tor- 35. Esther, b. June 30, 1729. rington. May 20, 1744, d. June 6, 1761. 36. Ephraim, b. April i, 1731. 3 I . Aaron, 2d, son of Aaron and Deborah (Eggleston) Loomis, m. Hannah, dau. of Benoni Hills, June 6, 1745. ^^ lived about twenty rods south of the present town house, on the east side of the road. He was a farmer. He d. Sept. 16, 1776, a. 53. His widow Hannah, d. March 28, 1812, a. 87. Children : 43. Aaron, b. Jan. 9, 1746, d. Feb. 23, 46. Deborah, b. Jan. 4, 1752, m. Rial 1746. Brace, about 1771 or 2. 44. Hannah, b. Dec. 6, 1746, m. Caleb 47. Lucy, b. April 20, 1756, m. Elisha Lyman, Sept, 28, 1768. Smith, Nov. 25 1773. 45. Huldah, b. Mar. 2, 1748, m. Wait .Beach July 9, 1767. 33. MosES, son of Aaron and Deborah (Eggleston) Loomis, m. Sarah Rob- erts of Simsbury, Nov. 3, 1752, and settled on what was afterwards called Brandy hill, where Samuel Reed now resides. His wife is said to have been near relative to Priest Roberts. He and his brother Abner, purchased a piece of land half a mile long from east to west, or from one highway to the other. He took the west half and Abner the east; their houses were about twenty rods distant from each other. His wife, Sarah, died May 3, 1800, aged 71. He died Aug. 8, 1803, aged 76. Children: 48. Sarah, b. Nov. 28, 1755, m. Josiah 50. Moses, b. June 18, 1760. Whiting, removed to Mass. 49. Jemima, b. July 9, 1758, m. Ephraim Bancroft Nov. 2, 1775. 34. Abner, son of Aaron and Deborah (Eggleston) Loomis, m. Sarah July 28, 1757, who d. May 19, 1784. He in., 2d, Chloe, dau. ofNathaniel Barber, June 9, 1785, who d. Dec. 3, 1836. He settled near his brother 732 History of Torrington. Moses. He was a farmer and a distiller of brandy. He d. Jan. 18, 1809, a. 81. Children: 51. Abner, b. Nov. 22, 1757, d. Sept. 11, 56. Lovisa, b. Aug. 28, 1772, d. young. 1776. 57. Lovisa, b. Sept. 27, 1779, ^- Artemus 52. Richard, b. Dec. 25, 1758. Phillow, Dec. 11, 1800. 53. Sylvia, b. Jan. 6, 1760, m. John Whit- 58. Chloe, b. May 14, 1788, d. Sept. 9, ing March 23, 1779. 1816. 54. Tryphena, b. Nov. 10, 1763, m. Seth 59. Julia, b. Dec. 20, 1790, d. July 6, 1817. Whiting, April 16, 1789. 55. Naomi, b. Aug. 26, 1769, d. Sept. 29, 1839, a. 70. Oj 36. Ephraim, son of Aaron and Deborah (Eggleston) Loomis, m., ist, Ruth Hosford of Litchfield, Oct. 31, 1756. She d. May i, 1764. He m., 2d, Jane Campbell of Canaan, Oct. 18, 1764. He d. Apr. 4, 18 12. Ch : 60. Ephraim, b. July 12, 1758. 62. Amy, b. April 28, 1764, m. Rice, 61. Ruth, b. Mar. 11, 1762, m. Job Rowley of Chenango Co., N. Y. of Bloomfield. By 2d wife : 63. Aaron, b. May 25, 1766. 67. Bildad, b. Feb. 12, 1773. 64. Solomon, b. Jan. 23, 1768. 68. Rebecca, b. Sept. 26, 1774, m. Ichabod 65. Jane, b. Dec. 10, 1769, m. Samuel Deming, Mount Pleasant, Penn. Thorpe, of New Hartford, and d. April 69. Elias, b. Nov. 13, 1776. 4, 18 12. 66. Silas, b. April 12, 1771, m. Polly Cowdy, removed to Waterbury, Vt. 38. Eli, son of Aaron and Deborah (Eggleston) Loomis, m. Dorothy, dau. of Ichabod Loomis, Dec. 18, 1762. He lived on a farm afterwards owned by Henry Allyn, on the hill half a mile east of Mr. Lyman R. Pond's present dwelling. Children : 70. Dorothy, b. Nov. 10, J766, m. Asahel 73. Margaret, b. Sept. 7, 1772, m. Arah Barber, of Harwinton, near 1791. Loomis, May 15, 1799, d. Sept. 28, 1841. 71. Lemuel, b. Oct. 17, 1764. 74. Cyrus, b. June 30, 1775, removed to 72. Eli, b. Jan. 11, 1770, removed to Ver- Vernon, N. Y. non, N. Y. 39. IssACHAR, son of Aaron and Deborah (Eggleston) Loomis, m. 1st Mary Fowler, Dec. 10, 1765, who d. Sept. 16, 1800 ; 2d Hepzibah, dau. of Joel Loomis, May 6, 1802. She d. May 13, 183 i. He d. Feb. 11, 1804, a. 68. He was so very small at birth that he was put into a tankard' and the cover was shut upon him. He grew to be a man weighing over two hundred pounds. He resided on his father's homestead, now occupied by Mr. Sheldon Barber, his grandson. Children : 75. Joseph, b. Jan. 19, 1767. 77. Rhoda, b. Feb. 27, 1777, m. 76. Mary, b. Nov. 19, 1769, m. Abijah Barber, March 19, 1795. 50. Moses, 2d, son of Moses and Sarah (Roberts) Loomis, m. Lucy, dau. of Dea. John Cook, Aug. 8, 1782. He resided on his father's homestead until his death, Nov. 2, 1812. His wife Lucy, d. Oct. 29, 1809. Children: 78. Luman, b. July 13, 1783. 79. Sarah "Sally," b. Aug. 3, 1789, m. Uri Whiting, of Torrington. * A tankard held about three quarts. Genealogies. 733 52. Richard, son of Ahner and Sarah (Grant) Loomis, m. Rachel Higbee, May 30, 1780. He lived on the farm now owned bv Mr. Charles S. Munger, on Torrington hill, southwestern part of the town. He d. Aug. 9, 1826. 80. Clarissa, b. Oct. 29, 1780, m. 86. Harriet, b. Oct. 7, 1894, m. Starr Clark, Lyman. removed to Oneida Co., N. Y. 81. Levi, b. June 3, 1783, removed to 87. Huldah, b. May 18, 1797, m. Levi Canada. Hills, April 28, 1818. 82. Chester, b. April 20, 1785, removed to 88. Abner, b. Jan. i, 1799, removed to Canada. Oneida Co., N. Y., m. and d. there. 83. Laura, b. May 28, 1787, m. Erastus 89. Amoret, b. Dec. 15, 1802, d. with Hodges. spotted fever, Aug. 4, 1809. 84. Richard, b. Aug. 2, 1789. 90. Electa Spofford, b. April 9, 1807, m. 85. Rachel, b. Feb. 29, 1792, m. Chester Dr. Asahel Grant. She d. Aug. 4, 1831. Bancroft. T 60. Ephr.aim, 2d, son of Ephraim and Ruth (Hosford) Loomis, m., ist, Jane Fyler, Oct. 30, 1783, who d. Mar. 30, 1789; 2d, Zerviah Hill, July 20, 1789. He lived in Newfield, a quarter of a mile south of Dea. Frederick North's present dwelling, on the west side of the road, his farm joining his brother Solomon's. He d. in 1825, a. 67 years. Children : 90. Reuben, b. Oct. 9, 1785, removed out of Leach, of Smithville, ChenangoCo., N. Y. the state to Mt. Pleasant, Pa. 95. Ruth, b. Aug. 9, 1793, m. Savif- 91. Oliver, b. May, 29, 1787, m. Mary thll. She d. in Chenango Co., N. Y., in Barber, Feb. 4, 1 8 14, lived in Winsted, 1848. ^ she d. March 21, 1870, had no children. 96. Ephraim, b. July 16, 1796. ^ ^ He was a much esteemed citizen. 97. Charles Grandison, b. March 28, 1798,^ 92. Ephraim, b. Feb. 28, 1789, d. 1789. lived and d. in Litchfield. 93. Asahel, b. April 8, 1790, m. Adah 98. Roman, b. Aug. 6, 1800, went to Che- dau. of John Beach, April 29, 1812, and nango Co., N. Y. d. in Black river country, N. Y., Jan 21, 99. Caroline, b. Oct. 9, 1807, m. Zebulon 1863. Merrill, Nov. 15, 1842, lived in New 94. Zerviah, b. May 16, 1791, m. Jesse Hartford. 63. Aaron, son of Ephraim and Jane (Campbell) Loomis, m. Annis Drake of Windsor, Feb. 12, 1789, he m , 2d, Alma Loomis. Children: 100. Aaron, b. May 16, 1790. 103. Annis, b. June 23, 1797, not m. loi. Jane, b. March 11, 1392. 104. Alvin, b. Dec. 22, 1800, no family. 102. Laura, b. Feb. 17, 1794, m. Myron Leach, Jan. 5, 1809. 64. Solomon, son ot Ephraim and Jane (Campbell) Loomis, m. Elizabeth Olcott of New Hartford, Aug. 31, 1791. He lived in Newfield at little west of Dea. Frederick North's present dwelling, had a large farm and was a suc- cessful farmer. He d. Mar. 15, 1848, a. 80. His widow, Elizabeth d. July 7, 1857. Children : 105. Orlen, b. March i, 1792, m. Ruby 108. Levi, b. May 8, 1806, d. March 2, North, went to South America. i^53> never m. 106. Hiram, b. Nov. 28, 1794. 109. Candace, b. Nov. 6, 1807, d. in 1834, 107. Horace, b. Nov. 14, 1796. never m. 67. BiLDAD, son ot Ephraim and Jane (Campbell) Loomis, m. Delia Porter. No children. Owned and lived on the place now occupied by Warren Wil- cox, about halt a mile south westerly from his brother Solomon, about a mile northeast of Wrightville on the northeast road. The house and buildings stand about twenty rods from the road north. 69. Elias, son ofEphroim and jane (Campbell) Loomis, m. Mary Rood. He d. May 2, 1831, in New Hartford. His widow, Mary, d. Oct. 15, 1837. Children : 734 History of Torrington. no. Miles, b. Oct. 3, 1799. 112. Luther, b. Nov. 8, 1806. III. William, b. Jan. 1804. 71, Lemuel, son of Eli and Dorothy (Loomis) Loomis, m. Abigail Parsons Oct. 17, 1793. He lived in the house west of the late Joseph Allyn's on the hill, north side of the road, where Henry Allyn afterwards lived and d. He was a weaver by trade — never wealthy — but a good citizen and a well meaning man. Children : 113. Pluma, b. Aug. 10, 1794, m. Willis 117. Lydia, b. Aug. 4, 1802, not m., d. Crampton of Farmington Feb. 15, 1836, May 25, 1848. and d. 1858, and the family removed to 118. Abigail, b. April 28, 1805, m. Asa Farmington. Hamlin, d. 1840. 114. Rueben, b. Feb. 11, 1796, m. Abigail 119. Huldah, b. Dec. 20, 1806, m. Smith Burnham Nov. 1820; no children; she lives HarrisMay 13, 1838, d. 1859. in Torrington hollow. 120. Lucinda, b. Dec. 6, 1809, not m., d. 115. Almeda, b. Aug. i, 1797^ tn. Myron May 31, 1865. Leach and d. in 1847. 116. Lemuel, b. April 3, 1800, not m., d. in Tor. 75. J9SEPH, son of Issachar and Mary (Fowler) Loomis, m. Clymena Tay- lor, removed to Wadsworth, Ohio, in 1816, was the first justice of the peace in that town ; d. Aug. 15, 1835, a. 68. He had two sons and several grand- sons. (See Wadsworth Memorial.) 78. LuMAN, son ot Moses and Lucy (Cook) Loomis, m. Amanda Thrall June 7, 1807, who d. Apr. 12, 1835. ^^ \\\ed. on the Elijah Barber place a little west of his father's home, and d. in 1875. Children: 121. Albert, b. July 10, 1811, m. Emily 122. Lucy, b. July 15, 1817, m. Asa Lyon Curtiss Nov. 10, 1841, no children ; d. 1835, d. June 28, 1837, at New Haven. Apr. 26, 1875. 90. Reuben, son of Ephraim and Jane (Fyler) Loomis, m. Sally Westland of Windsor, Ct. ; removed to Mount Pleasant, Pa, where he d, Nov. 10, 1849 She d. Aug. 4, 1866. They had several children. ^ X 96. Ephraim, son of Ephraim and Zerviah (Hills), Loomis, m. Jemima, dau. of Elihu Barber, Feb. 15, 1817; lives on the Newfield road about three miles north of Wolcottville ; a farmer of considerable success and influence. Child: ^ ^: 123. Emery, b. Mar. 7, 1819, m. Laura b. May 1846, who m. Enos M. Marshall Lyman, Sept. 12, 1841, had Laura Jane, Mar. 16, 1864. / 97. Charles, son of Ephraim and Zerviah (Hills) Loomis, m. Emma Burgess Nov. 7, 1827 ; d. in Litchfield, in 1852. Children : 124. Emily, b. Jan. 29, 1830, m. Perry 126. Abigail, b. 1834, m. George Cramer, Odell, Winchester. Winchester. 125. Cornelia, b. 1832, m. William John- I son, Winchester. .yv^^ 106. Hiram, son of Solomon and Elizabeth (Olcott) Loomis, m. Abigail Ward Mar. 29, 1821. Children: (f'J'' 127. Elizabeth, b. July 22, 1822, m. Fred- 128. George Ward, b. Jan. 27, 1827, m. ^ ' erick Griswold, Sept. 30, 1845. Harriet Gilman Oct. 26, 1853. 107. Horace, son of Solomon and Elizabeth (Olcott) Loomis, m Pamelia Loomis, who d.; 2d, Roxalena Loomis, who d.; 3d, Jerusha Saxton, who d. in 1855. Hed. in 1869. Children: 129. Harmon, b. Sept. 16, 1822, m. Erne- 130. Orlan, b. Mar. 4, 1828, m. Drusilla line Beach July 15, 1848, had Emma A., Green 1854, South America. who m. Nathan A. Champion, and Wil- ber. Genealogies. 735 LOOMTS, Abraham, son of Daniel, of Windsor, was b. Dec. 13, 1696, in. Isabel Eggleston, Feb. 5, 1718, came to Torrington ; settled a little north of Dr. Elkanah Hodges. Children: 1. Jerusha, b. Apr. 21, 1722, d. Jan. 16, 1757- 2. Abraham, b. Oct. 17, 1724, m. Mary Taylor, lived in T. and Winchester. 3. Isabel, b. Oct. 26, 1729, m. Benjamin Phelps, Oct. 16, 1755. 4. Capt. Epaphras, b. Nov. 13, 1732, m. 2. Abraham, son of Abraham and Elizabeth (Eggleston) Loomis, m. ist Mary Taylor, of Litchfield, Feb. 10, 1757, who d. May 29, 1773 ; m. 2d Mary Wetmore, of Winchester, Nov. 12, 1775. He d. March 6, 1788. Children : 5. Jemima, b. July 4, 1734, m. Noah North, Mar. 25, 1756. 6. Benoni, b. Sept. 28, 1738, d. Feb. 27, 1742. 7. Remembrance, b. Sept. 30, 1743, d. Jan. 18, 1745. 12. Alexander, b. June 15, 1770, m. Submit Spencer, June 3, 1792. 13. Jerusha, b. Sept. 4, 1780. 8. Benoni, b. Feb. 27, 1758, m. 9. Mary, b. Dec. 15, 1760. 10. Abrahrm, b. July 25, 1764. 11. Mabel, b. June 26, 1766. 4. Capt. Epaphras, son of Abraham and Elizabeth (Eggleston) Loomis, m. Mary Hills, of Goshen, Sept. 9, 1755, ^^o d. Feb. 12, 1813, a. 78. He d. at Winchester, Sept. 10, 1812. He was in Revoluton and several of his sons. Children : 14. Epaphras, b. Mar. 31, 1756, m. Phebe Brown, Dec. 5, 17775 served in the Revolution; d. 1850, at Hannabal, N. Y. 15. Remembrance, b. Feb. 27. 1759, d. Jan. 16, 1779, a British prisoner at Mil- ford, Conn. 16. Jerusha, b. Feb. 6, 1761, m. Noadiah Bancroft, Sept. 7, 1780, d. Oct., 1827. 17. Dea. Lorrain, b. June 9, 1764, m. Abigail Rainsford, 1789, removed to Win- chester. 18. Wait, b. Nov. 23, 1765, m. Sally Stone, 1796. He vi'as in the Revolution. 19. Arah, b. July 7, 1767, m. Margaret Loomis, May 15, 1799; d. at Winsted. 20. Ira, b. Sept. 19, 1770, m. Polly Thrall, July 25, 1793 ; d. in Ohio. 21. Rachel, b. May 29, 1772, d. March 6, 1774- 22. Mary, b. March 15, 1775, m. Daniel Coe Hudson, Feb. 16, 1797. 8. Benoni, son of Abraham and Mary (Taylor) Loomis, m. Jemima, dau. of Nathaniel Barber, March 9, 1786, who d. Oct. 6, 1828. He d. Feb. 20, 1820. Children: 26. Elisha, b. July 27, 1798, m. 27. Pamelia, b. Jan. 18, 1804, m. Horace Loomis, April 21, 1824, who d. Sept. 23, 1824. 23. Warren, b. Nov. 9, 1787, m. Esther Sutliff, of Plymouth ; d. in 1839. 24. Roxalena, b. March 27, 1791, m. Horace Loomis, Jan. 29, 1828. 25. Horace Allyn, b. Aug. 3, 1793, m. Hannah Judson ; went to Ohio. 26. Elisha, son of Benoni and Jemima (Barber) Loomis, m. Ophelia Leach, April 3, 1833. He bought the Guy Wolcott place and lived there until his death, Feb. 21, 1869. Children: 28. Sarah Fidelia, b. April 22, 1834. 30. Flora Amelia, b. Feb. 15, 1843. 29. Louisa Ophelia, b. Sept. 7, 1837, m. 31. Elisha Earle, b. Aug. 2, 1846. Thomas Fitz Simons, Aug. 16, 1862, d. Aug. 6, 1863. LOOMIS, Ichabod, son of Ichabod, of Windsor, m. Dorthy Loomis, Jan. 25, 1738, came to Torrington ; d. 1773. Children: 1. Dorothy, b. July 5, 1740, m. Eli Loomis, Lewis, removed to Winchester, d. July Dec. 18, 1762. 31, 1785. 2. Ichabod, b. Jan. 17, 1743, m. Mindwell 3. Abiel, b. Sept. 13, 1748, d. suddenly. 736 History of Torrington. 4. Elijah, b. Nov. 6, 1753, served in Revo- 6. Elizabeth, b. March 13, 1760, d. young, lution, d. a prisoner. 7. Roger, m. Abigail Bartholomew. 5. Daniel, b. Nov. 28, 1756, m. Ann Phelps, d. in Hampden, N. Y. LOOMIS, Isaac, son of Isaac (who was the brother of Abraham, who settled in Torrington), and Hannah (Eggleston) Loomis, m. Sarah Gillett, March 10, 1743. Children: 1. Sarah, b. March 12, 1744, m. Moses 4. Isaac, b. Aug. 11, 1750. Rood, Jan. 15, 1768. 5. Hannah, b. Jan. 16, 1753. 2. Rhoda, b. July 11, 1746, m. Ebenezer 6. Asa, b. Feb. 29, 1756, m. Rood, Sept. 6, 1770. 7. Joseph, b. June 26, 1758, m. 3. Michael, b. Oct. 13, 1747, m. 3. Michael, son of Isaac and Sarah (Gillett) Loomis, m. Huldah Loomis, of East Windsor, Oct. 9, 1777. Resettled in Torringford, where Christopher Colt now resides. Children : 8. Chester, b. July 5, 1778, d. March 26, 9. Chester, b. June 25, 1780. 1779. 6. Asa, son of Isaac and Sarah (Gilllett) Loomis, m. Priscilla Austin, June II, 1778, lived on West street in Torringford. Children: 10. Abigail, b. July 16, 1779, m. George 15. Polly, b. May i, 1792, not m. ; d. June Deming. 12, 1820. 11. Belinda, b. May 30, 1781, not m. d. 16. Austin, b. Sept. 14, 1794, m. 1840. 17. Aurelia, b. April 17, 1799, m. Charles 12. Beulah, b. Oct. 30, 1783, not m. d. Nov. L. Curtiss, Feb., 1825, resides at Charles- 24, 1 8 10. town, O. 13. Asa, b. March 3, 1786, m. 14. Wealthy, b. Aug. 3, 1788, m. Nancy Woodruff. 7. Joseph, son of Isaac and Sarah (Gillett) Loomis, m. Rhoda Stark. Children : 18. Lavinia, b. 1784, m. Lucretius Bissell, 22. Clarissa, b. 1793, m. Chauncey B. Cur- d. in Austinburg, O., 1855. tiss, d. in 1851, Charlestown, O. 19. Rev. Harvey, b. 1786; m. 23. Sophia, b. 1796, m. Horace Cook; d. in 20. Ralsamon, b. Aug. 24, 1788, m. 1838, in Elkhart, Ind. 21. Philomela, b. 1790, not m. d. 1818. 24. Willard, b. 1798, not m. ; d. 1S23. 13. Asa, son of Asa and Priscilla (Austin) Loomis, m. Sally Burr, removed to Charlestown, Ohio. Children : 25. Eliza Ann, b. June 7, 1807, m. Andrew 31. Abigail, b. April 15, 1822, m. Lozon Haymaker, Charlestown, O. Bostwick, Edinburgh, O. 26. Lewis, b. May 11, 1809, m. Charity 32. Cornelius, b. May 19, 1825, m. Milly Hough, April 3, 1833, Charlestown, O. Moore, Charlestown, O. 27. Beulah, b. July 27, 181 1, not m. ; d. 33. Uriah B., b. March 18, 1828, m. ist, July 10, 1864 Elizabeth I. Boly ; 2d, Mary Hart. 28. Martha, b. Sept. 19, 1814, m. Orrin 34. Milo, b. Nov. 27, 1831, d. 1832. Sanford, Charlestown, O. 35. Addison, b. June 4, 1835, m. Miriam 29. Mary, b. March 22, i8i7,m. Robinson Warner, 1863, Clermont, Iowa. Hinman, Edinburgh, O. 30. Harriet, b. June 7, 1819, m. Henry Y. Woodruff. 16. Austin, son of Asa and Priscilla (Austin) Loomis, m. Elizabeth Hough' He d. in 1857, at Atwater. Children: 36. Homer A., b. Sept. 29, 1823, m.; lived Mary D. Mansfield, 1849; 2d, Mary L. in Coldwater, Mch. Barr, Burr Oak, Mich. 37. Dr. Harvey, b. Sept. 27, 1824, m. ist, Genealogies. 737 38. Elvira, b. 1827, m. Dr. Clebrom Pal- 40. John S. M., b. July 3, 1837, m. Ange- miter, 1846, Ligonia, Ind. line Fowler, i860, Kendallville, Ind. 39. Almira, b. 1829, m. George Clark, 1851, Louisville, Ky. 19. Rev. Harvey, son of Joseph and Rhoda (Stark) Loomis, m. Nancy Battell {See Biog. of Mr. and Mrs. Loomis.) Children : 41. Charles Battell, b. Nov. 12, 1812, m. 44. Ann C, b. Jan. 18, 1818, d. March 6, 1st Emilia Coulomb, July 13, 1832, who 1820. d. Mar. 6, 1855, m. 2d, Mary Worthing- 45. Joseph W., b. Aug. i, 1819, d. March ton, July 18, i860, Brooklyn, N. Y. 25, 1820. 42. Harvey, b. Jan. 19, 1815, m. Martha 46. Henry M., b. May 21, 1823, d. April Maria L'Huilier, of Geneva, Switzerland, 8, 1824. where he d. Aug. 14, 1857. 43. Joseph W., b. July 24, 181 6, d. Feb. i, 1818. 20. Ralsamon, son of Joseph and Rhoda (Stark) loomis, m. Nancy Colt, July II, 18 19, removed to Charlestown, Ohio, making the journey in forty days with an ox team. Children : 47. Charlotte, b. April 29, 1820, m. Nelson 49. Frederick, b. Oct. 11,1823, "i- '^t, Roberts, Sept. 24, 1841. Elizabeth Wilson, Sept. 13, 1848 ; m. 2d, 48. Henry, b. Sept. I, 1821, not m.j d. Jan. Harriet Wilson, Oct. 28, 1852. He d. 21, 1849. Aug. 31, 1861. LOOMIS, Timothy, son of Timothy of Windsor, came to Torringford and settled a little way south of Augustine Hayden's. He d. Feb, 13, 1832, a. 82. Children: 1. Anna, b. Nov. 2, 1774. 6. Guy, b. Feb. 7, 1784. 2. Sarah Talcott, b. July 27, 1776. 7. Wells, b. Jan. 17, 1786. 3. Roxa, b. April 14, 1778. 8. Ruhamah, b. May 9, 1790. 4. Timothy, b. Nov. 14, 1779. 9- Orrel, b. June 18, 1792. 5. Allen, b. Sept. 2, 1781, m. Mary Reed, Jan. 19, 1806. LOOMIS, Joel, son of David of Windsor, settled in Torrington, a short distance east of the John Brown house. He was nephew to the first Aaron in Tor., was born June 2, 1721, m. June 4 1752, Elizabeth Brown, who was probably a near relative t ) Owen Brown. Children : 1. Elizabeth, b. Sept. 25, 1753. 3. Joel, b. May 22, 1760. 2. Anna, b. Sept. 17, 1756. 4. Hepziba, m. Issachar Loomis. 3. Joel, son of Joel and Elizabeth (Brown) Loomis, m. Prudence West May 23, 1792. Children : 5. Betsey, b. Apr. 15, 1793. 7. Harlow, b. May 30, 1798. 6. Ansell, b. July 3, 1795. 8. Riley, b. Aug. 13, 1800. MARSHALL, Capt. Saiviuel, was in Windsor and had a lot in the Pali- sado in 1637; was a deputy in the same year and a magistrate in 1638. He m. Mary, dau. of Lt. David Wilton, May i, 1652. Children: 1. Samuel, b. May 27, 1653. 6. Mary, b. May 8, 1667. 2. Lydia, b. Feb. 18, 1655. 7. Eliakim, b. July 10, 1669. 3. Thomas, b. April 23, 1659. 8. John, b. Apr. 10, 1672. 4. David, b. July 24, 1661. 9. Elizabeth, b. Sept 27, 1674. 5. Thomas, b. Feb. 23, 1663. 5. Dea Thomas, son of Samuel and Mary (Wilton) Marshall, m. Mary Drake, Mar. 3, 1686, in Windsor. He was an original proprietor in Tor- rington, but did not settle here. He d. in Windsor Nov. 8, 1735. Children: 93 738 History of Torrington. 10. Thomas, b. Jan. 14, 1686, d. Aug. 26, 17. Noali, b. Apr. 24, 1703. v 1689. 18. (Rev.) Daniel, b. 1705. 11. Mary, b. Feb. 21, 1689. 19. Benjamin, b. Aug. 8, 1707. 12. Samuel, b. July 23, 1691. 20. Eunice, b. May 3, 1709, m. and took 13. Thomas, b. Feb. 6, 1693. upon herself to preach Baptist doctrine. 14. Rachel, b. Apr. 12, 1696. She was ordered to desist and not com- 15. Catharine, b. Apr. 11, 1699. plying, was, although pregnant at the 16. John, b. April 3, 1701. time, thrown into jail. — Windsor Hist. 12. Samuel, son of Thomas and Mary (Drake) Marshall, m. Abigail Plielps July 12, 1706 ; lived in Windsor. Children: 21. Samuel, b. Aug. 17, 1717. 27. Amasa, b. Jan. 17, 1729, settled in Tor. 22. Rev. Eliakim, b. March i. 1719. 28. Joseph, Rev., j b. Feb. 17, 1731. 23. Abigail, b. March 6, 1722. 29. Mary, ( " " 24. Noah, b. April 29, 1723, settled in Tor. 30. Assenath, b. May, i, 1733. 25. Rachel, b. Feb. I, 1725. 31. Aaron, b. May 11, 1735, settled '" Tor. 26. Abner, b. Feb. 9, 1727, settled in Tor. 13. Thomas, son of Dea. Thomas and Mary (Drake) Marshall, m. Elizabeth Tudor Oct. 9, 1725. He settled in the southwestern part of Torrington on a farm next south of the old Jonathan Coe place, some time before 1755. His wife was of French descent ; had some considerable property when she was m., and was a woman of high spirits, in which qualities probably Mr. Mar- shall was not much lacking. They agreed to a separation for a time, but after about two years revoked the decree. He d. Feb. 4, 1772, and his widow d. Feb. 8, 1790, aged 90 years. Children: 32. Thomas, b. Oct. 13, 1726, d. young. 34. Job, b. April 22, 1736. 33. Gad, b. Feb. 18, 1732. 35. Thomas, b. Aug. 24, 1738. 24. Noah, son of Samuel and Abigail (Phelps) Marshall, came to Torrington a young man, m. Sarah Taylor, of Litchfield, Nov. 15, 1753. He d. F"eb. 3, 1777. Children : 36. Noah, b. Sept. 8, 1754. 39. John, b. April 30, 1759. 37. Ambrose, b. April 12, 1756. 40. Roswell, b. June 10, 1761. 38. Oliver, b. Nov. 23, 1757, d. Jan. 10, 41. Sarah, b. May 12, 1767. 1777. 26. Abner, son of Samuel and Abigail (Phelps) Marshall, m. Hannah Marshall, of Windsor, Jan. 4, 1759. Hannah, his wife, d. June 24, 1800. Children : 42. Hannah, b. Oct. 8, 1759, in Windsor. 46. Julinus, b. Jan. 7, 1767, d. Jan. 23, 43. Abner, b. Nov. 17, 1761, in Tor. 1767. 44. Roger, b. Aug. 2, 1763. 47. Abigail, b. July 13, 1769. 45. Nancy, b. Jan. 19, 1765. 27. Amasa, son of Samuel and Abigail (Phelps) Marshall, came to Tor- rington a young man and m. Jane Leeming, of Middletown, Feb. 27, 1759. Child: 48. Eunice, b. June i, 1761. 31. Aaron, son of Samuel and Abigail (Phelps) Marsliall, came to Tor- rington a young man and m. Chloe Agard, Dec. 4, 1777. She d. Dec. 24, 1795. Children: 49. Chloe, b. Oct. 4, 1779. 50. Assenath, b. Aug. 5, 1786. 35. Thomas, son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Tudor) Marshall, m. Desire Tuttle, Jan. 30, 1 764. She was b. May 16, 1743. His father gave him a farm in Newficld, adjoining Winchester line, in 1761, and he settled on this Genealogies. 739 farm, and established the first large dairy in Newficld, and perhaps the first in the town. He was a man of peculiarities like many men in his day, but must have been more than ordinarily enterprising, and energetic. He was among the first settlers in Newficld, and was a man of considerable influence in that part of the town. His wife. Desire, d. Aug. 14, 1808, and he m. 2d, widow Sarah Butler, of Harwinton. He wrote in his account book, " In 1 799, 1 made 78 barrels of cider; in 1803, 80 ; in 1807, 120." "In 1805, Isold my new milk cheese at ten cents a pound." He d. instantly of dropsy of the heart May 5, 1810. Children : 51. Raphael, b. May II, 1765. m. 1800, when he removed to Vernon, 52. Reuben, b. Nov. 29, 1766, m.; was a N. Y. merchant at Winchester some years, they 56. Roswell, b. Dec. 30, 1773, m. Sophia removed to Granville, Mass. ; d. Feb. 13, Bass; lived in Colebrook, and d. Nov. 23, 1814. 1845. 53. Harvey, b. June 29, 1768, m. Anna 57. Seth, b. Dec. 2, 1775, m. Susan Frisbie, Frisbie, of Burlington, Ct., living many of Burlington, Ct., and lived in Culebrook years in Colebrook, removed to and d. in Hartford, leaving sons and daus. 54. Sarah, b. June 10, 1770, m. Oliver Coe, Dec. i, 1791, had : Norris, b. May I, 1792, m. Chloe Hubbell ; Demas, b. Jan. II, 1794; Artemisia, b. Dec. 5, 1799, m, George Chase. Mrs. Sarah, d. April 17, 1816. 55. Levi, b. April 19, 1772, m. Polly Gridley ; lived in Winchester until about many years j removed to Painesville, O. 58. Rachel, b. June 19, 178 1, m. Dec. 19, 1799, Capt. Levi Munsill, and resided on her father's homestead and d. there Jan. 16, 1842, a very excellent woman. Their children were : Marcus, Sarepta, Luman, Hiram, Levi T., and Maria R. ; all resided in Winchester. 59. Susannah, b. Aug. 14, 1783. 51. Raphael, son of Thomas and Desire (Tuttle) Marshall, m. Philomela, dau. of Daniel Grant, b. .'^pril 17, 1769 He was a farmer and tanner on the Gen. Sheldon place on Lyman street ; and was an energetic, influential citizen. His wifePhilad. Aug. 13, 1812, and he m. 2d, Mrs. North, widow of Phineas North, Esq., and d. in Colebrook, Nov. 3, 1822. Children: 59. Minerva, b. May 30, 1789, m. Samuel 63. Daniel, b. Oct. 20, 1800, d. Apr. 25, Deliber, d. Feb. 17, 1842. 1804. 60. Maria, b. July 27, 1791, m. Henry 64. Raphael G., b. July 1802, d. July, Skilton Morris; d. Aug., 1865. 61. Sarah W., b. Aug. 29, 1794, m. Rev. Alpheus Geer, of Waterbury ; d. in Brat- tleboro. 62. Philomela, b. April 18, 1798, m. Dr. Geo. O. Jarvis ; d. May 12, 1875. 65. Aurelia, b. Sept. 16, 1 804, m. Homer Higley, of Winsted, d. Nov. 11, 1870. 66. Lorinda, b. March 16, 1808, m. Nelson Hall, of Waterbury ; resides in New Haven. McCARTY, William H., son of William W. of Wassaic, N. Y., was b. March 5, 1842, in Tolland, Mass. He enlisted at Wolcottville, Aug., 1861, in Co. C, 8th Ct. Served until Mar. 4,- 1863 ; and was honorably discharged by reason of wounds received at the battle of Antietam, Md. ; was in the battle of Roanoke Island in 1862, of Newbern, N. C, Mar. 14, 1862, and at the siege of Fort Macon, N.C., and in the battle of South Mountain, Sunday, Sept. 14, 1862, and at Aniietam where he was wounded Sept. 17, 1863, and lay in the hospital six months, when he was sent home. He went as a private, came home a sargeant. He has been engaged in the brass mill thirteen years. He m. Jennie E. Johnson Aug. 9, 1863, and resides on Migeon avenue. Ch. : I. Albert A., b. Jan. 25, 1865. 2. Gertrude M., b. May 28, 1869. McNeil, Henry L, son of Elias, was born at Binghamton, N. Y., May 30, 1815, m. at Litchfield, Ct., Oct. zi, '.840, Martha J., dau. of Col, Wm, 740 History of Torrington. O'Dell of Litchfield, and settled in Wolcottville in Sept. 1830. He d. Aug. 20, I 868. Children : 1. William Henry, b. 1840, d. 1853. clerk at the bank of Brooks Brothers, and 2. Edward Lincoln, b. May 1854, d. Nov. the Wolcottville Savings Bank. 1859. 4. Catherine Lucena, b. Dec. 19, 1858. 3. Charles Leverette, b. Sept. 28, 1 855 ; is Charles, son ot Elias, was b. at Litchfield, Feb. 25, 1829. He commenced the drug busineis in Wolcottville in 1850, in which he siill continues. Hem. Emeline Loveland Feb. 5, 1851. She was b. at Watertown, Ct., Feb. 19, 1832. Children: I. Frank, b. July 13, 1852. 2. Merritt, b. Sept. 13, 1865. MATHFR, Zachariah, m. Lucia Gaylord Apr. 20, 1769. {Tor. Rec.^ Children : 1. Polly, b. Sept. II, i'JI'2-. 4. Naomi, b. Nov. 27, 1777. 2. Lucinda, b. May 6, 1775. 5. Sibyl, b. July 24, 1781. 3. Lucy, b. June 2, 1776. 6. EliEabeth, b. Dec. i, 1783. MATTHEWS, Thomas, m. Hannah Harris Apr. 16, 1775. Child : I. Sarah, b. Dec. 17, 1776. (^Tor. Rec.) MIGEON, Henri, was b in Haraucourt, France, Sept. 11, 1799, and m. Marie Louise, dau of Francois Beaudelot of Haraucourt, France, and came to America in 1829, and was a successful business man, and a resident of Wol- cottville. His wife, Marie Louise, d. June 30, 1871. He d. Dec. 24, 1876, aged 76 years. {See Biog.) Children: 1. Pauline, m. Hiram W. Hayden, of Fairfield, Ct., children, William H., Achilla Waterbury, and had children, Edward S., Migeon, Louise B., Elise. Leonia M., Florentine H. 5. Achille F., b. Feb. 7, 1834, in Millbury, 2. Arcine, m. Henry Munson, of East Mass. Bloomfield, Ontario co., N. Y ., had Adele 6. Adele R., b. in Wolcottville, m. Francis B., Ada, Eliza T. V. Beaudelot, of Haraucourt, France, 5. Florentine, b. in 1826, in Sedan, France, where she resides, and has, Louis, Nelly, m. Frederick J. Seymour. Leon G. 4. Eliza Josephine, m. George B. Terrill, of 7. Louise Justine, b. in Wolcottville. 5. AcHiLLE F., son of Henri and Marie L. (Beaudelot) Migeon, attended school at Rev, John Catlin's in Northficld, Ct., and then a time at the Academy at Litchfield, then at the Hamden Military school, and was graduated at the Irving Institute at Tarrytown, N. Y. He was then engaged at the Middlesex woolen mill, at Lynn, Mass, learning the business of manufacturing woolen cloths ; aft'jr which he entered his father's re-finishing shop in New York, and some time later became a partner, and continued there until 1863, when he purchased the Wadham's property in Torrington hollow, and is owner ol stock in the skate shop, needle shop, brass mill, and has an interest in the gold mines at Helena, Montana, where he is at present giving his personal attention. He m. Elizabeth, dau. of Almon Farrell of Waterbury, Sept. 1. 1858 ; resides on Migeon avenue. Children : 8. Virginia Beaudelot, b. Nov. 12, 1360; 9. Clara Louise, b. March 2, 1864. is at school in New York. MILLER, George, was an early settler in the northern part of the town, had quite a family and sf^ems to have been a fine man. He d. Feb. 13, 1775. Children : 1. George, b. March 7, 1755, m. 3. Joel, b. Jan. 10, 1758. 2. Phebe, b. Jan. 23, 1757. 4. Asahel, b. Oct. 24, 1760. Genealogies. 741 5. Ruth, b. Nov. 19, 1762. 8. Sarah, b. July 12, 1769. 6. David, b. Feb. 23, 1765, m. 9. Hannah, b. Sept. 14, 1772. 7. Josiah, b. April 12, 1767. 1. George, son of George and Sarah Miller, m. Phebe Hurlbut June 29, 1775. Children : 10. Phebe, b. April 13, 1776. 11. George, b. July 2, 1777, d. same day. 4. AsAHEL, son of George and Susan Miller, m. Lovina Coe, of Winches- ter, Oct. 26, 1788. Child : 12. Joel, b. June 26, 1790. 6. David, son of George and Sarah Miller, m. Hannah Smith Jan. i, 1795. Children : 13. Huldah, b. Sept. 15, 1795. 16. Hannah £., b. Oct. 8, 1805. 14. Fanny S., b. Nov. 3, 1797. 17. David S., b. April. 2, 1808. 15. Elihu R., b. Sept. 28, 1801. MILLER, William, m. Polly Cotton in 1783, and may have been an older son of George and Sarah Miller. Children : 1. Daniel, b. Jan. 5, 1785. 3. Joseph, b. March i, 1790. 2. Nancy, b. Feb. 5, 1787. 4. Polly, b. April, 1791. MILLER, Ebenezer, came to Torringford a young man, and afterwards m. Thankful Allins of Middletown, Feb. 16, 1761. Children: 1. Jonathan, b. Nov. 26, 1761. 8. Samuel, b. Sept. 2, 1773. 2. Ebenezer, b. Jan. 7, 1764. 9. Joshua, b. Mar. 8, 1775. 3. Elizabeth, b. Aug. 11, 1765, d. Oct. 10. Henry, b. Oct. 11, 1776. "> 1767. II. Experience, b. May 5, 1778, d. June 3, 4. Abigail, b. May 24, 1767. 1778. 5. Thomas A., b. Sept. 13, 1769. 12. Jose.nh, b. Oct. 29, 1779. 6. Elizabeth, b. Nov. 8, 1770. 13. Beula, b. Mar. 21, 1782. 7. Thankful, b. June 9, 1772. 2. Ebenezer, son of Ebenezer, m. Dorothy Gaylord of Middletown, Feb. 7, 1787. Child : 14. Willard, b. Dec. 31, 1787. 10. Henry, son of Ebenezer, Sr., m. Abigail Bristol Dec. 3, 1799. He d. Feb. 28, 1861. Shed July 11, 1863. Children: 15. Sophronia A., b. Nov. 17, 1800, m. 19. FloriUa E., b. Feb. 23, 1814, m. S. Bunnell, Apr. 24, 1823. Hayden Mar. 23, 1836. 16. Lewis B., b. Dec. 12, 1804, m. 20. Minerva, b. Feb. 8, 1816, d. June 21, 17. Harvey, b. Mar. 11, 1807, m. Jane F. 1871. Stanley, Aug. 27, i838. 21. Martha A, b. June 19, 1S21, m. J. 18. Luther, b. Dec. 5, 1810, m. C. Lowry, Aug. 11, 1842. 16. Lewis B., son of Hcnrv, m. Jane Trumiiull, who d. Aug. 25, 1863 ; in., 2d, Harriets. Hewitt, Nov. 25, 1865. Children: 22. Eleanor, b. Jan. 20, 1845, m. E. G. 23. Luther E., b. April 20, 1850. Richardson, Aug. 30, 1870. By 2d wife : 24. Lewis B., b. Aug. 30, 1869, d. Sept. 15, 1869. 23. Luther E., son of Lewis B. Miller, m. Alice Hewitt Nov. 24,1869. Ch : 25. Henry L., b. Jan. 11, 1871. 26. Charles H., b. Oct. 8, 1872. MILLER, William, a Hessian soldier, taken prisoner, was brought to Tor- ringford in the Revolution ; and after a few years he ni., bought him a lot of 742 History of Torrington. land and built a house on it at the corner of West street and the Torrington turnpike where he lived and died. Children : 1. Daniel, removed from the town 3. Joseph, removed from the town. 2. Polly, m. Dr. Remus M. Fowler. MILLS, Peter, ancestor of the Wintonbury Mills family, was the son of Peter Vander Water Menlen, native of Holland, Europe. His name was changed at his own request, by the general assembly to that of Peter Mills. He was b. in 1666, and m. Joanna Porter, July 21, 1792, and resided near the east part of what is now Bloomfield, where he followed through the active part of his life the trade of a tailor. He d. in 1754, ^- ^^ years. Children: 1. Peletiah, b. April 27, 1693, was an at- 4. Peter, d. April 28, 1700. torney at Bloomfield. 5. Peter, b. April 12, 1701 ; the father of 2. Gideon, b. Feb. 3, 1694, graduate, at numerous descendants. Yale, 1737, settled in the ministry at 6. Daniel, b. May 22, 1706. Simsbury and West Simsbury. 7. John, b. Feb. 14, 1708 ; settled in Kent. 3. Jedediah, b. March 23, 1697, graduated Yale, settled at Huntington. 7. John, son of Peter and Joanna (Porter) Mills, m. Jane Lewis, who was b. in Stratford, in 1712, and settled in Kent, a farmer. He was drowned in the Housatonic river June 7, 1760. His widow, Jane, m. Rev. Phileinon Robbins, of Branford, where she resided until his death, in 1781, when she returned to Kent, where shed, in 1798, a. 86. Children: 8. Lydia, b, Nov. 2, 1734, m. Jeremiah 14. Sarah, b. April 5, 1747, m. Rev. Fuller, d. July 4, 1755. Jeremiah Day, of New Preston, d. Aug. 9. John, b. Jan. 23, 1736, d. at Windsor 25, 1767. It is said that she was visited unm. March 24, 1762. by the Rev. Peter Starr as well as Mr. 10. Lewis, b. Oct. 18, 1738, m. Day, when a young lady but that she chose 11. Peter, b. Oct. 14, 1741, m to walk by day-light rather than star-light. 12. Samuel, b. May 17, 1743, m. 15. Edmund, bap. June 16, 1751, preached 13. Jane, b. April 5, 1745, m. Rev. Joel in Sutton, Mass. Bardwell, Kent, Sept. 6, 1759, d. May 2, 1829. 12. Rev. Samuel J., son of John and Jane (Lewis) Mills, m. Esther Robbins, of Canaan, Nov. 19, 1771 ; he then being settled past or at Tor- ringford, where he remained until his decease, May 11, 1833, lacking five days of ninety years of age. His wife Esther, d. Dec. 30, 1809. Children : 16. Infant dau. d. 20. Jeremiah Fuller, b. in 1777, m. 17. Infant son, d. 21. Florilla M., m. Col. James Ripley, of 18. Infant dau. d. Cornish, N. H. 19. Infant son, d. 22. Samuel John, b. April 21, 1783, never m. 20. Jeremiah F, son of Rev. Samuel J., and Esther (Robbins) Mills, m. Eleanor Weller, of Roxbury, and was a farmer in Torringford some years, then removed to New Haven, where he d. Oct. 6, 183-?, a. 56. His wife Eleanor, was b. in 1785, and d. in New Haven, Feb. 29, 1831,3. 46. Children : 23. Ellen Louisa, never m. in Salisbury, Ct., 1836-7 ; studied theology 24. Rebecca Florilla, m. Charles Dickson, at Princeton, N. J., 1837-8; taught a of Groton, Mass., and d. a few years since private school in Burlington, N. J., in Kansas, leaving a family. 1838-9; was at Andover, 1839-41; 25. Julia Sherman, m. Rev. Samuel C. ordained Sept. 1 5, 1841 ; sailed from New Damon, of Mass., Oct. 6, 1841 ; had five York, March 10, 1842, and reached children : Rev. Mr. Damon was b. in Honolulu, Oct. 19, 1842. From that Holden, Mass., Feb. 15, 18 15, graduated time to the present he has labored in that at Amherst in 1836; taught the academy place under the auspices of the American Genealogies. 743 Seaman Friend's Society of New Yorli. 26. Henrietta Esther, m. Jonathan Walcott, In this Bethel chapel he has preached 35 of Natick, Mass. Both have d. leaving years; during which time he has edited three children : one dau. ; E. H. Walcott, The Friend, a monthly paper, the oldest druggist in Natick, Mass. ; and Dana W. periodical published in the Pacific. He Walcott, a minister in N. J. and Mrs. Damon have enjoyed good health, 27. Margaret Augusta, m. in Honolulu in and of their five sons, four are living; 1851, Josiah Fuller, and has two sons and three settled on the island, and one a one dau. graduate of Amherst is now traveling in z8. Samuel John, d. at Natick, unm. Europe. MINER, Charles W., son of Darius Miner of Cornwall, m. Martha E. Frost of North Haven, Nov. 12, 1851. He purchased and settled on the old Nehemiah Gaylord farm on Torringford street, in the spring of 1855, where he d. in 1867. Children : I. J. Stanley, b. Aug. 15, 1852, d. Sept. 7, 2. Charles H., b. Mar. 28, 1858. 1875. 3- Ellsworth S., b. Nov. 20, i860. Darius D., son of Darius Miner of Cornwall, in. Mary E. Wadsworth Oct. 10, 1842, of the same town, and settled in Torringford in March, 1844, on the Ebenezer Bissell place. Children: 4. Edward S., b. June 18, 1844, m. 5. Mary Ellen, b. Jan. 20, 1850. 4. Edward S., son of Darius D., m. Josephine Clinton, of North Haven, Oct. 10, 1867. He is a merchant at Burrville. Children: 6. Stiles W., b. June 8, 1871, d. Feb. 2, 8. Nellie D., b. Aug. 7, 1874. 1873. 7. Mary L., b. Aug. 6, 1873, d. Aug. 25, 1873. MOORE, Simeon, and his wife Hannah, were early in the town. {Tor.Rec.) Children : 1. Benjamin, b. Mar. i, 1756. 4. Simeon, b. Mar. 20, 1760. 2. Chloe, b. Aug. 17, 1758. 5. Eldad, b. Oct. 10, 1762. 3. Philander, b. Feb. 18, 1759. 4, Simeon Jr., son of Simeon and Hannah Moore, m. Hannah Cook, Jan. 21,1784. (tor. Rec.) Children: 6. Polly, b. Nov. I, 1784. 8. Wealthy, b. Mar. 24, 1789. 7. Lovina, b. Apr. 16, 1786, m. Elijah 9. Simeon, b. June 8, 1791. Benedict. 10. Hannah, b. Jan. 15, 1794. MORRIS, Alanson, son of David and Lois (Loomis) Morris, m. in 181 2, Lucy, dau. of Rial Brace of Torrington. Mr. Morris came to Tor- rington about 1816, being a cabinet maker, but bought the farm next east of Willard Birges, at the corners, where he farmed it 53 years. His wife, Lucy, d. Apr. 20, 1871. He resides with his son Lewis, in Wolcottville, being in his ninety-first year. Children: 1. Alanson Lewis, b. Dec. 3, 1814, m. 2. Rial Emery, b. Jan. 28, 181 9, tn. I. Alanson L., son of Alanson and Lucy (Brace) Morris, m. Lucy Ann, dau. oflsaac Hart of Litchfield, Sept. 17, 1835, settled in Wolcottville and is a watchmaker and silver smith. Children : 3. Henry Lewis, b. Aug. 23, 1836, m. Thrall, who d. May 17, 1866; m. 2d, Mary E. Haight, Aug. 1858; had Alice Lewis Riggs Dec. 13, 1871. and Lizzie. 4. William Julius, b May 9, 1845, m. Ann 2. Caroline Amanda, b. April 19, 1838, m. Eliza Way ; lives in Wolcottville. Harvey Fellows Jan. i, 1871 ; had Fred- 5. Mirtha Semantha, b. Feb. 28, 1848, m, erick and Willie. Charles Huxford; has John Wilour, b. 3. Julia Ann, b. Apr. 10, 1844, m. Edward Mar. 3, 1872. 744 History of Torrington. 2. Rial E., son of Alanson and Lucy (Brace) Morris, m. Sarah Mills of Burlington, and d. Feb. 28, 1861, aged 42. Children: 6. Mary E., d. Dec. 19, 1863, a. 19. 7. Albert, removed to Wisconsin, m. had a family. MONGER, Charles L., son of Julius Munger, of Litchfield, was b. Jan. 18, 1819, m. Lucy C. Colby, Nov. 21, 1841. She was b. Feb. 20, 1823. In 1859, he purchased and settled on the Richard Loomis farm, a little north of the old Israel Everitt place. Children : 1. Lemuel I., b. Feb. 22, 1843. 4. Alice L., b. May 9, 1854, m. James A. 2. Mary C, b. Nov. 7, 1844, m. Hayden Stewart, Oct. i, 1872. Palmer, Feb. 26, 1865. 5. Harriet N., b. Nov. 28, 1856. 3. Lyman C, b. June 9, 1848, d. June 11, 6. Lucy J., b. Sept. 15, i860. 1855. 7. Edith A., b. Jan. i, 1865. MUNN, Jededlah, son of Jedediah and Hester (Squire) Munn, was bap- tized in Woodbury, Feb. 12, 1751, where his father resided. His grandfather Samuel, from Milford, Ct., was one of the -original settlers of Woodbury. He settled in Torrington, about 1792, on the place afterwards owned and occupied by Bassett Dunbar, in Daytonville, or the northern part of Wolcottville. He m. Molly . He d. May 28, 1805. Children : 1. Clara, b. Feb. 26, 1787, in Southbury. 3. Ransom, b. Jan. 8, 1793, in Torrington. 2. Abijah, b. Feb. 14, 1790, in Southbury, 4. Betsey, b. Apr. 6, 1796. m. dau. of James Eggleston, and lived on 5. Jedediah, b. Jan. 23, 1799. his father-in-law's place western part of Wolcottville. MURRY, Daniel, came from Guilford, Ct., to Torrington, and m. 1st Lucretia Coe, March t8, 1776, who d. June 5, 1792 ; and he m. 2d, Hannah Clark. He was a farmer in Newfield. Children : 1. Ruth, b. Sept. 7, 1776. 4. Daniel, b. April 4, 1785. 2. Warren, b. July 8, 1779. 5. Ammi, b. July 30, 1787. 3. Truman, b. Oct. 6, 1782. 6. Riley, b. Jan. 9, 1792, d. July 11, 1816. By 2d wife : 7. Lewis, 1 1 .« 1 8. Lucretia, r-^^'-^'^ 19,1795- 4. Daniel, son of Daniel, m. Roxalany North, March 25, 1810; lived in Winchester, near Long lake. Children : 9 Philomela, b. July 7, 1811. 13. Lucretia, b. Dec. 5, 1820. 10. Frederitk, b. July 28, 1813. 14. Sabra, b. July 4, 1823. 11. Flora, b. Sept. 4, 1815. 15. Prudence, b. Sept. 14, 1826. 12. Jenette, b. April 2, 1818. I. LYMAN, Richard, the patriarch of all the Lymans of English descent in America,' was b. in High Ongar, Essex Co., in England. He m. Sarah, dau. of Roger Osborne, of Halstead, in Kent. Richard Lyman and family em- barked in the sliip Lion, William Pierce, master, for New England, taking their departure from the port of Bristol. He was one of the first settlers and original proprietors of Hanford. He d. in August, 1640, and his name is inscribed on a stone column in the rear of the Centre church of Hartford, erected in memory of the first settlers of the city. Children : ' Lyman Genealogy^ p. JJ. Genealogies. 745 2. William, buried at High Ongar. 6 Richard, bap. Feb. 24, 1617. 3. FhiUis, bap. Sept. 12, l6llj came to 7. Sarah, bap. Feb. 8, idio. N- E- 8. Anne, bap. April 12, 1621, d. young. 4. Richard, bap. July 18, 161 3, d. young. 9 John, bap. 1623. 5. William, bap. Sept. 8, 1616, d. in Nov., 10. Robert, b. Sept., 1629. 1616. 6. RiCH.ARD, Jr , son of Richard and Sarah (Osborne) Lvman m. Hcpziba, dau. of Thomas Ford of Windsor. Richard resided some time in Windsor; remo\ed to Northampton. He d. June 3, 1662, a. 45. Children: 11. Hepziba, b. at Windsor. 15. Eliza, m. Joshua Pomeroy. 12. Sarah, m. i566. 16. John. 13. Richard, b. in Windsor. 17. Joanna, b. 1658. 14. Thomas, b. about 1649, removed to 18. Hannah, b. 1660. Durham. 14. Dea. Thomas, son of Richard Jr., and Hepziba (Ford) Lyman, re- moved with his parents to Nonhamptcn, about 1656, where he m. in 1678, Ruth, widow of Joseph Baker. He removed in 1708 or 9, to Durham. He was one of the early settlers ; one of the first deacons of the church, and a representative of the town several sessions. He d. July 15, 1725, a. 75. Ch. : 19. Tliomas, b. in 1678, had 3 children. 22. Elizabeth. 20. Mindwell, b. in 1680, m. John Harris, 23. Koah, b. in 1686. no children. 24. Enoch, b. Jan. 18, 1691. 21. Ebenezer, b. in 1682. 2 1. Dea. Ebenezer, son of Thomas and Ruth (Baker) Lvman, m. Ex- perience Pomeroy, Jan. 2, 1706. He removed to Durham, several years after his father, no: later than 1719, and lived near the north Ime of Durham on the west or lower side of the Durham road formerly called " Crooked Lane." He removed about 1740, to Torrington, having been preceded by his son Ebenezer, some three years. He and his son and their wives were among the first mem- bers of the church in Torrington, at its organization, Oct. 21, 1741. Ebenezer senior was elected first deacon of the church Jan. 1, 1742. He was representa- tive from Durham, in 1737, and was justice of the peace in the same town. He d. Feb. 15, 1762, a. 80. His widow Experience, d. Nov. 14, 1769. Children : 25. Moses. Oct. 29, 1741, Jacob Strong, Jr., and 26. Experience, b. in Northampton, April settled in Torrington. 17, 1708, d. Sept. 30, 1708. 31. John, b. in 1717, m. had 8 children. 27. Ebenezer, b. in N., Sept. 20, 1709. 32. Hannah, bap. in Durham June 30, 1723, 28. Stephen, b. in N., Aug. 14, 1711. m. Asahel Strong of Torrington, d. Feb. 29. Experience, b. in N., Dec. 25, 1712. 19, 1771. 30. Mindwell, b. in N., July 13, 1714, m. 27. Eben£zer, 2d, son of- Dea. Ebenezer and Experience (Pomeroy) Lyman, m. 1st Elizabeth, dau. of Noadiah Seward. She d. and he m 2d, Sarah , about 1734. He removed to Torrington and settled on land given him by his father, the deed bearing the date of June 4, 1737. This farm was on Tor- rington hill, in the southwestern part of the town, about one hundred rods south of the first n'.ceting house, on the west side of the road. The only record of him in the Durhmn History, is the baptism of '•' Ruth, dau of Ebenezer Lvman and his 2d wite, Nov. 30, I73v" Hence, according to the dales this Ruth muse have been the eldest child. "He'd, suddenly, April 1, 1753, a. 44, Children : 33. Ruth, b. Nov. 25, 1735, f"- Ashbel 34. Lydia, b. June 16, 1738, m. Stephen North, Jan. 26, 1757. Tuttle, March 23, 1758. 94 746 History of Torrington. 35. Sarahjb. July 5, 1740, m. Joel Wetmore, 38. Caleb, b. May 5, 1748. Nov. 13, 1763. 39. Ebenezer, b. March 17, 1750. 36. Sibyl, b. May 25, 1742. 40. Rhoda, b. July 12, 1753, m. Mr. Hay- 37. Esther, b. Aug. 5, 1745, m. Nehemiah den, and settled in Windsor. Lewis, Dec. 30, 1767; some ot her de- 41. Mary, ni. Benjamin Tuttle. scendants live in Bridgeport. 38. Caleb, son of Ebenezer and Sarah Lyman, m. Flannah, dan. of Aaron Looinis, Jr., Sept. z8, 1768. She d. in 1797, and he m., 2d, Mrs. Delight Marsh. He lived on the homestead of his father until his death. Children : 42. Medad, b. Nov. 14, 1769. children have a prosperous school in Mon- 43. Sibyl, b. June 8, 1778, m. treal, Canada. Beach, and settled in Washington, Ct. 45. Eleanor, b. March 25, 1784, m. also 44. Rhoda, b. Nov. 7, 1782, m. Joseph Joseph Hurlbut, who d. suddenly in Mass., Hurlbut, of Charlotte, Vt., Feb. 14, 1803, while on his way home from Torrington. had one dau. who m. Haight, her 46. George, b. Aug. i, 1790. Children by 2d wife: 47. Hannah, m. Rev. Alvan Ingersoll, Jan. George, b. Feb. 13, 1 8 30 5 Mary C, b. II, 1825; Mr. Ingersoll, preached some July 18, 18325 Charles Finney, b. Feb. years in Ohio, then settled in Rochester, 5, 1835, was ist lieut. in the late war, N. y., where he d. Dec. 23, 1864. His d. Dec. 13, 1861, a. 26; Emily L., b. children were, Sarah L., b. Nov. 24, 1825 ; May 6. 1839. Jonathan Edwards, b. Nov. 16, 1827; 39. Ebenezer, 3d, son of Ebenezer and Sarah Lyman, m. Ann Young, Oct. 20, 1774, and lived in Torrington until after 1790, when he removed to Vermont, where he d. Mar. 7, 18 I 3, a. 63. Ann, his widow, d. Mar. 14, 1813, seven days after her husband. His five children were born in Torrington. Children: 48. Phineas, b. June 24, 1776. Wadsworth Feb. 28, 1808 ; d. at Platts- 49. Roxalany, b. Oct. 15, 1777. burg Jan. 2, 1863, a. 74. 50. Ebenezer, b. July 16, 1779, m. Clarissa 52. Amanda, b. Sept. 22, 1790, m. Russell Loomis, and d. Mar. 13, 1813, one day Harrington at Burlington, Vt., Mar. 17, before his mother and six days after his 1810, and had children, Charles, Juliette, father, a. 34. Donald, •' Marrien," and Edward. 51. Laura, b. Oct. 17, 1788, m. George 42. Medad, son of Caleb and Hannah (Loomis) Lyman, m., ist, Eliza Rich, 2d ; became a lawyer, removed to Vermont and d. about 40 years of age. Children: 53. Jledad, removed to Ohio. 55. George. 54. Eliza, removed to Ohio, m. 56. Riley, b. in Tor., Dec. 13, 1789. Barnum. Child by 2d wife : 57. Hannah. 46. George, son of Caleb and Hannah (Loomis) Lyman, m. Feb. 22, 1812, Ophelia, daughter of Elihu Cook, b. Jan. 3, 1794, and in 1817, removed to Wadsworth, Medina Co., Ohio. Children : 58. Emily C, b. Dec. 15, 1812, m. Dr. 59. Cornelius N., b. in Ohio, May 14, 18 19 j John Brown, son of Judge Frederick is a physician in Wadsworth, O. ; m. Brown of Wadsworth, Ohio. She d. Feb. Caroline Beach. 23, 1828, leaving no children. 56. Riley, son of Medad and Eliza (Rich) Lyman, m. Nov. 24, 1818, Christina Case of Simsbury, Ct., b. Sept. 23, 1799; where he resided a farmer for some years. He d. in Torrington, Sept. 6, 1847. Children : 60. Erastus, b. Oct. 5, 1819. Tuttle, 1851, and d. in Thomaston, Oct. 61. Hiram, b. Oct, 18, 1823. 4, 1857. 62. Adeline £., b. Apr. 2, i83i,m. Burritt 63. Edward, b. Oct. 4, 1835. Genealogies. 747 60. Erastus, son of Riley and Christina (Case) Lyman, never m.; d. in Wolcottville, Jan. 20, 1847. 61. Hiram, son of Rilev and Christina (Case) Lyman, m. Julia M. Ostrom, of Wolcottville, May 7, 1848. She was b. Dec. 22, 1824, and d. April 30, 1858. He m. 2d Eliza M. Booth, of Wolcottville, Nov. 23, 1859, who was b. Jan. 13, 1832. He' resides in Thomaston. Children; 64. Eva S., b. Jan. 10, 1851, m. Charles 65. Mary A., b. Mar. 16, 1857. B. Holt, Nov. 30, 1871. 63. Edward, son of Riley and Christina (Case) Lyman, m. ist Ellen Marian Potter, of Milton, Ct., Nov. 25, 1857 ; whod. in New Haven, Sept. 29, 1865 ; 2d Henrietta E. Blood, of Bridgeport, Ct., May 27, 1867 ; who d. in New Haven, March 18, 1869 ; 3d, Caroline H. Brinsmade, of New Haven, May 10, 1870, who was b. June 2, 1844- Mr. Lyman is engaged as constructing engineer and draughtsman, in New Haven. Children : 66. Wilbur Seeley, b. Feb. 22, 1863. 68. Ralph Brinsmade, b. June 21, 1874. 67. Charles Harry, b. March 27, 1871. LYMAN, David, son of David and Mary (Gittau) Lyman of Woodbury, m. Oct. 20, 1773, Mary Brown, a relative of the martyr, Capt. John Brown. He served some time in the army of the Revolution, known as General David ; then was honorably discharged to run a grist mill in New Hartford, for the supply of the revolutionary troops. In the latter part of his life he resided in Torringford, where he d. July 29, 1813. Mary, his widow, d. July 22, 1822. Children : 69. Elijah, b. Aug. 16, 1774. 73. Daniel, b. Apr. 15, 1784, d. July 20, 70. David, b. June 14, 1776, d. Feb. 24, 1846, a. 67. 1850, a. 74. 74. Norman, b. Sept. 6, 1787, d. Oct. 20, 71. John, b. Oct. q, 1778, d. July 20, 1865, 1850, a. 65. a. 87. 75. Mary, b. Aug. 18, 1789, m. 72. Orange, b. July 26, 1780, d. July 16, Pardee, and resided in Torringford. 1850, a. 71. 76. Samuel, b. Feb. 8, 1793, not m. 69. Dr. Elijah, son of David and Mary (Brown) Lyman, m. Lorinda Smith. He was a practicing physician in Torrington some ten years, then re- moved to Warren, Ct., where he d. Nov. 5, 1819, a. 46. Children: 77. Elijah Smith, b. Apr. 26, 18 12, a phy. 78. Lorinda. sician in Sherburne, Chenango Co., N. Y. 70. David, son of David and Mary (Brown) Lyman, m. Rhoda P. Belden. He was a farmer in New Hartford. Children : 79. David Belden, b. July 28, 1803, was 82. Edward, b. Aug. 5, 1810, residence, graduated at Williams college in 1828; Tallmadge, O. m. Nov. 3, 1 83 1, Sarah Joiner, of Royal- 83. Luther T., b. Oct. I, 18 14, residence, ton, Vt , and sailed, shortly after as a Cleaveland, O. missionary of the American Board, to the 84. Rhoda, b. Nov. 22, 1816, residence, Sandwich Islands, where he was living Newton Falls, O. in 1870, as principal of the Missionary 85. James, b. Feb. 14, 1818. High school for the natives at Hilo, 86. Benjamin, b. July 8, 1819, residence, Hawaii. Jackson, Iowa. 80. George, b. April 18, 1806, residence, 87. Gaylord P., b. Sept. 6, 1821, residence, Cleaveland, O. Middlebury, O. 81. Elijah, b. Feb. 6, 1808, residence. Tall- 88. Julia A., b. May, 22, 1822, m. Alex, madge, O. Clark. 71. John, son of David and Mary (Brown) Lyman, m. Salome Maltby, and is a farmer in New Hartford. Children : 748 History of Torrington. 89. Rev. Jolin Bennett. 95. Laura F. 90. Wm. Maltby. 96. David Newton. 91. Clarinda Mary. 97. Sulomon. 92. Salome. 98. Justin. 93. Marcella. 99. Rufus. 94. Emily. 72. Rev. Orange, son of David and Mary (Brown) Lyman, was a Presby- terian minister, m. Maria, daughter of Stephen Dewy of Sheffield, Mass. (^See Biography.') Children: 100. Stephen D., b. June 23, 1815, is a 103. Thomas, b. Mar. 19, 1824, resides lawyer in Iowa. near Chicago. loi. Cornelius, b. July 20, 1818, d. a. 5 104. Eurotas, b. Jan. 12, 1827, d. in 1837. years. 105. Mary E., b. Aug. 6. 1829, d. in 1831. 102. Henry Martin, b. Oct. 27, 1821, a 106. Edward, b. July 3, 1833, d. in 1837. farmer in 111. 73. Daniel, son of David and Mary (Brown) Lyman, m Jerusha Merrill, March 12, 1812, lived in New Hartford, and d. Aug. 20, 1846. Children : 107. Frederic, b. Mar. 19, 1813, m. in New 112. James D., b. Oct. 23, 1823, lived in Hartford. Torringford, m. 1st, Rhoda Marsh, Nov. 108. Henry M., b. Sept. 23, 1814, m. ; 1853; 2d, Mary E. Stone in 1859. lived in O. 113. Jane M., b. Feb. 15, 1826, m. June, 109. Jerusha, b. Nov, 4, 1816, d. in 1819. 1847, Rev. Wm. W. Baldwin, Wilming- lio. Julia, b. Nov. 7, 1818, d. in 1829. ton, Ct.; 8 children. III. Judson G., b. Nov. 21 , ] 820, a graduate of Williams college, Baptist minister in Huntington, Ct. 74. Norman, M.D., son of David and Mary (Brown) Lyman, m. Eunice Smith, of Litchfield, resided in Glastonbury and Warren, Ct. (See Biog.^ Children : 114. Sidney. 117. Mary, b. 1823. d. 1841. 115. George S., b. Aug. 31, 1818. 118. Jonathan H., b. 1826, d. 1852. 116. Edward P., b. April i, 1821. 119 Eunice, b. 1828, d. 1841. MUNSELL, Zacheus, son of Calkins, who was son of Jacob the first at Windsor, was b. Aug. 17, 1845 ; m. Hannah Drake, May 4, 1768; joined the Shakers, with his whole family. The Munsells are said to have descended from Sir Philip de Munsell, who came from Normandy, to England, with William the Conqueror. Among the children of Zacheus was Levi, b. Sept. 9, 1775, and came to Torrington, when eight years of age to li\e with Junia North. Moses and Noah Drake were his ur.cles. He attained the military rank of captain. Capt. Levi Munsell m. Rachel, dau. of Thomas Marshall, Dec. 19, 1799, and occupied many years the farm of his father-in-law. Cape. Thomas Marshall, in Newfield. He was a hard working, good citizen, an earnest devoted Methodist, a class leader and a chorister. Was a justice of the peace ; a representative two years and was elected the third time, but being taken ill suddenly, d. and was buried on the day the legislature convened May 1, 1833, a. 58 years. His widow d. Jan. 16, 1842, a. 61. Children: 1. Marcus, b. Oct. 13, 1800, m. 5. Levi Tuttle, b. July 9, 1813, m. June 2. Sartpta, b. Dec. 28, 1803, d. unm. 1877. 20, 1842, Adeline, dau. of George and 3. Luman, b. Dec. 31, 1806, m. Prudence (Dennison) Fyler, of Burke, Vt. 4. Hiram, b. May 28, 1809, d. not m. Aug. She d. Dec. 27, 1872, a. 60, he lived on 9, 1841, on the Mississippi river at Plumb the homestead until about i860, then he point bend, and was buried in Osceola, removed to Winciiester. Arkansas. 6. Maria Rachel, b. April 26, 1819, m Genealogies. 749 July 7, 1841, Theron Bronson, of Win- 1866; Wilber M., b. June 9, 1848; Chester. He d. Jan. 20, 1873, a. 64. Maria L., b. Jan. 31, 1853, d. Feb. 28, Children : Edward H., b. July 31, 1842; 1856 ; Elliot B., b Aug. 7, 1858 ; Carrie Henry T., b. Jan. i, 1845, d. Nov. 25, M., b. Jan. 17, 1863. I. MUNSILL, Marcus, son of Capt. Levi and Rachel (Marshall) m. Charlotte Eno of Colcbrook, Nov. 12, 1829. He lived in Torrington and Winchester ; was elected deacon in 1858. His wife d. May 3, 1867, aged 65. Children : 7. Frances, b. Sept. i, 1834, d. June 11, B., b. Jan. 6, 1864; Marcus, b. Oct. 12, 1835. 1868; Clifford L., b. Apr. 28, 1874, d. 8. Samuel Mills, b April 21, 1837, resides Mar. 7, 1876. at Winchester; m. Aug. 9, 1859, Mary 9. Anna Maria, b. Dec. 9, 1838, m. Sept. Jane, dau. of Gail Borden of Texjs. Child- 26, 1866, Benjamin W. Pcttibone of Win- ren : Esther E., b. June 10, 1862; Gail Chester; d. Mar. i, 1873. 3. LuMAN, son of Capt. Levi and" Rachel (Marshall) Munsill, m. Sept. 5, 1843, Abigail P. Bronson, and lived in Winchester, where he d. Apr. 25, 1877, a. 70. His wife d. May 13, 1874, a. 56. Children: 10. Elbert Marshall, b. Sept. 20, 1844, m. May 6, 1866, Martha E. Eggleston and June 1875, Ella G. Germond and has has, Elbert M., b. Aug. 18, 1871. Warren A., b July, 1876. 12. Ella Adelle, b. Aug. 7, 1853. 11. William Luman, b. Jan. 24, 1848, m. MUNSON, Augustus, son of Lieut. Levi Munson of Wallingford, was b. in Wallingford Aug. 21, 1781. While young he came with his father's fam- ily to Harvvinton, and when a young man came to Torrington, where he m. Huldah, dau. of William Wilson Dec. 4, 1803. He d. in Wolcotcville Nov. 29, 1840, a. 59. She d. Feb. 18, 1864, a. 80. Children : 1. William W., b. Mar. 22, 1805, m. Lu- 5. Charles M., b. July 18, 1813, m. Jan. cretia Palmer in 1832, and d. in Winsted 5, 1843, Elizabeth Fellows of Phila., d. in June 21, 1850. Feb. 1857. 2. Mary M., b. Aug. 16, 1806. m. May 30, 6. James P., b. Mar. 11, 1816, m. Oct. 1830, Albert B Wilcox, of Bristol, where 1839 Ellen Barrows of Cincinnati, O., d. they reside. in Winsted Sept. 25, 1848. 3. Lemuel H., b. Aug. 18, 1808, m. Clar- 7. Martha W., b. July 3, 1S19, m. Apr. 17, inda Bull of Winsted Sept. 30,1833; re- 18^3, Mason W. Fyler of Winsted, d. sides in Waterbury. Mar. 13, 1846. 4. Lewis A., b. May 31, 181 1, m. Oct. 13, 8. John C., Nov. i, 1823, m. April 1850, 1863 ; Anna Yarington of Carbondale,Pa., Mary Clark of New Haven ; d. in Water- reside in Bristol. bury Mar. 23, 1874. NORTH, Ebenezer, came from Farmington " Great swamp" in the spring of 1741, and purchased in company with Zebulon Curtiss, two farms a little south of the old Matthew Grant place, where he settled, but in the autumn of that year he sold his part of these farms to Mr. Curiiss. His wife's name is written " Sibbillia" on the town records. He is said, aho, to have come from Rocky hill, in Wethersfield. He d. Aug. 5, 1789, in the 86th year of his age. His wife, Sibyl, d. Nov. 17, 1794, in the 91st year of her age. Children: 1. Ashbel, b. Oct. 3, 1731. 6. Asahel, b. May 13, 1743, in Tor., never 2. Noah. b. Jan, 10, 1733, m. m.;d.ini8o3. 3. Martin, b. Dec. 13, 1734, m. May 5, 7. Ebenezer, b. June 27, 1746, m. 1805. 8. Achsah, b. Aug. 14, 1748, m. John 4. Sibyl, b. Sept. 4, 1736, m. Samuel Cowles, Videto, Jr., Dec. 12, 1780, lived in Win- Apr. 14, 1756, and removed early to Chester. Norfolk. 9, Sarah, b. Dec. i, 1752, m. Lebeus 5. Lucy, b. May I, 1739, m. Amasa Cowles, Holmes of Goshen, and settled in Norfolk. 750 History of Torrington. 1. AsHBEL, son of Ebenezer and Sibyl North, m. Ruth, daughter of Ebenezer Lyman, Jr., [an. 2, 1757. He was a farmer on what is i f"- Mrs. Amelia Cook of Win- 3. Barzillai, b. April 19, 1789, m. Chester, had one child. 4. George, b. June 30, 1791, m. Eliza 8. Willard, b. Nov. 9, 1804, m. Judd of Canaan, had children, Willard, Dayton, of Tor., d. in West Virginia, in Mary, Edward, Ann. He. d. Dec. 20, 1874 or 5. 1869. She d. Sept. 21, 1870. 1. Henry, son of Henry and Mary (Latimer) Roberts, m Chloe Burr Oct. 14, 1805, and lived on his father's homestead. His wife, Chloe, d. in March, 1826. He d. Sept. 5, 1865, aged 80 years. Children: 9. Allen Burr, b. Sept. 24, 1806, m. children, Henry R., b. Feb. 19, 1833; 10. Sarah, b. July 8, i8c8, m. Enos F. Rich- Luman, b. Sept. 26, 1835; Byron, b. ards, Dec. 24, 1832, and removed to Sept. 29, 1837; Frank, b. July 2, 1842; Wisconsin, where he d. Sept. 18, 1872, Horton, b. May 24, 1844; Robert, b. and his wife Sarah, d. March 13, 1863, June I4» 1846. their children were, Henry A., b. May 12. Nelson, b. Sept. 12. 18 14, m. 16, 1834J Hobert A., b. Aug. 7, 1636; 13. Adah, b. April 22, 1820, m. Joseph Wilbert B., b. June 7, 1741 ; Ema £ , Wooster of Goshen, Oct. 20, 1840, and b. March 26, 1848; Ellen E., b. 11, had children, Charlotte L., b. Jan. 17, 1849; d. in 1849; Charles L., b. Aug. 1845 ; Joseph F., b. Feb., 16, I 850 ; Nel- 22, 1850. lie S., b. S. b. Jan. 7, 1857; Jennie A., 11. Emeline, b. Jan. 15, 181 1, m. Sylvanus b. Jan. 2, 1859. Pease, of Winsted in July 1832, and had 3. Barzillai, son of Henry and Mary (Latimer) Roberts, m. Almira Humphrey in 1812, and removed to Ohio where he d. in 1872, and his wife, Almira, d. Feb. 17, 1871. Children: 758 History of Torrington. 14. Harriet M., b. Jan. 29, 1813, m. Lovehndin O ,in 1839, d. Oct. 22, 185 3. Erastus N. Graham, d. July 31, 1844. 16. Milo, b. Feb. 15, 1818, m. Sarah J. 15. Cyrus H., b. Oct. 13, 18 15, m. Julia Norton in 1843, lives in New Hartford. 9. Allen B., son of Henry and Chloe (Burr) Roberts, m Marrha Cook, of Torringford, Nov 9, 1840. Children: 17. Chloe, b. July 21, 1843. 18. Allen J., b. Aug. 28, 1845. 12. Nelson, son of Henry and Chloe (Burr) Roberts, m., ist, Charlotte, dau. or Ralsamon Loomis of Charlestown, O., Sept. 24, 1841. She d. June I, 1858. He m., 2d, Chloe, sister of his first wife, June 6, 1859. He re- sides in Vineland, N. J. (^See Biog.) Children by ist wife: 19. Harvey L., b. Oet. 20, 1843, ^- ^°- Frank, b. Apr. 12, 1849. 19. Harvey L., son of Nelson and Charlotte (Loomis) Roberts, m. Emily, dau. of Hiram and Catharine (Fyler) Perkins. ROBERTS, Joel, lived in Torringford. Ciiildren : 1. Nama, b. Sept. 26, 1760. 4. Chloe, b. Apr. 15, 1765. 2. Samuel, b. Jan. 26, 1762. 5. Joel, b. June 16, 1772. 3. Judah, b. Sept. 13, 1763. ROBERTS, Abel, was b. Nov. 27, 1762, in Middletown. His brother Squire Roberts, was a prominent man in Middletown. Abel Roberts came to Torrington a young man, after having been a soldier some time in the Revo- lution, where his health failed. He taught school in Torrington ; m. Sally, dau. of Roger Loomis, May 11, 1789. He went to Schenectady and taught school some years in that part of New York state. In 1801, he returned to Torrington; bought a home near what was then called the centre district, and where his son-in-law, Ephraiin Fellows, now resides. When he was quite aged he taught school in the school house opposite his own dwelling. He d. Jan. 20, 1834. His widow d. Feb. i, 1850. Children: 1. Harvey, b. Oet. 25, 1791, he was a 4. Sabra, b. Nov. 2, 1802, m. E. Fellows, printer, and d. May 1827 at Hartford. Nov. 2, 1825. 2. William T., b. Mar. 5, 1794, d. June, 5. Flora E., b. Dec. 26, 1810, d. June 12, 1822, lung difficulty. 1832. 3. Laura, b. Feb. 5, 1798, d. Nov. 8, 1839, lung difficulty. ROBERTS, Rev. Nathaniel, from Simsbury, m. ist, Margaret, dau. of Rev. Jonathan Marsh, of Windsor ; she d. Oct. 1, 1747, 2d, Esther, dau. of Aaron Loomis, Nov. 7, 17^8. He d. March 4, 1776. (See Bhgrapby.) His widow Esther, d. Feb. 6, 1783, a. 54. Child: I. Margaret, b. June 5, 1759, m. Samuel Cumings. George P., was b. in Litchfield, South Farms, in 1811 ; was in Torrington a little time, then engaged in the lumber business in St. Louis, Mo., and while thus engaged he in. Annis M Allyn, of Wolcottville, May 15, 1842, and re- mained there some twenty-three years. He engaged on the Pacific and St, Louis rail road, and sold the first ticket on that road ; was afterwards made paymaster on the road which office he held about twenty years, or until he re- turned to Wolcottville, in 1865, where he purchased the old Samuel Beach place west of the village ; enlarged his dwelling and fitted up the barn and other buildings in good style and seemed to have every thing ready for living when he closed his earthly life Feb. 16, 1875. ^'^ ^^'^^ ^ member of Dr. Potts's church in St. Louis and a regular worker in the Sunday sciiool. Children : I. Mary Jane, d. 2. George A., b. 1847, d. Apiil 12, 1863. Genealogies. 759 ROGERS, HiLAN M., son of Orlando Rogers, was b. in Michigan Jan. lo, 1838. So far as is known his ancestors were : Isaac Rogers who removed from New Jersey to Fishkill, Dutchess Co., N. Y., where his son joe) was b. about 1770. Joel Rogers removed to Nonh East, Dutchess Co., about 1775, and d. there in 18515. Orlando Rogers, son of Joel, was b. at North East in 18 10, and d at Bridgeport, Conn., in 1871. Mr. Hilan M. Rogers m. |ofephine, dan. of Geo. A. Hoyt of .-^nsonia, Jan. 26, 1870, and resides in Wolcottville ; is ticket agent at Naugatuck depot, and has a coal yard at the same place. Ch. : William H., b. Oct. 16, 1872. ROOD, MosES, m. Sarah Loomis Jan. 5, 1768 ; both of Torrington, and settled in Torriagtord. Children : 1. Sarah, b Oct. 26, 1768. 5. Hannah, b. Feb. 16, 1779. 2. Amos, b. Jan. 3, 1772. 6. Moses, b. June 12, 1681. 3. Lydia, b. June 12, 1774. 7. Aaron, b. Nov. 17, 1784. 4. Mary, b. Oct. 17, 1776. 8. Lorrain, b. May 27, 1787. Ebenezek, m, Rhoda Loomis Sept. 6, 1770, both of Torrington. Children : 3. Isaac, b. Sept. 10, 1771, d. away fiom 9. Anne, b. May 28, I780, m. Elisha home. Wetmoie, d. in Ohio. 6. Rhoda, b. Apr. 6, 1774. 10. Eunice, b. July 24, 1783. 7. Ebenezer, b. Mar. 27, 1776, m. 11. Amanda. 8. John, b. May 10, 1778, m. Abigail 12. Calvin. Hewitt. 7. Ebenezer, son of Ebenezer and Rhoda (Loomis) Rood, m. Aurelia A. Loomis. She was b. Nov. 8, 1788, and d. Nov. 14, 1843. He d. Apr. 26, 1851. Children: 13. Harvey L., b. Oct. 31, 1818, m. 15. Rufus, b. Apr. 10, 1822. d. Nov. 13, 14. Ann A., b. Mar. 15, 1820, m. Ezra D. 1874. Pratt of North Cornwall about 1846, had 16. Ebenezer H., d. in infancy. Dwight M., and Hattie J. 17. Ebenezer H., b. Sept. 29, 1825. 13. Harvey L, son of Ebenezer and Aurelia (Loomis) Rood, m. Susan M. Humphrey of Guilford, N. Y., Oct. 15, 1848. Children: 18. Charles G. Rood, adopted son, m. Mary 1873. F., dau. of R. W. Griswold, Nov. 12, 19. Anna J. Rood, adopted dau. 17. Ebenezer H., son of Ebenezer and Aurelia (Loomis) Rood, m. Melissa Budd of Farmington, 111., Dec. 15, 1849. Children: 20. Ellen. 24. Hattie. 21. Isabel. 25. Dwight. 22. John. 26. Melissa. 23. Ida. RICHARDS, Capt. Eli, came from Wethersfield, and settled in Newfield, kept a tavern ; was a prominent man in that part of the town, a number of years. Child : I. Elizabeth, b. Apr. 16, 1785. One dau. is said to have m. a lawyer in Winchester. He may have had. other children. RICHARDS, John, m. Rachel . Children : I. Samuel, b. Aug. 5, 1776. 2. Alpheus, b. Aug. 26, 1778. ROSE, Daniel, of Branford, Ct., removed to Wolcott, where he d. Ch. : 1. Hannah, b. 1773. 5- Chandler. 2. Sally. 6. Rensselaer. 3. Bela. 7. Betsey, b. 1791. 4. Daniel. 760 History of Torrington. 3. Bela, son of Daniel, m. Mary Brockett and lived and d. in Wolcott. He lost both hands in a wool picking machine in Plymouth hollow. Children : 8. Charles. 13. Daniel, ir.. 9. Augustus, b. May 28, 1812. 14. Jane, m. Moses. 10. Rebecca, m. Asahel Thomas. 15. Henry, m. Harriet Seeley. 11. Mary, m. John Payne. 16. Bela, m. Amanda ToJd. 12. Jesse B., b. Jan. 10, 1821. 12. Jesse B., son of Bela and Mary (Brockett) Rose, m., 1st, Perlina Hart, 2d, Mrs. Harriet Griswold of Goshen. Children : 17. Edwin C, b. May 17, 1844, ^- Mattie 19. Willie A., b. Aug. 22, 1852. E. Hamilton Nov. 26, 1870 j had Edwin His second wife has a son Frederick H. H., b. April 19, 1872. Griswold b. May 4, 1862. 18. Wallace A., b. Dec. 16, 1848, d. Feb. 16, 1850. ROSSITER, Newton, a tanner in Burrville, m. Maria , and about 1827 or 8, removed to Ohio. Children : 1. Luther, b. June 19, 1813. 4. Charlotte, b. Mar. 23, 1819. 2. Amos H., b. Mar. 20, 1815. 5. Adaline, b. Feb. 11, 1821. 3. Harriett Newell, b. Mar. 10, 1817. 6. Gilbert, b. Feb. 9, 1823. ROWLEY, Samuel, came from Windsor, Ct., and m. Catharine, daughter of Silas Fyler, in 1770 He was b about 1745, ^"^ settled half a mile east of the Newfield meeting houses ; his house is still standing a little south of Harlow Fyler's homestead. Children : 1. James, b., paobably in Winchester, d. in farmer and surveyor, no children. Winchester. 7. Sabra, b. Apr., 1782, m. John Merchant 2. Samuel, b. May 22, 1772, m. at Ballston, N. Y. 3. Jairus, b. Apr. 6, 1774, m. Rachel Acatt. 8. Pamelia, b. Mor., 1784. 4. Melinda, b. 1776, m. Daniel Olcott. 9. Nathan, b. Apr. 2, 1786. m. Catharine 5. Rachel, b. Oct. 12, 1777, m. Abner Fyler, Feb. 3, 1810, had two children who Perkins, Apr. 30, 1806. d. young. He and his wife d. nearly the 6. Stephen, b. Feb. 9, 1780, m. Roxy same time at Tyringham, Mass. Whiting, Dec. 23, 1808. He was a 2. Samuel Jr., son of Samuel and Catherine Fyler Rowley, m. Mary Mer- rill, Feb. 26, 1801, and settled in Winchester, in 1806, near Colebrook line, and d. in i85'4. Children: 10. Calvin, d. in Illinois. 13. Edwin, twin. 11. Eliza, m. Orrin Freeman of Winchester. 14. Edwin, twin, of Colebrook. 12. Lucia J., of Colebrook in 1858, d. in 15. Mary, twin, m. Miller. 111., about 1859. 16. Maria, twin, m. Darwin Smith. S.AGE, Martin L , of Berlin, came to Torrington, about 1823, m, Huldah Sanford of Rocky Hill ; was a tanner and shoemaker. Removed to Ohio, about June, 1829, had son Luther, b. in Torrington, removed with his father to Huntington, Lorain Co., O. ^ Linus, lived where David Evans does,' and then built the little house now occupied by Loomis Beach. He d. where Henry Allyn lived on the hill west of George Allyn's. Children: 1. Harriet. 3. Charles. 2. Caroline. 4. Homer. SCOVILLE, Stephen, of East Haddam, bought sevcntv-five acres of land in Harwinton and gave it to his son Ezckicl. on account of his love and good will, October 9, 1735. This Ezekiel Scoville m. Mindwcll Barber, of Windsor, Genealogies. 761 Oct. 23, 1740, and lived on the land given him by his father, in Harwinton, and had the foliowing children. Children : 1. Mindwell, b. Sept. 26, 1742, m. Eli 5. Joseph, b. July 21, 175 1, m. Abigail, dau Wilson, March, 15, 1 762. ot Dei. John Wilson. 2. Ezekiel, b. Jan. 5, 1744, m, Rebecca 6. Sarah, b. July 6, 1754. Thompson, Aug. 4, 1766. 7. Mary, b. May i, 1757. 3. Keziah, b. Feb. 28, 1746, m. 8. Hannah, b. Oct. 7, 1762. 4. Dau. b. Oct. 10, 1748. 3. Ezekiel, son of Ezekiel and Mindwell (Barber) Scoville, m. Rebecca Thompson, of Harwinton, Aug. 4, 1766. Children: 9. Daniel, b. April 27, 1767. 14. Joseph T., b. June 6, 1777, m. 10. Abner, b. May 4, 1769. 15. Conant, b. May 27, 1779, m. 11. Ashcr, b. Sept. 17, 1771, m. Sally 16. Roswell, b. March 11, 1782, m. Anna Brooker, of Torringcon. Ames. 12. Ezek:e!, b. Jan 17, 1773, m. Sabra, 17. Chloe, June 6, 1784, m. Ammon dau. ot Daniel Wilson. Wilson. 13. Steplien, b. June 8, 1775, m. 18. Levi, m. Statira Johnson. 9. Joseph, son ot Ez.-kicl and Mindwell (Barber) Scoville, m. Abigail, dau. of Dca. John Wilson, of Harwinton, Oct. 20, 1771. Children: 19. Abigail, b. May 12, 1772. 22. Mary, b. July 4, 1779. 20. Jose|>h, b. June 8, 1774, m Lucina 23. Mindwell, b. Dec. 13, 1781, d. April Coe, Torringtoid. 7, 1784. 21. John, b. 1777, m. 24. Champion, b. June 12, 1784, m. 12. Ezekiel, son of Ezekiel and Mindwell (Thompson) Scoville, m. S^bra, dau. of Daniel S. Wilson, of Harwinton, settled on a farm below Wolcottville, now owned by Frederic L. Taylor ; removed to Camden, Ostego Co., N. Y., with most of his family. Children: 25. Russell, m. 30. Linus, m. Jane Snow, of Ashford. 26. Fanny, m. Jeremiah Bailey, in Camden. 31. Sabra, m. Warner Penfield, in Camden. 27. John Wilion, m. 32. Riley. 28. Joel Warner, m. Lovicey . 33. Sidney, lives in Woodbury. 29. Nelson. 34. Watson, m. in Camden. 2 1. John, son of Joseph and Abigail (Wilson) Scoville, m. Chloe Brooker ; was a merchant in Wolcottville. Children: 35. Mindwell, m. ist, Dr. Peter Beardsley, wlio d. and she m. id. Dr. Jeremiah W. Phelps. 25. Russell Wilson, son of Ezekiel and Sabra (Wilson) Scoville, removed with his father to Camden, m. Harriet Preston, Dec. 5, 1830, d. April 10, 1844 ; had five children. 27. John W., son of Ezekiel and Sabra (Wilson) Scoville, m. Martha, dau. of Amos Wilson Jr., Oct. 17, 1873. He d. March 4, 1832. Children: 36. Charles Wilson, b. Mar. 26, 1836, m. 40. Frank Russell, b. Aug. 13, 1844. 37. George Warner, b. Oct. 31, 1837, 41. Mary Irene, b. Sept. 19, 1846, d. Mar. removed to III., m. and had three ch. 29, 1862. 38. Martha Jane, b. Dec. 13, 1839, m. 42. Wai ner Penfield, b. May 4, 1852, m. John N. Wetmore of Winchester. Eva A. Newbury, June 7, 1876, and has 39. John Riley, b. Aug. 5, 1841. Grace M., b. Oct. 18, 1877. 36. Charles W., son of John W. and Martha (VVilson) Scoville, m, March 4, i860, Mary S., daughter of Chaunccy Potter of Harwinton. She was b. Aug. 16, 1844, d. Aug 29, 1876. Children: 43. Jenn'e May, b. May 8, 1861. 44. Addie Sophia, b. Jan. i, 1865, d. Apr. 29, 1871. 9G 762 History of Torrington. 40. Frank R., son of John W. and Martha (Wilson) Scoville, m. Lettie E,, daughter of Junius Scoville, 111., Jan. 26, 1869. She wash. Oct. 12, 1830. Children: 45. Charles Junius, b. June 19, 1870. 46. Bertha Jane, b. July 14, 1872. SEYMOUR, Samuel, b. in Watertown, Ct., m. Mchitable Dayton of Watertown. Some of his children were : i,Saniucl; 2, James H.; 3, Truman: Samuel, Jr., came to Wolcotcville a young man, and m. Lura, dau. of Joseph Taylor, in 1812. He was a carriage maker; d. in Watertown. His widow is still living, and to her the author of this book is much indebted for informa- tion concerning many things, that otherwise could not have been written. Ch.: 1. Julia, b. May 22, 1813, m. Samuel 4. Eliza, b. May 25, 1820, m. Lyman Brooker May 1834. W. Coe, Nov. 3, 1841. 2. Maria, b. Oct. 21, 1815, m. Martin 5. Frederick J., b. Oct. 24, 1824, m. Brooker. 3. Mary, b. Mar. 14, 1818, m. ist Daniel Robertson, 2d, Samuel Burr. 2. James H., son of Samuel, Sr., m. Flora H. Hudson in 1835. He was a carriage maker; d. at Wolcottville Nov. 5, 1872. Children: 6. Charles H., b. Apr. 26, 1837, m. 1st Mary win J., b. Feb. 10, 1871. Judd, 2d Mrs. Susan Isbell, Jan. 3, 1869, 7. Charlotte H., b. Mar. 5, 1843, m. Uri has Alice E., b. Oct. 11, 1865 ; and Ed- Church in 1868. 3. Truman, son of Samuel, Sr., m. Clarissa Bancroft ; lived in Wolcottville. Child: 8. George. 5. Frederic J., son of^ Samuel and Lucy (Taylor) Seymour, m. Florintine M. Migeon Aug. 28. 1849 ; resides in Wolcottville. {See Biog.') Children: 9. Frederick H., is a law student in De- 11. Russell A., d. Nov. 14, 1856. troit, Mich. 12. Kittle £. 10. Marie L. SHELDON, Remembrance, of Windsor, had children : 1. Elisha, b. Feb. 29, 1710. 3. Ep.iphras, b. Sept. 4, 1726. 2. Jerusha, b. Nov. 27, 1722. 4. Remembrance, b. Oct. 23, 1728. 3. Epaphras, son of Remembrance, of Windsor, m. Eunice Allyn, April 30, 1752, and lived in Windsor. She was sister to the first Joseph Allyn, in this town. Ciiildrcn : 5. Epaphras, b. Aug. 2, 1753, settled in Tor. 6. Allyn, b. July 30, 1755, d. Feb. 4, 1762. 5. Gen. Epaphras, son of Epaphras and Eunice (Allyn) Siicldon, came to Torrington. about 1769, and m. Hannah Lyman, of Goshen, Nov. 17, 1774, and built his hous?, across the road cast from Eben.'z?r Lyman's, a little north where he kept a ta\crn until he bi.iilt a large dwelling tor a tavern at the south- west corner of the town, afterwards owned by Timothy Childs. Gen. Sheldon, was one of the most prominent business men in the town in his time; became general of the state militia. Mrs. Sheldon was a very fine looking, intelligent woman ; always called in her later days. Lady Sheldon. Children: 7. Daniel, b. Aug. 13, 1781. 10. Allyn, b. July 20, 1786. 8. Samuel Lyman, b. Nov. 16, 1782. II. Will am, b. Dec. 12, 1788. 9. Esther, b. March i, 1784. 12. Henry, b. Oct. 27, 1791. SHELDON, Job, was agent in the cotton factory in Torrington hollow. He had a family and removed to New Milford. Genealogies. 763 SHELTON, William P., son of William N., and Harriet Shelton, of Woodbury, m. Mahalia A. Saiiford, of Roxbiiry, Aug. 12, 1861, and settled on the Child's place, in the southwest corner of the town, in 1865, where he still resides. Besides attending to the farm he is engaged in the cabinet busi- ness at Litchfield. His widowed mother resides with him. This house is located on a hill of considerable eminence, and with the maple trees, one hundred and twenty-five in number, standing on each side of the highway, is one of the most imposing appearing country homesteads in the countrv. The trees are not full grown, but shade the road from fence to fence, and but illus- trates, what might be the piciuresque appearance of the whole town, if the in- habitants had spirit and ambition to this eftjct ; and every farmer would be the richer if he did his part of such a work. Child: I. Edward M., b. Oct. 3, 1868. SHERMAN, Rev. Henry M.artyn, son of Charles H. and Lvdia (Crow- foot) Sherman, was b. June 26, 1838, at Bridgeport, and m. Maria L, dau. of John Baker, of Bridgeport, April 30, 1868. She was b. May 24, 1837; and attended school at the Young Ladies seminary at Bridgeport. He is pastor of the Episcopal church and resides on Migeon avenue. Children : I. Margaret Lydia, b. Dec. 24, 1870. 2. Mary Benson, b. April 22, 1873. SMITH, Nathaniel, was b. in Milford, Ct., in 1785, and came to Tor- ringtord, in 1806, and was clerk in-the store of William Battell two or three years. He went into mercantile business for himself at Torringford in the store which he built and which is still standing on the northeast corner of the old turnpike and Torringford street, in 1809, and continued in business in the same 5tnre until his death June 26, 1854, a period of forty-six years. He m. Har- riet, dau. of Daniel Winchell in 1809, Shed, at Wolcottville, in Nov., 1861, a. 79 years. He was appointed post master in 1812, and held the office with- out interruption forty-two years, a case, probably, without parallel in this country. Mr. Smith was a very upright and careful business man. Children : 1. Harriet. 3. Charlotte. 2. Charles B., b. 1810. 2. Charles B., son of Nathaniel and Harriet (Winchell) Smith, m. Eliza- beth, daughter of Eli Ensign, of Sheffield, Mass., Dec. 18, 1839. She was b. March g. 1814. He was a merchant in Wolcottville, and d. March 31, l86i. {See BiogrnphyS) Children: 4. Elizabeth, b. Nov. 3, 1840; is a music 6. Isabell, b. Sept. 10, 1851, m. Oct. 21, teacher in Great Barrington, Mass. 1873, John M. Hopson of Bridgepert, 5. Alice B., b. Apr. 25, 1842, m. Edward afterwards editor of the Vallev Index of Robinson of Rockville, Ct., had son Waterbury ; she d. June I, 1876. Charles L., b. Nov. 19, 1866, d. June I, 1867. SMITH, Elisha, Esq., was b. in Farmington, Ct., Aug. 14, 1751, and came to Torrington a young man and m. Lucy, dau. of Aaron Loomis, Nov. 25» '773- He was for many years one of the most prominent men in the town. {See Bwg.) He d. Jan. 9, 18 13, aged 62. His widow d. at Gene- ral Abernethy's in Wolcottville; a fine woman, of noble character, and posses- sed great memory. She d. in 1847, a. 91. Children : 1. Elisha, b. July 19, 1775, d. Aug. 9, 1776. 3. Almira, b. Jan. 12, 1780, d. April 21, 2. Orrel, b. Jan. 30, 1778, m. Russell C. 1781. Abernethy, Sept. 17, 1803. 764 History of Torrincton. SMITH, Aaron', lived a little north of Elisha Smith's, but whether related to that family or not is not known. Children : 1. Hannah. 3. Aaron. 2. Elizabeth. 4. Dennis. SMITH, Rev. Sidney K-, son of Solomon and .Abigail (Ketcham) Smith, was b. at Huntington, Long Island, March 14, 1838. He is pastor of the M. E. church, in his third year, and resides on Prospect street. (^See Biog^ He m. Mary Frances, adopted dau. of William F. and Lydia VV. (Uovvej Barnard of Marlboro, Mass., Sept. 13, 1865. Children. 1. William Barnard, b. June 22, 1866. 4. Mary Louise, b. March 29, 1S77. 2. Frank Sidney, b. Nov. 9, 1868. Helen Gertrude Ketcham, b. Oct. 12, 1856, 3. Ernest Ketcham, b. Oct. 28, 1873. has lesided in this family twelve years. SMITH, Ch.'^rles R., son of James H. Smith of Litchfield, m. Mary, dau. of Ira Thrall, Feb 29, 1872, and resides on the homestead ol' his wife's father, in the southwest part of the town. Child : 1. Julia, b. April 22, 1873. SMITH, Alonzo D., was b. in New Britain, Ct., May 22, 1836 ; came to Wolcotiville in 1849 ; m., ist, Manha Haight, who d. in 1872, and hem., 2d, Sarah Losee in 1874 ; has been engaged with the Union Hardware com- pany since 1865. Child by ist wh^e : Estelle F., b. Nov. 3, 1859. SMITH, Ebenezer, m. Hannah . Children : 1. Ebenezer, b. Apr. 18, 1763. 6. Miles, b. Sept. 11, 1775. 2. Hann.ih, b. July 21, 1765. 7. Saiah, b. Nov. 8, 1777. 3. Jesse, b. Oct. 28, 1766. 8. Koiman, b. Auir. 7, 1782. 4. Ira, b. Jan. 14, 1769. 9. Dolly, b. Nov. 20, 1787. 5. Joseph, b. Oct. 29, 1773. SOPER, John, m. Phebe Moore, Jan. 30, 1730, and lived in Windsor, Ct. Children : 1. Phtbe, b. Sept. 19, 1731. 5- David, b. Dec. 15, 1738, settled in Tor. 2. John, b. May 15, 1733. 6. Abigail, b. May 6, 1741. 3. Joel, b. Feb. I, 1734, settled in Tor. 7. Timothy, b. Aug. 12, 1742, settled in 4. Elizabeth, b. Oct. 31, 1736. Tor. 3. Dr. Joel, was a physician and practiced a short time in Torringford, then removed 10 Vernon, Oneida Co., N. Y. 5. David, son of John, of Windsor, settled in Torringford a few rods north of the first meeting house, where he kept a tavern quire a number ofycars, and was a man of considerable busine:s abilhy ; bought and sold land ; built saw mills and had considerable influence in the town. He m. Rachel, dau. ot Dea. John Cook Jan. 26, 1764. Children: 8. Olive, b. July 23, 1768. Bissell Jan. 22, 1789. 9. Rachel, b. April 12, 1772, m. Elijah 10. Naomi, b. May 9, 1774, d. July 2, 1774. SPENCER, Asa, from New Hartford, lived first in Torrington hollow, where Mr. Wait Wilson now resides, but afterwards removed to a vacant house with about one acre of land on Torrington hill, near where Mr. Lyman R. Pond now resides. This house and land were never claimed by any one, and by law became the property of the Spencer family after the expiration ot years' possession. Children : Genealogies. 765 1. Miles, d. n. 62, not m. now over 85 years of age. 2. Thedj, m. Hemy Pond. 4. Roxv, never m. 3. Foliy, m. 'J'rum.iii Hare of Colebrook or 5. Millicent, m. Solomon Barker, lived east Norfolk. Her dau., Lucy Hart, m. of Wolcottville, where she died. Wilcox, and went witii him as a missionary 6. Lucy, m. Lyman Pond. to the Sandwich Islands, where they re- 7. Frederick, b. 1802 or 3, removed to Nova mained 35, or 6 years and returned, and Scotia, d. Jan. 7, 1877 ^- 74- botii died a few days after they reached 8. Julia, d. in 1849. Colebrook. The widow Folly Hart, is SPERRY, RicH.^RD, m. Rachel Ray, March 10, 1807; lived a little west of the Lyman place. Children : 1. Laura, b. Feb. 20, 1808. 5. Lucy, b. March 31, 1818, m. Ira Thrall. 2. Lewis, b. March 24, 1809. 6. Lovise, b. May 27, 1820. 3. Albert, b. May 4, 18 11. 7. Samuel, b. Dec. 20, 1822. 4. Homer, b. May 31, 181 5. ST. JOHN, Dr. Bela, m. Marv A. Hodges, Georgetown, Ct., Dec. 29, 1850. Child: I. Abbie Etta. STARKS, Thomas A., son of Roger Starks, of Winchester, m. Flora P., dau. of Noah Drake, Jr., May 20, I 840, and settled on her lather's homestead, it being the old Silas Fyler place, in Newficld. Children : 1. Octavia, b. Oct. 19, 1840, m. John 5. Roger S., b. Aug. 23, 1845, "^- ^lla Andrews; lives in Torringford, and has S. Drake, Nov. 8, 1877. children ; Mattie, Wilber, Ernest. 6. Adaline R., b. April 21, 1847, m. Feb. 2. Hiram M., b. Nov. 5, 1841, m. Mrs. 7, 1 872, W illiam Beckley ; lives in South Irene H. Drake, Sept. 6, l865; lives Norfolk. next house west of his father's hoine. 7. Lucius, b. Oct. 21, 1848, d. Jan. 13, 3. Harriet A., b. Feb. 7, 1X42, m. Franklin 1848. B. Beach, Dec. 25. 1863; lives in Win- 8. Jennie L., b. May 28, 1851. Chester; has Lizzie and Arthur. g. Flora P , b. Feb. 14, 1854. 4. Mary Ann, b. May 25, 1843, m. Emery 10. Thomas B., b. Jan. 4, 1857. J Johnson, Feb. 18. 1862, lives in Wallens 1 1. Lincoln F., b. June 17, i860. Hill, north of Winsted ; has Alton J. STEELE, George and John, brothers, b. in Essex, England, came to New England, about 1631 or 2; settled first at Newtown, now Cambridge, Mass.; removed to Hartford, Conn. George was made a proprietor of lands at Hart- ford, in 1639. He was made a freetnan in Cambridge, in 1634. ; he d in ihe year 1663, as is said "very old." There is no record of his wife but that thcv had four children : 1. Elizabeth, m. Thomas Watts of Middle- Henderson, had a daughter. town. 3. Richard, m. ; d. in 1 639, had children. 2. A daughter, b. in 1640, m. Harrison or 4. James, m. 4. James, son of George Steele of Hartford, m. Anna probably daughter of John Bishop, of Guilford. She d. in 1676. Children : 5. Sarah, b. 1656, m. Samuel Borman, Jr., 8. Mary, m. Hall. Feb. 8, 1682. 9. Elizabeth, d. unm. 6. Lieut. James, b. 1658, m. Sarah Bar- 10. Rachel, m. ist, Edward Allyn, 2d tholomew. Demming. 7. Jolin, b. 1660, m. 7. John, son of James and Anna (Bishop") Steele, m. Melatiah, daughter of Major William Bradford, of Plymouth. Children: II. "John, b. 1693, d. 1712. 13. Bethia, m. May 17, 1709, Samuel 12. Ebenezer, b. 1695,01. Shepard. 766 History of Torrington. 12. Ebenezer, son of John and Mclatiah (Bradford) Steele, m. Susannah -, of West Hartford ; removed to Killingworth, and purchased lands Feb. 23, 1723, d. in 1746. Children 14 John, m. Christina , Feb. 4, 1785. 19. Melatiah, b. 1732, d. Apr. 23, 1760, 15. Mary, m. John Dodd. not m. 16. Daniel. 20. Capt. Bradford, b. Sept. 22, 1734, m. 17. Susanna, m. Reuben Flowers, July 14, Mary Perkins of Derby. 1747. 21. Elisha, b. about 1737, ni. 18. Huldah, m. Nathaniel Flowers, Sept. 30, 1745- 21. Elish.^, son of Ebenezer and Susannah Steele, m. Mary Merrills, .April 12, 1760 ; lived in Derby, and his wife d. at Hadley, Mass.; m. 2d, Eunice, widow of Lieut. Pritchard. Children : 22. Mary, b. Jan. 25, 1763. 25. Lucy, b. May 28, 1769. 23. Candace, bap. Jan. 6, 1765. 26. Elisha, b. Feb. 3, 1771, lived in Water- 24. Clarissa, b. Feb. 9, 1766, m. Pomeroy ; bury and d. in 1792. lived in Hadley, JSlass. 27. Norman, b. 1780. 27. Norman, son of Elisha and Mary (Merills) Steele, m. Hannah Spencer. She was b. in 1778. He d. in 1822, a. 42. She d. about 1822, a. 42. Ch. : 28. Clarissa, d at the age of 12. 32. Edwin, lost at the ag". of 1 8. 29. Elisha, b. in 1803, m. Elizabeth Hines 33. Norman, b. 1813, m. Sarah Hitchcock, of Waterbury, had Mary Ann and Henry, June 4, 1846, had Frederick P., Herbert d. in 1875. A., and Anna E. H. 30. Mary, b. 1805, m. William H. Jones 34. Ann P., b. Oct. 18, 1814, m. Lewis in 1825, had Sarah, Stafford, Norman S., B. Folletr, Oct. 18, d. Oct. 18, 1856, had Caroline A., William H., and John E. Susan Maria. 31. Susan, b. 1807, m. Joseph T. Marr, d. 35. William Spencer, b. 1816, m. in 1840, had Helen, Marion and Louise. 35. William Spencer., son of Norman and Hannah (Spencer) Steele, m. Caroline Amelia Jones Nov. 8, 1837, and came to Wolcottville in 1839, and was engaged in the Wadhams button shop, as overseer of the work until his decease. He d. Jan. 22, 1857. Children: 36. Abbie A., b. Oct. 16, 1838, in Water- which he was firing into Petersburg, Va. ; bury, m. Florimund D. F)ler, Nov. 28, was buried at Fortress Monroe. 1860J he is a lawyer, resides in Winsted. 39. Elisha J., b. June 29, 1843, m. 37. Mary, b. Dec. 19, i>'39, in Torrington, 40. Edwin S., b. Oct. 4, 1846, d. Feb. 14, m. Willis A. Bradley, July 14, 1859, had 1855. Carrie Isadorc, b. June 28, 1861. 41. Albert D., b. Aug. 11, 1848, d. Aug. 38. William L., b. Sept. 6, 1841, d. July 21, 1848. 14, 1864, a. 23, from wounds received by 42. George B., b. May 15, 1852. the premature discharge of a cannon by 39. Elisha J., son of William S. and Caroline A. (Jones) Steele, m. Sophia S. SkifF, Jan. 25, 1864. He resides in Wolcottville. Children: 43. Jennie A., b. July 30, 1866. 45. William S., b. Feb. 20, 1876. 44. Abbie A., b. Dec. 7, 1870. 42. George B., son of William S. and Caroline A. (Jones) Steele, m. Alice Diamond, May 15, 1872. Children: 46. Flora, b. June 16, 1873. STOCKING, Samuel J., m. Orrel, dau. of Abijah Coe, March 22, 1835. She d. Dec. 8, 1850. He m. 2d, Mary L. Fellows, June g, 1852. Children : 1. Eliza Ann, b. June 22, 1837, d. March 4. Emma O., b Nov. 26, 1850. 30, 1852. 5. Frank L., b. Aug. 11, 1855. 2. Charlotte C, b. Nov. 27, 1839. 6. Martha E., b. Nov. 7, 1857. 3. Harvey M., b. March 23, 1843. Genealogies. 767 Anson, m. Flora, dau. of Abijah Coe, May 15, 1825. He d. in 1857. Children: 7. Flora E., b. June 22, 1827. 10. Phila H., b. April 2, 1836. 8. Omar C, b. Oct. 14, 1828. II. Eber N., b. Feb. 14, 1838. 9. Fanny M., b. Dec. 4, 1830. STODD.ARD, Ebenezer, came to Torrington a young man and m. Abigail Strong, May 6, 1785 ; lived in the southwest part of the town, south of Joseph Fowler's. Children : I. Phena, b. March 18, 1786. 2. Anne, b. May 8, 1787. STOWE, Daniel, lived a few years in Torrington. Children : 1. Prudence, b. Sept. 17, 1769. 3. William, b. June 9, 1773. 2. Daniel, b. Aug. 10, 1771. 4. Polly, b. Sept. 7, 1775. STOUGHTON, Daniel, came from Windsor, was b. Aug. 13, 1699, and was probably, son of Capt. Thomas, son of Thomas Sen., the first of Windsor. He m. Joanna Allyn, Sept. 3, 1730, who d. Sept. 30, 173';, in 39th year. He was a prominent man in the organization of the Ecclesiastical Society. Children : 1. Chloe, b. July 16, 1731. 3. Roxalena, b. Oct. 13, 1734. 2. Daniel, b. March 6, 1733. STRONG, Jacob, son of John and Elizabeth (Warriner) Strong, m. Nov. 10. 1698, Abigail, daughter of Nathaniel Bissell, of East Windsor, Ct. His ancestois were John, b. in 1626, son of John Strong, who came with the Windsor company in 1630. He was a farmer and d. at East Windsor, in 1750, a. 76 years. His wife Abigail, d. March 25, 1749. Children : 1. Abigail, b. Feb. 24, 1699. 6. Nathaniel, b. Sept. i, 1712, d. Dec. 5, 2. Mindwell, b. July 19, 1701. I795> 3. 83. 3. Jacob, b. Feb. 6, 1704, m. 7. Asahel, b. May 7, 1715, m. 4. Ann, b. Jan. 8, 1708, m. Supply Strong 8. Timothy, b. 1719, lived and d. in East of' Litchfield. Windsor. 5. Eunice, b. Aug. 17, 1710, m. Ebenezer Thomas of Lebanon. 3. Jacob jr., son of Jacob and Abigail (Bissell) Strorg, came to Torrington, in 1739, ''"'^ "^- Mindwell, daughter of Dea EbenczcrLyman, of Torrington, October 29, 1741, and settled on the farm known for many years as the Fowler place. He first built a log house, and afterward, the house now stand- ing. Mr. Strongd. Sept. 5, I 776, a. 72, and afier his death Noah Fouler bought the farm and occupied it all his life and his son Norman after him. Ctiildren : 9. Mindwell, b. July 28, 1742, m. Samuel 12. Experience, b. Mar. 28, 1650. Everitt. 13. Elizabeth, b. Sept. 10, 1755, d. Jan. 2, 10. Experience, b. and d. Aug. 13, 1743. 1756. 11. Abigail, b. Jan. 27, 1746, m. May 6, 14. Mary, b. July 2, 1757, m. Richard 1^85, Ebenezer Stoddard. Leach March 23, 1775. 7. Asahel, son of Jacob and Abigail (Bissell) Strong, m. Hannah, daughter ofDca. Ebenezer Lyman, March 20, 1749. Hannah Lyman was great aunt to Dr. Lyman Beccher. His wife Hannah, d. Feb. 19, 1 771. He d. Nov. I 5, 1776, a. 61. Children : 15. Asahel, b. Apr. 28, 1750. 18. Chloe, b. Dec. 4, 1763, m. David 16. Hannah, b. Nov. 30, 1753, m. John Holmes of Tor. removed to Winchester Minor of Winchester. and thence to Russell, Mass., had a large 17. Dorcas, b. Feb. 28, 1758, m. Hezekiah family. Beecher of Bethlehem. 19. David, b. May 31, 1768. 768 History of Torrington. 15. AsAHEL, son of Asahcl and Hannah ([yman) Strong, m. Martha, dau. of Daniel Barber of East Windsor, Feb. 5, 1776. He was a farmer and re- moved to Chailotte, Vt., and thence to Chesterfield, N. Y. His descendants are scattered through central New York in great ntiinbers. He d. at Peru, Clinton Co., N. Y., Jan. 6, 1831, a. 80. His wife d. July 21, 1820. Ch.: ao. Philo, b. Nov. 26, 1776. 24. Selina, b. Jan. 7, 1787, m. Rev. 21. Erastus, b. Dec. 24, ijj2,d. Feb. 1834. Zacheus Palmer. 22. Theodosia, b. Aug. 5, 1781, m. Thomas 25. Mary Young, b. May 22, 1793, m. Arthur. Hiram Foot. 23. Sophia, b. Feb. 23, 1785, m. Rev. Daniel Haskell. 19. David, son ot Asahel and Hannah (Lyman) Strong, m. Esther, dau. of Reuben Miner of Winchester, Aug. 28, 1794. He removed in 1802 to New Paltz, Ulster Co., N. Y., where he and his wife died. Children: 26. Edwin Miner, b. in Winchester, July in New York, and was an alderman. ^5» '795- -^- Emerette, b. at New Paltz. 27. George D., b. in New Paltz, m., lived STRONG, Col. John, was b. in Windsor, June 24, 1733. His father was John Warhani Strong, ot Windsor, first cousin to Jacob and Asahcl Strong, who were among the first settlers on the west side ot Torrington. Col. Strong m. Sarah Strong, .Aug. I, 1758. She was b. Maich 8, 1740. He was captain of the Torringtord military company, and as such was in the revolu- tionary war, prob.iblv, several tours, and may have been commissioned as colonel in a volunteer regiment, but the certainty of this is not ascertained. He was a man ot great ofHciency in the town during the war, as well as being in the active service in the army. His wife Sarah, d. Nov. 22, 1765. and he m. 2d, Mrs. Mercy (Root) Newell, of Farinington. She d. Sept 9, 1784, and hem. Nov. 28, 1786, Anne Beccher, b. Oct. 20, 1746, sister of David Beecher, of New Haven, who was the father of Rev. Dr. Lyman Beecher. She d. June 5, 1801, without children. Hed. at Farmington, Nov. 16, 1816. Children : 1. Eleanor, b. Jan. 22, 1759, d. Feb. 28, Henry, who d. in New York about 1840, 1762. without children. 2. John, b. May 28, 1760, m. Abigail 4. Return, b. May 4, 1764, m. Jeanette, Prior, lived in Norfolk, Ct., where he d. dau. of Capt. Richard L. .Still, M.D., of without children in 1846, a. 86. He left Windsor. He was a merchant in New his property $2,500 to the town treasury, York, and died without children. She d. still called the '-Strong Fund." in 1805. 3. Sarah, b. Nov. 24, 1761, m. Henry 5. Warham, b. Oct. 27, 1765. Hinsdale, d. Nov. 8, 1801, leaving son By 2d wife : 6. Eleanor, b. April 17, 177 1, m. Joel 10. Oliver, b. April 15, 1779. ^- ur.m. Root, a dry goods merchant at New 11. Edmund, b. April 28, 1781. Haven. Siie d. in 1853. 12. Mercy P., b. April i 5, i 784, m. Roswell 7. Stepiien, b. Nov. 6, 1772, d. April 2, Austin, of Austinburg, O., previously of 1828. New Hartford, Ct. She d. Apiil 18, 8. Elijah, b. Nov. 17, 1774, d. April 22, 1823, a. 39. He d. in 1868. 1828. 9. Pomeroy, b. April 9, 1777, d. Sept. 13, 1861. T.ALLM.ADGE, David, son of Ichabod, was b. Dec. 31, 1775, ni. in 1796, Rebecca Bailey, b. Jan. 3, 1780, and removed to Winsted, Ct., where all of his children were b. He was a firmer, and removed to Torrington in 1825, and settled at Torrington Centre in the old Capt. Beach house, where Genealogies. 769 he resided three years and returned to Winsted, one year, then went to Tor- ringford where he resided until near 1850, when he removed to Barkhamsted March 1, 1853, a. 78. She d. Aug. 27, 1862, a. 82. Children : 9. Hiram, b. Mar., 1814, d. in 1816, by falling into scalding water. 10. Luther, b. Mar. i, 18 16. 11. Sarah P., b. Feb. 11, 18 19, m. Caleb Daniels, and is now living with her sister in Plainville, Ct. iz. Achsa, b. July 31, 1821, m. Burwell Carter, of Wolcott, resides in Plainville, Ct. 13. James B., b. May 25, 1823, m. Esther G. Burr, Apr. 22, 1845, was a wagon maker in Burrville and Winsted, had : Henrietta, b. Aug. 15, 1847 ; Alice Olive, b. July 8, 1854. 1. Priscillj, b. Mar. i, 1797, m. Truman Scov-ille of Winsted, now living in Wmdsor. 2. Hylah, b. Feb. 4, 1799, d. with croup in 1806. 3. Electa, b. Mar. 9, 1801, m. Asa Reynolds of Windsor where she resided. 4. Eliza, b. Oct. 5, 1803, m. Albro W. Cowles of Torrington, March 5, 1828. 5. Elliot, b. March 27, 1805. 6. Hyljh, b. July I, 1807. 7. David, b. Sept. 24, 1809. 8. Austin, b. May 20, 1811, m. William B. Wilson of Torringford ; resides in Shir- ley, Mass. 5. Elliot, in. Emcline Tiffany of Nortlifi'.ld, resides in Barkhamsted. 7. D.AViD, m. Emcline Buell, of Litchfi;.'ld, resides in East Litchfield, near station. 10. Luther, went to New York state where he m. and d. by a log rolling over him, Nov. 1852. 13. J.'MviEs, m. Esther Burr, of Torringford, resides in Winsted, Ct. TAYLOR, Stephen, of Windsor, m. ist Sarah Hosford, Nov. i, 1642 ; m. 2d, Elizabeth Newel, Oct. 25, 1649, who d. Dec. 14, 1717; he d. Sept. 1668. Children: 1. Stephen, b. March 11, 1644. 2. Samuel, b. Oct. 8, 1647. 3. John, b. March 22, 1652. 4. Thomas, b. Oct. 5, 1655. 5. Abigail, b. March 19, 1657. 6. Mary, h, June 18, 1661. 7. Mindwell, b. Nov. 5, 1663. 8. Nathaniel, b. Mdy 24, 1668. 3. John, son of Stephen and Sarah (Hosford) Taylor, m. and lived in Windsor. Children: 9. Samuel, b. April 11, 1691. 10. Elizabeth, b. Nov. 11, 1694. 11. Ebenezer, b. Sept. 11, 1697. 12. Zebulon. II. Ebenezer, son of John and Taylor, m. Eleanor and came from Windsor to Litchfield, Ct. Children : 13. Ebenezer, b. July 14, 17-21. 14. Eleanor, b. May 5, 1723. 15. Ruliamy, b. June 26, 1725. 16. Tahan, b. June 14, 1727. 17. Elizabeth, b. Aug. 24, 1729. 18. Joel, b. Sept. 3. 1732. 19. Alary, b. June 27, 1735. 20. Mabel, b. Aug. 28, 1739. 13. Ebenezer, Jr, son of Ebenezer and Ek-anor Taylor, m. Zerviah Culver, Jan. 17, 1750 ; lived in the town of Litchfield. Children: 21. Jonathan, b. Oct 6, I 750, m. ; went to 24. Benjamin, b. March 10, 1756 ; went to Wyoming. Wyoming. 22. Ebenezer, b. Jan. 23, 1752; went to 25. Moses, b. Jan. 13,1758. Wyoming. 26. John, b. Oct. 4, 1760. 23. Joseph, b. Nov. 29, 1753, ^■ 23. Joseph, son of Ebenezer and Zerviah (Culver) Taylor, of Litchfield, came to Torrington a short time before his marriage and married Ann, dau. of Noah Wilson, Aug. 31, 1775. He was a prominent man in the com- munity until his death in 1802, aged 49 years. {See Biog.') His widow d. aged 87 years. {See Biog.) Children : 97 770 History of Torrington. 27. Sylvia, b. Feb. 5, 1779. and nearly opposite the present Allen 28. Roxy, b. Nov. 11, 1779, m. Abel House, and afterwards removed to Penn., Beach, had Joseph Taylor, b. April 29, 1806. 28. Jerusha, b. Aug. 12, 1782, m. Chester 29. Uri, b. July 22, 1786, m. Rockwell of East Windsor Feb. 28, 1805, 30. Abiel, b. July 4, 1788, m. and resided a time in WolcottviUe in 31. Lura, b. 1792, m. Samuel Seymour, the first house built north of the bridge 29. Capt. Uri, son of Joseph and Ann (Wilson) Taylor, m. Abigail Aus- tin of Torringtbid ; an excellent woman, and with her husband took much interest in the building and establishing the Congregational church. Children : 32. Frederick, d. early. 34- Frederick L., b. Dec. 6, 1815, m. 33. Charlotte, m. Charles S. Church, Nov. a8, 1833. 30. Abiel, son of Joseph and Ann (Wilson) Taylor, m. Eunice, only dau. of Eliphalet and Sarah (Whiting) Eno, May 4, 1813, and lived on his father- in-law's homestead. He d. Feb. 14, 1838, a. 39 years. His widow Eunice d. Nov. 4, 1863, aged 68. Children : 35. Eleanor Ann, b. Sept. II, 1813, d. Apr. 38. Henrietta, b. June i, 1822, m. Merritt 12 1814. Treat; lives in WolcottviUe. 36. Eleanor Ann, b. Mar. 8, 1815, m. 39. Abiel Eno, b. Aug. 14, 1827, m. Flora Eugene Pardee of Wadsworth, O. Hocumb ; lives on a part of the old home- 37. Roxy Eunice, b. Nov. 12, 18 19, m. stead. Henry I. Jackson of New Milford Nov. 1838, resides in WolcottviUe. 32. Frederick L., son of Capt. Uri and Abigail (.Austin) Taylor, m. Erne- line, dau. of Levcretie Scott of Torrington, May, 1856. She d, Feb, 20, 1875, and he m., 2d, Mrs. Annis M., widow of George P. Roberts, Jan. 31, 1877. TAYLOR, Stephen, brother to Capt. Elijah Gaylord's wife, came from Windsor and settled on Torringford west street where he d. Children : 1. Prudence, m. Ebenezer Carr, had several 8. Desdemona, d. not m. children removed to Black river country. 9. Elijah, m. Northway, removed. 2. Ruth. 10- John, m. Fanny Strong. 3. Ruth. II- Stephen, d. young. 4. Ruth, d. not m. a. 41. 12- Truman, d. a. 20. 5 Abigail, not m., d. in Windsor. 13. Lucy, m. Manley. 6. Hannah. 7. Hannah, m. Tutile of Water- town, had Lucius and Lucy. 10. John, son of Stephen, m. Fanny Strong in 1823; lived on the Fitch Loomis place, d. Feb. 26, 1834, a. 37 Children: 14. John N., b. Dec. 40, 1825, lives near Woodruff, who d. in the late war, she Hartford. rn. 2d, Nelson Alvord. 15. Mary Louisa, b. May 30, 1827, m. Ad- 17. Frances U., b. July 12, 1833, m. Fred- matha Bates of Salisbury. erick Burns, of Winsted. 16. Harriet E., b. Feb. 13, 1829, m. Henry 18. John U., b. Aug. 5, 1834, d. young. THR.'\LL, Timothy, b. July 25, 1641. and m. in Windsor, Deborah Gunn, Nov. 10, 1659. She d. Jan. 7, 1694 ; Timothy, Sen , d. June, 1697 : "Old Goode Thrall," his inother, d. July 30, 1676. Children: 1. Debora. b. Aug. 19, 1660. 6. John, b. June 5, 1671. 2. Timothy, b. Dec. 7, 1662. 7. Martha, b. May 31, 1673. 3. Mehltable, b. March, 1664. 8. Thomas, b. Aug. 5, 1675. 4. Elizabeth, b. Mny i, 1667. 9. Samuel, K p^^ ^^ ^^g^^ 5. Thomas, b. July 10, 1669, d. Aug. 12, 10. Abigail, / ' ' ' 1672. Mks. URI TAYLOR. Genealogies. 771 6. Sergt. John, son of Timothy Tlirall. Jr., and Deborah (Gunn) Thrall, m. Mind well Moses, Jan. 6, 1697. Lived in Windsor, was an original pro- prietor of Torrington lands, having a £125, 15 s., right ; he being the third in amoLint of wealth, of the proprietors. He d. April 18, 173 2. Children: 11. John, b. Oct. 13, 1699. 16. Daniel, b. Dec. 13, 1712; removed to 12. Moses, b. April 29, 1702. Tonington. 13. Aaron, b. Sept. 27, 1704, d. July 7, 17. Joel, b. May 27, 1716; removed to 1731. Torrington. 14. Amy, b. Jan. 10, 1706. 18. Charles, b. July 30, 1718. 15. Joseph, b. May 13, 1710; removed to 19. Jerusha, b. Sept. 2, 1722. Torrington. 1 5. Joseph, son of John and Mindwell (Moses) Thrall, of Windsor, had one son only, so far as is known. He does not appear to have come to Torrington with his brothers Daniel and Joel, but his son came. Child : 20. Joseph, b. July 8, 1734. 16. Daniel, son of John and Mindwell (Moses) m. Elizabeth. Children: 21. Daniel, b. probably in Windsor. 23. Caroline, b. May 31, 1755. 22. Elizabeth, b. Dec. 11, 1739- 24. Martha, b. June 19, 1757. 22. Rachel, bap. Nov. 6, 1743. 17. Joel, son of John and Mindwell (Moses) Thrall, m. Margaret , probably of Windsor. He settled in Torrington, about 1739, on what is known still as the Thrall place on Goshen turnpike, half a mile east of the Goshen line, the old chimney is still standing. Here he probably kept a tavern and his son Pardon after him. He raised a large family ; was an influential man as a farmer ; not a member of the church which was strange for his day. He d. Oct. 15, 1777. Children: 25. Joel, b. Apr. 15, 1739. 31. Noah, b. Apr. 3, 1754. 26. Aaron, b. May 29, 1742, m. 32. Margaret, b. Jan. 9, 1756, m. Charles 27. Chloe, b. Mar. 5, 1745, m. Robert Coe. Thrall, probably her cousin of Windsor, 28. Reuben, b. Feb. 20, 1747, m. and had: Jerusha, b. June 22, 1774} 29. Levi, b. June 11, 1749, m. _ Rhoda, b. Apr. 22, 1776. 30. Friend, b. June 9, 1752, m. 33. Pardon, b. Feb. 10, 1759, m. 20 Joseph, son of Joseph of Windsor, settled in Torrington on a farm near the southwest corner of the town, known as the Nathan Tlirall and Ira Thrall place ; has been a celebrated dairy farm. He d. Aug. 5, 1776. His widow d. May 3, 1800. Children: 34. Daniel, bap. June 5, 1763. 36. Joseph, b. Apr. 20, 1770. 35. Nathan, b. Apr. 4, 1769, m. 37. Amy, b. Mar. 7, 1772. 2 1. Daniel Jr., son of Daniel and Elizabeth Thrall, m. Keziah Brooks, of Springfield, June 2, 1785. Children : 38. Nancy, b. July 25, 1787. 42. Samuel, b. Feb. 6, 1797, m. Minerva 39. Sarah, b. July 28, 1789. Hamilton of Goshen and removed west. 40. Keziah, b. Feb. 12, 1791. 43. Joshua, b. July 21, 1799, m. Allyn, 41. Lavina, b. Jan. 13, 1793. lived in Wokottville. 26, Aaron, son of Joel and Margaret Thrall, m. Mary Doud, of Goshen, Feb. 12, 1766. Children : 44. Roger, b. March 21, 1767. 45. Sabra, b. April 3, 1769. 28. Reuben, son of Joel and Margaret Thrall, m. Ruth Bancroft, of Tor- rington, Aug. II, 1765. Child: 46. Alexander, b. March 19, 1768. 29. Levi Thrall, son of Joel and Margaret Thrall, m. Mary, dau. of 772 History of Torrington. Dea. John Whiting, and lived at the corners of the Goshen road and the one thyt goes to the site of the Torrington meeting liouse, now owned by Willard Birge. Children : 47. Augustus, b. Oct. 9, 17735 removed to 49. Loriain, m. Missouri. 50. Amanda, b. Match 17, 1785, m. Lu- 48. Mary, b. Feb. i, 1776, m. Ira Loomis. man Loomis. 30. Friend, son of Joel and Margaret Thrall, in. Lois Barber, May 27, 1773; she d. July 5, 1773. Child : 51. Lois, b. June 26, 1773, d. Oct. 17, 1773- 31. Noah, son of Joel and Margaret Thrall, m, Fowler, and settled on a farm in the north part of the town and west part of Newfield, stiil known by his name, where he d. Children : 50. Harriet, d., never m. 53. Sophia, m. John Pitkin, vi'ho d. in Ver- 51. George Worthy, d., never m. mont. 52. Homer Fowler, d., never m. 32. Pardon, son of Joel and Margaret Thrall, resided on his father's home- stead some years; then sold his household goods at auction, and when the sale closed he took a bottle, stood on a bench and said "this is the last drink I shall take among you ; remember this is the old Pardon Thrall place." He went west. 35. Nathan, son of Joseph, m. widow Sylvia Phelps Feb. 1800; lived near the southwest corner of the town. Children: 52. Luke, b. May 22, 1800, m. lived on 53. Ira, b. Sept. 12, 1802. the homestead j a son Charles lives in 54. Anna, b. Jan. 31, 1805. Litchfield. 49. Lorrain, son of Levi and Marv (Whiting) Thrall, in. Sarah Dutton. He built the house, now the iiome o.''Mr. Willard Birge. Children: 55. Lewis A., b. Feb. 28, 1813, m. 56. Levi W., b. Apr. 21, 1815. 53. Ira, son of Nathan and Sylvia (Phelps) Thrall, m. Lucy Sperry Oct. 19. 1836. He and his brother divided their father's farm, and he built a house a little s uih from the old one, on the opposite side ot the road, where he lived until his decease Feb. 9, 1863. Children : 57. Edward L., b. Sept. 6, 1837, m. Julia Smith Feb. 29, 1872, lives on her father's Morris, of Wokottville, and lived on his homestead. father's homestead, d. May 1866. 59. Frank I., b. June 7, 1856, resides in 58. Mary, b. Feb. 18, 1841, m. Charles R. Litchfield. 55. Lewis A., son of Lorrain and Sarah (Dutton) Thrall, m. Nancy E., dau. of Jacob N. Blakcslee of VVatertown, Ct., Sept. 8, 1833, who was born May 20, 1815 ; resides in Guilford, Ct. Children: 60. Sarah E., b. Aug. 13, 1835, m. Wm. New York, was three years in the late Davis of Goshen. war; has Lewis H., b. May 22, 1869; 61. Mdaline J., h. Sept. 23, 1837, m. Clark Mary B., b. Mar. 22, 1872. Davis of Goshen. 63. Hiram L., b. Sept. 10, 1848, m. in 62. Edwin A., b. Jan. 22, 1842, m. Apr. 1870 Sarah .Munson, lives at Thomaston, 23, 1868, Mary Hopkins; is a jeweler in has Willie and Carrie. 56. Levi W., son of Lorrain and Sarah (Duiton) Thi all, m., ist, Amelia Beccher, who d. Oct. 26, 1868; 2d, Antoinette F. F. Cowles June 25, 1869, lives at Guilford ; had Sarah B., Martha A., Lorrain, Levi, Beecher J., Henry L, Charles W., Anna A., Walter J. TURNER, Henrv, b. in Salisbury June 27, 1822, m. Polly Ann, dau. of Genealogies. 773 John L. Harris of Ancram, Columbia Co., N. Y., June 1846. He is a scythe maker by tracic and came to Wrighuillc July 1864, and engaged in his trade at the factory then in opcraiion in the- place. Cliildren : 1. Wm. Henry, b. in Salisbury, Feb. 20, 3. Ella Jane, b. Oct. 26, 1852. 1845, m. and lived in Troy, N Y. 4. Lillie A., b. Oct. 24, i860, d. Sept. 9, 2. Alice Augusta, b. May 29, 1848, m. 1864. Njth.in Barden and has 3 children, Carrie, 5. Virginia Birdella, b. Sept 8, 1863. Ida, George. TUTTLE, Major Isai.ah, son of Jchicl and Charity (Todd) Tuttle, was b. May 25,1752. His grandfather was Josiah.son of Samuel, son of John, who was son of William the first of the name in New Ha\en. He came toTorrington about 1772, and m. Ruth, dau. of Capt. Amos Wilson, Mar. 22, 1774 Three children were b. while he lived on the west side of the town. He erected the first house in the northeast corner of the town, now owned and occupied by his grand dau., Mrs. O. L. Hopkins. In 1803 he built a new house near the other in which he resided until his death. He kept tavern in the old house and also in the new ; was a hard working, much respected man. He d. Dec. 28, 1831. His widow d. Apr. 21, 1838. Children: 1. Uriel, b. 1774, d. Feb. 7, 1778. Saphron ia, m. Henry Bacon ; Uriel. 2. Lovisa, b Oct. 25, 1775, m. 8. Rhoda, b. May 21, 1791, m. Abner Meniman, had 4 children. Walter. 3. Bede, b. May 31, 1777, m. Elijah 9. Carolus, b. March 19, 1793, m. 1st, Strong, had 4 children. Mary Andrews, 2 Polly Simcox, had 4. Uriel, b. Oct. 13, 1779, m. Juliett, m. Saniual Austin ; Cornelia, m. 5. Zerviah, b. May 22, 1782, m. Albert Thomas j Lucius, m.; Mary, m. Forbes. Philip King ; Adah M., m. Dr. Bathirst; 6. Daniel, b. Oct. 27, 1786. Catharine M., m. Martin Ballou; Emily, 7. Sarah, b. March, 13, 1789, m. Julius m. Mason; McCline ; Ann; Burr; had Luci-n.i, m. Arvus Chapman; George; Charles. Elizabeth, m. Dr. Converse; Alpha; 10. Leverett, b. Dec. 6, 1796, m. 4. Gen. Uriel, son of Isaiah and Ruth (Wilson) Turtle, m. Adah Hudson Feb. 25, 1801, who d. Mar. 25, 1866. General Tuttle was a man of large influence, much celebrity and of high estimation through the anti-slavery times. He d. Apr. 4, 1849. Child: 11. Hubbard, b. Dec. 5, 1801, d. Dec. 31, 1830, unm. 6. Daniel, son of Isaiah and Ruth (Wilson) Tuttle, m. Clarissa Hudson. Children : 12. Fanny M., b. June, 25, 1806, m. Char- 15. Lamphier B. b. July 18, 1817, m. les, Selden, 1836, d. Dec. 20, 1844. Charlotte Coe, Sept. 14, 1841 ; had 13. Catharine, b. Feb. 3, 1810, m. Lucius Charles Coe, b. July 9, 1842, d. April 17, J. Woodford, in 1833, had George E., 1846. b. March 1836, m. Rosa A. Fyler, had 16. James H., b. Jan. 11, 1819, m. Corde- Frank and Kate. lia Woodford, May 25, 1841, had Hub- 14. George H , b. May 30, 18 I 5, m. Mary bard E., b. Oct. 30, 1842; James R., d. E. V. Dawkins, March 28, 1843, had Sept. 23, 1861. Edward E., b. Aug. 18, 1845, d. July 9, 17. Ruth O., b. July 4, 1823, d. Nov. 4, 1864; Clara S., b. May 30, 1854, m. 1859. Wm A. Fennelle ; Jennie E., b. Feb. 8, 1857. 10. Leverette, son of Isaiah and Ruth (Wilson) Tuttle, m. Chloe Coir. Ch.: 18. Ellen M., b. Dec. 14, 1830, m. Orrin Nellie, b. July 28, 1858, d. Feb. 11, L. Hopkins, June 16, 1851; had Mary 1862; Frank, b. June 24, 1868. L., b. June 8, 1853, m. A. Bunnell, Feb. 19. John L., b. July 24, 1835, m. Annie 13, 1873, had Nellie J., b. May 16, 1877; G. Bemis, Jan. 3, 1859, she was b. Aug. 774 History of Torrington. 31, 1836, had Alice B., b. Dec. 14, 1859, 20. Charlotte C, b. Dec. 16, 1837, m. d. March 31. 1862; Fannie D., b. June James A. Manchester, ^lay 16, 1857, 18, 1863; Edward L., b. Sept. 22, 1866. had Cara A., b. Aug. 18, 1858. TUTTLE, Albert, son of William and Mary (Sanford) Tuttle, of Wood- bury, m Harriet E. Saxton, Sept. 15, 18-^5, and was engaged in the Cuniss woolen mill of Woodbury, fourteen years, as finisher of broad chths. He came to Wolcottville in 1858, and engaged as finisher of cloths in the woolen mill, in which company he is now a partner, and overseer of the finishing de- partment. The ancestors of this familv are, his father William, son of Andrew, son of Isaac, son of Nathaniel, all of Woodbury. Nathaniel, b. in New Haven, was the son of William who came from Devonshire, England, in the ship Planter, in 1635, and settled in New Haven. Child : I. Nathan Andrew, b. Oct. 23, 1849; is has in his possession one of Phineas engaged as finisher in the woolen mill with North's eight day, high case clocks, in his father. He is a lover of old relics, and a very perfect state of preservation. TYLER, Charles C, son of Alvin and Adaline (Church) Tyler, m. Webster, and settled in Fountain Green, 111, where all his children were born. Children : 1. Adaline Hannah, b. Nov. 21, 1861, d. 3. Charles S., b. Aug. 13, 1867. Oct. 3, 1862. 4. Mary F., b. Nov. 10, 1869. 2. Jesse, b. Nov. 2, 1863, d. March 28, 5. Albert W., b. Oct. 20, 1872. 1864. 6. Clark L., b. Aug. 29, 1875. VARY, Nathan E., son of Lyman Vary of Bristol, was born July 13, 1850, and came to Wolcottville in April 1876. He is a watch maker; his place of business is in Lathrop's block on Main street. He m. Carrie E., dau. of Leonard St. John of Hartford, Mar. 7, 1873 ; resides on east Main street. WATSON, Thomas, son of Levi and Abigail (Ensign) VVatson of New Hartford, was b. Oct. 15, 1763, m. Jan. 1, 1797, Melicent Weimore, dau. of Joel and Sarah (Lyman) Wetmore. He was a soldier of the Revokrion, both in the militia and continental army, under Col. Zebulon Butler, for which service he was in the enjoyment of a pension at the time ot his death. He lived in the town of New Hartford until April 1821, when he removed to Torriugford and lived on the Nehemiah Gaylord place, which was their home twenty-seven vears, his wife dying there Sept 19, 1848, aged 76 years. In October 1848, he returned to his former residence to spend the remainder of his days with his son Thomas, in whose house he d. Jan. 23, 1850, aged 86 years. He was an industrious, successful farmer. Children : 1. Roman, b. Sept. 27, 1797, not m.; a New York, residing there two years, thence merchant in New Orleans and a farmer to Detroit, Mich. at RoseviUe, 111. 4. Milicent W , b. Dec. 29, j8o8, m. Feb. 2. Thomas, b. Feb. 6, 1800; m. farmer in 29, 1836 Augustus E. Bissell of Torring- New Hartford, afterwards removed to ford. He engaged as a produce and for- Winsted. warding merchant in Detroit, Mich. 3. Hiram, b. Jan. 21, 1802, m. Elizabeth 5. George, b. Mar, 12, 1812, m Sept. 10, S. Ellsworth, was a physician, practiced 1833 Jane Belden, removed to RoseviUe, medicine in E. Windsor, Ct., removed to 111., a farmer. WARD, Dea. Giles, came from Soiners to Torrington, and was elected deacon of the Torrington church in 1838, and d, in 1845, a. 76. He lived in Newfield, where he owned the grist mill and did considerable business, Ch. : 1. Harvey. 3. Eunice, m. Pinney ; lived in Lud- 2. Giles. lowville, Mass. Genealogies. 775 WATTLES, Henry, m. Susan A. Osborn, Feb. lo, 1818. Children re- corded in Torrington : I. Mary A., Feb. 10, 1818. 3. Charles, b. Jan. 14, 1820. a. Wm. H., b. Feb. 14, 1819. 4. Sarah, b. May 10, 1825. WELCH, Gideon H., son of James M. and Eliza (Higgins) Welch, of New Haven, was b. Sept. 22, 1844 ; came to Wolcottville, in 1870, and m. Susie Church, daughter of Bradley R. Agard, of Wolcottville, Oct. 8, 1873. He resides on Litchfield street. WELLS, Harrison H., son of Thomas Wells of Chittenden county, Vt., came to Wolcottville, about 1849, purchased the American House about 1865, continuing the same as a hotel. He m. Rhoda, daughter of Major Charles Partrce of Waterbury, Ct. Child: I. Carrie A., b. 1858. WESTL.AKE, Samuel, son of Samuel, who came from Orange or Rock- land Co., N. Y., to Winchester, was b. March 24, 1780, m. 1st, Clarissa, dau. of Christopher Whiting, of Winchester. She d. Jin. 27, 1815 ; 2d, Catharine, Mather, came from Winchester to Torrington hollow, where he resided. He was a shoemaker. Children by 1st wife : I. Clarissa, b. Feb. 23, 181 3, not m., lives in Winchester. By 2d wife : 2. Cornelia, b. Jan. 12, 1817, m. Geo. 7. Harriet, b. Feb. 4, 1829, d. 19 y. of a. Stimson, of Herkimer Co., N. Y. 8. Charles, b. July 1831, d. 4 months of a 3. Albert, b. Dec. 4, 1818 ; went to Ken- 9. William, b. Jan. 22, 1 834, d. 2 y. and tucky. 8 months. 4. Esther, b. Sept. 12, 1820, m. Joseph 10. Sarah, b. July 31, 1838, m. Solon AUyn, April 17, 1845. Douglas, went to Ohio. 5. Mercia, b. Oct. 16,1822, d. 16 y. of a. 11. Carrie, b. April 2, 1841, m. Geo. Pierce, 6. John, b. Oct. 14, 1824, d. 16 y. of a. of T. WESTON', Ephraim P., was b. May 22, 1836, in Jefferson Co , N. Y., and m. Margaret Fleming, Feb. 2, 1857, in Kinderhook, N, Y. He was a millwright and worked at his trade until he came to Torrington, in June, 1835, and engaged with the Union Hardware Co , at Torrington hollow, and has continued with that company until the present time. He is now general superintendent of the work of the mills, and resides on Migeon avenue. Children : 1. Ida, b. June, 1859, d. a. one month. 3. Frederic P., b. July 11, 1869. 2. Franklin F., b. Jan. 18, 1868. X WHITMORE,' Thomas, was b. in England, western part, in 1615, and came to America, in 1635, embarking according to tradition at Bristol. The first mention of his name in the Colonial records is in the Wethersfield town in 1639-40. He subsequently removed to Hartford, where he m. Sarah, dau. of John and Ann (Wijlocks) Hall, of Hartford, Dec II, 1645. He was representative to the general court in 1654, and 1655, and d. Dec. 11, 1681, a. 66. Children : I. John, bap. Sept. 6. 1646. Josiah Atkins of East Hartford; removed a. Elizabeth, b. 1648, m. Oct. 8, 1673, to Middletown. * If^etmtrt Genealogjt. 776 History of Torrington. 3. Mary, b. 1649, m. Nov. 13, 1668, John 10. Nathaniel, b. Apr. 21, 1661, m. Dorcas Stow of Middlctown. Allen. 4. Sarah, b. 1650, d. July 14, 1655. 11. Joseph, b. Mar. 5, 1663, m. Lydia 5. Thomas, b. Oct. 19, 1652, m. Feb. 20, Bacon. 1685, Elizabeth Hubbard. 12. Sarah, b. Nov. 27, I 664, m. John Bacon. 6. Hannah, b. Feb. 13, 1653, m. Nathaniel 13. Mehitable, b. June 10, 1669, m. An- Stow, Sen. drew Bacon. 7. Samuel, b. Sept. 10, 1655, m. 14. Benjamin, b. Nov. 27, 1674. 8. Izrahiah, b. Mar. 8, 1657, m. Rachel, 15. Abigail, b. Nov. 6, 1678, m. Samuel dau. ot Rev. Samuel Stow. Bishop. 9. Beriah, b. Nov. 2, 1658, m. Margaret, 16. Hannah, b. Jan. 4, 1680, m. Nath. dau. of Rev. Samuel Stow. Bacon, 3d. 7. Samuel, son of Thomas and Sarah (Hall) Whitmore, m. Dec. 13, 1687, Mary, dau. of Nathaniel Bacon, Sen. He removed to Middlcfield society, in Mid- dletown, in 1700. His wife, Mary, d. May 24, 1709. He d. April 12, 1746, aged 90. Children: 17. Mehitable, b. Nov. 14, 1689. 21. Thomas, b. Aug. 26, 1698. 18. Samuel, b. March 13, 1692. 22. Uanicl, b. May 9, 1703. 19. Mary, b. June 29, 1694. 23. Bcthiah, b. Jan. 22, 1707. 20. Benjamin, b. May 17, 1696. 24. Jabez, b. May 14, 1709. 18. Samuel, son of Samuel and Mary (Bacon) Wetm:re, m. June 21, 1722, Hannah Hubbard, b. July 21, 1700. He left Midcikficld on elcciion day 1771, being in his eightieth year, and removed to Winchester wiiere he settled on a farm which has remained in the possession of his descendants to the present time. tie d. Dec. 30, 1773, ''g^'^ ^'- ^'^ wife Hannah d. June 4, 1794, aged 94. Children: 25. Samuel, b. Dec. 24, 1723. son of Nathaniel Bacon Nov. 16, 1758, 26. Hannah, b. Dec. 18, 1725, m. and d. in Torrington, in 1803, a. 69. Graves. 31. Lois, b. Mar. 6, 1736, m. Jan. 7, 1772, 27. John, b. Oct. 27, 1727. John, son of Caleb Wetmore. 28. Noah, b. April 16, 1730. 32. Joel, b. Mar. 9, 1738. 29. Mehitable, b. Aug. 5, 1732, m. Capt. 33. Millicent, b. Sept. 15, 1739. Asa Upson of New Cambridge (Bristol), 34. Mary, b. July 23, 1741, m. 1st Abra- Aug. 14, 1776. ham Loomis, 2d Baldwin. 30. Sarah, b. March 31, 1734, m. James, 25. Dea. Samuel, son of Samuel and Hannah (Hubbard) Wctinore, m. Feb. 6, 1752, Anna Roberts, of Durham, b. March 16, 17?3. He removed with his father to Winchester. His wife Anna, d. Sept. 22, 1804, a. 81. He d. March 2, 1809, a. 86. Child: 35. Abel, b. in Middletown, April 6, 1753. 27. John, son of Samuel and Hannah (Hubbard) Wetmore, m. May 19, 1757, Elizib-'th Learning, of MidJIeiown, and settled in Torrington, where they united with the church in 1758, under the half way covenant. He was killed Aug. 27, 1795, while riding on horseback, on the highway, by the falling of a tree during a heavy thunder storm. Children : 36. Elizabeth, bap. Oct. 15,1758, m. David 38. Samuel, bap. Match 20, 1764; removed Alvord, of Winchester; had Persis and in 1800, to Vernon, Oneida Co., N. Y., Ursula. d. in 1824. 37. Seth, m. and lived in Winchester. 28. Rev. Noah, son of Samuel and Hannah (Hubbard) Wetmore, m. Submit, dau. of Ithiel Russell, of Branford. He graduated at Yale College in 1757 ; studied for the ministry ; was ordained in Nov , 1760 ; and appears to have resided a short time in Torrington, his dau. Junia, being baptized here. On the 25th of Nov., 1770, he was settled as the first pastor of the Congregational Genealogies. 777 church, at Bethel, Fairfield Co., where he ministered until 1784. In April, 1786, lie was called to the first Presbyterian ciiurch at Brook Haven, Long Island, where lie labored as pastor until his death, March 9. 1796, Children : 30. [unia, bap. March 30. 1761. and had charge of the New York hospital, 40. Ireni, b. Sept. 11, 1762, m. Dr. David thirty or more years, being greatly respected Woodhull, of Setauket, L. I. by the medical professicn. 41. Hannah, b. Jan. 22, 1765, d. Nov. 29, 43. A;ipolos, b. Dec. 14, 1771. 1795. 44- Samuel Ith'el, b. Dec. 30, 1774, m. 42. Noah, b. May 4, 1767, m. ; had family ; Liberty, dau of Dr. Benjamin Young removed to New York city about 1808, Prime, whose family is quite celebrated. 32. Joel, son of Samuel and Hannah (Hubbard) VVciniore, came from Middlctown, to Torrington, when twenty-four years of age, and m. Nov 23, 1763, Sarah, daughter of Ebenczcr Lyman Jr. He and his wife, owned the Covenant March 10, 176;, and were taken under the watch of the church. He d. in Torrington, Feb, 1814, a. J^. His widow, Sarah, d. in 1832, a. 92. Children : 45. Olive, b. Mir. 10, 1765, m. Ezra Hay- Watson. She d. Sept. 19, 1848; he d. den of Windsor, July 13, 1786. Jan. 23, 1830. 46. libenezer Lyman, b. in 1766, bap. in 48. Jolin l'i>meroy, b. in Norfolk, June 15, Torrinyton, Dec. 28, 1766. 1770. 47. Millicent, b. in T., Jan. 10, 1772, m. 49. Sarah, b. in Torrington, m. Giles Jan. I, 1797, Capt. I'homjs Waison ol Whiting. New Hartford, son of Levi and Abigail 37. Major. Seth, son of John and Elizabeth (Learning) Wetmore, m. Lois, daughter of Col. Ozias Bronson, of Winchester, Dec. 9, 1779; six of his children are recorded in Torrington and he probably resided here until after 1795, when he removed to Winchester, and thence, after some years, to Cana- joharie, N. Y., wiiere he d. April 16, 1836. Cliildren : 50. John, b. Oct. 7, 1780. 54. Alphonso, b. Feb. 5, 1793, '^- '^^ St. 51 Seth, b. Oct. 3, 1784, d. at Lake Louis, Mo., in 1849. Pleasant. 55- Salmon, b. Sept. 2, 1793. 52. Abigail, b. Mar. 27, 17S7, d. at Eagle 56. Pythagoras, b. Apr. 12, 17985 a lawyer village, N. Y., Oct , 1858. at Canajoharie. 53. Artemesij, b. Nov. 7, 1789, d. at Cana- 57. Lois M , b. June 15, 1800, d. in Ken- joharie, N. Y., July, 1813. tucky, July, 1851. By 2d wife in Canajoharie: 58. Lucy Elizabeth, b. May 9, 1802. 59. George Clinton, b. June, 1809. 38. S.AMUEL, son of John and Elizabeth (Learning) Wetmore, m. Hannah Griswold, May 15, 1788 ; and settled in Winchesier. Children: 60. Selina, b. Mar. 13, 1789. 66. Samuel, b. 1801. 61. Learning (son), b. Feb. 14, 1791. 67. Hannah, b. 1804. 62. Ruby, b. June 27, 1793. 68. Harriet T., b. 1806. 63. Almeda, b. 1795. 69. Hurlbut G., b. 1808. 64. Candace, b. 1797. 70. Clarissa, b. 1811. 65. Calvary, b. 1799. 46. Ebenezer. L., son of Joel and Sarah (Lyman) Wetmore, m. Elizabeth Miller, Sept. 1795 ; settled in a house on east side of the road a little way north of Charles S. Munger's present home, and afterwards, on the west side of the road on the hill further north than his first dwelling. He afterwards removed about 1836, to Wolcottville, taking his house with him, and located it on Church street, it being the one now occupied by his son Laurin Wetmore. He spent a long and virtuous life in his native town and d. March 3, 1848, a. 81 ; his widow d. Sept. 18, 1850, a. about 80. Children: 98 778 History of Torrington. 71. Nancy, b. July 19, 1796, m. Israel Coe, lived in northern part of Goshen a farmer, d. Aug. 30, 1838. He d. Feb. 2Z, 1875, a. 71, had: Elizabeth, 72. Lauren, b. July 9, 1801. b. June 9, 1834; has been a music teacher 73. Maria, b. May 14, 1805, m. Asahel some fifieen years ; Elisha A., b. Nov. 19, Coe. 1837 ; a merchant in Wokottville. 74. Amanda, b. Jan. 25, 1808, m. Elisha 75. Louisa, b. in 1810, m. Phineas North. Baldufin of Goshen, d. May 23, 1833, 48. John P., son ot Joel and Sarah (Lyman) Wetmore, m. Nov. 25, 1795 Miriam Dibble, of Torrington, b. Marcli 28, 1796, d. July 26, 1806, a. 32 ; m. 2d Mirah Atwater, of Burlington, Vt. He removed to Burlington, Vt., where he resided many years, removed thence to St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., where he d. Aug. 22, 1853, in his 84ih year. Children: 76. Delia, b. in T.,JuIy 29, 1797, m. Wm. 84. Frederick P., 2d, b. Oct. 30, 18 13, m. Atwater. Nov. 28, 1844, Sarah M. Whitman, at 77. Frances, b. in B., Nov. 28, 1799, m. East Haddam, C'c. William Moulton, Feb. 1827. 85. Henry A., b. in B., Feb. 18, 1816, m. 78. Julia, b. in B., Mar. 6, 1802, m. Maria Bradley, 1845. Knapp, 1842. 86. Harriet M , b. Oct. 25, 1818, m. Phi- 79. Emeline, b. in B., Feb. 28, 1804, d. lander Robins in 1838. April 19, 1805. 87. William L., b. Jan. 3, 1821, m. Louisa 80. Adeline, b. in B., Dec. 4, 1805, m. A. Lee Pelly. Mile Laflin Feb. 16, 1832. 88. Clarissa A., b. Mar. 4, 1823, d. Feb. 4, 81. Mariana, b. in B., Apr. 22, 1808, d. 1826. Sept. 3, 1809. 89. Russell C, b. Oct. 4, 1826, d. July 10, 82. Sally Ann, b. in B., Mar. 15, 1810, d. 1845. Sept. 17, 1810. 83. Frederick P., b. in B., Aug. 3, 1811, d. Feb. 13, 1813. 72. Dea. Lauren, son of Ebenezer L. and Elizabeth (Miller) Wetmore, m. Fanny C. .'\ustin, in 1827, resides in Wokottville. (6"^^ Biog.') WHITING,' Rev. Samuel, was the second son of John Whiting, mayor of Boston, in Lincolnshire, England, where he was b. Nov. 20, 1597. He graduated at Cambridge university, England, where, by the efforts of his pious tutor, his mind was directed to the subject of religion. On leaving college he became a domestic cliaplain to Sir Nathaniel Bacon and Sir Roger Tovvnsend, in which capacity he served three years, when he remoxed to Lynn in the county of Norroli<, where he spent another three years as colleague to the Rev, Mr. Price. At length compLints were made to the bishop of Norwich, of his non-conformity, and he was prosecuted in the higli commission court, and being convinced that he should find no rest in that country, formed the purpose to remove to New England. His wife, a lady of the finest intellectual and moral qualities, decidedly favored the enterprise, notwithstanding the voice of her friends was against it. He sold his whole estate'saying, " I am going to sacrifice unto the Lord in the wilderness, and will not leave a hoof behind." He came in the ship with Wiieelright, who had been his neighbor, in the beginning of April 1636, and arrived May 26, 1636, having been so sick dur- ing the voyage that he preached but once. He was settledi as pastor, in Lynn, Mass., on the 8th of November 1636; was made freeman December 7th fol- lowing. Mr. Whiting was twice married. By his first marriage he had three children, two sons, who died in England, and one daughter who was married ' This family is traced in history back to 1333. Genealogies. 779 in New England to Mr. Welde. His second wife was the daughter of the Rt. Hon. Oliver St. [ohn of Bradfordshirc, who was chief jusiicc of England, in Cromwell's reign, and whose second wife was Cromwell's cousin. She d. Mar. 3, 1678, after having lived with him 47 years. By this marriage he had four sons and two daughters. Three of his sons lived to maturity. He d. Dec. I I, 1679, in the 83d year of his age. Cotton Mather in his Mngnnlia devotes ten pages to a biography of this Rev. Samuel VVhiiing. Children by 2d wife : 1. Samuel, b. in 1633; graduated at Har- 3. John, graduated at Harvard college in vard college, in 1653; settled in Bilerica 1661, was intended for a physician but in 1658, and d. tiiere Feb., 1713. went to England, became a preacher in the 2. Elizabeth, m. Rev. Jeremiah Hobart, estabiislied church. who was minister at Haddam, and d. there 4. Joseph, b. in 1641; graduated at Har- a. 84. vard college. 4. Joseph, son of Rev. Samuel Whiting, m. Sarah, dau. of Deputy Go- vernor Thomas Danforth, and his wife Mary Wiihington. He supplied his father's pulpit for a time and was ordained in 1680, and about 1682 removed to Southampton, Long Island, where he was settled as minister, and where he preached until his death, April 7, 1723, a. 82 years. When Cotton Mather wrote his Mw^///7//V7, in 1698, he says of him " he is a worthy and painfu [searching] minister of the gospel." Children : 5. Samuel, b. July 3, 1674. 9. Joseph, 3d, b. Jan. 14, 1681, d. in a 6. Joseph, b. Nov. 22, 1675, d. in 3 days. few weeks. 7. Joseph, 2d, b. May 8, 1 677, d. 10. John, b. Jan. 20, 1682, graduated at 8. Thomas, b. may 20, 1678, d. in a few Harvard college in 1700; was minister at days. Concord, Mass., where he d. May 4, 1752^ 5. Samuel, son of Rev. Joseph and Sarah Danforth Whiting, went to South- ampton, L. I., with his parents ; m. and raised a family of children ; among them were the following children : II. Joseph. 12. Stephen. 11. Joseph, son of Samuel, and his wife, m. Abigail , and settled in Stamford, Conn., where he was in business in 1724. His wife Abigail, d. in Stamford, in 1733. He m. second, Jan. 25, 1734, Hannah Beach. Children : 13. Sarah, b. 1724, d. 1724. lingford. He practiced medicine in that 14. Samuel. place over fifty years and d. Nov. 24, 15. JonJthan. 1818, a. 80. Shed. Aug. 28, 1836,3. 16. Sarah, 2d, b. March 9, 1744, m. Dec. 93. They had six children. 18, 1771, Dr. Aaron Andrews, of Wal- 12. De.^. Benj.^min, son of Samuel, and his wife, m. Rebecca Parmalee, May 30, 1723. She was b. in 1700. His m. was recorded in Wallingford. He settled in Meriden, and was elected the third deacon of the church in November, 1748. In 1734, he bought three full "rights" of land in Tor- rington, the most of it in the first and second divisions he gave to his sons John and Benjamin. Children : 17. John, b. May 7, 1724, d. an infant. I7S7» Denison Andrews, brother of Dr. 18. John, b. Nov. 23, 1726; settled in Aaron Andrews who m. Abigail's cousin Torrington. Sarah. Denison Andrews lived in Meriden 19. Sarah, b. April 23, 1729. where he d. June 30, 1807, a. 77. She 20. Benjamin, b. Oct. 12, 1731 ; settled in d. Oct. i, 1796, a. 60, They had 15 Torrington. children. 21. Rebecca, b. April 24, 1734- 23. Samuel, b. Aug. 27, 1740. ' 22. Abigail, b. Sept. 7, 1736, m. May 11, 780 History of Torrington. 18. Dea. John, son of Benjamin and Rebecca (Parmelce) Whiting, m. Sarah Foster of Wallingford Jan 18, 1750. and settled in Torrington where he lived to an advanced age. He was a man of great energy of character and of devotion to the Christian church. Sarah, his wife, died Dec. 14, 1813, in the 84th year of her age. He died Feb. 21, 1820, in the g4th year of his age. Mary Foster, mother of Sarah (Foster) Whiting, d. in Torrington at the house of her daughter Sarah, Apr. 5, 1776, in the 73d year of her age. Dea. Whiting came to Torrington soon after he was twenty-one years of age, or in the autumn of 1747 or spring of 1748 ; and built his house opposite of what became the site of the first meeting house on the west side of the road. Children : 24. Sarah, b. Dec. i, 1750, m. Eliphalet 28. John, b. July 24, 1758. Eno, d. Dec. 14, 1813, a. 63. 29. Hcrvey, b. Oct. 27, 1760. 25. Josiali, b. Aug. 15, 1752, removed to 30. Jesse, b. Feb. 4, 1763. New Mailborouyh, Mass., and d. Aug. 31. Seth, b. Sept. 25, 1765. 13, 1811, a. 58. 32. Huldah, b. Sept. 25, 1768, m. Daniel 26. Mary, b. July 10, 1754, m. Levi Thrall, Phelps, of Winchester. Nov. 15, 1770. 33. Giles, b. Jan. 8, 1771. 27. Rebecca, b. Dec. 6, 1756, m. for 2d 34. Roger, b. March 15, 1773, d. April 8, wife. Dr. Elkanah Kodges. 1774- 28. John, son of Dea. John and Sarah (Foster) Whiting, m. Silvia Looniis Mar. 23, 1779, and a few years afterward removed to Colebrook, Ct., where his descendants are still living. Children: 35. Abner, b. May 24, 1779. 36. Ira, b. Nov. 28, 1780. 29. Hervey, son of Dea. John and Sarah (Foster) Whiting, m. Olive Barber Sept. 5, 1790, and after some few years he settled in Torringtord, He was in the revolutionary army. Children : 37. Mircia, b. Dec. 15, 1790, m. Rev. 38. Candace, b. Dec. 4, 1792. David Miller, in 1816 {Hee his Biog.) 39. Amelia, b. July 28, 1 795. She d. April 12, 1863, a. 71. 30. Dea. Jesse, son of Dea. John and Sarah (Foster) Whiting, m. Hannah Smith, Sept. 10, 1784. Removed 10 Norfolk, and thence to Guilford, N. Y., in 1810 ; where he d. April 22, 1845, a. 83 years. His wife, Hannah, was b. 1765, and d. Jan. 23, 1852, a. 86 years. Children: 40. Julius, b. Dec 31, 1784, in Torrington. 43. Miles W. 41. Hannah, m. Hewitt Miles of Norfolk. 44. John F. 42. Alson. 45. Eiastus B. 31. Seth, son of Dea. John and Sarah (Foster) Whiting, m. Triphena Loomis, April 16, 1789, and removed to Colebrook, a few years afterward. His sons were of such size that they were called the " race of giants." Ch. : 46. Sarah, b. July 18, 1790, in T. 33. Giles, son of Dea. John and Sarah (Foster) Whiting, m. ist Sarah Mars-hall. She d. Aug. 5, 1803, a. 34. He m. 2d, Sarah Wetmore, Dec. 26, 1804, who d. Jan. 16, 1853, a. 71. He resided on his father's farm a number of years, then removed to Minister Roberts' farm where his son Alonzo now resides. He was an active man in the ecclesiastical society ; held several ofHces in the town ; and was a prominent farmer in the community for many years. He was a strong man, well proportioned, weighing over two hundred pounds. His last illness was but two or three days' duration, and the peculiari- ties of his disease unknown to the physicians. He d. Feb. 8, 1851, a. 80 years and one month. Children by 1st wife : Genealogies. 781 47. Orphella, b. July 8, 1791, m. Elisha 51. James,) b. Aug. 10, 1798. Nancy m. Hinsdale and after some yeaib removed to 52. Nancy, j Norman Coe, and removed Akron, O. to Watervalley, Mississippi, where she d. 48. Lucia, b. Oct. 21, 1792, m. Griswold Oct. 29, 1870, a. 72, leaving several ch. Woodward, of Torringfurd. 53. Hariiet, b. May 29, 1800, m. Hiram 49. Marcus, b. Feb. 9, 1794. d. Jan. 6, Griswold and resided in Goshen where she 1832, a. 36. d. Feb. 29, 1832, a. 31, leaving a dau. 50. Florilla, b. May 31, 1796, m. Rozel Sjrah and a son Thomas. Benson and removed to Ohio where she 54. Rheuba, b. Mar. 28, 1802, m. Henry d. June 2, 1839, a. 42. Allyn, Feb. 17, 1824. By 2d wife : 55. Lewis, b. Apr. 21, 1807. 56. Alonzo, March 28, 1814. 40. Julius, son of }esse and Hannah (Smith) Wh'uing, m. Liicinda Payne Nov. 9, 1807. She was b. Jan. 2, 1786; d. Aug. 4, 1848. He d. Dec. 29, 1842. He lived in the lown of Guilford, N. Y., where he had the first raising of a house without liquors to drink, providing instead, a supper. Ch.: 57. Franklin S., b. Oct. 15, 1808, d. Feb. Spencer in 1840, had two children, both 22, 1834 dead. 58. Hiram M., b. May 10, 1810, d. Jan. 61. Jenison J., b. Jan. 9, 1818, m. 19, 181 I. 62. Mary L., b. Mar, 13, l8^9, d. Oct. 15, 59. Hram L., b. Oct. 26, 1811, d. Sept. 1822. 19,1849, 63. Joseph W., b. June 23,1821, d. Mar. 3, 60. Lucia, b. Sept. 7, 1815, m. Rev. F. A. 1843. 44. John F., son of Jesse and Hannah (Smith) Whiting, m. Roxanna Dick- inson. Children : 64. Caroline. 66. Mary Ann. 65. Emetine. 67. Eugene. 45. Dea. Erastus B., son of Jesse and Hannah (Smith) Whiting, m. Mills Sept. 20, 1821. He d. May 8, 1857. She d. July 26, i860. Children : 68. Edwin M., b. Apr. 3, 1823. m. Sept. 69. Lucy J., b. Sept. 28, 1824, m. Wm. M. 17, 1846, Emeline 1\ Ives, had Erastus A., Hovey, had Frank and Charles. Lucretia A , Cora E., Mary A., Jesse E. 70. Joseph A., b. Jan. 3, 1832. 46. James, son of Giles and Sarah (Marshall) Whiiing. m. .Amelia P , dau of 01i\er Allyn, Apr. 16, 1828. They li\cd on his lather's homestead about twelve \ears. then bought and settled on the old Ebenezer Lyman farm. He d. Dec. 25, 1874, aged 76 years. Children. 71. Lucia W., b Mar. 12, 1829, m. Rich- dore D. Beardslee of Monroe, Ct., in 1856, ard Gingell of Norfolk, Apr. 3, 1848, where they settled ; child, Fr.ink. children, Robert, James, John and Edwin. 74. Edward W., b. Nov. 25, 1835. 72. Harriet L., b. Oct. 1831, m. Wm. Lee 75. Oliver A., b. Dec. 1837, d. April 1863, Acher in 1850, removed to Washington a, 26. Co., Pa.; children, Mary A., Elizabeth J., 76. Nelson H., b. 1839. Nancy L., and Hatiie Bell. 77. James H., b. May 8, 1841. 73. Jane E., b. Apr. 15, 1833', m. The leo- 55. Lewis, son of Giles and Sarah (Wetmore) Whiting, m. Hannah G., dau. of John Wetmore of Winchester. He traveled before his m. in the south- ern states fourteen years, mostly in Florida, being engaged in mercantile pur- suits. After returning from the south he settled on his farm nearly half a mile south of his father's homestead, where he labored with success about twenty- eight years At this time his health somewhat failing, he sold his farm ; bought a house in Torrington hollow where he lived in a pleasant and comfortable home until his death, Dec. 8, 1875. He was a man ofquiet, dignified bearing. 782 History of Torrington. respectful to all ; hopeful and cheerful under several years of poor and failing health, and closed his life as he had lived, in hope ; leaving only his widow, Hannah G. 56. Alonzo, son of Giles and Sarah (Wetmore) Whiting, m. Rebecca Nash, dau. of John Wetmore, of Winchester, Nov. 11, 1846, and lives on his father's homestead, the old Nathaniel Roberts' farm, the house having been somewhat remodeled and appearing as good as new, but standing on the same site as the old Roberts' house. He keeps a dairy of fifty or more cows, and is one of the prominent, successful farmers of the town. Child: 78. Adaline Sperry, b. June 28, 1858 ; an adopted dau. 59. HiRAM L-, son of lulius and Lucinda (Payne) Whiting, m. Sarah A. Holt, March 8, 1838. Children: 79. Elizabeth, b. Feb. 11, 1840. 80. Adelaide, b. Jan. 12, 1843. 61. Jeni on, J., son of Julius and Lucinda (Payne) Whiting, m. Sarah }. Spauldiug, Oct. 10, 1840 ; is a dry goods merchant in VVinsted, Ct. His wife Sarah J., d. March, 1869. He m. 2d, Mary Phelps, Feb. 23, 1870. She was b. Dec. 16, 1836, in Norfolk. Children: 81. Wilhrd N., b. Aug. 8, 1844, d. Aug. 83. Frank H., b. Oct. 11, 1855, d. May 3, II, 1848. 1869. 82. Ella J., b. May 20, 1849, d. Sept. 7, 84. Charles J., b. April 22, 1859, d. April 1854. 25, 1864. 74. Edward W., son of James and Amelia P. (Allyn) Whiting, m. Hannah J., dau. of John Lee, of Washington Co., Pa., Dec. i, 1864. She was b. March 20, 1845. He resides on his father's homestead ; or the old Ebenezer Lyman place in Torrington. Children : 85. Francis Lee, b. Feb. 22, 1866. 86. Jane Ann, b. May 5, 1868. 77. James H., son of James and Amelia P. (Allyn) Whiting, m. Alice, dau of Rev. Mr, Northrop, of Flint, Mich., where he resides as a hardware merchant. Child : 87. Florence. 20 Ensign Benjamin, son of Dea. Benjamin and his wife Rebecca (Parmelee) Whiting of VVallingford, was b. Oct. 12, 1731. He m. Esther, dau. ofEliasaph Merriinan of Wallingford (now Meriden). She was b. Dec. 2, 1734. When his father deeded him ninety-two acres of land in 1755, he was living on the land which has remained in the possession of the family ever since. Children : 63. Christopher, b. Aug. 3, 1757. in Winchester; she d. March 4, 1835, a. 64. William, b. Sept. 4, 1759, m. 71. She had six children, Lucy, Hannah, 65. Esther, b. Sept. 13, 1763, m. Capt. Alvah, Mary G., Nancy, Samuel, John. John Nash of West Hartford, and settled 66. Benjamin, b. Dec. 11, 1765, m. 63. Christopher,' son of Benjamin and Esther (Merriman) Whiting, m. Mary, dau. of Wilcox, Jan. 9, 1782, and settled on the old road froiTi Winsted to Winchester, north of Sucker brook bridge, and built and oc- cupied a house there until his death July 6, 1812, a. 54. He was an indus- trious, unassuming, worthy citizen. Children : > ff^inchiittr Historjf liy. Genealogies. 783 67. Lorrain, b. Dec. 19, 1782, m. 71. Esther Merriman, b. Sept. 13, 1794. 68. Riley, b. Jan. 16, 1785, m. 72. Norman, b. Aug. 5, 1796, d. Aug. 5, 69. Clara, b. March 11, 1787, m. Samuel 1815, by the kick of a horse. Westlake, and d. Jan. 27, 1815. 70. Luman, b. May 5, 1792, m. Anna Hayden. 64. William, son of Benjamin and Esther (Merriman) Whiting, m. Lucinda SopcrofNcw Hartford, May 9, 1784, and lived on his fa'.hcr's homesicad. His wife Lucinda was born May 5, 1763. He was a great friend of Owen Brown, and the last time they met it was as the meeting and parting of David and Jonathan. He was an industrious, much respected, good man. Ch. : 73. Selah, b. Feb. 13, 1786. 77. Louisa, b. Dec. 18, 1801, m. Gerry 74. Uii, b Aug. 6, 1788. Grant, removed to Vernon, N. Y., thence 75. William Hart, b. Jan. 9, 1794. to Appleton, Wis. 76. Frederick Parmalee, b. Feb. 18,1800. 66. Benjamin, son of Benjamin and Esther (Merrirnan) Whiting, m. Rebecca Swift, May 24, 1791. He lived in Winchester, until 1812, when he removed to Austinburg, Ashtabula Co., O. Children: 78, Myron, b. Jan. 3, 1795. ^° Benjamin, b. Dec, 30, 1801. 79. Milo, b. Feb. 26, 1798. 81. Melissa. 67. Lorrain, son of Christopher and Mary (Wilcox) Whiting, m. May i, 1806, Polly Malory, b. in Winchester, May 24, 1784. He built a brick house on Wallcn's hill, in Winsted near Barkhamsted line, in which he resided until his death, Sept. 6, 1833, a. 51. His widow d. Jan. 10, 1851, a. 66 years. Children : 82. Algernon Sidney, b. Mar. 7, 1807, m. Sophronia C. Wheelock. June 20, 1822, Lurltta M. Sage. 90. Nelson, b. Feb. 25, 1823, 83. Laura, b. Jan. 22, 1809, m. Feb. 7, 91. De Witt Clinton, b. Aug. 29, 1824, d. 1828, Martin Johnson. Nov. 27, 1846. 84. Chloe Amelia, b. Oct. 17, 1810. 92. Polly Malory, b. Feb. 19, 1826. 85. Ursula Jenette, b. Apr. 20, 1812, m. 93. Sarah J.ine, b. Apr. 29, 1827. Oct. 8, 1833, John Camp. 94. Sylvia Ann, b. Dec. 4, 1828. 86. Orson, b. July 5, 1813. 95. Edward Gaylord, b. Feb. 27, 1832. 87. Laurin Christopher, b. Feb. 22, 1819. 88. Hiram Chjtterton, 1 b. Mar. 29, 1821. 89. Homer Wilcox, J m. July 30, 1850, 68. Riley, son of Cliristopher and Mary (Wilcox) Whiting, m. L^rania Hoadlcy, Feb. 9, 1806. He engaged in the clock making business in Winsted, in which lie continued until his death, which took place at Jackson\ille, 111., Aug. 5, 18^5, at the a. of 51. His widow, 111. E. D. Calloway, and d. Dec. 8, 1855. Children: 96. Emily, b. May 23, 1807, m. Aug. 17, 98. Lemuel Hoadley, b. Dec. 11, 1815, d. 1826, Dr. Lyman Case. Dec. 25, 1815. 96. Mary, b. June 11, 1810, m. Feb. 3, 99. Riley, b. Sept. 25, 1820, m. Aug. 28, 1835, James Litchfield. 1843, Clarissa J. Webster. 97. Urania, b. Sept. 9, 1812, m. May 26, 1840, Thomas Wilder. 70. LuMAN, son of Christopher and Mary (Wilcox) Whiting, m. Anna, dau. of Samuel Hayden, and occupied his father's homestead in Winchester, until he removed 10 Ashtabula Co., O., about 1815. 73. Selah, son of William and Lucinda (Soper) Whiting, m. Sabra Abernethy, of Harwinton, April 6. l8og, and resided in several places and removed with his family to Atlas, Pike Co., 111., where he d. Oct. 13, 1837, a. 50 years She d. Feb. 7, 1875, a. 88 years. Children: 784 History of Torrington. 100. William A., b. March 30, 1810, in 103. Selah A., b. Nov. 21, 1816, d. Feb Tor., m. 20, 1867. loi. E. Darwin, b. Dec. 19, 1811, m. 104. John W., b. March 24, 1820, d. Aug. Emily Bradley, Nov. 2, 1837. 21, 1863, in 111. 102. Sabra L., b. Sept. 13, 1814, m. had 105. Catharine, b. May 7, 1823, d. Oct. James and Frederick, and d. July 26, 1830 20, 1837, in 111. in O. 106. Charles B., b. Dec. 7, 1827. 74. Uri, son of William and Liicinda (Sopcr) Whicing, m. Sally, dau. of Moses Loomis, and lived on his father in-la a- 's place on Brandy hill where he d. She d. March 31, 1874, a. 84. Children: 107. George L., b. 1814, d. June 14, 1864, 109. Mariette L., b. March 17, 1818, m. a. C2. Julius Wooding, ot" Wulcottville. 108. Frank L., b. Feb. 14, i8i6,m. Julia 110. Uri L., b 1822, m. Hannah Oviatt, d. Bray, lives in Winchester, has Uri E., and July 30, 1874, a. 51. Marietta. 75. William H., son of William and Lucinda (Soper) Wt iting, m. Almcda B;ach, Fe;-). 4. 1817, who was b. Occ. 24, 1796, liv.-d in the jo'in Bro.vn liouse. He u. in Torrington, May 22, 1842, a. 48. She d. May 11, 1863, a. 67. Children : III. Melinda B., b. July 28, 1818, m. 112. Jennette, b. Oct. 6, 1820, d. in Wash- Jerome B. Woodruff J lives in Washing- ington, D. C. ton, D. C. 113. William D., b. Feb. 4, 1830. 76. Frederick P., son of William and Lutinda (Soper) Whiting, m. Mary A., dau. of Miles Hills, Feb. 15, 1826, and has lived on the old homestead since. The house, now over one hundred years old is in good condition ; the farm having remamed in the same family over one hundred and torty years, or from the first settlement of the same, and the town. Mr. Whiting is siill young for his age, possessed remarkable memory and therefore has been of invaluable service to the author of this book, and to the people who may read it. His wife, Mary, d. Djc. 13, 1876. Children: 114. John Newton, b. July 27, 1827, m. d. Oct. 4, 1874; had children: Louise 115. Roxy, b. April 3, 1830, m. John M. H., b. July 16, 1868; Frederic W., b. Gardner, or Cornwall, lives in Goslien had May 24, 1872, d April 8, 1874; Aschel son b. April 9, 1865 ; and Mary E., b. L , b. Aug. 26, 1874. May 13, 1866. 117. Lucian, b. Nov. 15, 1840, m. Mary 116. Loise, b. Feb. 23, 1836, m. Jan. 7, E., dau. of Joseph North, ot Cornwall and 1861, Asahel L. Lyon, ot Bridgeport, who resides in Cornwall, Ct. 100. William A., son of Selah and Sabra (Abernethy) Whiting, m. ; lived in Atlas, Pike Co., 111. Children : 118. Kate, b. May 10, 1838. 120. Emily, b. Aug. 19, 1843. 119. Marion, b. Sept. 5, 1840. 121. Edward, b. May 3, 1852. 104. John W., son of Selah and Sabra (Abernethy) Whiting, m. and lived in 111. Children : 122. James A., b. Dec. 31, 1850. 124. Helen, b. Feb. 4, i860. 123. Frederic D., b. Nov. 3, 1855. 106. Charles B , son of Selah and Sabra (.Abernethy) Whiting, m. Flavia Blanding, b. March 21, 1840; lived in St. Paul, Minn., and d. March 20, 1877. Children: 125. Floyd, b. Sept. 17, i860. 127. Sanford B., b. Sept. 15, 1868. 126. Edith A., b. July 16, 1863. 128. Charles S., b. Mar. 14, 1871. Genealogies. 785 113. William D., son of William H., and Almeda (Beach") Whiting, m. Sarah P. Spcrry, at Goshen, March 27, 1853 ; resides in Milldale, Ct. Ch.: 129. Lewis D., b. Mar. 10, 1854 in Cheshire. 132. Frances E., b. May 29, 1862, in Tor. 130. George W., b. Aug. 10, 1856, " 133. Edward H., b. Aug. 6, 1865, in Goshen. 131. Nettie S., b. June 9, 1858, " 114. John N , son of Frederick P. and Mary A. (Hills) Whiting, m. Laura A., daughter of Miles Hart, of Goshen, Nov. 5, 1851, lives on his father's homestead. Children : 134. Ella M., b. Aug. 4, 1852, killed by 137. Helen L., b. Jan. 28, 1859. accident, Oct. 9, 1862. 138. Hubert H., b. Jan. 28, 1861, d. Aug. 135. Charles F., b. June 27, 1853, '^- ^^'^- 9) 1862. 8, 1864. 139. Mary E., b. May 9, 1870, d. Oct. 23, 136. George M., b. Apr. 19, 1856. 1870. WILCOX, AsAHEL, m. Mary, daughter of Ebenezer Coe, Sept. 13, 1762. Children : I. Sarah, b. Dec. 8, 1762. 8. Abiathar, b. Aug. 24, 1777. a. Luther, b. Dec. 15. 1764. 9. Ebenezer, b. Dec. 6, 1779. 3. Huldah, b. Dec. 23, 1766. 10. Obadiah, b. Dec. 23, 1781. 4. Mary, b. May 7, 1769. 11. William, b. July 21, 1784, d. Apr. 8, 5. Abiathar, b. Mar. 31, 1771, d. Apr. 18, 1797- 1774. 12. Miles, b. Mar. 8, 1787. 6. Asahel, b. Mar., 1773. 13. Edmond, b. Aug. 4, 1789. 7. Asenath, b. Sept. 3, 1771;. WILCOX, RuLOF D., of Goshen, was b. Mar. 22, 1804, m. Sarah E. Cook of Winchester, Nov. 3, 1834. She was b. June 24, 1806. Settled in Tor- rington in .-^pril 1862. Children: 1. William W., b. Aug. 20, 1833. 5. Caroline M., b. Aug. 25, 1844, m. Jan. 2. Warren W., b. Jan. 6, 1837. 10, 1866, Edgar Phelps, lives near Drake's 3. Martha A., b. Oct. 12, 1839, m. 1858, mills; has Frederick R., b. Dec. 18, Newton Phelps, lives in Winchester. 1872; and a dau. b. Jan. 5, 1876. 4. Lucy J., b. Jan. 2, 1841, m. Henry Phelps, lives in Torrington hollow. 1. William W., son of Rulof, m. Elizabeth Marvin'Sept. 10, 1857. She was b. Jan. 16, 1838. They came to Torrington in 1859, on the old Sage place, near Drake's mills. Children : 6. George F., b. Feb. 12, i86r. 7. William W., b. June 6, 1864. 2. Warren W., son of Rulof, m. Emily Knccttle Oct. 2, 1868. She was b. July I I, 1844 ; lives on the Bildad Loomis place. Child: 8. Perry Lee, b. Dec. 10, 1870. WINCHELL, Ebenezer, of Tor., d. Jan. 2, 1778. WINCHELL, Daniel, m. Martha Bissell, of Tor., June 15, 1779. Ch. : 1. Thankful, b. Oct. 20, 1781, removed 5. David, b. July 4, 1791, is living in Ran- and m. in O. dolph, O. 2. Harriett, b. Nov. 30, 1783, m. Nathan- 6. Ebenezer, m. Maria Yale of Canaan, iel Smith of Torringford, about 1806. had Jane, m. John GiUett of Water- 3. Oliver, b. Jan. 31, 1786, removed to bury; Henry m. and d. in Winsted. He Ohio. d. in Torringford. 4. Daniel, b. May 20, 1788, d. in Ohio, 7. Hiram, m. Olive Goodwin, d. at Ran- killed by a horse. dolph, Ohio. WILLIAMS. David, of Colchester, m. Rhoda Beele of East Haddam, Jan. 31, 1790 ; lived in Torrington several years. Children: 1. Memoris, b. July 1, 1791. 3- David, b. May 13, 1796. 2. Matilda, b. May 24, 1793. 4- Dorancy, b. Sept. 22, 1798, 99 786 History of Torrington. WILLIAMS, John, a soldier in the Revolution, m. Abigail Cowles June 20, 1780. Child. I. Huldah, b. Nov. 10, 1780. WILSON, Robert, was an early settler at Windsor though not among the first. He m. Elizabeth, dau. of Dea. Edward Stebbins. He removed to Farmington where he d. July 21, 1655. His widow m. Thomas Cadwell. Children : 1. John, b. at Windsor. 2. Samuel, b. 1653, at Farmington; and possibly others. 2. Samuel, son of Robert and Elizabeth (Stebbins) Wilson, m. Mary Griffen May i, 1672, who d. Aug. 3, 1697. He lived in Windsor. Ch. : 3. Isabel, b. Feb. 24, 1673. 6. Mary, b. Aug. 7, 1679. 4. Samuel, b. May i, 1675, d. young. 7. Abigail, b. March 3. 1684. 5. Samuel, b. Nov. 21, 1678, d. July 31, 8. John, b. May 24, 1686. 1689. 8. Dea. John, son of Samuel and Mary (GrifFen) Wilson, m. Mary Mar- shall June 16, 1709, who d. Feb. 11, 1772, a. 82. He lived in Windsor and was one of the proprietors of Torrington and d. Aug. 10, 1774, aged 89. Children : 9. Mary, b. July 16, 1710. 13. Joel, b. April 17, 1718. 10. John, b. Nov. 7, 171 1, went to Har- 14. Rachel, b. June 6, 1720, m. John winton. Cook, June 22, 1741. 11. Hannah, b. Oct. 19, 1713. 15. Amos, b. Jan. 13, 1726. 12. Noah, b. Feb. 12, 171 5. 16. Phineas, b. March 16, 1728. 12. Capt. Noah, son of John and Mary (Marshall) Wihon.m. Ann Cook and settled in Tor. in 1742, {See Biog.) Hed. Mar. g, 1796. Children : 17. Ann, b. Apr. 6, 1741, d. June 14, 1741. 22. Ann, b. Oct. 28, 1751, m. Jos. Taylor. 18. Noah, b. Sept. I 3, 1742. 23. William, b. Sept. 14, 1754. 19. Edee, b. Jan. 4, 1745, ^- ^P""- ' ^> 174^- ^4- J^^rusha, b. Aug. 16, 1758. 20. Abijah, b. Dec. 18, 1746. 25. Edee, b. Jan. i, 1768, d. Feb. 13, 1768. 21. Abiel, b. Dec. 19, 1748, d. Oct. 4, 26. Clymency, b. Oct. 17, 1770. 1749- 13. Capt. Amos, son of John and Mary (Marshall) Wilson, m. Zerviah, daughter of Wm. Grant, Oct. 26, 1762. Zerviah, his wife d. May 3, 1776. He m. 2d Damaris Bailey, Aug. 19, 1777. She d. Jan. 22, 1792, a. 48. Children : 27. William, b. Oct. 1753, d. June, 1754. 30. Roswell, b. May 14, 1765, m. ; had no 28. Ruth, b. Dec. 17, 1754, m. Isaiah children. Tuttle, 1774. 31. Rhoda, b. Nov. 5, 1768, m. Theodore 29. Roger, b. Aug. 2, 1756. Smith. 29. Rosvkfell, b. Oct. i, 1758, d. Nov. 2, 1758. By 2d wife : 32. Amos, b. Aug. 14, 1778. 18. Noah, son of Noah and Ann (Cook) Wilson, m. Hannah Youngs, Nov. 24, 1764; ramoved to Black river country N. Y. Children: 33. Charlotte, b. Aug. 26, 1764. 34. Cracenda, b. Mar. 28, 1771. 20. Abijah, son of Noah and Ann (Cook) Wilson, m. Margaret Beach, Oct. 5, 1767; removed to Winsted. Children : Genealogies. 787 35. Zenus, b. Jan. 22, 1768, d. Apr. 15, 38. Rynnoi, b. June 18, 1774. 1769. 39- O-^re'. b- Jan. 5, 1777. 36. Zenus, b. Apr. 11, 1769. 40. Abijah, b. June 8, 1779. 37. Solomon, b. Feb. 8, 1772, d. Nov. 26, 1775- 23. William, son of Noah and Ann (Cook) Wilson, m. Martha Beach, Aug. 6, 1783, d. Sept. 19, 1786. Children: 41. Huldah, b. Jan. 31, 1784, m. Augustus 42. William, b. July 24, 1785. Munson, Dec. 4, 1803. 29. Roger, son of Amos and Zerviah (Grant) Wilson, m. Hannah Marshall, of Nevvfield, where he resided. He was a very active business man. He had twelve children, the record of whom is mislaid and cannot be found so as to be inserted here. 32. Amos, son of Amos and Zerviah (Grant) Wilson, m. ist, Sabra Gris- wold, 2d, Mrs. Elizabeth Birge. Children: 43. Harmon. 47- Martha, \ b. Jan., ^ m. John Scoville. 44. Harriet, m. Samuel Thrall. >■ 1814. |- m. Frederick Bar- 45. Lois, m. Julius Dailey. 48. Mary, j J ber. 4b. Wait B., b. March 2, 1811. 42, William, son of William and Martha (Beach) Wilson, m. ist, Eliza Brooker, 2d, Polly Roberts, of Torringford, and lived at Burrville. 43. Harmon, son of Amos Wilson, 2d, m. Laura Beardsley, March 22, 1838- Children: 49. Susan M., b. April 16, 1840, m. Jan. 50. Mary A., b. Feb. 22, 1842, m. Jan. I, I, 1858, Wm. E. Ford, had: i. Walter 1862, Geo. Humphrey, had j Myrtle E., B., b. March 26, 1859; 11. Lizzie J., b. b. March 3, 1867. July II, 1866. III. Minnie E., b. July 51. Azel B., b. J m. 31, 1846, m. Hessie 26, 1868. Lake, Nov. 5, 1876. 46. Waite B., son of Amos Wilson, 2d, m. Oct. 10, 183 i, Caroline J., dau. of L. Hamlin Birge, b. Dec. 28, 1810. Children: 52. Jane C, b. May 12, 1857, m. Willard Beach, Jan. 14, 1861, had, George W., H. Barber. Edward, Caroline. 53. Caroline J., b. Dec. 12, 1843, m. James WILSON, Darius, was b. in Harwinton Dec. 5, 1799 ; lived there until 1821, when he removed .to Torringford and in October ot the same year m. Clarissa Treadway of Tor., and remained there until 1837, when he removed to Wolcottville. Here he followed the trade of blacksmith, became a man of influence in the community ; was elected deacon of the Congregational church in 1846, and in 1859 removed to Altona, Knox Co., 111., where he still re- sides. Children : 1. Charles, b. Dec. 20, 1826, d. Mar. 1864. 3. Corydon C, b. July 5, 1833, m. Anna 2. Caroline E., b. Apr. 24, 1830, m. W. Preston of Altona, 111., had children; A. Jones in 1851 ; had children Lizzie, Frank, Arthur, Cora, Charles. Walter, Winthrop, Bertie and Carrie. WOLCOTT.' This family is one of great antiquity and respectability. Henry, who came to America was the son of John Wolcott of Golden Manor, and was baptized in the adjoining parish of Lydiard St. Lawrence, Dec. 6, 1578. He m. Jan. 10, 1606, tlizabeth, dau. of Thomas Sanders of Lydiard St. Lawrence. She was b. in 1589. He held a fair position among 1 Hist. IVindsor. The spelling of this name has many form*. 788 History of Torrington. the gentry of England. He embarked with his wife, Elizabeth, and their three sons, Henry, George, and Christopher, in company with Rev. Mr. VVarham, of whose congregation they were members, and on the 30th of May, 1630, arrived at Dorchester, Mass. Henry VVolcott's name appears on the first list of freemen made in Boston, Oct. 19, 1630. In 1635, he removed with Mr. Warham's church to Windsor, in Connecticut, of which he became a "chief corner stone." His honorable and useful life closed on the 30th day of May 1655. Children: 1. John, bap. Oct. I, 1607, in England 3. Henry, b. Jan. 21, 161 1. where he was living in 1631, and appar- 4. George, became a freeman in Ct., May ently never emigrated to America. 21, 1657, m. Elizabeth Treat. 2. Anna, carre over with her sister and 5. Christopher, d. unm. Sept. 7, 1662. youngest brother, after the family had be- 6. Mary, m. June 25, 1646, Job Drake of come settled, and m. Oct. 16, 1646, Mr. Windsor. Matthew Griswold. 7. Simon, b. about the year 1625. 3. Henry, 2d, son of Henry and Elizabeth Wolcott, was admitted a free- man at Boston April l, 1634, and was then a member of the church at Dor- chester, removed to Windsor in 1636, and m. Sarah, dau of Mr. Thomas Newberry, Nov. 8, 1640. He was a large importing merchant. Children: 8. Henry, b. Jan. 6, 1643. 12. Hannah, b. Mar. 8, 1654, d. Sept. 4, 9. John, b. Feb. 28, I 644. 1683. 10. Samuel, b. Oct. 8, 1647. 13. Josiah, b. July 22, 1658. 11. Mary, b. Dec. 7, i65i,m. James Russell, 14. Sarah, b. July 5, 1659, m. Walter Esq., d. at Charlestown, .Mass. Price and d. at Salem. 7. Simon, son of Henry and Elizabeth Wolcott, was made a freeman in 1654. Hem. Joanna, daughter of .^aron Cook, March 19, 16^7, who d. April 27, 1657, a. 18. He m. 2d Martha Pitkin, of East Hartford, who is spoken of by her son the governor, " as a gentlewoman of bright natural talents, which were well improved by her education in the city of London." He d. Sept. II, 1687, a. 62. His widow m. in 1689, Mr. Daniel Clarke, and d. Oct. 13, 1719, a. 80 years. Children: 15. Elizabeth, b. Aug. 19, 1662, m. Daniel 19. Daniel (no date). Cooley, d. Jan. 30, 1707. 20. Henry, b. May 20, 1670. 16. Martha, b. May 17, 1664, m. Thomas 21. Christopher, b. July 4, 1672, d. Apr. 3, Allyn, d. Sept. 7, 1687. 1693. 17. Simon, June 24, 1666. 22. Mary, b. 1674, d. 1676. 18. Joanna, b. June 30, 1668, m. John 23. William, b. Nov. 6, 1676. Cotton. 24- Roger, b. Jan, 4, 1679. 24. Governor Roger, son of Simon and Martha (Pitkin) Wolcott, m. Sarah, daughter of Lieut. Job Drake, Dec. 3, 1702. His home was in East Windsor, and he was governor of Connecticut. He d. May 7, 1767, in the 89th year of his age. His wife Sarah, d. in 1750. Children : 25. Roger, b. Sept. 14, 1704. 33. Josiah, b. Feb. 6, 1719, d. Jan. 19, 26. Elizabeth, b. Apr. 10, 1706, m. Roger 1802, a. 84. Newberry of Windsor. 34. Erastus, ] ] d. May 12, 27. Alexander, b. Jan. 20, 1708, d. Oct. 8, I b. Feb. 8, [ 1722. 1711. 35. Epaphras, f 1721, | d. Apr. 3, a8. Samuel, b. Jan. 9, 1710, d. Dec. 27, J J i733- 1717. 36. Erastus, b. Sept. 21, 1722. 29. Alexander, b. Jan. 7, Jyia-K^jng 37- Ursula, b. Oct. 30, 1 714, m. Matthew 30. still b. Dec. 10, 1712. / Griswold, East Lyme. 31. Sarah, b. Jan. 31, 1715, d. Jan. 5, 38. Oliver, b. Nov. 20, 1726. igir. 39. Mary Ann, b. Jan. I. 1730, m. Thomas 32. Hepzibah, b. June 23, 1717, m. John Williams, Esq., Brookline, Ct. Strong of East Windsor. Genealogies. 789 29. Dr. Alexander, son of Gov. Roger and Sarah (Drake) Wolcott, m, 1st, Lydia Atuater, and 2d, Mary Richards of New London, April 3, 1745, and resided in East, now South Windsor. Children : 40. Jeremiah, b. Nov. 14, 1733. 46. George, b. Oct. 17, 1753, '"• 41. Alexander, b. 1735, d. 1736. 47. Christopher, Dr., b. Oct. i, 1754, m. 42. Esther, b. Stpt. 16, 1746, d. Oct. 9, 48. Mary, b. Aug. 7, 1756, m. Elihu Gris- 1746. wold ot W. 43. Simon, Dr., b. Aug. 9, 1746. 49. Alexander, b. Sept. 15, 1758. 44. Esther, b. July 17, 1749, m. Samuel 50. Guy, b. Aug. 7, 1760, m., settled in Treat. Tor. 45. George, b. May 23, 1751, d. Oct. 17, 51. Elizabeth, b. Jan. 13, 1765, m. Elizur 1751. Wolcoct of E. W. 50. Dea. Guy, son of Dr. Alexander and Mary (Richards) Wolcott, m. Abigail Allyn oF Windsor, Oct. 5, 1 78 1. She was b. Oct. 5, 1765, and d. in Torrington. He settled here as early as 1789. on a farm a mile and a half west of Wolcottville ; the place still being known by iiis name. He and his family were of considerable prominence in the town through various business enterprises ; he himself was a farmer. He was elected deacon of the Tor- rington church in 1821, and in 1822 removed to Tallmadge, Ohio, where he bought a farm, settled on it and lived only a year after so settling. Children : 59. Almira, b. May 21, 1799. 60. Amanda, b. Nov. 15, 1802, d. in Tor. a. I 5 years. 61. George, b. July 26, 1805, m. 62. Allyn, b. March 12, 1809. 52. Infant, d. at Windsor. 53. Abigail, b. July 2, 1785, m. Nathan Gillett, May 26, 1803. {See Gillett.) 54. Guy, b. Oct. 13, 1787, m. 55. James, b. Nov. 3, 1789, m. 56. Elizur, b. July 17, 1792, m. 57. Frederick, b. Jan. 13, 1795, m. 58. Anna, b. May 16, 1797. 54. Gur, son of Guy and Abigail (Allyn) Wolcott, was engaged in business in Torrington ; bought one-eighth of the Wilson's saw mill in 1811 ; in 1817 went to Tallmadge, Ohio, and bought a farm. He m. Annis, dau. of Dea. Lemuel Porter Apr. 24, 1821, and d. Dec. 2, 1865, aged 78 years. Children : 63. Eleanor, b. (no dates) m. Lucius W. Hitchcock, settled in Akron, Ohio. 64. James O., b. April 8, 1823 ; a farmer; a thorough student, and a close observer ; he believed the farmer could rank with the best of professional men in mental attainments. He m. ist, Jane Lewis, Nov. 4, 1846; 2d, her sister Ellen ; he d. Dec. 29, 1876, a. 54, leaving a wife and five children. 65. Elizabeth, b. May 25, 1824, d. at Mt. Holyoke seminary May 14, 1845, a. 21 j she was in her last year in the seminary. 66. Charlotte, b. Sept. 3, 1827, m. Oct. 12, 1851, D. E. Fenn, ofTallmadge, O., where they reside, and have three children, one son and two daughters. 67. Lemuel, b. Aug. 18, 1831, m. Harriet with the church when 13 : entered Wes- tern Reserve college in 1850, remained 2 years; entered junior class at Yale; was graduated in 1854; studied another year in New Haven; was tutor at Wes- tern Reserve, two years; in autumn of 1857, entered Andover Theological semi- nary ; soon after his health failed and re- turned home m. Fannie Pierce, Nov. 27, i860, d. Dec. 20, 1873, leaving a wife and 4 daus. 70. Franklin, b. Feb. 20, 1837, m. Hen- rietta Brooks, in May 1864, settled in Nebraska, removed thence to Weeping Water, Nebraska, where he resides, with wife and two daughters. Treat, Nov. 5, 1855, d. Nov. 10, 1876,3. 71. Ellen, b. Oct. 16, 1854, d. April 5, 45. He was a farmer, and left 3 childden. 187 I, a. 26, she was a graduate of Lake 68. Eleanor, ( b. July 14, 1833. d. a. i y. Erie seminary; m. S. W. Peet of Ver- 69. Elizur, J b. July 14, 1833, united mont and settled at Weeping Water. 55. James, son of Dea. Guy and Abigail (Allyn) Wolcott, was a stirring, energetic young man ; learned ihe trade of making woolen cloths, and persuaded Mr. Frederick Wolcott to build the woolen factory in Wolcottville, and was 79^ History of Torrington. engaged in this mill many years. His dau., Mrs. Smith Gilbert, resides in Maumee City, Ohio. 56. Elizur, son of Dea. Guy and Abigail (Allyn) Wolcott, m. Esther Lewis of Wolcottviile, Conn. ; was afterwards a partner in a carpet factory at Thomp- sonville, Conn., where, after many years, he died. 61. George, son of Dea. Guy and Abigail (Allyn) Wolcott, m. Margaret Hine of Tallmadge, Ohio, Aug. 6, 1828 ; and after some years settled in La Grange Co., Ind., at a place now called Wolcottviile. He died in 1857, a. 51 years. {See Biog.) Children: 72. Ann L., b June 9, 1829, m. Timothy Cooper, b. Aug. 10, 1864; Anna B. Hudson Jan. i, 1850. He was b. Apr. Cooper, b. Apr. 25, 18655 Fannie J. 15, 1823. Their children : Rowena E. Cooper, b. July I, 1866; Jennie Cooper, Hudson, b. Nov. 8, 1852; Carlton W. b. Apr. 18, 1871. Hudson, b. Sept. 4, 1856; Lillian A. 76. Elton R., b. Sept. 13, 1836, m. Emily Hudson, b. May 22, 1859; Genevieve J. Jones, Nov. 21, 1864. Hudson, b. Apr. 5, 1871. 77. Marshall F., b. Oct. 21, 1838, m. Fan- 73. Abby, b. Jan. 6, 1831. nie L. Perry, May 9, 1866. Their chil- 74. Almyra, b. Dec. 16, 1832, d. young. dren : Alfred P., b. July 6, 1867 ; George 75. Rowena, b. Aug. 16, 1834, m. John F. E., b. May'21, 1869, d. Junei, 1869; Cooper, Oct. 17, 1861. He was b. Aug. Frank B., b. Aug. 9, 1871. 1, 1834. Their children : Willie W. WOODING, Edmund A., was b. in Woodbridge, Ct., and belonged to an old family of that town; came to Torrington hollow, in 1824; engaged first in the cotton factory ; then a few years in manufacturing clocks, and after- wards with his son James in the lock factory. He m. ist, Betsey Green, of East Haddam, who d. and he m. 2d, Pond. He d. Feb. 27, 1864, a. 63. Children by ist wife: I. Edmund, m. Ann Brooker, and had son 2. Julius, m. Frank, a merchant at A. T. Stewarts, 3. James, removed to Vineland, N. J. New York. 4. Anson, is a farmer in Michigan. By 2d wife : 5. Adaline, m. Augustus Merrills, of New 7. Mary, m. Walter S. Lewis, of Wolcott- Hartford. ville. 6. Julia A., m. 3d, Wm. Fowler; lives in New York. 2. Julius, son of Edmund and Betsey (Green)* Wooding, m. Mariette L., dau. of Uri Whiting, of Torrington, and has been a merchant some twenty- five years in the city of New York ; lives on Migeon avenue. Child : I. Lousia G., b. Dec. 19, 1838, m. Charles E. Knapp, merchant of New York, and has son, Edgar Frost, b. May 8, 1866. WOODWARD, Henry, from England, settled in Dorchester, Massachusetts, about 1636, and united with the church there previous to 1639. In 1659, he removed to Northampton, where he "was killed in his grist mill'' by light- ning, April 7, 1685. His wife, Elizabeth, d. in Northampton, August 13, 1690. Children: 1. Experience, m. Medad Pomeroy, Nov. 3. Thankful, m. John Taylor, Dec. 18, 21, 1661. 1662. 2. Freedom, bap. at Dorchester, in 1642, 4. John, an only son. m. Jedediah Strong, Nov. 18, 1662. 4. John, son of Henry and Elizabeth Woodward, lived in Northampton until after the death of his father, when he removed to Westfield, and after that Genealogies. 791 to Lebanon, Ct. He m. Anna Dcw}', of Wcstfield, daughter of Thomas Dewy of England, one of the early settlers of Windsor. Children: 5. Elizabeth, b. Mar. 17, 1672, m. Stephen 8. Henry, b. Mar. 18, 1680. Lee of Westin, 1691. 9. Thomas, b. Apr. 22, 1682. 6. John, bap. Apr. 2, 1674. 10. Israel, b. Feb. 6, 1685. 7. Samuel, b. Mar. 20, 1676, d. Oct. 20, 1676. 10. Capt. Isr.ael son of John and Anna (Dewy) Woodward, m. Abigail Beard of Huntington, and removed to that part of Waterbury, since called Watertown, about 1750. They lived in the married state 6g years and d. at the advanced ages of 93 and 96 years. Children : 11. Nathan. 1 5. Elijah. 12. Abel, b. Apr. i, 1737. 17. Anna, m. Asa Curtiss. 13. Israel. 18. Eunice, m. Wait Scott. 14. John. 19. Abigail, d. an infant. 15. Asa, m. Esther Roberts. 20. Samuel, b. Nov. 20, 1750. 20. Dr. Samuel, son of Israel and Abigail (Beard) Woodward, settled as a physician in Torringford, and m. Mary, daughter of Capt. Shgbael Griswold, Feb. 10, 1782. Dr. Woodward purchased land and built his dwelling op- posite Elijah Gaylord's, and a little north of the Torringford second meeting house. In his social intercourse with his neighbors, and as a physician the doctor was ever kind, thoughtful, very gentlemanly ; candid in all that he said and did, so that everybody had the utmost confidence in him, respect for him and hun- dreds loved him as a father, because he had cared for them so tenderly and successfully when they were sick. {See Biography.') His wife Mary, d. Mar. 28, 1834, a. 76 years. He d. Jan. 26, 1835, a. 85 years. Children: 21. Mary, b. Sept. 20, 1783, m. John 25. Griswold, b. Feb. 3, 1791. Gillett. 26. Rufus, b. July 16, 1793. 22. Laura, b. June 29, 1785, d. young. 27. Henry, b. May 26, 1795. 23. Samuel B., b. June 11, 1787. 28. Charles, b. Aug. 16, 1798. 24. Elijah, b. April 25, 1789. 29. Laura, b. Dec. 5, 1801. 25. Griswold, son of Dr. Samuel and Mary (Griswold) Woodward, m. Lucia, dau. of Giles Whiting, and lived on his father's homestead and was an active, upright, and influential man in the communitv. He was a leader in the temperance movement, his name occurring frequently in the records of temperance meetings, on committees and as addressing the meetings. He is said to have been the first man in the communitv to refuse to provide liquors for hired men in the harvest field, and this he did not do to save a little money, because he paid the men extra wages ; more than the liquors would have cost if provided ; and bv such examples the communitv was almost swept clean from the use of intoxicating drinks for a time. Children : 30. Laura, b. Sept. 3, 1817, m. ist, Truman 32. Elijah, b. Aug. 9, 1822, m. A. Curtiss, and 2d, John B. Lyman. 33. James G., b. Mar. 4, 1826, m. 31. George W., b. Sept. 3d, 1820, not m. 34. Mary E., b. Aug. 5, 1833, m. Willard lives with his brother Elijah. O. Barber. 32. Elijah, son of Griswold and Lucia ("Whiting) Woodward, m. Orpha A., daughter of Dea. Horace Kellogg, of New Hartford, Nov. 6, 1850. She was b. Sept. 29, 1830. They live on the old Woodward homestead. Ch. : 35. Virgil H., b. Sept. 22, 1851, m. Alice 37. Ellen Anna, b. June 21, 1854. Pendleton, March 10, 1877. 38. George E., b. July 18, 1856. 36. Anna, b. Nov. 15, 1852, d. Jan. 30, 39. Martha Y., b. Sept. 4, 1858. 1853. 79^ History of Torrington. 33. James G., son of Griswold and Lucia (Whiting) Woodward, m. Sept. 22, 1847, Catharine Steele, who was b. July 3, 1824, in New Hartford. Children : 40. Charles G., b. Jan. 27, 1849. 42. James W., b. Dec. 25, 1858. 41. Newell S., b. Aug. 29, 1852. 43. Frank B., b. Nov. 25, i865. 41. Newell S., son of James G. and Catharine (Steele) Woodward, m. Kate M. Skinner, of Winsted. Children: 44. James Phelps, b. Nov. 25, 1874. 46. Frederick Wellington, b. Nov. 25, 1877. 45. Mary Emma, b. Jan. 20, 1876. WORKMAN, Samuel, arrived in New York, in 1836, and was engaged soon after to come to Wolcottville, and engaged in the wool sorting department of the woolen mill, which work was then and for sometime, done in the upper part of the store building now occupied by Agard and Church as a hardware store. When the Union Manufacturing company was formed Mr. Workman went with it, and in 1859, became a stock owner retaining charge of the de- partment in which he first began his labors. Children : 1. Anna F. 4. James S. 2. George D. 5. Carrie. 3. John. 3. John, son of Samuel Workman, m. Sylvia E., daughter of John Ham, of Salisbury, Oct. 23, 1861; is a dry goods and grocer merchant in the firm of Workman and Weeks, in the old woolen mill store. Children : 6. Josephine, b. Mar. 14, 1866. 7. Jennie G., b. Sept. 5, 1867. 4. James S., son of Samuel Workman, m. Maria L.,dau. of Allen A. Clark, Jan. I, 1866, and is a merchant tailor in the Coe furniture block. Ch. : 8. Samuel Clark, b. June 11, 1871. ERRATA. Capt. Epaphras Sheldon, p. 225, should be Capt. Epaphras Loomis. Dennis Coe, p. 266, should be Demas Coe. In biography of Daniel Wyatt Hudson, it should read, born in the parsonage at Torringford, then owned by Dr. E. D. Hudson. Page 669, No. 19, John, should be Jonathan. Page 671, No. 91, m. Kohh. INDEX. Aables, Ellen, 295. Abbey, Henry S., 285. Abbott, Augusta L., 294. Ad die, 394. A. V. R , 116. B. T., 116. Abiel, 8. Franklin, 279, 289. Pardon, 236 Sarah Jane, 294. S. W., 293. Abeling, Auguste, 128. Julius W., 128. Abernethy, Dr. Andrew, 137. C. L., 287. Elisha S., 151, 275. Lucy S., 284. Mary. 46, 128. Mary L., 289. Orrel, 45, 128. Russell C, 45, 67, 96, 122, 128, 162, 163, 246, 247, 266, 267, 269, 306, 307, 479. Sarah, 156. Dr.Wm., 155, 156,307. Academies, 146, 147. Academy, the brick, 148. Academy, Torrington, 67, 147- Adams, Augustus. 288. Asa G., 122, 128, 276. Diana, 128. Mary, 57. John, 309. John H., 289. Matthew, 72. Olive, 128. Susannah, 293. Adamson, Rev. W. L., 124. Addis, George, 277, 286. Orphenia S , 57. Samuel, 273. Aden, Giles D., 278. Adkins, Chester R., 278. Adt, Catharine, 128. Ferdinand, 127, 128, 165. John, 165. Louis, 165. Louis J., 127. Advent church at Newfield, 74- Advie, Rev. S. G., 314. Agard, Abigail, 279. Arthur B., 126. Benjamin, 272, 287. Bradley R., 105, 112, 126, 163, 236, 267, 270, 287. Elizabeth, 42, 279. Hezekiah, 279, 298. James, 298. John, 298. Mary, 279. Rhoda, 70. Salmon. 222, 271. Sarah, 279. Susan C, 297. Alcott, A. Bronson, 357, 363- Aldrich, Calvin, 290. Wm., 278. Alender, Andrew, 294. Alldis, Charles, 165, 296. Thomas J., 165, 296. James, 107, 163, 165, 168, 267. Allen, Albert, 296. Dwight M., 296. Giles D., 290. Homer C, 292. Henry J. ,126, 162, 297. Laura, 128. Phebe S., 46. Wm. H., 128. Allyn, Abigail, 42. Alexander, 8. Amelia, 284. Annis M., 287. Chjuncy, 45, 275. Elizabeth, 42, 44. George, 222, 234. Gilbert, 273. Hannah, 43. Henry, 274* 2.83, 298. Jonah, 277. Joseph, 14, 27, 43, 44, 90, 105, 134, 244, 281, 287, 298. Joseph, Jr., 90,272,276. Julia, 283. Allyn, Martha, 297. Matthew, 8. Nelson, 1 12, 276, 285. Noah, 106. Oliver, 272, 281. Akins, Henry. 41, 42. Alford, Benedict, 8. Alvord, Aaron, 41. Adelaide, 128. Almira, 128. David, 222, 279. Edwin, 166, 167. Charles, 107, 126, 128, 133. Harriet, 128. Hubbell B., 126, 128, 275. John, 245, 246. Nelson, 105, 126, 127, 128, 134, 268, 275, 278. Lavinia, 128. Nelson, Jr., 126, 164. Ambler, John T., 293. Anaclete, Rev. Father, 138. Anderson, Jerry's letter, 389. Jeremiah G., 391. John, 391. Osborn P., 391. Andrews, Emery A., 57. Harriet, 285. John A., 362. Lyman, 271. Samuel, 297. Sarah J , 297. W. W., 426. Andrus, Edward S., 296. Erskin, 126. Charles, 63, 162, 273. U. C, 64. Laura M., 128. Anti-Slavery, 213; meeting, 215, 216 ; at Tor- ringford, 217. Appley, Elisha, 272. Elizabeth, 285. Ezekiel, 250,272, 281. Josiah, 74. Lorrain, 165. Miles, 274. Norman, 275. 100 794 Index. Arms, Rev. Hiram P., 122, 123. 124, 127, 208 ; biography, 309. Lucy Ann, 128. Arrow pond, 68. Ashborn, James, 86, 133, 162, 267, 288, 291. John, 165, 167, 292. Ashley, Henry, 165. Atchison, David R., 350, 355. Atwater, Asaph, 27, 223, 226. Charles, 288. Edward A., 128, 292. .Henry, 187. Julia, 128. Atkins, Edward, 134, 135. Geo. H., 296. Joel, 273. Austin, Aaron, 26, 183, 229, 23c, 264, 265. Amariah S., 289. Andrew D., 223, 271. Anna, 57. Buel. 277. Charlotte, 282. Cyrenus, 223. Daniel, 26, 223. David, 26, 41, 298. Enos, 223. Eliphalet, 271. Esther, 283. Fanny C, 149, 284. Irena, 286. Isaac, 223. Joseph, 223. Joshua, 26, 48. Lewis, 97, 273. Levi, 223. Margaret, 57. Nathaniel, 57, 223, 265, 268. Rebecca, 57. Robert, 54. Samuel, 2d, 223. Samuel, 50, 54, 228, 268. Thaddeus, Dr., 152, 294. Avered, Israel, 298. Averitt, Israel, Jr., 222. Samuel, 223. Babcock, Fitch, 276. Bacon, Rev. E. W., 124, I2>', 129. James, 42, 271. Mary, 128. Bailey, C. R., 165. Lafayette, 241. Tamison, 57. Bains, Enos, 226. Baker, Abby Jane, 309. Henry B., 278. Balcomb, Julia, 128.' Balcom, Anson F.. 239. Edward M., 239. J. H., 165. Baldwin, Abner, 226. Amanda, 128. Clarissa, 423. David, 122, 123, 127, 128. E. A., 112, 127. Elizabeth, 128. George, 32, 227, 228, 230, 271. Lyman, 27. Nathaniel, 21. Patience, 44. Sarah, 123. Sarah A.. 123, 127, 128. Truman, 274. William, 275. Wm. F., 134. Balker, John F., 277. Ball, Almira, 284. Joel, 275. Lazarus, 272. Bancroft, Charles T., 277. Charlotte, 283. Chester, 44, 273. Ephraim,42, 64, 65,66, 152, 222, 224, 264, 267, 271. Dr. Erastus, 152, 248, 274,471 ; biog., 310. Jerusha, 44. J. K., 57. Moses, 273. Noadiah, 161,222,227, 271, 310, 447. Oliver, 222, 235, 236. Dr. Oliver, 152. Rachel, 44. Dr. Reuben, 152. Warren, 274, 284. Bands of music, 133. Band, went to the war, 167. Bangs, Rev. Heman, 74. Baptisms, 19. Baptists, 37. Barber, Abij.ih, 171. Adaline, 289. Athalia, J 28. Alvin E., 128. Anna, 128. Alzadj, 44. Dr. A. E., 127, 128. Benham, 126, 134. Chester, 57. Chester H., 57. Chloe, 42. Diana, 128. Barber, Eli, 32, 34, 271. Elihu, 63, 72,76,271. Elihu, Jr., 274. Elijah, 31, 34, 42, 222, 271. Eliza, 46. Elizur, 122, 123, 126, 127, 128. Elkanah, 74, 86, 135, 275. Hannah, 128. Hector, 128. Henry, 241. Hiram, 275. Jenette S., 57. John, 57, 272. John C, 57, 77, 275. John W., 95. Mrs. Julia A., 128. Maria E., 57. Manilla, 57. Marvin, 40, 274. Mary, 128. Mary E., 128. Milo, 46. Milo F., 239. M. F., 164. Myron Elbert, 128. Nathaniel, 16, 18, 19, 31, 40, 51,223, 226, 230. Nathaniel Jr., 236. Orson, 74, 275, 567. Polly, 123, 127, 128. Roger C, 267, 270. Sarah, 57. Sarah B , 57. Sheldon, 275. Timothy, 32, 34, 35, o 2,2. Walter L., 128. Willard H., 81, 164, 175- Willard O., 57. Ursula, 57. Barbour, Henry S., 128, 159, 266, 267. H. L., 126, 127. H. S., 150. Herman N., 160. John H., 128. Rev. John, 127. Rev. John H., 151. Parmelia, 128. Barclay, Louisa, 128. Robert, 167. Bariclau, Wm., 166. Barlow, A. E., 149. Barnes, Harvey, 165. Henry, 165. Barrett, Andrew, 241. Elizabeth M., 297. Index. 795 Barrett, Joseph, 122, 128. Joseph H., 283. Bartlett, Samuel, 16, 27. William, 26, 57. Bartholomew, Jeremiah H , 128. J. H, 10.1. Pully, 128. Bassett, Rev. Archibald, 312. Mrs. E. C, 312. R. M., 190. Batchelder, Dr. John P., 502. Bates, Mary L., 57. Nathaniel, 128. Rowani, 128. Battell, Charles I., 151. Charles T., 159. Joseph, 76 ; biography, 420. Sarah, 57, 520. Wm., 57,76, 159, 265, 266, 268, 272. Wm. Jr., 265, 266. Beach, Capt. Abel, 14, 16, ^8, 33. 34, 36, 40, 51, 66, 67, 68, 141, 202, 230, 270, 422. Abel Jr., 34, 222, 271, 272. Adna, 32, 34. Adna, Jr., 163. Almeda, 45. Anan, 273. Baker, 84. Betsey, 44. Benj., 42, 231, 227, 230, 244, 271- Content, 128. David, 278. Ebenezer W., 276. Edmund, 251. Esther, 70. Experience, 42. Fisk, 77, 163. George, 274. George W., biography, 194. Hannah, 45 Harriet, 128. Mrs. Huldah, 158. James, 151, 222. Rev. James, 40, 43, 471 ; biography, 422. John, 32, 34, 42, 222. John Jr., 272. Joseph, 16,40, 51, 271. Joseph, Jr., 222. Julius, 273. Levi, 44, 63, 272. Loomis B., 47. Lucy, 47, 57. Lurandus, 128, 277. Beach, Lydia, 251. Martha, 35. M.iry, 128. Mercy, 43. Miles, 162, 243, 272. Miles, Jr., 274. Rev. Mr., 115. Nancy, 154. Nathan, 40. Noah, 222, 233, 271. Samuel, 31, 34, 42, 90, 122, 222, 227, 247, 270, 272. Sabra, 275. Sheldon, 278. S. Y., 187. Thearon, 78. Wait, 32, 34, 35, 40, 43, 158, 221, 228, 230, 265, 268. Beardsley, Jabez, 271. M., 187. Beckwith, Dr., 153. Garwood H., 275. J. G., 134. Beecher, James E., 128. Dr. L., 207, 462. Beers, Alfred, biog., 195. Alfred B., 196. Amos S., biog., 196. Carrie, 128. Charles W., 196. Herbert S., 197. Horace A., 128, 165. Jonathan, 196. Leander J., 196. Will.e H., 197. Belding, Hart H., 276. Bell, James, 163, 165. Bellamy, An^eline, 128. Cornelius, 164. Harvey F., 252. Joseph, 17. Bellows, Isaac, 72, 272. Benedict, Aaron, 425. Benj., 229. Bushniel, 32, 34, 42, 224, 228, 236, 270. Charles, 165. Charles M., 187. Daniel, 222, 236. Lucina L., 57. Benham. Jane Ann, 128. Benjamin, Nathan, 279. Bennett, Benoni, 286. Dr. A. W., 470. John, 279. Laura E., 297. Mary E., 290. Nonidan, 289. William M., 278, 290. Benton, Belah, 226. Berg, Anne, 129. Emma, 129. Martha, 129. Mary, 128. Theodore, 128. Berry, Edwin A., 164. Fanny M., 128. Lu:y, 128. Rev. S. v., 135. Berthold, Folk, 167. Bigelow, Frederick, 226. Biographies, 307. Bird, Capt. Joseph, 21. Birge, AUstyne, 57. Aranda, 272. Celia M., 57. Chester, 273. David, 41, 48. Edward B., 267, 270. Eliza M., 57. Experience, 57. Geo. H., 277. Jeremiah, 8. John, 25, 41, 48, 50, 51, 181, 225, 226, 230, 270. John Jr., 223. Julia, 57. Leverette, 273. Luther, 57, 274. Marther, 57. Mary, 225, 234. Nathaniel, 57, 275. Ransley, 274. Roswell, 57, 164, 274. Sally, 57. Simeon, 236. Simon, 57, 223, 271. Speedy, 285. Willard, 66, 144, 275. Willard H., 416. W. W., 127, 368. Bishop, Alfred, 185, 187; biography, 191. E. F., 190, 192, John D., 163, 165, 168. Leander, 195. W. D., 190, 191, 195. Wm., 168. Bissell, Benj., 25, 28, 50, 51, 75, 145, ^3°, ^33, 270, 299. Benj. Jr., 223. Benoni, 8. Calvin, 226. Catlin, 63, 273. Dr. Charles R., 152. Charlotte, 57. Cyrus, 273. Daniel, 10, 14. Daniel, Jr., 8. David, 8. 796 Index. Bissell, Eben'r, 223,226, 228. Edwin, 273. Elijah, 228. 236, 271. Eliphaz, 223. Dr. Eliphaz, 152, 1 53. Elisha, 223, 271, 272. Esther Ann, 57. Ezekiel, 57. Ezekiel, Jr., 223, 230. Fanny, 57. Fitch, 273. Gaylord G., 278. Dr. Gaylord G., 152. George, 163, 273. George P., 105, 122, 167, 269, 270, 27s, 295. Harriett, 57. Harry, 275. Henry, 192. Hezekiah, 223. Dr. Hezekiah, 153. Isaac, Jr., 64. John, 226. John L., 276, 292. Dr. John, 153. Jonathan, 8. Leonard, 274. Lucius, 57, 276. Lucius E., 241. Lucy, 123, 129. Mrs. Lucy, 127. Lucretia, 57. Luther, 104, 122, 134. Mary S., 57. Milicent, 57. Oliver, 223, 271. Peletiah, 273. Peter M., 57, 273. Porter, 148, 274. Return, 223, 226, 271. Rhoda, 57. Roderick, 57, 152, 163, 267, 274. Rosetta, 287. Roxa, 44. Ruth, 57. Sarah Comstock, 57. Sarah Patton, 57. Virgil R., 165, 279. William, 164, 275. Zacheus W., 266. Black Jack, 345, 346, 349- Blair, Charles, testimony con- cerning John Brown, 365. Blake, Barzillai, 272. Jesse, 272. Joseph, 31,42,89, 221. Blakeslee, John R., 239. Julius A., 164. Leonard, 122, 127. Blakeslee, Marther E., 57. Rumina, 129. Bloodgood, Rev. John, 113. Bogert, Minard Van De, 274. Bogue, Deborah C, 129. Boies, David, 154. Nancy C , i 54. Bolster, Cornelia E., 129. Bool, Isaac, 142. Booth, Elisha S., 46. Elvira, 46. George, 275. Bordwell, Joel, 529. Rev. Joel, 528. Bostwick, Philomela, 44. William, 272. Dr. William, 153, 516. Botanic productions, 173. Boughton, William L., 278. Bowne, George H., 277. J-, 4^- Noah, 41. Boyd, James M., 164. John, 187. Sidney S., 294. Brace, Ariel, 42, 222, 227. Elizabeth, 229. Ellen Ann, 57. Mary Ann, 57. Harlan, 272. Harlan H., 278. Pearley, 129. Rodney, 81, 133, 134. Truman, 273. Brad, John, 275. Bradford, A. G., 129, 278. Wm., 315. Rev. Wm., 474. Bradley, Albert, 134, 266, 274. Amos, 161. Clarissa, 283. Elnora, 129. Emily, 157. Mary, 129. Samuel, 133, 134, 162, I 63, 306. Samuel [r., 277. Seymour, 272. Bradshaw, Margaret, 293. Wm., 241. Brady, A. G., 162. Allen G., 95, 96, 134, 240,241 ; biog., 423. Rev. Father, 138. Rev. John, 136. Wm. G., 240. Brandy hill, 66. Brandy, its effects, 204; still, Abner Loomis's, 202. Brass Foundcry at Cotton hol- low, 80. Bray, Hannora, 296. Brick making, 83. Briggs, Ellen, 129. Lewis, 166. Brinsmade, 520. Daniel, 23, 36. Daniel B., 520. Bristoll, Chester, 129, 276. Brittain, Alfred B., 185. Bronson, Ashbel, 70, 222, 271. Bethesda, 70. Casimer H., 305. Charles A., 57. Henry, 190. Hiram, 276. Isaac, 74. Luther, 1 16, 267. Lyman, 74. Mark, 166, 167. Mary J., 57. Michael, 116. Noah, 184. Brooker, A. S., 126. Albert F., 165, 238. Alexander M., 201. Andrew J., 239. Annie, 129. Arthur S., 129. Charles F., 104, 126, 129, 165, 267. Chester, 89, 126, 129, 134- Ella T., 129. Francis L., 129. Frank R., 238. John, 63, 89, 90, 148, 203, 272. Julia, 129. Huldah, 129. Maria, 129. Maria L., 129. Marion N., 129. Martin, 134. Mary, 129. Mary L., 129. Mehitable, 129. Russell, 275. 126, Samuel, 89, 122 270. Samuel Jr., 134. Brooks, 171, 172. Brothers Bankers, 112. H. P., 488. Heman P., 165. Isaac W., 112. J. W., 87. John W., 112. Ruth, 123, 128, 129. Brothwell, Addie, 129. J. G., 127, 165, 167, 168. Index. 797 Brothwell, Joseph, 168. J. W , 163. Joseph W., 165. R. N., 165. Wm., 168. William H., 165. Brown, Capt., 318. Daniel, 81, 278. David, 41. Frederick, 3 I 3. Frederick W., 277. Jason, 326. Jeremiah, 274, 356. Capt. John, 159. John, 217, 313, 314, 316, 317, 516; me- moir of 3155 birth place, 318 ; letter to a young friend, 3185 Emerson's lines ap- plied to, 324; his children, 326 ; testi- mony to his early character, 32S ; spirit of pilgrims, 330 ; key to unlock the fetters of slavery, 331 ; and the wool growers, 333; settlers at North El- ba, 334 5 his Devons, 337 J studies battle- fields, 338 ; words of advice, League of Gileadites, 339; in Kansas, 342 ; Owen, Jason and Frederick, removed to Kansas, 343 ; his company of warriors, 347 ; the fight at Osawatomie, 351 ; fight at Law- rence, 353 ; his " soul is marching on," 359; favorite hymn, 363 ; money raised in Mass., 364; contract for pikes, 365 ; meets Senator Sumner, 366 ; startling proposition, 370; his letter to Theodore Parker, 372 ; Kansas rifles 375 ; his kindness to Mrs. Timmons, 375 ; meets Boston friends, 375 J his letter to F. B. Sanborn, 377, 380; his whistles, 377 ; parallels in A'. T. Tribune, 38 1 ; meets Senator Wilson, 383; Virginia campaign, 386 ; at Harper's Ferry, 390, 391 ; at- tacks Harper's Ferry, 397, 398. 399; 1*^"" to Rev. Luther Hum- phrey, 403 ; A. B. Akott's description of, 408 ; last letter to his family, 409 ; last speech, 41 1 ; the burial of, a poem, 41 3. John Jr., 326, 361, 390 ; insane, 346. Oliver, 336, 337, 391. Oliver O., 317. Owen, 43, 313, 327, 344, 39°- 39'- Osowatomie, 217, 351. Peter, 315, 316. Priscilla, 315. Ruth, 43. Solomon, 317. Stephen, 6i. Thomas W., 242. Watson, 391 ; letter from, 396. Brownwell, T. C, 135. Bryant, William, 126. Buchanan, President, 370. Buckingham, Governor, 424. Scorield, 187. Buckland, Nicholas, 8. Buckley, Wm. E., 296. Buel, Hyman, 277. Norman B., 46. Buell, George W., 1 64 Jesse, 251. Jonathan, 251. Joseph C, 129. Maria, 513. Mary, 129. Norton J., 187. Buf^um, Arnold, 215. Bulkley, Daniel B., 134. Bull, Russell, 90. Bullin, Geo. W., 290. Bunnel, Wm , 162. Burdett, Riley, 43 I. Burgess, Rev. Ebenezer, 561. Burke, Edmund, legal argu- ment, 431. Burleigh, Charles C. ,508. Burlock, Thomas, 185, 187. Burnham, Otis, 275. Gordon W., 426. Burns, Daniel. 135. Burness, Daniel, 278. Burr, Aaron, 469. Allyn, 274, 275. Almira, 58. Alonzo, 58. Ann S., 58. Burr, F. Ella, 58. Fanny Taylor, 58. Francis, 278. Franklin, 58. George A., 58. Hiram, 58, 77, 275. Hudson, 151, 159. J. M., 83, 84. John, 26, 28, 48, 226, 230. 494. 498. 500- John, Jr , 223, 271. JohnM., 165,267,270, 360. Joshua, 164. Lavina, 58. Lucius, 58, 278. Lyman L., 129. Marther, 58. Mary, 58, 129. Mary A., 58. Mehitable, 58. Milo, 58, 77, 83, 84, 269, 274. Reuben, 223, 230. Rial, 274. Rufus, 58, 159, 275. Russell, 63, 272. Salmon, 272. Samuel, 126, 129, 162, 164, 226, 278. Sarah, 58. Sarah J., 58. S. P., 134. Tabitha, 57. Uri C, 58, 277. Uriel, 74. Burr's Reservoir, 83. Burrall, Wm. P., 185. Burrville, 83. Burwell, Ellis, 58, 77. Burying ground, Torringford, 53- Business centers, 64. Butler, Frank W., 168. William, 165. Button shop, 96. Byard, Hannah, 442. Cabot, Dr., 359, 360. Cadwell, Peletiah, 62. Peletiah Jr., 273. Chester, 277. Cady, James F., 165. Norman, 105. Calhoun, Clarissa, 129. J. F., 96, 112, 126, 129, 146, 267, 278, 306, 307. Sarah, 129. Sarah C, i 50. Calkins, Dr. A. M., 153; biography, 425. 798 Index. Calkins, Alfred, 239. Edward, 275. Jane A., 58. Newton A., 240. Callan, Rev. M. J., 39. Gallic, Rev. Father, 137. Camp, Albert W., 296. Bela, 271. Hannah, 494. J. C, 187. J. M., 126. Jabez, 129. Lottie E., 129. Mary, 129. Mary T., 129. Martha, 129. Wallace H., 149. Camp meeting in Goshen, 1 14. Canfield, Rev. Mr., 114. George, 276. Carding mill, 105; Hunt- ingtons, 86; Joseph Blake's. 89. Carhart, Jeremiah, 430. Carr, Aralzaman, 277. Clement, 58, 273. Jedediah, 58. Luman, 274. Carriage shop, 104; Wright- ville, 82. Carring, David W., 277. Carrington, David, 129. Lewis, 276. Mercia, 129. Carroll, Edward, 241, 293. Richard, I 39. Carson, J. L,, 127, 165. Cartridge, Anson, 277. Case, Fred, 72. Dr. Jairus, 153. Jairus, 275. Luke, 72. Waltun, 163. Castle, Edward C, 238. Mary E., 129. Nancy, 129. Ransom W., 277. Catlin, Abel, 226. Asahel, 226. Charles, 278. Imogene, 129. Theodore, 226. Caul, Nelson, 276. Chamberlain, Levi, 515. Chapin, Sarah L., 129. Chapman, Chief Justice, 334. Edward, 8. George P., I 65. Luman, 277. Chase, George, 272. Chestnut Ridge, 169, 170. Cheever, Frederick, 241. Childs, Harriet, 44, 440. Heman, 274. Dr. Samuel, 153. Timothy, 153. Chipman, Mary P., 129. Rev. R. M., 124, 129, 216. Dr. S. W., 153. Chittendon, H A., 466. Choate, Rufus, 333. Church, Charles F., 89, 127, 267. Charles L., 129. Charles S., 122, 276. Charlotte, 129. Geo., 163. Geo. W., 128, 278. W. A., 165. Henry A., 165. Church, the first in Tor., 17 members fiist, 18 first organized, 19 hemlock, 22, 23 Torrington, 29, 30 Torringford, 48; Tor- ringtord organized, 53, 54; Wrightville, 82 Congreg'itional, 34 in Wolcottville, i 21 organized, 123 : Bap- tist at Newfield, 70 ; Methodist, at New- field, 72 ; Episcopal, its constitution, 133; its origin, 133; Catho- lic, I 36 i St. Francis, 139. Churchill, Hobart, 127. James, 240. Lucy J., 129. Clap, Roger, 2. Clapp, Joshua, 95. Clark, Abel, 153, 223. AUyn A., 277. Almira, 58. Charles, 275. Charles L., 277. Chester, 273. Converse, 58, 275, 283. D. W., 167. Dexter, 166. Dexter W., 164. Rev. E. S., 124. Dr. Elisha, 153. Erwin B., 129. John, 276. Rev. Laban, 114, 116; biography, 117. Lucius, 149. Lyman, 85, 86, 134. Lyman L., 277. Mary, 8. Clark, D. W., 126, Rhoda R , 129. S. L., 97, 165. Samuel, 228. Sarah, 487. Sidney L., 126. Truman P., 165. Victorianus, 127, 129. Clay, Heniy, 523. Clay beds, 176. Cleaveland, Charles F., 241. Dyer, 226. James C, 163. Clemence, Welcome, 274. Clemens, Fidelia, 129. Hiram, 129. Cleveland, J. R. McD., 58. James C, 58, 163. L. C, 58. Mary, 58. S. J. Taylor, 58. Clockmaking, 80, 81. Cobb, Hiram, 278. Codling, Robert, 1 1 6. Coe, Abigail, 41. Abijah, 274. Abijah and Sibyl, 425. Abner, 271. Andrew, 167. Asahel, 274. Caroline, 58. Daniel, 73, 115, 216, 494. Rev. Daniel, 113, 114. Demas, 96, 134, 266, 269, 273. E. T., 165. Ebenezer, 14, 16, 18, 32. 34. 35. 40, 51, 229, 230, 244, 270, 275. Edward T., 104. Miss Eunice, 144. Harvey, 63. Henry, 134. Henry P., 104, 286. Israel, loi, 102, 122, 129, 153, 162, 163, 273; biog., 425. J., 18. James R., 134. Jane, 40. Job, 272. John, 494, Jonathan, 13, 14, 15, 32. 34, 40, 51. 72, 2i5, 264, 270. Jonathan, Jr., 42, 144. Joseph, 494. Julia E., 58, Lemuel E., 278. LlUie, 129. Index. 799 Coe. L. W., 89, 97, 102, 103, 104, 112, 134, 266, 512; biography, 426. Mary, 41, 434. Nancy, 46, 129. Nancy E., 45. Nelson W., 165. Norman, 164, 274. Norris, 163, 273. N. W., 104. Oliver, 42, 72, 164,272. Robert, 42, 494. Roger, 72, 164. Roswell, 222. Russell, 129. Seth, 223, 226, 235. 271. Sibyl, 44, 46, 129. Sylvester, 274. Thomas, 89. Wm., 41. Wm. H., 305. Brass Co., loi, 103. Furniture Co., 104 Cold swaging process, 108. Cole, Ebenezer, 30, 31. Culeman, James, 116. College graduates, 151. CoUicott, Richard, 2. Collier, Henry, 58. Collins, James P., 164. John, 240. Colonization society organ- ized, 561. Colver, Rev. Nathaniel, 216, 506. Colt, Anson, 58, 164, 269. Anson, Jr , 77, 266. Chloe, 58, 284. George R., 58. Henry, 77,275. Henry G., 240, 267. Luman, 58. Lyman A., 165. Margaret E., 58. Combs, David, 277. Henry F., 277. Cone, Anderson, 272. Caleb, 276. Giles A., 239. R-jfus, 276. Council, Eccl., called, 33. Conway, Martin F., 363. Cook, Aaron, 42. Angeline, 129. Ann, 58. Anna, 129. Ansel, 275. Cornelius D., 278. Elihu, 31, 266, 268, 269, 271. Frank A., 165. Cook, George P., 165. George W., 127, 129. Gertrude, 129. Hannah, 44, Harmon, 122, 126,269, 27c, 275. Herman, 129. Horace, 278. Huldah, 44, 46, 129. Jane M. Hand, 58. Jesse, 223, 267. John, 18, 19, 20, 26, 40, 51, 122, 129, 148, 163, 222, 223, 224, 225. John, Jr., 8, 42, 86, 222, 270, 272. John Esq., 170. Dea. John, 25, 64, 221, 259, 264, 267, 434, 435. 465 497- John E , 349, 391. John M., 277. J. W., 128, 134, 266. John, 2d, 10, 16. John, 3d, 163, 274. John, 4th, 274. Lewis, 1 26. 277. Linus S., 44. Louisa, 129. Louisa Fuller, 58. Lucy J., 129. Luther, 246, 273. Lydia, 129. Margaret, 129. Mary E., 297. Morris, 168. Nathaniel, 8. Morris H., 168. Orrin H., 239. Reuben B , 277. Riley, 273. Shubael, 42, 222, 270. Sylvanus, 274. Thomas, 275. Urijah, 32, 222, 228, 271. Walter H., I29. Wm., 816. Wolcott, 277. Mrs. W. H., 129. Cook's saw mill, 86; street, 64. Cooke, G. W., 165. Cooly, Rev. Mr., 157. Cooley, Rev. Timothy, 474. Cooper, Charles, 134, 277. Elizabeth, 129. Sumner, 74. William, 278. Copeland, John A., 391. Cornwall Mission school, 218, 219. Cotton, Oliver, 42, 222. Timothy, 164, 274. Cotton Hollow, 79. Covell, Rev. J. F., 162. Rev. J. S., 13s, 136. Covey, Randal, 174. Cowles, Mlbro, 81, 171, 274. Albro W., 305. Angeline E., 46. Benjamin, 273. Burton T., 46, 67. Chloe, 44. G. P., 134, 277- James, 63. Elijah, 44, 67. Eliza, 45. Elizabeth, 47. Mary, 41. Samuel, 41. Croft, Rev. Charles P., 39. Cross, John C, 8. Crum, \'^ illiam, 162. Culver, James, 69. Josiah, 187. Cummings, Eljah T., 164. Herman L., I 64. Owen Jr., 168. Samuel, 227. Cummins, Elijah J., 275. Jcdidiah, 271. Samuel, 271. Curtiss, Alpha, 129. Amanda, 58. Amelia, 58. Benjamin, 274. C. Cecelia, 58. Edward, 278. Elizur, 57. Elizur, Dea., 58. Elizur and Amanda, 426. Ella A., 58. Emily, 58. Dr. Erskine, I 54. Erwin W., 241. Eugenia S., 58». Eunice Cowles, 58. Hannah, 58. Hermon, 58. Hezekiah P., 58. Job, 42, 57, 223. John, 42, 222, 271. Job Deacon, 58. Julius, 58. Lorrain, 278. Louisa, 58. Lucius, 151. Rev. Lucius, 56, 58 ; biography, 426. Mary, 41, 58. Naomi, 58. Naomi R., 58. 8oo Index. Curtiss, Rufus, 58, 445. Sophia, 58. Thomas, 41, 51. Truman, 154. Ursula, 58, 129. Uri, 58, 445. Warham, 278. Warren 277, 425. Wealthy, 58. Willis, 127, Worthy, 129. Zebulon, 41, 51, 148. Gushing, Caleb, 333. Daily, Clarissa, 129. Ellen C, 58. Harmon, 58. Julius, 276. Lewis E., 241. Lois G., 129. Mercy L., 58. Damon, Elisha, 226. John, 18, 40. Samuel, 18, 40. Samuel, Jr., 40. Dana, Goodwin, 166. Daniels, Caleb, 277. Charles, 277. Louisa, 58. Sarah R., 58. Darcy, Patrick, 297. Darling, Benjamin, 164. Dr. Homer, 470. Davenport, Rev. Ebenezer, 54, 56. Davey, John, 165. Wm. T., 168. Davids, David, 276. Davidson, Ira A., 129. Davis, Dudley, 305. Henry, 278. Isaac, 8. Jefferson, 370. Davol, John, 103. Day, Hannah, 129. Dr. Isaac, 154, 235. Rev. Jeremiah, 528. Rev. Samuel, 124, 127, 278. Dayton, Archibald, 73, 74. Arvid, 84, 122, 166, 276 ; biography, 428 ; melodeon factory, 84, 85. Charles, 278. Harmon, 166, 276. Harvey, 278. Henry, 68, 273. Jonah, 27, 74, 84, 85, 86. John and Polly, 428. Justin, 167. Dayton, Justus, 166, 277. Lewis, 240. Kussell, 273. Urania, 129. Wm., 166, 167, 168. Daytonville. 84. Dealing, Benjamin, 275. Deane, Nicholas. 241. Dear, John, 228, 236, 252. Deary, Henry, 275. Deeds, oldest, 12. De Forest, Geo. F , 1 87. De Forest, Samuel, 85. De Forest, Wm., 96. Dellahant, 277. Delliber, Samuel, 274. Delowry, )ohn, 240, 241. Dcming, Abigail, 58. Daniel, 271. Ralph, 266. Samuel, 42. Dennis, A. L., 190. Denisoti, Henry D., 276. Denny, Edward, 275. Devoe, Frederick, 165. William, 165. Dexter, Wm., 79. Dibble, Abraham, 8, 16, 25, 48, 51. Daniel, 223, 228, 230. ^ 233, 268, 271, 447. Ephraim, 48. Isaac H., 266, 269, 272. Thomas, 48, 5 i. Dickinson, De Witt C, 275. Dish mill, 69. Dissenters, in Torringford, 62. Divisions of land, 7, 10 j pine timber, 1 1, Dix, Charles, 68, 271. Dole, George W., 360. Douglas, Frederick, 367. Dowd, John, 227. Dowell, Rev. Mr , 462. Downs, Clark B., 106, 164, 270. Edwin, 58. Drake, Carlton T., 160. Chester, 160, 165, 278. Edwin C, 277. Hezekiah, 272. Jacob, Jr., 8. Joseph, 8, 41, 70, 222, 270. Moses, 72, 74, 272. Noah, 72, 236, 266. Noah, Jr., 72, 266, 267, 269. Rufus, 273. Dudley, Dennis, 276. George, 181. Dunbar, Adaline L., 129. Bassett, 74, 163, 272. Edward M., 239, 241. George, 277. Lyman, 165, 394. Linus, 122. Lucius, 276. Martin, 277. Ralph, 274. Mrs. Ralph, 127. Ransom A., 276. Rhuda, 129. Riley, 241, 276. Solon G., I 65. Dunham, Nathaniel, 2. Dunwell, James, 277. Durand, Hezekiah, 272. Julia G., 58. Laura P., 58. William, 58, 166, 276. Durocher, Joseph, 239. Durwin, Samuel, 26, 41, 48. Dutton, Asa, 47. Beuly, 47. Corridon L., 278. Sarah, 44. Dwight, Timothy, 185. Dye, Charles B., 38, 39. Dyer, George, I. Rev. Spencer, O., 56; biography, 423. Eastwood. Rev. Benj., 136, 165. Eaves, Joseph, 177. Edmons, Ebenezer, 277. Education, chapter on, 141. . Edwards, Ebenezer, 166. Jon'th, D. D , 36. Edgarton, Isaac, 148, 272. Eggleston, Alexandra L., 129. Alma, 284. Amarilla, 44. Benj ,42,222,253,274. Benj., Jr., 8. Billy, 72. Curtiss, 272. Cynthia A., 58, DaviJ, 72, 272. Edward, 41. Ethan, 254, 272. James, 8, 272. Jane, 129. Jedediah, 72, 272. John, 8. Joseph, 72, 74, 222, 274. Linda, 72. Lucy, 45. Marcus, 275. Mary E., 58. Index. 8oi Eggleston, Molly, 72. Philo, 272. Rufus, 275. Sophia D., 58. Timothy, 63. Thomas, Jr., 8. Eldridge, Rev. Azariah, 421. Emogene, i 30. Hoiace L., i 30, 165. Rev. Joseph, 321, 422. Elgar, Joseph, 8. Elliot, John, 8. EUmore, Abiathar, 58, 63. Kezia, 58. Ellsworth, Anna, 58. Eaton, 274. John, 58, 63, 228, 236, 274. Joseph, 8, 12. Philander, 58. Ransom P., 275. Thomas, 27 i. Wm. W., 483. Elmer, Ann M., 130. Joseph, 8. Peleg, 58, 77, 277. Elton, MariUa, 130. John P., 187. J. S., 97. Elwell, Mr., 89. Ely, Andrew. 228, 236. Benjamin, 163. Emerson, Catharine, 58. Rev. Brown, 56; biog., 433- R- W., 357, 362. Emmons, Asa, 226. Samuel, 226. Engert, Louisa, 58, 165. English, James E., 13^. Eno, Abigail, 8. Eliphalet, 148, 265,447. Elizabeth, 123, 128,130. Hezekiah, 148, 272. Ensign, Frank R., 277. Robert E-., 165. R. F., 134. Estey, Jacob, 431. Ensworth, Rev. H. B., 136. Epstein, Gustav, 168. Estimate of money, 253. Evans, David, 276 Geo. M., 240. John, 63. Orlando D., 239. Evarts, Hon. Wm. M., legal argument 431. Everest, Eunice, 130. Everitt, Israel, 25, 41, 51. Samuel, 27, 41, 254, 255. Excelsior Needle Co., 86. Fairchild, Jeremiah, 130. Farnam, James M., 165. Farmer's Company, Torring- fbrd, 77. Farrand, Rev. Daniel, 474, 529. Farrell, Franklin, ill. Maggie, 138. Patrick, 239. Faxon, Mrs., 146. Fellows, Charles L., 130, 149, 150, 166. Ephraim, 126, i 30, 270. Francis, 161. Harvey, 242. Julia, 130. Russell P., 242. Mrs. S. C , 150. Fenn, Gertrude, 150. Sarah, 58. Rev. Stephen, 56 J biog- raphy, 433. Fenton, Harriet, 130. Ferguson, Rev. Geo. R., 56, 433- James, 228. Rev. John, 433. Rev.S. D., 114. Ferris, Ethan, 191. Fielding, S. R., 164. FiUey, Abraham, 41, 42, 57, 58, 223. Amos. 16. Isaac, 32, 226. Oliver, 32. Wm., 20, 41. Finch, Jesse, 68. Finn, Andrew T., 165. Theresa Hofiman, 130. Fish, Geo. B., 162. George H., 127, 165. Fitch, Ebenezer, 8. Rev. E. T., 309. Samuel, 8. Fitten, Father James, 136. Fitzgerald, Johanna, 297. Fitzpatrick, John, 241. Fleming, Jennie, 130. Fobes, Mary, 494. Fogg, Sophia C, 58. Mrs. Sophia C, biogra- phy, 434. Rev. Geo. W., 434. William L., 278. FoUett, Ann, 180. Lewis, I 30. Lucius B., 278. Foot, Abraham, 45. Anna, 44. Asa, 271. Edward A., 241. Rev. Geo. L., 135. Foot, Lucius H., 134, 277. Roger, 272. Samuel, 272. Samuel H., 274. William F., 277. Foote, Jane E., 58. Forbes, J. M., 338, 357, 358. Samuel, 183. Ford, Harvey, 275. Thomas, 1. Fort, the, 24. Foster, Abby R., 508, 511. Foust, Samuel, 164. Fowler, Desire, 45. George, 43 ; biography, 439- Homer, 275. Joseph, 41, 51, 64. Noah, 32, 34, 42, 222, 227,270; biography, 434- Norman, 44, 162, 272, 438. Dr. Parleman B., I 54 j biography, 441. Raphael, biog., 441. Dr. Remus M., 154, 502 ; biography, 439. Rhoda, 45, 438, 498. Romulus J., biography, 442. Sibyl C, 44, 438 ; bio- graphy, 442. Statira, 44. Ursula, 44 ; biography, 445- Warren R., 154, 441 ; biography, 436. Fox, Elkanah, 276. Francis, Elisha, 271. Frazier, George, 271. Freeman, Edward, 242. Edward H., 58. Jude, 86, 211. Henry S., 242. Mary, 58. Nancy, 283. Olive, I 30. Orrin B., 306. Orinda, i 30. French, Alfred, 94, 163, 274. Dwight, 187. George W., 164, 277. Friend, John, 239. Frisbie, Benj., 226. Capt , 1 14. John, 58, 276. Joseph, 27 I. Nathaniel, 223. Fritcher, David, 275. 101 8C2 Index. Frost, Selah, 164. Ursula, 123, 128, 130. Fuessenich, Fred F., 165, 267. Fuller, Austin B., 153. Fyler, Addie, 130. Ambrose, 62, 2z6, 230, 236, 273. Esther, 71. Florimond D., 160. Harlow, 69, 73, 74, 144, 160, 162, 167, 273 ; biography, 448. John, 8, 71, 271. Juba, 273. Mary VaiU, I 30. Nelson, 246. Orsamus R., 164, 239, 267, 306. M. W., 133. Mrs. Polly, 450. Rollin, 277. Ruben, 273. Dr. Samuel, 62, 154, 273- Shaylor, 276. Silas, 70, 271. Capt. Stephen, 8, 63, 73, 74, 162, 181, 182, 268 ; biography, 446. Stephen Jr., 163, 273, 449- Thomas, 8. Ulysses, 154, 222, 228, 308. Wells, 275. Gaines, Lester K., 277. Gale, Dr., 311, 312. Rev. Nahum, 521. Gamwell, John W.,267, 270. Gardner, James, 277. Garner, William H., 165. Garrison, Wm. L., 215, 357, 359. 463. Gates, Harriet, 45. Gaunt, James, 133, 134. Gaylord, Benj., 223, 224, 228, 236. Charles A., 130. Eleazer, 9, 11, 25, 50, 5»» 59. 230- Elijah, 63, 267, 272, 273, 529. Elizabeth, 130. Fanny, 283 Giles, 273. Giles A., 126, 130,267. Giles L, 27, 56,57,59. Henry, 273. Hubert L., 59. Joseph, 59,86,223,268. Gaylord, Josiah, 8. Lucy, 59. Margaret, 59. Mary L., 59. Nancy, 59. Nathaniel, 8, 27, 147, 273. Nehemiah, 25, 48, 50, 51. 57. 59. '45. 223. 228, 230, 263, 272, 529. Parrelia, 59. Rev. Joseph F., 56. Rev. J. T., biog., 551. Ruth, 59. Sarah, 59. Wm., I. Gear, Amos, 126, 130. Geary, governor ot Pa., 353. Geer, Amos M., 130. Eliza, 130. Eunice, 130. Mary, I 30. William, I 30. Gems, precious, 177. Geologic formations, 173, 174. Geology, chapter on, 169. Gibbs, Abigail W., 59. Benjamin, 9. Eber, 275. Henry, 8. J. F., 165. J. W., 309. Jabez, 274. Samuel, 8. Simeon, 226. Timothy, 226. Gilbert, Amos, 134. Aaron, 164. Elias, 63, 83. Isaac, 83. Sylvester, 183. Rufus W., 164. Wm. L., 187. Gillett, Adah, 43, 141, 452. Alexander, 46, 68, 276. Amelia, 292. Anna, 59. Asaph, 266, 268, 272. Benoni, 44. Betsey, 59. Elias, 273. Hon. Francis, 504. Horace, 59, 266, 272. Horace C, 275. Dr. Horace C, 154. Isaac, 8. Jabez, 41, 50, 228,234, 2.35. -44. 265, 267, 268, 270, 529. Gillett, John, 223, 265, 267, 268, 307 J biography, 459- John, Jr., 266, 272. Jonathan, 8, 48, 316. Loraine Filley, 59. Nathan, 9, 43, 91, 244. Mrs. Nathan, 43. Nathan, Jr., 272. Phebe, 44. Rachel, 59. Rev. Alex., 36, 37, 38, 39. 66,90, 121, 134, 141, 202, 256, 257, 471, 572 ; biography, 451- Rev. T. P., 40, 43,151, 223, 422, 4715 bi- ography, 458. Rutus W., 278, 305. Ruth, 43. Salome, 43. Zacheus, 43, 272. Gilman, Elias E., 277. Gitteau, Mary, 515, 516. Gladding, Stephen, 278. Gleason, Noah, 270. Gneiss and granite rock, 175. Goff, D. N., 116, 165. David, 271. Goodman, Henry, 130. Nancy, 128. Nancy S., 123, 130. Rebecca. 123, 128, 130. Rev. E., 50, 56, 121, 146, 147, 207, 208, 218, 460, 500, 502, 544 J family school, 505. Thomas, 62, 223. GoodscU, Dr., 154, 271,477. Goodwin, A.J. W., 95, 276. Charles, 225. Elijah, 272. Elvira, 41. George M., 275. Hannah, 45. Harvey, 59, 275. Isaac, 62, 63, 223, 244. Isaac, Jr., 63. Leonard H., 275. Sarah M., 59, 295. Theodore, 69, 72. Virgil C, 105. Warren, 47, 305. Goodyear, 187. Gore, Lorenzo, 278. Gould, Eunice, 45. Rhodj, 59. Rev. W. R., 39, 53, 494- Wm. R., 38, 122,276. Index. 803 Government in the family, 259, 260, 261, 262, 263. Graham, John, 8, 17. Granger, Melvin H., 394. Grannis, Robert, 34. Grant, Albert, 275. Augustus, 73, 74, 81, 271. Charles, 34, 278. Daniel, 67, 151, 222, 228, 230, 231, 233, 265,267, 520; biog., 463. Daniel A., 81, 287. Elder Miles, 40, 74, 277 } biog., 466. Flora M., 287. Horatio, 274. Increase, 31, 34. 35, 254. Ira, 72, 272. James, 164, 274, 277. John, 164, 275. Josiah, 12, 89. Mindwell, 35. Matthew, 8, 27, 150, 171, 211, 232, 244, 247, 248, 266, 270, 274. Matthew Jr., biography, 465. Matthew H., 277. Sarah, 40. Thomas, 89, 159. Wm., 15, 42, 51, 139, 211, 271, 277. Wm. A., 81. Wm. Jr., 222. Wm. St., 87. Zerviah, 87. Gray, Elder, 71. Green, James, 79, 80, 162. Greenwoods, 77. Greer, William, 275. Griffin, Clement, 238. Edward D., 503. Rev. Or , 452. Grilley, Marshall, 278. Gristmill, 171 ; at Newfield, 69 ; in Torrington hollow, 81. Griswold, Anna M., 59, 295. Daniel, 8. Francis, 8. Frederick, 287. Frederick A., 81. Harvey H., 59. Hattie, 150. Hezekiah, 16. Hon. Stanley, 56, 469. Griswold, Isabella, 59. Isabella W., 59. Jane, 59. John, 9. Joseph, 8. Julia A., 59. Laura, 59. Leonard, 274. Margaret, 59. Midian N., 278. Nathan, 12. Nellie P., 59. Norman, 266, 268, 271. Richard W., 277. Riley, 273. Roger, 5, 41. Sarah, 59. Capt. Shubael, 25, 28, 48, 75, 223, 224, 226, 229, 235, 264, 265, 267, 270. Shubael, Jr., 236. Stanley, 77, 151, 228, 277, 305. Stephen, 273. Thaddeus, 28, 59, 266, 268, 272. Gross, George W., 276. Harvey H., 276. Israel, 274. Oliver E., 276. Sally, 59. GrosslofF, Ferdinand, 241. Groves, Mr., 523. Samuel, 95, 523. Samuel A., 276. Guerin, Wm., 296. Gulliver, Fanny W., 59. Mrs. Fanny W., 469. Rev. Dr., 469. Hale, Francis M., 164, 27S. Hall, Gideon, 59, 160. Gordon, 458. Joel, 122, 276. Joseph C , 276. Lyman, 164. Halley, F. N., 236. Hallock, Gerard, 325. Rev. Jeremiah, 121, 325- Rev. Moses, 325. Halfway Covenant, 29, 30. Hamlin, Asa R., 276. Oliver, 276. Hammer shop, 83. Hammond, C. A., 239. George, I 30. Harriett, 130. Nathan W., 164. Thomas, 64. Hampton, Wade, 384. Hanchett, Dr. T. S., 130, 155, 165; biog., 470. Harding, James F., 276. Mr., 166. Hardware Mfg. Co., iii. Harper, Robert, 386. Harrington, Elizur D., 105. Harris, Andrew, 240. Daniel, 64. James, 275. Smith A.. 277. Harrison, General, 483. Nelson, 242. Noah, 226. President, a poem on, 482. Richard, 59, 242. Hart, Betsey, 47. David, 69, 171. Dennis, 45, 274. Henry, 43. Jane, 59. Laura, 47. Miles, 47. Nelson, 177. Rev. Luther, 40, 43, 422, 544 J biog., 471. Sophia C., 130. Stephen, 272. Victory C, 47. Wealthy E., 47. Wm. H., 239, 240. Hartman, T., 127. Theodore, 165. Hart's hollow, 79. Hartshorn, Joshua, 226. Harty, Andrew, 139. Hatch, Dr. E. W., 154. Hathaway, Anna F., 59. Mary E., 59. Hawkins, Ab-aham, 187. Hawley, Eleazer, 163. Frederick E., 241. Norman, 163. Hayden, Augustine, 59, 63, 223. Dr. Augustus, 155. Austin, 268. Charles H., 59. Cicero, 59, 266, 273. Daniel, 9. David, 224. Ebenezer, 9. Helen, 130. Luke, 272. Henry, 277. Hezekiah, 273. Hiram, 102. James C, 278. Dr. Moses, 155. Nathaniel, 272. Dr. Samuel, 155. 8o4 Index. Hayden, Sophia, 59. Tullius C, 59, 276. Wm., 9. William H., 59. Hayes, Hurlbut C., 241. James M., 240. Royal E., 305. Haynes, Rev. Lemuel, 31, 32. 34, 35> 36, 435; biography, 474. Hay ward, O , 126. Haywood, Emily, 130. Hazlett, Albeit, 391. Heaton, Rev. Mr., 20, 56. Hector, Fanny, 46. Heeley, Mrs. John, 138. Heganny, Dennis, 241. Hendey, Arthur, no. H.J., 165. Henderson, C. M., 59. Marvin, 274. Ruth, 59. Hendey, Henry J., no. Thomas, i 68. Machine Co., 1 10. Hendrican, Rev. Bishop, i 38. Rev. Father, i 37. Hennisee, Richard, 135, 136, 137, 277. Hern, John, 240. Hewlett, George E., 241. Hewitt, Joshua, 163. Hickok, Rev. L. P., 471. Higany, Michael, 241. Higginson, Col. 336. T. W., 368, 369, 370, 372. Highways, 180, 181, i8z; through mast swamp, 88. Higley, Isaac, 16, 19, 51. Homer, 164. Hill, Edward, 278. Eleazer, 9. Mary, i 30. Hillard, Orrin, 276. W. ( ., 165. Hills, Benoni, 30, 31, 32, 34, 35. 7i. 158- Benoni, Jr., 271. Beriah, 40, 51. Eben M., 274. Ebenezer, 45. Fred O., 166. Frederic O., 239. Dea. F. P., 14, 25, 40. 46, 269, 270, 465, 479- Hannah, i 30, 158. Hewitt, 230. Lottie, I 30. Lucy E., 46. Hills, Mary, 35. Medad, 227, 234. Oliver, 166. O. s., 134,277- Hine, Anson, 276. Ransom, 246. Hinman, Bela, 272. Luman, 163. 274. Mary, 130. Hinsdale, Dea. Abel, 40, 43, 78, 266, 314. Abel K., 40, 45, 151, 276. Albert, 487. Asenath, 43. Aurora J., 46. Capt. Elisha, 78, 162, 265, 266, 487. Oilman, 275. Gilmore, 45. Lorrain, 40, 115, 266, 274. Rev. A. K., biog., 486. Rev. Burke A., biog., 487. Hodges, Alpha, 44. Alpheus, 67, 273, 465. Delia C, 47. Dr., 75, 141, 153, 155, 160, 202, 420, 459, 520 J biography, 477. Edwin, 276. Elkanah, 66, 67, 230, 235, 266, 268, 271, 276. Erastus, 80, 266, 269, 272, 307, 480; bi- ography, 479. Franklin, 164. Henry E., 45. Laura M., 47. Levi, 67, 68, 267, 270, 279. Mrs. Mary, 127. Nelson, 240. Rebecca, 43. Roxa, 43, 46. Sally, biog., 458. 459. Wm. F., 151, 160. Willard, 46, 67, 151, 272. Hodgton, Samuel, 165. Hoft'man, Augusta, 130. Charles, 130. Clemence, 1 65. G. H. F., 165. H. F., 165. Holbrook, Abijah, 77, 183, 184, 212, 570. Mary, 43. Sylvanus, 78. Mrs. Sylvanus, 44. Holbrook's Mills, 77. HoUis, Charles, i 34. Holcomb, Collins, 134, 276. Rev. Dr. F., 133. James H , 59. Joseph, 273. Martha, 9. Mary, 130. Starr, 276. Holley, E. H , 127, 130. Francis N., 99, 112, 126, 134, 187, 267, 512. Lucinda, 130. Mary, 130. Ransom, 99, 126. Hollis, Charles, 278. Holmes, Ardelia, 130. Israel, loi, 102, 130, 187, 193, 266 J bio- graphy, 481. Joseph, 222, 271. Levi, 164, 253, 274. Seth, 34, 271. Hone, Mr., 522. Hook and Eye Co., 96. Hooker, 5. Rev. Asahel P., 422. Noadiah, 227. Hooppo, Thomas, 218. Hopkins, Anna, 59. E. J., 127. Edward J., 130. Eleanor, I 30. Gertrude W., 59. Harris, 226. Harry P., i 30. Harvey P., 59, 305. Henry, 105, 126, 130, 267. Josiah, 226. i-ydia, 59, 130. Mary, 130. Sarah, I 30. Hopson, Orrin L., 107, 488 ; biog., 487. Horgan, Cornelius, 240. Hostord, Isaac, 18. Nathaniel, 64. Timothy, 64. Wm., 19, 64. Joseph, 72. Joseph, Sr., 236. Thomas, 9. Zebulon, 9. Hoskins, Anthony, 9. Joseph, 41. Mary, 9. Hotchkiss, Amelia, 130. Charles, 46, 81, 126, 127, 130, 267, 270. Index. 805 Hotchkiss, Dea. Charles, 106. C. & Sons, 105, 106. Edward C, 106, iz6, 164. Electa, 46, 130. Ella, 130. Eugene, 168. H. E., 166, 167, 168. Henry L., 130. Mrs. H. L.j 130. Laura N., 59 Miss, 149. Honest oxen, 247. Hough, Collis F., 238. Eiiphalet, 228, 236. Houldsworth, C, 165. House, first in town, 12, 25. Howd, Asahel, 274. Howe, Dr., 377, 384, 385. Howe, Elias, 108. Howe, Dr. S. G., 357, 359, 371, 372, 373> 374- Howe, J. J., 187. Hoyt, Wm. B., 116. Ira, 274, 278. Hubbard, Betsey, 130. Cyrus, 278. Dr., 155. Edward, 278. James H., 275. Thomas J., 240. Hubbell, George A., 278. Martha, 130. Mary E., 493. Mrs. Stephen, biog., 491. Rev. Stephen, 124, 127, 393; biography, 490. Rev. Wm. S., 151, 495. Hudson, Abigail W., 59. BarziUai, 59, 77, 269, 270 j biography, 499. Charlotte, 59, 130. Content, 59, 145, 223, 230, 267, 270. Daniel, 59 ; biography, 293. Daniel Coe, 130, 272; biography, 59, 497. Daniel Coe, Jr., bio- graphy, 499. Daniel Wyatt, biog., 500. Dr. E. D., 59, 146, ^53' 155. 177. 209. 216, 218, 463, 497, 499 i biography, 500 ; as agent of anti-slavery society, 506 ; adopts as a profession, repar- ative surgery, 509 ; receives a prize medal, 510. Hudson, Mrs. E. D., biogra- phy ; 510. Martha, 59. Manha T., 218. Rhoda, 59, 130. Squire, 329. Huke, Ernest T., 165. Herman, 168. Herman W., 163, 165. John, 165. Hubbard, Willis, 135. Hull, Asa, 274. Andrew E., 278. Isaac, 222. Humphrey A., 272. Carlton, 163. Charles, G., 59. Chauncey, 69, 161,72. Chloe, 59. Daniel, 573. Daniel G., 59, 77, 269, 155- Daniel P., 59. Dorothy, 59. Evan, 130. Rev. Heman, 159, 325. Henry V. S., 59. James, 164. James D., 59. John, 74 [oseph D., 162. L, 59. Mary, 130. Dr. P. P., 59, 155. Philander P., 278. Silas, 127. Solomon, 159 Hungerford, Austin, 278. Charlotte, 13, 59, 123, 128. D. L., 126. Elizabeth, 130. Frank L., 112, 130, 161, 165. H., 276. Helen L., 130. John, 63, 95, 99, loi, 102, 122, 123, 128, 130, 164, 187, 188, 426; biog., 512. Lucinda, 130. Mrs. C. A., 126. Rev. Edward, 129, 151; biog., 513. Sarah, 123, 128, I 30. Walter M., 277. W. S., 122. William, 277. Hunting matches, 243. Huntington, Elizabeth, 130. Joseph, 277. Rev. E., 135. Huntington, Rev. Jonathan, 474- Rev. Joseph, 474. Hurd, Henry B., 360. Philo, 185, 187, 195, 481 ; biog., 192 Hurlbut, 43. Annie, 45. Betsey, 45. Clarissa, 45. Elijah, 271. Erastus, 44, 45. Eunice, 44. Henry, 278. Henry A., 241. Lemuel, I 62. Leonard, 59, 161. Levi, 74, 276. Robert, 72, 272. Samuel, 161. Sylvester, 276. Thomas, 272, 273. William H., 274. Hurson, Solomon, 226. Huxford, Charles, 238. Miletus, 167, 274. Huxley, Harriet H., 46. iMilton, 38, 39, 277. Humaston, Esther, 59. Humiston, Timothy, 63, 273. Hyde, George K., 238. Wm. H., 239. Ingalls, Hon. J. J., 353. Ingraham, Louisa, 59. Innkeepers, 199. Intemperance, chapter on, 199J early laws against, 200, 201. Iredale, James, 99, 100, loi. Isaiah, Rev. Father, 138 ; biography, 139. Isbell, Evelina, 130. Geo. M., 107. Ives, Abner, 223. Amasa, 272. Benj., 41, 201. Erastus, 272. Jonathan, 63, 148, 270. Shelburn, 148, 272. Trumbull, 134, 148, 269, 273. Widow, 148. Jackson, Henry, 277. Jankson, Roxy, 130. Jarvis, Charles, 514. George O., 155, 163, 310, 274; biography, 514- John, 514. Jeffrey, J. H., 165. 8o6 Index. Jeffries, John A., i68. Joseph, 168. Jenkins, Abner W., 275. Benjamin, 163. Jerome, Mr., 247, 248. Jokes, 250. Jones, Rev. Ezra, 135. Henry W., 130. Julia H , I 30. L. M., 165. Nancy, 59. William B., 277. Johnson, Addison, 277. Asahel C, 238. Caleb, 272. Charles, 275. Chester, 274. Christopher C, 241. C. H., 168. Daniel, 59. Dotha, 44. Elisha, 161. Elizabeth, 59. Elizur, 275. Emily A., 59. Esther, 43. Harlow S., 239. Homer, 278. Ira, Jr., 275. Jacob, 222. Mrs. Jacob, 157. Jarvis B., 59. Jerome A., 276. Julia A., 59. Levi B., 59. Levi F , 59. Levi^is, 84. Linus, 134, 276. Maria, 59. Nehemiah, 164. Rial, 283. Sarah E., 59. Solomon, 226. Uriel, 274. Judd, Charles H., 277. E. M., 127. Edward M., I 30. Henry, 46, 276. Rev. H. Q., 117; biog., 119. Jane, 130. Martin L., 239. Ralph P., 275. Timothy, 41. Timothy, Jr., 42. William H., 287. Judson, Joseph R., 162. Juktrs, James, 239. Joyce, Carolina, 130. Daniel B., 127. Joyner, Sarah, 515. Kansas committee, 375. Kagi, John Henry, 391. Kearney, Hugh, 161. Keeler, S. C, 116. Kelley, Abby, 218. Edward, i 39, 198. Kellogg, Norman, 164. Mindwell, 45, I 30. Kelsey, Daniel, 223. Elisha, 223, 226, 228, 236. Jonathan, 26, 48, 50, 5''. ^23. ^71- Nathan, 26, 48. Nathan, Jr., 271. Nathaniel, 228, 236. Nelson, 271. Samuel, 54, 228, 236. Samuel, Jr., 223, 230, 236. Timothy, 223, 226. Kendrick, Green, 185, 187. Kenedy, Patrick, 240. Kennedy, Dr. Booth, 391. Kerby, Daniel, 278. Kilborn, Abram, 64. D. C, 127. Sarah, 130. Samuel, 64. Kimberly, Alanson, 163,273. Arthur M., 47. Lydia, 123, 128, 130. Nancy, 44. King, John C, 240. Kingsbury, F. J., 190. Kingsley, Andrew, 274. Klasche, Oswald, 165. Knapp, Mr., 36. Knight, Rev. Herrick, 56. Kunkle, Edward A., 161. Lacy, Ed. A , 168. William H., Jr., 127, 165. Lackey, Thomas, 240. Laconic correspondence, 24c. Ladd, Charles M., 165. Crawford, 277. Jane, 131. Lafayette, General, letter, 522. Lake, Arthur L., 131. Jennie, 131. Lanagan, David, 165. Land first cleared, 12. Lane, James G., 3^0. Langdon, Helen A., 131. John W., 126, 131. Mary, 131. Lamed, Rev. Wm. A., 421. Lathrop, Caroline, 131. Louisa B., 131. Lathrop, N. B., 105, 126. Sarah, i 31. Simon, 240. Lawrence, Amos 'A., 359. Wm., 421. Lawyers in Torrington, 158, Leach, Abel S., 275. Adaline, 131. Albert, 106. Benoni, 89, 271. Caleb, 32, 222, 271. Chauncy, 167. David, 43. Ebenezer, 222, 2-28, 230, 236. Edward, 167. George, 276. James, 222, 274. Joshua, 32, 222, 249, 274. Laura, 44. Lucius, 81, 275, 305. Luther L., 278. Myron, 274. Nathaniel, 32, 34. Norman, 275. Ophelia, 46. Ormel, 80, 274. Pomeroy, 72, 272. Richard, Jr., 32, 34, 114, 236, 271. Sarah, 44. Sarah J., i 31. Theodore, 275. Wiliam, 274, 122, 247. William H., 277. Leary, Lewis, 391. Leavenworth, David, 271. Mark, 17. Leddy, Philips, 164. Lee, Rev. Jesse, 113. Rev. Jonathan, 529. Theodore, 63, 529. Leet, Asahel, 226. Leman, Wm. H., 391. Lenoir, Eugene, 523. John, 523. Leo, Rev. Father, 137, 138. Leopold, Edward, 165. Lep'an Jane, 59. Lesler, Edward, 163. Lewis, George, 168. J E.. 126, 165. Joseph, 164, 274. Nehemiah, 251. W. B , 187. Walter S., 126, 162. Lines, Charles, 275. Lindsley, Benjamin, 272. Linsley, Solomon, 226. Timothy, 226. Little, Anson, 63. Index. 807 Littlewood, Rev. T. D., 114, 117. Lockhart, Jennett, I 31. Logan, Lewis G., 165. Long, Thomas, 278. Zechariah, 9. Loomis, Aaron, 11, 16, 30, 25, 40, 51. Aaron Jr , 40, 51, 158. Abiel, 144. Abner, 34, 41, 43, 164, 20Z, 228, 230, 217, 270, 274. 5\bner Jr., 41, 222. Abraham, 20, 34, 228, 271, 274. Albert, 276. Alexander, 272. AUyn, 60, 273. Alvin, 164, 273, 275. Amanda, 45. Ann, 60. Anson, 62, 1 63, 273. Aaron, 272. Asa, 223, 250, 271, 273. Ashur, 62. Aurelia, 60. Arthur, 273. Benoni, 34, 222. Bildad, 72, 272. Brigadier, 63. Capt. Epaphras, 41, 221, 222, 225, 227, 23s, 271. Chester, 83, 272. Chloe, 44, 60. Clarissa, 43. Cornelius D., 60. Cyrus, 272. Dea. Lorrain, 497. Daniel, 222, 228. Deborah, 40. Electa, 45. Eli, 42, 221, 271. Elias, 272. Elijah, 222, 226, 236, Elijah B., 79. Elisha, 79, 272, 274. Elizabeth, 41, 316. Emory, 277. Epaphras, Jr., 225, 236. Ephraim, 31, 34, 41, 222, 227, 271, 276. Ephraim Jr., 222, 227, 272. Esther, 40. Fanny, 45. Fitch, 59, 271. Flora A., 131. Geo. VV., 81,278, 297. Gideon, 51. Loomis, Grandison, 274, Hannah, 31, 34, 35,40, 44, 60. Harvey, 151. Harvey, Rev., 60. Hepziba, 43, 59. Hermon, 278. Hiram, 272. Horace, 270, 273, 274. Huldah, 44, 59. Ichabod, 9, 20, 34, 41, 72, 162, 163. Ira, 245, 272. Isabel, 41. Isaac, 9. Issachar, 27 I. Jane, 48. Jane 2d, 71. Jemima, 43, 565. Jerusha, 41, 46. Job, 9. Joel, 20, 41, 290, 271, 277. Jonathan, 9. Joseph, 223, 271. Joshua, 9, 10, 16. Justice, 60. Justus, 278. Laura, 44, 60, 67, 479. Lemuel, 32, 71, 271, 274. Levi, 272, 275. Louisa, 131. Lucy, 43. Luman, 272. Mary, 35, 59, 60, 497. Mary A., 60. Michael, 59, 62, 223, 230, 268, 27 I. IMichael, Jr., 62, 273. Mindwell, 40. Moses, 32, 41, 51, 227, 271. Moses, Jr., 9, 32, 227. Mrs. Ann S., 422. Nancy, 46. Olen, 273. Oliver, 63. Ophelia, 131. Philo A., 60, 276. Rebecca, 9. Remembrance, 222. Reuben, 273. Rev. Harvey, 56; biog., 514- Richard, 32, 67, 222, 271. Roger, 184, 222, 272. Roswell, 63, 272, 277. Sabra, 43. Sally, 59. Sarah F., 131. Loomis, Simeon, 275. Solomon, 72, 272, 565. Stephen, 9. Timothy, 9, 60, 223, 226, 228, 271. Timothy, Jr., 272. Timothy W., 276. Wait, 236, 272. Warren, 273. William R., 278. Lots, how laid out, 10. Lover's lane, 171. Lowry, John De, 259. Martha, 131. Martha A., 60. Luddington, Lewis A., 240. Luther, O. R., 163, 165. Lyman, Caleb, 32, 34, 42, 222, 230, 268, 271, 518. David, 40,77, 235,236, David Brainard, 515. David M., 277. David N., 60. Ebenezer, 13, 15, 27, 40.43. 51, 171. ^^2> 268, 270. Ebenezer, Esq., 13, 21, 25, 64. Dr. Elijah, 40, 60, 152, 1.53. 155. S'4. 572; biography, 516. Eleanor, 43. Eliza, 45. Elijah, 310. Erastus, 216, 277. Francis, 62. Frederick S , 515. George, 42, 162, 163, 273; biography, 518. Hannah, 40, 44. Hiram, 278. John, 60. * J. B., 60, 151. John N., 60. Lorinda, 44. Mary, 60. Dr. Norman, 60, 155, 156, 516. Ophelia, 45. Rev. David B., 515. Rev. Orange, 56, 60, 15I' 517. Rhoda, 43. Rutus, 60, 131. Rufus Anderson, 515. Riley, 273. Salome, 60. Sirah E. Stone, 60. Sibyl, 43. Lyman street, 64. 8o8 Index. Lusk, Diantha, 326. Lyon, Buir, iio, 165. Jennie, 131. Lynch, Garrett, 291. Rev. Father, 136, 137. Macomb, Elizabeth, 71. Mallery, C. T., 116. Mangin, Rev. Michael, 137. Mansfield. Charles, 134, 277. Harriet, 131. John, 9. Marber, Mary E., 57. Marks, C. P., 103. Mary, 131. Merritt, 126. Marriage 100 years ago, 254. Marsh, Daniel, Rev., 33. Ebenezer, 21. Eun'ce, 44. Rev. Frederick, 455, John, 223. Jonathan, 20. Lydia S., 60. Solomon, 134. William 44, 156; his letter, 44, 252. Marshall, Aaron, 70, 222, 271. Abner, 229, 264, 265, 270. Amasa, 41. Ambrose, 222, 271. Chloe, 70. David, 9. Eliakim, 9. Elizabeth, 41. Levi, 71. Maria, 44. Noah, 264. Phila. 43, 44, 514. Raphael, 65, 162, 249, 271, 514. Roger, 72, 228, 236, 272. Thomas, 9, 11, 42, 51, 72, 222, 227, 247, 258, 268, 271. Thomas L., 164. Mason, Albeit A., 96, 103, 13'. '34- Charles G., 239. Charles S., 277. George H., 126, 277. Gilbert, 277. Ira, 274. John Capt., 2. Jonathan, 226. Kate E., 131. Lucy, 131. Mary, 131. Masonic Lodge, 161. Mast swamp, 87, 88. Mather, Charles, 41, 42, 62, 223. Cotton, 223, 226. Horace, 273. Samuel, 8. Oliver Soper, 60. Sarah, 131. Zachariah, 223, 228, 268. Matthews, Benj., 48. Fred., 168. Fred. L., 168. Thomas, 223, 226, 271. Matatuck Mt'g. Co., 95. Matice, Wm., 240. Masters, William H., 274. Maverick, John , Rev., i, 2. Marvin, SylvanusC, 38, 39. Maxwell, John, 165. McAlpin, John, 162. McCarthy, Jeremiah, 240. McCarty, Jennie, 131. Wm. H., 131. McClen, 149. McCoe, Chloe, 60. P.:elps, 273. McDonald, J. A., 165. McEwen, Rev. Abel, 456, 534, 539, 540. Sarah Battell, 60 ; bio- graphy, 520. McFarland, Rev. Bishop, 138. McGrath, James, 240. McKenzie, Alexander, 276. James, I 65. McKinstry, Mary E., 46. Rev. J. A., 25, 37, 38, 39. 438; biography, 520. McManus, Thomas, 161. McNeil, Charles, 164, 276. Margaret, I 31. Robert, 131. Means, D. M , 149. McGregor, D., 127. Mebbins, John, 226. Meeting house, first, 21, 22; second, 335 rebuilt, 67 ; removed, 39 ; Baptist in Newfield, 71 ; the First Metho- dist, in Wolcottville, 115, 116; Second Cong., Wolcottville, list of contributors, 126. Merrill, C. B., 167. H. M., 149. Noel, 274. Prosper, 276. Merrill, Truman, 274. Merriman, Charles B., 187. Messenger, Lathrop, 278. Samuel, II. Metcalf, Eieazer, 570. Methodists, 37; ministers 1 1 5. Merwin, Rev. Noah, 29, 30, 31, 32. 39, 35, 43; biog., 519. Mill brook, 171. Migeon, Achille F., 107, III, 112, 165, 267. Henty, 138, 171 j ^liog. 522. Jacques, 522. Militia companies, 221, 222, 22 7. Millard, Agnes C, 131. Alfred M., 131. Helen, 131. McKenzie, 164, 239, 27S. Mill, Everitts, 26 ; place, lease of, 1 1 j Wil- son's, 26, 27. Miller, Abigail, 60. Dr. Allen G., 156. Allyn, 273. Amos, 145, 223. Asahel, 268, 271. Catharine A., 60. David, 56, 62, 72, 73, 115, 272. Rev. David, 56, 122 j biography, 527. Dorathy Gaylord, 60. Ebenezer, 41, 57, 60, 230, 234,265; biog- raphy, 527. Ebenezer Jr.^ 57, 271. Fanny E., 60. Frank, 240, Dr. Gaylord B., 60, 156. George, 60,222, 272. Harrictte L., 260. Harry, 60. Henry, 60, 272, 275. Hobart B., 60. Jane F. G., 60. Jeremiah, 272, Joel, 222. John T., 60, 151, 159. Rev. Jonathan, 56, 151, 226 J biography, 527. Joseph, 151, 158, 273. Lewis, 275. Loraine, 60. Luther, 60, 276. Luther B., 60. Mrs. Marcia, 528. Maria, 60. Index. 809 Miller, Mary, 150. Mary C., 60. Sarah, 60. Thankful, 60. Thomas A., 57, 60, 77, 156, 159, 236, 267, 275. Timothy E., 277. Dr. Willard, 156. Mills, Daniel, 78. Drake, 161. Rev. Edmund, 452, 528. Eleanor, 60. Electa J., 60. Florilla, 60. Gideon, 313. Henrietta, 131. Jared, 183. Jeremiah, 60 . Jeremiah, Mrs., 502. John, 528. Laura, 60. Nathaniel B., 113. Peter, 317. Roger H., 160. Roger S., 216. Ruth, 317. Rev Samuel J., 36, 52, 54. 55. 56, 60, 218, 255. ^56, 45^. 462, 496, 502, 515, 517, 530, 531; biography, 528. Rev. Samuel f., Jr.,55, 56, 151. 434, 45^- 561 ; biography, 548. Miner, Charles, 60. Darius D., 60. John, 222. John S., 60. Josephine, 60. Martha E., 60. Mary E., 60. Ministry lot, 10. Minor, E. S., 84, 165. George, 2. Minturn, Hiram, 60. Huldah, 60. Mitchel, Alanson, 275. Mitchell, Maria, 60. Wm., 9. Mix, Abigail Jackins, 131. Chauncey, 127, 131. Edward H., 238. Willard, 131. W. W., 127. Moore, Birber, 228, 236. Darius, 275. Edward, 9. Elihu, 63, 272. Erasmus, 60. Rev. Erasmus D., 56. 10 Moore, Josiah, 9, 62, 145. Lucretius, 274. Mary E., 60. Rev. Wm. H., 56, 162, biog., 564. Nathaniel, 9. Simeon, 271. Moran, J., 164. James,«239. More, Thomas, 275. Morey, Aurora, 275. Morehouse, John, 34. Samuel, 34. Morgan, Alfred G., 276. Geo. D., 135. Governor, 193. Morrill, Henry M., 150. Henry R., 165. Morris, Eleazer, 63. Emory, 277. Joseph L., 277. William J., 165. Morse, Benj. H., 95, 134, 277._ Catharine, 60. Charles E., 239. H. B , 188. Harriet, 131. Martha, 131. Newton, 278. Solomon, 63, 89. Morton, John, 9. Mary E., 521. Rev. James, 135. Mosely, Edwin W., 105. Moses, Austin, 274. Ellen E., 131. Lorenzo, 166. Orrin, 163. Rufus, 274. Thomas, 164, 166. Moss, Lorrain, 275. Mott, Adam, 41. Chloe, 44, 131 . Dr., 509. Edward, 277. Hannah, 41. Ira, 277. James H., 238. Mowry, L. B., 126. Mullin, Daniel, I 37. Munn, Abijah, 134, 273. Munn, Jedediah, 275. Munsell, Hiram, 276. Luman, 74, 266, 275 Levi, 72, 73, 74, 266, 268, 272. Levi T., 276. Marcus, 74, 269, 274. Munson, Caleb, 32. 34. Charles M., 276. D. C, 164. Munson, David C, 131, 239. Huldah, 131. L. B., 165. Lucretia, 131. Sarah, i 3r. Seth, 32. Murphy, Dennis, 239. Edward, 241. Murry, Daniel, 222. Lewis, 273. Warren, 60. Warren B., 167. Naugatuck R. R., 185 Needle Co., 107. Nettleton, Asahel, D.D., 37. Newberry, Albert P., 239. Benj., 9. Hannah, 9. Joseph A., 9, 126, 270, 276. Roger, 10, rz. Ruth, 9. Newby, Dangerfield, 391. Newcomb, Elizabeth, I 31. Rev. Geo. B., 124, 127. Newell, Almira F., 60. Newfield,a business place, 68. Newman, Elizabeth G., 60. Rev. Charles, 56; biog, 564. Newton, Henry H., 276. Nickel ore, 175. Nichols, Rev. Abel, 135. Elizabeth, 60. George, 60. Horace, 185, 190; bi- ography, 193. Nigger pews, 218. Niles, John M., 483. Noble, E., 60. Rev. Franklin, 56, 265. James E., 127, 131. Noppet, 68. North, Alfred, 151. Ariel, 273, 278. Asahel, 41, 43, 222, 271. Ashbel, 222, 227, 230, 270. Axa, 45. Carrel F., 239, 292. Charles N., 278. Cyrus, 274. Dr. Alfred, biography, 565, 566. Ebenezer, 40, 51, 228, 270, 565. Ebenezer, Jr., 42, 222, 270. Elizabeth, 71. Esther, 60. 2 8iO Index. North, Esther Maria, 60. Ethel, 164. Frederick, 68, 275. Helen P., 46. John H., 60. Joseph, I 66. Junia, 68, 72. Lemuel, 90, 273. Lorrain, 274. Louisa, 46, 127, 131. Maria S., 123,128,131. Martin, 41. Mr., 94. Noah, 28, 41. 66, 68, 71. 72, 75. 202. 228, 229, 265, 267, 273, 449- . Noah, biog., 565. Noah, Jr., 222. Norris, 80. Pamelia, 44. Phineas, 81, 96, 248, 265, 268, 271, 275. Roxalena, 44. Remembrance, 32, 70, 272, 449. Sabra, 70. Sarah G., 60. Simeon, 226. William, 163, 164, 166. Willard, 273. North Elba, 336. Northrop, Amos, 274. ^Jorton, David, 223, 271. Dr. Alfred, 156. Harriet, 60. James, 60. Mrs. Lois, 131. Samuel, 34, 35. Sarah B., I 50. Not, Vest, 42. O'Brian, James, 276. O'Connor, Patrick, 240. O'Gorman, Rev. Richard, 137. O'Rourke, William, 278. Oberhausen, Frank, 168. Obookiah, Henry, 60, 218. Observation mountain, 169, 170. Officers of the church, Tor- ringford, 56. Ogleby, James, 134. Olcott, Esther, 131. Wm., 122. Oliver, Labar? M., 164. Olmstead, Elihu, 62. Hannah, 63. Hawley, 490. Roswell, 63, 223. O'Neil, Rev. Father, 137. Orcutt, Mary, 494. Samuel, 39. Orleans Village, 90, 203. Osband, Timothy, 42. Osborn, Abijah, 273. Benj., 9. Esther, 60. Henry F., 274. Jacob, 9. Rev. Elbert, 114. Samuel, 9. Ostrum, Henry P., 96, 104, 278. Henry W., 240. John, 275. Ostrum & Welton, 96. Oviatt, Aloisa, 131. Owen, Elijah, 317. Hannah, 317. John, 317. Paddock, E. A., 149. Page, Harlow P., 163. Jeremiah, 164,274. Palmer, Addison, 127, 131, 275. Almira, 46. Aurelia, 44. Benj , 226. Bennett, 275. Emma R., 46. F. Augusta, 293. Febe, 131. Harvey, 80, 81, 161, 171, 184, 272, 305. Hayden D., 131, 165, 238. Isaac, 162. James, 1 34, 162, 164. Jared, 229, 236. Julia !\I., 131. Lucretia, 45. Mary, 131. Mehitable, 43, 46, 131. Ralph, 134, 277. Robert, 164. Sarah, i 31. Stanford, 164, 274. Wm, J., 164. Pardee, Isaac S., 60. Mary L., 60. Parker, Dr., 509. Ira, 273. Peter, 271. Rev. Theodore, 367, 368, 369, 371, 374, 384. Parmelee, foel, 64. Mr., 36. Rosanna, 46. Parsons, Amos, 278. Caroline M., 297. Parsons, Corinthia, 131. Helen, 131. P. T., 126. Phineas, I 31. Pasco, James, 9. Jonathan, 9. Patchen, Rufus. 274. Pate, Henry Clay, 346. Patentees of Torrington, 8. Patterson, Burton C.,87,1 10, 131- Henry S., no, 127, 131, 165. Harriet, 131. James H., 127. Polly Gilbert, I 31. Payne, Wm., 134. Payson, Hiram, 131. Peacock, Patrick, 239. Pease, Tudor, 275. Peck, J., 189. Paul, 89, 114; biog., S67. Peet, Henry A., 276. Minta, 60. Pelton, Mary G., 293. Pellon, Robert, 276. Penniston, Aaron, 277. Percival, Dr., 505 Perkins, Adaline, 131. Asa E., 275. Asahel N., 239. Christopher, 274. Debora, 60. Dennis. 126. Frederick, 278. George H , 164. Rev. Nathan, 460. Russell, 278. Sanford H., 126, 131, 164, 238. Watrous, 60. Perrin, Ann Eliza, 131. Bernadotte, 131. Catharine, 131. Rev. Lavallecte, 127, 568 ; biog., 568. Perry, James, 275. James H., 277. Pettibone Hiram A., 275. Phelps, Augusta E., 131. Anson G., 101, 102, 187, 426. Benj., 43, 90, 181,227, 269, 270, 272. C. Augusta, 61. Daniel, Jr., 162, 163. David, 9. Dr. J. W., 126, 156, 165, 238, 279, 471 ; biog., 569. Elijah, 122. Index. 811 Phelps, Esther, 61. Frederick, 52, 276. Hiram, 274. Jannah B., 266, 269, 273. John, 9. Jonathan, 271. Joseph, 9, 16, 268, 271. Joshua, 41. Julius J., 277. Lucinda, 44. Lvdia, 43. Mind well L., 131. Nathan B., 276. Samuel, 16, 64. Thomas, 9. M illiam, 9, 271. Philemor, Henry, 226. Philip, King. 210. Philips, Caroline A., 5i. Gideon, 226. Wendell, 357. Wm , I. Phillow, Addison, 45. Artemas, 272. Charlotte, 131. Dennis, 276. Edmund, 275. Phippany, Emily, 131. Louisa, 131. Orpha R., 131. William, 134, 164, 275. Wm., Jr., 131. Physicians, 152 ; women as, 157- Pickett, Content, 499. Pierce, Christopher, 79, 162, 274. F. J., 127. Geo W , 240 Henry D., 61. Jane, 46. Lucy, 520. Mary, 61. Rodney, 40, 46, 81. Pierpont, Charles, 274. Edward, 134, l6z, 164. William, 27 I. Pilgram, C^iarles, 278. Rodman O., 278. Pine timber, 88. Pinney, Isaac, 9. Nathaniel, 9, 10. Samuel, 9. Pitman, Charles A., 131. Pitman, Sarah, 131. Plymouth Company sailed, 2. Pond, Adeline M., 291. Barton, 61, 77. Charles D., 278. Charles G., 105. Charlotte, 6i. Pond, Daniel, 570. David W., 276. Dr. James O., 78, i 56, 570. Elijah, 78, 272, 570. Elijah, Jr., 274. Ezra, 570. George D., 297. George N., 105. George W., 277. Julius R., 61, 278. Lucy, 47. Lucy E., 296. L. R., 40, 270. Martha A., 61. Nancy, 61. Philip, 61. Prescott, 164, I 56, 273, 571- Preston, 571. Russell L., 46. William H.. 277. Wm. S., 135, 277. Pope, Christopher, loi. Porch, William, 131. Porter, Chauncey, Jr., 278. Dr. Ebenezer, 207, 462, 520. Hannah, 9. Hez., 9, 13. Joseph, 9. Rev. Dr , 517. Rev. Ebenezer, 471, 515- Rev. Jonath. M., 54. John, 9 Rev. Noah, 471, 539. Post office, 66. Potash, Dr. Hodges, 66. Potter, Ambrose, 89, 90, 272. Anna, 45. Daniel, 90, 272. Dr.. 572. General, 471. Orrin, 278. Rev. J. D., 38. Poverty hollow, 79. Powell, C. W., 116. Rev. Charles W., 164. Powers, Herman, 96. Rev. Grant, 251. Pratt, Ann A., 61. Catharine, 61. Isaac, 25 I. Martin B., 305. Silas, 570. Prentice, L. Rudolph, 165. Preston, Betsey, 61. Ebenezer, 42. Eliza Van Valkenburg, 131. Preston, Samuel, 42. Pritchard, David, 96. Proprietors of Tor., 8, 9, 10 ; number of, 10 ; lots in tiers, 10; meeting, 11 ; last meeting, 181. Prosecution for profanity, 244. Pulver, Hiram, 82. Prince, Mary, 46. Pyncheon, Mr., 5. guartz rock, 176. ^uinby, Gordon W., 135. Quinn, Rev. Father, 137. Race over the Connecticut course, 48 3. Rake factory, 85. Ramsey, Horace, 164. Rand, George D., 61. Martha J., 61. Randall, Hannibal, 61, 242. Ranney, Peter, 277. Raymond, James, 276. Rebellion, the war of, 236. Red mountain, 169. Reed, Elizabeth, 61. Hattie A , 61. Joseph P., 240. Justus, 61. Laura E , 61. Phineas, 68, 162. Sarah S., 61. Theodore H., 61. Reid, John W., 353. Rev. J. M., biography, 118. Simon, 127. Register office, 149. Remarkable occurrence, 218. Republic ol Liberia, 563. Revival, 37. Revolution, American, 221 5 officers in, 225, 2265 officers and soldiers, 235, 236 ; taxes dur- ing, 232 ; women of, 272. Reynolds. Wm. 72, 272. Rew, Henry, 43. Rhodes, Charles, 165. Rice, Anson B., 278. Richards, Capt., 142. Charles, 72, 272. Daniel, 45, 164, 272, 274. Eli, 43, 68, 71, 230. Capt. Eli, 449. Elizabeth, 44. Enos S., 61. 8l2 Index. Richards, Experience, 45. Henry B., 133, 134. James, 458. John, 22i, 271. Lydia, 44. Moses, 72, 272. Sally, 284. Simeon, 72, 270. Richardson, Wm. H., 96. Rider, Irene A., 61. Riggs, Henry H , 240. . Chauncey, 73. Lewis, 167. Riley, John C , 72. Rinck, Eber, 276. Roads, chapter on, 180. Robbins, Esther, 530. Frederick, 90. Rev. A. R , 421. Rev. Philemon, 528. Theodore, 278. Roberts, Abel, 44, 236, 272. Allen, 77. Allyn, 274. Andrevi', 164, 267. Angeline, 288. Annis, 181. Betsey, 61. Charles, 226. Clerk, 236. George, 273. George P., 122, 127, 131. Henry, 63, 273. James, 278. Joel, 222. Lauren, 274. Margaret, 40, 42. Rev. N., 16, 18, 19, 20, 22, 39, 48, 435, 519 ; biog., 594. Nelson, 77, 84, 164, 266, 267, 276, 306 J biography, 599. Pelatiah, 61. Rev. Warren H., 56 ; biograpliy, 598. Sally, 44. Samuel, 236. Warren, 278. Warren, H., 151. Robertson, Daniel, 131, 134, 277. J. B., 190. James, 131. Laura A., 131. Mrs. James, 131. Thomas, 167. Robins, A. R., 36. Robinson, Mary, 61. Rockwell, Caroline A., 421. Rockwell, Dency C , 61. John, 225. Reuben, 184. Wm., I. Rogers, Dea. Josiah, 452. D. S., 122. Hilan M., 198. John, 452. Levi, 164. Pelatiah, 274. Thomas, 452. Rood, Abigail, 61. Alpha, 276. Ann, 6i. Aaron, 272. Aurelia A., 61, 288. Calvin, 61, 276. Ebenezer, 57, 61, 223. Ebenezer, Jr., 272. Elias H., 278. Eunice, 61. Harvey L., 51,61, 236, 267, 270, 277. John, 272. John W., 278. Lorrain B., 276. Moses, 61. Moses, Jr., 272. Pamelee, 61. Rhoda, 61. Rufus, 61, 278. Susan, 61. Root, Edward, 278. James, 227. Robbins, Rev. Ammi R., 255, 256. Rose, Harriet, 131. Jesse B., 99, loi ; biog., .599- Ross, Simeon, 226. Rossiter, Newton, 83, 84, 273- Rev. Luther, 56. Stephen, 226. Rossiterville, 83. Rowe, Frederick, 274. Rowley, Artemas, 274. Henry H., 165 Horace, 276. James, 272. Samuel, 72. Samuel, Jr., 272. Stephen, 236. Susan, 45. Royce, Charlotte, 126. Ruel, Louis, 295. Rumble, Thomas, 241. Rustin, Hiram, 61, 275. Russell, Geo. R., 374. Judge, 359. William, 164. Wm. E., 95, 274. Ryan, Lant, 239. Rynders, Garrett, 131. Sacrament, the first, 18. Sadley, Emily, 292. Sage, Caroline, 46. Harriet, 46, 132. Linus, 273. Martin, 275. Sammis, Mary, 132. Sanborn, F. B., 315, 361, 368, 369. John, 132. Mrs. Huldah, 132. Sanders, Nathan, 228. Sanford, Alson, 165. Charity, 182. David, 64. Elizabeth, 132. Rev. David P., 135, I 36. Ephraim, 90. Joel, 132. John T., 132. Morris H., 132, 238. Sally, 132, 148. Thomas E., 295. Saxty, John F., 165. Sayles, Julia, 294. Ellen, 295. Scheurer, Hattie, 132. School Funds, 150, 151. School house. Centre, 66 ; Newfield, 69; the first. School houses, 141, 142. Schools in Torringtord, 145. Schools, West side, 141, 142, 143 ; districts, 144 ; Wilson's district, 141, 142 J sixth district, 144; Brandy Hill district, 142 ; New- field district, 142, 143; Lyman district, 142 ; middle district, 144; Wolcottville, public, 148, 150. Schuyler, Geo. L., 185. Scofield, Charles F., 277. James, 277. James H., 164. W. C, 187. Scott, Joseph, 277. Leverette, 122, 123, 128, 132274. Mrs. Leverette, 128. Samuel, 275. Scoville, Albert M., 240. Amasa, 122, 127, 132, 274. Arnold, 116. Index. 813 Scoville, Charles, 134. Chloe, 1 32. Daniel, 134. Ebenezer, 330. Elisaph, 126, 165, 167. George, 276. Joel, 127, 277. John, 127, 132. John W., 122, 126, 276. Julius, 274. Linus, 276. Lucy C, 132. Maria, 132. Mary, 132. Sarah M., 292 W. H., 481. Scythe factory, 81, 82. Seaman, Hicks, 239. Sedgwick, Albert, 278. John R., 278. Seelye, L. Clark, 132. Maria, i 32. Sam'l T., 96, 124, 127, 278. Separates, the, 35. Settle, Sabrah, 132. Setting the psalm, 32. Sexton, Ebenezer, 74, 276. Seymour, C. B., 135. Charles E., 295. Charles H., 167. Charlotte, 132. Eliza, 426. Frederick J., 97, 165, 267, 278 ; biography, 601. George F.. 134, 164, 274, 277. James H., i 32. Judge, 448. Lura, 132. O. S., 134. Polly A., 61. Samuel, 273. Truman, 274. Seymour Mtg. Co., 97. Shady Side, 311. Shattuck, Asa, 273. Chauncey, 274. Randall, 72, 275. William, 271. Shawngum mountain, 169. Sheldon, Dr. Daniel, 436, 437- Epaphras, 26, 28, 42, 64, 65,66, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 228, 232, 235. 244, 258, 259, 264, 265, 267, 270. Epaphras Jr., 270. Sheldon, Eunice, 42. Mrs. Gen., 308. Jerusha, 42. Remembrance, 9. Roger, 223. Shepard, Corydon, 278. Levi, 273. Norman, 71. Prof., 505. Stephen, 70, 71. Shelton, Edward N., 187. Sheridan, Philip, i 37. Sherman, Rev. Charles, 74. Rev. H. M., 136, 601. Wm. A., 295. Shoars, David, 293. Silver ore, 175. Sinclair, George, 240. Sinj;ing, 32, 33. Skiff, Cornelius, 278. Skinner, H., 132. Isaac, 9. Thomas, 226. Slade, Wm. R., 99, 187, 236. Slave, Jacob Prince, 212; Ginne, 21 1. Slavery, chapter on, 210; in England, 210; in Connecticut, 21 1; in Torrington, 21 1. Slaves, emancipation of, 212. Sleds, children's, 81. Sleigh ride in summer, 249. Smith, A. P., 165. Aaron, 163. Albert H., 132. Alonzo, 239. Aaron, 161. Asahel, 73, i 62. Benj., 104, 164. Benj. F., 134. Caroline, 46. Charles, 275. Charles B., 52, 76, 105, 133. 134. 166, 604. Charles W., 165, 238. Chester, 278. Chester L., 81. D. Alonzo, 165. Daniel, 1 1 3. Daniel W., 238. E. H., 165. Ebenezer, 42, 222, 304. Eliphalet, 275. Elisha, 32, 34, 66, 132, 222, 228, 230, 249, 265, 266, 267, 268, 270, 281 ; biog., 603. Fitch, 187. Rev. Gad N., 114. George, 2d, 241. Smith, George O., 278. Gerrit, 335, 364, 365, 369. Gideon, 70. Giles, 278. Giles M., 277. Henrietta, 61. Henry L., 278. James, 288. John, 165. John N., 242. John, quarter master, 2. Josiah, 163. Judson, 166. L. B., 165, 168. Lorinda R., 295. Lorrain, 276. Lucy, 43. Melvin, 61. Nathaniel, 76, 77, 164, 273. Orrel, 307. Patrick A., 294. Phebe, 132. Ralph R., 81. Rev. Ralph, 124, 127. Rebecca, 44. Reuben, 274. Rodney L., 165. Ruhama, 123, 128, I 32. Rev. S. K., 118 ; bio- graphy, 1 20. Sarah L., 295. Seth, 45, 274. Stephen, 226, 275, 284. Wm., 167. John, 286. Society, strict congregational, 34; Torringtord peti- tion for, 48, 49. Soldiers at Crown point, 224. Soper, David, 27, 28, 52, 62, 75. 83, 84, 86, 223, 230, 265, 267, 268, 271, 281. Dr. Joel, 156. Orange, 68, 272. Rachael, 61. Timothy, 223. Southcote, Capt. Richard, 2. Spain, Michael, 168. Sparks, Thomas, 94, 164. Spaulding, Julia A., 61. Myron, 46. Silas, 276. Silas D.,, 61. Spencer, Elisheba, 61. Eliza, 61. Frederick, 275. Henry C, 132. 8l4 Index. Spencer, Jeremiah, 234; biography, 605. Jesse, 223. John, 223. Lucy, 283. Miles, 273. Mrs. H. C , 132. William, 276. William T., 164, 238. Sparry, A. W., 165. Eno, 164. Enoch, 226, 275. Lewis, 276. Luiinda, 295. Richard, 276. Samuel, 278. Spicer, Julia, 46. Spittle, William, 127. Spooner, Clapp, 195. Squabble hill, 171, 245. Squire, Caroline A., 132. John, 223. Squires, Bishop, 277. Lyman B., 275. Samuel W., 132, 277. St. John, Dr. Bela, 156; biography. 606. Marilla, 61. ' Stanclitf, Comfort, Jr., 223. John, 223, 228, 236, 271. Stanford, M. H., 164. Rev. D. P., 165. Stannard, Abel, 222. Stark, Deborah, 281. Ichabod, Jr., 223. Starkweather, Elijah, 163, 276. Starks, Thomas A., 267. Thomas M., 276. Steadman, iVIary, 9. Stearns, B. B., i 32. Mrs. B. B., 132. Geo. L., 318, 359, 361. 3<'4. 365. 367> 368, 369, 372. Steatite, 176. Steele, Caroline, 132. Dr. H. B., 154. Elisha J., 127, 132, 138. Eliza, 61. George B., 132. Lambert W., 238. Wm. S., 96, 132. Stevens, Aaron C, 391. Eglegene, 291 . Frederick, ill Stiles, Ebenezer, 9. Emma J., 296. Henry, 9. John, 9. Simpson, Cornelia W., 132. Stocking, Anson, 122, 132. Charlotte, 132. Eber N., 238. Emma O., 132. Flora, I 32. Frank L., i 32. Henry M., 238. Marcia, 132. Mary, 132. Philo H., 132. Samuel J., 126, 127, 132, 267. Scoddart, Abigail, 43. Anna, 284. Ebenezer, 272. Eli, 61. Olive, 61. Stone, Anson, 272. Benj., 226. E. Hodges, 67. Emily, 61. Mary, I 32. Dr. Noah, 491. Timothy, 520. Store, William Battell's, 75. Stoughton, Daniel, 14, 15,16. Israel, 2. Nathaniel, 9. Thomas, 8, 27, 5 i. Thomas Jr., 9, 16, 40. Stowe, Daniel, 223. Stringfellow, B. F., 353. Strong, Asahel, 18, 25, 27, 40, 51, 222, 228, 230, 236, 271, 304. Elijah, 272. Emerette L., 61. Jacob, 9, II, 15, 16, 18, 25, 27, 40, 51. Rev. Jacob H., 38, 39, 606. John, 145, 224, 225, 228, 235, 267, 271, 529. John Jr , 271. Mindwell, 254, 255, 259. Samuel, 9. William F., 277. Stuart, Rev. Mose', 572. Sturdevant, Anna, 132. S. G., 164. Samuel, i 32. Sturman, G , 168. Sulfang, fohn, 241. Sulivan, Dudley, 274. Sumner, Col., 349. Support the church or go to jail, 248. Surveys, expenses of, 11. Swamp, spruce, 1 1 j mast, 1 1. Swan, Helen B., 289. Sweet, Mr., 1 14. Swift, Hon. H., 183. Solomon E., 132. Sykes, Joseph, 165. Talcott, Emma, 132. W. H., 127, 132. Tallmadge, David, 61. David Jr., 276. Elliot C., 277. Hilah, 61. James B., 61, 278. James M., 84. John A., 61. Sarah, 61. Tannery, Burrville, 83; first one, 64; Torringford, 77 ; at Newfield, 68 ; on mill brook, 65. Tanter, Joseph, 244. Tatro, Samuel 165. Tavern, Benj. BisaelTs, 75 ; Hayden's, 77. Taverns, the first, 27. Tax, settlement of a minister, 16, 17. Taylor, Abiel, 163, 273. Abigail, 123, 128, 132. Augustus J., 276. Ann, Mrs., 61, 90 ; biog., 610. Ann M., 61. Capt. Uri, 121, 122; biog., 611. Edward, 162. Emeline, 132. Emery, 61, 275, 289. Eunice, I 34. Frederick L., 89, 134, 277. Joel, 226. John, 274. Joseph, 27, 32, 34, 89, 90, 105, 222, 227, 271, 606 ; great din- ner, 203. Maria, 61. Nathaniel, 469. Polly, 61. Prof. N. W., 309. Rev. Geo., 1 15. Stephen, 223, 271. Uri, 63, 90, 134, 148, 162, 164, 266, 269, 273. Temperance pledge, 208 ; reform, 207. Terrell, .'\lmon, 287. Ferrill, Spencer A., 276. Thatcher, Dr. James, 470. Index. 815 Things not left out, chapter, 243. Thompson, David, 391. Epaphras, 71. Geo. C, 239. Harriet, 493. Henry, 350, 364. Horace A., 240. Joseph, 222. J. M., 134. L , 267. Wm., 391. Thomas, Thomas, 64. Thoreau, Henry D., 357, 362. Thorp, Ambrose, 274. David J., 239. Sarah W., i 32. Thrall, Aaron, 42. Abel, 222. Amelia, 47. Charles, 222. Daniel, 16, 271. Elizabeth, 9, 40. Friend, 42, 222. George W., 273. Hannah, 43. Homer F., 266, 273. Ira, 275. Joel, 14, 15, 18, 51, 210. Joseph, 42, 222. Joshua, 274. Laurin, 45, 266, 269. Levi, 42, 144, 153, 222, 270, 516. Luke, 275. Margaret, 32, 40, 43. Noah, 222. Nathan, 274. Pardon, 222, 227, 271. Phebe, 41. Reuben, 42. Samuel, 45, 274. Tibbals, Lorrain, 277. Nathan R., 165. Tiffany, Russell, 276. Tillinghast, Henrietta, 132. Timmons, Mrs., 373. Titus, John G., 278. Oliver, 278. Todd, Wm. P., 1 32. ToUes, Joseph, 61, 273. Sibyl R., 450. Tompkins, Thomas, 61. Tomlmson, Curtiss, 274. Horace, 276. John M., 276. Tompson, Henry, 275. Topography of" Torrington, 171- Torringford, a business place, 75 ; first settlers, 25 ; incorporated, 49 ; meeting hojse, 50. Torrington, named, 8 ; com- pany, 8 ; Green, 66, 67; hollow, 795 Mfg. Co , 79, 95. Travis, Eliza, 132. J. M., 126, 165. Treadway, Aureit, 61. Charles, 276. Seth, 272. Seth S., 276. Treat, S. B., 506. Trees, kinds of, 172. Trowbridge, Henry, 274. Trumbull, Ammi, 9. Benj , D.D., 36 John, 9. Tubbs, Nathan, 132, 277. Tucker, Benj., 77. Leonard, 77. Turner, Elisha, 97, 104, 107, 126, 267. Isaac, 503, 510. L. D., 165. Martha, 503, 510. Turner & Seymour Mfg. Co. 96, 97; kind of goods, 98. Turnpike, Goshen and Sha ron, 184; Waterbury. 184. Turnpikes, 183. Turrell, Ebenezer, 273. Geo. B., 111,112. Tuttle, A. L , 165. Abraham, 63. Adah, 61. Albert, 99, loo, loi. Albert L., 163. Anson, 63. Capt. Levi, 434. Catherine, 132. Chlue, 61. Clarissa H., 496. Clement, 61, 228. Cordelia, 61 . Curtiss, 62, 274. Daniel, i 63, 273. Edward H., 278. Huber E , 239. Ira, 61. Isaiah, 63, 222, 227, 447- James H., 277. John H., 274. Leverette, 63, 266, 273. Lucy, 61. Mrs. Stephen, 251. Nathan A., 165. Rhoda, 434, 435. Tuttle, Ruth, 61. Uriel, 52, 61, 77, 216, 266, 268, 272. Tyler, Rev. Bennett, 521. Union Mfg. Co., 99, 100. Vaill, Rev. H. L., 56, 148. Valleys, 170. Van Allyn, Caroline E., 61. Van Buren, Dr., 509. Martin, 483. Village society in Wolcolt- ville, 122. Vinton, Joseph, 116. Virgil, George, 165. Volkman, C, 165. Wade, Amasa, 74. Amos, 74. Harmon E., 74. Homer H., 74. Wadhams, David, 79. Dothia, 132. Eliza, 132. F. L., 127, 165. Frederick, 86. Frederkk B., 275. Geo. D., 81, 95, 96, 105, 122, 123, 128, 132, 164, 187, 188, 193, 274. Heman, 275. Lucy, 123, 128, 132. Lucy A., 309. Sarah, 132. Wadliams Mfg. Co., 96. Wadsworfh, Jernas, 226. Waight, Benjamin F., 276. William W., 277. Wainwright, Harriet C, 61. Jonth. A., 238. Wiit, Robert, 167. Wakefield, Ann, 61. Walbridge, King, 238. Walcott, Rev. Dana M., 56, 61. Elizabeth, 61. Waldo, Hubbard, 165. Waler, Daniel, 228. Walker, John W., 79. George, 356. Josiah, 64. Walling, Catharine, 132. James, 276. Lewis, 241. Walnut hill, 169, 170. Walters, Henry, 163. War, the Rebellion, 236; regiment, heavy ar- tillery, 238 ; 2d reg., heavy artillery, 238. i 8i6 Index. Ward, Amos, 275. Eunice, 44. Giles, 40, 44, 68. Henry, 74. Warren, Edward R., 164. Warham, Rev. John, i, 2. Warriner, Abner M., 79. Warhurst, Enoch G., 239. Washburn. Rev. E., 115. Washington, Col., 398, 401. General, 224. Wasps, 247. Waterbury, Charles, 195. Waterhouse, Wright, 239. Waterman, Bell A., 150. Watkins, Julius, 73. Watson, Abigail, 61. Ann, 62. Charlotte E., 62. Dr. Hiram, 156. Ebenezer, 9. Emeline, 62. George, 62, 276. Harvey, 62. Huldah, 61. Jane B., 62. Jed, 9. Julia, 61. Levi, 61, 235. Lucy, 61. Millissa, 62. Milo, 62. Reuel A., 62. Roman, 164. Sally, 62. Sarah, 62. Sarah Jane, 62. Thomas, 57, 62, 156, 225. Wm., 57, 62. William H., 61. Wattles, Asa, 278. Henry, 45, 274. Waugh, George, 277. Moses, wagon shop, 69. Way, John, 226. Webb, Col., 235. Webster, Edwin B., 134. Elizabeth, 512. J. D, 360. Jerome, 278. Marilla, 132. Martin, 65, 96, 266, 269, 273. William, 277. W. H., 134. Weddings, 249. Wedge, Parintha, 62. William, 276. Weed, Emma, 132. Harriet, 132. Mary, 132. Weed, Willard, 126, 132. Weeks, Esther, 45. G. S., 165. Samuel, 278. Welch, Dr. James, 156. Gideon H., 127, 161, 267. Michael, 241. Susie, I 32. Wells, Margaret J., 132. Marther, 62. Nancy, 62. Welsh, Dr. Wm., 471. Welton, Charles R., 165. West India, 70. Westlake, Albert M., 277. Western lands, 7. Weston, E. F., 165. Margaret F., 132. Wethersfield, settled, 5. Wetmore, 45, 123, 128. Bessey, i 32. Betsey, 44, 123, 128. Fanny, 62. Fanny C, 45. Francis, 123, 128, 132. Freeman S., 514. J. G., 190. J. N., 127. Joel, 42. John, 41, 230, 271. John 2d, 162. Lauren, 45, 122, 123, 126, 127, 128, 132, 149, 267, 275. Lois, 43. Louisa, 46, 123, 128. Lyman, 44, 96, 122, 123. 128, 132, 134, 266, 268, 272, 425. Miriam, 43. Nancy, 45, 425. Pomeroy, 272. Sally, 43. Samuel, 271. Sarah, 44. Sarepta. 62. Seth, 163, 265, 268, 27 I. Truman S , I 63. Whealon, Mr., 138. Wheeler, Anson, 164. Asa, 132. Frank M., 132. Geo. H., 240. Harriet, 132. Kezia, I 32. Martha, 132. Nellie M., 132. Sally. 46. Whipping post, 246. White, Anne E., 45. White, Jedediah, 44. Rev. John, i, 2, 3, 274. Merritt, 276. Silas, 223, 274. Thomas, 226, 272. Whiting, Alonzo, 47, 267, 270, 276. Anna C , 132. Benjamin, 41, 43, 229, 230, 236, 244, 270. Christopher, 222. Clarissa, 46. Dr. Erastus D., 156. Dea. John, 30. Emma J., 46. Francis K., 132. Frank L. G., 44. Frederick P., 266, 269, 274. George L., 267, 276. Giles, 44, 266, 272. Harriet, 44, 46. Harrison, 239. Hervey, 271, 528. Henry, 236. Hiram J., 275. James, 274. Jesse, 228, 236. John, 22, 32, 34, 35, 36, 40, 41, 51, 65, 66, 75, 211, 222, 258, 259, 271. Josiah, Jr., 222. Lewis, 266, 276. Lucien N., 239. Mary A., 45. Melinda, 46. Rachel, 46. Rebecca, 45, 46. Sarah, 41, 43. Sarah, Jr., 42. Selah, 273. Uri, 46, 269, 273. Uri L., 81. Wm., 244, 268, 271, 314- Wm. H., 45, 273. Whitman, E. B., 377. Henry, 164. Wilbur, Prof. C. D., 160. Wilcox, Asahel, 32, 41, 89, 222, 227, 271. Charles, 62. Charlotte, 62. Elias, 62. Florilla A., 62. Harriett, 133. John, 239. Maria E., 62. Philemon, 226. Sarah, 123, 128, 133. Wild-cat hollow, 243. Index. 817 Wildcats, 243. Wi^ley, Mary, 45. Williams, Anson, 275. David, 272. Henry, 241. Jessie,, i 64. John, 9, 236. Mary E., 296. Samuel, i 35. Wm., 236. Wilson, Abijah, 32, 34, 42, 113, 114, 222, 228, 268,271, 303. Abner, 225. Capt. Amos, 27, 32, 34, 35. 41, 44. 65. 66, 75. 87, 89, 105, 122, 133, 142, 144, 154, 221, 224, 228, 235, 264, 265, 267, 268, 270. Amos, Jr., 272. Ann, 40, 42. Ansel, 163. Agusta, 62. Caroline, 133. Caroline J., 291. Clarissa, 62, 133. Darius, 62, 77, 105, 127, 133- Ebenezer, 96. Eliza, 45. 133. F. J., 267. Hannah, 43. Harmon, 272, 275. Horatio, 277. John, 9. Larenson, 278. Lois, 45. Mary, 62, 133. Noah, 18, 27, 32, 34, 51,87, 105,106,113, 221, 228, 229, 230. 235. -44. 264, 267, 270, 271. Noah, Jr., 32, 34. 42, 230, 271. Norman, 90, 162, 273. Roger, 32, 88, 90,222, 227, 271. RoUand, 272. Roswell, 43, 88, 90, 105, 271. Ruth, 43. Sabra, 44. Samuel, 9. Senator ot Mass., 375. Wait B., 127, 270, 276. William, 31, 62, 222, 227, 228, 271, 273 Wilson's mill, 87, 88, 89, 105, 106. Winchell, Gerry, 277. Daniel, 62, 271. Milo, 276. Daniel, 62, 76, 223, 226. David, 273. Ebenezer, 48, 50, 145, 273. Hiram, 62, 273. John, 9. Samuel, 277. Stephen, 9. Windsor Company, i ; an act to divide, 7. Windsor Patent, 7. Winship, C. A., 267, 278. Winthrop, Governor, 3, 5. Westland, Robert, 9. Witherell, Elijah, 278. Wolcott, Abigail, 43. Almira, 44. Anna, 44. Christopher, 63, 94, 123. Eleanor, 45. Elizur, 273. Ephraim W., 164. Fiederick, 90. Gov. Oliver, 94, 523. Guy, 32, 40, 43, 90, 91, 94, 263, 268, 271, 479. Henry, i. James, 94, 95, 273. John, 9. Oliver, 91, 92, 235. Roger, 8. Simon, Jr., 9. Wokottville, first house built in, 89 ; first store in, 90; how it became a village, 87; in 1819, in 1836, 91 ; its growth, 91 ; named, 91 ; number of in- habitants, 93; view of, 92 ; Brass Co., 102; Hardware Mfg. Co., 104; knitting Co., 95 5 Mfg. Co., 95 ; Savings Bank, 1 12. Women physicians, 157. Wood, John, 9. Woodford, George E., 133. Isabella, i 33. Linda, 150. Wooding, Edmund, 81, iii, 134, 269, 276. Edmund A., 266. James 107, 116. Wooding, Julius, 270. Woodruff, Henry M., 164, 239. John, 226. Julia A., 62. Lott, 222. Philo, 226. Rev. Geo. W., 120. Solomon, 226. Sterling, 275. Woodward, Catherine M., 62. Charles, 274. Dr. Charles, 1 54, 156, 157. 536. Elijah, 157, 267, 270, 273, 278. Dr. Henry, 157. Dr. S., 62, 152, 153, 154, 157. 265, 266, 420. 447. 459. 504. 516. Dr. Samuel B., 157. George, 277. Griswold, 208, 266, 269. Henry C, 240. James G., 62, 270. Orpha A., 62. Rufus, 151. Dr Samuel, letter to J. Alvord, 245 ; biog., 623. Samuel B., 208. Woolen mill built, 94. Wooster, Gen. Clark, 187. L. T., 116. Workman, A. E., 168, 239. Andrevy, 165. Geo. D., 99, 100, loi, 166, 167. John, 165, 166. Samuel, 99, 100, loi, 133- Wooster, L. T., 165. Wright, Elizur, 329. Geo., 242. Joel, 274. Robert, 81, 278. Wrightville, 81. James, 272. Rev. Cyrus, 471. Yale, Aaron, 26, 48. Young, Clarinda, 62. John, 42, 305. Milo, 239. John, 222, 278. York, Jesse, 276. Stephen, 276. Zell, Rev. Henry, 133, 135. University of Connecticut Libraries i » z "ts. -y ii.-^' 0.r^ ^,->«4^