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 24
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There is a bridge across the har- bour, about a mile and a half from its mouth, 75 rods long, and 24 feet broad, built on trestles, and accommodated with a draw, for vessels to proceed above. This bridge, though originally built by the State, now belongs to an in- corporated company, who are by law allowed to collect a toll upon it.
The surface on which the town is principally built, is a plain or level, about 12 feet above high water mark. There is, however,
196
STRATFORD.
a rise, called golden hill, commen- cing about 100 rods northwest of the centre of the present build- ings, which, after a gradual ascent of about 20 rods, in which the perpendicular elevation is 50 feet, presents a surface of half a mile square, forming a delightful situa- tion for an upper town, from which the eye may at a single glance take a survey of Long Island and the sound for a distance of 30 or 40 miles, with the numerous vessels plying upon the latter ; and more nearly of a champaign country for several miles to the east and west of the town, forming altoge- ther a landscape highly beautiful. The base of this hill appears to be silicious rock, much of which may be easily split into convenient buil- ding stones, while the soil upon it is of sufficient depth, and of the best mould, for trees and cultiva- tion. Several springs of the best water issue from the southeastern side of the hill, from fountains evidently sufficient for the supply of an extensive town.
The earth in the lower town has no where been opened deeper than for wells. The lowest stra- tum discovered is a fine alluvial sand ; next incumbent, is a coarse gravel, then a fine gravel, in the moister parts mixed with clay and some veins of iron ore. The sur- face is a soil formed principally of clay and sand, and naturally the most fertile, and affords excellent gardens.
Of the various roads running in- to the country, one only is a turn- pike, called Bridgeport and New- town turnpike, beginning at Bridge- port and ending at New-Milford.
On the east side of the harbour,
about a mile-above its mouth, the tide waters break out, and take the course of a small stream called Old Mill creek, about two miles upon which stands a large flouring mill of eight run of stones ; the dam forming a bridge, across which is the great stage road from New- Haven to New-York. The land between the two branches, called the Point, is a beautiful level plain, at the lower end of which is a handsome village, called the Old Mill village, although not within the limits of the corpora- tion.
There is a natural canal running from the Ousatonick river into Bridgeport harbour, which is at present useful, and with a little expense might be of vast import- ance, as it would give an inland boat navigation from Bridgeport to Derby. Oysters and clams, both round and long, together with a variety of scale and fin fish, are found plentifully in the harbour and adjoining waters.
The borough contains a popula- tion, by an actual census, of 867 persons, and the point, 222; ma- king an aggregate population of 1089. Within the borough are 92 dwelling houses, on the point, 31, in the whole, 123 ; of which many are handsome two story buil- dings, generally painted white.
There are in the borough, 2 handsome houses for public wor- ship, each having a good bell, one for Episcopalians and the other for Congregationalists.
The principal occupations of the inhabitants arc manufacturcs, trade, commerce and navigation. There are 18 sail of vessels, ma- king 1414 tons, employed princi-
197
STRATFORD.
pally in the coasting and West-In- dia trade. Large quantities of wheat and rye flour, kiln dried Indian meal, rye, corn, oats, flax- seed, pork, beef, butter, lard, ci- der, cider brandy, and a vast vari- ety of other articles, which con- stitute the exports of the place, afford them constant employment. The principal manufacturers are hatters, saddlers, saddle-tree ma- kers, boot and shoe makers, gold and silver smiths, watch makers, watch case makers, plate workers and fan light makers, tinners, comb makers, carriage makers, cabinet makers, tallow chandlers and coopers. The products of the labours of many of these furnish large items in the exports of the place. Of the manufactures here noticed, which are exported for a market, hats, saddles, saddle- trees, combs, boots, shoes and candles are the most important. This is the only place in Connec- ticut where the plate-working bu- siness is carried on ; and the plate which is made here is as handsome, and of as good a quality as any in America. There are also two tanneries, at which large quanti- ties of leather of all sorts are ma- nufactured ; three printing offices, one an extensive establishment, exclusively for books ; from the others are issued two weekly news- papers ; two book-binderies, each of which carries on the business upon an extensive scale, and large quantities of books are bound an- nually ; one pottery, besides a va- ricty of mechanics' shops upon an inferior scale. There are in the borough, 15 large warehouses, 28 mercantile stores, 1 bank, 1 prac-
tising physician, 1 surgeon, 1 law- yer and 1 clergyman.
The most singular and striking characteristic of the inhabitants, is their carefulness in avoiding li- tigation ; and it is perhaps an un- precedentcd fact, that there has not been, in the space of 20 years, a single trial before the County or Superior Court, wherein the parties were both residents in this borough ; and but few in which either of them has lived here.
The borough of Bridgeport is one of the most healthy places in the State, no epidemical or con- tagious disease having ever pre- vailed here, and cases of fever ' very rarely.
Though situated within three miles of Stratford and four of Fair- field, both among the earliest set- tlements of the State, at the close of the revolutionary war, there were not more than 10 or 12 small houses upon the site where Bridgeport has since been built ; so that the place has grown up to its present size and consequence since that period. In 1793, the bridge was built across the har- bour ; in 1798, a fire-engine was provided by the inhabitants, and the village incorporated for its management; in 1800, the bo- rough was incorporated ; and in. 1806, the bank established, hav- ing received a charter from the legislature of the State. In 1810, the census was taken separately, for the first time, by which it ap- peared that the borough then con- tained 572 inhabitants.
The growth of this place has been altogether natural, having never been forced, or received
198
BIOGRAPHY.
any aid or patronage, other than what has arisen from its own.lo- cal advantages and resources ; from which considerations, and from its present flourishing ap- pearances, it is believed thatit will not prove altogether an illusion, to calculate, that at some future period it will become a considera- ble town.
In addition to the borough of Bridgeport, there are several vil- lages in this town ; the one called Old Mill village, which is the most considerable, has already been no- ticcd. There is also the village of Putney, and the village of Oro- noque.
There are in Stratford, exclu- sive of Bridgeport, 2 Physicians, 2 Attornies, 2 Clergymen, and 1 Social Library.
Stratford is an ancient town, having been settled in 1639.
BIOGRAPHY. Gen. David Wooster was a native of this town, and was born in 1711. He was educated at Yale College, and took his first degree in 1738. He commanded the Connecticut sloop of war, in the expedition against Louisburg in 1745, which convey- ed the Connecticut troops. This sloop, together with one from Rhode-Island, which accompanied it in this expedition, engaged the Renonnec, a French frigate of 36 guns, which, although superior in force to both of her assailants, was compelled to sheer off, to avoid being captured. In the French war, he was appointed to the com- mand of one of the regiments, raised by this State for that ser- vice, sustained this command du- ring most of the war, and acquir- ed the reputation of a faithful,;
brave and good officer. From his military experience and character, and the reputation which he had acquired, he was appointed in 1775, at the commencement of the revolutionary war, commander of the Connecticut troops, and was subsequently made a Briga- dier General in the continental ar- my. This commission he soon resigned, and was afterwards appointed the first Major Ge- neral of the militia in Connecti- cut.
In 1777, a party of the British having landed at Compo, and marched from thence to Danbu- ry, for the purpose of destroying the military stores at that place, belonging to the public. General Wooster hastened to oppose them with such force as he could collect on the exigency of the occasion, which consisted of about 300 men. With this inconsiderable force he fell upon the British, as they were retreating, having accomplished the object of incursion, and burn- ed a considerable part of the town. A smart skirmish ensued, in which Gen. Wooster, while gal- lantly fighting in the van of his little party, was mortally wound- ed. This event happened on the 27th April, 1777, and he died on the 2d of May following, at Dan- bury. A monument was voted to be erected to his memory by Con- gress, which, however, has never been donc.
Gen. Wooster was a brave and good officer, an ardent patriot, possesed a respectable understan- ding, and, in his various public and private relations, sustained a character distinguished for integ- rity, benevolence and virtue.
199
WESTON.
TRUMBULL.
TRUMBULL, an interior post township, is situated 4 and a half miles from Bridgeport, 20 from New-Haven, and 55 from Hart- ford ; bounded on the north and east by Huntington, on the south by Stratford, and on the west by Fairfield and Weston. Its average length is about 5 miles, and its aver- age breadth 4 and a half miles, comprising about 22 square miles.
The township is uneven, being diversified with hill and dale ; and the prevailing character of the soil is a gravelly loam, and it is con- siderably fertile and productive. Rye, corn, oats and some wheat are cultivated ; and the lands are tolerably well adapted to the cul- ture of grass, and to grazing.
The geological structure of the township is characterized by gran- itic features, and its natural growth is the same as is common to this region.
The town is watered by Pequan- ock, a small stream which dischar-
ges its waters into Bridgeport har- bour. The Bridgeport and New- Milford turnpike road leads thro' this town.
The population of the town, in 1810, was 1241; and there are 175 qualified Electors, 1 company of militia, and about 200 Dwelling houses. There are 4 Grain Mills, 3 Fulling Mills and Clothiers' works, 3 Carding Machines, and 5 Mercantile Stores.
The town contains 1 located Congregational Society, and 1 So- ciety of Episcopalians, both of which are accommodated with hou- ses for public worship ; 6 School districts and Schools, and 1 small Social Library. There are 2 Phy- sicians, 1 Clergyman and 1 Attor- ney.
The amount of taxable proper- ty, including polls, is $25,100.
Trumbull originally belonged to Stratford, and was incorporated as a town in 1801.
WESTON.
WESTON is situated about 8 miles north from the sound. It is bounded south by the town of Fair- field, east by Trumbull and Hunt- ington, north by Reading & New- town, & west by Wilton and Nor- walk. The extent of the township is nearly 9 miles from east to west, & 6 miles from north to south, con- taining about 50 square miles, or 32000 acres. The surface is uneven & hilly, and the soil a gravelly loam. The geological structure of the town, (which has probably never been examined,) exhibits many ap- pearances of iron ore ; its rock is a coarse granite, micaceous schis-
tus, some silicious stones and felspar. The forests, which are considerably extensive, comprise oak of the various kinds, hickory, maple, bass, white-wood, chesnut, butternut &c., containing much valuable timber.
The lands, when cultivated, produce wheat, rye, oats, maize or Indian corn, buckwheat, flax, all kinds of culinary vegetables, esculent roots, and fruit from plants, vines, shrubs and trees, common to the climate. But rye, oats and corn are the staple agri- cultural productions.
There are several small streams
200
WILTON.
in the town, which afford many valuable sites for mills, and other hydraulic works; the most con- siderable of which, are the Sau- gatuck and its branches, Mill river, and Creker's brook. Many of the privileges which these streams af- ford are advantageously occupied. Agriculture is the principal busi- ness of the inhabitants, who are steady and industrious. The turn- pike road from Fairfield to Dan- bury passes through this town.
The population, according to the last census, is 2618 ; and there are about 450 Electors, and 230 militia. The general list of the town, in 1817, was $57,551.
There are 9 Grain Mills, 12 Saw Mills, 1 Forge for the manu- facture of iron, 4 Distilleries, 4 Tannerics, 3 Carding Machines, 3 Fulling Mills, 14 Mercantile Stores and 380 Dwelling houses.
There is an Academy, possess- ing a considerable fund, which renders it a free School ; the num- ber of district Schools we have not ascertained; 3 Social Libra- ries, 2 Congregational Societies and Churches, 1 Episcopal Church, 1 for Methodists, and 1 Society of
Baptists ; 3 Physicians and 1 At- torney. The town was first settled in 1738, and incorporated in 1787.
In 1808, a meteoric phenome- non occurred in this town. A so- lid mass, or meteoric stone, was precipitated to the earth, accom- panied with a loud explosion. It appears to have been broken in the explosion ; and was found in pieces or fragments. Soon after its descent, it was quite warm; and its fall was attended with the usual meteoric appearances, a bril- liant light, and loud noises. Its general appearance was that of iron ore, its exterior being cover- ed slightly with rust, and small portions of pure malleable iron were intermixed with the mass. This was a very large meteoric stone, it being supposed to have weighed 200lbs. ; and in its fall it penetrated into the earth three feet. There have been few me- teoric masses which have fallen, of equal size with this, although some have exceeded it. Two meteoric stones fell in Verona, one of which weighed 200, and the other 300 pounds.
WILTON.
WILTON is a post township, situated 6 miles north from Nor- walk, and 34 miles westerly from New-Haven. It is bounded on the north by Ridgefield, on the east by Reading and Weston, on the south; byNorwalk, and on the west by New-Canaan and Salem, in the State of New-York. Its extent is about 6 and a half miles in length, and 4 miles in breadth, comprising
about 17000 acres. The surface is broken, there being two ridges which run northerly and southerly, intersecting the town. The soil is a gravelly loam, considerably pro- ductive, and best adapted to a grain culture. Wheat, rye, corn and oats are the principal agricultural pro- ductions. The lands are well adapted to fruit, and afford apples. pears, peaches, &c. The natural
201
WILTON.
growth of timber is similar to other towns in the county, the forests consisting principally of deciduous trees.
The town is watered by two small rivers, which unite near its centre, forming Norwalk river, and numerous small streams. It is well provided with public roads, but is not accommodated with any turnpike, except that the Norwalk and Danbury turnpike runs a short distance in the north section of the town.
There are but few mechanics in Wilton, and the pursuits of the inhabitants are almost exclusively confined to agriculture, being so- ber and industrious farmers.
The population of the town, in 1810, amounted to 1728; and there
are about 250 Freemen or Elec- tors, 140 militia, and 270 Dwelling houses. There are 7 Mercantile Stores, 2 Grain Mills, 4 Saw Mills, 4 Distilleries, 2 Tanneries, 1 Clo- thiers' Works and 1 Carding Ma- chine. The list of the townin 1817, was $38,281.
There is 1 Congregational So- ciety and Church, 1 also of Epis- copalians, and 1 of Baptists. There are 9 Schools, an Academy, somewhat flourishing, 4 Clergy- men and 2 Physicians.
Wilton was incorporated as a Society, previous to 1726, the year in which their first Clergyman was settled, belonging at that time to the town of Norwalk. It was incorporated as a town in 1802.
26
WINDHAM
COUNTY.
WINDHAM, a considerable and flourishing agricultural and manufacturing county, is situated in the northeastern section of the State ; bounded on the north by the county of Worcester, in Mas- sachusetts, on the east by the State of Rhode-Island, on the south and southwest by the coun- ty of NewLondon, and on the
west by the county of Tolland.
The south and west lines of the county are irregular; but its general form is that of an ob- long square, having a mean length, from north to south, of about 29 miles, and a mean breadth, from east to west, of more than 21 miles, comprising an area of about 620 square miles.
The following TOPOGRAPHICAL AND STATISTICAL TABLE exhibits a view of the several towns in the county ; their situation, with re- lation to Windham, the seat of justice ; population, according to the census of 1810; dwelling-houses ; religious societies ; school- districts, and post-offices.
Towns.
Post Popu- Dwelling Religious School Distance from Windham. offices. lation. houses. societies. districts.
Windham.
1
2416
450
4
16
Ashford.
1 2553
420
6
21
15 m. N.
Brooklyn.
1
1200
160
2
8
12 m. N. E.
Canterbury.
1
1812
260
3
14
8 m. E.
Columbia.
1
834
130
1
6
7 m. W.
Hampton.
1274
182
3
10
8 m. N. E.
Killingly.
2
2544
350
4
21
17m. N. E.
Lebanon.
1
2580
370
4
17
6 m. S. W.
Mansfield.
1
2570
360
5
19
7 m. N. W.
Plainfield.
1
1738
300
2
13
12 m. E.
Pomfret.
1
1905
300
4
11
15 m. N. E.
Sterling.
1
1101
179
2
9
16 m. E.
Thompson.
1
2467
450
4
14
24 m. N. E.
Voluntown.
1016
160
3
8
20 m. S. E.
Woodstock.
1 2658
400
5
*
20 m. N. E.
* See Appendix.
203
WINDHAM COUNTY.
The county of Windham is in general a rich and productive ag- ricultural district. Its surface is characteristically a succession of moderate elevations, with gentle declivities ; and its general incli- nation is to the south and east, and most of its waters run in those directions.
With the exception of some part of the borders of Long Island sound, and the beautiful vale of Connecticut river, this county has as mild and as uniform a climate as any section of the State. Al- though this tract is uniformly hil- ly, yet no part of it is mountain- ous, or very elevated. The pre- vailing soil is a primitive, gravelly loam, being a suitable mixture of gravel and siliceous earths. In the greatest portion of the coun- ty, the surface is stony, and con- siderably rough ; so much so, in many sections, as to render it un- suitable for arable purposes. The lands in general are best adapted to grazing ; and many sections af- ford some of the richest and most productive dairy farms in the State. The natural character and adaptation of the soil must always, in a greater or less degree, control its agricultural interests ; and hence, in this county, the dairy business comprises the principal objects of husbandry, and affords its most important staples. Large quantities of cheese, butter and pork are annually sent abroad ; being marketed in Norwich, Pro- vidence, Boston, New-York and the southern States.
Upon the borders of the Quini- baug and Shetucket, and their branches, there are considerable tracts of alluvial, which, with
some other sections, are well adapted to a grain culture, and afford considerable quantities of oats, Indian corn and rye ; par- ticularly of the two first. In the eastern part of the county, there are some sections that are light and lean. The raising of neat cattle and sheep also receives con- siderable attention in this coun- ty ; and in general the agricultural interests are as flourishing in this as in any part of the State; its inhabitants being remarkable for their hardy and persevering habits of industry, the salutary results of which, in the cultivation of the earth, the flourishing state of ag- riculture, the numerous manufac- turing establishments, and the ge- neral condition and appearance of social improvements and of wealth, are every where to beseen.
The waters of the county are mostly embodied in the two prin- cipal rivers by which it is inter- sected, the Quinibaug and She- tucket. The first of these rivers waters the eastern section of the county, and affords some valuable tracts of alluvial. This river re- ceives, in its course, the French, the Moosup, Little river, and va- rious other small streams; which abound with numerous sites for hydraulic works. The Shetucket washes the western section of the county ; its principal tributary streams are the Willimantic and Hop rivers, the former of which forms a part of its western boun- dary, and the Nachaug, which has numerous branches, and abounds with many valuable water privi- leges.
Shad and salmon are taken in the Quinibaug, the Shetucket, and
204
WINDHAM.
their branches ; and the latter, which have long since left the Connecticut, ascend the Quini- baug as high as French river, in Thompson.
Within the last ten years, a ma- nufacturing spirit has disclosed it- self in this county, which, by open- ing new fields for enterprise, new channels for capital, and develop- ing new sources of industry, pro- mises the most important and ex- tensive results. This spirit has been principally directed to the cotton manufacture, which is pur- sued more extensively here than in any other county in this State. There are 22 Cotton Factories in this county, many of which are upon a respectable, and some up- on an extensive scale. Most of these factories were established during the late war ; and at that time they were very flourishing and prosperous; but from the vast and alarming influx of goods, which followed the peace, in com- mon with other establishments throughout the country, they ex- perienced great depression, and exhibited serious appearances of declension, many having stopped their operations ; but for some time past the business has been reviving, and it is gratifying to reflect, that they have survived the crisis, and that it is no longer a problem, whether our cotton fac- tories will be able to maintain|
themselves and pursue the bu- siness ;- it is reduced to a certain- ty that they will. The most scep- tical and the most prejudiced must yield to the force of facts, and the demonstrations of experience. Some attention has been paid to the woolen manufacture. There are 10 small establishments in the county ; and the domestic or household manufactures of wool are extensive, and are facilitated by establishments for carding wool and dressing cloth for cus- tomers, of which there are of the former, 37, and of the latter, 23.
There are in the county 85 Grain Mills, 2 Oil Mills, and 2 Pa- per Mills. Besides these, there are several other manufactures in some sections of the county ; raw and sewing silk, hor combs, and various manufactures of iron, such as steel-yards, screw augers, &c. receive considerable attention.
The county of Windham contains 52 Religious Societies, 31 School Societies, which are divided into a suitable number of School Dis- tricts, of which there are 187, ex- clusive of Woodstock; 23 Social Libraries, & 91 Mercantile Stores.
The population of the county, in 1810, was 21,611 ; and its ag- gregate list, in 1817, $678,629.
Windham county originally be- ilonged to the counties of Hartford and New-London, and was incor- porated as a county in May 1726.
WINDHAM.
WINDHAM, the seat of justice for the county, and a considera- ble post township, is situated 14 miles north of Norwich port, 30 west by Columbia and Lebanon,
east of Hartford, and 44 west of Providence; bounded on the north by Hampton and Mansfield, on the
205
WINDHAM.
on the south by Franklin and Lis- bon, in New-London county, and on the east by Canterbury. The township comprises an area of about 46 square miles ; having a mean length from east to west of about 8 miles, with a medium breadth of nearly 6 miles.
This is a pleasant and fertile in- terior township ; the surface is ge- nerally hilly, particularly the eas- tern section ; but it is not moun- tainous or broken. Its geological character is primitive, the internal strata consisting principally of gra- nite and schistus.
About three miles northwestfrom the Court-House, there is an in- exhaustible quarry of stone, which are very excellent and valuable for building, and a great conven- ience to the town.
The prevailing soil is a dark co- loured gravelly loam ; some sec- tions in the first society or western part of the town are a sandy loam.
The forests are not extensive, but sufficient for the purposes of fuel, and to supply the demands for timber, which the interests of the town require. They consist principally of hickory, oak of the various kinds, and chesnut.
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