USA > Connecticut > Litchfield County > Norfolk > A brief history of the town of Norfolk [Conn.] from 1738 to 1844 collected from the public records of the town and other correct documents, with the dates accurately annexed. To which is added a description of the town, incidents, list of officers, and other interesting matter > Part 2
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We again find it interesting to trace their slow but sure progress in improvement in the incipient stage of the settlement. While they were engaged in the im- portant pursuit just mentioned, sufficient, it would seem, from the zeal exhibited, almost entirely to engross their attention and occupy their time, yet they were not un- mindful of the necessity of educating their children, and preparing them for future usefulness. Schools were early established, and encouraged by every means then in their power. Limited, indeed, were the means, their funds were low, and their books few. The following books composed the library of the pupil : the Bible, the New England Primer, containing the assembly of divines' Shorter Catechism, Dilworth's Spelling Book, containing a few pages of grammar, his Schoolmaster's Assistant, containing the ground rules of arithmetic, and some rules quite too abstruse for the juvenile scholar. The writing scholar took his first lesson on the bark of the white birch, or was restricted to the use of a few sheets of paper, whercon to learn that useful art. His indulgent and kind mother made his ink from the bark of the soft maple, or the berries of the sumach. His in- genious father made him an ink-horn -- properly so-call- ed-of the tip of a cow's horn, and set it in a round
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wooden bottom ; thus accoutred he hied away with cheerful steps to his school-house, in some instances far distant, there to spend the day in the sultry and con- fined summer heat, or the piercing cold of winter. The teachers were instructed from the same source and in the same way, taken for a few weeks from their domes- tic employments to " teach the young idea how to shoot, and pour instruction into the mind."
In 1768, the town passed a vote to this effect: that if ten or even three families, would unite and set up an approved school, the expense might be paid from the treasury of the town. The adult population did not. neglect, generally, the improvement of their own minds. They were reading with avidity a library of books, few indeed in number, collected about the time of Mr. Robbins' settlement, consisting of about 150 volumes, selected from the comparatively few books obtainable at that time. It was preserved for 30 or 35 years and then sold and distributed among the proprietors. In this manner were the evenings of many families pleasantly spent. Thus a reader occupied one corner of the fire- side, surrounded by an interesting, and in some instances an attentive group of children, while the busy hum of the spinning-wheel was heard in the other. Their days were industriously spent, when the weather and other circumstances would admit, in felling and clearing off the huge forest trees, the logs were tumbled into massy piles, which, when set on fire, lighted the horizon and over-shadowing clouds in the twilight, and afforded rare sport for the children, whose business it was to add fuel to the fire by throwing on the brush-wood.
In addition to all this labor and expense, passable roads were made, and the rugged surface cleared and smoothed sufficiently for opening a passage through the town in different directions. In 1761, the country-road, as it was then termed, was made, leading from the beech flats, and running a north-westerly course, down on the north side of the centre burying-ground, through the dug- way or valley into Canaan. The manner then pursued and approved of for making roads, was, to dig a pass or
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. trench through knolls, and on the declivities of hills, sufficiently wide for carts to pass forward, but in general, not to pass cach other but with difficulty. The wet and marshy places which crossed their route, were filled with round timber laid across the road, in some places they were left naked, in others the interstices were filled with earth, which formed a level for a time above the water and mud. When coming to a rock of considerable size, they very prudently sheered off, and took a circular turn, avoiding it as an unconquerable obstruction. The course of the highways, generally, was over high ground, in order to escape the swamps and dense forests, which in many places lay directly in their way. After, when the surface was cleared and dry, many alterations we e made in their direction, which better accommodated the inhabitants in every part of the town. .
The troublous times, which had for several years been anticipated, now arrived. Their recital, as to de- tail, is here omitted, and the reader referred to the official documents published at large on the subject. It will be sufficient in this place to say, our fathers now began very sensibly to feel, in common with their fellow-citizens throughout the country, the effects of British aggression, innovation, and unwarranted demands. Those impolitic measures, on the side of the British, were the cause of their almost unanimously and firmly imbibing that spirit of independence and freedom which actuated them in their subsequent and arduous struggles for the defence of their inalienable rights. The inhabitants of this town determined, in cooperation with their fellow-citizens, to withstand the torrent of abuse unmercifully poured upon them, and to emancipate themselves from the now rude grasp of their mother-country, if blood as well as treasure must be the sacrifice !
From the few public newspapers, then in circulation, the news of the day was obtained, and the public proceed- ings were made familiar to them ; and they told them to their children. In 1774. having learned that the harbor of Boston was blockaded by the British, in the true spirit of Christian benevolence and of patriotism, they
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resolved, in legal meeting, to send relief to the inhabi- tants who were in distressing circumstances. It was timely ; and though like the widow's mite when com- pared with their necessities, it was undoubtedly an ac- ceptable offering. At the same meeting they levied a tax of one half-penny on the pound, for the purpose of procuring powder and other ammunition for the use of the town, that they might be ready for any emergency calling for its use. For the same season, they establish- ed a pest-house for the smallpox, a disease then dreaded -especially if taken the natural way-almost as much as the hydrophobia is now !
In 1774, the 30th of June, they received the resolves of the representatives convened at Hartford, and imme- diately called a special meeting of the people, who voted to approve, adopt and copy them. The import of the resolves was very similar to those passed in Philadelphia, which are copied below. The Hartford resolves close with the following spirited determination :
"It is an indispensable duty, which we owe to our king, our colony, ourselves and our posterity, by all lawful measures and means in our power, to maintain, defend, and preserve inviolate, those our rights and liberties, and to transmit them entire and inviolate to the latest generation ; and that it is our fixed determina- tion and unalterable resolution faithfully to discharge this our duty."
The resolves above referred to, ten in number, arc, for substance, as follows : "We are entitled to life, liberty and property, and no foreign power has a right to dispose of either, without our consent. We are entitled to all the rights, liberties and immunities of free and natural-born subjects. By our emigration, we have not forfeited, surrendered or lost, any of those rights, nor our allegiance to our rightful sovereign.
" As we are not represented in the British parliament, we are entitled to a free and exclusive power of legisla- tion in our several provincial legislatures ; subject only to the negative of our sovereign. The respective colonies are entitled to the common law of England, and
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the inestimable privilege of being tried by their peers of the vicinage, according to the course of that law. That we are entitled to the benefit of such of the English statutes as existed at the time of our colonization. 'That we are entitled to all the immunities and privileges con- firmed to us by royal charters, or the several codes of provincial laws. We have a right, peaceably to as- semble, consider of our grievances, and petition the king for redress.
" Keeping a standing army in any of our colonies, without our consent, is illegal. It is rendered essential by the English constitution, that the constituent branches of the legislature be independent of each other."
December 26, 1774. Our people received the four- teen articles of agreement, drawn up and signed by all the representatives present, in their own names, and in behalf of their constituents, to continue until their griev- ances were redressed. A special meeting was called, and a unanimous vote given to approve of, and abide by, these resolves. They proceeded to appoint a committee of nine, whose duty it should be to enforce the obser- vance of them ; and a committee of three, to correspond with the other colonies on the subject. Appointed for said committee, Giles Pettibone, Esq., Dudley Hum- phrey, Esq., and Titus Ives.
The resolves or articles of agreement, referred to above, were passed in Philadelphia in September pre- ceding, by the continemal congress, then convened. The articles follow,-" Agreed, not to import any arti- cles from Great Britan or any of its colonies, or of any concerned in trade with them. Not to export any article to those places either directly or indirectly. Not to use or consume any article procured from those places. Not to purchase any slave imported, but wholly discontinue the slave-trade, and not assist in any way to carry it on. Not to purchase any tea, on which a duty has been or shall be paid. We will use our utmost en- deavors to improve the breed of sheep, and increase the number of them.
" We will encourage frugality, economy, and industry,
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and promote agriculture, arts, and manufactures, especial- ly of wool. We will discourage every species of extrava- gance, and if we lose a friend or relative, we will use no more expensive mourning dress than a piece of crape, or ribbon on the arm or hat, and our ladies, a black ribbon or neck-lace.
" That the manufactures of this country shall be sold at reasonable prices. That we will have no intercourse with any colony which shall not accede to, or which shall violate this association. That a committee shall be ap- pointed in every town, whose duty it shall be to enforce the observance of these resolves and agreements. The committee appointed for the above purpose in this town. were faithful in the discharge of their duty. The com- , mittee were-Giles Pettibone, Dudley Humphrey, Titus Watson, Samuel Mills and Andrew Moore."
1776 .- The irresistible lapse of time brought about the important and interesting era and stage of revolu- tionary achievement, when our fathers must give up the arduous struggle for the defence of their rights, relin- quish every claim to redress of grievances, obsequiously bow under the yoke of oppression, and submit to the rule of the rod of tyranny, or rise with united energy in the spirit of freemen, panting for liberty and independence. and steadily move forward to meet and contend with the powerful phalanx of opposing difficulties and dangers.
Urged by the call of duty, they declared themselves free from, and independent of their now oppressive an- cestors ; and pledged their honor, their life, and their treasures, if called for, in bringing the contest to a favorable issue, and obtaining a peace and settlement with their belligerent foe, in some measure adequate to their just requirements, and honorable to those who had already, and those who must suffer and bleed in the glorious cause, and those who may survive, and en- joy the fruits of their exertions.
The people of this town were ever ready, it would seem, to cooperate in every measure adopted, and ap- proved of by our government, in that eventful day, yet not without suitable examination and free dis-
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. cussion. They now, pursuant to resolutions previously made, rose almost en masse and prepared to meet the call on them for their quota of men and necessary sup- plies, to aid in prosecuting the defensive war in which their brethren of the different colonies were now deeply and ardently engaged,-a war, it was believed, sanc- tioned and approved of by that Being who sways the sceptre of the universe, and to whom the united prayers of the pious of this oppressed country were addressed for guidance and success. Their exertions appear to have been unremitted until the banner of peace was un- furled to their view. Several of their active and influen- tial men fell in the contest, and their bereaved families still flourish among us ; others returned to the bosom of their families and friends, and lived to enjoy with them the sweets of liberty and independence.
In 1777, the people of this town were afflicted with both war and pestilence; the camp distemper, or dysentery, as it is now called, swept off fifty-six persons of different ages ; and the year following, thirty-eight died of the same disorder ; and several, who went from this town to serve their country, died in the army or on their return home. In this distressing time, our fathers were en- gaged in acts of kindness and benevolence, in endeavor- ing to supply the wants of the inhabitants ; pressing, in- deed, were the wants of the lonely woman and her chil- dren, and especially the bereaved families. A com- mittee was appointed to provide for the families of the three-years' men-so-called,-and to procure salt for the use of the inhabitants generally. (an article at that time poor and scarce), they were directed to distribute it in equal proportion to each individual in town. Thus, al- though sequestered from the noise and bloody scenes of war, our ancestors were severely tried with privation and sickness, continual anxiety and care. The above committee were-Samuel Cowls, Jr., Elijah Grant, Isaac Holt, Jr., Titus Ives, Timothy Gaylord.
In 1777, this town was first represented in the general assembly of this state. Messrs. Giles Pettibone and Wm. Walter were appointed representatives. About
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this time a specimen of an army, subjugated and despoil- ed of its weapons of war, was exhibited. A part of Burgoyne's forces passed through this town as prisoners of war; encamping, for several days, on the centre green. It was composed of Hessians and regulars, the subjects of Great Britain, martially designated. They were suffered to stroll around among the inhabitants and beg for food, until ordered to march forward to the place destined for their reception. One of the Hessians died, and Hendrich Bale, another, lingered behind, became an inhabitant of this town and married Sarah Hotchkis. They had three sons, Fredrich, Salmon and Josiah. For the particulars of their capture and ultimate fate, the reader is referred to the history of the Revolution.
The assembly, at their session in 1778, ordered each town in this state, to appoint a committee, vested with full power and directed to establish a uniform price through the state for labor per day, the price of every article of produce, every manufactured article, tavern prices, etc .* The object is not stated. A few specimens will here be noticed, in abstract. Labor, per day, 3s. 6d., 4s. 1}d. and 5s. 3d., specifying the different seasons of the year, and the kinds of labor ; a good narrow axe and scythe, each 11s. 3d .; a good broad hoe, 7s. 6d. Joiners, per day, 5s. 3d. and 6s. Izd. Carpenters, 7s. Masons, 7s. 10}d. Tailors, 5s. 3d. Tailoresses, 2s. 2d. Tavern keepers, for a good meal of victuals, 1s. 2d., for a mug of cider, 7d, good West India rum, per gill, Is .; New England rum, &d. ; a mug of flip, made of good West India rum, 2s. 4d .; other rums, Is. 8d., etc. The original list, a singular document, is on file in the town clerk's office.
The same year, 1778, this town presented a petition to the assembly of this state, through a county conven- tion assembled at Litchfield, for an alteration in the mode of taxation ; and, also, that the journals of the as- sembly be published. They were determined, it seems,
* Said committee were-Giles Pettibone, Michael Mills, Titus Ives, and Timothy Gaylord.
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to proceed deliberately and understandingly in every measure proposed to them and to be adopted by them, intended for the public good.
In 1780, the inhabitants who were required to aid in prosecuting the defensive war in which we were en- gaged, were divided into three classes, each class was to furnish a soldier for the continental service; and for their encouragement, the town voted to give each man drafted, or enlisted into the continental service, £3 per month in addition to their stipulated wages; and in order to enable them to pay this premium, they levied a tax of 3}d. on the E1, to continue for three successive years. Both foot and cavalry were entitled to receive it; it was payable in produce, and a com- mittee was appointed to receive and distribute it. Polls were exempted from paying this tax, the first year. Soon after, an additional tax was levied for the same purpose, of Is. on the £1, to be paid in state or continental money ; or if any one chose to pay in produce, at the stated price, it was to be received at the rate of 6d. on the £1. The next year, 1781, the town voted, that 100 silver dollars should be received of a militia class, in- stead of a man. This $100, was to be distributed equal- ly to each of the three classes. At this time, state's money was estimated at $2 for one of silver, and conti- nental bills, $72 for one of silver, and it continued to depreciate until $100 was required for a bushel of wheat. A committee was appointed at the same meeting, to regulate their appropriations according to the deprecia- tion of the paper currency.
In 1782, pursuant to an order from the general as- sembly, (cach town in the state having similar orders,) this town collected a stated quantity of provisions for the use of the army, consisting of pork, beef, flour, etc. These were to be deposited in a convenient place, and ready when called for. Inspectors of provisions were annually appointed, for several years. The articles were placed under the care of a man appointed for the pur- pose, for safe keeping. By some means-not stated- the provisions thus deposited were so damaged as not to
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be fit for the purpose designed. The loss was estimated , at £50. A serious loss, considering their circumstances at that time.
While suffering under public losses and individual embarrassment, heightened by the chilling clangor of war, our fathers were sustained, and were still alive to, and active in their duty, numerous as were the calls, domestic and in defence of their rights.
In 1784, our people sent in, by their representatives, a remonstrance, embracing the subjects-of collecting debts, the mode of taxation, and particularly against the commutation act. On the subject of collecting debts, this, as it respected the congressional laws, may have re- ference to the case of the claims of those persons, who in the revolutionary struggle, from choice or some other reason, removed to, or continued under the British go- vernment ; or more particularly, it respected the laws of this state on the subject, then in operation, which were considered very oppressive. On the subject of taxation, they directed their representatives to propose and urge an alteration in the mode of taxation, the enactment of a substitute by which they might be taxed simply accord- ing to their property. The manner then pursued they considered as unequitable. They likewise claimed as citizens, the privilege of open doors and free admission to hear the debates of the assembly ; and, also, that the yeas and nays of both houses, on any and every impor- tant subject discussed, shall be published. They were particularly directed to remonstrate against the commu- tation act, and through the legislature of this state, to urge congress to desist. (Congress had made a commu- tation of the half-pay for life, to the officers of the conti- nental army, or those of them who preferred it, granting the gross sum of five years' pay in money or securitiesat 6 per cent. per annum.) At the close of the petition, our fathers, in their usual spirited style, asserted that the measure was unconstitutional, and very alarming to free citizens, and an infringement of the articles of confeder- ation of the United States.
As the ocean in a mighty storm, tossing its billows to
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the sky, when the storm ceases, gradually subsides, and calmly settles into its bed, so with political convulsions, it must take time to cease from agitation, and to settle into a calm. This town, though remote from the san- guinary scene, continued to feel the tremulous motion, and years elapsed before the effects of war had ceased; they were well prepared, by multiplied calamities, proper- ly to appreciate and relish the return of peace and quiet. The inhabitants of this town had, in the course of the war, slowly progressed in improvements-population had increased, fields were cleared, roads opened, school- houses erected, heavy taxes liquidated, and calls for charity were apparently met with a cheerful heart.
Soon after the war closed, many enterprising families and single young men emigrated from this town to Vermont ; and, subsequently, a still greater number to the western and north-western parts of New-York and Pennsylvania, and onward to the State of Ohio, particu- larly into that section of it called New Connecticut, or, the Western Reserve, so that travellers from this town to the north, north-west and west, by enquiring or acci- dentally, will find and meet those whom he can recognize as natives of this town ; and that many who people those new settlements, were descendants from our first settlers, or had recently gone from us.
In 1787, a circumstance occurred, which, for its novelty and the rare sport it afforded, may well be noticed in this place. While the congregation was as- sembled, and devoutly engaged in celebrating the annual thanksgiving, the speaker having commenced his sermon, a messenger entered the house, and with a firm and manly step, walked partly up the middle aisle, with his eye fixed on the speaker full of meaning and intelligence ; the speaker paused ; and he informed the crowded as- sembly, that five wolves-a dog and slut, with three pups almost full grown-were now on Haystack Mountain, partly surrounded by men already collected, and that more men were wanted to assist in destroying them. The speaker replied, he thought it a duty for every man to turn out and combat these invaders : immediately a
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great part of the male members of the congregation rose from their seats, and flew to the scene of action. A line was formed round the mountain, distributing at proper distances those who were supplied with guns and ammu- nition, and the whole circle was directed by leaders, emulous to excel ; the line gradually contracted as they ascended the mountain on every side, silent and cautious, until the files were nearly closed. The ravenous in- vaders now appeared in rapid flight, coming towards the line, the clubs and pitchforks were raised, the guns elevated in martial form, the balls whizzed, and part of the wolves were killed on the spot, the remainder rush- ed to the opposite section of the line, where they met their fate, except the dog-wolf, who, frightened and en- raged, rushed through the line-clubs, pitchforks, and guns notwithstanding-but the steady and well-aimed fire-arms soon stopped him, filling his body with balls, not counted until more at leisure. They were all brought down into the village in triumph, and exhibited to a numerous collection of people ; many, who dispensed with their usual Thanksgiving feast around the fireside of their quiet homes, were seen gratifying their sight rather than their appetites.
From 1787 to 1811, few occurrences transpired worthy of historical record. This time was principally occupied in attending to the common run of town and society business. The reader is referred to the sum- mary of events, annexed, for the particular transactions and occurrences included in this interim.
1811 .- September 16th, in a special meeting of the inhabitants, a proposal was made to build a new meet- ing-house, by raising a sum by subscription sufficient, with the usual tax of individuals liable to pay society taxes. to defray the expense. After a free discussion of the subject a vote was taken, and passed in the affirmative. A committee was appointed, residing in the different school districts, to solicit subscriptions. They soon ob- tained $1827. Another committee was appointed to ascertain the centre of the town in order to fix the site for the meeting-house. But at a meeting, assembled
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