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 28
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naan, called the Litchfield and Canaan turnpike ; and one lead- ing from the northeast corner of the town to New-Hartford, called the New-Hartford turnpike. There is also a turnpike road running upon the eastern border of the township, contiguous to the Nau- gatuck river, which unites with the Straits turnpike at Salem, and extends northwardly through Win- chester and Colebrook to Massa- chusetts.
The most important manufac- turc in the town is that of iron, of which there are 4 Forges, 1 Slitting Mill and 1 Nail Factory.
There are 1 Cotton Factory, 1 Oil Mill, 1 Paper Mill, 2 Carding Machines, 6 Fulling Mills, 5 Grain Mills, 18 Saw Mills, 5 large Tan- ncries besides several on a small scale, 2 Comb Factories, 2 Hat- ters' Shops, 2 Carriage Makers, 1 Cabinet Furniture Maker, 3 Saddlers, and a number of House Carpenters, Joiners, Smiths and other Mechanics.
The population of Litchfield, in : 1810, was 4639; and there arc about 600 Electors, 4 Companies, of Militia, 512 Dwelling hou- ses, 8 Churches and 2 Post offices.
'The commercial business is re- spectable, and employs considera- ble capital, there being 16 Mer- cantile Stores.
The civil or corporate divisions of the town are 4 located Eccle- siastical Societies, 26 School Dis- tricts, and an incorporated vil- lage.
Besides the located, there are 3 Episcopal Societies and one of Baptists ; all of which are accom- modated with houses for religious worship. There are 26 primary
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LITCHFIELD.
Schools, one in each District, and (| an Academy, established in 1790, in the Society of South Farms. The Latin and Greek languages, Mathematics, English Grammar, Logic and Moral Philosophy are taught at this Seminary, which is very flourishing. There is in this Society a Social Library, establish- ed in 1785, and comprises from 300 to 400 vols. of well selected books.
There is a medicinal spring in the first Society, about half a mile from the Court House. Its waters have never been analyzed; but they appear to be chalybeate and sulphureous, and have been found efficacious in cutaneous diseases.
LITCHFIELD VILLAGE, incorpo- rated in 1818, is delightfully situa- ted upon an elevated plain, in the centre of the first located Socie- ty, affording the most extensive prospects, surrounded with inter- esting scenery and charming land- scapes, and enjoying in the sum- mer season the most salubrious and refreshing atmosphere.
The corporate limits of the vil- lage are about one mile and a half in length and a mile in breadth. The houses are chiefly built upon two streets, which intersect each other, forming a pleasant square in the centre. The principal street, running from northwest to south- east, is well built, comprising nu- merous neat, handsome and con- venient dwelling houses, which are generally handsomely arranged, and some of which are elegant edi- fices. Within the corporate limits of the village there are 84 Dwel- ling houses, 9 Mercantile Stores, 2 Bookstores, several excellent Public Inns, a Printing office, a Bank, being a branch of the Pho-
nix Bank at Hartford, a Court House, the Gaol of the county, 2 Churches, a Post office, several Professional offices, Mechanics' shops, &c.
In addition to the public or common Schools, there is in the village a private School for young ladies, which at times has main- tained a very distinguished repu- tation. There is also a Law School maintained here, which is very flourishing, and contains stu- dents from almost every section in the Union. It was established in 1784, by the Hon. Tapping Reeve, then one of the Judges of the Supreme Court. In 1798, the Hon. James Gould, at present one of the Supreme Judges, was associated as a joint instructor with Judge Reeve ; and at this time he is the principal instructor. The number of students who have been educated at this school, from its establishment, in 1784, to 1812, was 474. This has justly been considered as the most respectable and systematic Law School in the United States.
The aggregate list of Litchfield, in 1817, was $86,872; and the va- luation of the lands and buildings of the town, in 1815, made in pur- suance of the laws of the United States, and which comprised 39,227 acres, was $1,255,380; being an average value of $32 per acre.
There are in this town & Physi- cians, 4 practising Attornies, and 5 Clergymen.
The tract of land comprising this township, the Indian name of which was Bantam, was purchas- ed of the colony of Connecticut, (the Indian title having been pre- viously extinguished,) by a compa-
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BIOGRAPHY.
ny, in 1718. The purchase was divided into 60 shares, denomina- ted Proprietor's rights, each of which was estimated at £5. The original purchasers and the first settlers were from the towns of Hartford, Windsor and Lebanon. ·The settlement commenced soon after the purchase; and in 1720 and 1721, there were several fa- milies upon the tract ; and after this the settlement progressed ra- pidly. From the elevated situa- tion of the lands in this tract, they afforded excellent hunting grounds; and many of the hills had been burned by the Indians for this pur- pose, and the forests entirely de- stroyed, which facilitated the im- provements. There were, how- ever, sufficient forests left for the purposes of the settlers.
BIOGRAPHY. The Hon. Oli- ver Wolcott, distinguished for his many public employments, was for many years a resident of this town. He was born in Windsor, Dec. 1726 ; and was the son of the Hon. Roger Wolcott, who was af- terwards Governor of the colony of Connecticut. He was educated at Yale College, where he gra- duated in 1747. . He was engaged in the expedition against Canada, in 1748, having the command of a company. He continued in the army during one campaign only ; soon after which, he entered upon the study of physic, and having be- come qualified for practice, he es- tablished himself at Goshen. But he did not continue long in the practice of this profession ; for, in 1751, he was appointed sheriff of the county of Litchfield, whereup- on he removed to this town He continued in this situation until
1772, a period of 21 years, when he was elected a member of the Council. The same year he was appointed Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Litch- field ; and in 1774, Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for this County. In 1775, he was chosen a member of the Continental Con- gress ; and was continued in this situation, being a member of the immortal Congress of '76, which proclaimed the solemn declaration, that these colonies werc, and of. right ought to be, free, sovereign and independent. .
Gov. Wolcott was one of those venerated patriots who signed that declaration, which is the charter of our national existence. He continued a member of the Coun- cil, with the exception of the pe- riod that he was a Delegate in Congress, until 1786, when he was chosen Lieut. Governor of this State. He was annually elected to this office, until the year 1796, a period of ten years, when he was chosen Governor; an office which he did not long enjoy, as he died 12th Dec. 1797. The duties of these numerous and im- portant offices, which occupied the greater portion of his active life, he discharged with great in- tegrity and firmness.
Gov. Wolcott possessed, in an eminent degrce, a sound and vig- orous mind, remarkable penetra- tion, and a strong and efficient tal- ent for investigation ; forming no opinions but what resulted from satisfactory proof. From a con- sciousness of his own integrity, he never hesitated to disclose the re- al motives which governed his conduct. He had no intentions
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BIOGRAPHY.
but what were avowed ; no objects but what were apparent. No man ever had less indirection in his con- duct. He was constitutionally an honest man ; and being also re- markable for the firmness of his character, he never swerved from the most inflexible principles of rectitude and integrity, either from weakness, or sinister intention. It has frequently been observed, that men of the most eminent talents and virtues are often the most dif- fident; and the truth of this was strikingly exemplified in Gov. Wol- cott. Both in public concerns, and in his private intercourse, he was singularly modest, and even diffident. He lived in an impor- tant period in our history, took a distinguished part in many great national events, and his name is associated, and will be transmitted to posterity, with those of the oth- er patriots of our glorious Revo- lution.
The Hon. Andrew Adams, for many years a resident of this town, was born in Stratford, in 1736. He received his education at Yale College, where he gradua- ted in 1769. Having completed his classical education, he com- menced the study of law, and was admitted to the bar in the county of Fairfield. He commenced prac- tice in his profession in Stamford, but continued there but a short time, having removed to this town in 1774. Here he entered upon the practice of law with success, and was soon appointed a Justice of the Peace. In 1776, he was chosen a Representative of the town in the Legislature of the State ; and continued to be elect- ed to this office until 1781, when
he was chosen a member of the Council. About the same period, he was elected a Representative in the Congress of the United States. In May, 1793, the Gene- ral Assembly appointed him Chief Judge of the Superior Court ; and he held this important office, un- til his death, Nov. 26th, 1799. He was 62 years of age. As a lawyer and advocate, he was emi- nently distinguished, and was very successful in his practice ; and as a Judge, he was very able and correct, having a sound and discri- minating mind.
Ephraim Kirby Esq., distin- guished as a lawyer and states- man, and for his services during the revolutionary war, was for ma- ny years a resident in this town. Col. Kirby was in the service of his country during the revolu- tionary war, and was distinguished for his fidelity, bravery, enterprise and activity. Few officers, it is believed, of his rank, rendered more important services, or ac- quired a more distinguished repu- tation. The severe wounds which he received were the honourable testimonials of his bravery and services. After the close of the war, he engaged in the practice of law in this town, and became' distinguished in his profession, both as a lawyer and advocate. Hav- ing a respectable knowledge of le- gal science, his views and opinions upon that subject were solid and correct ; and he possessed a mind remarkably clear, comprehensive and discriminating. Whilst in the practice of law, in the year 1789, he published a volume of Reports, of the decisions of the Superior Court and Supreme Court of Er-
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BIOGRAPHY.
rors in this State. This was a no- vel undertaking; being the first volume of Reports ever publish- ed in Connecticut ; it was exe- cuted with faithfulness, judgment, accuracy and ability ; and his Re- ports are now regarded as authori- ty by the Courts of this State.
Col. Kirby was appointed to va- rious offices in the militia of this State, and attained to the rank of Colonel. For a number of years, he was elected by the freemen of this town, as their representative in the popular branch of the Le- gislature of Connecticut. In this situation, he was always distin- guished for the dignity of his de- portment, for his comprehensive and enlightened views as a states- man, for the liberality of his prin- ciples, and for the ability, firmness and decision of his conduct.
On the elevation of Mr. Jeffer- son to the presidency, in 1801, Col. Kirby was appointed Super- visor of the Revenue of the Uni- ted States, for the State of Con- necticut. About this period, he was for several years a candidate for the office of Governor of this State. After the acquisition of Louisiana, Col. Kirby was appoint- ed by the President a Judge in the then recently organized territory of Orleans. Having accepted of this appointment, he set out for New-Orleans ; but he was not destined to reach that place, or enter upon the duties of his re- cent appointment. Hle proceed- ed as far as Fort Stoddard, in the Mississippi territory, where he was taken sick, and died 2nd October 1804. His remains were interred with the honours of war, and oth- er demonstrations of respect.
As a lawyer, a man of leain- ing and talents, Col. Kirby stood deservedly high ; as a patriot, and friend of civil liberty, he was ardent, almost to enthusiasm; as a politician and statesman, his views were liberal, just and com- prehensive, founded upon an accu- rate and extensive knowledge of the human character, and its sus- ceptibility of improvement ; and, as a citizen, few have had more so- cialand private virtues. His mem- ory will long be cherished by the citizens of his native State.
The Hon. Uriah Tracy was for many years a resident of this town. He was born in Norwich, in 1754. He was educated at Yale College, and was a member of the distin- guished class, which graduated in , 1778. Soon after he left College, he came to this town, and com- menced the study of law with Judge Reeve, and was admitted to the bar in 1781. He soon be- came distinguished, as a lawyer and an advocate. He passed thro' various military offices, rising to the rank of a Major-General. In 1788, he was elected a Represen- tative of the town in the General Assembly,and was successively re- elected, until the year 1793, when he was chosen a Representative of this State in the Congress of the United States. He continued in this office until the year 1800, when he was appointed a Senator, which office he held at the time of his death, July 1807. He died at the seat of Government.
As a lawyer, Mr. Tracy was very respectable ; and, as a poli- tician, eminently distinguished. He was among the first of the par- ty with which he acted, and was
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BARKHAMSTED.
respected for his talents and his intelligence by his political oppo- nents. He possessed a compre- hensive mind, respectable scienti- fic acquirements, and an extensive knowledge of the human charac-
ter. He had also a great share of wit and humour, and knew its pro- per use ;- to please, without woun- ding the feelings even of the most humble individual.
BARKHAMSTED.
BARKHAMSTED is a post township, situated 23 miles north- west from Hartford ; bounded on the north by Hartland and Cole- brook, on the east by Canton and Granby, on the south by New- Hartford, and on the west by Win- chester. It comprises about 32 square miles, or 20,580 acres ; be- ing about 6 and a half miles in length from east to west, and about 5 miles in breadth from north to south.
The township is rough, stony and mountainous ; being intersect- ed by two elevated granitic ridges, which run through it in a norther- ly and southerly direction, extend- ing to the north far into the interi- or of New-England. Upon the de- clivities of these ridges, and upon their summits, there is much bro- ken land, some which is inac- cessible. Their geological charac- ter is primitive, the prevailing strata of rock consisting of granite. In some places within this town, these ridges exhibit very lofty and sublime features. Their declivities afford considerable wood and tim- ber, and when cleared, tolerable grazing.
Iron ore has been discovered in these granitic strata, in different parts of the town in small quanti- ties, but of a rich and good quality. In some sections of the town there !
are some strata of limestone ; and what is commonly called cotton- stone is found in abundance; and also freestone, which is valuable only for local uses. The soil, corres- ponding with the prevailing geolo- gical features, is generally a coarse gravelly loam, hard and dry ; and with the exception of some inter- vals upon the streams, is rough and stony, and in general inadmissible for tillage. It affords tolerable gra- zing, the interests of which consti- tute the staple agricultural pro- ducts of the town. The dairy busi- ness receives general attention, and large quantities of cheese and butter are made annually ; a con- siderable proportion of which is. sent abroad for a market.
The raising of neat cattle and sheep is attended to, and consider- able beef is marketed. The inter- vals bordering upon the streams are generally rich and feasible, and afford tillage and mowing. The natural growth of wood and timber, which was once very heavy and abundant, has been greatly devastated. The mountains and hills were formerly covered with excellent timber, consisting of oak, chesnut, sugar maple, beach, pinc and hemlock ; a considerable pro- portion of which has been destroy- ed by the elements, wind and fire, and by the axe, under a system of
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BARKHAMSTED.
· improvidence, at a time when tim- ber was considered of no valuc.
The waters of the town are abundant, and of an excellent quali- ty; the two principal branches of the Tunxis, or Farmington river, run through it, and form a union in the north part of New-Hartford. The Still river runs northerly thro' Torrington and Winchester into Colebrook, whence it takes a south- erly course and unites with the west branch of the Farmington river in this town, forming what is called the forks of the river. Be- sides these, there are numerous small streams which are tributary to them, that water the various sections of the town. Upon these streams, there are various sites and privileges for mills and other water works, and five considerable bridg- es.
The facilities of communica- tion are greatly increased, consid- ering the roughness of the country, by the number of turnpike roads with which the town is accommo- dated. The Greenwoods turnpike leading to Albany passes through its southwest section; the Farming- ton river turnpike, which communi- cates with the former and leads to Albany, runs through its western section in a northerly and souther- ly direction, following the course of the west branch of the Farming- ton river; the Hartland turnpike leading westwardly, and which communicates with the Green- woods turnpike in Norfolk, passes through the northwest corner of the town. In May, 1818, a turn- pike road was authorized, and has since been surveyed, leading from the Greenwoods turnpike to New- gate prison, which passes through
the western section of this town, crossing the Farmington river turn- pike, and running directly by the meeting house. It has not yet been opened.
Of the mechanical and manu- facturing establishments of the town, there are 3 Grain Mills, 12 Saw Mills, 1 Fulling Mill and cloth dressing establishment, 1 Furnace for casting cart and waggon boxes, clock bells and some other small articles, and 2 Tanneries.
The population of the town, in 1810, was 1506; and there are about 260 Electors or Freemen, 2 companies of Militia, and about 230 Dwelling houses. The aggre- gate list of the town, in 1816, was $26,978.
The town contains 2 located Congregational Societies, 1 Socie- ty of Episcopalians and one of Methodists ; besides which, there are some Baptists. There are 2 ¡houses for public worship, 1 for Congregationalists and 1 for Epis- copalians. It contains also, 11 School districts. There are 3 Mer- cantile Stores, 4 Public Houses or Inns, 3 Social Libraries and 1 Phy- sician.
The first settler in Barkhamsted was Pelatiah Allyn from Windsor, who removed there about the year 1744, and remained the only in- habitant of the town for 10 or 12 years. In the summer he employ- ed his time in clearing and culti- vating his lands, and in the winter in hunting. His privations, suffer- ings, dangers and hardships, could only have been cqualled by his perseverance. To have been for the long period of 10 or 12 years a solitary inhabitant of a dreary wilderness, rendered more hideous
239
BETHLEM.
from the native ruggedness of its features, having no traces of civili- zation but what his own hands had produced, and exposed to the most imminent perils from its native inhabitants,-wild beasts which claimed to be " lords of the soil," and maintained an indisputable dominion over it, is a situation which it is difficult to conceive, and impossible to describe. Mr. Allyn justly deserves to be regard- ed as the patriarch of the town. From his industry and perseve- rance during this long period of voluntary exile, he had made such improvements, and placed himself in such a situation as to enable him to be eminently useful to other settlers ; but, notwithstand- ing, the progress of the settlement
was very slow and discouraging. In 1771, about 27 years from the commencement of the settlement by Mr. Allyn, there were but 20 families within the limits of the town. Israel Jones from Enfield, William Austin, Jonathan King and a Mr. Norton from Suffield, Amos Case from Simsbury, John Ives from Hamden, Joseph Shep- ard from Hartford and Joseph Wilder from East-Haddam, were among the first and principal set- tlers.
The town was incorporated in 1779. Joseph Wilder was the first magistrate, and for several years the only one in the town. The Rev. Ozias Ells, who was ordain- ed in 1787, was the first minister. He died in 1813.
BETHLEM.
BETHLEM is a small elevated interior post township, 38 miles from Hartford, and 33 from New- Haven ; bounded on the north by Litchfield, on the east by Water- town, on the south by Woodbury, and on the west by Washington. Its average length from east to west is 4 and a half miles, and its average breadth 4 miles, contain- ing an area of about 18 square miles.
The township is considerably hilly ; its surface being diversified with granitic eminences and val- lies. The soil is generally a gra- velly loam, and is best adapted to grazing. It however produces tolerable crops of grain.
The natural growth, consists of oak, maple, chesnut, walnut, &c.
The township is watered by se- veral branches of Pomperaug riv- er, which afford some good sites for mills, some of which are oc- cupied.
The population of the town, in 1810, was 1118; and there are 150 qualified Electors, 1 Compa- ny of Militia, and 170 Dwelling houses.
There are 3 small Distilleries, 1 Grain Mill, 1 Fulling Mill and Clothier's works, 1 Carding Ma- chine, 1 Tannery, 4 Saw Mills, and 1 Mercantile Store.
The amount of taxable proper- ty, including polls, is $27,000; and the assessment of the lands and buildings of the town, in 1816, which included 11,161 acres, amounted to $306,555 ; being an average value of $2717, per acre.
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CANAAN.
The town contains 1 located Congregational Society & Church, 1 Society of Episcopalians and 1 of Baptists.
It is divided into 9 School Dis- tricts, each of which is provided with a School house, and main- tains a School for several months in the year.
The professional men are 1 Phy- sician, 1 Clergyman and 1 Attor- ney ; there is 1 small Social Li- brary.
Bethlem was taken from Wood- bury, and incorporated in 1787.
BIOGRAPHY. The Rev. Azel Backus, D. D. was for many years a resident clergyman in this town. Dr. Backus was educated at Yale College, where he graduated in 1787. Having qualified him- self for the ministry, at an early period, he was ordained as the successor of Dr. Bellamy, in this town, and continued in this situa- tion until the establishment of Ha- milton College, in the county of Oneida, in the State of New-York, when he was appointed to preside over that Institution. Whilst in this town, he instituted a school, and took upon himself the charge and instruction of his pupils, whom he took into his own family, there- by adding parental care and soli- citude to the advantages of lite- rary and moral instruction. This school became very highly and de-
servedly celebrated, and was at- tended by students from different parts of the Union.
The distinguished reputation which he had acquired, as a di- vine, a man of science, and an in- structor of youth, procured for him the appointment to the pre- sidency of Hamilton College. He received the appointment about the year 1812, and continued in this situation until his death, De- cember 26th, 1816. He was the first President of this College, and taking the charge of the Institu- tion at its commencement, he had, during the short period that he presided over it, very arduous and complicated duties to perform. But his learning, judgment and faithfulness rendered him admira- bly qualified for his situation ; and, under his guidance and direction, this infant seminary was rapidly rising into notice, and afforded a most flattering promise of future usefulness and reputation.
Dr. Backus was distinguished for remarkable vigour and apti- tude of mind. He was an able divine, a good scholar, and a ju- dicious and successful instructor. He was also eminent for his social virtues, the mildness of his dispo- sition, and the complacency of his temper. He was both respected and beloved by his pupils.
CANAAN.
CANAAN, a considerable post township, is situated in the north- western section of the county, 41 miles northwest from Hartford ; bounded on the north by Massa-
chusetts line, on the cast by Nor- folk, on the south by Cornwall, and on the west by the Ousatonick river, which divides it from Salis- bury.
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