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 16
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HAMDEN.
124
HAMDEN is a small township, centrally situated in the county, five and a half miles from New-Ha- ven, and 32 from Hartford ; bound- ed north by Cheshire and Walling- ford, east by North-Haven, south by New-Haven, and west by the West rock range of mountain, which separates it from Wood- bridge. Its average length is sev- en and a half miles, and its average breadth about three and a half, making about 26 square mile. A considerable section of the town- ship is level ; the western border of it is mountainous, and the east- ern considerably hilly. The town- ship is situated between the West rock range of mountain, and the east rock range. East rock is the termination of an extensive green- stone range of mountains, which extends far into the interior of New- England, leading through Cheshire, Southington, Farmington, Sims- bury and Granby, into Massachu- setts. It consists of a broken ridge, or a succession of hills, which be- come more elevated as you pro- ceed from east rock. At Farming- ton, Simsbury and Granby, the ridge is more continuous and lofty, and bold in its features. West rock is the termination of the west range of the same mountain ; it extends as far into the interior as the west- ern section of Southington, where it subsides, or more properly unites with the east rock range, of which it is properly a branch. This range consists also of greenstone, and is a succession of eminences ; and ex- hibits similar features to the other. Hamden is situated between these two ranges; the one being upon its west, and the other upon its eastern border. Mount Carmel,
which is in some measure an insu- lated eminence, and appears to be a spur of the east rock range, lies wholly within this town. This is one of the most elevated green- stone eminences in the State. The greenstone of these mountains forms an excellent building-stone, and is extensively used for that purpose in New-Haven. In the greenstone hills of this town, vari- ous minerals have been discovered. Iron pyrites in minute pieces, and sometimes imperfectly crystal- ized, is found disseminated ; and sulphuret of copper is sometimes found, connected with chrystalized quartz. At a distant period, a large mass of native copper, weighing about 901bs, was accidently dis- covered upon one of the green- stone hillsof this town. It was pre- served for a long time, and the re- mains of it were used not more than 15 or 20 years since, in New- Haven ; it was said to be very pure, and free from alloy. It is not known precisely, upon what spot this mass of native copper was found ; but copper is now known to exist in various places, in the greenstone hills of this town. Lead, in small quantities, has also been found.
The soil in this town is a grav- elly loam, and generally fertile ; the natural growth is walnut, oak of the various kinds, and other de- ciduous trees. The lands, in a cul- tivated state, produce rye, corn, oats &c. and carry good and heavy crops.
The town is watered by Mill river, a fine mill stream, affording numerous sites for water works.
The Farmington and New-Ha- Iven turnpike road passes through
125
MERIDEN.
the centre of this town, and the| Hartford and New-Haven turnpike runs within its eastern limits.
The extensive Gun Factory, or establishment for the manufacture of fire arms, of Eli Whitney Esq. erected upon Mill river within this town, is particularly deserving of notice. The business at this facto- ry, it is believed, is carried on up- on novel principles. The various operations and processes, necessa- ry in the formation of the different parts of the musket, are performed by the aid of machinery and me- chanical powers. The hammering, cutting, turning, perforating, grind- ing and polishing, are performed, or, the performance regulated and facilitated, by machinery.' This oc- casions such uniformity in the work, that the parts of the lock, and their different proportions and relations are so much alike, that they may be transferred from one lock and fitted to another, without any material alteration. From the mechanical principles by which every part of the manufacture is re- gulated at this factory, the fire arms manufactured here are characteri- zed by a uniformity, not to be
found in those made at any other place. And what is a most striking evidence of ingenuity and mechani- cal genius of the proprietor of this establishment, the business was un- dertaken without any previous knowledge of it; but genius is more than a substitute for experience.
In addition to this establishment, there are 1 Paper Mill, 1 Fulling Mill, 1 Carding Machine, 1 Distil- lery, 2 Grain Mills and 2 Tanne- ries. There are 2Mercantile Stores, and 2 Taverns.
The town contains two located Congregational Societies and Churches, one Society of Episco- palians and one of Independents. It contains, also, nine School dis- tricts and Schools, one Social Li- brary, two Clergymen, and two Physicians.
The population of the town, in 1810, was 1716. There are 260 Dwelling Houses, 200 Electors & 1 company of militia.
The amount of taxable proper- ty, including polls, is $36,806.
Hamden was incorporated in May 1786, previously to which, it belonged to New-Haven.
MERIDEN.
MERIDEN is a small post town, situated in the northern section of the county, 17 miles from Hart- ford, and about the same from New-Haven ; bounded on the N. by Berlin, in Hartford county, on the east by Middletown, on the south by Wallingford, and on the west by Cheshire and Southing- ton. Its average length from east to west is five miles, and its ave-
rage breadth four and a half miles ; containing twenty-two and a half square miles. The township is hilly, and some sections of it moun- tainous. The Middletown and Wallingford range of mountains or hills passes through the eastern border of this town. Of this range, Mount Lamentation, which is in the northeastern part of the township, is far the most elevated.
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MERIDEN.
This eminence has some very stri- king features. In the northwest part of the town also, is an emi- nence which affords a considerable curiosity : there is a deep and nar- row valley, having a ridge of moun- tain on the one side, and a bold mural ledge on the other; in which solid cakes of ice may be obtained at any season of the year. The congelations, or cakes of ice, are found under large projecting rocks. " A few years since," says our correspondent, " I found snow and ice, in this frosty vale, under the south side of a loose rock, about the 1st of September, from whence I took a small cake of ice, and car- ried it six or seven miles. At this time, gooseberries were but just ripe, and were growing among the rocks ; and strawberries have been gathered here as late in the season as this." North of this vale is a deep, narrow and almost impervi- ous glen; its width is only sufficient for a path and a rivulet, on each side of which are elevated ridges of mountain, forming an angle of about 45 degrees. This pass is called Cat hole, and is more than a mile in extent ; in which, and in the valley noticed before, the sun shines but a few hours in the longest days. Hence the order of the seasons is entirely inverted ; and spring and summer fruit is not brought to perfection until au- tumn. This place in every res- pect is characterized by features the most irregular and romantic, and has more the appearance of illusion than reality.
The soil in this town is a gravel- ly and sandy loam, and is conside- rably fertile. It produces grass, grain, &c. The Quinipiack river
washes the southwestern border of the town, and several of its bran- ches run through the interior.
The town is accommodated with the Hartford and New-Haven turn- pike, which passes through its cen- tre ; also by the Middletown and Waterbury turnpike, which inter- sects the former.
There is a small village in the town, consisting of a Post office, a Congregational church, about 30 Dwelling houses, and a number of Mechanics' shops.
A spirit of enterprise and acti- vity in business characterizes the inhabitants of this town. Various manufactures and mechanical em- ployments are carried on; but those of tin ware and buttons are the most important. There are 5 distinct Factories of the former, and an equal number of the lat- ter, for making metal buttons ; and 1 Factory for ivory buttons. There are also 1 Factory for ivory combs, and 2 block tin or hard metal spoon Factories. The wares and manu- factures of these establishments, like those of other towns in the vicinity, are sent abroad for a mar- ket. This furnishes employment for a number of hands ; and it has been estimated that there are from 20 to 40 persons that are constantly employed in vending the wares that are manufactured in this town. Most of them are employed in the southern and western states, which afford an extensive market for the products of our industry. And this market will not be likely soon to fail; for wherever slavery prevails, mechanical ingenuity and industry will be excluded. In addition to these manufactures, there are 12 Cider Distilleries, 2 Grain Mills,
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MIDDLEBURY.
1 Fulling Mill, 1 Carding Machine, and 2 Tanneries. There are 2 Mercantile Stores, and 2 Taverns.
The town contains 1 Congrega- tional Society and Church, 1 Epis- copal Society, and 1 of Baptists, all of which have houses for public worship. It contains 7 School Districts and common Schools, 1 Social Library, 1 Cler- gyman, 1 Attorney and 1 Physician.
The population of the town, in 1810, was 1249. There are about 200 Dwelling houses, 1 Company of Militia and a fraction of ano- ther, and about 175 Electors. The amount of taxable property, including polls, is $27,425.
Meriden was incorporated in 1806 ; previously to which it be- longed to Wallingford.
MIDDLEBURY.
MIDDLEBURY is a small township, situated in the north- western extremity of the county, being 22 miles from New-Haven, and 36 from Hartford ; bounded on the north by Woodbury and Watertown, in Litchfield county, on the east by Waterbury, on the south by Oxford, and on the west by Woodbury ; having an average length from north to south of 5 miles, and an average breadth of nearly 4 miles, containing about 19 square miles, or about 13,000 acres.
The township is watered by Hop river, a branch of the Nau- gatuck, & numerous small streams. In the southeast section of the town there is a small pond or lake, called Quasepaug, which dis- charges its waters into the Ousa- tonick.
Its surface is hilly and rocky, and its appearance rough and for- bidding. The rocks are mostly granite, and the soil is a hard, coarse gravelly loam, which af- fords tolerable grazing ; it also ad- mits of the growth of grain, and rye is cultivated with considerable success.
The principal agricultural pro- ductions are rye, butter and cheese, and some beef and cattle. The town does little or nothing at ma- nufactures, except those of a do- mestic character. It contains 2 Grain Mills, 1 Fulling Mill and Clothier's works, 1 Carding Ma- chine, 3 Tanneries, 1 Distillery, and 1 Mercantile Store.
The general list of the town, in- cluding polls, amounts to $18,920. Its population, in 1810, was 847; and there are now 100 Freemen or Electors, 1 Company of Mili- tia, and 125 Dwelling houses.
The town forms 1 located Con- gregational Society and Church, and contains besides a Society of Methodists. It is divided into 6 School Districts, each of which supports a school for several months in the year. It contains 2 small Social Libraries, 2 Tav- ersn, 1 Physician and 1 Clergy- man.
It was incorporated in 1807; previously to which, it formed a part of Waterbury, Woodbury and Southbury.
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128
MILFORD.
MILFORD, an ancient mari- time post township, is situated on the southwestern border of the county, 9 miles west from New- Haven, and 43 from Hartford; bounded on the north by Derby and Woodbridge, on the east by New-Haven, on the south by Long Island sound, and on the west by the Ousatonick river, which sepa- rates it from Stratford. Its avc- rage length from north to south is about seven and a half miles, and its average breadth from east to west nearly five miles, comprising an area of about 34 square miles. The prevailing character of the surface is undulating, being plea- santly diversified with hill and dale. There are also some mountainous ridges, consisting principally of greenstone slate, and facing ge- nerally to the southeast, with considerable chasms or valleys be- tween them. There is also one ridge, or rather a series of ridges, of limestone, of three or four miles in length, and about one fourth of a mile in breadth, which intervenes between the greenstone ridges. In these calcareous ridges there are exhaustless beds of valuable mar- ble ; and indeed the primitive limestone strata, of which they are in part composed, deserve that name. The following interesting account of these calcarcous ridges and strata, has been given by Pro- fessor Silliman.
" About five miles west of New- Haven commences a range of ser- pentinc, both common and noble, and mixed more or less with primi- tive limestone and bitterspath. As this range proceeds westward, the limestone predominates more and more over the serpentine, and soon
the rock becomes primitive stra- tified limestone. This continues in nearly the same direction, in al- most uninterrupted ridges, for three miles at least ; and, as is asserted, for several miles further. Thus a circumscribed space, not excecd- ing one fourth of a mile in breadth, and running in length as has just been specified, intervenes between ridges of greenstone, and in some instances alternates with it; this rock forming its boundary on the north, and also on the south, and in some places coming into direct and visible contact with it. These strata of limestone are remarkably ' regular. Their direction and dip is the same with that of the green- stone slate. In a few instances, the limestone is interrupted by greenstone and chlorite slate. A quarry has recently been opened in these calcareous strata, for the purpose of obtaining marble ; for the limestone which has been men- tioned appears properly to deserve that name. The structure of the rock is schistus, and its texture minutely granular. Its prevailing colour is that of the Italian dome marble, but very much variegated by innumerable veins of calcare- ous spar or bitterspath of a very brilliant white, by an admixture of serpentine, forming green spots, and by black spots and clouds, which sometimes are magnetic iron orc, and sometimes appear to be serpentine of a dark hue. Mar- ble also occurs herc of a deep black, beautifully illuminated by white clouds. As far as the inves- tigation has gone, these calcareous strata are divided into large dis- tinct tables ; so that they can be taken out, in many instances, with-
199
MILFORD.
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out making any other fracture than what exists naturally. Pieces of the marble have been sawed and polished ; and although only wea- thered pieces have hitherto been tried, the stone exhibits so fine a texture, so high a lustre, and such beautiful delineations of colour, as to justify the belief that it will prove a valuable acquisition to the country."
And it is a circumstance of no small importance, that it is situa- ted immediately upon a stream of water, communicating directly with Milford harbour, and which is navigable to the sound, and suffi- ciently copious to operate the mills necessary for sawing it. The pre- vailing soil is a rich gravelly mould or loam of a dark colour; some sections of sandy loam, some of ar- gillaceous, and the calcareous tracts already described. It is general- ly strong and fertile, and a good ag- ricultural township. The forests, which are valuable, from their vi- cinity to navigable waters, consist of walnut, oak, chesnut, &c. The agricultural productions consist of corn, rye, oats, flax, as the pro- ducts of tillage ; and butter, chesse and beef from grazing. Of the hay which is produced, large quantities are from the tracts of salt marsh, of which there are about 300 acres in the town. From the contiguity of the town to New-Haven, considerable at- tention is paid to the supplying of various small meats, and escu- lent roots and vegetables for the market at that place.
The waters of the town are the Ousatonick, which washes its wes- tern border, and the Wapawaug, which runs through its centre from
north to south, and discharges it- self into Milford harbour. There are several shad fisheries in the Ou- satonick, there being fifteen seines owned by individuals ; and it was estimated that there were 112,000 shad taken in 1816. Shell fish and black fish are taken in the sound. The great Atlantic road from New-Haven to New-York leads through the centre of this town, upon which the Washington bridge connects the town with Stratford. This bridge is about 80 rods long, and has a draw, for the accommodation of the naviga- tion to Derby and elsewhere up the river. The town does some- thing in navigation, and possesses four vessels engaged in foreign trade, and several in the coasting trade ; there being in all 1500 tons of shipping here. There is a convenient harbour at the mouth of the Wapawaug, having suffi- cient water for vessels of 200 tons.
There is a considerable and pleasant village, which is of an- cient date, situated upon the great turnpike road leading through the town, about nine miles west from New-Haven. It comprises, with- in the limits of about a mile square, nearly 100 Dwelling houses, many of which are neat and handsome buildings, a Post-office, 3 Church- es, and several Mercantile Stores. The manufactures and mechanical employments of the town, inde- pendent of those of a domestic kind, are inconsiderable. There are 4 Grain Mills, one of which is a large merchant's mill, for flouring, and contains four run of stones, 3 Fulling Mills and Cloth- iers' works, 3 Carding Machines and 3 Tanneries.
17
130
NORTH-HAVEN .;
The civil divisions of the town are 3 located Ecclesiastical Socie- ties and 11 School Districts. Be- sides the located, there is 1 So- ciety of Episcopalians ; and a pri- mary or common school is main- tained in each of the School Dis- tricts, and 3 Grammar Schools. Thepopulation of the town, in! 1810, was 2674; and there are about 400 Freemen or Electors,
3 Companies of Militia, and about 380 Dwelling houses. The ag-, gregate list of the town, in 1816, was $54,320.
There are in Milford, 4 Church- es, 8 Mercantile Stores, 2 Taverns, 3 Social Libraries, 3 Clergymen, 3 Physicians, and 2 Attornies. This is one of the ancient, towns in the State, and was settled as early as 1638.
NORTH-HAVEN.
NORTH-HAVEN is a town- ship, centrally situated in the county, being 8 miles from New- Haven, and 26 miles from Hart- ford; bounded on the north by Wallingford, on the east by Wal- lingford, Branford and East- Haven, on the south by East-Ha- ven, and on the west by Hamden. Mean length from north to south, 6 miles, with a medium breadth of . nearly 3 miles, comprising about 17 square miles. The township is generally level, but the eastern & western extremities are conside- rably hilly, or mountainous ; the soil is mostly a light sandy loam, and produces rye, corn, &c.
There is an extensive and beau- tiful tract of salt and dike marsh, or meadow, in this town. These meadows produce large quantities of grass, which is usually mowed and stacked upon the land, from whence it is removed in the winter season. Upon the salt marsh, the hay is salt ; but, those meadows which are protected from the salt water, by means of dikes, &are thence call- ed dike marshes or meadows, the grass is fresh, &of a better quality.
The town is watered by the Qui-
nipiack, which runs through it, in a southwesterly direction ; thence upon the borders of New-Haven & East-Haven, and discharges its wa- ters into New-Haven bay. Thisriv- er is navigable for boats to Mans- field's bridge in this town, being 8 miles from its mouth. The tide flows tothis place, and occasions a rise of 4 and a half feet of water.
There are seven or eight shad fisheries in this river, at which there are considerable quantities taken annually. There is a valuable quarry of red sandstone, which is a good freestone.
From the vicinity of this town to New-Haven, and from the light, warm, and sandy character of the soil which favours early vegetation, there' are various culinary vegeta- bles, and particularly peas, culti- vated for the New-Haven market.
The town is accommodated with the Hartford and New-Haven turn- pike, which leads through its west- ern section ; and also by the Mid- dletown and Durham turnpike, which passes through its eastern section.
The population of the town, in 1810, was 1239; and there are 200
131
OXFORD.
A
Electors, 1 company of militia, and about 200 Dwelling houses. The amount of taxable property, inclu- ding polls, is $26,975.
Agriculture is the principal business of the town, but some portion of the men are engaged in seafaring, or maritime pursuits. Manufactures have received but little attention. There are 1 Wool- en Factory, 2 Grain Mills, 2 Ful- ling mills, 1 Distillery, 1 Tannery, 2 Mercantile Stores, & 5 Taverns.
The town contains 1 located Congregational Society & Church, 1 Society of Baptists, and ] of Episcopalians, all of which have houses for public worship. It contains also, 8 School districts and Schools, 2 Social Libraries, 1 Physician, 1 Congregational, and 1 Baptist Clergyman.
North-Haven was settled in 1660, by 35 men, principally from Say- brook, and was incorporated as a town, in October, 1786.
BIOGRAPHY. Dr. Ezra Stiles, late President of Yale College, was a native of this town. Dr. Stiles was the son of the Rev. Isaac Stiles, and was born Dec. 15th, 1727. He was educated at
Yale College, took his first degree in 1746, was chosen Tutor in 1749, and continued in this situation for six years. In 1765, he was ordain- ed minister of the second Congre- gational Church in Newport, R. I. In 1778, he was installed Presi- dent of Yale College, where he continued until his death, May 12th, 1795, in the 68th year of his age. The literary acquirements and character of Dr. Stiles are well known, and justly apprecia- ted; but his character as a scholar, deservingly high as it stood, is in our view, of less importance to his memory, than that conspicuous zeal and patriotic ardour in the cause of his country and of civil liberty, which distinguished him through the whole course of his life. Although at the head of the clerical order, he favoured no views of ecclesiastical aggrandize- ment or power. His whole life was characterized by the humanity and benevolence of his disposition and views ; and his name deserves to be enrolled among the benefac- tors of mankind.
(See Dr. Holmes' account of the life and writings of Dr. Stiles.)
OXFORD.
OXFORD is a post township, situated in the northwestern sec- tion of the county, 14 miles north- westerly from New-Haven, and 40 southwesterly from Hartford ;! bounded on the north by Middle- bury and Waterbury, on the east by Woodbridge and Derby, on the south by Derby, and on the southwest by the Ouatonick riv- er, which separates it from New -!
town, in Fairfield county, and on the west by Southbury. Its mean length from northeast to southwest is about 8 miles, and its mean breadth nearly 5 miles ; compris- ing about 33 square miles. The surface is uneven, being diversified with hill and dale. The prevail- iug soil is a gravelly loam ; but in the western section of the town, it is a calcareous loam, and is gene-
132
SOUTHBURY.
rally fertile and productive. There is a large proportion of forests, the timber of which is principally oak, walnut and chesnut. Consi- derable quantities of wood and timber are annually got to market, principally to New-Haven; but some of which is sent to New- York. The leading agricultural productions consist of wheat, rye, and some other grains, grass, but- ter and cheese ; small meats, fowls, esculent roots and culinary vegeta- bles are sent to New-Haven mar- ket.
The town is well watered ; the Ousatonick washes its southwest- ern border, and the Naugatuck runs through its northeastern sec- tion, in addition to which, there are numerous small streams. Up- on the Ousatonick there are seve- ral shad fisheries. The Woodbury turnpike, leading to New-Haven, passes through this town ; and also the Southbury turnpike leading to the same place, from up the Ousa- tonick river.
Of the mechanical employments and establishments in the town, the most important are, 1 Wool- en Factory, 3 or 4 Limekilns, 1
large Hat Factoty, 2 Fulling Mills and Clothiers' works, 3 Carding Machines, for customers, 3 Grain Mills and 6 Tanneries. There are 3 Mercantile Stores and 1 Pub- lic Inn.
The population of the town, in 1810, was 1445; and there are about 200 Electors or Freemen, about 220 Dwelling houses, and 1 Company of Militia.
The amount of taxable proper- ty, including polls, as rated in the making up of lists in 1816, was $35,020.
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