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 27
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The amount of taxable proper- ty, including polls, is $19,766.
Sterling was incorporated as a town in 1794.
THOMPSON.
THOMPSON, a post township, is situated in the northeast corner of the county and State, 47 miles northeast from Hartford, and 26 northwest from Providence; boun- ded on the north by Massachusetts line, on the east by Rhode-Island, on the south by Killingly, and on the west by Woodstock and Pom- fret.
The township forms nearly a square, and comprises an area of about 50 square miles, or 32,000 acres.
The town is intersected in- to nearly two equal parts, by the Quinibaug river, which runs thro' it from north to south. In addi- tion to this stream, it is wa- tered by the French river, a tribu- tary stream of the Quinibaug, and by Five mile river, which rises in Douglass, in Massachusetss, and enters the town at the northeast corner, and running through it from north to south, passes into Killingly, and discharges itself in- to the Quinibaug. Muddy brook, also, which rises in Woodstock, runs across the southwest corner of the town, a distance of about two miles. Upon these streams there are numerous bridges main- tained by the town. Some salmon
are taken in the Quinibaug and French ·rivers.
The surface of this township ex- hibits an interesting diversity of hill and dale ; many of the hills are considerably elevated, but no portion of it can be called moun- tainous. . The prevailing soil is a gravelly loam, strong and dry, well adapted to the culture of In- dian corn, wheat and clover, and generally excellent for grazing. There is a great supply of valua- ble stone, for walls and buildings ; and they are used extensively for wall fence, of which it is thought by our correspondent that there is more than in any other town in the State.
The forests in the town are not extensive, but are sufficient for the purposes of fuel, and afford sufficient timber for buildings and other uses.
The agricultural productions are beef, pork, butter, cheese and grain.
The Hartford and Boston turn- pike road intersects the township from the southwest to the north- east corner, a distance of about 11 miles. The Thompson turn- pike, leading to Providence, runs through it from northwest to south- east, about the same distance ; and
224
VOLUNTOWN.
the Woodstock turnpike. passes || Districts. Besides the located, through it from west to cast, a distance of about 8 miles.
A manufacturing spirit has dis- closed itself in this town; it has been directed principally to cotton manufactures. There are 3 large Cotton manufacturing establish- ments, containing in all about 5000 spindles. These establish- ments usually employ a great num- ber of persons, and add greatly to the aggregate industry of the town. There are 8 Grain Mills, 11 Saw Mills, 3 Wool carding Ma- chines, 2 Clothiers' works and 3 Tanneries.
For an inland town, its com- mercial business and capital are very respectable. It is estimated that about 10,000 dollars are an- nually employed in a trade to Georgia. There is one vessel owned here, which sails out of Providence, and is employed in the coasting trade. There are 8 Mercantile Stores in the town.
Its civil divisions are 1 located Religious Society and 14 School
there are 3 Religious Societies, one of Baptists, one of Methodists, and one of Quakers. There are 3 houses for religious worship, re- cently erected, one very elegant, built in 1817.
The population of the town, in 1810, was 2467; and there are 400 Electors, 1 company of Mili- tia, in which there are 200 men enrolled, 1 Light Infantry compa- ny of about 65 members, aud a part of a company of Cavalry.
There are more than 400 Dwel .. ling houses ; 14 primary Schools, one in each District ; 1 Social Li- brary; 3 Clergymen, 3 Physicians, and 2 Lawyers.
Thompson was settled in 1715, being then a part of Killingly, from which it was separated, and incor- porated as a town in 1785.
BIOGRAPHY. Gen. David Learned, of this town, was born in 1743, and died in 1797. He was highly distinguished for his eminent and useful life, and for his civil and military employments.
VOLUNTOWN.
VOLUNTOWN is situated in the southeast part of the county ; bounded on the north by Plain- field and Sterling, on the cast by Exeter, in Rhode-Island, on the south by North-Stonington, and on the west by Griswold, in New- London county. It has an average length of about 9 miles, and an average breadth of more than 4 miles, comprising nearly 39 square miles.
which are level. The prevailing character of the soil is that of a light, sandy and gravelly loam. It is best adapted to grain, and produces Indian corn, rye, oats, &c .; but corn is principally cul- tivated.
The town is watered by the Po- chaug, a branch of the Quinibaug. It is a small and sluggish stream, but contains, however, some mill scats. There is a pond, situated partly in this town and partly in Rhode-Island, called Paucamack
The surface is generally diver- sified with hill and dale, but there are some sections of pine plains, IIpond, a considerable body of wa-
225
WOODSTOCK.
ter, and is the source of the Po- chaug river.
The manufacturing and mecha- nical interests and employments, aside from those of a domestic cha- racter, consist of 1 Cotton Facto- ry, 4 Grain Mills, 2 Fulling Mills and Clothiers' works, 2 Carding Machines and 2 Tanneries. There are 2 Mercantile Stores and 2 Ta- verns.
The town contains 2 located Con- gregational Societies & Churches, 1 Society of Baptists, 1 small So- cial Library, and 8 School Dis- tricts and Schools.
Its population, in 1810, was 1016 ; and there are 150 qualified Electors, 1 Company of Militia, and 160 Dwelling houses.
The amount of taxable proper- ty, including polls, is $21,110.
In the centre of the town there is a small village of about 15 Dwelling houses. There are 3 Physicians in the town.
This town was first settled . in 1696, having been granted to vo- lunteers in the Narraganset war ; hence its name. But it was not incorporated as a town until the ycar 1719.
WOODSTOCK.
WOODSTOCK is a post town, situated in the northern section of the county, bordering upon Massa- chusetts, 45 miles northeast from Hartford, 33 northwest from Pro- vidence, and 60 southwest from Boston ; bounded upon the north by Massachusetts line, upon the east by Thompson, upon the south by Pomfret and Ashford, and up- on the west by Ashford and Un- ion. Its mean length is 8 miles, and its mean breadth 7 and a half miles, comprising an area of about 60 square miles.
The prevailing soil is a deep, gra- velly loam, which is strong and fertile, having a permanent basis, and is very favourable for ma- nures, which have a very sensible and lasting effect. It is best adapt- ed to grazing, but generally admits of tillage ; and considerable quan- tities of grain are annually raised, consisting principally of rye and corn. For some years past, spring wheat has been cultivated to ad- vantage, and to an extent affording a supply for the consumption of the town.
Of the agricultural productions, butter, cheese, beef and pork are the most important. Of these, there is annually a considerable surplus which is sent abroad for a market.
This township, although its phy- sical features are less smooth and interesting than those of many oth- ers, ranks deservedly among the first of the rich and flourishing in- terior towns in the State. The surface is characteristically hilly, The township is well watered by numerous small streams, of which the most considerable is Muddy Brook, running through the town, but is not mountainous or broken, and comprises very little waste land ; most or all of the eminen- ces being capable of cultivation. land discharging its waters into
29
326
WOODSTOCK.
the Quinibaug. This and other streams afford many valuable wa- ter privileges.
This town is accommodated with three turnpike roads, one leading to Norwich, one to Providence, and one to Somers, and thence to Connecticut river.
Agriculture, being the principal interest, affords employment for most of the industry of the town, excepting what is employed in do- mestic or household manufactures, which receive general attention, there being a loom in almost eve- ry house. Most of the primary and substantial fabrics of clothing are the products of domestic in- dustry. Besides the manufactures of this description, there are some others of importance, particularly one Woolen and one Cotton Fac- tory, in the Society of Muddy Brook, both of which have large and commodious buildings, and belong to incorporated companies. They are both upon a large scale, and the Woolen Factory is now do- ing business extensively. There is also an incorporated Woolen and Cotton manufacturing estab- lishment, in what is called the old Society, which is in operation. In addition to these establishments, there are 7 Grain Mills, 1 Oil Mill, 2 Distilleries, 12 Saw Mills, 1 Ful- ling Mill and Clothier's works, 1 Carding Machine, 2 large Trip- hammers and Blacksmiths' shops, 1 Gold-smith and 2 Wheel-wrights.
This town is divided into three located Societies or Parishes ; the one in its western section is called New-Roxbury Society ; one of the others is called Muddy Brook So- ciety, to which there is annexed a corner of the town of Thompson ;
and the other the old Society. Besides the located, there are 2 Baptist Societies ; all of these se- veral Religious Societies are ac- commodated with houses for pub- lic worship. The town is also di- vided into 18 School Districts.
Its population, in 1810, was 2653; and there are about 350 Electors, 4 companies of Militia, and about 350 Dwelling houses.
The amount of taxable proper- ty, as rated in making up lists, in- cludingpolls, in 1816, was $62,028.
There are inthis town 18 prima- ry Schools, 3 Social Libraries, 6 Mercantile Stores, 6 Physicians, 3 Attornies and 5 Clergymen.
This town, together with Suf- field, Enfield and Somers, was set- tled under the jurisdiction of the colony of Massachusetts, in or about the year 1686 ; and incor- porated by the authority thereof, although by the charter of Con- necticut they were included with- in the limits of this State. In 1713, the line between the two States was surveyed, and, upon certain conditions, it was agreed by Connecticut that the towns set- tled by Massachusetts should re- main under its jurisdiction. This compromise produced general un- easiness and dissatisfaction with the inhabitants at the time; which, instead of subsiding, as was cx- pected, continued to increase, so that in May 1747, they presented a memorial to the General Assem- bly of Connecticut, praying to be annexed to, or taken under, the jurisdiction thereof, whereby they might be restored to the charter privileges, granted to them in common with other citizens of this Statc.
227
BIOGRAPHY.
The General Assembly, after ha- ving appointed commissioners to attempt to settle this dispute, with others that might be appointed by Massachusetts, without effect, adopted a resolution, that, as the agreement of 1713 had never re- ceived the royal confirmation, it was not binding ; and that all the inhabitants who lived south of the line of Massachusetts, as defined by its charter, were entitled to the privileges, and ought to be subject to the jurisdiction of the govern- ment of this State. In 1752, an act was passed, securing to the se- veral religious societies of the aforesaid towns all the rights and privileges of religious societies, according to the laws of this colo- ny. These proceedings on the part of Connecticut produced from Massachusetts a remonstrance to his majesty. This was opposed by the agent of Connecticut, then in England, and the claims of the latter supported, which were final- ly recognized, and the boundary established accordingly in 1755. While this town was under the ju- risdiction of Massachusetts, it was at first a part of the county of Suf- folk, and deeds were recorded at Boston. On the organization of the county of Worcester, it was annexed to that county, and so continued as long as it remained a part of the territory of that State.
BIOGRAPHY. Gen. William Eaton was a native of this town, and was born February 23d, 1764. At a very early period, he disclosed strong indications of intellectual vigor, and of mental eccentricity. At the age of about 16 years, with- out the knowledge or consent of
his parents, he went from home, and enlisted into the army. This was in 1780, near the close of the revolutionary war; and young Ea- ton continued in the army until the close of the war, a considerable part of the time in the humble sta- tion of a private soldier; but he attained the rank of a sergeant. After the peace, in 1784, he com- menced the study of the Latin language ; and the year after, was admitted a member of Dartmouth College, where he graduated in 1790 ; the period of his collegiate life having been protracted, from the circumstance of his having de- voted a portion of his time to school keeping, which his want of pecuniary resources rendered ne- cessary.
In October, 1791, he was cho- sen clerk of the House of Delegates of Vermont, residing at that time in the town of Windsor, where he had been engaged in school keep- ing. In March, 1792, he was ap- pointed a Captain in the army of the United States ; and whilst in this situation, he performed vari- ous services upon the western and southern frontiers. He continued in the army until 1797, when he was appointed Consul to Tunis. He continued in this difficult, (and itmay be added perilous) situation, until 1803; during which period, he discharged the consular func- tions with great firmness and abili- ty. In 1804, Gen. Eaton returned to America and visited Washing- ton, where he disclosed the famous enterprise which he had planned to restore the Ex-Bashaw of Tripoli ; and, having obtained the sanction of government, he embarked in July of the same year, in the Argus sloop
228
BIOGRAPHY.
of war, with the intention of enga- ging in this bold and hazardous undertaking, and arrived at Alex- andria in Egypt, on the 25th of November following. From Alex- andria he proceeded to Cairo, where he found the Ex-Bashaw, who approved of the enterprise ; and after having made suitable ar- rangements and recruited about 500 men, (100 of which only were christians,) it was determined by Eaton and the Ex-Bashaw, to cross the desert and seize the province and city of Derne. After a diffi- cult and fatiguing journey thro' a dreary desert, presenting innu- merable obstacles, they arrived within the province of Derne, and soon attacked and captured the city, having the assistance of the Hornet sloop of war. The bold- ness and desperate bravery of Gen. Eaton and his little party alarmed the reigning Bashaw and his bar- barian subjects, who almost thought that they were something more than human beings ; but the progress of Gen. Eaton was arrested by a peace which the American consul concluded with the Bashaw. After this, Gen. Eaton returned to his native country, and was every where received with the most dis-
tinguished applause, the grateful tribute of patriotic and heroic achievments. After some time he fixed his residence in Brimfield, Massachusetts, where he continued until his death in 1811. Whilst here, he was elected a representa- tive of the town, in the legislature of the State.
Gen. Eaton was a very ex- traordinary character; he pos- sessed much original genius ; was bold in his conceptions, ar- dent in his passions, determined in his resolutions and indefatigably persevering in his conduct. He possessed considerable literary ac- quirements, and the style of his writings was characteristic of his mind ; bold, energetic and deci- sive. His courage was equalled only by his resolution, and the' boldness of his enterprises, by his ability and perseverance to exe- cute them. He was an important witness in the case of Burr's trial, and the celebrated toast which he gave, with reference to this trans- action, is alike an evidence of his patriotism, and the originality of his conceptions : " Phrensy to the head that shall plot to dismember, and palsy to the arm that will not draw to defend the union."
LITCHFIELD COUNTY.
LITCHFIELD, an extensive agricultural and manufacturing county, is situated in the north- western section of the State; boun- ded on the north by Berkshire county, in Massachusetts, on the east by Hartford and New-Haven counties, on the south by the coun- ties of New-Haven and Fairfield,
and on the west by the State of New-York.
This county has an average length from north to south of about 33 miles, and a mean breadth from east to west of nearly 27 miles, comprising about 885 sq. miles, being the largest county in the State.
The following TOPOGRAPHICAL AND STATISTICAL TABLE exhibits a view of the several towns in the county ; their situation, with re- lation to Litchfield the seat of justice ; their 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. Litchfield.
Litchfield.
2
4639
512
8
26
Barkhamsted.
1
1506
230
4
11
18 m. N. E.
Bethlem.
1
1118
170
3
9
8 m. S.
Canaan.
2
2203
276
4
12
16 m. N. W.
Colebrook.
1
1243
200
3
8
18 m. N. E.
Cornwall.
1
1602
200
3
11
12 m. N. W.
Goshen.
1
1641
230
2
8
6 m. N. W.
Harwinton.
1
1718
298
2
11
7 m. E.
Kent.
1
1794
270
2
10
15 m. W.
New-Hartford. 1
1507
220
1
8
12 m. N. E.
New-Milford.
1
3557
540
6
16
18 m. S. W.
Norfolk.
1
1441
240
1
10
16 m. N.
Plymouth.
1
1882
270
3
12
10 m. S. E.
Roxbury.
1217
200
3
9
15 m. S. W.
Salisbury.
1
2321
340
2
14
20 m. N. W.
Sharon.
2
2606
380
4
15
16 m. N. W.
Torrington.
1
1586
250
3
9
7 m. N. E.
Warren.
1
1096
170
2
8
8 m. W.
Washington.
1
1575
230
4
11
10 m. S. W.
Watertown.
1
1714
250
2
8
10 m. S. E.
Winchester.
1 1466
230
2
9
13 m. N. E.
Woodbury.
1 1963
300
4
14
15 m. S.
230
LITCHFIELD COUNTY.
The principal part of the county of Litchfield is elevated! and mountainous ; several branch- es of the extensive granitic ran- ge intersect the county from north to south, and comprise an exten- sive evergreen district.
In the northwestern section there are some large and exten- sive calcareous vales, abounding in limestone ; but most of the oth- er sections of the county are of a granitic, geological character. The prevailing soil is a gravelly loam, generally deep, and in many sec- tions strong and fertile, and admi- rably adapted to grazing. In the limestone district, the soil is a cal- careous loam, rich and fertile, and excellent for arable purposes, par- ticularly for the culture of wheat, which is raised here very success- fully, and to great extent. This is the best section for wheat that there is in this State.
Upon the Ousatonick and its branches, in the southwestern sec- tion of the county, there are tracts of alluvial of considerable extent, and some small sections that are a light sandy loam.
The agricultural interests of the county are very respectable, and constantly improving. The staple productions consist of cheese, but- ter, pork and beef. Considerable attention is paid to the raising of neat cattle and sheep; and in the calcareous section there is a con- siderable surplus of grain raised, which is sent abroad for a market.
The waters of the county are abundant, and principally em- bodicd in the Ousatonick and
Tunxis rivers. The former of these, which is the second river in size in the State, intersects the county, and has numerous branch- es, of which the principal are the Naugatuck, the Pomperaug and the Shepaug, which afford many excellentsites for hydraulic works. The Tunxis washes the northeast- ern section of the county, and af- fords also numerous sites for wa- ter-works.
The manufacturing business re- ceives considerable attention in this county, particularly that of iron, which is carried on more exten- sively here than in any other sec- tion of the State. There are 39 Forges, many of which pursue the business extensively, 5 Furnaces, 8 Anchor Shops and 2 Slitting Mills. The ore used at these es- tablishments is obtained within the county, and abounds in various places. There are 2 Oil Mills, 1 Paper Mill, 6º Grain Mills, 4 Cot- ton Factories, 8 Woolen Factories, 50 Carding Machines and 46 Cloth Dressing establishments. In the county of Litchfield there are 68 Religious Societies, 31 School So- cieties, which are divided into 249 School Districts, 29 Social Li- braries, and about 100 Mercantile Stores.
The population of the county, in 1800, was 41,214 ; and in 1810, 41,375.
The aggregate list, in 1817, was $881,601.
This county was incorporated in 1751 ; and a considerable section of it was more recently settled than any other part of the State.
-
231
LITCHFIELD.
LITCHFIELD, an extensive, wealthy and populous interior post township, and the seat of justice of the county, is situated in north lat. 41° 50', being 30 miles west from Hartford, 36 northwest from New-Haven, and 100 from New-York ; bounded on the north by Goshen and Torrington, on the east by the Naugatuck river, which separates it from Harwinton, on the south by Watertown, Bethlem and Plymouth, and on the west by Washington and Warren. The township contains about 72 square miles ; having an average length from east to west of more than 9 miles, and a mean breadth of nearly 3 miles.
to the west the Catskill mountains, appearing in huge and disorderly piles.
The geological character of the township is primitive ; the prevailing strata of rocks consist- ing of granite and schistus, inter- spersed with some quartz, primi- tive limestone and other original formations. There is one quarry of slate-stone, of an inferior quali- ty ; and in the eastern section of the town there is a quarry of free- stone, valuable for hearths and other uses. Some indications of iron ore have been discovered.
The prevailing soil is a dark co- loured gravelly loam, with some sections of argillaceous loam. It is deep, strong and fertile ; and, for an elevated tract, is warm, and favourable for vegetation. It is in general best adapted to grazing, the interests of which are pursu- ed very extensively and advanta- geously.
Litchfield is an elevated town- ship ; its surface presents an in- teresting diversity of hill and dale. The hills are in general conside- rably elevated ; and their prevail- ing course is from north to south. In the eastern section of the town, near the Naugatuck river, there The staple agricultural produc- tions are cheese, butter, pork and some others. In some sections of the town considerable grain is cul- tivated, and the raising of cattle and sheep receives considerable attention. In 1811, there were 6784 sheep shorn in this town. The agricultural interests of the town are flourishing; and great exertions are making to improve them. are mountainous ranges, extending in an eastwardly and westwardly direction. In the western section of the township, there are also some mountainous tracts, which comprise several considerable emi- nences, of which Mount Tom is the most elevated. From actual mensuration it has been found to be about 700 feet from the margin of the river to the summit of this eminence, upon the south side. The town is well supplied with forests, comprising a great varie- ty of trees ; sugar maple, beach, button-wood, oak, birch, chesnut, butternut, walnut, elm, peperidge, wild cherry, bass, hornbeam, sas-, safras, &c. Little Mount Tom and Mount Prospect are eminences of less elevation. From the elevation of this township, some of its eminen- ces afford the most extensive and interesting prospects ; to the east may be seen the hills upon the The township is well watered. east side of Connecticut river, and!| The Naugatuck washes its eastern
232
LITCHFIELD.
border, the Shepaug its western, forming a part of its boundary, and the Bantam waters its interi- or, intersecting the township from northeast to southwest, passing through Great, Little and Cran- berry ponds,and discharging its wa- ters into the Shepaug, a branch of the Ousatonick. These streams afford numerous excellent sites for hydraulic works, particularly the latter, which, at the outlet of the Great pond, has some of the most valuable mill seats in the town, and which are scarcely rivalled. Great pond is an extensive and beautiful sheet of water, comprising an area of about 900 acres, and is the lar- gast pond or lake in the State. Mount Tom pond, a part of which ' is in the town of Washington, com- prises about 72 acres, Little pond, 15, and Cranberry 8. In the streams and ponds various small fish are taken. In the winter of 1809, 28 pickerel were taken in Southwick pond, and conveyed in casks of water and put into. Cran- berry pond, in this town. Their progeny now· begin to be tak- en in considerable numbers ; but it is apprehended that these for- midable strangers will be likely to destroy the shiners, red fins and small perch, the former occupants of the pond.
This town is well accommoda- ted as to roads, there being five turnpikes leading from it; one to New-Haven, sometimes called the Straits turnpike; one from the western part of the town to New- Milford, called the Litchfield and New-Milford turapike ; one pass- ing through Ilarwinton to Hart- ford, called the Litchfield and Harwinton turnpike; one to Ca-
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