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 25
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The agricultural productions comprise all which are common to this region; beef, pork, butter, cheese, Indian corn, rye, oats and buckwheat are the principal. Of most or all of these productions, there is annually a considerable surplus, which is sent abroad for a market.
The waters of the town are abundant and pure. The princi- pal streams are the Willimantic and Nachaug; the former enter-
ing this town from the northwest, and the latter from the north. They unite about two and a half miles northwest from the Court- House, in this town, and form the Shetucket, a considerable and pleasant river. These and other small streams afford numerous sites for hydraulic works. They are also supplied with fish, consi- derable quantities of shad and some salmon being annually ta- ken in the Shetucket, Willimantic and Nachaug rivers. Across the Shetucket, within this town, there are three expensive bridges ; one considerable bridge upon the Wil- limantic, and two upon the Na- chaug, all of which are maintain- ed at the expense of the town.
It is accommodated with seve- ral turnpike roads ; two of which intersect each other at right angles in its centre, one leading from the State of Massachusetts to Norwich and New-London, the other leading from Hartford to Providence ; there is also a turn- pike leading from this place to. Middletown.
The manufacturing and mecha- nical establishments of the town consist of 2 Paper Mills, 3 Fulling Mills and Clothiers' works, 3 Car- ding Machines, 8 Grain Mills and 10 Saw Mills.
The population of the town, in 1810, was 2416; and there are about 400 Electors, 3 Companies of militia, two of Infantry and one of Artillery, and 450 Dwelling houses.
This town contains two Parish- cs or located Ecclesiastical Socie- ties, one called the First Society, the other Scotland Society ; be- sides these there are two Societies
206
BIOGRAPHY.
of Baptists, all of which are ac- commodated with houses for reli- gious worship.
In the first located Society there is an ancient and pleasant village. It has an interesting site, and is surrounded with a delightful rural scenery. It contains between 60 and 70 Dwelling houses, the Court House and Gaol of the county, 1 Church, a Post office, several professional offices, 1 small News- paper and Printing establishment, a number of Mercantile Stores, Mechanics' shops, &c. The mer- cantile business of the town is considerable, there being 15 Dry goods and Grocery Stores, 13 in the first Society and 2 in the So- ciety of Scotland.
The town contains 16 School Districts and common Schools, which are maintained a suitable portion of the year. There are 8 practising Attornies, 3 Physicians and 2 Clergymen.
The first settlement of this town was commenced about the year 1686. The Indian title to the tract of land comprising this town- ship was acquired by John Mason and thirteen other persons, by de- vise from a Mohegan sachem, the son of Uncas. In 1676, it was surveyed and laid out in lots ; but the settlement was not at- tempted until about ten years af- ter. It was incorporated in May 1692, by the name of Wind- ham.
BIOGRAPIIY. Col. Nathan Whiting, distinguished for his mi- litary services during the French war, was a native of this town. Hle was cducated at Yale College, and took his first degree in 1743. At an carly period of the French
war, in 1755, he commanded a re- giment, under Sir William John- son. He belonged to the detach- ment commanded by Col. Will- iams, which was ordered out to meet Baron Dieskau ; and being the second officer in rank, after the fall of Col. Williams, the com- mand of the detachment devolved upon him; and he conducted its retreat with great judgment, skill andintrepidity, whereby he preser- ved his men, under circumstances of extreme peril. In this affair he acquired distinguished honour. Col. Whiting was regarded as a brave, skilful and good officer, not only by his own countrymen, but by the British, who, during the war, had an opportunity of wit- nessing his conduct.
Col. Eliphalet Dyer, L. L. D. distinguished for his civil and mi- litary employments, was a native of this town. Col. Dyer was born 28th September, 1721, and was a descendant of Thomas Dyer, who emigrated from England. He was educated at Yale Col- lege, where he received his first degree in 1740. Soon after this, he entered upon the study of law, which he pursued as a profession. In 1743, when he was but 22 years of age, he was appointed a Justice of the peace ; and in 1745 he was chosen a representative of the town in the General Court, and continu- ed to be elected to this office, a few sessions excepted, until the year 1762. At the commence- ment of the French war, in 1755, he was appointed to the command of one of the regiments raised by the colony of Connecticut for that service. He continued in the ser- vice, having the command of a
207
ASHFORD.
regiment, during most of the war, and acquired considerable reputa- tion as a faithful and brave officer. In 1762, he was elected a member of the Council, and continued in this situation for several years. In 1763, he went to England, having been constituted the Agent of the Susquehannah Company, to pro- secute their claims in Great-Bri- tain. At this period a spirit of jealousy and hostility to the rising prosperity and the rights of the co- lonies, began to disclose them- selves in the parent country ; of which, and of the ultimate policy and designs ofthat country, Col.Dy- er discovered clear indications, and communicated his views and ap- prehensions on his return. He was appointed a Delegate from this State to the Continental Con-
gress, holden at Philadelphia, in 1766. He was also appointed a Delegate to the Congress of 1774, which preceded the commence- ment of the Revolutionary war; and during the interesting period of this momentous contest, he was, a considerable portion of the time, a member of that dignified and important body. He was appoint- ed a Judge of the Superior Court of this State, and subsequently Chief Justice, which office he held until the year 1793, which closed a very protracted public life. He died in 1807, aged 86 yearsy having lived during a very inter- esting period of our history, and taken a part in many of the im- portant events by which it is.cha- racterized.
ASHFORD.
ASHFORD, a post town, is situ- ated 31 miles east from Hartford. It is bounded west on Willington, north on Union and Woodstock, east on Pomfret, and south on Hampton and Mansfield. The area of the town comprises about 59 square miles, being about 9 miles in length, & nearly 7 in breadth. The surface of the land is hilly and stony, the soil being hard and gravelly, yet considerably fertile, and well adapted to grazing. The dairy business and growing of cattle, are the leading agricultural inter- ests of the inhabitants, although rye, corn, oats, flax &c. are culti- vated.
The streams in Ashford, scarcely deserve the character of rivers, the most considera-
ble are the Bigelow, Mount Hope and Still rivers. Crystal pond is situated in the northern part of this town, being about half in Ashford and half in Pomfret; it is one mile in length, and half a mile in breadth.
There are a number of roads either passing through or centring in this town ; the middle turnpike from Hartford to Boston passes through it; the Providence turn- pike leaves the Boston road one mile east of the central meeting house ; the Tolland county turn- pike intersects the Boston road two miles west of the aforesaid meeting house ; and there is a turn- pike road that runs through the north section of this town from Stafford to Woodstock.
208
BROOKLYN.
There is a small but pleasant village in the centre of the town, and another in the east Society. The inhabitants, who, like those of the other towns in the county, are' principally agriculturalists, are hardy, persevering, industri- ous and economical.
The population of the town, in 1810, was 2538 ; there are, at this time, more than 400 Freemen or qualified Electors, about 420 Dwel- ling houses, 7 Churches, 3 for Con- gregationalists, 3 for Baptists and 1 for Methodists; 8 Mercantile Stores, 1 Cotton Factory, 1 Wool- en Factory, 6 Grain Mills, 9 Saw Mills, 4 Carding Machines and 5 Tanneries. There are 3 local So- cieties and 21 School districts in Ashford, and 3 small Social Libra- ries ; 2 practising Attornies, 3 Phy- sicians and 4 Clergymen,
The list of polls and rateable es- tate of the town, in 1817, was $75- 000.
Ashford was first settled in 1700, and was incorporated in 1710.
BIOGRAPHY. The brave Col. Thomus Knowlton, who fell in the battle near Hærlem heights, in September 1776, was a native of this town. He was an intrepid sol- dier, an ardent whig, a true patriot and a worthy citizen. He was among the first who rallied round the standard of Independence, giv- ing the country that warlike atti- tude, necessary to sustain it ; and at an early period, sacrificed his life for the cause of liberty and his country, in which he had engaged with patriotic ardour and chival- rous heroism.
BROOKLYN.
BROOKLYN, a post town, is situated 45 miles east from Hart- ford, 80 miles northeast from New- Haven, and 30 miles west from Providence. It is bounded south on Canterbury, west on Hampton, north on Pomfret, and east on Quinibaug river, which divides it from Killingly and Plainfield.
The area of the town is nearly 6 miles in length from north to south, and 5 in breadth from east to west, containing about 29 square miles. It is uneven, consisting of hill and dale, and somewhat stony ; but is very fertile, and ad- mirably adapted to grazing.
and very extensively. " I can as- sert, with confidence," says our correspondent, " that there is no town in the State, of the same magnitude, which makes annually an equal quantity of cheese and pork." A good dairy farm, pro- perly stocked and attended to, af- fords great profits, and possesses, in many respects, important ad- vantages over a grain farm. The lands are less exposed to become exhausted, and to require to be restored by manures, or an ameli- orating system of cultivation.
The streams in the town arc inconsiderable ; the largest is Blackwell's brook, so called, which is not more than ten
The dairy business, which is the leading agricultural interest, is carried on in a successful manner, / yards broad in common water.
209
CANTERBURY.
Quinibaug, which runs on the east line of the town, is a considera- ble stream, over which is a bridge leading to Killingly, and one also on the road to Plainfield. There is a small shad fishery on the Qui- nibaug river. The turnpike road from Norwich to Woodstock runs through the town from south to north.
In the centre of the town there is a small village consisting of about 20 Dwelling houses, a Con- gregational Church, and 2 Mer- cantile Stores and other buildings.
There were, at the census of 1810, 1200 inhabitants ; there are 150 Freemen and 100 Militia, in the town, 160 Dwelling houses, 2 Dry goods and 1 Grocery Store,
3 Grain Mills, 3 Saw Mills, 2 Tan- neries and 1 Carding Machine.
"The town forms but one located Congregational Society ; and con- tains, besides, a Society of Epis- copalians, and some Baptists. It contains 8 School Districts, in each of which a school is main- tained for several months in the year, and 1 small Social Library. There are 2 Clergymen, 1 Attor- ney and 1 Physician.
The general list of polls and taxable estate in 1817 was $32,783.
Brooklyn was formerly a Society, composed of the towns of Pom- fret and Canterbury ; and was in- corporated as a town in May 1786, by an act of the General Assem- bly.
CANTERBURY.
CANTERBURY is a post town- ship, 40 miles east from Hartford ; bounded on the north by Brooklyn, on the east by Plainfield, on the south by Lisbon and Griswold, and on the west by Windham, having an average length of 8 miles, and an average breadth of 4 and a half miles, containing an area of about 36 square miles.
Its surface is uneven, though it can scarcely be called hilly, and some sections are level. The soil is a gravelly loam, and gene- rally fertile and productive.
The natural growth of the fo- rests is oak of the various kinds, chesnut and other deciduous trees. The lands, when cultivated, pro- duce rye, corn, oats, wheat, buck- wheat and flax in great abundance.
The town is watered by the Qui- nibaug river, which here is a large
and beautiful stream. It annually overflows its banks, and fertilizes the fine tracts of alluvial upon its borders. These natural meadows are very fertile, and afford the lar- gest crops, and at the same time are cultivated with the greatest facility.
There are two large bridges across this river, one called Bacon's bridge, and the other Butler's bridge. There are several shad fisheries upon this stream ; the bu- siness is carried on in the proper season successfully, and to consi- derable extent. It is a conve- nience to the town, and a source of profit to the proprietors. Lit- tle river also, an admirable mill stream, runs through the town, and affords a number of sites and privileges for water-works, which are unrivalled by any in the coun-
27
210
COLUMBIA.
ty. In the south part of the town is a pond, called Bates' pond. It is famous on account of its wa- ters being stored with pike, or pic- kerel, which are taken very plen- tifully with the hook.
The town is accommodated with the Norwich and Woodstock, and the Hartford and Plainfield turnpike roads ; the former leads through the town from north to south; the latter from east to west; whereby they intersect each other in the village in the first society.
There are 2 located Congrega- tional Societies, in each of which there is a small and pleasant village, consisting of a number of Dwel- ling houses, Stores, and a Church, or house of public worship. Al- though in this, as well as in the other towns in the county, agricul- ture is the leading pursuit of the inhabitants, yet some attention has been paid to manufactures. Exclusive of those of a domestic character, the manufactures and mechanical employments of the town consist of 1 Woolen Facto- ry, 2 Cotton Factories, 1 Carding Machine, 2 Fulling Mills and Clo-
thiers' Works, 1 Pottery, 7 Grain Mills, 9 Saw Mills and 2 Tanne- ries. There are 7 Mercantile Stores.
The population of the town, in 1810, was 1812; and there are 260 Dwelling houses, 280 Elec- tors, and 130 Militia.
The amount of taxable proper- ty, including polls, is $44,259.
There are 14 School Districts and Schools, and 1 Social Libra- ry, recently purchased at an ex- pense of 800 dollars, 2 Clergymen, and 3 Attornies.
The first settlers of this town consisted of several families from Massachusetts, and several from Hartford in this State. The set- tlement was commenced on the Quinibaug river, in 1690; the town was incorporated in 1706 ; when the inhabitants were for the first time led to the choice of a repre- sentative to the General Assem- bly. The year after, the Rev. Samuel Estabrooke was settled in the ministry, being the first cler- gyman in the town. He continu- ed in this situation until his death, in 1727.
COLUMBIA.
COLUMBIA, a post town, is situated 22 miles east from Hart- ford. It is bounded on the north by Hop river, which separates it from Coventry, on the east by Wind- ham and Lebanon, south by Le- banon, and west by Hebron. It has an average length of about 5 miles, and is 4 miles in breadth ; comprising 20 square miles, or near 13,000 acres.
The township is uneven and hil- ly ; and the soil is a coarse gra- velly loam, being hard and dry, yet well adapted to grazing, and considerably productive. The rai- sing of cattle, and the making of cheese, are the leading agricultur- al pursuits. Rye, corn, oats and flax are cultivated.
The hills are stony, consisting granite, schistus and other
of
211
HAMPTON.
primitive formations. The fo- rests consist of oak, chesnut and other deciduous trees.
The northern border of this town is watered by Hop river, a lively Mill stream, which unites with the Willimantic. It would hardly be supposed, from the ap- pearance of this stream, that it was the resort of salmon; yet such is the fact. At a small fishery at the mouth of this river, on its junction with the Willimantic, some salmon are caught annnally in the spring of the year.
This townis accommodated with the Norwich and Hartford turn- pike, and also with one from Mid- dletown to Windham.
The town constitutes but one located Society.
Its population, in 1810, was 834; and it now contains 122 Dwelling houses, and 1 company of Militia. It contains 3 Distille- ries, 2 Tanneries, 4 Grain Mills, 1 Fulling Mill, 1 Carding Machine, 6 Saw Mills, 2 Mercantile Stores, 6 District Schools, 1 Congregation- al Church, 1 Clergyman, 2 Attor- nies and 1 Physician.
The amount of taxable polls and estate of the town is $22,- 228.
Columbia was formerly a part of the town of Lebanon, and was in- corporated in 1800.
HAMPTON.
HAMPTON is a post township, situated near the centre of the county, 8 miles northeast from Windham, and 37 east from Hart- ford; bounded on the north by Ashford and Pomfret, on the east by Pomfret, Brooklyn and Canter- bury, on the south and southwest by Windham, and on the west by Mansfield. Its average length is 6 miles, and its average breadth more than 4 miles, comprising about 25 square miles.
The surface is uneven, being considerably hilly. The soil is a gravelly loam, the geological cha- racter of the township being gra- nitic. It is considerably strong and fertile, and is well adapted to grazing.
The natural growth of timber consists of oak, walnut, chesnut and other deciduous trees.
Of the agricultural interests of the town, those depending upon the dairy business are the most important ; butter, cheese, beef and pork are sent abroad for a market. The farmers in this town also have paid considerable atten- tion to the raising of sheep, and considerable quantities of wool are annually produced, most or all of which is manufactured in a domestic way.
The domestic manufactures of the town are very important, and supply almost exclusively the sub- stantial fabrics of clothing for the inhabitants. The domestic manu- factures are not confined to wool- en cloths, but large quantities of tow cloth are annually made, from flax raised in the town.
The township is well watered by the Nachaug, a considerable
212
KILLINGLY.
branch of the Shetucket, and a stream called Little river, which runs through its centre. These streams afford some water privi- leges for mills or manufacturing establishments, of which there are 5 Grain Mills, 3 Fulling Mills and Clothiers' works and 2 Carding Machines. There are likewise in the town, 3 Tanneries, 3 Mer- cantile Stores and 1 Tavern.
The town comprises 1 located Congregational Society, 2 Socie- ties of Baptists, and 10 School Districts. There is a small village near the centre of the town, con- sisting of about 20 Dwelling hou- ses, a Congregational Church, &c.
There are 10 primary or common Schools, one is each District, and 1 Social Library.
The population of the town, in 1810, was $1274; and there arc about 220 Electors, 2 Companies of Militia, and 180 Dwelling hou- ses.
The amount of taxable proper- ty, as rated in making up lists, in- cluding polls, is $37,740.
The professional men are 2 Clergymen, one Congregationalist and one Baptist, 3 Physicians and 1 Attorney.
Hampton belonged originally to Windham and Pomfret, and was incorporated in October, 1786.
KILLINGLY.
KILLINGLY, a flourishing ag- ricultural and manufacturing post township, is situated in the eastern section of the State, 45 miles east of Hartford, and 25 west of Pro- vidence ; bounded on the north by Thompson, on the east by Rhode- Island, on the south by Sterling and Plainfield, and on the west by the Quinibaug river, which sepa- rates it from Brooklyn and Pom- fret.
The township comprises an area of about 55 square miles, having a mean length from north to south of more than 9 miles, and a mean breadth from east to west of about 6 miles.
The face of the country is un- even, consisting of moderate ele- vations and gentle declivities ; but no portion of it is mountainous. Upon the rivers there are conside- rable tracts of alluvial. There are three quarries of freestone, which
are very valuable for building and other purposes. Some indications of lead ore have recently been discovered.
In the south part of the town- ship there is a hill of considera- ble elevation, called half mile hill, one side of which has every appearance of having been occa- sioned by a disruption, from some concussion of nature.
A very extraordinary discovery was made in this town, a living frog having been dug out of the earth, 23 feet beneath the surface. It was enclosed or embodied in a stratum of clay ; and, on being dis- engaged, left a distinct figure of the frog, resembling a mould. The frog, when discovered, was in a torpid state ; but on coming to the air, it became animated, and ac- quired strength and power, and soon added one to the race of li- ving animals.
213
KILLINGLY.
This town has extensive forests, which are considered of recent growth; the trees are of the de- ciduous species. The agricultural productions are pork, beef, butter, cheese, Indian corn and some oth- ers. Upon the streams of wa- ter and some other sections, the lands are well adapted to a grain culture, particularly that of Indian corn, of which considerable quan- tities are annually raised. This and other branches of agriculture are greatly promoted by the use of plaster of Paris, as a manure, which answers a very valuable pur- pose.
This township is watered by the Quinibaug, which washes its western border, by Five mile riv- er, a branch of the former, and by several small streams, which afford numerous excellent sites for hydraulic works. Shad and salm- on are taken in the Quinibaug, and small fish in the other streams.
There are three considerable ponds in the town, one of which is called Quinibaug pond, and one Killingly pond.
The Connecticut and Rhode- Island turnpike, leading from Hart- ford to Providence, passes through the centre of the town.
The cotton manufacture has been carried on in this town very extensively, there being four fac- tories upon a large scale ; all of which contain about 5000 spin- dles, and were erected at an ex- pense, including buildings, ma- chinery, &c. of nearly $300,000.
One of the factories is called the Danielson Manufacturing Compa- ny ; one the Killingly Manufactur- ing Company ; and one the Ches- nut hill Manufacturing Company. These establishments employ a large capital, and have developed a new and extensive field for en- terprise and industry. We have not ascertained the number of per- sons which they employ. At the Danielson Manufactory, water- looms have been introduced, and in general the business is carried on upon the most improved prin- ciples, and very advantageously. Besides the Cotton Factories there are 1 Woolen Factory, 1 Gin Dis- tillery, 1 Paper Hanging Manu- factory, 4 Dying Houses, 3 Clo- thiers' works, 3 Carding Machines, 3 Tanneries, 8 Grain Mills and 8 Saw Mills.
The population of the town, in 1810, was 2542; and there are about 350 Dwelling houses, about 375 Electors, and 3 Companies of Militia.
There are in the town 3 loca- ted Congregational Societies, and 1 Society of Baptists, all of which have houses for public worship. There are 21 School Districts and primary Schools, 4 Social Libra- ries, 6 Mercantile Stores, 2 Post offices, one called Killingly Post office, the other Centre Post of- fice, 5 Clergymen, 6 Physicians, and 1 Attorney.
The aggregate list of the town, in 1817, was $44,010.
This town was incor. in 1708.
214
LEBANON.
LEBANON,a post town, is situa- ted 30 miles southeast from Hart- ford. It is bounded north on Co- lumbia, east on Windham and Franklin, south on Franklin, Boz- rah and a part of Colchester, west on Colchester and Hebron. The township is of an average length of more than 7 miles from northeast to southwest, and nearly 7 miles in breadth, from northwest to southeast, containing nearly 49 square miles. The surface is une- ven, being moderately hilly. The soil is generally a rich, deep, unc- tuous mould, nearly of a chocolate colour; it is very fertile, and pe- culiarly adapted to grass. 'Rye and other grains are cultivated ; but the dairy business, and the grow- ing of neat cattle are the most important agricultural interests. Like other towns in the county, the lands are parcelled out into farms, of from 50 to 200 acres, and some few of a larger size. The lands, being fertile and productive, are valued very high for an interi- or town, selling frequently at about $50 per acre by the farm. The timber is principally chesnut, wal- nut and oak.
There are no streams in the town deserving the character of rivers, but it is well watered by brooks and rivulets, some of which afford sites for mills and other hy- draulic works.
substantial and convenient Dwell- ing houses.
The population of the town, in 1810, was 2580; there are now about 400 Freemen, 2 companies of Infantry, a part of a company of Cavalry, and a part of a company of Artillery, and 370 Dwelling houses. There are 1 Woolen Fac- tory, 4 Grain Mills, 4 Distilleries, 3 Tanneries, 2 Carding Machines, 7 Mercantile Stores and 6 Taverns in the town. There are 3 Church- es for Congregationalists and 1 for Baptists, 17 School districts, 4 Cler- gymen, 4 Physicians and 2 Attor- nies.
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