Leading business men of Fairfield County : and a historical review of the principal cities, Part 1

Author: Beckford, William Hale; Richardson, G. W. (George W.)
Publication date: 1887
Publisher: Boston : Mercantile Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 202


USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > Leading business men of Fairfield County : and a historical review of the principal cities > Part 1


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Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31


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.


-


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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