USA > Connecticut > A gazetteer of the states of Connecticut and Rhode-Island : written with care and impartiality, from original and authentic materials : consisting of two parts : with an accurate and improved map of each state > Part 14
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NEW-HAVEN.
the building, Mr. Mix has erected a Camera Obscura, on a large scale, which affords much gratifi- cation to all who view this curious and surprising invention.
Attached to the establishment of the Museum are the public gar- dens of Mr. Mix, known by the name of the Columbian Gardens. These are a place of much resort in the summer season, affording a pleasant and delightful walk ; and visitors are accommodated with the choicest luxuries of the sea- son, prepared by the proprietor. At the extremity of the gardens there is a bath-house, comprising fourteen separate bathing rooms, all of which are provided with the necessary conveniences and appa- ratus for bathing. A bathing es- tablishment is very important in a populous town, as a means of pro- moting health, cleanliness and comfort, during the intense heat of summer.
The Cemetery in New-Haven is of a novel and interesting charac- ter. It is situated opposite to the north corner of the original town ; and the ground is handsomely smoothed and enclosed. It is di- vided into parallelograms, each of 64 feet in breadth, and from 180 to 200 in length ; neatly railed, and separated by alleys of suffi- cient width to enable carriages to pass each other. The paral- lelograms are divided into family burying lots of 32 feet in length and 18 in width ; against each of which is an opening to admit of a funeral procession. At the division between the lots, trees arc set out in the alleys, and the name of each proprietor is mark- ed on the railing. A number of
lots have been given to the seve- ral congregations, the college, and reserved for the poor. The mon- uments in this ground are almost universally of marble ; a conside- rable number are obelisks ; others are tables, and others slabs, pla- ced at the head and foot of each grave. The obelisks are arranged on the middle line of lots ; and thus stand in a line successively throughout each of the parallelo- grams. This is a very unusual bu- rying ground, and is peculiarly solemn and impressive.
There are two banks in New- Haven : New-Haven Bank, incor- porated in 1792, and at this time. with a capital of $300,000; the Eagle Bank, incorporated in 1811, with a capital of $500,000. There is a Marine Insurance Company, incorporated in 1797. It has a capital of $50,000, (which may be increased at pleasure,) and is governed by nine directors. The Ocean Insurance Company, incor- porated in October 1818, with a capital of $60,000, and the liber- ty to extend it to $100,000. The objects of it are confined to ma- rine insurance. A Fire Insur- ance Company was incorporated in 1813, with a capital of $200,000.
In 1794, a chamber of com- merce was formed by voluntary association. Its officers are a Pre- sident, vice-president, treasurer and secretary, who are elected annually.
A Mechanics' Society was form- ed in 1807, called the General Society of Mechanics of New-Ha- ven, and was incorporated in Oc- tober the same year. The Society has some funds. Its objects are to regulate and promote the mecka-
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NEW-HAVEN.
nical arts and business, and to as- sist young mechanics by loans &c.
There are in New-Haven three news-paperestablishments, at each of which a weekly news-paper is. published ; one an imperial and the other two a super royal sheet.
In the city of New-Haven there are more than 800 dwelling hous- es ; in 1800, there were 4049 in- habitants ; and in 1810, 5772; be- ing an increase in ten years of 1723 ; which far exceeded that of any other town in the State.
The next census will probably disclose a proportional increase for the last ten years.
COMMERCE, &c. The com- merce of New-Haven is very rcs- pectable. In 1816, there were 40 vessels, amounting to 5901 tons, employed in foreign trade. „At the same period, there was 1431 tons employed in the coasting trade ; and the total of registered vessels, exclusive of those em- ployed in New-York, added to these sums, amounted at this period to 6697 tons.
Besides the vessels engaged in the foreign and coasting trade, there are six or seven packets that ply regularly between this place and New-York. There is also a line of steam-boats that com- municate thrice a week, (except- ing during the winter months,) with New-York, and likewise with New-London and Norwich.
The extent and importance of the commercial interests of this city afford a conspicuous demon- stration of what has often been asserted, that commerce frequent- ly depends more upon enterprise and industry than upon local ad- vantages.
The maritime business of New- Haven is more extensive than that of any other town in the State , and particularly its foreign trade. This, it is believed, is more to to be ascribed to enter- prise, industry and peculiar ha- bits of the inhabitants, than to any advantages which are attach- ed to the place. As it respects a back country, which is generally regarded as the support of com- mercial interests, this town is greatly inferior to Hartford, and perhaps to some others. It is si- tuated, it is true, upon a bay of Long-Island sound ; but still its harbour is far from being a very good one, or from possessing any superior advantages for naviga- tion. Enterprise and industry have a reciprocal influence upon each other, and generally exhibit a corresponding increase and ex- tension. And when economy and plainness, as to style of living, are associated with these charac- teristics, their happy results are more striking and , conspicuous. There are various other circum- stances, which have a salutary or injurious influence upon the pros- perity of a commercial or popu- lous town ; and among these, that of the high price of rents, which depends upon a local or fictitious value that is attached to building lots, and to the style and ex- pensiveness of buildings, de- serves particularly to be noticed, as having an injurious operation. Whatever expectations may be in- dulged by the inexperienced, it is a fact, establishsd by the united testimony of all men of practical knowledge, that the great majori- ty of those engaged in business
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NEW-HAVEN.
of every kind, can realize but small profits. This is more emphati- cally true with respect to me- chanical employments of every description. Excessive rents are a very burdensome tax upon bu- siness affording but small gains ; and necessarily tend to depress and discourage those engaged in it. Mechanical pursuits are par- ticularly favoured by moderate rents. New-Haven possesses ma- ny if not all of these advantages to a greater extent than most of our other large towns. The dwel- ling-houses and other buildings are in general neat but not expensive, and the rents proportionably low. The inhabitants are characterized by a commendable plainness in their style of living ; and are re- markable for their systematic ha- bits of industry and attention to business. The aggregate of me- chanical industry of the town is very great, and has always been encouraged ; being justly regard- ed as an important auxiliary to commerce, and as essentially con- tributing to the general prosperity. The merchants of New-Haven, for some years past, have been very enterprising, and in general the inhabitants have been governed by an enlarged and enlightened po- licy ; and however variant their interests may have been in other respects, they have, on all occa- sions, exhibited a common interest in whatever has concerned their own town, and with united coun- sels and exertions have endeav- oured to promote its growthı, its prosperity and importance. And hence, for the last twenty years, it has exhibited an increase of population, buildings and business,
unequalled by any other town in the State.
HISTORY. New-Haven, and the country in its vicinity, was called by the natives Quinipiack. In 1638, a tract of 18 miles in length, and 13 in breadth, com- prising, besides the township of New-Haven, those of Woodbridge, Hamden, East-Haven, North-Ha- ven, and a part of the townships of Wallingford, Cheshire and Bran- ford, was purchased partly of Mo- mauguin, sachem of Quinipiack, and partly of Montowese, sachem of Mattabeseck, now Middletown. The purchase was made by the Rev. John Davenport and Theo- philus Eaton Esq. for themselves and others. Among the first set- tlers were John Davenport, The- ophilus Eaton, Samuel Eaton, Thomas Gregson, Robert New- man, Matthew Gilbert, Nathaniel Turner, Thomas Fugill, Francis Newman, Stephen Goodyear and Joshua Atwater. In June, 1639, the settlers formed a compact, or regulations for their government ; and in October following, organiz- ed their government accordingly, when Mr. Eaton was chosen gov- ernor. In 1640, the General Court substituted the name of New-Haven for that of Quinipi- ack. In 1655, a system of laws was adopted, which had been for- med by Gov. Eaton, and printed in England. In 1657, Gov. Eaton died, and was succeeded by Fran- cis Newman, who also died in 1661. In the spring of this year, Whaley and Goffe, two judges of king Charles I. came to New-Ha- ven, and the October following removed to Hadley. New-Haven suffered considerably during the
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BIOGRAPHY.
revolutionary war. It was rava- ged by Gov. Tryon, July 1779, and the property burnt and de- stroyed was estimated, by commis- sioners appointed by the General Assembly for that purpose, at $84,566. The sufferers in this town, in common with those in other towns in the State, received a grant of a tract of land in the western part of the lands in the state of Ohio, reserved by this State at the cession which they made to the United States.
BIOGRAPHY. The Hon. Ja- red Ingersoll was for many years a citizen of this town. He was born in Milford, in 1722, receiv- ed his education at Yale College, and took his first degree in 1742. A few years after this, having gone through with the usual course of professional studies, he commen- ced the practice of law in this town. His talents were of the highest order, and peculiarly adapt- ed to forensic debate ; so that he soon became distinguished in his profession, and acquired a great and solid reputation as an advo- cate.
Such was the reputation which he had acquired, and the estimation in which he was held by his fel- low citizens, that in 1757, he was sent by the General Assembly of the colony, as their agent to the court of Great-Britain. In 1764, about the period of the passing of the Stamp Act, he went to Eng- land again. In 1770, he was ap- pointed judge of the vice admiral- ty court in the middle district of the colonies ; the duties of which office rendered it necessary for him to reside in Philadelphia. Ac- cordingly he removed to that citylltion was rapidly rising ; and he-
the year after, where he resided until his office ceased, in conse- quence of the American revolu- tion ; whercupon he returned to this town, and continued here un- til his death. The most remarka+ ble feature, in the character of Judge Ingersoll, was that of an ingenuous and dignificd frankness, candour and fairness, which al- ways characterized his deport- ment. This resulted from a con- sciousness of integrity and abili- ties, which led him to despise the jesuitical arts of hypocrisy and dis- simulation, which are so often the only resource of small minds. As an advocate, there have been few if any individuals in this State, who have been his equals ; few who have had more resources of mind, more amplitude of know- ledge, more clear or comprehen } sive views, or more energetic pow- ers of reasoning.
The Hon. Roger Sherman, dis- tinguished for his public services, and the important offices which he held during an interesting period of our history, was for many years a citizen of this town. He was born in Newtown in Massachu- setts, in the year 1721. His ad- vantages as to education were ve- ry limited ; having attended only at a common English school. In 1743, he removed to New-Milford in this State. Several years after this, he applied himself to the stu- dy of law, and was admitted to the bar in 1754. The next year he was appointed a justice of the peace, and soon after a represen- tative in the General Assembly. In 1761, he removed to New-Ha- ven. From this time his reputa-
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BIOGRAPHY.
soon ranked among the first men in the State. His knowledge of the human character, his saga- cious and penetrating mind, his general political views, and his accurate and just observation of passing events, enabled him, on the first appearance of serious difficulties between the colonies and the parent country, to per- ceive the consequences that would follow ; and the probable re- sult of a contest arising from a spirit of resistance to the exercise of unjust, oppressive and uncon- stitutional acts of authority, over a free people, having sufficient in- telligence to know their rights, and sufficient spirit to defend them. Accordingly, at the com- mencement of the contest, he took an active and decided part in favour of the colonies, and subsequently in support of the re- volution, and their separation from Great-Britain. In 1774, he was chosen a member of the first con- tinental Congress ; and continued to be a member, except when ex- cluded by the law of rotation. He was a member of the immortal Congress of 1776 ; and was one of the committee that drew up the declaration of Independence, which was penned by the venera- ble Thomas Jefferson, who was al- so one of the committee. After the peace, Roger Sherman was a member of the Convention which formed the Constitution of the United States ; and he was chos -: en a representative from this State to the first Congress under this Constitution. He was removed to the Senate in 1791, and re- mained in this situation until his! death, July 2d, 1793, in the 73d | member of the immortal Congress
year of his age. The life of Mr. Sherman is one among the many examples of the triumph of na- tive genius and talent, aided by persevering habits of industry, over all the obstacles arising from the want of what is generally con- sidered as a regular and systema- tic education. Yet it deserves consideration, whether a vigorous mind, stimulated by an ardent thirst of knowledge, left to its own ex- ertions, unrestrained and unem- barrassed by rules of art, and un- shackled by systematic regula- tions, is not capable of pursuing the object of acquiring knowledge more intensely and with more suc- cess ; of taking a more wide and comprehensive survey ; of explor- ing with more penetration the fields of science, and of forming more just and solid views. "Mr. Sherman possessed a powerful mind, and habits of industry, which no difficulties could discou- rage, and no toil impair. In early life, he began to apply himself with unextinguishable zeal to the acquisition of knowledge. In this pursuit, although he was always actively engaged in business, he spent more hours than most of those who are professedly stu- dents. In his progress, he became extensively acquainted with math- ematical science, natural philoso- phy, moral and metaphysical phi- losophy, history, logic and theolo- : gy." As a lawyer and statesman, he was very eminent ; having a clear, penetrating and vigorous mind, and as a patriot, no great- er respect can be paid to his me- mory than the fact which has al- ready been noticed, that he was a
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BIOGRAPHY.
of '76, which declared these colo- nies to be free and independent.
Samuel Bishop Esq. distinguish-
ed for the numerous and responsi- ble public offices which he held, during a long life, and for his un- impeachable integrity, was a na- tive of this town, and lived and died here. He was born in the year 1724, and died in August 1803, in the 80th year of his age. Almost his whole life was spent in public employments ; the duties of many of which were peculiarly.
arduous and responsible. For fifty-four years he held the of- fice and discharged the duties of town-clerk; and for twenty- six years was a representative of the town in the General Assem- bly. During the revolution, he was a zealous and decided whig, and took an active part in favour of the colonies and their separa- tion from Great-Britain. At this period, he was a member of the committee of correspondence and of the Governor's Council of safe- ty. For a great number of years he was a magistrate or justice of the peace ; also judge of probate and chief judge of the county court. At his death, and for some ycars preceding, he was mayor of the city of New-Haven, and Collector of the district. The duties of all these various offices he discharged with ability, faithful- ness and integrity, and to the ge- neral satisfaction of his fellow-ci- tizens. Few men have been engaged an equal period in public employments, or in so great a di- versity of them, & few have dischar- ged their duties with equal faith- fulness and integrity ; few who in the circle of their action have been
more extensively useful, or who have more perfectly finished the work and objects of life.
The Rev. Timothy Dwight, D. D. was born in Northampton, Mass. May 14th, 1752. At a very early period he disclosed unusual indications of genius, and an ex- traordinary propensity and apti- tude for study and the acquisition of knowledge. Such was the ex- traordinary proficiency he had made in elementary studies, that he was admitted a member of Yale College in 1765, when he had but just entered his 13th year. At college he soon acquired the character of a good scholar, and of being remarkable for his devo- tion to study. He graduated in 1769, having gone through the usual course of studies with great credit. In September 1771, when he was but 19 years of age, he was chosen tutor in this semina- ry. He remained in this situation for six years, and discharged its duties with unusual success and reputation. During this period he composed the well known epic poem entitled the "Conquest of Canaan ;" the poem having been finished when he was only 22 years of age. In 1777, it being du- ring the revolutionary war, he was licensed as a clergyman ; and the same year received the. appoint- ment of a chaplain in Gen. Par- sons' brigade, and joined the ar- my at West-Point. Soon after this, whilst in the army, he wrote his much admired patriotic and national song, Columbia. This has justly been estcemed as the best effusion of his musc. He did not continue long in the army, for, in 1778, he returned to his
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BIOGRAPHY.
native town, where he remained| for five years. During this peri- od, he was employed, a portion of the time, as an instructor of youth ; and occasionally officiated as a Clergyman. Whilst in this situation, he was twice chosen a representative of the town in the legislature of the State.
In 1783, having received an in- vitation, he became settled as a clergyman in Greenfield, a socie- ty in the town of Fairfield in Con- necticut. He continued in this situation for nearly twelve years,| and became highly distinguished in his profession, and as a sound, ii able, eloquent, orthodox and prac- tical preacher. During his resi- dence in this delightful and highly interesting situation, he conceived and wrote his poem, entitled " Greenfield Hill," consisting of seven parts, and a work of consi- derable merit. This publication, together with his Conquest of Ca- naan, was republished in England. Whilst in this situation also, he established and maintained an aca- demic school, which deservedly sustained a high reputation. In the spring of 1795, Dr. Dwight was called, from this delightful abode and favourite retreat, to the presidency of Yale College, as the successor of President Stiles. In this important and responsible si- tuation, he continued nearly 22 years ; during which lengthy peri- od he presided over the institution with great ability and astonishing success.
tion and prosperity were greatly increased during the presidency of Dr. Dwight ; although a portion of this period was one of peculiar difficulties. At the accession of President Dwight, there were but about 110 students ; whereas, at some periods subsequently, the number amounted to 313.
Few men have possessed the various and important qualifica- tions necessary for a situation of this description, in so eminent a degree as President Dwight. He possessed a sound and penetrating mind, indefatigable industry, a lau- dable and elevated ambition for literary fame, adequate scientific acquisitions, and an extensive fund of general information. With these qualifications he united oth- ers, although more common, yet equally important ; an agreeable and dignified person and deport- ment ; a fine constitution ; an unu- sual share of common sense ; an accurate and extensive knowledge of the human character ; an ex- tensive and just observation ; great practical knowledge, and an unu- sual portion of prudence or poli- cy. His writings, which were pub- lished in his lifetime, consist, in addition to his poetical works, the most important of which have al- ready been noticed, of numerous sermons or theological discourses, delivered on various important oc- casions. Since his death, a series of his sermons, comprising a Sys- tem of Theology, has been pub- lished in five large octavo volumes. This edition of his sermons, which was published at Middletown in this State, in 1818, has also been published in England. He died
Notwithstanding the extensive erudition of President Stiles, andi the high reputation which the in- stitution, while he presided over it, had acquired, yet its reputa-|| on the 11th of January, 1817, Æ 65,
15
114
BRANFORD.
BRANFORD is a post township, situated upon Long-Island sound, 8 miles from New-Haven, and 40 miles from Hartford ; bounded on the north by Wallingford, on the east hy Guilford, on the south by Long-Island sound, and on the west by North and East-Haven. Its average length is 9 miles, and its average breadth 5 miles ; com- prising 45 square miles, or about 30,000 acres.
The township is uneven, con- sisting of hill and dale ; upon the borders of the sound, there are some small sections that are level. The soil is more generally a red, gravelly loam ; in some sections, argillaceous loam prevails. There are also some tracts of salt marsh. The natural growth consists of oak, elm,walnut,butternut, buttonwood, &c. The lands, when cultivated, produce grass, Indian corn, rye, and some wheat; but corn receives the most attention, and is princi- pally cultivated.
There are no considerable riv- ers in the town. The largest stream discharges itself into the harbour, which is a small but con- venient one, and admits of vessels of from 40 to 60 tons.
Upon the western boundary of the town there is a small lake, called Saltonstall lake.
There are a cluster of small islands in Long-Island sound, be- longing to this town, called Thim- ble Islands ; and another cluster called Indian Islands.
This town, being situated upon the sound, possesses great con- veniences for fishing : various kinds of salt water fish, both shell and fin, arc taken plentifully in almost every month in the year.
Of the shell fish, the oyster and clam are the most important. The fish, with which the town is sup- plied, are a convenience and lux- ury to the inhabitants, and a source of considerable profit. In addi- tion to the business of fishing, there are other maritime employ- ments and interests : the coasting business has received considera- ble attention ; there are six ves- sels of from 40 to 60 tons en- gaged in this business, which be- long to this town. The maritime situation and interests of the place have a tendency to affect the cha- racter of the inhabitants, and to give a direction to their pursuits and industry.
There is a small but pleasant village in the town, consisting of about 30 dwelling-houses, a post- office, church, stores, &c. It is, from its contiguity to the sound, and the fish with which it is sup- plied, a place of some resort in the summer for health or pleasure.
'The town is accommodated with the turnpike road from New-Ha- ven to Middletown, which leads through its northern section.
Its population, in 1810, was 1932. There are 280 dwelling- houses, 220 qualified Electors, and two companies of militia. The amount of taxable property, inclu- ding polls, is $54,739.
The manufactures and mechani- cal employments consist of 1 small Furnace for casting, 1 Carding Ma- chine, 3 Fulling Mills, 4 Grain Mills, and 2 small Distilleries. There are 6 mercantile stores.
The town contains 3 loca- ted Congregational Societies and Churches, and 2 Episcopal Soci- etics, which are also accommoda-
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CHESHIRE.
ted with houses for public worship. It has 15 School Districts and Schools, 2 small Social Libraries, 1 Episcopal and 3 Congregational
Clergymen, and 5 Physicians. Branford was settled in the year 1644.
CHESHIRE.
CHESHIRE is a post township, situated in the northern section of the county, 25 miles from Hart- ford, and 13 from New-Haven, bounded on the north by Wolcott, and Southington, in Hartford county, on the east by Meriden and Wallingford, on the south by Woodbridge and Hamden, and on the west by Waterbury. Its ave- rage length from north to south is 7 miles, and its average breadth from east to west, nearly 6 miles ; containing about 40 square miles. The northeastern section of the town is watered by the Quinipi- ack ; its northern section by a branch of this stream, called ten mile river; and in its southern section several branches of Mill river have their sources.
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