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LEADING BUSINESS MEN AND
OF BRIDGEPORT
BRIDGEPORT
DANBURY. NORWALK
AIRFIEL
SOUTH NORWALK,
AND
O
STAMFORD
hbl, stx HC 107.C82F33 1887 Leading business men of Fairfield
3 9153 00418320 0 -
GAYLORD RG
Please handle this volume with care.
The University of Connecticut Libraries, Storrs
LEADING
T
Business Men
OF-
FAIRFIELD
COUNTY;
AND A
HISTORICAL REVIEW OF THE PRINCIPAL CITIES.
ILLUSTRATED.
BOSTON: Copyright, 1887, by MERCANTILE PUBLISHING COMPANY, No. 146 FRANKLIN STREET. 1887.
PREFACE.
" Peace hath her victories no less renowned than war," sang the poet centuries ago, and it has told to the inestimable good of mankind that the world has been coming to realize this truth more and more. In this historical and statistical review of the commercial and manufacturing interests of Fairfield County, it has been our purpose in as thorough a manner as was possible to justly describe those enterprises which have contributed so largely during the last half century to the material advancement of the city. History plainly shows that many large cities have owed their prosperity and growth chiefly to advantages of situation, great influx of for- eign peoples, and similar causes. Of Bridgeport and the other towns in this section it is preeminently true that the genius and efforts of her own people, by the single process of internal development, have brought about the great measure of success which has rendered her name famous throughout the land. This fact, that the his- tory of these towns has practically been made almost entirely by her business men, lends peculiar significance to the close juxtaposition in which the account of her general and business interests are here placed. The same influences and results which are so strikingly characteristic of Bridgeport itself, will also be found to a marked degree in the historical and business accounts of the other enterprising cities and towns of Fairfield County. If, in the compilation of so large an amount of statistical matter, any misstatement of dates or fact should have escaped our notice, we would merely ask the charitable criticism of our readers. To all who have con- tributed to the success of the work by aid in research, furnishing of historical mate- rial, or by financial support, we would desire to again extend our grateful and appreciative thanks.
MERCANTILE PUBLISHING CO.
INDEX.
ARCHITECTS.
PAGE
Foster Bros. (and Builders). 177
Worsam, W. H. 117
BANKS AND BANKERS.
Central National Bank of Norwalk.
139
Citizens Savings Bank. 160
Danbury National Bank.
177
Fairfield Co. National Bank.
136
First National Bank (So. Norwalk).
149
Gage, S. H. & Co.
73
Gage & Banks.
185
National Pahquioque Bank.
176
National Bank of Norwalk. 135
People's Savings Bank of Bridgeport. 124
Staples, James & Co.
70
Stamford Savings Bank. 159
Stamford National Bank 167
Stamford Safe Deposit Co .. 162
Terry Dwight H. (Investment Securities). 72
Watson T. L. & Co. 74|
BOOTS AND SHOES.
Ayers, Henry N 130
Byrne, C. J. 106
Cartwright, Chas.
69
Howland, John G ..
97
Holbrook & Taylor
180
Ruscoe, Frank H.
138
Ruscoe, Camp & Co ..
137
West End Shoe Store (Geo. H. White)
116
BREWERS, BOTTLERS AND WHOLE- SALE LIQUOR DEALERS.
Bridgeport Bottling Co. (Rohrback & Boyle). 75
Bennett, F. C .. 92
Hartmann, C. H. 77
Kellermeyer, H .. 120
O'Rourke, Patrick.
93
Sailer, F. & Son.
105
Wintter A. & Co.
81
BAKERS AND CONFECTIONERS.
Barber. T. M .. 87
Frye, Mrs. A. B. 126
Huber, J.
98
New England Steam Cracker Bakery. 69
Russell, C. & Co.
125
Wallace, A. W
69
Wallace, M. M.
114
CARPENTERS AND BUILDERS. PAGE
Davies J. C.
Foster Bros ..
177
Hoyt, Geo. D. 165
Purdy, H. M.
79
Raymond, J. R.
151
Rutherford, John. 90
Robertson, J. N.
178
Savage & Smith Building Co ...
90
Young, Louis K.
127
CARRIAGE MANUFACTURERS AND DEALERS.
Boylston & Phillips.
92
Bradley, Hawley.
177
Day, J. L.
186
Gunderman, Wm. H.
Hall, C. W.
117
Nichols, Peck & Co ...
129
Phoenix Company (J. B. Reed, agent).
167
Weed, H. B.
183
CIGARS AND TOBACCO.
Hoyt & Olmstead Cigar Co.
140
Bennett, C. H.
23
Old Well Cigar Co.
151
CORSET MANUFACTURERS.
Bridgeport Corset Co. (I. W. Birdseye)
Lyon, H. W.
88
Warner Bros.
93
CONCRETE, DRAIN PIPE, ETC.
Cole & Hinckley.
94
Doolittle, E. T.
70
Pierce Manufacturing Co.
125
Raymond Bros.
148
DRY AND FANCY GOODS AND MILLINERY.
Allen, Smith & Co. 167
Copeland Bros. Co. The. 69
Frye, Mrs. A. B .. . 126
Gaylor, L. B. & Co. 168
Hall, W. B. & Co.
65
Holly, E. S.
163
Kreiger, H ..
148
Leverty, Mrs K. 122
McIntyre, Wm. H. 88
Miller, C. O. 158
Quinn & Scott.
177
Wooster, J. S. & Co.
110
8
INDEX.
DENTISTS.
PAGE
Boutwell, C. F.
149
Cairoli, J. S. 68
Curtis, A. N. 99
Ferris, W. L. 116
Hyatt, F. T.
139
Warnes, E. S. 106
Whaley, J. C.
186
DRUGGISTS.
Bunnell, H. W. 104
Curtis, L. F. 75
Curtis & Teeple 118
Gates, F. G. 114
Hall, M. W.
111
Hawley, Wm. H.
185
Hoyt, I. M ..
147
Hamilton, G. C ..
102
Hair, J. E. (also Veterinary Surgeon).
84
Isbell & Shannon.
122
Kane, C. A. & Co.
88
Lewis, Wilbur E
160
Lawrence, J. K. & Co.
168
Lutz, Joseph H.
97
Reed & Co. 182
113
Smith, H. D.
181
Stevens, F. S. & Co. 121
Toucey, Edward .. 105
FURNITURE, CARPETS, ETC.
Austin, F. T .. 184
Buckingham, N. & Co. 89
Cram, E. J .. 102
Ferguson & Peet. 107
Hoyt, Lyman & Son. 165
Hubbell & Curtis. 82
Lieberum Bros. .
98
McCord, Chas. W. (Carpets, etc).
67
Portelange, V ..
118
Raymond, G. H. 136
Stirling, Hugh (Mattresses). 66
Wentworth, Watson L. 127
FLOUR, FEED, HAY, STRAW, ETC.
Addis, H. A. & Son. 182
Hubbell, Chas. E. 80
Ingersoll, S. C .. 162
Meeker & Dowd. 104
Raymond Bros ..
148
Richardson, G. F. 181
Wilcox, C. H .. 179
Winton, A. L .. 86
GROCERIES AND PROVISIONS. (Retail.)
Addis, H. A. & Son. 182
Ayer, A. . 117
Bommos & Biltz. 83
Belknap, E. S
Banks, W. H.
103
Banks, E. J.
Bradley, C. H 123
Bray, C. A. 116
Cleveland, Geo. E.
102
Cartier, Robt .. 111
100
Cornwell, W. S. 120
Dorus, Jas. H ..
104
Driscoll, John.
119
Devitt Bros .. 129
GROCERIES AND PROVISIONS. (Retail.) Continued.
PAGE
De Wolf, H. H. 118
Dieringer, W . 127
Evers, W. H. 119
Finney & Benedict. 138
Feeley, M. T.
96
Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Co. (T. Green- ing) 109
Hurd, E. H. 110
Hitchcock. F. I. (N. Y. Butter House). 73
Held, Louis .. 122
Hayward, H. 129
Heller, M. (N. Y. Tea Co.). 137
Hulton Bros. 123
Lill, B .. . 109
Lee & Ketcham. 119
Linehan Bros. 86
Lupton, C. S. 116
Letterhaus, H. 99
Nichols, C. A. 105
Nichols, Robt. A.
108
Nichols, Harry. 122
94
Paddock, E. G .. 114
115
Plalzgraf, R. 113
Porter, J. E. 112
108
Reid, Alexander 100
Reitter, Henry 96
Reitter, P. J .. 106
Raymond, S. F. 122
Smith & Havens. 114
Stein, Conrad F
111
Schleichert, John. 105
100
Schreyer, Geo. V.
94
Stegeman & Whetstine.
97
Vaill, L. B. . .
69
Wolfram, W. L.
80
Wolfram & Co, 98
Weldon, E. 95
113.
Woodhull, Henry
111
Weed, A. G 158
109
GROCERIES AND PROVISIONS. (Wholesale.)
Birdsey, Geo. K .. 67
Bridgeport Beef Co .. 78
Bartram, F. A. & Co 88
Rogers & Morford.
80
HOUSE FURNISHING GOODS, STOVES, RANGES, ETC.
Austin, F. T. 184
Brady, J. F. 96
Coester Bros. 93
Cram, E
102
Curtis, F. J. & Co. 136
Curtis Bros. .
115
Hopkins, L. M. . 118
Jaqui, F. W., Jr. 138
Leavenworth, Theo. 115
Stamford China Store (Ayers Bros.) 168
Stark & Wilson. 160
71
Veit, Robt. J.
108
Whiting, R. T.
Wills, W. E.
Youngs, C. A.
Wolfram, W. L.
O'Donnell, Daniel.
Randall, F. D.
Peard, A. W. & Co.
Phalen, J. S.
Setzer, Henry, Jr.
Coe & White (also wholesale).
9
INDEX.
HOTELS, RESTAURANTS, ETC. PAGE
Chatfield House. 95
Franklin House .. 168
Golden Hill Hotel. 118
Mill's Pavilion. 85
Merwin House.
130
Sea View Hotel. 98
Sterling Restaurant (Jesse Sands). 124
Turner House. . 179
Union House. 164
Wooster House.
186
Washington Park Hotel. 120
HARNESS, TRUNKS, ETC.
Atkinson, John S 85
Dwyer, P. H. 141
Day, J. L. 186
Faucett, G. R. 165
Peckwell, J. F.
140
Reed, H. E.
185
White, J. S. & Son. 120
HAT MANUFACTURERS, ETC.
Asch, Joseph J. (Hatters' Fur). 148
Bates, Martin, Jr., & Co. (Hatters' Fur). 151
Crofut & Knapp. 145
Duncan. A. L .. 148
Dennis & Blanchard. 145
Hubbell & Barthol. 144
Hayes & 147
McEwen, Wm. K. 149
Smart, Patterson & Rice (Straw Goods) 166
South Norwalk Hat Co. 151
Volk Hat Co. 146
INSURANCE.
Bigelow & Stevens. 176
Co-operative Life and Accident Association
(G. W. Lewis, Manager). 87
Clark, D. H ...
159
Fairchild, A. B. 117
Goodsell, McNeil & Co. 101
Green, Wilson F. (John Hancock). 99
Hubbard, H. A.
158
Jones, D. W.
107
Norwalk Fire Insurance Co.
139
Noble, John F
101
Rider, Chas .. 183
Scribner, Jas. H. 67
Scribner, H. H. 112
Whittlesey, R. E. 101
Wilson, O. E.
135
Wilcox, Walter L. 150
JEWELRY AND OPTICIANS.
Edmonds, Geo. B. (Optician). 107
Jackson, LeGrand. 137
Robinson, H. M. . 183
Reid, John H. & Co.
102
Vanderwerken, E. .
169
LUMBER.
Beers, David. 182
Bates, Joseph T. & Co. 178
Osborn Bros. . 184
St. John, Hoyt & Co ..
157
White, Gillespie & Thayer.
161
LIVERY STABLES. PAGE
Bradley, Hawley. 177
Carstesen, Henry 89
Cook, Geo. F. 97
Edwards, Edwin & Son
86
Gregory, Geo. S
136
Gregory, S. W. 147
McNally, John.
163
Northrop, G. A.
114
Raymond, H. W
103
Robinson, H. H .. . 81
Seeley, S. M. & L. M. (Bridgeport Cab Co.). 85
Standard Cab Co. (F. H. Vann & Co.). 74
Wakelee, S. L. . 126
Wood, E. S. 94
MANUFACTURERS.
Buckmaster, Geo. & Co. (Bronze Hardware.) 149 Belding, The R. A. Co. (Hat Machines) .. ... 181
Burns, Silver & Co. (Cabinet Hardware, etc). 81
Bostwick, W. B. & Co. (Buttons). 83
Bridgeport Paper Box Co. 112
Bridgeport Patent Leather Co .. 89
Crockett, David B Co. (Preservative and Spar Composition). 60
DeOxidized Metal Co. 79
Duncan Iron Railing Works (W. W. Hoyt) .. 147 Knapp, E. F. (Hat and Hardware Cases) ... 150 Fox, Chas. (Engines) 162
Haulenbeck, Giles (Cigar Boxes). 150
Hutchinson, Pierce & Co. (Star Shirts and Shirt Waists) .. 78
Hutchinson, Cole & Co. (Star Shirts and Shirt Waists). 139
Ingersoll Manufacturing Co. (Manufacturers of Rock Drills). 164
Krouse, A. & Bros. (Engravers, Die Sinkers, etc.) . 68
Klein, M. & Bros. (Novelties).
99
Mosher & Curran (Hat Blocks, Nails, Tools, etc.). . 145
Norwalk Iron Works. 144
New Howe Sewing Machine Co. 84
Russell, Chas. B. (Nails and Tacks).
Stamford Moulding and Planing Mill. 161
St. John Wood Working Co ..
Stamford Hosiery and Suspender Co. 166
Stamford Foundry Co .. 158
Trowbridge, C. S. (Paper Boxes). 140
Wheel and Wood Bending Co ... 89
White Manufacturing Co. (Carriage Hard- ware). 119
Wheeler. W. A. (Hatters' Tools). 145
Yale & Towne Manufacturing Co. (Locks, etc.). 163
MISCELLANEOUS.
Ayres Bros. (Stamford China Store). 168
Bennett & Healy (Horse Shoers). 116
Cosier, D. S. (Undertaker). 178
Cavanagh, J. W. (Marble and Granite) 148
Drueke, F. (Hair Goods).
126
Danbury, Historical Sketch of. 170
Ellis & Reilly (Marble Works). 78
Goodyear Rubber Store (F. C. Tuttle). 75
Gledhill, S. W. (Cotton and Woolen Rags). 128
Hull & Palmer (Civil Engineers). 76
Howes, J. E. (Paper, Paper Bags and Twines) 72
Hercher, Paul (Artist).
109-
77
Layton, Jacob M. 157
Loewith, S. & Co ..
146 71
Johnson, J. W
90
10
INDEX.
MISCELLANEOUS .- Continued.
PAGE Norwalk, Historical Sketch of. . 131 Pembroke Custom Laundry (O. E. Lindsley) 68 Rogers' Farm Dairy .. 128
Robinson, H. H. (Furniture Moving)
81
Stamford, Historical Sketch of.
152
South Norwalk, Historical Sketch of. 142
Stevens, George R. (Artists' Materials). 180
Smith & Hubbard (Attorneys and Patent Solicitors).
90
West End Floral Gardens. 110
Wilson, F. L. (Pictures, Picture Frames, etc.) 185
Wilkinson, J. (Bicycles). 92
PATTERN MAKER.
O. S. Platt.
126
PRINTERS, STATIONERS AND NEWS- DEALERS.
Alphonse, J. W. 162
Bodine, A. S. (Printer). 123
Bradshaw, James, Jr .. 104
Gillespie Bros. (Printers and Bookbinders) .. 165
·Osborn, Stephen.
123
Plumb & Beardsley ...
112
Seltsam, Geo. (Printer). 103
PHOTOGRAPHERS.
Bronson, C. R. 106
Blackman, C. A. 138
Couch, H. E. 185
Folsom, J. H. 179
Farini, L.
100
Montiguani, F. M.
79
PAINTERS, PAPER HANGERS, ETC.
Coughlin Bros. 101
Peterson, J. M. F. & Co. 82
Toms, C. R.
161
PIANOS AND ORGANS AND SHEET MUSIC.
Behning & Son .. 124
Christie, J. H. (Temple of Music). 166
Copp, H. M. (Agent for B. Shoninger & Co.) 74
Horr, W. H. 80
Hoyt, W. O.
180
Keller Piano Co. The. 76
Seiler, S. 108
PIANOS AND ORGANS AND SHEET MUSIC .- Continued. PAGE
Studwell, J. W. (Agent for B. Shoninger & Co.) .. 146 Taylor, A. H. (Manager Loomis' Temple of Music. 82
PLUMBERS AND GAS FITTERS.
Benjamin & Ames. 71
Cornwell, Timothy 110
Fox. Theodore .. 102
Kearns, John. 126
Mills, L. H. 87
REAL ESTATE.
Allen, F. C .. . 129
Bostwick, W. B. 128
Cosier, John H. 184
Clark, D. H .. 159
Hubbard, H. A 153
Jones, D. W. 107
Johnson, J. W. 90
Loewith, S. & Co +1
Nichols, Walter. 100
Noble, John F.
101
183
Quien, Christian.
67
Scribner, Jas. H ..
Scribner, H. H. 112
Staples, James & Co 70
135
TAILORS AND CLOTHIERS.
Adams, S .. 168
Barnaby, J. B. & Co 83
Comstock Bros. 137
Cohen, Morris. 140
Gusowski, E .. 140
Hurlburt, W. P. & Son 159
Hartwell, F. E. & Co. 178
Hutchinson, Oscar. 107
Harlem, J. L. 108
Hansen, J. 104
National Clothing Co. The. 78
Peterson, C .. 103
Park City Clothing Co .. 70
Waterbury & McDonald. . 1677
Werner Bros ..
184
TOYS AND FANCY GOODS.
Boylston & Phillips 92
Hunt, F. S. & Co .. 106
McIntyre, Wm. H.
88
Van Yorx, Mrs. W. T.
113
Wilson, O. E.
HISTORICAL REVIEW
OF THE
CITY OF BRIDGEPORT.
INTRODUCTION.
Macanlay has well said that " the circumstances which have most influence on the happiness of mankind, the changes of manners and morals, the transition of commu- nities from poverty to wealth, from knowledge to ignorance, from ferocity to humanity-these are, for the most part, noiseless revolutions."
Few more striking illustrations of this universal truth could be found than that afforded by a review and analysis of the wonderful progress of Bridgeport during the more recent decades of the present century. The causes and influences which have contributed to advance the little hamlet with a population of less than three hundred in 1800, to the important position which it holds at present among the cities of the State, are worthy of the most careful attention.
To the thoughtful observer of the times, who recognizes the value of the past his- tory of this country in solving the troublesome problems which are now pressing themselves into prominence, as well as its significance in casting the horoscope of the future, the simple records of the internal growth of a representative New Eng- land city commend themselves and carry their own moral lessons.
To all readers, whether bound to the city by the tender ties of birth, or those whose acquaintance with it hitherto has been unfortunately meagre, the story of success, as is always the case, must render the history of Bridgeport of more than ordinary interest.
That success which comes as the result of honest effort, inspired by high motives, has always possessed peculiar attraction for the American people, has spurred them to unceasing activity, and has contributed not a little through its influence in bring- ing this country to its present unequalled prosperity. A glance at the aggregate results of the century, such as is afforded in Andrew Carnegie's admirable work, " Triumphant Democracy," is of the highest value, proving, beyond cavil and with- out extravagance, that to-day, in resources the United States is the richest, in manu- factures the largest, and in morals the best nation in existence.
Hardly less important, can it be deemed, to observe, in the miniature but no less perfect representation afforded by a historical review of Bridgeport, the same in- strumentalities, the same devoted public spirit, the same individual energy and self- sacrifice, all working harmoniously together to the same glorious end.
12
BRIDGEPORT, PAST AND PRESENT.
It may be questioned whether as a people we thoroughly recognize and appreciate the beneficent causes which have brought us the best of what we have and are. For this just estimate of the present, history furnishes the most accurate data. Cer- tainly, if we are to make progress and to continue in developing those blessings of our civilization, which, it goes without saying, are far from as perfected and univer- sal as might be the case, we can rest assured that the lessons of the past, as record- ed in history, must have an intrinsic worth which renders a full acquaintance with them not only of the highest importance but as truly an absolute essential.
CHAPTER I.
THE DAWNINGS OF HISTORY.
The dark veil which enshrouds the primeval history of this continent, has con- signed that period in its existence prior to the advent of the white man chiefly to the realm of fancy and poetry. A few mounds, some interesting relics, and number- less traditions are all that remain to tell the story of its youth.
Who were the original inhabitants ? of what origin ? to what degree of civilization had they attained ? All such moot questions mast be left to the interested archæol- ogist to investigate and decide. Yet, from amid the mass of tangled traditions some facts of abiding interest and valuable for our present purpose may be derived. The main tribe, to which all the Indians in the district which is now Fairfield County were allied at the time of their introduction to the whites, were designated by the name of Paugausetts.
They seem to have been settled here for centuries, but at the beginning of the Seventeenth were rapidly passing away. They were near of kin to the Quinnipiacs, of New Haven, whom they resembled much in general characteristics. Like the latter, they had been sorely depleted by the deadly destruction in that struggle for " the survival of the fittest," which was continually disturbing the Indian tribes of Connecticut.
Every second year, the Mohawks would sweep down upon them from the west,. cutting a broad red furrow across the land. The Pequots toward the east were continually supplementing the attacks of the Mohawks by further depredations, so that between the two a rather scanty living, among none too pleasant or secure sur- roundings, was all that was left to this quiet, easy-going people.
They drew their chief sustenance from the sea, as enormous heaps of oyster shells: have abundantly testified. Too lazy, even, to appreciate the ordinary incentives to hunting, the Paugausetts seem to have looked upon it as a last sad resort, while agri- culture was almost too bitter to be thought of.
The tribal union of all the small clans in the vicinity is clearly proven by the. fact that they had a common place of refuge, in the shape of a fortified fort, on the east bank of the Housatonic River, a short distance above its junction with the Nangatuc. Hither they were all accustomed to flock, whenever sufficient warning was given of a powerful enemy's approach.
There is no reason to suppose that their moral or civil condition differed essentially
13
BRIDGEPORT, PAST AND PRESENT.
from that of surrounding tribes. Whether originally a spirited race or not it would be hard to decide, but whatever had been their character, at this time all traces of a strong and vigorous nation had disappeared. The usual faults of "lying, unclean- ness, idleness and stealing," were theirs in abundance. They formed, however, the least troublesome of neighbors to the English settlers, and it was a most happy thing that the proverbial Indian cruelty and ferocity were lacking.
This fact explains their insignificance in colonial history, their easy conquest by the Mohawks and Pequots, and in a great part, their continued and rapid decay under the comparatively kind treatment of the whites.
It is a matter of common belief that the arrival of the whites was the only cause for the disappearance of the Indians from this region. Many as were the acts of injustice practiced against their race in all parts of the country, just as have been most of the sad complaints which they have made, nevertheless it has been proved by careful research that the Indians of Connecticut were a dying race.
They were all of Algonquin descent, one of the three great divisions of the North American Indians, but were as deadly hostile to each other as the olden-time Greeks. The Pequots and Mohawks represented the younger branches of the common stock, and were constantly engaged in desultory warfare. The Paugansetts were an older tribe and were wasting away through their own degeneracy and the onslaughts of the stronger nations. In all, according to DeForest, the historian of the Indians of Connecticut, the whole number in the State at the time of the white settlement could not have exceeded six thousand.
The Pequonacks, that part of the Paugausetts tribe which occupied the present position of Bridgeport, and from which the river obtained its name, has been proven by the valuable researches of Orcutt, the historian of this part of the State, to have numbered somewhat more than five hundred, thus constituting the largest and most powerful division of the parent tribe.
There is little doubt, as the historian Orcutt has shown, that this tribe was rep- resented in the general council held by all the Indian tribes in the western part of the State with the settlers of Hartford in. March, 1638, at which the Indians made an amicable treaty with the English; but, in general, the influence of the tribe on the early history of the State was hardly appreciable.
The earliest historical account which has been preserved directly bearing upon this locality relates to the time of the Pequot wars. This implacable tribe, after many cruel massacres of the whites, had been gradually driven back by the settlers from their old camping grounds in the east toward the western end of the State. In June 1637, the final expedition was made against this tribe, under the leadership of Lieu- tenant Davenport. Flying before their relentless pursuers, the last bleeding remnants of the Pequot tribe collected in a swamp on the outskirts of Bridgeport towards Fairfield.
When the English had arrived and surrounded the swamp, word was sent to the Indians through an interpreter, that life would be granted to all who were not guilty of English blood, if they would come out peacefully. Of the three hundred Indians including women and children in the swamp, all now came out save about a hundred Pequot warriors, who, though by no means all guilty of English blood, resolved with almost heroic stoicism, to die rather than surrender.
Now a battle of extermination, hardly equalled in the annals of the State, was begun. The musketry of the English played upon the little band of savages from
14
BRIDGEPORT, PAST AND PRESENT.
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every direction and with deadly effect. A charge was made, but the Indians repell- ed it successfully. Evening came on before the battle was yet decided. In the midst of a fog which came on in the early part of the next morning, the Indians ven- tured to break through the English lines. In spite of the most desperate resistance about half of them succeeded in dashing through and escaped. Many of these were were immediately followed up and put to death. Others, among whom was their renowned chief Sassacus, at that time succeeded in getting away. But, within a few months, the scalps of Sassacus and all but a dozen or two of the fated tribe had been handed in at the English headquarters by their Indian allies.
The swamp between Fairfield and Bridgeport, where the battle took place, was found thickly strewn with the bodies of the brave but ruthless savages. The Eng- lish also led back to the colony about a hundred and fifty Pequot women and children, as slaves. Thus the first scene after the curtain has been drawn away from this lo- cality by the advent of a civilized race, is a dark tragedy. Much as we regret the lack of mercy which distinguishes this, as most of the other Indian wars, the fact that the war was necessarily one of self-preservation explains, though it may not justify, the unrelenting punishment which the English visited upon the Pequot tribe, probably the fiercest of all their enemies before the time of King Philip.
The report concerning this region, made by those who had gone on the expedi- tion against the Pequots, aroused the attention of the colonists and within two years time a considerable number of settlements had been made here. In 1839 this entire region was purchased from the English crown by a Mr. Fairfield, who came directly from England and was vested with the civil authority of the district. That part of the purchase now designated as Bridgeport was then entirely contained within the limits of the town of Stratford, named after the Lord Stratford, then in the zenith of his power at the English court.
A few final references to the aboriginal inhabitants of Bridgeport may be perti- nent here. As the whites continued to settle in this region, the Indians became " small by degrees and beautifully less." .Many drifted off toward the west, and, although kindly treated, the internal disintegration and decay continued.
In 1659, what were left of the "Indians of Pequonack " were given, as a special reservation, " Golden Hill," one of the loveliest spots in modern Bridgeport, and from this time they went by the name of the " Golden Hill Indians."
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