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 29
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941
CANAAN.
The township comprises an area of about 50 square miles ; having an average length from north to south of about 9 miles, and a mean breadth of nearly 6 miles.
The face of the country is bro- ken and mountainous, several con- siderable ranges, some of which are elevated, extending through the town in a northeasterly and southwesterly direction. These ranges are of a primitive granitic character. Between the moun- tains and hills there are extensive calcareous vales. These vales have internal strata of limestone; numerous quarries of which, in these calcareous strata, have been opened for the making of lime. The best limestone is usu- ally found on the northern declivi- ties of small eminences. In the northeasterly section of the town- ship, iron ore has been discovered near the surface. A mine has been opened, and quantities of the ore raised and worked. The ore was found to be rich, as to the quan- tity of iron which it contained ; but it is of an inferior quality.
The soil is various, being of a different quality in different sec- tions, according to their geological character. Upon the mountains, hills and their declivities, it is ge- nerally a primitive gravelly loam ; and in most of the vallies it is a calcareous loam. The former are principally reserved for forests, or improved by grazing ; and the lat- ter are admirably adapted to a grain culture, affording excellent crops of wheat, rye, corn and oats. There is considerable bro- ken and waste land in the town- ship, but many sections that are rich and fertile ; so that it may be
considered as a good and flourish- ing agricultural town.
The forests comprise various species of trees, principally deci- duous ; oak, chesnut, walnut, but- ternut, beach, sugar maple, soft maple, birch, hemlock, white and yellow pine, white and red cedar, spruce, red, white and black ash, elm, bass, boxwood, whitewood, peperidge, mountain ash, sassa- fras, alder, &c.
The agricultural productions are rye, Indian corn, oats, wheat, buck wheat, peas, beans, barley, cheese, butter, beef, pork, flax, flax-seed, &c. The staples are rye and corn, of which there are annually con- siderable quantities raised that are sent abroad for a market.
The western border of the. township is washed by the Ousa- tonick river ; and the interior is wa- tered by numerous small streams, of which Blackberry river, that ri- ses in Norfolk, and runs through the town, and Hollenbach, having its source within the town, and both of which discharge their wa- ters into the Ousatonick, are the principal. Upon these and other smaller streams there are nume- rous sites for hydraulic works.
· This town is accommodated with several turnpike roads; the Greenwoods turnpike, leading from New-Hartford, northwester- ly, passes through this town ; the Litchfield and Canaan turnpike, leading to Litchfield ; and the Ca- naan and Salisbury turnpike, which unites · with the last mentioned, near the old furnace in Salis- bury.
The manufactures of the town are principally of iron, which con- stitute an important, and in gene-
31
242
COLEBROOK.
ral a profitable business. There are 8 Forges, 7 Anchor Shops, and 2 Furnaces. The ore used here is transported from Salisbury. The iron manufactures have developed an extensive field of industry, and are sources of considerable wealth. Besides these, there are 1 Cotton Factory, 1 Distillery, 4Grain Mills, 1 Plaster Mill, 15 Saw Mills and 4 Carding Machines. There are a number of Limekilns in this town ; and large quantities of lime are annually made, and sent to dif- ferent places for a market.
In 1810, there were 2183 inha- bitants in this town ; and there are now about 300 Electors, 200 Mi- litia, and 276 Dwelling houses.
The mercantile business is re- spectable, there being 9 Dry Goods and Grocery Stores in the town.
The civil or corporate divisions are 2 located Congregational So- cieties and 12 School Districts. Besides the located, there are 2 other religious Societies ; one of Methodists and one of Friends, or Quakers. There are 12 primary Schools, one in each District ; 3 Social Libraries, 3 Attornies, 2 Clergymen, and 2 practising Phy- sicians.
This township was sold at New- London, at auction, in 1738 ; and the settlement commenced in June the same year. The first settlers were Daniel and Isaac Lawrence, and John Franklin ; but they were soon joined by various others. The town was incorporated in 1739 ; and the first clergyman, the Rev. Elisha Webster, was settled in Oct. 1740.
COLEBROOK.
COLEBROOK, an elevated post township, is situated 31 miles northwest from Hartford, on the northern border of the county ; bounded on the north by Massa- chusetts line, on the east by Hart- land, in Hartford county, on the south by Winchester, and on the west by Norfolk. Its average length from east to west is 6 miles, and its average breadth 5 miles, co. taining about 30 square miles.
This township is embraced with- in the granitic district, which con- stitutes the height of land in the western part of the State. It is hilly and mountainous ; and the soil is a hard, gravelly loam, and generally stony. It is in general rather cold and wet, but affords tolerable good grazing. There
are some intervals which are well adapted to grass or mowing.
The dairy business is the prin- cipal agricultural interest of the town; and considerable quanti- ties of butter and cheese are made annually by the inhabitants. The natural growth of timber consists of oak, maple, beech, hemlock and other perennial trees; but the latter comprise a conside- rable proportion of the forests in this town.
The main branch of the' Tunx- is or Farmington river intersects the eastern section of the town, and affords most excellent mill seats and privileges for water works. Still river, a considerable branch of the Tunxis, washes its southeastern border; and another
243
CORNWALL.
branch, called the Sandy river, runs through its interior. These two streams afford also numerous sites for mills and other hydraulic works.
The town is well accommodated with turnpike roads ; the Albany turnpike leads through its eastern section; the Hudson turnpike thro' its southwestern ; and the Hartland turnpike leads through the centre : of the town from east to west ; and the New-Haven turnpike from north to south ; there is also the Still river turnpike.
The population of the town, in 1810, was 1243; and there are about 200 Dwelling houses, 200 Freemen or Electors, and 2 com- panies of militia.
The amount of taxable proper- ty, including polls, is $26,447 ; and -. -the valuation or assessment of lands and buildings in 1815, which included 17,555 acres, amounted || 1779,
to $270,102, being an average of of $1516 per acre.
The most considerable manu- facturing and mechanical employ- ments are 1 establishment for the manufacture of Steel, 2 Scythe Factories, at which sleigh shoes and several other articles are ma- nufactured, 1 Woolen Factory, 3 Tanneries, 1 Grain Mill, 1 Fulling Mill and Clothier's works, 1 Car- ding Machine, and 3 Manufacto- ries of Wooden Ware, or Turning establishments. There are 4 Mer- cantile Stores.
The town contains 1 located Congregational Society & Church, and 1 Society of Baptists, 1 Social Library, and 8 School Districts and Schools.
The professional men are 2 Phy- sicians, 2 Clergymen and 1 Att'y.
Colebrook was first settled in 1765, and was incorporated in
CORNWALL.
CORNWALL, a post township, is situated 38 miles west from Hart- ford, and 48 northwest from New- Haven; bounded on the north by Canaan, on the east by Goshen, on the south by Warren and Kent, and on the west by the Ousatonick river, separating it from Sharon.
Its average length from north to south is more than 9 miles, and its average breadth about 5 miles, comprising an area of about 46 square miles.
The township is hilly and moun- tainous; containing many elevated and continuous hills, and deep and extensive vales. Its geological character is primitive ; the rocks
consisting of granite, micaceous schistus, and some limestone in the vales. Several minerals have been discovered ; in the west sec- tion of the town, there is a moun- tain, in which, at various places, there are veins of black lead ore. It has been used for marking, and some other purposes ; but has not received that attention which is ne- cessary to develope its quantity, richness or value. About two miles south of the principal settlement in the town, there is a bed of porcelain clay, of 5 or 6 feet in depth, 7 or 8 in width, and of several rods in extent. It is thought that the quality of the clay is as good as
244
CORNWALL.
that of foreign countries ; and, if properly manufactured, would af- ford excellent porcelain ware. There are also various indi- cations of iron ore, at various places ; but no mines have been opened or worked.
The soil is generally a gravelly loam; but in some sections of the vales it is a calcareous loam. It is warm, fertile and productive ; being well adapted both to grain and grazing.
Among the natural growth of timber, oak, chesnut, maple and pine abound ; there is also birch, ash, beech, &c., comprising every kind of wood, valuable for fuel, fencing or building.
The agricultural productions consist of wheat, of which con- siderable quantities are annually raised, rye, oats, hay, butter and cheese, of which considerable quantities are annually marketed abroad, beef, pork, wool, and some other articles.
The Ousatonick washes the wes- tern border of the town. Besides which, there are several small streams, affording many sites for water works.
Across the Ousatonick, there are several bridges ; one on the Goshen and Sharon turnpike, call- ed Hart's bridge ; one on the road leading from this town to Ells- worth Society, in Sharon, called Lewis' bridge, at the village of that name ; and one on the Sharon and Cornwall turnpike; these bridges are about 120 feetin length.
The town is accommodated with several turnpike roads ; the Canaan and Litchfield turnpike crosses its northeast corner; the turnpike from Sharon to Pough-
keepsie, after passing through Go- shen, leads through the centre of the town east and west, and passes the north meeting-house ; Corn- wall and Washington turnpike leads through the town north and south, about one mile east of its centre ; Warren turnpike runs north and south, on its west line ; and Sharon and Cornwall turnpike east and west, near its south bor- der.
About two miles from the north boundary of the town, and near its centre, east and west, there is a pond called Cornwall pond, be- ing one mile in length, and half a mile in breadth, from which there is an outlet that affords numerous sites for mills and other water- works. In the southeast corner of the town, there is also a pond of about one mile in length, and nearly half a mile in width. These ponds are stored with pickerel and trout ; the latter are also taken plentifully in the small streams.
The manufactures and mecha- nical interests and trades in the town, are the following : 1 Woolen Factory, which employs about six hands, 2 Iron Forges, constantly in operation, 4 Distilleries, 2 of gin and 2 of cider brandy, 4 Tanneries, 3 Grain Mills, 2 Mills to clean clover-seed, 2 Oil Mills, 20 Saw Mills, 3 Fulling Mills and Clothiers' works, and 2 Carding Machines, for Customers. There are 2 Cabinet Makers, 4 House Joiners, 2 Carpenters, 2 Wheel- wrights, 1 Carriage Maker, 6 Coopers, 7 Blacksmiths, '1 Mason and Bricklayer, 1 Hatter, 20 Shoe Makers and 5 Tailors. There are. 4 Mercantile Stores and traders, and 4 Public Inns.
245
BIOGRAPHY.
The population of the town, in 1810, was 1602; and there are about 250 Electors, 2 Companies of militia, one of about 80 mem- bers, and the other a Light In- fantry Company of about 35, and about 200 Dwelling houses.
The amount of taxable proper- ty, including polls, estimated ac- cording to the laws for making up lists, in 1816, was $37,559 ; and the assessment of the lands and buildings of the town, in 1815, which comprised . 23,484 acres, amounted to $490,696 ; being 20,8% dollars per acre. The as- sessment of the real estate of this town and Goshen, in 1799, amoun- ted to $517,342 ; being only $17,- 646 more than the valuation of Cornwall alone, in 1815.
The town comprises 1 located Society and 11 School Districts. There are, however, 2 Congrega- tional Churches, and a Society and Church of Methodists. There is a common or primary School maintained in each of the School Districts, a suitable portion of the year. Besides which there is a Foreign Missionary School, design- cd for the education and ecclesias- tical instruction of foreigners, and is the only school of the kind in the United States.
It contains, at this time, 20 scho- lars from various parts of the world, some from the Sandwich Islands.
There are 3 Social Libraries, 1 Clergyman, 1 Attorney and 2 Physicians.
This township was divided into 53 shares or rights, and sold at public auction at Fairfield, in Feb- ruary 1737 or 1738, by a commit- tée, consisting of John Barnes,
Edmund Lewis and Ebenezer Silliman, appointed by the Gene- ral Assembly for that purpose. The sale was effected, at $30 per right, with the reservation of one right for the support of the minis- try, and another for the benefit of schools. In laying out the town- ship, there was also a reservation of 384 acres for the benefit of Yale College.
The first settlement was made about the year 1738, probably in the spring of that year; and in 1740 there were 13 families in the town, previously to the arrival of John Dibble, with several others, from Stamford. Soon afterwards, Joshua Pierce removed from Pem- broke, in Massachusetts, and set- tled in this town. The settlement soon became respectable and flou- rishing ; and in 1741, a clergy- man was ordained, being the first settled in the town.
BIOGRAPHY. Col. Ethan Al- len, distinguished for his bravery, his adventures and his sufferings, during the revolutionary war, was a native of this town. Whilst he was a youth, his father removed to Vermont. In the year 1770, when the disturbances in that territory had assumed a serious aspect, Col .. Allen first came into notice, from the bold and active part which he took in favour of the " Green Mountain Boys," as they were called, in opposition to the claims of the Government of the State of New-York. So obnoxious had he rendered himself, that an act of outlawry against him was pass- ed by the Government of that co- lony, and 500 guineas were offered for his apprehension. But he had nothing to fear from these proceed-
240.
BIOGRAPHY.
ings, as his party were too nume- rous and too faithful to the man who had been the great champi- on of their cause, to suffer him to be apprehended. During the pe- riod that this subject was agitated, in all the struggles which it occa- sioned, and in which Col. Allen took a part, he was uniformly suc- cessful.
On receiving the news of the battle of Lexington, the first hos- tile event of the revolutionary con- test, Col. Allen determined to en- gage on the side of the colonies ; and being hasty in his decisions, and desperately bold and deter- mined in his enterprises, his ar- dour and attachment to the cause of his country were soon signalized by a daring and almost unexam- pled exploit. Soon after the af- fair at Lexington, a project had been consulted, to surprise and take the forts of Ticonderoga and Crown Point, by several gentle- men from Connecticut ; and on being informed of this enterprise, Col. Allen engaged in it with his usual ardour and characteristic bravery, and being joined by Col. Arnold, this party of adventurers accomplished their object, without the loss of a man. In this affair, an incident occurred, which in a peculiar manner exemplified the character of Col. Allen. He rush- ed into the fort, at the imminent risk of his life, and demanded its immediate surrender. The asto- nished commander, equally filled with surprise and consternation, inquired " by what authority ?" To this, Allen, without the least hesitation, replied, " in the name of the Great Jehovah and of the continental Congress."
In the autumn of 1775, he was sent into Canada, to observe the dispositions of the people in that province, and to endeavour to at- tach them to the American cause.
Whilst on this tour, Col. Brown proposed to him the project of an attack upon Montreal, which was eagerly embraced by Col. Allen. For the execution of this bold enterprise, he collected 110 men, nearly 80 of whom were Canadi- ans ; and with this little party, on the evening of the 24th of Septem- ber, he crossed the river, expect- ing the co-operation of Col. Brown, in which, however, he was disappointed. In the morning he was attacked by a force of 500 men, a part of whom were In- dians, and after an obstinate and desperate resistance, he was com- pelled to surrender. On falling into the hands of the British, he was put in irons, and treated with the greatest severity and cruelty. He was shortly after sent to Eng- land, as a prisoner, although not allowed the rights belonging to a prisoner of war, being after his arrival there confined in a castle near Falmouth. On the 8th Jan. 1776, he was embarked on board a frigate, destined for Halifax, and from thence proceeded to New- York. Here he was detained about a year and a half, and had an opportunity to witness the se- vere and inhuman manner in which the American prisoners were treated. He calculated that nearly 2000 of these unfortunate persons perished by hunger and cold, and from diseases which originated from the unwholesome- ness of their provisions, and the impurity of their prison.
247
GOSHEN.
Col. Allen was exchanged in May 1778, and soon returned to Vermont ; where, from his des- perate exploits and extreme suf- ferings in the cause of his country, he was received with the most en- thusiastic joy. He was soon after promoted to the rank of a Brigadier-General in the militia of that State. He acquired great in- fluence in that section of the coun- try, and was extensively active and useful during the remainder of the war.
Col. Allen possessed a mind na- turally strong, vigorous and ec- centric, but it had not been im- . proved by an early education. He was brave in the most imminent danger, and possessed a bold, dar- ing and adventurous spirit, which neither feared dangers nor regard- ed difficulties. He was also inge- nuous, frank, generous and patri- otic, which are the usual accompa- nying virtues of native bravery and courage. He wrote and publish- ed a narrative of his sufferings du- ring his imprisonment in England and in New-York ; comprising al- so various observations upon the events of the war, the conduct of the British, their treatment of their prisoners, &c. He died 13th Feb. 1789.
The Hon. Heman Swift was a
resident of this town, and died here on the 14th Nov. 1814, aged 82 years. He was the son of Ja- bez Swift, and was born in Sand- wich, Massachusetts, in 1733 ; soon after which, his father emigrated to this State, and settled in the town of Kent. During the French war, at an early age, Mr. Swift, the subject of this notice, entered the service, having the rank of a lieutenant in the provincial troops sent to the northern frontier. At an early period of the revolution- ary war, he was appointed a colo- nel in the continental army, by the American Congress. He con- tinued in the service until the ter- mination of the war ; and, through- out most of this arduous and dis- tressing contest, he belonged to the main army, and executed the orders of its illustrious leader. He was esteemed a good officer, and was distinguished for his firm- ness, integrity, and strict regard to military discipline, and enjoyed the esteem and confidence of the Commander in chief. After the close of the war, having retired to his residence in Cornwall, he was soon appointed to various civil of- fices, under the Government of this State, and for twelve years in succession, was a member of the Council.
GOSHEN.
GOSHEN is an elevated post township, situated 32 miles west from Hartford, and 42 from New- Haven ; bounded on the north by Norfolk, on the east by Winchester and Torrington, on the south by Litchfield and Warren, and on the
west by Cornwall. Its average length is about 9 miles from north to south, and its average breadth 4 and a half miles, comprising about 40 square miles.
This township is very elevated, and is undoubtedly the highest
248
GOSHEN.
Jand in the State, butit is not gene- rally mountainous ; the surface be- ing undulating, affording an inter- esting diversity of hill and dale. Just north of the centre of the town, there is an elevated hill call- ed Ivy mountain, which rises con- siderably above the general surface of the town, and is considered as the most elevated point of land in the State. It affords a most exten- sive and interesting prospect, in almost every direction; to the west is a view of the Catskill moun- tain for a considerable extent ; its rugged features, and high and dis- orderly hills ; and to the east is a view of the elevated country east of Connecticut river.
The road called East-street is so situated upon a height of ground, as to divide the waters which de- scend into the Ousatonick and Waterbury rivers.
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The geological character of the township is primitive; the rocks consisting of granite, gneiss and other original formations. The soil is a gravelly loam, deep, strong and fertile ; and is admirably adapt- ed to grazing ; and hence, the dai- ry business is extensively and ad- vantageously carried on, the pro- ducts of which, consisting not only of butter and cheese, but of pork and lard, constitute the agricultu- ral'staples of the town. The grow- ing of cattle and fattening of beeves, also receive considerable attention. This is one of the best towns for the dairy business in the State ; and the farmers are generally wealthy and flourishing. In 1811, there was 380,236lb. of cheese marketed abroad from this town, which was much less than the whole quantity made; the consump-
tion of the inhabitants, and sales at home being considerable. This quantity of cheese at 10 cents per pound, would have amounted to $38,023:60, a very considerable sum for the avails of a single sta- ple. But neat cattle, and the va- rious interests of the dairy business do not occupy the exclusive at- tention of the farmers of this town ; sheep and the growing of wool, receive considerable attention, particularly since the merino breed has been introduced.
Of the natural growth of timber, the sugar maple prevails ; and for- merly, the industry of the inhabi- tants supplied large quantities of sugar, from the saccharine juice of this valuable tree.
There is no stream in Goshen, excepting one which rises in Nor- folk, and runs across the northeast corner of the town, deserving the character of a river ; but there are several small mill streams, having their sources in ponds and springs within the town, some of which afford good sites for water works.
There are five ponds in the town of different sizes, from one to three miles in circumference ; the out- lets of some of which afford excel- lent sites for hydraulic works. The stream which flows from one of these ponds in the western part of the town, is admirably calculated for water works, having an ade- quate supply of water at all times, and characterized by great uni- formity; being neither affected by droughts, nor heavy rains occasion- ing freshets as in other streams. Up- on this stream, there are now 2 Woolen Factories, a Carding Ma- chine for customers, 2 Fulling Mills, a Grain Mill, Saw Mill, Trip Ham-
249
HARWINTON.
mer, a Machine for dressing flax and an Oil Mill, all situated with- in 50 or 60 rods of each other.
The turnpike road from Hart- ford to Sharon, and thence to Poughkeepsie, leads through the centre of this town ; and one also from New-Haven to Albany, inter- secting the former at right an- gles.
The more considerable manu- factures and mechanical interests and employments are the follow- ing: 2 Woolen Factories, each employing from 15 to 20 persons ; and it is estimated, that from S to 10,000lh. of wool are manufactur- ed annually at these establishments; the fabrics of which have justly acquired a considerable local ce- lebrity, not only for durability, but for fineness and clegance of style. In addition to the Woolen manu- factures, there are 2 Potteries, or manufactories of earthen ware, 2 Carding Machines, (besides those belonging to the two Woolen facto- ries,) 3 Fulling Mills and Clothiers' works for customers, 2 Grain Mills, 5 Saw Mills and 5 'T'anneries, most- ly upon a small scale. There are in the town, 5 Mercantile Stores.
The population of the town, in 1810, was 1641; and there are about 350 Electors, 2 Companies
of Militia, and about 240 Dwelling houses.
The amount of taxable proper- ty, including polls, in 1817, was $45,840. The assessment of lands and buildings, including 20,706 acres, amounted to $512,272 ; be- ing $24 7% per acre.
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