YALE UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY

1944

HISTOEY,

TOWNS

HADDAM A^D EAST-HADDAM.

BY DAYID D. FIELD, A. M.
PASTOR OF THE CHURCH m HADDAM.

MIDDLETOWN :
PRINTED BY LOOMIS AND RICHARDS.
1814.

200 Copies Ebpbinted pob
CHARLES L. WOODWARD,
New Tokk, 1803.

THE facts generally, which a7'e detailed in the
followvng pages, cannot be expected to interest any,
except the inhabitants ofHaddam and East-Haddami,
and their particular friends and acquaintance. For
these they are intended, and should they contribute to
their benefit, the labors of compilation will be amply
rewarded. In such a multitude offa^ts, it will not
be wonderful if some inaccuracies should be discover
ed — all that the author can say is, that he has tahen
much pains to be correct, and has used the best helps
in his power. To those who have assisted him in
collecting facts, or home forwarded the publication of
the worh ; he improves this opportunity of rendering
his warmest acTcnowledgements.

10!

HISTORY, &c.

X^ ERSECUTED for their religious tenets in their own
country, the Puritans at length sought an asylum in the American
wilderness. In the year 1620, a part of the church and congrega
tion under the venerable John Robinson arrived at Plymouth, and
began the settlement of the old colony of that name. In 1629, a
company arrived under Mr. John Endicott and settled Salem and
Charlestown. The year following several other towns were settled
in Massachusetts. In 1635 and 6 people removed from Dorchester,
Watertown, and Newtown in Massachusetts, and planted themselves
in Wethersfield, Hartford, and Windsor on Connecticut river; which
places then included the present towns of Glastenbury, East-Hartford,
and East-Windsor. The Inhabitants of these towns soon agreed upon
a constitution of civil government for themselves, and such as should
be afterwards joined to them. This was the beginning of the govern
ment of Connecticut. About the time of the settlement of the above
towns, a fort was erected at Saybrook under Gov. John Winthrop, and
a settlement begun there. This town originally included Killingworth
and most of the town of Lyme, and was a distinct government from
Connecticut until 1644. Seven years after this, a few families settled
at Mattebeseck, and in 1653 the place was incorporated by the Gen
eral Court of Connecticut, and called Middletown. This town then
included Chatham.
The lands between Middletown and Saybrook, were called
lands at Thirty-miles-island, from the island north of the centre of
the tract in Connecticut river, which was thought to be thirty miles

from its mouth, or perhaps from the bar. These lands were owned
and inhabited by Indians, excepting Twenty-miles- island, now Lord's
island, and some lands on the adjacent banks of the river eastward,
to which Capt. John CuUick had acquired a title. This title was
afterwards alienated to the grandfather of Col. Jabez Chapman.
The Indians were numerous. A large tribe inhabited East-
Haddam, which they called Machemoodus, or the place of noises,
from the noises or earthquakes which had been heard there, and
which have continued to the present time. These were of a fierce
and wretched character, remarkable for pawaws and the worship of
evil spirits. The noises from the earth regarded as the voice of
their god, confirmed them in their monstrous notions of religion. An
old Indian being asked the reason of the noises, said, " The Indian's
god was very angry, because the EngUshman's God came here."
As the lands above mentioned were purchased of four Indian kings,
Sachusquatevemapid, Keawaytahue, Turramuggus and Nabahuett,
and two Indian queens, Sepunnemo-pampcossame and Towkishe,
other tribes doubtless inhabited other parts of them.
The purchase was made May 20, 1662, by Matthew Allyn, and
Samuel Willys for thirty coats. For these, not exceeding probably
100 dollars in value, a deed was given of all the lands from Matta-
beseck mill river, which is supposed to be the rise of the stream at
Haddam Quarter called Miller's brook, or Summer's creek, and from
the Straits on the east side of Connecticut river, which in a lax sence
may be considered as reaching down as far as where the dividing
line between Chatham and Haddam is now run ; to the lower end of
Pattaquounk meadow at the crooks, which is the cove meadow in
Chester at a large bend in the river eastward from it; extending
six miles easterly and westerly from the river. These lands
were deeded to Matthew Allyn and Samuel Wyllys, their heirs
and assigns forever, excepting Capt. Cullick's land already sold,
Thirty-miles-island and 40 acres at Pattaquounk, which the
Indians reserved for themselves ; together with a right to hunt and
fish where they pleased, provided they did not wrong or abuse the
English. The purchase thus made was taken up by twenty-eight per
sons, who moved here either in 1662, or very soon after, viz. Nich-

5
olas Ackley, Joseph Arnold, John Bailey, James Bates, Daniel
Brainerd, Thomas Brooks, Samuel Butler, William Clarke, Daniel
Cone, William Corbee, Abram Dibble, Samuel Ganes, George
Gates, John Hannison, Richard Jones, Stephen Luxford, John Pa
rents, Richard Piper, Thomas Shayler, Simon Smith, Thomas Smith,
Gerrard Spencer, John Spencer, Joseph Stannard, William Ventres,
James Wells, John Webb, and John Wiat. These were generally
young men, who married about the time of the settlement. Several
are known to have come immediately from Hartford, and probably
most were from that place or its vicinity. They settled on
the west side of the river, the greater part in the town meadow,
from the easternmost point of Walkley hill down to the town grave
yard, where, at the rise of the ground on the west side of the mead
ow, several of their cellars are still visible. Others spread them
selves on the plain below Mill creek, and were called the Lower
Plantation. John Bates, Richard Walkley and some others, soon united with
the first settlers, and in October 1668, the people were invested
with town privileges, and the place was called Haddam, probably
from Haddam, or Hadham in England. Previously to this time,
about twenty towns were formed in the whole of Connecticut ; I
say in the whole of Connecticut, because New-Haven Colony unit
ed with Connecticut three years before this, according to the char
ter obtained from Charles II. in 1662.
Soon after the settlement of Haddam, a controversy arose between
the inhabitants and the people of Saybrook and Lyme (for the latter
town was settled before the controversy was issued) respecting the
dividing line between them. Saybrook originally extended back
eight miles from the sea or sound, and Lyme six. To them a grant
was made of a strip of land, four miles in width on the north, which
the deed from the Indians, held by the people of Haddam, covered.
Much dissatisfaction existed respecting it. Saybrook proposed that
the contested land should be divided equally, one half to Haddam,
and the other to themselves and Lyme. In 1669, the Legislature
ordered that such a division should be made. Since that time no
very material alteration has taken place in the bounds of Haddam
on the west side of the river, excepting that the tract of land at the

6
northwest corner called Haddam Quarter, was annexed to Durham
in Oct. 1773 : but on the east side of the river instead of the line's
being run on the north six miles easterly from the river, it is run
eight miles from Salmon river, and 6 1-4 from the river on
the south, increasing the limits of the original purchase con
siderably more than the extent of Haddam Neck. The mean
length of Haddam is about? miles, and of East-Haddam 8 3-4. Had
dam Neck is 4 miles across on the north, and runs 4 miles south
where it terminates in a point between Connecticut and Salmon
rivers. About the year 1685, a settlement was begun in East-Haddam at
the Creek row. Thither all the Gates removed, most of the Cones,
and some of the Bates's and Brainerds. The Ackleys settled a lit
tle further east, and some of the Spencers in the edge of Had-
lyme. The first settler in Millington was Jonathan Beebe, about
1704. He settled near the north-east corner, by the Long Pond, a
pond of upwards two miles in length, and half a mile in breadth, the
source of Eight-mile river, which empties itself into Connecticut
river in Lyme. A few persons soon united with him who have no
descendants in East-Haddam. The first settlers on the east side of
the river were soon joined by the ancestors of the Booges, Fullers,
Percivals, Holmes's Chapmans, Willeys, &c. but excepting at the
Long Pond, none settled in Millington till about 1732, 3 and 4,
when its numbers increased rapidly. With the early settlers in
Haddam were united the Dickinsons, Hubbards Tylers, Burrs,
Knowles's, Higgins's, &c.
All the inhabitants on both sides the river, were one society until
1700, when the people living on the east side of the river, and south
and east of Salmon river, were permitted to act as a society by them
selves. In 1704, the societies did town business separately, and
distinct records were kept of their proceedings. But apprehensions
arising that this mode of doing business was illegal, and other diffi
culties prevailing among the people, the town adopted in 1710 new
articles of agreement, in which it was provided that the societies might
manage all civil affairs by themselves, elect one representative each
to the general assembly, &c. To these articles the sanction of the
Legislature was obtained. According to them the people appear to

have acted until May 1734, when the town was divided agreeably
to the division of the societies ; and to the west society, the name of
Haddam was continued, while to the east, the name of East-Had
dam was given. At first the towns respectively were allowed to
send but one deputy to the assembly at public cost, but by an act
passed about 1766, they were allowed to send two.
The original township of Haddam, and of course the towns into
which it was divided lay within the county of Hartford, and the
inhabitants repaired thither in civil suits. At the formation of
Middlesex County in May 1785, both towns were included in the
new county, and as Haddam was the central town it was fixed upon
as a half-shire, while Middletown being a place of considerable busi
ness and population was selected as the other half-shire. In both
these towns, court houses and goals were subsequently erected.
The court house in Haddam is 44 feet long and 28 broad,
and two stories high, but indifferently built. The goals have both
been condemned, and for two years past there has been no goal in
the county.
The Indians who reserved to themselves Thirty-miles-island, and
40 acres at Pattaquounk, with the right of hunting and fishing
where they pleased ; remained in the town for many years
and were troublesome to the English. For 40 or 45 years
from the settlement, the people were accustomed to carry arms with
them to the place of public worship, that they might be able to de
fend themselves in case of a sudden attack. In 1704, a time of general
alarm in the state, guards were kept in three houses in East-Had
dam. No account however is transmitted to us of their having
done any serious mischief to the first settlers or their immediate
descendants. In 1734, Haddam voted they would attempt to pur
chase Thirty-miles-island for the benefit of the town, but no pur
chase was made. Within the remembrance of persons now living,
several Indians dwelt upon it, but they are now extinct.
Those noises in East-Haddam which caught the attention of the
natives were not disregarded by the first settlers and their associates,
nor have they been disregarded by later generations. Seventy or
eighty years ago, in consequence of their greater frequency and
violence, they gained the attention of the neighbouring towns, and

8
became the subject of inquiry and discussion among the learned and
inquisitive throughout the state. They have often been perceived
in a small circle, producing a slight motion in the earth and in the
river, and have been called Moodus' noises, but when they have
extended 30 or 40 miles they have been denominated earthquakes.
The earthquakes felt in Connecticut for more than forty years,
have been observed to be more violent in East-Haddam, than in
any other place. The most violent of all was on the 18th of May,
1791, which so agitated the earth as to untop many chimnies, and
excite consternation in every family. There were many shocks,
some of which were noticed at New- York, Boston, and North
hampton. The next day apertures and fissures were found in
the northeast part of East-Haddam first society, which ascertain
ed the spot where the explosion took place. Since that time
the noises have been less frequent and violent : but as the
mineral substances producing them, remain in the bowels of the
earth, they may be expected in future.
The lands in the present township of Haddam taken together
cannot be considered as good. Nigh Connecticut river there are
some good lands, easy of cultivation, and producing valuable
crops of rye, corn and grass. The lands back, excepting in the in
tervals on Higganum middle and south branches, and on Beaver
brook, are hard and gravelly, and in most cases too rough and hilly
for ploughing. The rough lands however, bear a heavy growth of
wood, of the various kinds common in this part of the country ; and
where they are cleared yield considerable pasture. East-Haddam
is a good grazing township, less hilly and rocky than Haddam, though
of a soil rather hard, especially in Millington. Very little wheat
has been raised in either town for many years, nor are rye and corn
raised to any great extent. The price of good land for plowing
and mowing in Haddam, near the river, is from one to two hundred
and fifty dollars per acre. Other lands bear a proportionable price
according to their goodness and proximity to market. The price of
land in Haddam, has doubled within twenty years. Land is not so
high in East-Haddam, nor has it had such a rapid rise.
For 80 years after the settlement began here, the inhabitants were
employed almost wholly in husbandry. Their farms furnished them

9
with most of the necessaries of life, and money for the purchase of
others, and for the payment of taxes, was obtained by fattening cat
tle for the Boston market.
In 1743 a dwelling house was erected at East-Haddam Landing,
and a market opened there for produce; from which time other
branches of business began to be introduced. The Landing at
Higganum was begun not long after.
For 60 or 70 years the towns have been moderately concerned in
the West-India trade; to a greater extent in the coasting trade.
There are now belonging to Haddam, one ship, three brigs, three
sloops and five schooners, amounting to 1597 tons : to East-Had
dam, one ship, two brigs and one sloop, amounting to 605 tons.
Fishing must have been pursued in a degree from the settlement
as the inhabitants wished for fish for their own use ; but there was
scarcely any call for them from abroad, till within 50 or 60 years.
Connecticut river and the streams emptying in it, originally abound
ed with Salmon, shad, and various kinds of smaller fish. The Sal
mon were so common in the river dividing East-Haddam from Had
dam Neck, that it was called Salmon river from that circumstance.
This fish has scarcely been found in the river for several years. Its
failure has been commonly ascribed to the Locks on the river in
Massachusetts and the numerous saw-mills on the streams empty
ing into it; but it is very questionable whether it is owing wholly
or principally to this cause, as it is found in other streams where
similar obstructions exist. The shad are the only fish which render
fishing an important business, though small fish remain in the river.
These used to be considered as hardly eatable, but they have grad
ually risen into estimation, and are now a fashionable dish, and com
mand a ready and profitable market. There are 16 or 17 places in
Haddam where they are caught to considerable extent, and 6 in East-
Haddam, including Lord's Island. In the former town there were
taken the last season as near as I have been able to ascertain 130,
000 ; and in the latter 32,000. The season was much less favora
ble than usual, and 200,000 may be fairly estimated as an average
quantity for Haddam, and 50,000 for East-Haddam. The largest
draught of which I have heard in these towns was taken at the Peer
*2

10
in 1803, containing 2300 or neariy. At the next draught between
1800 and 1900 were taken.
Ship-building has been regularly carried on at Higganum Land
ing for half a century, and occasionally at other places on the river,
particularly at East-Haddam Landing and Chapman's ferry. This
business has furnished employment to many hands, and a call to
farmers for materials for building. It is to be lamented however
that the practice of giving ardent spirits daily to workmen, which
has preminently prevailed in this business, has led some to intem
perance and ruin. The practice has no necessary connection with
the employment, and it is hoped that the time is not fardistant when
this liquid poison will be excluded from ship-yards, and all other
places, and nutricious, and wholesome drinks substituted in its
stead. Much wood is exported from these towns annually, the
greater part to New York. From Higganum Landing, which is
the greatest wood market, 2000 cords were carried in 1807. Hick
ory for several years has been sold from 5 to 6 dollars per cord,
and oak from 3 to 4 dollars.
The stone quarries in Haddam bid fair to be a permanent and
extensive source of wealth. The quarry on Haddam Neck began
to be improved in 1762, and was improved more and more until the
commencement of the present war, or rather of the restrictive system.
The principal openings are from 50 to 70 rods from the river, on a
hill of considerable height, from which the descent is difficult. The
quarry on the west side of the river below Haddam street was
opened about the year 1794. It is 90 or 100 rods from the river,
and on a hill less high and steep than that on the east side. The
stone in both lie in the same direction, which has lead some to an
opinion that the quarries extend under the bed of the river. They
are usually a little below the surface, and of an iron grey colour,
and the seams run perpendicular. Long slabs are spHt off, and then
spht or broken into any smaller size which is wished. They are ve
ry excellent for building, curbing and paving. The stone in both
quarries, and in various other places in the hills where the princi
pal openings have been made, are immense. Some years, 80 or 90

11
hands have been employed in them. The stone have been carried to
various parts of this state and Rhode-Island, to Boston, New- York,
Albany, and Baltimore, and application has been made for them as
far south as Petersburgh in Virginia. They are sold by the foot,
for curbing of 4 inches thickness from 17 to 21 cents, for paving 2
inches thick from 10 to 14 cents.
The numerous water-falls in Haddam and East-Haddam, together
with the circumstances of the towns lying upon a navigable river,
and of the spirit lately excited in the country, render it probable
that at no far distant period they will become manufacturing towns.
The establishment at Lord's Mills is begun with very favorable
prospects. This is on Salmon river nearly 4 miles from its en
trance into Connecticut river through the Cove. The dam is 7 feet
high, and gives a head of water of 12 feet, which is equal in the driest
season to two grist-mill powers. The water is taken from the dam
in one place, and is conveyed to a cotton factory, an oil and bark
mill, a woollen factory, clothier's works, and to a saw-mill which
carries eight saws, and saws a length of 70 feet. An oil mill has
stood here fifty years. The cotton factory is not completed. The
woollen factory has just begun its operations, and consumes wool at
the rate of 10,000/. yearly, which the clothier's works will be
more than sufficient to full and dress. To this establishment belong
5 spinning machines. The tide flows up to the mills, and thus far
the river is navigable for scows which can come up in sluices under
the mills. — The stand at Usher's Mills in Haddam is favorable for
a large manufacturing establishment. This is situated 1-4 of a mile
west from Higganum Landing, on Higganum river, just below the
junction of its three branches, and fifty rods distant from its entrance
into Connecticut river. In 25 rods there is a fall of water of 31
feet, which might be considerably increased by raising the dam. In
this distance, all the water may be used three times over, in the last
instance in which the fall would be the greatest, there would be a
sufficiency of water to carry two run of stones the year round. To
this spot or very nearly the river admits boats. At this stand there
are now only a clothier's works, and carding machine. The cloth
ier's works full and dress 4,500 yards of woollen cloth annually, and

12
dress 1000 yards of women's wear. The carding machine, cards
3000 lbs of wool annually. With these is connected one spinning
machine. Higganum middle and south branches, and Beaver brook,
also Pine-brook in Middle Haddam, furnish a number of mill seats,
which are partly or wholly unimproved. Moodus river. Eight-mile
river, and Bog-meadow brook in East-Haddam have several mill seats.
The two first pass over falls. The second rises in the Round Pond
(which covers an area of 1000 acres) in the north east part of East-
Haddam, 1st Society. About two miles from the pond is the fall,
where the water is precipitated down the rocks with great violence
70 feet, producing a noise sometimes heard several miles. About
these falls the Moodus' noises have been most violent.
Besides the manufactures above mentioned, there are in Haddam
the following manufactures, mills, &c. viz. 1 clothier's works, 2 card
ing machines, 5 grist mills, 9 saw mills, 7 tanneries, 1 gin distille
ry, 2 cider distilleries, 1 brick yard, and 1 machine for welding
gun barrels. The gin distillery is calculated to consume 30 bush
els of rye and corn, and make 90 gallons of liquor in 24 hours. It
has hitherto failed of consuming so much as it has not been wrought
through the night, and the liquor has hardly equalled this proportion.
The brick yard is 1-2 mile above Higganum Landing. The brick
are burnt on a wharf extended into the river, so near to which ves
sels and boats may come as to load from it. The clay is taken from
the bank and appears to be abundant. The brick are considered to
be of a superior quality. The machinery for welding gun barrels, is
connected with the gun factory at New-Haven. In East-Haddam
there are 3 clothier's works, 2 carding machines, 1 spinning
machine, 6 grist-mills, 19 saw-mills, 13 tanneries, 3 cider distilleries
and 1 nail factory. In the former town there are 7 merchants' stores
and 6 taverns ; in the latter 10 stores and 2 taverns.
The list of Haddam in 1718 was X.3,607-14-8, in 1813, 37,530 dol
lars and 6 cents ; for Haddam Society 32,107 73, and for Haddam
Neck 5,422 .33. The list of East-Haddam in 1718 was Z.4,286-4-0,
in 1813, 59,974 dollars 14 cents, for East-Haddam society 25,953,
11, for Millington 26,347 71 and for Hadlyme 7,673 32. The

13
expenses of supporting the poor in Haddam last year were 320 dol
lars, and in East-Haddam 632 dollars.
In these towns there are four ferries across Connecticut river, two
between the towns, and two between Haddam and Haddam Neck.
Chapman's ferry is much the oldest and has been uniformly private
property. East-Haddam ferry has been improved with some inter
ruptions 65 years. In 1811, it was granted by the Assembly to
George Lord and Eber Rutty. It now belongs to Mr. Lord. Hig
ganum ferry was granted to Haddam town in May 1763. Haddam
ferry was granted to Calvin Brainerd and Roswel Brainerd at the
last session.
At what time the first military company was formed in Haddam
I have not had the means of ascertaining. The first captain so far
as I can learn, was George Gates, Esq., one of the proprietors.
About the time of the formation of East-Haddam society a company
was formed there, and commanded by Joshua Brainerd, one of the
first settlers of that town. From Haddam company a new company
was formed about the year 1730 at Higganum, and from this in
May 1771 Puncet company was formed. The people on Haddam
Neck were probably detached from the first or town company in
Haddam, when Middle Haddam society was formed in 1740 ; and
the people at Haddam Quarter from Higganum company, when they
were united to Durham in 1773.
The lists below contain the names of those who have successively
commanded these companies.
H. Town Company. Joseph Selden,
George Gates, Esq. James Hazelton,
James Wells, Esq. Dea. Eliakim Brainerd,
Dea. James Brainerd, John Ventres,
Caleb Cone, Oliver Wells, Esq.
Thomas Shayler, Joshua Smith,
John Fisk, David Dickinson,
Gideon Brainerd, Samuel Shayler,
James Wells, Maj. Huntington May,
Thomas Shayler, Arnold Tyler,

14

Col. John Brainerd,
Stephen Dickinson,
Gideon Higgins.
Higganum Company.
Natiianiel Sutliff,
Abraham Brooks,
Jabez Brainerd, Esq.
Charles Seers,
John Smith,
David Brainerd,
Col. Daniel Brainerd, Esq.
Heman Brainerd,
John Brainerd,
Noadiah Cone,
John Clarke,
Curtis Smith,

Daniel Brainerd,
James Walkley,
Amos Smith,
Puncet Company.
Stephen Smith,
Abner Smith,
Samuel Hubbard,
Edmund Porter,
Jeremiah Hubbard,
Jonathan Burr,
Samuel Stannard,
James Thomas,
David Spencer,
Samuel Hubbard,
Abraham Hubbard,
Sylvester Brainerd.

The regiment to which the above companies belong, has been un
der the command of Hezekiah Brainerd, Esq. and Abraham Tyler.
Middle-Haddam Company has been commanded by 17 differ
ent captains, of whom Dea. Ebenezer Smith, Thomas Selden, Ansel
Brainerd, Elias Selden, and Daniel Brooks belonged to Haddam
Neck. Abner Porter and Arnold Hazelton have commanded
companies of cavalry. A company of volunteers was formed in Had
dam in the last war, and commanded by Samuel Brooks and Dea.
Nehemiah Brainerd, Esq.
The military company formed at East-Haddam and commanded
by Jushua Brainerd, at his resignation was divided into two ; from
these two a company was formed at Millington in 1737 or 8 and
commanded by Samuel Olmsted, which was also divided into two
at his resignation, though he was re-elected captain of the 1st of them.
Hadlyme company, belonging to East-Haddam part of Hadlyme,
was formed from East-Haddam 1st company, about 1749 or 50.
A company of cavalry has long existed, composed partly from East-
Haddam, and partly from Colchester. This company in 1812 vol
unteered to the State. The commanders of the above companies
have been as follows —

15

E. H. \st or South Company.
John Chapman,
John Holmes,
Matthew Smith,
Jabez Chapman, Esq.
Daniel Cone, Esq.
Bezaliel Brainerd,
Dea. James Gates,
Matthew Smith,
Maj. Daniel Cone,
Col. David B. Spencer,
Elijah Ackley,
Gen. E. Champion, M. C.
Jeremiah Smith,
Robert Cone,
Samuel P. Lord,
Richard Green,
Joseph Church,
Samuel Crowel,
E. H. North Company.
Samuel Olmsted,
Stephen Cone,
Thomas Gates,
Daniel Gates,
Caleb Chapman,
John Percival, Esq.
Joshua Brainerd,
Gen. Dyer Throop, Esq.
Jonathan Olmsted,
Jonathan Kilboum,
Jehiel Fuller,
Levi Palmer,
Abner Hall, Esq.
Dea. Caleb Gates,
Elisha Cone,
Darius Gates,
Col. Jonah Gates,
Darius Brainerd,

William Palmer.
Millington, 1st or N. Company.
Samuel Olmsted,
Joseph Arnold,
William Church,
John Willey,
Enoch Brainerd,
Amasa Dutton,
John Arnold,
Noadiah Emmons,
Nathaniel Lord,
Maj. Nathaniel Emmons,
Aaron Fox,
Oliver Church,
Diodate Lord,
Hezekiah Loomis,
Manly Beebe.
Millington South Company.
Jared Spencer,
John Mc. Call,
Aaron Cleaveland,
Jonah Cone,
William Cone,
Ebenezer Dutton,
Nathan Jewett,
John Chapman, Esq.
Joseph Gates,
Robert Anderson,
Amos Randal,
Col. Josiah Griffin,
Diodate Jones,
Samuel Morgan,
Gardner Gallop,
Uriah Spencer,
David G. Otis,
Maj. Jonathan Beckwith,
Barah Beckwith.

16

Hadlyme Company.
Dea. Christopher Holmes,
Ephraim Fuller,
Ebenezer Spencer,
John Shaw,
Col. Eliphalet Holmes, Esq.
Zachariah Hungerford,
Abraham Willey,
Ebenezer Holmes, Esq.
Jabez Comstock,
Charles Spencer,
Newton Marsh,
Benjamin Crosby,
Robert Hungerford,
Chauncey Beckwith,
Calvin Comstock,
Ozias Holmes.
Cavalry Company.

Samuel Gates,
Ichabod Olmsted,
 Chamberlain,!
James Green,
Jonathan Deming,
Daniel Bulkley,t
Ephraim Ackley,
Roger Bulkley,t
Col. Uriah Carrier,!
Solomon Spencer,
 Judd,
Nathaniel Ackley,t
David Deming,t
William Wright,
George Bulkley.f
Richard Lord,
Nathan Williams,!

Daniel Brainerd,
The persons marked (f) in the list of captains of cavalry did not be
long to East-Haddam. A volunteer company here in the last
war was commanded by William Cone and Ebenezer Emmons.
There belonged to the companies in Haddam according to returns
made the last fall, including officers, the following numbers, viz. to
Haddam town company 63, to Higganum 64, Puncet 49, and to that
part of Middle-Haddam company living on Haddam Neck, 26.
To these may be added 24 blonging to a state corps,and 8 to a company
of cavalry, making in all 234. For East-Haddam South company
there were returned at the same time 29, for 2d or North do. 54,
Millington North 26, South 24, Hadlyme 31. The company of
horse belonging half to East-Haddam had a little time since 45
members, and the number probably does not differ much from this
now. About 20 privates belong to a state corps. Besides these
there is a volunteer company commanded by Jeremiah Smith of
88 members, making in the whole 294 or 5.

17
In all the wars which have agitated this country for a century
and an half, the inhabitants of these towns must have been concern
ed. The fears which they entertained of the Indians, were
doubtless increased by the wars which were carried on between them
and the English from time to time. The last French war is in the
remembrance of individuals now living ; in which great alarm was
excited in the colonies, not only from the power, but the religious
character of our enemies. Numbers from Haddam, and East-Haddam
were called into actual service, and several died by sickness in
camp, or fell in battle. The war of the Revolution is in the remem
brance of many more. Its justice and importance were generally ac
knowledged, and the people improved opportunities of taking oaths of
fidelity to the United States ; but the privations and sufferings occa
sioned by it are indescribable. Continuing nearly eight years a
large portion of the inhabitants capable of bearing arms, were called
into the service of their country ; some endured the greatest distress
from want and fatigue in the army, others from the treatment receiv
ed in captivity and prison ships, and others lost their lives ; while the
people at large felt the evils arising from the suspension of regular
business, and the imposition of heavy taxes. The present war ope
rates greatly against the interest of these towns, as their employ
ments are directly connected with navigation. Of its justice many
are not satisfied, and few if any advocate its expediency, while the
cry of all the righteous ascends to God for the speedy restoration
of peace.
It is not possible to ascertain precisely the number of inhabitants
in Haddam for many years after the settlement, nor indeed of Had
dam and East-Haddam after the division of the original township-
There may have been 30 families at the incorporation in 1668. If
we suppose these to have thribled in SO years by natural increase
and the accession of settlers from abroad, and that one third of the
whole at the close of this period lived in East-Haddam, it will give
60 families for Haddam society in 1700, and 30 for East-Haddam.
In a tax bill for the former society in 1718, 62 names are mention
ed, and at the call of a minister in 1739, there were 71 voters ; in
both which cases the families were probably somewhat more nume-
*3

18

rous. In the present society of Haddam, the number of deaths an
nually from 1756 to 60 was but a small fraction over 8 ; for 10 years
past it has been nearly 29. From this it may be fairly calculated,
admitting that more die in proportion than formerly, that the popu
lation of Haddam Society is thrice as great as it was 50 years ago,
and the same is doubtless true of Haddam Neck. The fact has
been very different in East-Haddam. As that was more suitable
for farming than Haddam, it peopled much faster after the settlement
began. There were 71 taxable persons there in 1718. For
40 or 50 years its inhabitants have not greatly varied. There
were in Haddam according to the census in 1800, 2307 in
habitants, in 1810, 2205; there are now in the town 2300, 1141
males and 1159 females. In East-Haddam there were in 1800,
2805, in 1810, 2537. In this town there are now 2283 inhabitants,
1087 males and 1196 females. The following table will show the
number of dwelling-houses, families, and inhabitants, males and
females, in the different societies, or parts of societies in these towns.

Haddam Society,

Haddam Neck,

E. Haddam, 1st Society,

Millington,

Hadlyme, E. H. part.

Total,

D. H.

Families

Inhab.

Males.

Females

340

390

1951

967

984

47

62

349

174

175

167

196

1017

472

545

172

190

991

488

503

53

55

275

127

148

779

893

4583

2228

2355

19
These towns are healthy. The air and water are uncommonly
pure. Such diseases as are incident to children have often prevail
ed, but the cases have been few in which diseases have spread to
any considerable extent among the people at large. In the " Life
of David Brainerd " mention is made of the prevalence of a mortal
sickness in Haddam in 1732. The dysentery raged here in 1758,
on Haddam Neck in 1766, in the town district in 1806 ; the typhus
fever prevailed here the last year in June, and in 21 days carried
off 14 persons, most of whom were heads of families. In East-Had
dam 1st Society, the throat distemper prevailed in 1775 and 6, at
tended with the dysentery, in the former year more than 40 died,
and in the latter more than 50, including those who died in the army.
The typhus fever raged there the last spring, especially about the
Landing. With these exceptions, and perhaps a few more of which
I have not been informed, the towns have been healthy.
The number of deaths in Haddam society for ten years, counting
back from the 11th of April last was 286 ; the number of deaths on
Haddam Neck for 10 years past, counting back from 1st of January
was 38, in East-Haddam, 1st Society 125, in MilHngton 131, in
Hadlyme E. H. part 34 : in all 614 ; in Haddam 324, in East-Had
dam 290. These sums give 61 4-10 as the average number of deaths
annually in these towns, which is not 1 to 74 persons. Among the
286 who have died in Haddam Society there were 12 above 90, 15
others above 80 and 31 above 70. Haddam Neck and East-Haddam
could probably produce a proportional number of aged'']persons
among those who have died in them.
For many years all the people from the original township of
Haddam brought their dead to Haddam town grave-yard for inter
ment. The people from the east side in attempting to bring across
a corpse were prevented by the ^te of the ice, and they dug a
grave and buried it at the place, which from that circumstance be
came a burying yard for East-Haddam, and is known by the name
of the Cove grave-yard. In 1734, the burying ground was laid
out near the Rock Landing for the people of Haddam Neck ; the
burying ground at Higganum in 1741, that at Puncet in 1761, and
that at the Lower part of town in 1782. In 1705 the people of

20
East-Haddam voted to continue the improvement of the Cove-bury
ing ground. The grave-yard in the upper part of Hadlyme was
laid out in 1723, that at the Long Pond in 1726, that at Bashan about
1760, that near Green Hungerford's do. that in the upper part of
the town in 1748, that at Hadlyme Meeting-House in 1750, that at
Sam'lBeckwith's do. that near Millington Meeting-House about 1764,
that near Eight-mile river in 1769, that near Capt. Jeremiah Smith's
in 1774, that at East-Haddam Meeting-House in 1788. A burying
ground began to be improved at East-Haddam Landing in 1773,
one near Oliver Warner's in 1793, and that by Simeon Chapman's
in 1802.
There was but one school kept in the present limits of Haddam
for 70 years. Until 1709 what schooling there was, was kept in a
private house. At that time the inhabitants voted to build a school
house 18 feet by 16 which was erected near the dwelling house of
Capt. Samuel Clark. In 1728 a new school house was built near
the town grave-yard. In 1732 a vote was passed that the school
should be kept three months at the school-house, and then moved
successively into different parts of the town. There are now in
Haddam 13 district schools, 12 in Haddam society, and 1 on Had
dam Neck. There was but one school in East-Haddam, till
about 1739 or 30. There are now 19, 8 in the 1st Society, 7 in
Millington, and 4 in Hadlyme north of Lyme line, though two of
these are furnished in part with scholars from Lyme. The names
of these schools and the number of scholars sent to them the last
winter are as follows, in Haddam, the town school 94, Higganum
83, Puncet 40, Lower-part of town 75, Candle wood hill 35, south
school in Lower-part of town 67, Turkey hill 38, Walkley hill 19,
Beaver meadow 26, Little-city 30, South-western 41, North-western
27, Haddam Neck 72, total of Haddam 647. In East-Haddam,
1st Society, are Middle-district school 62, Landing 78, South 43,
South-east 45, Bashan 43, Upper district 48, North-west 60, and
the factory district school, which was formed the last winter from the
north-west, making in all 379. In Millington there are. Middle dis
trict school 69, North western 32,* Western 51, South western 40,*

21
South 50,* East 45,* North-east 32,* total 319. In Hadlyme there
are, the Center school 31, North-east 16, South-east 7. E. H. part,
west 15 do. making 69. The whole number of children belonging
to East-Haddam, instructed in the district schools the last winter,
is 767.The above schools excepting two or three in Haddam and one in
East-Haddam 1st society are usually taught by men in the winter,
and by women in the summer. In some instances districts have in
quired after cheap instructors rather than good ones, while in others
a wiser course has been pursued ; and it is but justice to acknowledge
that schooling in both towns, is in a state of improvement.
A Library company was formed in Haddam in 1791, and a collec
tion of books procured : but through defects in the constitution, the li
brary was soon neglected, and in 1808 the company was dissolved.
The literary society owns 80 volumes, which may be the beginning of
a good library. The company in Middle-Haddam was formed in
December 1793 and possesses 238 volumes. East-Haddam company
was formed in 1794, and has now 266 volumes. Millington
library company is dissolved. The company in Hadlyme formed
in 1790, has 117 volumes.
About 17 persons in Haddam and 24 in East-Haddam have been
publicly educated ; a large proportion of whom have gone into the
ministry, and some have attained to eminence.
George Gates and Daniel Brainerd were probably magistrates be
fore the formation of East-Haddam society. The following lists
contain the names of those who have been justices since that period.
How many of these had their commissions before the division of the
original town is not exactly known.
Justices in Haddam. Jabez Brainerd,
James Wells, Joseph Brooks,
Hezekiah Brainerd Assistant Dea. Nehemiah Brainerd,
Col. Hezekiah Brainerd, Dr. Hezekiah Brainerd, a
Joseph Wells, judge of County Court.
* These numbers are given according to the judgement of one of the
Overseers.

22

Cornelius Higgins,
Dea. Ezra Brainerd,
Col. Daniel Brainerd,
Edward Selden,
Dr. Smith Clark,
Stephen Tibbils,
Oliver Wells,
Dr. Levi Ward,
Dea. Jonathan Huntington,
Reuben R. Chapman,
Linus Parmalee, jun.
Justices in East-Haddam.
Thomas Gates,
Samuel Olmsted,
Jabez Chapman,
Stephen Hosmer,
Dea. Daniel Cone,
Dr. Thomas Adams,
Gen. J. Spencer, Assistant.
Daniel Brainerd,
Gen. D. Throop, first judge
of the County Court for
the County of Middlesex.

of County Court.
Samuel Estabrook,
Dea. Israel Spencer,
Dea. Samuel Huntington,
Timothy Gates,
John Chapman,
Dea. John Percival,
Isaac Spencer, jun. J. P.
Col. Eliphalet Holmes, a
judge of County Court,
Thomas Mosely, M. D.
Col. Jonathan O. Moseley,
Member of Congress.
Timothy Gates, jun.
Ebenezer Holmes,
Abner Hall,
Jared Spencer,
John Brainerd,
Col. Josiah Griffin,
Israel Cone,
William Cone,
Sylvester Chapman,
Isaac Chapman.

Col. Jabez Chapman, a judge
While delicacy forbids any remarks upon the living, it is pleas
ing to observe concerning the justices who have deceased, and who
had in their day no inconsiderable share of business in these towns,
and of influence in the state ; that many of them were no less dis
tinguished for their piety than for their good sense, and general reg
ularity of conduct. The first Hezekiah Brainerd, under the dis
advantages of education common in his day, acquired extensive
knowledge. Early called also by divine grace, he gave himself up
to the practice of religion. He used to keep days of private fas
ting to promote his spiritual welfare, was much in prayer and had
particular evidence that his prayers were heard, and enjoyed strong

23
and abiding consolation and hope. His mental and moral worth
soon attracted public notice, and he was raised to the station of an-
assistant in the colony of Connecticut, which station he held till his
death. On a proposition to establish a court of Chancery in the state,
he was selected as the Judge, though the court was never organized.
He died at Hartford, during a session of the Assembly, May 24,
1727, aged 46, and was buried in the old burying ground in that
place. Happy effects of his prayers and labors were left upon his
children. His third son was the celebrated David Brainerd, mis
sionary to the Indians from the Honorable society in Scotland for
the propagation of christian knowledge, and pastor of a congrega
tion of christian Indians in New Jersey, whose life as drawn by the
elder President Edwards has excited the admiration of the pious
both in Europe and America. With superior intellect, it discov
ers the greatest humility, self-denial, zeal and benevolence. His
fourth son was John Brainerd, the successor of David in the pasto
ral office, who was considered by his acquaintance as equally pious,
though not so much distinguished for talents. Others of the family
were respectable both for their piety and abilities.
Gen. Joseph Spencer married a daughter of the Worshipful Mr.
Brainerd, and in several respects resembled his father-in-law.
From the native strength of his mind, and diligent improvement
of the means of information in his power, he became well versed
in those branches of knowledge which were important in the stations
he was called to fill. For 35 years he was Judge of Probate for
the district of East-Haddam and Colchester. In 1758, he went
into the northern army in the capacity of a Major under Col. Nathan
Whiting, and the two following years as a Lieutenant Colonel, in
the last French war ; and acquired the character of a brave and
good officer. In 1775, in the war of the revolution, he was ap
pointed a Brigadier, and in 1776 a Major General, in the army of
the United States. He resigned his commission two years after.
In 1779 he was a member of Congress. In 1766 he was elected
into the Council, and held a seat in it, excepting when a member
of Congress, till his death. His civil and military offices were an
honorable testimony to his abilities. These however, did not con-

24
stitute his greatest glory. He loved the pure doctrines and obeyed
the pure precepts of the gospel. Few have given clearer evidence
of a change of heart. He early made a public profession of reli
gion, and served many years as a deacon in the church in Milling
ton. He died as might be expected in the full faith of a blessed
resurrection. Happy will it be if such men are raised to office in future ; able
men, who fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness.
The first Settlers of these towns possessed the common
spirit of the puritans, and were careful to transmit it to their de
scendants. Much of the industry, frugality, simplicity and pie
ty, which have characterized preceding generations, were the effect
of their exertions, prayers, and examples. Within the memory of
persons living, an individual could scarcely be found who habitually
neglected public worship, or a family which neglected morning
and evening devotion. And though there is occasion to lament
that iniquity now abounds and the love of many waxes cold, what
religion remains, has been communicated through the same instru
mentality. No person in either town has ever been convicted of
a capital crime ; but three persons in Haddam have been left to
commit suicide, and but two in East-Haddam.
In dividing the land the proprietors of the original township
reserved one right for him who should be their first minister, and
one right for the support of the ministry forever, the benefits of
which last appropriation are experienced in both towns at the
present time, though a part of it either by the depreciation of cur
rency, or imprudent management, has been lost.
Public worship appears to have been observed on the Lord's day
from the first settlement. For a time the people met in a private
house. In 1673 and 4 they built a meeting house 28 feet long and
24 broad, not far from the spot where the dwelling house of Capt.
Samuel Clark now stands. In 1700, it has been mentioned, a so
ciety was formed in East-Haddam. A new meeting house was erec
ted in Haddam in 1721, where the court house stands, 44 feet long
and 36 broad. The present meeting house after much difficulty
about the spot where it should be set, was built in 1770 and 71, 65

25
feet by 45, and was dedicated Oct. 24 of the latter year. On that
occasion the late pastor deUvered a sermon (which was published)
from Haggai 2. 9. The glory of this latter house shall be greater
than of the former, saith the Lord of hosts ; and in this place
will I give peace, saith the Lord of hosts.
As no church records exist in Haddam earlier than 1756, it is
impossible to determine with certainty, when the church was organ
ized. It has been spoken of as organized at the ordination of Mr.
Hobart in 1700. But it is scarcely credible that a christian people
should have remained so long without the enjoyment of gospel or
dinances. Several circumstances incline me to believe that it was
organized at a much earher period.
The first preacher here of whom any mention is made in the old
records of the town was Mr. Jonathan Willaube. He continued but
a little time.
In 1668, Mr. Nicholas Noyes was improved as a candidate, and
continued with the people 13 or 14 years, though it is said he was
not ordained. He belonged to a family which came from Wiltshire
in England, and was nephew to the Rev. James Noyes first minis
ter in Newbury Mass. and cousin to the Rev. Moses Noyes of
Lyme, and the Rev. James Noyes of Stonington, the first ministers
of those two towns. He graduated at Cambridge in 1667. During
his continuance in Haddam it is reported that the difficulty arose
in the church (which if true proves that a church then existed here)
that led the brethren to apply to Mr. Noyes of Lyme for advice ;
to whom by mistake he superscribed a letter intended for his tenant.
After leaving Haddam Mr. Noyes was ordained with the greatest
unanimity at Salem Mass. November 16, 1683. He was there du
ring the prosecutions for witchcraft and was very instrumental in
carrying them forward, an error which he afterwards frankly and
justly acknowledged. He preached the election sermon in 1698,
and was greatly distinguished for learning, religion, and usefulness.
The following character was given of him in the Boston news-paper
after his decease, and is preserved in the Massachusetts Historical
Collections, vol. 6., p. 286.
*4

26
" Salem Dec. 13, 1707 died the very reverend and famous Mr.
Nicholas Noyes near 70 years of age, and in the 35th of his or
dained ministry at Salem. He was extraordinarily accomplished
for the work of the ministry whereunto he was called, and wherein
he found mercy to be faithful, and was made a rich, extensive and
long continued blessing. Considering his superior genius, his preg
nant wit, strong memory, solid judgment, his great acquaintance in
human learning and knowledge ; his conversation among his friends
so very entertaining and profitable ; his uncommon attainments in
the study of divinity, his eminent sanctitity, gravity and virtue,
his serious, learned and pious performances in the pulpit, his more
than ordinary skill in the prophetical parts of scripture, his wisdom
and usefulness in human affairs, and his constant solicitude for the
public good : it is no wonder that Salem, and the adjacent part of
the country, as also the churches university and people of New-
England justly esteem him as a principal part of their glory. He
was born at Newbury, December 22d, 1647 and died a bachelor."
Mr. John James preached here as early as 1686, how long he
continued is not known. It is supposed that he was from Wales.
He had no inconsiderable share of learning, and sustained a fair
reputation for piety ; but was distinguished for the greatest singu
larities. Some very ludricous anecdotes are transmitted concerning
him, and are widely circulated in the country. He settled in the
ministry at Derby.
The Rev. Jeremiah Hobart came to Haddam in 1690, or 91.
" He was the son of the Rev. Peter Hobart who was first minis
ter at Hingham in the county of Norfolk in England, and by rea
son of the persecution of the puritans, removed with his family to
New-England, and was settled in the ministry at Hingham in Mas
sachusetts." He received his education at Harvard College, where
he graduated in 1650. He was settled a while at Topsfield Mass.
and then at Hempsted, Long-Island, "which place he left in conse
quence of numbers turning quakers, and others becoming so irreli
gious that they would do nothing to the support of the ministry."
The people here made proposals to him Aug. 24, 1691 ; which he
accepted. As he had been consecrated to the ministry before, the

27
people appear to have recognized him as their minister without a
formal installation. But difficulties arising afterwards, they voted
in April 1695, that they did not consider themselves as under the
charge of Mr. Hobart as pastor ; and that with consent of the Gen
eral Assembly and approbation of neighbouring churches they would
embody in church way and order according to the gospel." At the
request of Mr. Hobart and of the inhabitants, a committee was ap
pointed by the Assembly to inspect the difficulties in Haddam. In
conformity with this appointment, Robert Treat, Deputy Governor,
Daniel Witheral and John Hamlin, Assistants, and the Rev. Messrs.
Timothy Woodbridge, Noadiah Russel, and Gurdon Saltonstall
met here, Nov. 25, 1698. After passing various resolves with a
view to restore harmony, they declared, " That upon their delibe
rate consideration the agreement between Mr. Hobart and them
was both in point of law and equity vaUd, and binding to each par
ty." They advised the people to call Mr. Hobart to the full execu
tion of the office of a pastor among them ; which advice seems at
length to have been accepted, as he was installed Nov. 14, 1700.
Of his character very little is known. He became the subject of
infirmities several years before his death ; but was able to attend
public worship in the fore-noon. Lord's day, Nov. 6, 1715, and re
ceived the sacrament, and died at the intermission, sitting in his
chair, in the 85th year of his age. His wife was a daughter of the
" Rev. Timothy Whiting, minister of the gospel, first at Boston in
Lincolnshire, and afterwards at Lynn in Massachusetts." She died
at Hartford. By her he had three daughters, one of whom was
married to a Mr. Wade of Lynn, Elizabeth was married to Heze
kiah Wyllys the first secretary of the Wyllys family, and died
aged 88, having sustained a very pious and benevolent character :
Dorothy was married first to Mr. Daniel Mason of Lebanon, by
whom she had one child Jeremiah, and then to Hezekiah Brainerd
the Assistant. She died March 11, 1732, aged 55.
Mr. Phineas Fisk, was the colleague and successor of Mr. Hobart.
He was the son of Dr. John Fisk of Milford, and graduated at
Yale College in 1704, being of the third class which received the
honours of that institution. In 1706 he was elected a tutor, and

28
discharged the duties of the tutorship seven years. In March fol
lowing his election, the venerable Rector Pierson, minister of Kil
lingworth, died ; the senior class was removed to Milford and placed
under the tuition of the Rev. Samuel Andrew, Rector pro tempore;
while the other classes were removed to Saybrook, and put under
the special care of Mr. Fisk, who in connection with a fellow tutor,
instructed and governed them with the greatest wisdom and fidelity.
Part of a manuscript volume written by him is in my possession,
containing a general view of the sciences, which he probably used
for the purpose of refreshing his mind while an instructor at College.
While the churches in the state were looking to this institution for
pastors, he was the happy and honoured instrument of preparing a
number in part for their work, and rendered immense service to
the cause of literature and religion in the rising colony of Connecti
cut. President Stiles in a sermon at the interment of the Rev.
Chauncey Whittlesey of New-Haven, who had been a distinguish
ed tutor, speaks of Mr. Fisk in high terms as an instructor, and
declares him to have been a pillar of the College and to have had
great renown in his day. Dr. Trumbull also spreaks of him as an
excellent tutor and as having made fine scholars. He became a
licentiate before he left the tutorship, and preached in Had
dam. He was ordained September 15th, 1714. His talents were
solid rather than brilliant, and lie was regarded as a sound rather
than a popular preacher. The election sermon, which he delivered
in 1736, discovers good sense and a thorough acquaintance with
scripture. He was a man of piety and wisdom, sound in faith,
pleasant and familiar in his intercourse with his people, and plain in
reproof. He was beloved and respected in life, and his memory is
blessed in this place and its vicinity to this day. He died October
17th, 1738, in the 56th year of his age, and 24th of his ministry, and
richly deserved the character given on his monument of a
" learned, faithful and zealous minister." His wife was Lydia Pratt
of Saybrook, who died in the triumphs of faith, July 14th, 1765,
aged 83. By her, he had seven children : Lydia who was married
to the Rev. Moses Bartlett of Chatham, and died November 1777,
near 70 ; Mary, who was married to Colonel Hezekiah Brainerd,

29
and died March 3d, 1798, age 85 ; Anna, who died young ; Abigail,
who was married to the Rev. Chiliab Brainerd of Eastbury, and after
his decease, to the Rev. Mr. Merrick of Wilbraham, Mass. and
died in 1807 aged 89 ; Elizabeth, who was married to the Rev.
Nehemiah Brainerd of Eastbury, and died December 4th, 1793,
aged 73 ; Jemima, who died young ; and Samuel, who was pub-
lickly educated, and was a tutor of eminence. The following anec
dote may serve as a specimen of his accuracy as a scholar. While
he was tutor. President Clap, whose reputation as a mathematician
and an astronomer, was deservedly very high in calculating the
course of a comet, drew the conclusion that it would strike the earth,
and was filled with fearful apprehension of the consequences. He
repaired to Mr. Fisk, who by showing him the calculations he had
made, at once detected his error, and relieved his mind. He be
came a candidate for the ministry, but never settled, being cut off
by death July 13th, 1749, aged 25.
In July, 1739, Mr. Aaron Cleaveland was ordained over the
church and people of Haddam. He was a native of Mystic, now
Medford, Mass. and graduated at Cambridge 1735. At his settle
ment little opposition was made to him ; but difficulties arose af
terwards, partly on the subject of support, and partly from the
zeal and fervency with which he preached from impressions
received under the instructions of the celebrated George Whit
field ; and he was dismissed in 1746. He possessed popular
talents, was engaging in conversation and persuasive in his pub
lic addresses. A large portion of the people very much lamented
his dismission and an attempt was made to re-settle him. After his
departure from Haddam, he was minister successively at Maiden,
Mass. Halifax Nova-Scotia, and at Lewistown, in Delaware, at the
last place as an Episcopahan. In a journey to visit his family, re
siding in New-England, he was taken sick and died at Philadel
phia, at the house of his old friend and acquaintance Dr. Franklin,
and his body was carried back to Lewistown and buried.
After Mr. Cleaveland's dismission several candidates were im
proved in Haddam ; but none was settled until June 1749, when
Mr. Joshua Elderkin of Windham was ordained. He graduated

30
at Yale College only the year before, and was not probably very
well studied in Divinity; his health was poor, which together with
low spirits prevented his discharging fully the duties of his office.
The people became dissatisfied, and it was mutually agreed between
him and them, to submit their difficulties to the South Consociation
of Hartford County, to which Haddam then belonged ; and he was
dismissed in 1753. He returned to Windham, and went into other
business, though it is said he resumed preaching before his death.
The late pastor of this people, the Rev. Eleazer May, was the
son of Deacon Hezekiah May, of Wethersfield. He took his first
degree at Yale College, 1752, and was ordained June 30th, 1756.
His gifts and labours are fresh in the minds of the inhabitants. He
died, respected by his people, April 14th, 1803, in the 71st year of
his age, and 47th of his ministry. His worthy consort, who was
Miss Sybbil Huntington of Lebanon, died October 6th, 1798, aged
63. They had ten children, all of whom excepting Captain John
May are still living, and are widely dispersed over the country.
The present pastor was ordained April 12, 1804.
Some of the deacons of this church were ordained. Their names,
time of election, deaths, and ages, so far as ascertained, were as
follows : Elected. Died. A aged.
Daniel Brainerd, Esq,  April 1, 1715. 74.
Thomas Brooks,  April 0, 1734. 79
Joseph Arnold,  April 8, 1753.
James Brainerd,  Feb. 10, 1743. 73,
Thomas Brooks, about 1742. 
Elisha Cone, Do. March 6, 1809.
Elijah Brainerd, July 13, 1759. May 9, 1764.
Col. Hez. Brainerd, Esq. Feb. 14, 1764. Dec. 14, 1774. 67.
Joseph Smith, Nov. 37, 1771. April 33, 1790.
Nehemiah Brainerd, Esq. about 1784. Nov. 8, 1807.
Eliakim Brainerd, Do.
Jonathan Huntington, Esq. April 1806.
David Hubbard, May 1806.
Dea. Cone officiated steadily 40 years, and was very faithful,
particularly in his efforts to maintain public worship after the dis
mission of Mr. Cleaveland, and again after that of Mr. Elderkin.

81

Greatly esteemed by others for his simplicity, integrity and piety ;
he enjoyed himself the consolation of a good conscience, and closed a
good old age in peace.
Previously to Mr. May's ordination it is not known how many
belonged to the church. At that time there were 103 members, 37
males and 66 females. He admitted 234 persons and baptized 977.
At my ordination there v/ere 107 members, 38 males and 69 females;
since that time 126 have been admitted and 270 baptized. The
present number of communicants is 162, 50 males and 112 females.
In 58 years 483 different persons have belonged to the church.
The fund belonging to Haddam society is 1117 dollars 22-100
money at interest, and parsonage lands, which at a moderate esti
mate, are worth 2000 dollars. The late Mrs. Elizabeth Brainerd
relict of Dr. Hezekiah Brainerd Esq. willed to the .Society 500 dol
lars more.
The inhabitants gave to Mr. Noyes a house built for Mr. Willaube,
the right of land reserved for the first minister, and 40/. as a sala-
ary, payable in produce. They assisted Mr. Hobart in building a
house, allowed him 60/. salary, and for a part of the time at least,
furnished him with wood. They did the greater part towards the
building of a house for Mr. Fisk, and the purchase of a homested :
gave him a right of 50/. in the commons, and several lots of land ;
the use of the parsonage, 35/. salary for the first year and 45 for the
two next, which was afterwards increased till it arrived to 70/.
They sometimes gave him more. Mr. Cleaveland's settlement was
500/ in bills of credit, and 150/ salary for the first year, which
was increased 10/ yearly till it arrived to 200/ An ounce of
silver was then reckoned at 24 shillings. The people voted to give
Mr. Elderkin 1600/ settlement, silver to be reckoned at 31. an ounce,
and 500/ salary, to be increasing 20/ a year till it amounted to 600/.
There was a new proposal about the salary. Mr. May's support
was 160/ settlement, and 50/ salary for the first year, increasing
4/ a year till it became 70/. with the use of the parsonage. He
finally received 90/ with the parsonage. The stipend of the pres
ent minister is 500 dollars yearly.
The church in Middle-Haddam is composed partly from
Haddam, and may be properly considered in this place. This was

32

formed Sept. 24, 1740. The people met for public worship at first
in the dwelling house of Esq. Dart. The old meeting house stood
within Chatham bounds. Their new and convenient house is also
in Chatham. At the time of forming that church, Benjamin Bow-
ere a native of Billerica and graduate of Harvard College 1733,
was set over it in the Lord. He was a serious, exemplary, and
useful minister. He died May 11, 1761 in the 46th year of his
age and 21st of his ministry. His first wife was Miss Sarah New
ell of Maiden Mass. by whom he had 8 children, 4 of whom are
living. His second wife was the widow of Stephen Hosmer Esq.
of East-Haddam.
Mr. Benjamin Boardman succeeded him Jan. 5, 1762. He was
born at Middletown, and educated at New-Haven where he gradua
ted in 1758 and was afterwards a tutor. He had more talents than
prudence. Rash and violent in his temper, he was ill qualified to
preach the gospel of Christ. Much difficulty arose between him
and his people, and he was dismissed in Sept. 1783. He was installed
in the south church in Hartford.
Mr. David Selden, the existing pastor, was ordained Oct. 19,
1785. The following is a list of the deacons in this church; those prin
ted in italics belonged to Haddam Neck :

Elected.

Died.

Aged.

Ebenezer Smith,

Nov. 18, 1740.

Feb. 11,

1753.

81.

Gideon Arnold,

Do.

March

1773.

—

Benjamin Harris,

March 14, 1748.

April 11,

, 1775.

75.

Daniel Arnold,

Nov. 37, 1771.

May 37,

1774.

43.

Ezra Brainerd, Esq.

Do.

David Smith,
June 1, 1774.
Nov. 25,
1795.
53,
Dr. Thomas Brainerd,
Dec. 10, 1795.
Selden Gates,
July 37, 1810.
The male members at the formation of this church were 13, of
whom 7 belonged to the Neck. The whole number of members
now is 92, 34 males and 58 females. Of these 12 males and 20
females live in the bounds of Haddam.
Mr. Bowers' support was 40/ salary, his settlement is not ascer-
33
tained. Mr. Boardman's settlement was 200/. and his salary
at first 65/ then 78/. and 20 cords of wood, and at length 95/.
without wood. Mr. Selden 's settlement was 200/ his salary was for
two years 50/ for two more 70/. and since has been 80/.
It HAS BEEN ALREADYnoticed that East-Haddam was formed into a
separate society from Haddam in 1700. The first meeting house
there was prepared for use about five years after ; it stood in
the middle of the street near the dwelHng-house of Isaac C. Ackley,
and was 32 feet square. The second meeting house was finished in
June 1728 ; it stood on a rise of ground about 80 rods south of the
present meeting-house and was 55 feet by 40. The present commo
dious and well constructed edifice was opened Thanksgiving day,
Nov. 27, 1794. It is 64 feet long and 44 broad, with a projection
of 18 feet by 4, and cost about 6000 dollars.
On January 6, 1704, East-Haddam church was formed, and Mr.
Stephen Hosmer was chosen to be their pastor. He was ordained
the 3d of May following. He belonged to Hartford, and graduated
at Cambridge 1699. He was respectable for talents, excelled in
prayer, and was exemplary in all his conduct. He preached the
election sermon in 1720. He died June 16, 1749, aged 70 ; having
faithfully served his people 45 years. His wife who was Miss Sa
rah Long of Boston, died September 30th of the same year. They
had three sons and two daughters, who are all gone to the grave.
Mr. Joseph Fowler succeeded Mr. Hosmer, May 15, 1751. He
was born at Lebanon, and graduated at New-Haven 1743. He
was a respectable and godly minister. He died June 10, 1771, in
the 49th year of his age, and 20th of his ministry. His wife was
Miss Sarah Metcalf of Lebanon, who departed this life June 1, 1779,
aged 61. They had eight children, 4 of whom are living.
Mr. Elijah Parsons was ordained October 28th, 1772.
Some of the deacons in East-Haddam as well as Haddam were
ordained. Their names, time of election, &c. were as follows :

Elected.

Died.

Aged.

Thomas Gates,

1704,

April 30, 1734,

70.

Daniel Cone,

do.

June 15, 1735,

60.

Daniel Brainerd,

1725,

Feb. 38, 1743,

77.

*5

34

Isaac Spencer,

1734,

Feb. 10, 1751,

73.

Jeremiah Gates,

1741,

Nov. 1, 1761,

65.

Noadiah Brainerd,

1743,

Sept. 80, 1746,

50.

Daniel Cone, Esq.

1746,

May 37, 1776,

83.

James Gates,

1763,

moved to Richmond, Mass

,

Samuel Huntington, Esq.

1770,

March 20, 1797,

74.

Thomas Fuller,

do.

moved to Hartford.

John Percival Esq.

1782,

Jan. 33, 1813,

80.

Caleb Gates,

1795,

Ephraim Gates,

1806.

At the formation of the church there were eight male members.
The whole number who have belonged to the church from the be
ginning is 530. The members at this time are 77, 27 males and 50
females. The settlement of Mr. Hosmer is not ascertained ; his salary was
a part of the time 70/ and a part of the time 90/ Mr. Fowler's
settlement was 2000/ old tenor bills, and his salary 193 1-3 ounces
of silver, or bills of equal value, with the interest of the parsonage
money, 15 cords of wood, and the use of the parsonage lot. Mr.
Parson's support is 200/. settlement, 100/ salary, with the use of
the parsonage.
The fund of East-Haddam is 400 dollars in money at interest,
3,600 dollars in Hartford Bank, and a parsonage of 300 dollars
value. Capt. Jonathan Olmstead has willed 500 dollars to the socie
ty, to be given at his decease.
An Ecclesiastical Society was formed in the east part of East-
Haddam in October 1733, and called Millington. The people
met for religious worship in the dwelling-house of Jonathan Chap
man until some time in 1743, when their meeting-house was prepar
ed for use. This is 50 feet by 40.
Mr. Timothy Symmes of Scituate Mass. was ordained Dec. 3,
1736, and the church not improbably organized at the same time.
He took his first degree at Cambridge, 1733. In the great revival
of religion which spread in New-England a few years after his or
dination, his feelings were extravagantly raised, and he prosecuted
his work with a zeal not according to knowledge. This gave rise
to difficulties which ended in his dismission in the close of 1743.
35
Mr. Hobart Estabrook, a son of the Rev. Mr. Estabrook of
Canterbury, who graduated at New-Haven 1736, was ordained in
Millington, Nov. 20, 1745. He was a steady, judicious and faith
ful minister, and is remembered with respect and affection by his
people. He died Jan. 28, 1766, in the 50th year of his age and
20th of his ministry. His first wife was Miss Hannah Williams, of
Mansfield, by whom he had two daughters that died young. His
second wife was Jerusha Chauncey, daughter of the Rev. Isaac
Chauncey of Hadley, Mass. by whom he had four children : two
of them are living. She died June 17, 1776 aged 62.
Mr. Diodate Johnson received ordination, July 2, 1767. He
was a son of the Rev. Stephen Johnson of Lyme, was educated at
Yale College where he took his first degree in 1764, and was a
tutor. Endowed with superior genius and learning, and animated
with fervent love to the souls of men, he entered the ministry with
the fairest prospects of usefulness. These prospects, however, were
soon eclipsed in the mysterious providence of God. A consumption
closed his life, Jan. 15, 1773, at the age of 28. He was sitting
in his chair reading the prayer in Doddrige's Rise and Progress,
entitled " A Meditation and Prayer, suited to the case of a dying
Christian," when struck with death.
Mr. Eleazer Sweetland was ordained. May 21, 1777. He was
a native of Hebron, and graduated at Dartmouth College, 1774.
He died, March 25, 1787, aged 36, having sustained the character
of a serious and good man, leaving a wife and three children, who
removed soon after from Millington.
Mr. William Lyman was ordained Dec. 13, 1787.
The deacons in this church have been as follows :
Elected. Died. Aged.

Samuel Emmons, 

Daniel Gates, 

Gen. Jos. Spencer, Esq. Nov. 30, 1767,
Jan. 13, 1789,
75,
Samuel Dutton, July 4, 1771,
Dec. 30, 1790,
87,
Ebenezer Dutton, Feb. 36, 1778,
moved to Lebanon.
Benjamin Fuller, do.
Nathaniel Cone, May — , 1789,
April 15, 1790,
78.
BarziUai Beckwith, June 4, 1790,
Isaac Spencer, April 1, 1796,
36
As Mr. Symmes carried away the records of the church, it can
not be ascertained how many members there were at his settlement,
nor how many he admitted. Mr. Estabrook admitted 44, Mr.
Johnson 20, and Mr. Sweetland 45. Dr. Lyman has admitted 106.
There belong to the church now 76 persons, 18 males and 58 fe
males. The society gave Mr. Symmes 360/ settlement, and 100/ salary,
and his wood. His salary was afterwarils increased. Mr. Esta-
brook's support was 300/. settlement and 200/ salary, silver being
computed at 32 shillings per ounce. Mr. Johnson's settlement was
200/ and his salary 60, which was to be increased to 80/ He gave
back his settlement to the society. This the society gave as a set
tlement to Mr. Sweetland, whose salary was 90/. Dr. Lyman receiv
ed a settlement of 200/. and at first a salary of 90/ and 20 cords of
wood. His salary is now 500 dollars and 25 cords of wood.
The fund of Millington is 526 dollars 53-100 parsonage money,
and 260 dollars a donation from Mr. Samuel Gates. Mr. Simeon
Chapman has willed a farm to the society, which is to go into their
hands upon the death of his children.
A Society was formed, from East-Haddam society and Lyme
3d society in Oct. 1742, and called Hadlyme. About two-thirds
of this society are in East-Haddam. Their meeting-house was
erected the year after, and is 46 feet by 35.
The church was gathered June 26, 1745, and on the 18th of
September following, the Rev. Grindall Rawson was installed their
pastor. He was born at Mendon, Mass. received the degree of
bachelor at Harvard 1728, and was settled several years at South-
Hadley, Mass. He was a plain preacher, gifted in prayer, re
markably sociable, and had an uncommon talent in reconciling
parties at variance. He died March 29, 1777, in the 70th year of
his age and 22d of his ministry in Hadlyme. His wife was Doro
thy Chauncey, daughter of the Rev. Isaac Chauncey of Hadley.
She died Nov. 15, 1780, aged 70 years. They had seven child
ren, all of whom died before them, excepting one who is still liv
ing. Mr. Joseph Vail was ordained, February 9th, 1780.

37
The following persons have been deacons in this church. Those
in Italic characters, lived in East-Haddam.
Elected. Died. Aged.
Samuel Dutton,  moved to Millington, where he was
re-elected.
Samuel Crosby,   
Christopher Holmes, Jan. 18, 1750, April 12, 1793, 77.
Col. Samuel Selden, March 19, 1756, Nov. — , 1776, —
Israel Spencer, Esq. March 29, 1780, Nov. 18, 1813, 81.
Jabez Comstock, April 3, 1792, Oct. 10, 1807, 84.
Israel S. Spencer, Oct. 1, 1801,
Israel Dewey, June 3, 1803, May 19, 1806, 52.
Col. Selden commanded a body of men in 1776 called six months'
men, was taken, and died in captivity at New-York. He was a
worthy man and good officer.
There were ten male members in this church at its formation.
From the beginning 218 persons have been members of it, 77 have
been admitted by the present pastor. The communicants at this
time are 38, 9 males and 29 females ; four of the males and 15 of
the females live in East-Haddam.
Mr. Rawson's support was 300/. old tenor for settlement, and
150/ salary for the first year, which was increased 5/ yearly till it
amounted to 170/. The people gave him 100/ also in labor towards
building him a house. Mr. Vail's support is 200/ settlement, 70/
salary and 13 cords of wood.
The people living in East-Haddam part of the society have a fund
to the amount of about 340 dollars.
The churches in Connecticut were regulated in their discipline
by the Cambridge Platform before Haddam was settled. This con
tinued as a directory until the adoption of Saybrook Platform in
1708. At this time Haddam church, and East Haddam church,
with other sister churches in the state, became consociated. Middle-
Haddam, MilHngton, and Hadlyme churches were either consociat
ed at their formation, or shortly after. These churches all belonged
to the south consociation of Hartford county until two or three
years after the formation of Middlesex county, when with the
churches in Saybrook, Lyme, Killingworth, and the societies of

38

East-Hampton and West-Chester, they became a new consociation.
The ministers of these various churches are the Middlesex associa
tion. " The Confession of faith" which the Platform contains is the
same with the Westminster confession, which is adopted by the pres-
byterian churches in Scotland, and those which are distinctively
called presbyterian in the United States, excepting that some
things respecting church discipline and divorce are omitted, and a
few expressions amended. Thus altered it was adopted by a gene
ral synod of the churches in New-England at Boston in 1680.
" The Heads of agreement" are the same that were entered into at
a meeting of presbyterian and congregational ministers at the Savoy
in London in 1690, and contain some happy concessions on points
of minor importance, for the purpose of harmony among the friends of
Christ. " The Articles of church discipline" were drawn up at
Saybrook. The principal thing wherein these differ from what had
been before generally received and practised was this, says Presi
dent Clap, " That whereas the Cambridge Platform had said in gene
ral terms, that councils should consist of the neighbouring churches ;
and some question had arisen who should be esteemed the neigh
bouring churches, and what number should be called in particular
cases ; these reduced it to greater certainty, that councils should
consist of neighbouring churches in the county, they forming them
selves into one or more consociations for that purpose." They are
not considered as altering the relative powers of ministers and
churches, nor as giving any novel or dangerous power to one church
or body of churches over another ; but as pointing out what the
powers of ministers and churches are, or rather as showing how
these powers may be discreetly and profitably exercised. So at
least they have been explained. At the first meeting of the conso
ciation of New-Haven county at Branford in 1709, at which some
of the compilers of the articles were present ; it was declared as
their sense, "That the articles were no more than a recognition of
the obligations which the Gospel oj Christ brings distinct societies
of christians under, to afford each other mutual advice and assis
tance, when desired."
The half-way covenant, as it is usually styled, was once introduced

39
into the church in Haddam : but it was soon rejected. It has been
laid aside several years in practice in Middle-Haddam. It was
never introduced into East-Haddam, nor into Millington church.
In Hadlyme it was rejected at the call of Mr. Vail. This cove
nant was at first introduced under the idea of favouring such weak
christians as had conscientious scruples about theirfitnessto approach
the Lord's table, but it has been found by experience to have open
ed the door for many to profess religion and get their children bap
tized, who have felt themselves under no increased obligations to
perfect holiness, and to train up their children for God. It is now
very generally viewed by serious people as unscriptural.
At an early period children were taught the catechism on the
Lord's day in Haddam, and probably in East-Haddam, as the prac
tice was not only approved by christians, but recommended by the
Legislature. This laudable practice is recently introduced into many
places. There was but one religious denomination in Haddam, till about 50
or 60 years ago, and but one in East-Haddam till a period much later.
At the first mentioned period a few persons began to hold meet
ings by themselves in the Lowerpart of the town, who were called new-
lights or separates. In 1785 they formed themselves into a congre
gational society ; and in 1793, they professed themselves baptists.
They built their meeting-house the year following, which is 32 feet
by 25, one story. The communicants here, with the communicants
of the same denomination in East-Hampton, constitute one church.
This is the largest branch, and consists of 61 members, 18 males
and 43 females. Of these, 3 males and 5 females Hve in Chester.
The methodists in the western part of the town arose in 1791, 2,
and 3, built their meeting-house in 1795, which is 41 feet by 29.
The number of communicants among them is 36, of whom 28 live
in Haddam, 10 males and 18 females; the rest in North Killingworth.
There are some of this denomination in others parts of the town.
A disagreement about the spot where the new meeting-house should
be set produced a separation in East-Haddam society. The people
who left the society were organized as an episcopal society, April
27, 1791. Their house of worship, w.ns erected in 1793, 54 feet
long and 37 broad, with an end gallery. It is well built, and stand-

40
ing on an eminence commands an extensive prospect. Mr. Solo
mon Blakesley was set over this people as a deacon in 1792, and in
full orders the year succeeding. The communicants are 20, 9 males
and 11 females.
About 1789 or 90, a few baptists arose in Millington ; there are
also in that society a few people of the methodist persuasion.
There has never been in Haddam nor East-Haddam so far as I
can learn, a general revival of religion. The great revival of religion
in New-England 70 years ago reached the towns, but produced no ex
tensive effects. God has usually taken his elect here and brought
them singly unto Zion. In 1802 there was some awakening in East-
Haddam, in 1806 about 40 persons were thought to experience the
special grace of God in Haddam. In Middle-Haddam and Milling
ton there have been gentle refreshings from the presence of the
Lord. In Hadlyme there have been several seasons of more than
common attention to religion with a few years, and a seriousness
there is at this time happily progressing ; the young especially are
remembering their Creator, and giving to God the dew of their
youth. While the saints in these towns have never seen such Pen-
tacostal days as have been witnessed in some places, they have seen
enough to lead them to bless God and take courage.
A review of the circumstances of our fathers is calculated to ex
cite solemn and pious emotions in the mind. God cast out the hea
then before them and planted them, that they might keep his statutes.
The mercies and corrections visited upon them, teach us his good
ness, truth and faithfulness. Their fear of his name, their observ
ance of public and family worship, and various good works, call up
on us to imitate their example ; while their sepulchres remaining with
us to this day, admonish us of our approaching dissolution. It is
all-important that we should not forget the great and good things
done for those who have gone before us, nor suffer the privileges
transmitted to us to perish in our hands, but give them with large
increase to our descendants. By greater attention to agriculture
our farms may be rendered more productive ; by pursuing more ex
tensively other branches of business already introduced (should the
times become favourable) and by an increase of manufactures, the
wealth of the towns may be greatly promoted, and abundant employ-

41
ment and comfortable support furnished to all. For the great mass
of children, the district schools must ever be the principal means of
education. That the full benefit of these may be experienced it is
indispensable that school societies should not only select suitable
persons for overseers, but for committees ; men who will introduce
instructors of competent abilities and virtuous characters, able and
disposed to imbue the tender minds of children with the rudiments
of human science and of the oracles of God. To such it is the in
terest as well as duty of the districts to give honorable wages.
Were new libraries to be established in some instances, and old ones
increased in others, a happy effect might be expected. Of all
the means of good to society, and to individuals however, the Sab
bath with its attendant ordinances, is unquestionably the greatest.
Its influence in informing the mind, softening the manners, introducing
order into all the concerns of life, and in preparing the soul for hea
ven, is beyond calculation. It is not supposed indeed but men may
externally regard the Sabbath without being christians. This is
evinced by many and lamentable examples. To enter the kingdom
of heaven we must be born again ; exercise repentance towards God
and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ ; deny ungodliness and
worldly lusts, and live soberly, righteously, and godly in this pres
ent world. But God is pleased to sanctify his people through the
truth ; and by keeping Sabbaths on the earth, he meetens them for
the rest reserved for them in heaven. It will not do to neg
lect the Sabbath ; nor can we with any reason complain of the ex
penses occasioned by its institutions, or labors in attending them,
when these things have been borne and done by those who have
gone before us, in worse circumstances than our own. But it is
not for ourselves only that we act. Our children are intrusted to
our care ; and unless we speak to them of the things of the kingdom of
God, when we sit in our houses, and when we walk by the way, when we
lie down and when we rise up, pray with and for them to God, and
set before them good examples ; we cannot rationally expect that
they will fill our places with wisdom and dignity, when we shall be
cold in death. Amazing and solemn are our obligations. As men
and citizens, as ministers and magistrates, as churches and societies,
*6

42
as candidates for eternity ; let us be faithful, for the time is short.
Let our conversation, our labors, our suffrages and our examples,
plead for the Redeemer. Whether in public or private stations, we
shall soon be numbered with the dead, while the generations to de
scend from us may be effected both in time and eternity, by our
present conduct. Soon we shall meet our ancestors and descendants
at the bar of God.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things
are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure,
whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are oJ good report ;
ij there be any virtue, and ij there be any praise, think on these things.

AN APPENDIX,

CONTAINING THE GENEALOGIES OF THE FAMILIES IN HADDAM
AND EAST-HADDAM : TAKEN PARTLY FROM THE OLD
RECORDS OF THE TOWNS, AND PARTLY FROM
THE INFORMATION OF AGED PEOPLE.

Ai

_LL that is attempted in these is to bring them down to the re
collection of persons living, who may if they see cause, continue them.
The names of the first settlers are printed in capitals, the names
of their sons and later settlers, in Italics. Where persons are known
to have died young, or to have died unmarried, the figure 1 is
annexed to theirnames ; figure 2 is annexed to those who are known to
have moved to other places ; figure 3 to such as married and died
without issue ; and figure 4 to such as have no male descendants
here, or male descendants from sons. The letter f. is frequently
used as an abbreviation for father.
The families of one half of the first settlers are extinct, or gone
from these towns. The genealogies of the others will now be given.
Nicholas Ackley died in Haddam. His sons moved to the
east side of the river, who were Nicholas, John, Samuel, Benjamin,
James, Nathaniel and Thomas. Nicholas was the father of Nicho
las ; John of John3 and Benjamin ;2 Samuel of Samuel,l Simeon,
Stepnen,l Elijah, Isaac, Bezaleel2 and Nathaniel ; Benjamin of
Hezekiah, Benjamin, Joel and John ; James of James,2 Nicholas,2
Nathaniel, Gideon,4 and Benajah ; Nathaniel of Nathaniell, Hen
ry, Ephraim and Warren ; and Thomas of Job and Thomas.
Joseph Arnold was the father oi Joseph Arnold a deacon, oi Jo
siah, Jonathan, John and Samuel. Joseph was f . of Joseph 1 and
Simon, and Simon of the late Joseph ; Josiah was father of Samu-
uel,4 Josiah,4 David and James ;4 and David of David,2
Francis,4 Seth, Samuel, Josiahl and James2. Jonathan was f. of
Samuel who was lost when three years old in the woods west of Tur
key hill, of Jonathan who settled in the ministry in New- Jersey,
and of another Samuel, f. of Jonathan,l Samuel and James. John
was the f. of Dr. John who settled in Middletown ; of Joshua a phy
sician on Haddam Neck, and f. of John, Joshua,l Jacobl and Jo
seph ; of Gideon a deacon in Middle-Haddam church and f. of Dan
iel a deacon in said church, of Gideon a deacon in East-Hampton,
of Jabez and Jacob ; of Ebenezer f. of the late Col. Arnold olF
Durham. Samuel settled in East-Haddam and was father of Jo
seph, Samuel a candidate, Enoch,2 Josiah,2 and John,4 Joseph was
f. of Joseph, Ephraim, &c.
John Bailey was the father of Benjamin zsxAJohn. Benjamin
was f. of John,4 Benjamin4 and Nathaniel, the two first of whom
were deaf and dumb, but able to do business and had families ; Na
thaniel was f. of Daniel2 and Ezekiel.4 John was the f. of
John, Ephraim, jonathan4 and David.4 John was the f. of John,
Nathan,2 Jeremiah, 4 Amos,l James2 and William ; Ephraim of

44
Ephraim,l Jacob, Gideon, Stephen, Jabez, Caleb, Abijah,l William4,
01ivar3 and Ephraim.
Daniel Brainerd a deacon and justice, was born at Braintree
in the county of Essex in England, and brought when eight years
old to Hartford, where he lived in the Wyllys family till of age.
After he settled in Haddam, his mother, at that time a widow, wrote
to him, and spelt her name Brainwood, which renders it probable
that that was the original name. His sons were Daniel who settled
in East-Haddam, and was a deacon there, James a deacon, Joshua
who settled in East-Haddam, William who settled on Haddam Neck,
Caleb, Elijah and^i?^^/&z'a/^,theAssistant. Danielwa.s the f. of Daniel,
Noadiah a deacon, Stephen2 and Bezaleel. Daniel was the f. of
Daniel, Esq ; Noadiah of Noadiahl and Jared ; and Bezaliel of
Daniel,2 Bezahel and Enoch. James was the f. of James, Gideon,
Abijah, Daniel, 2 Zechariah,l Jephthah,l Othniell and Heber.
James was the f. of Benjamin, 4 Jedediah &c. ; Gideon of Gideon,
Dea. Eliakim, &c. ; Abijah of Othniel,2 Simon, &c. Joshua was
f. of Joshua, Damel,2 Eleazer, Jeremiah and Timothy. Joshua was
f. of Joshua, Amasa, &c. ; Eleazer of Adonijah and Asa; Jeremiah
of Jeremiah ;1 and Timothy of Timothy.2 William was f. of Wil
liam, Samuel, Chiliab a minister at Eastbuiy, Josiah and Nathan.
William was f. of Jonathan and William ;1 Samuel of Samuel,!
William, 3 Jeremiah, &c. ; Josiah of Josiah, Chiliab.l &c. ; and Na
than of Nathan, John, &c. Caleb was the f. of Caleb,4 Jacob,
Joshua,3 Obadiah2 and Nathaniel. 3 Jacob was f. of Bushnel,l &c.
Elijah was f. of Joseph, Elijah, a deacon, Jabez, Esq. and Phinehas.
Joseph was f. of Increase, Joseph,! and Josiah;2 Elijah of Elisha,4
Elijah, &c. Hezekiah was f. of Col. Hezekiah, Esq. Nehemiah
minister at Eastbury, David the missionary, John his successor, and
Israel.! Thomas Brooks had an only son Thomas, 3. deacon, who was f.
of Thomas also a deacon, of Abraham, Jabez and Joseph, Esq. Tho
mas was f. of Charles, Thomas! and David.4
William Clarke was father of Daitiel and Thomas. Daniel
was the f. of William, Joseph, Daniel and John, William was
f. of Pelatiah, Benajah and Uriah;! Daniel of Daniel,4 Heze-
kiah4 and James; and John of John.4 Thomas was f. of
Thomas, 3 Jonathan,4 David4 and Israel.
Daniel Cone was father of Daniel a Ae.dLCon, Jared, Stephen and
Caleb; the three first of whom settled in East-Haddam. Daniel
Cone was f. of Dea. Daniel Esq. George, Joseph and Jared. Dan
iel was f. of Jeremiah,! Jonah, William, Maj. Daniel and Oliver;!
George of Sylvanus,3 George, Eliezer! and Zachariah; Joseph of
Joseph,4 Benjamin!, Solomon,4 Martin, 3 Ashbel3 and Jeremiah;2
and Jared of Matthew,2 Nehemiah and Daniel. 2 Jared was the
f. of Stephen and Thomas; the former of whom was the f. of
Ehsha and Thomas,2 and the latter of Joel, Noadiah, Joshua and

45
Obadiah.4 Stephen, was f. of Stephen,2 John4 and Reuben.2 Ca
leb was f. of Caleb,4 Joseph, Noah, 4 Elisha a deacon, Simon4, Dan
iels and Bariah.4
Geo. Gates, Esq. removed in his old age to East Haddam and
lived with his sons. These were Joseph, Thomas, Esq. John,^
George,! Daniel, and Samuel. Joseph was f. of Joseph, deacon
John,2 Jonathan,2 Jacob and Samuel.4 Thomas was f. of Thomas
Daniel,4 Jeremiah,4 George and Joshua. Daniel was f. of deacon
Daniel of Millington, David,4 Joseph,! Ephraim! and Judah.
Samuel ^aB f. of Samuel,3 James,2 Stephen and Jonah.!
Thomas Shayler was father of Thomas and Abel4 Thomas
was f. of Hezekiah, Joseph, Thomas and Samuel. Hezekiah was
f. of Timothy, Reuben, &c. ; Joseph of Bezaliel, &c. ; Samuel of
Asa; and Thomas of Thomas.
Gerrard Spencer was father of Nathaniel, Thomas,^ Samuel
and William : the two last settled in East-Haddam. Nathaniel
was f. of Nathaniel, John,4 Daniel and Phinehas.4 Nathaniel was
f. of Ehsha, &c.; Daniel of Daniel, &c. Samuel was f. of John,
and Isaac a deacon. John was f. of Peter,4 John2 and Ebenezer ;
Isaac of Samuel, Gen. Joseph, assistant, Jared,! Elihu, D. D. minis
ter at Trenton, N. Jersey, Isaac3 and Israel, Esq. William was f.
of Joseph, Hezekiah, WiUiam, James,4 Micajah,4 Jonathan4 and
Ichabod.4 Joseph was f. of Joseph, deacon Isaac and Ichabod ;
Hezekiah of Simeon, Silas and Solomon ; William of Alexander,
William, Matthias and Jeremiah.
Thomas Spencer was father of Jared one of the first settlers at
Puncet. He was f. of John,! John,2 Jared,2 Benjamin, Ephraim4
and Daniel. Benjamin was f. of Benjamin,2 David2 and Elizur ;
Daniel of Daniel and Abner.
Simon Smith was father of Benjamin, Simon, Joseph and John.
Benjamin was f. of Benjamin,4 Jacob,4 deacon Joseph4 and Daniel ;
Simon of Simon,4 James,4 Jonathan4 and David ;4 John was f. of
Joseph and WilHam ; Joseph was f. of Joseph, William of John,
&c. William Ventres was father of Moses zxid. John.4: Moses was
f. of Daniel, John4 and Ebenezer.4 Daniel was f. of Daniel,! Ell
as! and John.
James Wells had a son of the same name who was a justice,
and father of James! and Joseph, Esq.
The persons who joined the first settlers or their descendants in
these towns, and who have descendants themselves here at this
time, have been as follows — to begin with Haddam :
John Bates came here within eight or nine years after the first
settlement, and was the father of John and Solomon. John was the
f. of John.4 Solomon of Solomon,4 Joseph and David.
Richard Walkley came here equally early, and was f. of
Richard, the f. of Richard, Ebenezer and Jonathan.4

46
The Scovils are from William Scovil, the f. of William and John.
As early as 1700 Daniel Hubbard moved here from Middletown,
and was f. of Daniel, Thomas and Jeremiah. Daniel was f. of Joel,
Danie!3 Samuel, &c. Thomas of Thomas and Daniel;! Jeremiah
of Asa, &c.
Not far from the same time Azariah Dickinson settled here from
Deerfield. He was the f. of Azariah,4 Nehemiah and Stephen.
About 1710 James, PeterX and Joseph Ray, three brothers, Por
tuguese, settled here, immediately from Narragansett. James (who
died over 100 years of age) was f . of James, Benjamin! and Joseph ;
Joseph was f. of Isaac, Nathaniel, Jeremiah,4 Joseph,! Timothy,!
Elislia,3 Daniel,3 and Jacob.!
In 1723 Zebulon Lewis from Salem became an inhabitant of the
town. He was f. of Zebulon, Nathan, Eliezur,4 Levi,2 Eli-
sha,2 and Thomas. 2
The same ytar John, Nathaniel^ sxiA Josephs Sutliff htczms in
habitants ; they were from Deerfield, where their father was burnt
by the Indians.
At the same time Stephen Smith from West-Haven became an in
habitant. He was the f. of Stephen, WilHam, Sam.uel, John, Nathan
and David.
James Hazelton became an inhabitant in 1726, and was f. of
Charles, James and Arnold.
The Tylers are descended from Nathaniel and Abraham, two
distant relatives from Branford. The former was the f. of Nathan
iel, Nathan, Joseph,2 Samuel, James! and Simon ; the latter of
Col. Abraham, Timothy,3 and Ezra.3
Richard Skinner, f. of Ebenezer; Thomas Crook, f. of Shubael ;
Richard Bonfoey, f. of Benanuel ; are the ancestors of the existing
families of these names.
Thomas Selden, from Hadley was f. of Thomas and Joseph.4
About 1741,2, or 3, Cornelius Higgins, Esq. John Knowles and
Roger Thomas, settled in this town from Eastham, Mass. John
Knowles was f. of John,! Elisha, Richard and William : Roger
Thomas of Ebenezer, Evan, Aaron, Prince! and Issac.4
Thomas Church from Plainfield in 1741; Nathaniel Bu7-r from
Chatham in 1742 ; Jacob Ely and Samuel Tinker from Lyme ; Ab
ner Tibbils and James Merwin from Durham ; BarziUai Dudley
from Saybrook; Jonathan Boardman, Stephen Johnson and Nathan
iel Wetmore from Middletown ; Robert Bradford from New-Lon
don ; and James Child from Warren, Rhode-Island, about 1764 ;
are the ancestors of the various families of these names in Haddam.
The Russels are from East-Hampton, Long-Island; the Kelseys
Ruttys, Wilcoxes and Stevenses, are from KilHngworth ; the Stan-
nards, Claddings, Shermans and Wheelers are from Saybrook ; the
Doans are from Chatham.
The remaining are genealogies of families in East-Haddam.
The ancestors of the Chapmans, Booges, Hungerfords and Ful-

47
lers, settled in East-Hadam before the year 1700.
Robert Chapman, from Saybrook, was the f. of David,4 Robert,
Jonathan, Caleb and Francis. Robert was f. of Robert, Jedadiah
minister at Geneva, Isaac, Elizur2 and Aaron ;4 Jonathan of Ja-
bez,3 &c. ; Caleb of Caleb, Timothy, &c.; Francis of Samuel,4 &c.
Col. Jabez Chapman is descended from another branch of the Say
brook Chapmans.
John Booge, a Welchman, was f . of John , William, Richard, 4 Daniel,
Stephen,! and Ebenezer, minister at Northingtington in Farming-
ton. John was f. of Amos,3 and Samuel;! William of William, 3
Jonathan,3 Timothy, Ephraim3 and Richard ;2 Daniel of Eliezer,3
Eliashib, Daniel, Jeremiah, John, Richard,4 Joshua and Ichabod.2
Thomas Hungerjord was the f. of John, Green, Thomas4 and
Benjamin.4 John was the f. of John, Robert and Thomas ; Green
of Green, Stephen, Lemuel and Nathaniel.
John, Thomas and Shubael Fuller were three brothers from Barn
stable. John was the f. of John, 3 William and Andrew ;2 Thomas of
Ebenezer,2 of Thomas f. of Jehiel, Daniel minister at Mendon, Mass
and Oliver, of Nathan,2 Jabez,4 and Jonathan ;1 Shubael of
Ephraim,4 Shubael, 2 and Jonathan.!
Timothy Fuller was f. of Matthias, Samuel,3 Timothy, and Dea.
Thomas, 3 Matthias was f. of Matthias, Elisha,2 Noadiah, Daniel
and Ezra.!
Jonathan Beebe from New-London was f. of Jonathan, William,
Joshua and Caleb. Jonathan was f. of Jonathan, David, Sam.uel,
Daniel and Ebenezer : WiUiam of Abner, Silas, Asa a candidate,
William and Elihu ; Joshua of 'Brockway, Joshua and Gideon ;
Caleb of Caleb, Nathan, Reuben, Levi, Robert and Judah.
John Holmes moved from New-London to East-Haddam about
1710. His aged father of the same name came with him, and died
Oct. 19. 1723 aged 98, and was the first person buried where the
old burying-ground in Hadlyme was afterwards laid out. John
Holmes was f. of Thomas,4 John,4 Dea. Christopher and Eliphalet.4
Samuel Emmons was from Cambridge and died at the age of 96.
His sons were Samuel a deacon, Nathaniel and Jonathan. Sam
uel was the f. of Ebenezer, Samuel, Daniel and Nathaniel D. D.;
Nathaniel of Thomas ; Jonathan2 of Jonathan, Joseph, Benjamin,4
and Jeremiah .2
Samuel Olmsted, Esq. and John his brother, were from Hartford.
Samuel was the f. of Samuel,4 William4 and Ichabod ; John of
John,2 Daniel, James,3 Stephen2 and Jonathan.
Samuel Dutton a deacon was f. of Samuel,! Joseph, Dea. Ebene-
zer,3 Timothy2 and Jeremiah. 2
Henry Champion from Lyme was f. of Ebenezer,! Col. Henry ,2
Israel and Judah minister at Litchfield.
Matthew Smith from Lyme was f. of Thomas and Matthew.
Daniel Smith from the Cape was f. of Ignatius and Policarp.l
Ignatius of Abner. Enoch, John Howland and Elijah.

48

Robert Hurd from Killingworth was f. of Justus,2 Crippin and
Robert. He died aged almost 102.
Lemuel Griffin was the f. of George, Josiahl and Lemuel.
John Marsh from Braintree Mass. was f. of John, Edmund and
Lemuel. John Warner from Sunderland Mass. was the f. of John Daniel,
Nathaniel, 3 Jabez, Abraham,2 Noadiah a clergyman, and Joseph.
John Church from Hatfield was f. of John,4 William, Samuel2
and Joseph.
The Annables are descended from three brothers from the Cape,
Anthony, Joseph and Cornelius. The Willeys are also descended
from three brothers, from New-London, Isaac, John and Abel.
John Percival from the Cape was the f. of Dea. John.
James GreeJi, Elijah Atwood, Nathaniel Goodsped and Isaac Tay
lor from the Cape ; Samuel P. Lord from Marlborough ; Nathaniel
Lord ; Thomas Moseley M. D. from Glastenbury ; Levi Palmer
from Windham ; Thomas Hall, and Stephen Beldin, from Chatham ;
Saimiel Crowel ; Samuel Marshal ; Ebenezer Cook; and. Lemuel
Daniels ; are the ancestors of the families of these names in East-
Haddam. Several families have within a few years moved into Haddam,
and more into East-Haddam, whose genealogies will not be expect
ed in this work.
The following table will show the number of families of the most
common names in the different parts of Haddam and East-Haddam.

Ackleys.Arnolds.Bayleys.
Brainerds.Brookses.Clarkes.Cones.Gateses. Shaylers.
...^Spgflcers^ Smiths.
Hubbards.Dickinsons.
Burrs. Chapmans,Willeys,Tylers.

H. S.

H. N.

E H S

Mil.

Had.

Total.

0

0

7

3

1

10

18

10

0

8

0

30

19

0

0

0

0

19

36

33

9

1

0

68*

9

4

1

0

0

14

30

4

0

1

0

35

7 1

0

12

10

3

31

0

11

4

0

16

33

2

0

0

0

34

9

0

8

4

0

31

38

2

5

5

0

40

19

0

0

0

0

19

16

1

0

3

1

30

16

0

0

0

0

16

1

1

14

4

0 6

30

0

0

0

7

18

13

0

1

0

0

13

Total number of above families

395

* It is calculated that as many as 3,000 persons have descended from
Daniel Brainerd the first settler.

By request of a liberal subscriber I print on this leaf the fol
lowing additions and corrections relating to the Bailey family.
It must be understood that they form no part of the original
pamphlet. C. L. W.

John Bailey was the father of John, Benjamin and Nathaniel.
John was the father of John, Ephraim, Jonathan and David.
John was the father of John, Nathan, Jeremiah, Amos i, James
2 and William.
William was the father of Christopher, Eliakim, William,
Gamaliel i and Samuel.
Ephraim was the father of Ephraim i, Jacob, Gideon, Stephen,
Jabez, Caleb, Abijah i, William, Oliver 2 and Ephraim.
Jacob was the father of Jacob who was killed at the battle of
Stony Point, July 1 5th, 1779, Thomas, Timothy 2, Abijah 2, Cloth
ier and Gordon.
Benjamin was the father of Hezekiah, Benjamin 4 and Samuel
2. Hezekiah was the father of Comfort and Solomon.
Samuel was the father of Solomon, and probably others.
Nathaniel was the father of Daniel 2 and Ezekiel.
Ezekiel was the father of Ambrose i.
Nathan was the father of Ichabod and Nathan 2.
Jonathan was the father of Jonathan, Ebenezar, Ichabod,
Abraham, Recompense i and Isaac.
David was the father of Joshua i, Elijah and James.
Daniel was the father of Elihue and Aaron.
John was the father of Phineas, Amos, John 3 and Richard i.
James, the son of John, was the father of William, James,
Elijah, Ebenezar i and Ebenezar.

On page 6 it is said that " About the year 1685 a settlement
was begun in East-Haddam at the Creek row."
I have been requested by a gentleman who has taken a
friendly interest in this reprint to say that Dr. Field stated in
his Middlesex County — printed four years later, that " The first
settlement of East-Haddam was probably about 1670."

3 9002 00919 7832