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வளர்ப
M. L.
GENEALOGY COLLECTION
GEN
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
3 1833 01955 1719
Gc 974.601 M58F 1853 FIELD, DAVID D. 1781-1867. CENTENNIAL ADDRESS
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City of Middletown, in 1825.
2.50
CENTENNIAL ADDRESS, ---
BY
DAVID D. FIELD, D. D.
WITII HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF . CROMWELL, PORTLAND, CHIATHAM, MIDDLE-IIADDAM,
conn .. MIDDLETOWN AND ITS PARISHES.
ESUSTINIT
TRANS TULIT
MIDDLETOWN, CONN. :
WILLIAM B. CASEY. 1853.
Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1853, by WILLIAM B. CASEY, 1
in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Connecticut.
MIDDLETOWN : NEWS AND ADVERTISER PRINT. 1853.
1139012
CENTENNIAL ADDRESS
AND
HISTORICAL SKETCHES.
CONTENTS.
page.
Dr. Casey's Address,
13.
Dr. Field's
20.
Pequot War, 29.
Settlement of the town,
31.
Indian Grave Yards,
36.
Pokatapaug Pond, 37.
Meeting House built, 33.
Surveys and Grants,
39.
Early Settlers,
39.
First Householders,
41.
Settlement of Upper Houses,
12
of Middlefield, 13.
of Middle Haddam,
13.
Ship building,
44. 47.
Character of Settlers,
West India trade,
Resolves of the town on the passage of the Boston Port Bill,
Raising troops and supplies,
Capture of Ticonderoga,
Governor Franklin, (Tory)
Standing Militia,
Captain Meigs,
80. 81. 81.
General Parsons,
Nehemiah Hubbard, 86.
Captain Pratt, 87.
Dr. John Osborne, 90.
Titus Hosmer,
96.
Samuel W. Dana, 99.
Asher Miller, 100.
Stephen T. Hosmer, 101.
Richard and John Alsop, 107.
Capt. Partridge's Academy, 108.
Wesleyan University, 110.
Commodore MaeDonongh, 112.
Battle of Lake Champlain, 114.
Middletown Manufactories, 123.
Indian Deed, 137
62. 65. 68. 70. 72. 74.
Capture at Sag Harbor,
IV
CONTENTS.
page.
Origin of Early Settlers,
143.
Societies (Ecclesiastical,) 151.
Lead Mine, 159.
Feldspar Quarry, 161.
First Congregational Church, 163.
South Congregational Church, 168.
Episcopal Church, 174.
. Baptist Church. 178.
Methodist E. Church,
180.
Universalist Church,
.183.
Roman Catholic,
184.
Middlefield,
IS6.
Westfield, 192.
Physicians in Middletown,
196.
Obituary of Dr. T. Miner, of Dr. H. Woodward, 203.
Lawyers in Middletown, 205.
Means of Education, 214.
Graduates from Middletown, 219.
226.
Lists of Officers, &c. 226.
Banks and Probate, 231.
Post Office and Custom House, 234.
Sketch of Cromwell, 235.
Friendly Association, 245.
Academy, 246.
Physicians in Cromwell, 247.
Graduates from Cromwell, 249,
Sketch of Portland, 253.
Physicians, 258.
Lawyers, 259.
Quarries, 261:
Sketch of Chatham, 267.
Grant to Gov. Winthrop,
273.
Governor's Gold Ring,
274.
Cobalt Mine, 275.
278.
Physicians in Middlo Haddam,
Sketch of East Hampton, 283.
Middletown Deputies to the General Court, 284.
Representatives from Chatham, 292.
" Portland, 295.
200.
Newspapers in Middletown,
HARTFORD, July 15, 1850.
MY DEAR SIR :
I have postponed, until this time, my final reply to the invita- tion received from yourself and the other gentlemen of the Com- mittee for that purpose, to deliver an address at the ensuing Centennial Celebration of the settlement of Middletown, in hopes that I should find myself able to comply with your request, but I have ascertained that the arrangement of the terms of the courts during the Summer and Fall will not allow me the leisure necessary for a suitable preparation for the service to which you have invited me ; and I am therefore under the necessity, (re- luctantly for the reasons mentioned in my last interview,) of declining its performance.
Grateful for the compliment implied in the invitation of the committee,
I am, with sincere regard, yours, WM. L. STORRS.
To JOHN JOHNSTON, Esq., Middletown, Ct.
NEW HAVEN, NOV. 8th., 1850.
W.M. B. CASEY, M. D.
Chairman Committee of Arrangements.
DEAR SIR :
I received some days since, your favor of the 4th, conveying to me from the Committee of Arrangements for the Centennial Anniversary, an invitation to be present and to share in the ex- ercises of the celebration.
I have delayed my answer in the hope that I should be able to say positively that I would come. It is still, however, so un- certain whether my engagements willadmit of my coming, that it will not be safe to depend on me for any active share in the work of the day, or for being in Middletown, in the body at all.
I say this very unwillingly, for I do not know of any other ap- pointment of the kind which it would give me so much pleasure to make and fulfill.
I am respectfully, yours, WM. H. RUSSELL.
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.
THE Second Centennial Anniversary of Middletown, should have been celebrated in October 1850 ; but owing to the infirm health of Rev. Dr. FIELD, who delivered the ADDRESS on that occasion, it was deferred until No- vember. At a meeting of the citizens of Middletown held in July 1850, at which Doet. WM. B. CASEY, then Mayor of the City, presided, a Committee was appointed to make arrangements for the approaching Anniversary, which Committee was constituted as follows :
WM. B. CASEY, Ex-Officio Chairman.
PROF. JOHN JOHNSTON, DOCT. CHAS. WOODWARD, DOCT. J. BARRATT, FREDERICK HALL, EsQ., Portland.
HON. JOHN STEWART, Chatham.
ASA HUBBARD, EsQ., South Farms. EDWARD SAVAGE, EsQ., Cromwell.
Invitations were sent to Hon. W. L. Storrs, now of Hartford, Judge of Superior Court; To Wm. H. Rus- sell, Esq., of New Haven, and other gentlemen, natives of the Town, inviting their presence and assistance on the occasion of the Anniversary, but their engagements were of such a nature, as to prevent their acceptance of the invitation. Their letters are herewith subjoined.
1
8
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.
Rev. Dr. FIELD having finally notified the Committee of his improved health, and ability to discharge the du- ties of his appointment, the 13th day of November was fixed upon as the time for holding the celebration, and notice given accordingly. Mr. Russell's letter informing the Committee of his inability to attend and participate in the exercises of the day, having been received at so late a date, that it was impossible to provide a substitute, the duty of supplying his place, so far as might be, de- volved upon Doct. Casey, the Chairman of the Commit- tee, and he accordingly prepared a short introductory Address, a copy of which is printed in the following pages.
An Ode, hastily written for the oceasion by one of our townsmen, was set to Music by Mr. John Porter, and effectively sung by the Choir of the North Church.
In conclusion, the Committee would remark, that it was extremely doubtful for some time, owing to Dr. Field's state of health, whether the celebration would be held at all ; and therefore the preparations and arrange- ments for the occasion were suspended. Consequently, when the Committee received notice from Dr. Field that he was ready to fulfill his appointment, there was but little time, before cold weather, in which to make the necessary preparations.
The doings of the day, and the order of exercises, were described in the Daily News, a small paper just started, and from that we copy an account of the pro- ceedings.
Centennial Celebration
OF
MIDDLETOWN.
THE celebration of the second Centennial Anniversa- ry of the settlement of Middletown took place in the city of Middletown, Nov. 13th, 1850, and the condition of the notification in regard to the favorableness of the weather proved to be quite unnecessary, as it was one of the most pleasant days with which this remarkably geni- al fall season has been crowded. At the hour appointed, considerable numbers of our citizens and visitors from the neighboring towns, assembled in the vicinity of the Post Office to witness the forming of the procession. At half past ten o'clock, a walking organization was effected un- der the direction of John N. Camp, Marshal of the day. The following was the arrangement of the column :
The excellent Brass Band from New Haven.
The Mansfield Guards under the command of Gen. E. W. N. Starr, (a very thoroughly drilled company, and as gentlemanly, as it is military in its appearance.)
The Committee of Arrangements.
The Rev. Dr. FIELD, the Orator of the day, (and whose external personality is said strongly to resemble that of Ex-Minister Guizot.)
10
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
The Rev. Clergy of the city and vicinity.
The City Fathers.
Invited Guests.
The Faculty and Students of Wesleyan University. Members of the Friendly Association of Cromwell.
St. John's Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, (whose charter, we think, dates back as far as 1787.)
Central Lodge, No. 12, Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Sons of Temperance, from the Mattabesett and Ma- mooson Divisions, decorated in simple white.
Putnam Chapter of the Order of United Americans, (with a very tasteful regalia.)
Town Officers and Citizens.
The Procession was formed in front of the North Church, and proceeded on its march up Main to Wash- ington, thence to High, thence to Church, thence again through Main street, to the North Church. The exer- cises in the Church were introduced by music from the New Haven Band. A very appropriate prayer was offered by the Rev. Dr. CRANE, the senior resident set- tled clergyman, and pastor of the oldest congregation in the city. Dr. WM. B. CASEY, Chairman of the Com- mittee of Arrangements, made a few pertinent remarks, in which he took occasion to remind us of some of our advantages and wants. The choir of the North Church then sung, in a very chaste and effective manner, the following
11
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
O DE.
Two Hundred Years ago here, and Autumn leaves were falling, And the woods to woods were calling here, Two Hundred Years ago ;
And their roaring sounds like thunder, made the forest seekers wonder,
When stirred by blasts of Autumn winds, Two Hundred Years ago.
Two Hundred Years ago, there were Indiau footsteps roaming O'er the hills, they heard them coming here, Two Hundred Years ago ;
They were from our Western Mountains, they'd been quaffing at the fountains,
And were wending hither homeward here, Two Hundred Years ago.
Two Hundred Years ago here, the deer were wildly bounding, And the partridge wing-drum sounding here, Two Hundred Years ago;
On the tree-tops gaily prancing, was the merry squirrel dancing, At his prey the wolf was glancing, here, Two Hundred Years ago.
Two Hundred Years ago, here, there flowed a noble river, And its finny tribes were sporting here, Two Hundred Years ago; And like God, the glorious giver, this same water faileth never, But is passing now as ever here, Two Hundred Years ago.
Two Hundred Years ago, here, the Red Man broke his arrow And his bow in silent sorrow here, Two Hundred Years ago, And he left his Fathers buried here, and shrunk his heart in silence there,
And the White Man ploughed their graves here, Two Hundred Years ago.
1x
12
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
The Rev. Dr. FIELD, of Higganum, gave a character- istic Address, interesting, in the main, for its historical facts and reminiscences.
The Church, we believe, was filled to the extent of its capacity with an apparently interested audience ; and we doubt not the occasion will be long held, by all who were present, in pleasing remembrance. The Band per- mitted us to depart under the touching strains of Auld Lang Syne.
The celebration is over. Hereafter let it be remem- bered that Middletown is a matron with the weight of Two Hundred Years upon her brow. May Heaven watch over her, and her children forever.
Our City, in the evening, presented a very brilliant ap- pearance. Many of the stores, public buildings and private dwellings were splendidly illuminated, by way of a finishing up of the Centennial Celebration.
The side-walks, of course, were somewhat thronged with observing and happy promenaders. With modest bonfires, burning balls, and intrusive fire-crackers, and an occasional adventurous sky-rocket, and the unrevolv- ing lights of the windows, the crowd appeared to be well entertained.
This celebration, on the whole, which was anticipated with but little interest by not a few, has passed off in a commendable manner. Enthusiasm is sometimes of a slow growth. Imagine that "an hundred years are gone," and give us another demonstration to-morrow, and the thing shall be done up in a manner entirely satisfactory.
ADDRESS OF DR. CASEY.
AN interesting and important occasion has this day called us together. We have assembled within these walls to celebrate the Two Hundredth Anniversary of the settlement of our town. Yes, two hundred years have passed, since first the white man here took up his abode. What thronging fancies crowd upon the mind as it wan- ders back over this vista of years, and pictures to itself . the long series of incidents and changes, extending throughout this period. Let us indulge ourselves with the retrospect. I do not intend to trespass far upon the province of my venerable and learned friend, who is to address you this day, nor will I detain you long from the pleasure, which his rich and matured production will afford. As Chairman of the Committee of Arrange- ments, it devolved upon me to make some introductory re- marks, and I have therefore hastily thrown together a few crude and unconnected reflections, which have occur- red to me in the midst of absorbing professional duties ; and merely regretting that the task had not been com- mitted to abler hands, I proceed to discharge its require- , ments.
In the year 1650, this fair and beautiful town, (then lying on both sides of the river, and embracing within its limits the present townships of Portland and Chat-
14
ADDRESS OF DR. CASEY.
ham,) was little better than a wilderness, inhabited sole- ly by the wild red man, and by beasts of prey, scarcely more savage than the natives who pursued them in the chase. The hills were clothed with dense forests, and the valleys and plains, covered with the rank luxuriance of the native plants and grasses, save here and there a spot under tillage, which glistened and rejoiced with its bur- den of maize. From no hospitable chimney the smoke ascended up to heaven, or spread its cloud over the land- scape. The adventurous sons of the Pilgrims, who travelled hitherward, might have caught sight of the thin wreath of blue vapor, which curled lightly upward from the wigwam of the Sachem, or the council fire of his chiefs. They might have heard from afar off the wild yells and the shrill whoops of the braves, as they enga- ged in the war dance, meditating, it may be, even then, the destruction of the pale faces, of whose approach they were doubtless aware ; or perhaps, they might have paus- ed in their journey and listened with wondering and not unfearful attention to the wild dirge of the women, mourn- ing the departure of some loved one, in their plaintive and wailing death-song. No white sail gleamed through the trees that skirted the banks of our beautiful river ; and no keel parted its gentle waves ; nought ruffled its surface, save the frail birchen canoe, which danced light- ly over its waters, scarce leaving a ripple in its wake. Here and there dusky forms glided about with stealthy and noiseless tread ; and anon came upon the ear the shrill laughter of Indian boys and maidens, engaged in their primitive sports. Such was the state of things at the advent of our forefathers : a few years passed, and then there might be seen by the sides of the Sebethe, an occasional rude hut or log house, with its little clearing, and the more substantial fortress or block-house, which
15
ADDRESS OF DR. CASEY.
the early settlers invariably built, as a place of refuge from the murderous attacks of their savage neighbors ; and now, too, began to appear the fruits of advancing civilization. The forests bowed beneath the vigorous blows of the sturdy axe-men, and the sunlight glanced upon earth that for years had not felt its summer rays ; rich fields of waving grain rose in its season ; the varied sounds of busy industry were heard, blended with the songs of praise and thanksgiving, which pealed from the lips, aye and the hearts, of our pious forefathers ; for they failed not to worship the Being who had led them hither, though their meeting house had to be surrounded by high palisades, and sentries with loaded muskets kept watch and ward at its entrance. In some places, the picture we have sketched was tinted with darker hues ; quarrels and conflicts were not wanting, and the terrible war-whoop of the savage sometimes burst forth, startling from their midnight slumbers the early inhabitants, who considered themselves abundantly fortunate to escape with life from their burning dwellings, and find safety and refuge in the fortress. Then followed retaliation, and the helpless women and children of the natives were occasionally involved in the punishment dealt out, un- sparingly, by the murderous rifle and musket. Such events, however, were exceedingly rare in the early his- tory of our own place ; few, or no feuds existing between our pioneers and their Indian neighbors. But the red race was doomed, and its inevitable destiny was to fade before the white ; in vain with desperate courage, they essayed to stem the tide which was slowly, but surely, bearing them down. With all their bravery, their strength, and their cunning, they could not resist the cur- rent which swept them away. Here and there a scatter- ed handful obstinately maintained their ground for a brief
16
ADDRESS OF DR. CASEY.
period, but they too were forced at last to abandon the contest and the field, and their dearly loved hunting . grounds passed forever from their possession. The smoke was no more seen floating from their huts ; their war-whoop no longer startled the ear ; their council fires have long since died out, and their very bones are disturbed from their resting place to make room for the white man's in- vention. And in our day, as you all know, the strong hold of their most powerful Sachem, is dedicated to the sacred object of receiving the remains of those who have descended from the very pioneers, whose advent that Sa- chem witnessed. But time rolls on, and now on either bank of the river and at some distance from it, there are scattered about houses of goodly size, at least, if not pleasingly shaped and proportioned ; meeting houses and school houses too, occur, as you travel along the beaten paths which at this time traversed the country- and vessels of considerable size are not wanting to add attraction to the river scenery. Everywhere are evi- dent the signs of peace and prosperity. Alas, that they should be so soon interrupted.
Something over a century had passed, when the sound of war is again heard through the land, and the earth trembles beneath the tread of marching columns and lumbering artillery ; the fierce rattle of musketry and the heavy booming of cannon in different quarters, an- nounce the impending conflict. It is not now a contest between different races, but brother meets brother in the field of strife, and the blood of hostile kindred and neighbors is mingled upon the plain. Drawn from their quiet homes and peaceful occupations, our ancestors shouldered their muskets, and hastened at the call of their country, to meet and resist that country's oppres- sors. Bravely they bore themselves in the various bat-
17
ADDRESS OF DR. CASEY.
tles, and stoutly they endured and went through the hard trials and struggles of the Revolutionary period ; and no better soldiers served through those campaigns than the troops of Connecticut. But the war at last is ended, and those brave men return to their homes, and resume their accustomed toil ; the sword is exchanged for the plough-share, and the bayonet for the sickle, and again the tide of prosperity sets onward ; and gradually but steadily our town increased in extent and popula- tion ; numerous ships and smaller craft were built at our wharves ; manufactories of various kinds were es- tablished and put in operation ; persons of wealth and dis- tinction here sought a home, and Middletown was known far and wide, as a beautiful and thriving place. But once again the note of preparation is sounded ; our for- mer enemy has made new aggressions, and ever ready at the call of duty, our town furnishes its quota of men and means. Many a battle witnessed the good conduct of our townsmen, and Lake Champlain added its crown- ing glory ; for the result of that engagement immortal- ized the gallant commander, whose name and whose de- scendants yet live amongst us.
Turn we however from war and its praises. A speedy peace having been wrested from our antagonists, its re- sults are quickly apparent, and once more we are engaged in those pursuits and occupations more congenial to our taste. It is unnecessary for me to dwell upon the period succeeding the war of 1812, as most of those now before me are familiar with its history. I pass rapidly by it, merely remarking that the town remained nearly sta- tionary. During this time, however, was established the Military Academy, which was the nursery of many who have since been distinguished in the different pursuits and occupations of life. It may be proper to allude
18
ADDRESS OF DR. CASEY.
again in this connection to military matters, for the pur- pose of reminding you, that our place was, as before, well and ably represented on the fields and waters of Mexico, wherever and whenever there was need of effi- cient service.
We are brought now in the course of events, to the present point of time, respecting which I design briefly to offer a few observations, which, I trust, will not be deemed out of place on this occasion. Further, I claim your respectful attention, not on account of their own intrinsic excellence or profundity, but because they con- cern us all, as inhabitants of the place, and consequently participators in its fortunes and reputation. We seem to have reached a stopping place, and I fear, are in some danger of paralysis, even if not threatened with decline. Let us briefly inquire into our condition.
On most accounts we have reason to be proud of our town. Blessed with all the advantages of nature and art; with a fertile soil and salubrious climate, easily ac- cessible by land and water, and delightfully situated, the Sun in his daily circuit shines on no lovelier place than our own. Washed along its eastern border by the ' long' and beautiful river, and embraced on the west by a chain of picturesque hills ; serried in every direc- tion by rivulets, that afford an abundance of manufac- turing power ; from every valley, and from almost every hill side there goes up unceasingly the sound of indus- try and activity. The seat of an excellent Literary In- stitution ; abundantly provided with Schools and Church- es ; the earth in most places yielding a rich increase ; the very rocks furnishing a source of wealth,-what can we want more, to fill our cup with blessings ? Our townsmen are heard of and known in all quarters of the globe ; they may be found in the golden mountains of
19
ADDRESS OF DR. CASEY.
California, and in the frozen seas of the Arctic Circle ; they have visited the Celestial Empire, and sipped their tea in its native gardens. In benighted Africa you will find them, engaged in their labors of love and beuevo- lence ; amid the ruins of Central America they have left their traces ; they have sailed up the Nile, and stood upon the top of the Pyramids ; and it is told, though the account may be somewhat apochryphal, that they have opened a house of refreshment on the track through the Great Desert! In short, wherever the stars and the stripes have been unfolded to the breeze, there have some of our adventurous brethren been present, to salute the flag. They have graced the saloons of the noble and the wealthy in other lands, and have given high character to the national Councils of our own. The products of their talents, ingenuity and industry, have found their way wherever civilization has entered; and the very heathen have had reason to bless the existence of our people. Do we lack any thing, then, it may be asked, which would alike contribute to our happiness, and advance our prosperity ? Bear with me a moment, while I enumerate a few requisites, yet wanting, to perfect the character of our town. And first, we want more public spirit ; that feeling, which induces individuals to sacrifice some merely personal or local interest, for the promotion of the general good. More liberality of sentiment, and action too, which after all is the true secret of advance- ment. More enthusiasm, more union and harmony, on all matters of public interest and welfare. We want, moreover, to get rid of various little local and sectional jealousies, which detract from our character, and place obstacles in the way of our improvement. We want a more lively faith in the indisputable fact, that what is for the benefit of one portion or class of our citizens, e.x-
2
20
ADDRESS OF DR. CASEY.
tends its beneficial influence throughout the whole com- munity. We want also, somewhat more of reverence for age and antiquity. One of the great characteristics of the present generation is a fondness for novelty, and un- questionably this is often a useful stimulus ; but in grasp- ing after and adopting everything that is new, let us not on that account, affect to despise everything that is old. Hundreds of years ago, the Hebrew sage asserted that there was nothing new under the sun ; and if we are not disposed to receive this as a literal verity, we must nevertheless acknowledge, that human affairs move very much in circles ; what, years ago, was at the bottom of the wheel and almost forgotten, again comes to the top, and with a new dress and a different name, is eagerly run after as something entirely new. Now, one great effect of such celebrations as the present, is to draw off the mind from a too eager pursuit of novelty, and by carrying us back a century or two, to make us sensible of the fact, that every thing before and around us, is not our own work, and due to our own exertions, and did not all at once start into perfection, but was the slow growth of ages, and only attained after much toil and suffering. Let us not speak lightly then, but rather with reverence and respect of our forefathers ; let us remember how much they had to encounter, upon their entrance into this now highly favored place ; and let the contemplation of its past history diminish our self-complacency, while it enlarges our views, and stimulates us to greater and more united exertions.
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