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 20
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160
LYME.
ern border of the town, it is wa- tered by the following streams ; Whalebonc, Eight Mile, Falls, Beaver, Lieutenant's, Four Miles, Bridge, Mamacock and Niantic. There is a ferry, accommodated with sail boats, upon the Connec- ticut, maintaining a communica- tion between this town and Say- brook, three miles from the sound. This ferry is established and re- gulated by law, and is constantly attended. Besides this, there are within this town, Ely's, Brock- way's and Comstock's ferries, all of which are established and main- tained by law. The town is ac- commodated with several good harbours, of which those at the mouth of the Connecticut, Lieu- tenant's and Eight mile rivers are most important. The Connecti- cut, throughout the whole extent of the town, has sufficient depth of water, for large vessels, and in general affords safe and good landing places. A part of Niantic bay, upon Long Island sound, is situated within this town.
There are a number of ponds in the town. In the first society or parish are Rodgers' and Black- hall's ponds ; in the second socie- ty, is Smith's, situated upon the linc, and Bride and Pattagawonset ponds ; in the third society are Hog, Norwich and Cedar Ponds.
The fishing business is carried on extensively, is an important in- terest, and employs, in some sea- sons of the year, considerable in- dustry. The shad fisheries in the Connecticut river, which are nu- merous, are very valuable, and a source of great wealth to the town. Large quantities of shad are annu- ally taken, and always have a rea-
dy market; and for some years past at a very advanced price, Connecticut river shad being es- teemed better than any other in the United States. In Long Isl- and sound, shell and black fish are taken considerably plentifully. The town has important advanta- ges for maritime and navigation business ; and there are a number of vessels owned therein, which are employed in the coasting trade.
It is accommodated with the New-London and Lyme turnpike, which passes through it from east to west; and with the Hartford and New-London turnpike, which leads through its northeast corner.
The business of agriculture, fish- ing and navigation, comprise the principal interests of the town ; and those of manufactures can claim only a very subordinate rank. There are 2 Woolen Fac- tories, 1 Paper Mill, 2 Hat Facto- ries, having bowing machines, 8 Grain Mills, 11 Saw Mills, 1 Car- ding Machine for customers, and 3 Tanneries.
The population of the town, in 1810, was 4321, and is estimated at this time at 4500. There are about 500 Electors or Freemen ; 3 Companies of Infantry, 1 of Light Infantry and 1 of Artillery, containing in all about 400 men ; and 567 Dwelling houses.
The aggregate list of the town, in 1816, was $71,888, and the va- luation or assessment of the lands and buildings, in 1815, under the laws of the United States, was $1,307,826.
The civil divisions of the town consist of 3 located Congregation- al Societies or Parishes, and 24
161
BIOGRAPHY.
24 School Districts. Besides the located, there are 2 Societies of Baptists, 1 of Methodists, and 1 of Separatists ; all of which, except the Methodists, are accommoda- ted with houses for public wor- ship.
There are, in the town, 24 pri- mary or common Schools, 3 Social Libraries, 12 Mercantile Stores, 7 Physicians, 2 Attornies and 6 Clergymen, 3 Congregationalists, 2 Baptists and 1 Methodist.
Lyme is a very ancient town, having been settled about the year 1636 ; it was soon after incorpo- rated as a part of the town of Say- brook, and as a distinct town, in 1665 ; and it retains at the present time its original limits, excepting about 2600 acres, which were an- nexed to Montville at the incorpo- ration of that town.
BIOGRAPHY. The Hon. Mat- thew Griswold, distinguished for his many public employments, was a native of this town. Among the important and responsible offices which he was called to fill, were those of chief Judge of the Supe- rior Court, Lieut. Governor of the State, which station he held for a number of years, and Governor, having been elected to that office in 1784. He continued in this si- tuation but one year, being suc- ceeded by Samuel Huntington.
The Hon. Roger Griswold, of this town, was the son of Matthew Gris- wold, and born 21st May, 1762. He was educated at Yale College, and graduated in 1780. Having been admitted to the practice of law in 1783, he soon became extensively engaged in profes- sional business, and acquired a
high reputation, as a profound law- yer and advocate. In 1789, when he was but 32 years of age, he was removed from a lucrative and extensive practice to the councils of the nation ; being elected a re- presentative from this State in the Congress of the United States. In 1801, at the close of President Adams' administration, he was no- minated to be Secretary of War, but declined to accept the office. In 1807, he was appointed a Judge of the Superior Court; and, in 1809, he was elected by the Gen- ral Assembly Lieut. Governor, which office he held until the spring of 1811, when the freemen elected him Governor. In this office he continued until his death, in Oct. 1812. This period, em- bracing the first five months after the declaration of war, was one of peculiar excitement and diffi- culty, and during most of which, Gov. Griswold was subject to an occasionally severe indisposi- tion.
Roger Griswold was a member of Congress for ten years ; embracing a part of the administration of Washington, the whole of that of Adams, and a part of that of Jef- ferson. This was a very import- ant and interesting period, not only from the political everts of this country, but from the great con- vulsions which agitated all Eu- rope ; and it was during this pe- riod, while in the councils of the nation, that Roger Griswold was most distinguished. During a con- siderable partof this time, he rank- ed among the first of his party, and was equally distinguished for his powerful talents in debate, and
21
162
MONTVILLE.
the independence and decision of his conduct. He remained but a short time in his judicial station,
and still shorter in that of chief magistrate.
MONTVILLE.
MONTVILLE, a post township, |inconsiderable. Some attention is situated on the west bank of is paid to the fishing business ; the Thames, 7 miles from its shad are taken in the Thames, in which, and in its various inlets, are also taken some shell and black fish. mouth, the same distance from New-London, and 35 miles from Hartford ; bounded on the north by Bozrah and Norwich, on the There are five ponds or lakes in the town; the most considera- ble of which is Gardiner's lake, situated in its north western section ; and a part of it is in Col- chester and Bozrah. east by the river Thames, which separates it from Preston and Gro- ton, on the south by Waterford, on the west by Lyme, and northwest by Colchester. Its av- erage length, from east to west, is about 8 miles, and its average breadth about 5 miles, comprising about 40 square miles.
This township is embraced with- in the granitic district, bordering upon the sea coast, is uneven and rough, being hilly, rocky and sto- ny. The soil is a coarse, dry, gra- velly loam, considerably strong and fertile, affording good grazing. The waters of the township are abundant and good, its eastern bor- der being washed by the Thames and its numerous inlets ; and there are several small streams dischar- ging their waters into the Thames, that run through its interior, and accommodate its various sections. Many of the inlets upon the Thames afford good and safe an- choring places ; but there is no harbour which is much used. There are two vessels only be- longing to the town ; and its ma- ritime interests are proportionally
The lands in this town being most favourable for grazing, and generally too rough and stony for a grain culture, the principal ag- ricultural productions are cheese, butter, neat cattle and beef ; some Indian corn, rye and flax are rais- ed.
The forests consist of oak, wal- nut, chesnut, and some other de- ciduous trees. The Norwich and Hartford turnpike road leads thro' this town.
In this, like most other towns in the county, domestic manufac- tures are general and important. There are also some manufactur- ing establishments, the most con- siderable of which are of Woolen, there being 3 Woolen Factories. There are also 2 Oil Mills, 1 Dis- tillery, 5 Grain Mills, 2 Clothiers' Works and Fulling Mills, 2 Card- ing Machines and 4 Tanneries.
In this town there was a reserva- tion of a tract of land of 4,000
163
NORTH-STONINGTON.
acres, for the Mohegan Indians ; the remains of which still reside upon it.
The population of the town, in 1810, was 2187; and there are about 300 Electors, 3 Companies of Militia, and 320 Dwelling houses.
The amount of taxable proper- ty, including polls, as rated in ma- king up lists in 1816, was $48,338. There are, in the town, 2 loca-
ted Congregational Societies, 1 Society of Baptists, and 1 Society of Independents or Separatists. It contains also 13 School Districts and common Schools. There are 3 Houses for public worship, 5 Mercantile Stores, 3 Physicians and 3 Clergymen in the town.
Montville originally belonged to New-London, and was incorpora- ted in 1786.
NORTH-STONINGTON.
NORTH-STONINGTON is a post township, situated in the southeastern section of the county and State, 50 miles southeast from Hartford; bounded on the north by Preston, Griswold and Volun- town, (the latter in Windham coun- ty,) èast by Hopkinton, in Rhode Island, southeast by the Paucatuck river, which separates it from the State of Rhode Island, south by Sto- nington, and west by Groton and Preston. Its average length, from east to west is 8 miles, and its av- erage breadth nearly 6 miles, com- prising an area of about 44 square miles. This township is of a gran- itic character, rough, hilly and sto- ny; the soil is a gravelly loam, considerably strong and fertile, af- fording good grazing. The natu- ral growth of timber consists of oak, chesnut, walnut, &c. The ag- ricultural productions comprise butter, cheese, beef, pork, lard, flax, wool, and some others.
The township is well watered by the Paucatuck, its branches, and other small streams, which af- ford numerous sites for mills and other water works.
A turnpike has been authorized, leading from New-London into the
State of Rhode Island, which will pass through this town.
Agriculture is the principal busi- ness of the inhabitants, who are re- markable for their habits of indus- try and economy ; and for the com- mendable simplicity and plainness of their manners and style of living. In the various calamities and em- barrassments which our country has experienced, calculated to weaken the force of patriotism, and awaken a spirit of disaffection, the inhabitants of this town have been characterized by a firm and steady adherence to the interests of their country ; unappalled by difficulties, and unshaken by dis- couragements, arising from the novel and peculiar state of the po- litical world. Although generally agriculturalists, they have paid some attention to manufactures. There is 1 Cotton Factory, 1 Wool- en Factory, 2 Fulling Mills & Clo- thiers' works, 2 Carding Machines, 5 Grain Mills and 3 Tanneries. There is also considerable mercan- tile busines done in the town, there being 16 Dry goods and Grocery Stores.
The population of the town, in 1810, was 2524 ; and there are a-
164
PRESTON.
STONINGTON.
bout 350 Freemen or Electors, 3 entire companies of militia, and a part of another company, and about 360 Dwelling houses.
The amount of taxable proper- ty, as rated in making up lists, in- cluding polls, is $46,350.
The town contains one located Congregational Society, two So- cieties of Baptists, and one Society of Separates or Independents ; all
of which are accommodated with houses for public worship.
There are 17 primary or com- mon Schools, one in each district, which are maintained a suitable proportion of the year; 1 Social Library, 4 Public Inns, 3 Clergy- men, 1 Physician and 1 Attorney. This town originally belonged to Stonington, & was made a distinct & independent corporation,in1808.
1
PRESTON.
PRESTON, a considerable post township, 44 miles from Hartford; bounded on the north by Griswold, on the east by Griswold and North- Stonington, on the south by Groton, on the west by the Thames and Quinibaug rivers, which sepa- rate it from Norwich, Montville and Lisbon. Its average length is about 7 miles, and its breadth a- bout 4 and a half miles, comprising an area of about 30 square miles. The township is uneven, consist- ing of hill and dale ; it is stony and rocky, and the soil a gravelly loam, considerably fertile & productive. It is better adapted to grazing than to grain, but considerable Indian corn is raised, and some rye and oats. Butter, cheese, beef, pork and lard are among the agricultu- ral productions, of which there are more than a supply for the inhabi- tants.
The western border of the town
is washed by the Quinibaug and Thames. There are several small streams passing through itsinterior. Ames' lake or pond, an incon- siderable body of water, is situated in this town.
The population of the town, amounts to 1764 persons ; and there are about 250 Dwelling hou- ses, 250 Electors, and about 150 militia.
The amount of taxable proper- ty, including polls, is $40,428.
There are 3 Grain Mills, 5 Mer- cantile Stores & 3 Tanneries. The town contains 2 located Congre- gational Societies, 1 Society of Baptists, 1 Society of Episcopa- lians, and 1 of Separates or Inde- pendents ; 14 School districts and Schools, and 2 small social Libra- ries. There are 3 Physicians, 1 Attorney and 2 Clergymen.
This town was settled in 1686.
STONINGTON.
STONINGTON, a flourishing|| miles southeast from Hartford, and post town, is situated in the south-| |62 east from New-Haven. It is east corner of the State, being 55 bounded north by North-Stoning-
165
STONINGTON.
ton, east by Paucatuck river, which separates it from Rhode-Island, south by Fisher's Island sound and Paucatuck bay, and west by Mys- tic river, which separates it from Groton.
The area of the town is equal to about6square miles, or 23000 acres.
The town is uneven, being hilly and rocky, but the soil, which is a gravelly loam, is rich and fertile, and admirably adapted to grazing ; the dairy business, or making of cheese and butter, being the lead- ing agricultural interest. Barley, corn and oats are cultivated.
There are no rivers within the town deserving notice; the Pau- catuck, which runs upon its east- ern border, and separates it from Rhode-Island, and the Mystic, that forms its western boundary, and separates it from Groton, are short but considerable streams.
There is an arm of the sea ex- tending from Stonington harbour northeasterly, over which is Qua- naduck stone bridge. A turnpike runs from New-London through Groton and Stonington, and inter- sects the turnpike road from Pro- vidence to Westerly, in the State of Rhode-Island.
There are 1100 tons of shipping owned in this town, which are em- ployed either in the business of fishing, or in the coasting and West India trade, and which furnish em- ployment to a portion ofthe inhabit- ants. The maritime situation and interests of the town have given a direction to the pursuits and habits of its citizens ; and Stonington has become conspicuous, as a nursery of seamen, distinguished for their enterprise, perseverance and cou- rage.
But although principally enga- ged in the pursuits of agriculture, fishing and navigation, other im- portant interests have not been neglected. There are few towns in the State that have done more in certain branches of manufac- tures ; there being two Woolen Factories and one Cotton Factory upon an extensive scale in the town.
The civil divisions of Stoning- ton are 1 Ecclesiastical Society, 8 School Districts, and an incorpo- rated borough.
STONINGTON BOROUGH, incorpo- rated by the Legislature in 1801, is situated on a narrow point of land of about half a mile in length, at the eastern extremity of Long Isl- and sound. On its east side lies Paucatuck bay, and on its west the harbour, terminating in Lambert's Cove. It has four streets running north and south, intersected at right angles by nine cross streets, and contains about 120 Dwelling houses and Stores. It also has 2 Houses for public worship, an Aca- demy, where the languages are taught, and 2 common schools, 2 Rope walks, commodious wharves and ware-houses for storage.
The fisheries have for a long time been prosecuted with indus- try and success by the inhabitants, who employ from 10 to 15 vessels in this business ; which annually bring in about 7000 quintals of codfish, & 1000 bbls. of mackerel, besides most other species of fish which are taken by smaller vessels and boats. There is also a brig engaged in the sealing business, in the Pacific ocean ; three packets which ply regularly between this port and New-York ; a pilot boat
166
BIOGRAPHY.
to cruise for vessels on the coast bound in ; and a number of vessels employed in the coasting trade, which carry to the southern mar- ket their fish, with the cheese, bar- ley &c. of the adjacent country. Many fine ships and brigs are built here for the' New-York market.
In the census of 1810, the town contained 3043 inhabitants ; and there are now 335 qualified Elec- tors. There are 20 Mercantile Stores, 4 Grain Mills, 3 Carding Machines, 1 Pottery & 1 Tannery. There is a Public Arsenal belong- ing to the United States, which is a substantial brick building; 2Chur- ches, one for Congregationalists and one for Baptists ; 1 Academy or Grammar School ; 8 district or common Schools ; 3 Attornies, and 3 practising Physicians.
The general list of the town, in 1817, was $45,991.
Stonington was first settled in 1658, by emigrants from Reho- both, in Massachusetts. The set- tlement was commenced upon the Paucatuck, being then called the plantation of Southerton.
This town has become celebra- ted for the spirited and successful resistance which it made to the at- tack and bombardment of Sir Tho- mas Hardy, during the late war. The enemy's squadron, which con- sisted of the Romulus 74, the Pac- tolus frigate of 38 guns, brig Des- patch, of 18, and a bomb ship had lain off the harbour for some time ; the British commodore having re- peatedly threatened that he would destroy the borough, which he considered as entirely defenceless. On the 9th of August, 1814, the brig came up the harbour, within
convenient cannon shot of the town, and commenced firing upon it, which occasioned the utmost alarm and confusion ; it being sup- posed by many of the inhabitants, that the threats of the magnani- mous commodore were now to be put in execution, and that the beautiful borough of Stonington would soon be no more.
At this critical moment, when all was confusion and dismay, a " gallant Spartan band" of volun- teers were enabled to procure two 18 pounders, with which they commenced firing upon the brig, and with such effect, that, altho' they were exposed in the most imminent degree to her fire, she was compelled to cut her cables, after having sustained much dam- age in her hull, and suffered se- verely in killed and wounded.
The defence of Stonington has few examples in the annals of na- val warfare, and reflects much cre- dit on the town, and the 'heroic band' of volunteers.
BIOGRAPHY. Among the ci- tizens of this town, who have been distinguished for their abilities, public services, virtues and patri- otism, our correspondent notices the following :
Nathaniel Miner, who was a law- yer of unimpeachable integrity ; much esteemed for his acquire- ments, his probity & exemplary life.
Dr. Charles Phelps, who died in 1808 ; he came to the town in early youth, and for many years was a Judge of the Court of the County, and of the probate Court of the District ; possessing, in an eminent degree, the confidence of his fellow-citizens.
167
/
WATERFORD.
Capt. Amos Palmer, who was dis- tinguished for his integrity, his re- publican principles, and his patri-|
otism. He was repeatedly elect- ed to represent the town in the le- Igislature of the State.
WATERFORD.
WATERFORD is a maritime//bitants of this town ; oysters, clams, township, situated on Long Island| black fish and mackerel are taken. sound, 4 miles from the city of Although agriculture, fishing and other maritime pursuits are the leading occupations of the inhabi- tants ; yet manufactures have re- ceived some attention. There are 2 Woolen Factories, 2 Ful- ling Mills and Clothiers' works, 3 Carding Machines, 4 Grain Mills, 1 Tannery & 4 Mercantile Stores. New-London, and 37 from Hart- ford; bounded on the north by Montville, on the east by New- London and the Thames, on the south by Long Island sound, and on the west by Lyme. Its average length is 7 miles, and its average breadth 5 miles, comprising an area of 35 square miles.
The surface is uneven, being diversified with hill and dale ; the soil is a gravelly loam.
The agricultural productions consist of grass, Indian corn, but- ter and cheese, and beef and pork. The lands are better adapted to grazing than to grain, of which there is little cultivated except Indian corn.
The eastern border of the town- ship is partly washed by the Thames; and the Niantic and Jordan rivers, together with seve- ral small streams, run through it. The Niantic river discharges its waters into a bay of the same name, which is of three or four miles in extent, and is navigable for sloops of 20 tons.
The fishing business receives considerable attention by the inha-lled to New-London.
The population of the town, in 1810, was 2185, and there are 3 Companies of Militia, 200 Free- men or qualified Electors, and about 300 Dwelling houses.
There are several turnpike roads that pass through this town ; one leading from New-London to Hartford, one from thence to New-Haven, and one to Norwich.
The amount of taxable proper- ty, including polls, is $33,933.
This town does not contain any Congregational Society, but has two Societies of Baptists, both of which are accommodated with , houses for public worship. There are 11 School Districts & Schools, 1 Social Library, 2 Clergymen and 2 Lawyers.
Waterford was incorporated in 1801, until which time it belong-
FAIRFIELD
COUNTY.
FAIRFIELD is an ancient ma- ritime county, pleasantly situated upon Long Island sound, in the southwest section of the State ; bounded on the north by Litchfield county, on the northeast and east by the Ousatonick river, which se- parates it from the county of New- Haven, and, for a short distance, from the county of Litchfield, on the southeast and south by Long
Island sound, and on the southwest and west by the State of New- York.
The county lies in a triangular form, and has an average length from east to west of about 30 miles, and a mean breadth from north to south of about 21 miles ; compri- sing and area of about 630 square miles.
The following TOPOGRAPHICAL AND STATISTICAL TABLE exhibits a view of the several towns in the county ; their situation, with rela- tion to Fairfield ; population, according to the census of 1810; dwel- ling-houses ; religious societies ; school districts, and post-offices.
Towns.
Post- Popu- Dwelling Religious School Distance from offices. lation. houses. societies. districts. Fairfield.
Fairfield.
2 4137
550
6
16
Danbury.
1 3606
550
7
17
20 m. N. W.
Brookfield.
1 1037
150
2
8
24 m. N. W.
Greenwich.
1
3553
500
6
17
25 m. S. W.
Huntington.
2
2770
400
6
18
15 m. N. E.
New-Canaan. 1
1599
260
2
9
15 m. N. W.
New-Fairfield.
772
130
2
6
26 m. N. W.
Newtown.
1
2834
400
7
15
19 m. N.
Norwalk.
1
2983
400
3
13
10 m. W.
Reading.
1
1717
260
3
11
14 m. N. W.
Ridgefield.
1
2103
300
5
12
18 m. N. W.
Sherman.
949
130
2
6
30 m. N. W.
Stamford.
1
4440
600
8
11
20 m. S. W.
Stratford.
2
2895
420
6
10
8 m. E.
'Trumbull.
1 1241
200
2
6
8 m. N. E.
Weston.
2618
380
5
*
8 m. N.
Wilton.
1 1728
270
2
13 m. N. W.
" See Appendix.
169
FAIRFIELD COUNTY.
Fairfield county is pleasantly and advantageously situated, hav- ing a maritime border upon Long Island sound, of nearly forty miles, indented with numerous bays and inlets, affording extensive advanta- ges for commerce. This border, through most of its whole extent, affords the most charming and in- teresting landscapes ; some sec- tions present extensive tracts of marine alluvial ; and, with the ex- ception of the western extremity, it is in general level, and a highly pleasant and interesting country, affording many beautiful views of the sound, and being diversified with its numerous bays and inlets. Proceeding from the sound into the interior, there is a very gradu- al rise to the most elevated sec- tions of the county, which overlook the intervening tract, and afford an interesting view of Long Island sound. The face of the country is, in general, agreeably diversified with hills and dales. No section of it can be considered as mountain- ous, although, in the northwestern part, there are ridges of consider- able extent : and many of the hills are very elevated and continuous, and the vallies deep and extensive. The soil, which in general is a primitive, gravelly loam, is, with few exceptions, strong and fertile. It is, in general, well adapted to arable purposes, and a considera- ble proportion of the lands are assigned to a grain culture. The county of Fairfield is a rich farm- ing district, and contains abundant natural resources of agricultural opulence. The various objects of husbandry, common to the State, are attended to here ; and of the productions cultivated, more par-
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