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 17
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The town contains 1 located Ecclesiastical Congregational So- ciety and 13 School Districts ; be- sides the located, there are 2 Epis- copal Societies, and a Society of Methodists. There is a primary or common School maintained in each of the School Districts, for a suitable portion of the year. There is 1 Social Library, 1 Cler- gyman, 1 Physician and 1 Attor- ney in the town.
Oxford was incorporated, with town privileges, in October 1798, previously to which it belonged to the town of Derby.
SOUTHBURY.
SOUTHBURY is a post town, situated in the northwestern sec- tion of the county, upon the north- east side of the Ousatonick river, 40 miles southwest from Hartford; bounded on the north by Roxbury and Woodbury, in Litchfield coun- ty, on the east by Middlebury, on the southeast by Oxford, on the south and southwest by the Ousa- tonick river, which separatcs it
from Newtown, in Fairfield coun- ty, and on the west by New-Mil- ford, in Litchfield county. The average length of the township, from east to west, is 8 miles, and its average breadth 4 miles, com- prising an area of 32 square miles. The surface is waving, being pleasantly diversified with mode- rate hills and dales. The pre- |vailing soil is a sandy loam, gene-
1
133
WALLINGFORD.
rally warm and fertile. The na- tural growth of timber is decidu- ous ; and it is estimated by our correspondent, that the forests embrace nearly one fourth part of the lands of the township. The agricultural productions consist of rye, corn, oats, flax, potatoes, pork, beef, cider, cider brandy and some others.
The Ousatonick washes the south and southwestern borders of the town ; the Shepaug waters its western section ; and the Pompe- raug runs through its centre from north to south. The two latter are considerable mill streams, and discharge their waters into the Ou- satonick in this town. There are several shad fisheries upon the Ousatonick. The Ousatonick mid- dle road and the Oxford turnpike lead through the town.
The more considerable mecha- nical interests and employments are, 1 Tinware Factory, 4 small Distilleries, 3 Tanneries, 4 Card- ing Machines, 3 Clothiers' works and 4 Grain Mills. There are 6 Mercantile Stores.
The population of the town, in
1810, was 1413, and there about 200 Freemen or Electors, 2 Com- panies of Militia, and about 230 Dwelling houses.
The amount of taxable proper- ty, in 1817, including polls and assessments, was $39,284; of which there was $10,890 for polls, $1445 for assessments, and $26,949 of taxable estate.
The civil divisions of the town are 2 located Ecclesiastical Socie- ties or Parishes, and 8 School Dis- tricts. Besides the located, there is a Society of Methodists, all of which are accommodated with houses for public worship ; and there is a primary School main- tained in each of the School Dis- tricts. There are 1 Social Library, 2 Physicians and 3 Attornies in the town.
Southbury was settled in 1672, and incorporated as a part of Woodbury, to which it then was annexed, in 1674. It was set off from Woodbury, and incorporated as a town, by the name of South- bury, in May 1787; and a few years since, it was annexed to the county of New-Haven.
WALLINGFORD.
WALLINGFORD, a pleasant post township, is situated in the northeastern section of the coun- ty, 23 miles southwest from Hart- ford, and 13 northeast from New- Haven ; bounded on the north by Meriden, on the east by Middle- town and Durham, in the county of Middlesex, on the south by Branford and North-Haven, and on the west by Cheshire. Its mean length, from east to west, is nearly!
7 miles, and its mean breadth nearly 6 miles, comprising an area of about 39 square miles. The prevailing surface of the township is undulating; being pleasantly diversified with mode- rate hills and dales. Upon the Quinipiack there are extensive tracts of valuable alluvial, a con- siderable proportion of which are annually overflown, and the east- ern extremity of the township is
134
WALLINGFORD
mountainous, the Middletown range of mountain forming its boundary in that direction. This township is embraced within the greenstone and argillaceous dis- trict of the State. The mountain- ous tract, upon its eastern borders, consists of greenstone, having an under stratum of argillaceous schis- tus, or clay slate, which generally prevails throughout the town. Of its mineralogy, we have obtained little information. It is said there are some indications of copper ore, and there is a valuable quarry of red sand stone, which is an excel- lent free stone ; being an indura- tion of sand, supported by a clay slate basis. The prevailing soil is a light gravelly Joam, which in some sections approximates to a sandy loam. It is warm and fer- tile, and well calculated both for grain and grazing. It is also very favourable for fruit.
The agricultural productions are rye, corn, oats, grass, flax, ci- der, potatoes, &c. Large quanti- ties of broom corn are annually raised and manufactured into brooms, which are sent abroad for a market. Wallingford plain, situated upon the eastern bank of the Quinipiack, is a very singular tract of land. It is nearly four miles in length, and about three fourths of a mile in breadth, and is the most extensive tract of level land in the State ; and, under its present cultivation, the most ste- rile and barren. Its soil is a coarse sand ; and it seems to be consider- ed so barren as not to be worth cultivation, a considerable propor- tion of it being wholly unenclos- ed. . Yet there is but a very small proportion of it which blows, or but
what has sufficient consistence of soil, or the upper surface of the land, to sustain itsself, and to retain the vegetable substances, and other manures which collect, or are de- posited upon it. Notwithstanding the sterile appearance of this land, it is believed, that by a judicious and ameliorating system of culti- vation ; by the use of clover, sheep, and summer fallow ; or by the ap- plication of some earths or ma- nures, calculated to correct the predominating silicious character of the soil ; it might be rescued from its present condition, a waste and agricultural void, and rendered suitable and valuable for a grain culture.
The town is well watered by the Quinipiack, an interesting and valuable mill stream, which runs through the whole extent of the township. This stream is famous for its mill sites. It affords also some shad fisheries. In the south- east corner of the township is a pond, called Paug Pond. The turnpike from Hartford to New- Haven runs through the western section of this town.
There are some Manufactures - in the town; 1 Woolen Factory, 2 Tin ware Factories, 2 Button Factories, 2 Metal Spoon Facto- ries. The tin ware, buttons and other articles, are mostly sent abroad for a market, and not on- ly promote industry at home, but enterprise abroad. Besides these manufactures, there are 3 Fulling Mills and Clothiers' works, 3 Card- ing Machines, 5 Grain Mills, and 4 Tanneries.
The town contains 2 located Congregational Societies or Pa- rishes, and 11 School Districts.
135
WATERBURY.
In the first Society there is a con- siderable village, having a plea- sant and prospective situation. It contains about 75 Dwelling houses, 2 Congregational and 1 Episcopal Church, a Post-office, Academy, Stores, Mechanics' Shops, &c. Be- sides the located Societies, there is 1 of Episcopalians, 1 of Bap- tists, and 1 of Methodists ; all of. which are accommodated with. houses for public worship. There are 11 primary or common Schools, and one Academy, which usually is attended by about 45 scholars. There are 3 Mercantile Stores, 1 Social Library, 2 practising Physi- cians and Surgeons, 2 Clergymen, one Congregationalist and one Baptist, and 1 Attorney. The || porated soon afterwards.
population of the town, in 1810, was 2325 ; and there are about 400 Electors, 2 Companies of Mi- litia, and about 340 Dwelling hou- ses. The amount of taxable pro- perty, as rated in making up lists, including polls, is $54,827.
Wallingford belonged to New- Haven ; and, before it was incorpo- rated as a town, was called New- Haven Village. The township was purchased by Gov. Eaton, Mr. Davenport and others of New-Ha- ven, in 1638. But the settlement was not attempted until the year 1669, when a committee were ap- pointed by the town of New-Ha- ven, to manage the concerns of the settlement. The town was incor-
WATERBURY.
WATERBURY is a post town- ship, situated in the northwest part of the county, 20 miles distant from New-Haven ; bounded north by Watertown and Plymouth, east by Wolcott and Cheshire, south by Woodbridge and Oxford, and west by Oxford and Middlebury, comprising an area of about 40 square miles ; having an average length of 8 miles, and an average breadth of 5 miles. Its surface is diversified with hill and dale. The soil is generally a gravelly loam, and affords tolerably good grazing, and such productions as are com- mon to this region.
This town is watered by the Naugatuck river, which runs thro' it from north to south. This and other streams afford numerous sites and privileges for mills and ether hydraulic works.
The Waterbury river turnpike passes through this town ; and one leading from Middletown through Meriden extends into it.
Although in this, like the other towns in the county, agriculture is the principal business of the in- habitants ; yet considerable atten- tion has been paid to manufactures of different kinds.
The late war had a favourable influence in stimulating the natu- rally enterprising spirit of our ci- tizens, to engage in various manu- facturing pursuits, thereby develop- ing new resources, and opening a more extensive and varied field of industry. Many of the germs of manufactures, to which the war af- forded life and growth, have been blighted with the mildew of foreign goods, with which the peace inun- dated the country. Many esta-
-
136
WOODBRIDGE.
blishments have fallen, and many individuals, who had invested their whole capitals in the business, have been sacrificed, and others severe- ly injured. On the score of gain, although this was the efficient mo- tive which influenced most of those who engaged in manufactures, the business has been generally unfor- tunate. But it is not uncommon, that pursuits, which are sources of loss and ruin to individuals, are often productive of the greatest and most important public and na- tional advantages. The seeds of manufactures were sown in this country during the war ; and how- ever they may have since declin- ed, or may languish at the present time, they cannot be exterminated. Those who engaged in the business upon a moderate scale, and con- ducted it upon principles of econo- my, have best withstood the shock. Hence the small manufacturing es- tablishments of this town have maintained themselves. They consist of 1 Woolen Factory, 4 Button Factories, 3 of metal and 1 of ivory, and 2 Clock Factories.
There are also. 5 Distilleries, 5 Grain Mills, 2 Fulling Mills, 2 Car- ding Machines, 1 Oil Mill, and º Tanneries. There are 5 Mercan- tile Stores and 4 Taverns.
The town contains 2 located Congregational Societies & Chur- ches, 1 Society of Episcopalians, and 1 of Baptists. It contains 2 villages, one in the centre of the town, having 30 or 40 Dwelling houses ; the other is in Salem So- ciety, and consists of 15 or 20 Dwelling houses.
The town contains 19 School Districts and Schools. Its popu- lation, in 1810, was 2874; and there are 400 Dwelling houses, 350 qualified Electors, and 3 Com- panies of Militia.
The amount of taxable proper- ty, including polls, is $53,622. The professional men are 3 Cler- gymen, 3 Physicians and 4 Attor- nies at law. The town was first settled in 1686.
Dr. Lemuel Hopkins, a distin- guished physician and poet, was a native of this town. (See Hart- ford.)
WOODBRIDGE.
WOODBRIDGE is an interior township of this county, 7 miles from New-Haven, and 40 from Hartford ; bounded on the north by Waterbury and Cheshire, on the east by Hamden, on the south by New-Haven and Milford, and on the west by Derby and Oxford. Its average length from north to south is 10 miles, and its average breadth 4 miles, comprising about 40 square miles.
The township is hilly and moun -!
tainous ; and a portion of the lands, not being calculated for cultiva- tion, have been suffered to remain for timber. There are considera- ble forests in the town, and large quantities of wood are annually carried to New-Haven for a mar- ket. The timber, being of moun- tain growth, is of an excellent quality, and consists of oak of the various kinds, walnut, maple, &c. The soil is a hard gravelly loam ; and the lands, when cleared and
137
WOLCOTT. 1
cultivated, although they are rough and stony, afford good grazing : and butter and cheese, and beef and pork, are the principal agri- cultural productions of the town. The farmers here have paid con- siderable attention to sheep, for the raising of which the lands are well adapted. The town is water- ed by West river, running thence through New-Haven ; and also by the Wapawaug, an inconsiderable stream, whichruns through Milford.
There are two turnpike roads which pass through this town ; one called the Rimmon's Falls turn- pike, and the other the Litchfield turnpike, both of which lead to New-Haven.
There are, in this town, 4 small Distilleries for cider spirits, 3
Grain Mills, 2 Fulling Mills and Clothiers' works, 2 Carding Ma- chines, 1 Tannery, 2 Mercantile Stores and 2 Taverns. There are 2 located Congregational Socie- ties and Churches, and 1 of Epis- copalians, 1 small Society of Me- thodists, 2 Social Libraries, 2 Phy- sicians and 2 Clergymen. There are 10 School Districts & Schools.
The population of the town, in 1810, was 2084 ; and there arc 2 Companies of Infantry, and a part of a Company of Cavalry, of Mi- litia, about 250 Electors, and about 300 Dwelling houses. The amount of taxable property, inclu- ding polls, is $49,013.
Woodbridge was in corporated in 1784, and belonged previously to New-Haven and Milford.
WOLCOTT.
WOLCOTT, a small elevated township, is situated in the north- ern extremity of the county, 22 miles from Hartford ; bounded on the north by Plymouth, in Litch- field county, and Bristol, in Hart- ford county, on the east by South- ington, on the south by Cheshire and Waterbury, and on the west by Waterbury and Plymouth. It com- prises an area of about 18 square miles ; having an average length of 6 miles, and an average breadth of about 3 miles. The township is hilly and mountainous, and is situ- ated in the vicinity of the com- mencement of the granitic dis- trict, which extends through the western section of the State, and comprises a considerable part of Litchfield county.
The soil is a hard, coarse, gra- 18
velly loam, and rather sterile ; the lands however afford tolerable gra- zing, but are rough and stony. The dairy business, or making of butter and cheese, is the leading agricultural interest. :
The town is watered by Mad river, a branch of the Naugatuck, . which is a small but rapid stream.
The Middletown and Waterbu- ry turnpike road, leads through the south part of the town.
· The manufactures and mecha- nical employments of the town, in addition to those of a domestic character, are 2 Distilleries for cider spirits, 2 Grain Mills, 1 Ful- ling Mill, 1 Carding Machine, and 3 Tanneries. There are 2 Mer- cantile Stores and 2 Taverns.
The town contains 1 located Congregational Society and 1 Epis-
138
-
WOLCOTT.
copal Society ; both of which have houses for public worship. It com- prises 7 School Districts & Schools, and it has 1 Social Library, 1 Cler- gyman and 2 Physicians. Its po- pulation, in 1.810, was 952; and /rated in 1796. 1
there are 150 Electors, 1 Compa- ny of Militia, and 150 Dwelling houses. The amount of taxable property, including polls, is $18,504. Wolcott was incorpo-
03
NEW-LONDON
COUNTY.
NEW-LONDON is an ancient maritime county, situated in the southeastern section of the State, `upon Long Island sound ; bounded on the north by Hartford, Tolland and Windham counties, on the east by the county of Windham and the State of Rhode-Island, on the south by Long Island sound, and on the west by the county of Middlesex.
Its form is very irregular, which renders it difficult to give its area with exactness. It has, however, an average length from east to west of about 26 miles, with a medium breadth from north to south of nearly 20 miles ; comprising an area of about 519 square miles.
The following TOPOGRAPHICAL AND STATISTICAL TABLE exhibits a view of the several towns in the county ; their situation, with rela- tion to New-London ; population, according to the census of 1810 ; dwelling houses ; religious societies ; school districts, and post- offices:
Towns.
Post- Popu- Dwelling Religious School Distance from offices. lation. houses. societies. districts. from N. Lon.
New-London. 1
3283
475
4
2
Norwich.
2
3552
568
6
15
13 m. N.
Bozrah.
960
150
2
3
14 m. N. W.
Colchester.
2
2697
450
5
16
19 m. N. W.
Franklin.
1
1161
170
3
9
20 m. N. W.
Griswold.
1
1520
230
2
12
20 m. N. E.
Groton.
1 4451
529
7
25
1 m. E.
Lisbon.
1121
170
3
8
20 m. N. E.
Lyme.
2
4321
567
7
24
16 m. W.
Montville.
1
2187
320
4
13
8 m. N. W.
N. Stonington.
1 2524
360
4
'17
14 m. N. E.
Preston.
1 1764
250
5
.
14
14 m. N.E.
Stonington.
2 3043
450
2
8
13 m. E.
Waterford.
2135
300
11
4 m. N. W.
1
.
140
NEW-LONDON COUNTY.
New-London county is in some respects advantageously located, and possesses superior maritime advantages, having an extensive border upon Long Island sound, which affords numerous bays, in- lets and harbours.
The face of the country, soil and geological character of this county present a conspicuous and characteristic uniformity. The surface is generally uneven, or rather hilly ; but no considerable section of the county is mountain- ous. One of the branches of the eastern granitic range terminates in the western section of this coun- ty, near Connecticut river. Ex- clusive of this small section, which is principally in the town of Lyme, no portion of the county can be considered as mountainous ; but it is generally hilly and elevated, and comprises a small proportion only of alluvial. The hills and eleva- ted tracts are considerably rough and stony ; and hence an inconsid- erable portion of the lands are im- proved for arable purposes. The prevailing soilis a strong, rich, gra- velly loam, corresponding with the features of the primitive gra- nitic geology, which prevail throughout the county. The lands in general are not adapted to a grain culture ; although upon the intervals and other tracts, Indian corn is raised to advantage, and to a considerable extent. Rye and wheat receive less attention ; the principal agricultural interests de- pending upon grazing. There is very little waste land in the coun- ty ; and few if any tracts having a light and sterile soil. The farm- ing interests of the county are re- spectable, and its physical resour-
ces abundant and durable ; al- though the objects of husbandry are not pursued without a greater requisition of agricultural industry than is necessary in some other sections of the State. And this industry is not wanting, as the in- habitants are remarkable for their hardy and persevering habits. But industry is not always connected with enterprise ; and here, as well as in other parts of the State, and more so perhaps than in some oth- er sections, there is an evident want of a spirit of enterprise and improvement in the important concerns of agriculture. But it is gratifying to perceive that exer- tions are making, by the organiza- tion of a County Agricultural Soci- ety, to excite this spirit, to direct the efforts which it may produce, and, in general, to encourage and promote the important interests of husbandry.
RIVERS. The waters of the county are abundant and valuable. Its southern border, for more than thirty miles, is washed by Long Is- land sound, andits western border, for a considerable distance, by Connecticut river ; and the interi- or of the county is intersected and fertilized by the Thames; its two great branches, the Quinibaug and Shetucket ; and numerous otherse- condary streams, some of which are tributary to the Thames, and others discharge their waters into the sound. The Yantic, distin- guished for its cataract and falls, and the valuable hydraulic sites which it affords, unites with the Thames at Chelsea landing. Be- sides this, the Pochaug and Poqua- tanock discharge their waters in- to the Thames ; and the Niantic
141
NEW-LONDON.
empties into Niantic bay upon the sound. In the eastern section of the county, are the Mystic and Paucatuck rivers, the latter of which forms the eastern boundary. The principal harbours are the New-London harbour, which is one of the best in the United States, the Norwich, Stonington, Mystic and Niantic harbours. The com- mercial interests of the county are respectable, although not extend- ing. The fishing business receives great attention, and is more ex- tensively carried on here than in any other section of the State. There are usually from 50 to 60 vessels engaged in the cod, mack- erel and black fisheries. Besides these, the oyster, shad, and other less important branches of the fish- ery business, receive considerable attention ; and recently, in a few instances, the sealing business has been engaged in. The various concerns of the fishing business afford an extensive employment, and are a very productive source of industry. Connected with the maritime interests, is that of ship building, which, in some sections of the county, receives considera- ble attention.
A manufacturing spirit has been
excited in this county, and has pro- duced some important results. In addition to the domestic manufac- tures, which are very extensive and important, the woolen and cotton branches are pursued to a considerable extent, by manufac- turing establishments. There are- 16 Woolen Factories, and 9 Cotton Factories in the county. Of the latter, there are several which are upon an extensive scale. Besides these, there are 15 Cloth Dressing establishments, and 18 Carding Machines, for customers. Of oth- er manufacturing and mechanical establishments, there are 2 Oil Mills, 3 Paper Mills, 2 Forges and 70 Grain Mills.
There are, in the county of New-London, 56 Religious Socie- ties, 23 School Societies, each of which is divided into a convenient number of School Districts, of which there are in all 177; 12 So- cial Libraries, and about 212 Mer- cantile Stores.
The population of the county, in 1756, was 22,844 ; in 1800, 34,888 ; and in 1810, it contain- ed 34,707 ; and the aggregate amount of taxable property, inclu- ding polls, in 1817, was $643,953.
NEW-LONDON.
NEW-LONDON, the semi-seat of justice of the county, and a con- siderable maritime post town, is situated upon the west bank of the Thames, bordering upon the sound, 13 miles south of Norwich, 42 southeast by south of Hartford, and 53 east of New-Haven ; bounded on the north by Waterford, on the
east by the river Thames, which. separates it from Groton, on the south by Long Island sound, and on the west by Waterford. The town- ship is about 4 miles in length, up- on an average estimation, and more than three fourths of a mile in breadth, comprising about 2,400 acres, or nearly 4 square miles.
142
NEW-LONDON.
The geological character of the( township is granitic, and its surface uneven and rough, being hilly and rocky ; the soil is a dry grav- elly loam. Of the natural growth of timber, oak and walnut prevail most ; and the agricultural produc- tions consist of Indian corn and some other grains, bntter, cheese, beef, pork, grass, potatoes and other roots, and culinary vegeta- bles ; but the lands are best adapt- ed to grazing, and the natural qual- ity of the soil must always, in a greater or less degree, control the agricultural pursuits and interests.
The Thames washes the town upon its eastern border, and Long Island sound upon its southern border; the waters of the former are navigable for the largest ves- sels, and afford one of the finest harbours in the world ; it is large. safe abd commodious, and has five fathoms of water. On the west side of the entrance is a light-house, on a point of land which projects considerably into the sound.
The town is accommodated with a number of turnpike roads : one leading to Hartford, one to Nor- wich, (the first road constructed by an incorporated company in the State,) and one to New-Haven passing through Lyme.
From the maritime location of the town, the inhabitants have been led to engage in navigation, com- mercial and fishing business ; which pursuits occupy the attention of a considerable proportion of the earning part of the population of the place, and still greater of its industry and enterprise. The navi- gation business consists, principal- ly, of a coasting trade with the southern states, and a trade with
the West India islands. There are also four packets, which regularly ply between this place and the ci- ty of New-York; but the line of steam boats, which has been estab- lished between these two places, and which runs daily, arriving one day and returning the next, has reduced the number of regular packets. Formerly there was con- siderable foreign navigation carri- ed on at this place, but for some years past it has much declined, & become nearly extinct. At the present time, the fishing business is the most important maritime pursuit; there being 35 fishing smacks engaged therein, which be- long to the inhabitants of this town. The theatre of their labours is principally from Cape Cod to Egg Harbour. Mackerel and black fish are principally taken. but some cod.
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