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 31
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only to supply the forges and fur- naces which are in operation here, but a portion of it is conveyed to neighbouring towns. These mines are believed to be equal to any in the United States ; the ore being very rich, and of an excellent quality. Near the centre of the town, there is also a mine of iron ore, which has been opened ; and another in the northwest part of the township ; from both of which comparatively small quantities of ore are annually raised. These mines are a source of considera- ble wealth, and afford a stimulus to enterprise and industry.
The soil of the township is ei- ther a calcareous loam, or a gra- velly loam ; varying, according to the geological character of the in- ternal structure. The former is very rich and productive, and is admirably adapted to a grain cul- ture, particularly wheat, of which it carries large crops. Rye, oats, Indian corn, barley, flax and peas, are also cultivated with success. This is one of the best towns for grain in the State ; and it is proba- ble there is more wheat annually raised here than in any other. Grass also flourishes well in this town, and the lands afford excel- lent grazing ; but the attention of the farmers has been principally directed to the cultivation of
259*
SALISBURY.
wheat and other kinds of winter grain.
The Ousatonick river washes the eastern border of the town, and forms its boundary ; and Salm- on river, a small stream, runs thro' the town in a southeasterly direc- tion, and discharges its waters into the Ousatonick. Upon Salmon river, there are a number of ex- cellent sites for mills and other water works ; and there are seve- ral bridges, across the Ousatonick, and a fall of the whole body of water of the river, of about 60 feet, which is a very considerable curiosity.
There are four ponds in the town,well stored with fish, particu- larly pike or pickerel; North- east pond, Mountain pond in the west, Furnace pond in the south, and Long pond in the south- west section of the town.
Although the agricultural inter- ests of this town are flourishing, and occupy a very great propor- tion of the attention and industry of the inhabitants ; yet the advan- tages and facilities which it affords for various kinds of iron manufac- tures have not been neglected.
Of the manufactures of iron, there are 3 Forges, 2 Blast Fur- naces, 1 Anchor and Screw Manu- factory, 1 Scythe Manufactory, and 2 Shops with hammers, ope- rated by water power, for the ma- nufacture of Gun barrels, Sleigh shoes, Hoes, &c. In addition to these manufactures, there is 1 But- ton Factory, 4 Grain Mills, 4 Saw Mills and 2 Carding Machines. There are 5 Mercantile Stores.
The Salisbury and Canaan turn- pike road leads through this town
from east to west, but is a road of little public travel.
The population, at the census of 1810, was 2321 ; and there are 340 Dwelling houses, 264 Free- men or Electors, and 3 Compa- nies of Militia.
The amount of taxable proper- ty, (estimated according to the laws for regulating lists,) including polls, is $51,626 ; and the valua- tion of the lands and buildings of the town, in 1815, which included 28,053 acres, amounted to $677,- 231 ; being an average value of 24114 dollars per acre. In 1799, the valuation of Salisbury and Sha- ron together, amounted to $612,- 134; being about $65,000 less than the valuation of this town alone in 1815.
The town contains 1 located Congregational Society, and 1 of Methodists, both of which are ac- commodated with houses for pub- lic worship. There are also some Episcopalians.
There are 14 School Districts and Schools ; 2 Social Libraries, one consisting of about 600 vo- lumes, the other, which is for young persons, contains about 400 volumes, and was a present from the late Caleb Bingham Esq. of Boston ; 5 Physicians, 4 Attornies and 1 Congregational Clergyman in the town.
Salisbury was first settled by three Dutch families from the State of New-York, in the year 1720, which was 12 years before the town was laid out. These families settled upon the border of the Ousatonick, in the vicinity of a considerable Indian settle- ment, consisting of peaceable and
260
SHARON.
friendly natives. 7 The township, having been granted to proprie- tors, was laid out into lots, in 1732,
and the first settlement, under their authority, was in 1740. It was incorporated in 1741.
SHARON.
SHARON, a considerable and flourishing post township, is situa- ted upon the western border of the county and State, 47 miles from Hartford ; bounded N. by Sa- lisbury,E. by theOusatonick, which separates it from Cornwall, S. by Kent, and W. by the State of New- York. Its average length is about 9 miles, and its average breadth nearly 6 miles, comprising about 52 square miles.
Both the surface and soil of the township are strikingly diversified, and correspond with its geolo- gical character. Its eastern sec- tion abounds with elevated hills, and some granitic mountainous ranges, interspersed with which there are deep valleys.
This district affords good graz- ing ; and some tracts are tolerably well adapted to grain. The soil is a gravelly loam, and considera- bly stony. The western section of the town, bordering upon the State of New-York, consists of an extensive calcarcous vale, having a level or undulating surface, and a rich and fertile soil of calcare- ous loam.
This district is admirably adapt- ed to grain, and produces excel- lent wheat, rye, corn and oats, & in great abundance. It is one of the richest and best tracts of land in the State for a grain culturc. The soil in this section reposes upon a bed of limetone, and some rocks or quarries of marble have been discovered ; and iron ore is !!
supposed to exist in various pla- ces ; but neither have been work- ed, or in any respect received much attention.
The natural growth of timber consists principally of oak, ches- nut, walnut, ash and maple.
The Ousatonick river washes the eastern border of the town, and separates it from Cornwall. Across this stream there are seve- ral bridges. Its western section is watered by a small stream, call- ed Oblong river.
Mudge's and Indian ponds are situated upon the western bor- der of the town. The former is a considerable body of water, and the latter is partly in the State of New-York.
There are two turnpike roads which pass through this town ; one leading to Hartford, and the other to New-Haven.
The town contains two parishes or located ecclesiastical Societies. Besides which, there is one Society of Episcopalians, and one of Methodists.
In the first local Society, there is a pleasant and considerable vil- lage, comprising 50 or 60 Dwel- ling houses, several of which are ncat and handsome, 2 Churches, a Post office, and several Mercan- tile Stores.
The most considerable manu- facturing establishment is a Duck manufactory, upon an extensive scale. There is something donc at the Iron manufacture, there be-
261
TORRINGTON.
ing 1 Forge ; besides which there are 4 Grain Mills, 2 Carding Ma- chines, 2 Distilleries for cider, and 5 Tanneries. There are 4 Mer- cantile Stores, and 3 Taverns.
The population of the town, in 1810, was 2706; and there are 380 Dwelling houses, 300 Free- men or Electors, and 3 Compa- nies of Militia.
The amount of taxable proper- ty, including polls, is $55,503 ; and the valuation of lands and build- ings, in 1815, comprising 29,388 acres, amounted to $695,302 ; be- ing 23,66% dollars per acre. In 1799, the real estate of this town, together with Salisbury, was as- sessed, upon the same principle of valuation. at only $612,134 ; be- ing $83,168 less than the valuation of Sharon alone in 1815. This
is a very surprising rise of landed estate, in an inland and agricultur- al town, for the short period of 18 years.
There are, in the town, 15 School Districts & primary Schools, and an Academy for young gentle- men and ladies, 2 Social Libraries, 5 Physicians, 3 Attornies and 1 Clergyman.
Sharon was settled in the year 1738. In the spring of that year, 15 or 20 families removed there from Colchester and Lebanon, and commenced a settlement. The next year the settlement received considerable accession, by the emi- gration of several families from New-Haven, which rendered it quite respectable. The town was incorporated in Oct. 1739.
TORRINGTON.
TORRINGTON is a post town, centrally situated in the county, being 23 miles northwest from Hartford, & 7 miles northeast from Litchfield. It is bounded north by Winchester, east by New-Hartford, south by Litchfield and Harwinton, and west by Goshen. It is about 6 miles square, comprising 36 square miles, or about 23,040 acres.
The township is uneven, con- sisting of hill and dale; and the soil is a gravelly loam, mostly fer- tile and productive, and admirably adapted to grazing. The dairy business is carried on to conside- rable extent ; which, together with the fatting of beeves and raising of neat cattle and sheep, are the prin- cipal agricultural interests of the town.
The forests, which are conside- rably extensive, consist principally of deciduous trees ; although there are some evergreens interspersed.
The town is well watered by the east and west branches of Water- bury river.
There are two important turn- pike roads passing thro' the town, and affording a facility to its inter- course and communication abroad; Goshen and Sharon turnpike, and Waterbury river turnpike.
The town contains 2 located Con- gregational Societies and Church- es, and 1 Society of Baptists.
WOLCOTTVILLE, a village of 18 houses, has been built principally since 1802, and is an active, flour- ishing place. Its growth has been chiefly owing to the establishment
262
WARREN.
of an extensive Woolen Factory, which now is owned principally by his Excellency, Oliver Wolcott. It is one of the largest establish- ments of the kind in the State ; em- ploying about 40 workmen, and manufacturing from 25 to 35 yards of broad cloth daily, of an average value of $6 per yard. The cloths made at this establishment have a substantial texture, and are manu- factured in a style, scarcely inferi- or to the highest finished English cloths. This Factory was erected in 1813. There are also 1 Cot- ton Factory in this town, and 2 Grain Mills, 2 Fulling Mills and Clothier's Works, 1 Carding Ma- chines, 5 Tanneries, 5 Mercantile Stores and 3 Taverns.
The population of the town, in 1810, was 1586; and there are now 250 Dwelling houses, 175 Freemen or Electors, 2 Infantry Companies of Militia, and a part of a Company of Cavalry.
The town contains 9 School dis- tricts and the same number of Schools, 2 Social Libraries, 3 prac- tising Physicians and 3 Clergy- men.
The amount of taxable proper- ty, including polls, is $40,886. The United States assessment, in 1815, was $446,965 ; being an average of 23 and a half dollars per acre, for all the lands in the town.
Torrington was incorporated as a town, in 1744.
BIOGRAPHY. The Hon. Stan- ley Griswold, a distinguished schol- ar, statesman and patriot, was a native of this town. His life was characterized with incident and vi- cisitudes. He was educated at Yale College, and having been re- gularly qualified therefor, was set- tled for several years as a Congre- gational Clergyman at New-Mil- ford, in this county.
About the year 1804, he left his native State and established a patriotic and spirited weekly news- paper at Walpole, in New-Hamp- shire. In this situation he exhibit- ed much talent and literary ac- quirements, and obtained conside- rable celebrity ; there being at that time few ably edited news- papers in the United states. From this situation, in 1805, he was re- moved to the territory of Michigan, having received by Mr. Jefferson, then president of the United States, the appointment of Secretary of that territory. After this, he was appointed by Gov. Huntington of Ohio, a Senator in the Congress of the United States, to fill a vacancy ; and subsequently, received the ap- pointment of territorial judge, for the territory of Illinois. He died whilst in this situation, at Shawne- town, in 1815.
WARREN.
WARREN is an inconsiderable post township, having an elevated situation, 38 miles from Hartford, and 45 from New-Haven ; bound- ed on the north by Cornwall, on the east by Litchfield, on the south
|by Washington, and on the west by Kent. Its average length from north to south is 5 miles, and its average breadth about 4 and a half miles, comprising about 23 square miles.
0
263
WASHINGTON.
The township is hilly and moun- tainous, and its rocks and soil are of a granitic character ; of the for- mer, however, there are some quarries of micaceous schistus, and the latter is a coarse gravelly loam. The natural growth consists of oak, walnut & maple ; and the agricultu- ral productions are grass, some grain, butter and cheese, and beef and pork.
The town is watered by the She- paug, a considerable branch of the Ousatonick, which runs through the eastern section of the town, and by numerous small streams. Raumaug pond, a considerable bo- dy of water, is situated partly in this town,and partlyin Washington.
There are 1 Forge, 1 Distillery, 1 Carding Machine, 1 Grain Mill, 1 Tannery, 2 Mercantile Stores and 2 Public Inns in the town.
The population of the town, in 1810, was 1096; and there are 120 Freemen or qualified Electors, 1 Company of Militia, and about 170 Dwelling houses.
The amount of taxable proper- ty, including polls, is $21,440 ; and the assessment in 1815, which in- included 13,884 acres of land, amounted to $$222,961 ; being an average value of $16 To~ per acre.
The town comprises 1 located Congregational Society & Church, 1 Society of Baptists, 8 School districts and Schools, 1 Grammar School and 1 Social Library. The professional men are 2 Physicians and 1 Clergyman.
Warren was incorporated as a town in 1786, previous to which it belonged to Kent.
WASHINGTON.
WASHINGTONis a post town- ship, situated in the southwestern section of the county, 40 miles southwest from Hartford; bound- ed on the north by Warren, on the east by Litchfield and Bethlem, on the south by Woodbury and Roxbury, and on the west by New-Milford and Kent.
The average length of the town- ship from north to south is about 7 miles, and its average breadth from east to west more than 5 miles; comprising an area of abont 37 square miles.
A considerable proportion of this township is elevated and mountainous ; several granitic rid- ges extending through its western and northwestern sections. Inter-
vening between these ridges are calcareous vales of considerable extent. The other sections of the town present a surface consisting of a succession of hills and dales. Limestone abounds in many of the vales ; and in these calcarcous strata there are several quarries of marble, from which considerable quantities are raised, and two mills are constantly employed in sawing it. Iron ore has been discovered in various places ; ochre, fullers' earth, and white clay, suitable for fine pottery, have also been found here.
The soil, corresponding with the geological character of the different sections of the township, is either a calcareous or primitive
264
WATERTOWN.
- gravelly loam. The calcareous vales are fertile and productive in grain, and the ridges, hills and their declivities afford good graz- ing.
The dairy business affords the principal agriculturalstaples. Con- siderable quantities of grain, how- ever, are raised, consisting of wheat, rye, corn and oats.
The town is watered by the Shepaug river, which intersects it, forming nearly two equal sec- tions ; by the Bantam, which runs through its north section, and by the Aspetuck, which has its source in Ramaug pond, in the northwes- tern border of the town. These streams afford numerous sites for hydraulic works.
This town is accommodated with the Litchfield and New-Mil- ford turnpike, the New-Preston turnpike, and one leading to New- Haven.
The most considerable mecha- nical employments are the iron and marble business. There are 2 Marble Saw Mills, already no-
ticed, 2 Forges, 1 Slitting Mill, 1 Nail Factory and 2 Trip Ham- mers. There are 4 Grain Mills, 2 Fulling Mills and Clothiers' works. 2 Carding Machines and 5 Saw Mills.
At the census of 1810, there were 1575 inhabitants ; and there are about 240 Electors, 3 Com- panies of Militia, and about 230 Dwelling houses.
The amount of taxable proper- ty, including polls, in 1817, was $42,360 ; and the valuation of the lands and buildings of the town in 1815, which comprised 20,605 acres, amounted to $573,132; be- ing an average of $28 per acre.
The corporate divisions are 2 located Congregational Societies and 11 School Districts. In ad- dition to the located, there are 2 Episcopal Societies.
There are several Mercantile Stores, 2 Physicians, 1 Clergyman and 1 Attorney.
This town is of recent date, ha- ving been incorporated in 1779.
WATERTOWN.
WATERTOWN is a post town- ship, situated in the southeastern section of the county, 26 miles from New-Haven, and 30 from Hartford ; bounded on the north by Litchfield, on the east by West branch and Naugatuck river, which separates it from Plymouth and Waterbury, on the south by Wa- terbury and Middlebury,and on the west by Woodbury and Bethlem.
The township comprises an area of about 27 square miles ; being
of an average length of 6 and a half miles, and an average breadth of more than 4 miles.
' It is generally uneven, or rather hilly ; but some sections are level. Its geological character is granitic ; being comprised within the district having this character, which in- cludes the greater section of this county. There are, however, some limestone, and some tracts of cal- careous soil ; but a hard, dry, gra- velly loam generally prevails.
C F
t
265
WINCHESTER.
The natural growth consists of oak, maple, some beech, &c.
The lands are best adapted to grazing ; but the different grains common to this county are culti- vated.
The Naugatuck river washes the eastern border of the town. In addition to this, it is watered by numerous small streams.
The town is accommodated with two turnpike roads ; one leading from Danbury to Hartford, and the other from Litchfield to New-Haven.
The population of the town, in 1810, was 1714; and there are 175 qualified Electors, 1 Compa- ny of Militia, and 250 Dwelling houses. The amount of taxable property, including polls, is $38,- 338. In 1816, there were 15,629 acres of land assessed in this town,
which were estimated at $509,674 ; being an average value of $32 per acre.
The manufactures and mecha- nical employments, in addition to those of a domestic character, consist of 1 Distillery, 2 Grain Mills, 2 Carding Machines, 2 Ful- ling Mills and Clothiers' works and 2 Tanneries. There are 3 Mercantile Stores.
The town contains 1 located Congregational Society & Church, and 1 Society of Episcopalians, which is also accommodated with a house for public worship. It comprises 8 School Districts and Schools, and has 1 Social Libra- ry, 1 Physician, 1 Attorney and 2 Clergymen.
Watertown was incorporated in 1780.
WINCHESTER.
WINCHESTER is an elevated post township, situated 27 miles northwest from Hartford ; bound- ed on the north by Colebrook, on the east by Barkhamsted, on the south by Torrington, and on the west by Goshen and Norfolk. Its average length is 6 and a half miles, from east to west, and its average breadth more than 5 miles, comprising about 35 square miles.
This township is situated with- in the evergreen district of the State, and is hilly and mountain- ous. Its geological character is primitive ; the rocks and stones consisting of granite, mica slate, and other primitive formations,and the soil is a hard, coarse gravelly loam. The lands afford very good! 34
grazing ; and the making of butter and cheese, and growing of cattle, together with some beef and pork, constitute the principal agricultur- al interests.
The natural growth of timber is maple, beech, oak and birch ; but hemlock and other perennial trees constitute a considerable proportion of the forests.
The town is watered by two considerable mill streams, called Still and Mad rivers, which unite in its eastern section. These streams, particularly the latter, afford numerous excellent sites for hydraulic works.
Upon an elevated plain there is an interesting lake, or pond, which is one of the largest bodies
266
WOODBURY.
of water in the State, being 3 and a half miles in length, and three fourths of a mile in width. The outlet of this lake presents a no- vel and romantic view. It con- sists of a small stream, compressed within a narrow channel, literally tossed from rock to rock, many having nearly a perpendicular fall, the whole descent being nearly a quarter of a mile, whence it unites with Mad river.
Upon this outlet, there are some of the best natural sites for hydraulic works in this State, or perhaps in the Union ; several of which are occupied to advantage.
This town is justly celebrated for iron manufactures, which are a source of wealth and industry, and have promoted the growth of a considerable village. There are now 5 Smelting Forges, seve- ral of which carry on the busi- ness upon an extensive scale. The ore to supply these forges is brought principally from Salisbu- ry, there being no mines in the town. In addition to the iron ma- nufactures, there are 4 Carding Machines, 3 Grain Mills, 5 Tan- neries, 3 Cider Distilleries, 1
Clock Factory, 1 Turnery, for the manufacture of Wooden Ware, 1 Scaleboard Factory, 3 Clothiers' works and Fulling Mills and 1 Oil Mill. There are 4 Mercantile Stores and 3 Taverns.
The population of the town, in 1810, was 1466; and there are about 230 Dwelling houses, 200 Freemen or Electors, 2 Compa- nies of Infantry, and a part of a Company of Artillery, of Militia.
There are 2 located Ecclesiasti- cal Societies or Parishes in the town, and 1 Society of Methodists. In the Society of Winstead, there is a small village, comprising seve- ral handsome Dwelling houses.
The Greenwoods turnpike, lead- ing to Albany, passes through this section of the town. The Cole- brook and New-Haven turnpikeal- so leads through the western sec- tion of the town.
There are 9 School Districts and primary Schools, and 1 Acad- emy or Grammar School, 2 Social Libraries, 3 Clergymen, 1 Attor- ney and 2 Physicians.
Winchester was incorporated in 1771.
WOODBURY.
WOODBURY is a flourishing post town, situated on the southern border of the county, 36 miles from Hartford, 25 from New-Haven, and 15 from Litchfield; bounded on the north by Washington and Beth- lem, on the east by Watertown and Middlebury, in New-Haven
county, on the south by Southbury, and on the west by Roxbury. Its average length,from north to south, is about 7 miles, and its average breadth from east to west, is near- ly 6 miles, comprising about 41 square miles.
The face of the country is of an
are te a gr it ca I f
sa
267.
BIOGRAPHY.
undulating character, being plea- santly diversified with hill and dale ; upon the streams, however, there are intervals of considerable ex- tent, which with some other tracts are level. The soil is generally a gravelly loam, warm and fertile ; it is well adapted to grain, and carries good crops of rye, oats, Indian corn, &c. The lands are favourable for fruit, and there are many valuable apple orchards ; so that the making of cider and cider spirits are important agricultural interests. Many of the farmers have small Distilleries upon their own estate, whereby they manu- facture their cider into a spiritous liquor, called cider brandy.
The natural growth of timber is oak of the different kinds, maple, elm, ash, birch, walnut, chesnut and other deciduous trees.
The town is watered by three considerable branches of Pompe- raug river, which unite their waters in its southern section. These streams afford some good mill seats, and for thier size, very extensive and valuable tracts of alluvial.
In this town, there are 2 located ecclesiastical Societies or Parish- es, a Society of Episcopalians and some Methodists ; 1 very pleasant village, containing 50 or 60 Dwell- ing houses, 3 Churches, 2 for Con- gregationalists and 1 for Episcopa- lians ; a number of Stores, a Post of- fice, & several professional offices.
The Danbury and Hartford turn- pike road passes through the vil- lage, and the turnpike from Kent to New-Haven, through the town.
The manufactures and mechani- cal employments of the town, in-1
dependent of those of a domestic character, consist of 2 Tinware Factories, 4 Clothier's works and Fulling Mills, 4 Carding Machines for wool, 3 Grain Mills, 3 Tanne- ries, and a number of cider Dis- tilleries. There are 7 Mercantile Stores, 2 Taverns, 14 School dis- tricts and primary Schools, 1 Soci- al Library, 3 Clergymen, 5 Attor- nies and 2 Physicians.
The population of the town, in 1810, was 1963; and there are about 300 Dwelling houses, 300 Freemen or Electors, and 2 Com- panies of Militia.
The amount of taxable proper- ty, including polls, is $42,246; and the valuation of the lands and buildings of the town, in 1815, for the levy of the direct tax of the United States, which comprised 19,528 acres, amounted to $604,- 175; being an average value of nearly $34 per acre. In 1799, the real estate of this town, together with Southbury, was apprised at $847,966.
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