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 32
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Woodbury was incorporated in 1764.
BIOGRAPHY. Colonel Henry Perry, a youthful and gallant hero, who was killed on the confines of Mexico in 1817, whilst bravely contending for the cause of civil liberty in that interesting section of America, was from his earliest youth a resident in this town. Col. Perry was one of those heroic and chivalrous youth, whose courage springs from the noblest impulse of nature; an enthusiastic love of liberty, and a generous sympathy for all who are the unfortunate subjects of despotic power. He
268
BIOGRAPHY.
was engaged as a volunteer in the glorious defence of New-Orleans, and after the peace, joined the pa- triot army of Mexico ; he had the command of a detachment of men under Mina, and was distinguished - -
for his zeal, his courage and his enterprise during the short career of that unfortunate General, whose fate, and that of the gallant Perry's, were associated by that providence, which governs the destinies of man.
MIDDLESEX
COUNTY
MIDDLESEX, a pleasant ma- ritime county, is centrally situated upon Connecticut river ; bounded on the north by Hartford county, on the east by Hartford and New- London counties, on the south by Long-Island sound, and on the
west by the county of New-Ha- ven.
Its mean length from north to Isouth is about 25 miles, and its mean breadth from east to west nearly 14 miles, comprising about 342 square miles.
The following TOPOGRAPHICAL AND STATISTICAL TABLE exhibits a view of the several towns in the county ; their situation, with re- lation to Middletown; their population, according to the census of 1810 ; number of dwelling houses ; religious societies ; school dis- tricts, and post-offices.
Towns.
Post- Popu- Dwelling Religious School Distance from offices. lation. houses. societies. districts. Middletown.
Middletown. 2 5332
800
11
26
Haddam.
1 2205
387
3
13
8 m. S. E.
Chatham.
1
3258
453
6
15
1 m. E.
Durham ..
1
1101
172
3
5
6 m. S. W.
East-Haddam. 1
2537
392
5
19 13 m. S. E.
Killingworth.
1
2244
320
5
15
20 m. S. E.
Saybrook.
2
3926
600
3
20
22 m. S. E.
This county has a very advanta- geous and pleasant situation, being intersected by Connecticut river, which gives it important commer- cial and other advantages. Its surface is greatly diversified, pre- senting almost every variety, from the lofty, rugged granitic ridges, to the delightful Connecticut river alluvial.
The extensive eastern granitic range of mountain passes through
this county from a northeasterly to a southwesterly direction, rising upon the west side of Connecticut river, and extending into New-Ha- ven county, towards the sound, where it subsides. Upon the east side of the river is a mountainous range, extending nearly parellel with the river, in a direction to- wards the sound, which, although not distinctly connected, appears to be a branch of the great east-
270
MIDDLESEX COUNTY.
ern range. This, however, is mostly in New-London county. The first mentioned range forms the boundary between the granitic and argillaceous district upon Connecticut river ; and the north section of this county, being the commencement of the argilla- ceous district, is a highly interest- ing country, having a beautifully undulating surface, and a rich and productive soil. The southern section being the tract south of the principal range, is of a granitic character, and generally hilly, rocky and broken, with the excep- tion of the alluvial upon Connec- ticut river, and the flats upon the border of the sound.
The soil, corresponding with the geological structure of the coun- ty, in the northern section, is a rich argillaceous loam, interspers- ed with some excellent tracts of alluvial, and some small sections of sandy loam. In the eastern, middle, and more southern sec- tions, the soil is a primitive gra- velly loam, interspersed occasion- ally with small tracts of sand and alluvial.
The forests are deciduous, and considerably extensive ; and the quality of the timber is excellent.
The agricultural interests of the county are respectable, and generally directed to the objects of the dairy business, and the rais- ing of cattle and sheep. In the northern section of the county, considerable quantities of grain are raised ; but in the other sec- tions, little attention is paid to this branch of husbandry, and the grain raised is scarcely sufficient for the consumption of the inhabitants.
The waters of the county are
abundant and valuable ; and af- ford important advantages for the business of navigation, ship-build- ing and fishing. Being intersect- ed by Connecticut river, and its southern border washed by Long Island sound, this county unites greater advantages for navigation than any other in the State ; there being but one town in the county but what is accommodated with navigable waters. Numerous small streams intersect and fertilize the different sections of the county, discharging their waters either in- to Connecticut river or Long Ist- and sound. These streams abound with numerous sites for hydraulic works.
The commercial business of the county is important and flourish- ing, and is principally directed to a trade with the West-Indies, the southern States and New-York. Nearly 100 vessels of every des- cription are owned in the county. Considerable attention is paid to the transportation of wood to the New-York market.
The shad fishery in Connecti- cut river is an extensive and im- portant interest, and a source of great profit. Large quantities of shad are annually taken, which not only supply the immediate de- mand, but constitute a staple ar- ticle for exportation.
This county possesses great ad- vantages for ship-building ; which, at different periods, has been ex- tensively carried on.
There are several very valuable quarries in the county, which are a source of profit, and afford em- ployment to considerable industry.
The manufactures of this coun- ty are respectable, and compara-
271
MIDDLETOWN.
tively flourishing. The manufac- tures of woolen, of rifles, pistols, swords, ivory combs and button moulds are the most important. Several of these manufactures, particularly those of rifles, pistols and swords, have been carried to great perfection. There are, in this county, 3 Cotton Factories, 5 Woolen Factories, 17 Fulling Mills and Clothiers' works, 16 Carding Machines for customers, 43 Grain Mills, 1 Paper Mill, 1 Oil Mill, 1 Powder Mill, 1 Forge and 6 small Furnaces.
There are in the county of Mid-
dlesex, 18 School Societies, each of which is divided into a suita- ble number of School Districts, of which there are in all 113, and 42 Religious Societies, 99 Mercantile Stores, and 17 Social Libraries.
The population of the county, in 1810, was 20,723 ; and its ag- gregate list, of taxable property and polls, is $429,782.
The county was incorporated in 1785, previously to which, it belonged to the counties of Hart- ford, New-London and New-Ha- ven ; principally to the forincr.
MIDDLETOWN.
MIDDLETOWN, the semi- seat of justice, and the most con- . siderable township of the county, is pleasantly situated upon the west side of Connecticut river, 31 miles from its mouth at Saybrook bar, according to the course of the river, 15 miles south of Hart- ford, 25 northeast of New-Haven, and 35 northwest of New-Lon- don, in north lat. 41º 35', west lon. 72º 54'.
The township is bounded on the north by Wethersfield and Berlin, in Hartford county, on the east by Connecticut river, which sepa- rates it from Chatham, on the south by Haddam and Durham, and on the west by Wallingford and Meriden, in New-Haven county.
Its average length from north to south is about 9 miles, and its ave- rage breadth from east to. west nearly 7 miles, comprising about 58 square miles, or 37,120 acres.
This township comprises the southern section of the argilla- ceous district, upon the borders of Connecticut river ; its geolo- gical character, surface and soil corresponding with the prevailing features of this district.
The surface is strikingly and pleasantly undulating and diver- sified, and the prevailing soil an argillaceous loam, rich and fertile, which reposes generally upon a bed of clay slate rock. But the western section of the township embraces the eastern branch of a greenstone range of mountain, being generally a succession, but in some places a continuity of eleva- ted hills. In this district, the greenstone constitutes the upper stratum, and it is underlaid, or re- poses upon argillaceous schistus.
The soil is favourable both for grain and grazing, and is well adapted to fruit, with respect to which the farmers have paid con-
272
MIDDLETOWN.
siderable attention, there being numerous apple orchards in the town; so that the making of ci- der is an important agricultural interest.
Of the grains cultivated, wheat, rye, Indian corn and oats are the principal; and of these the soil carries good crops. Grass, flax, some hemp, potatoes and other roots, culinary vegetables and summer and autumn fruits flou- rish well, under proper cultiva- tion.
The waving and pleasantly di- versified character of the country, the improved state of its cultiva- tion, the richness and variety of its productions, and the majestic but pacific tide of the Connec- ticut, all of which are thrown un- der the eye of the beholder, pla- ced upon many of the eminences, afford, in the summer season, most delightful and interesting land- scapes.
About one mile below the city, upon the bank of the river, lead ore has been discovered, and a mine was opened and worked du- ring the revolutionary war, but has since been abandoned. In this vicinity, there are also some indications of coal ; several exca- vations have been attempted, which hitherto have proved un- satisfactory.
Besides the Connecticut, which washes the eastern border of the township, it is watered by two in- considerable streams, called West and Little rivers. The former has .its source in Guilford, and runs thro' Durham and the southwesterly section of Middletown, maintain- ing a northeasterly course, until it unites with Little river, (which
rises in Berlin, and runs in a south- easterly direction,) near the cen- tre of the town, north and south, and about two miles west from Connecticut river, into which the waters of these united streams are discharged, between the city and the village called Middletown Upper Houses. These streams, particularly West river, afford nu- merous excellent sites for hydrau- lic works, many of which are ad- vantageously and profitably occu- pied.
There are several shad and her- ring fisheries upon Connecticut ri- ver, and various small fish abound in most of the small streams.
In the western part of the town, near Meriden, there is a pond, called Black pond, which is also stored with fish.
There are seven turnpike roads communicating with Middletown ; . one leading to Hartford, one to Windham, one to Colchester, one to Saybrook, one to New-Haven, one to Meriden and one to Far- mington.
The manufactures and mecha- nical establishments and employ- ments of the town, inclusive of those in the city, consist of the following : 2 Woolen Factories, both upon a respectable scale, and the manufactures of which have acquired considerable reputation, and 2 Cotton Factories. Of iron manufactures, there are 1 Sword Factory, 1 Pistol Factory, and 1 Rifle Factory, all upon a consider- able scale, and the articles man- ufactured at which, particularly' Swords, have been esteemed cqual in every respect, if not superior, to those imported. There are 6 Tin-ware Factories, 1 Silver plat-
278
MIDDLETOWN.
ing Factory, 1 Button Factory, 3 Pewter Factories, 1 Comb Fac- tory, 1 Paper Manufactory, 1 Pow- der Mill, 3 Rope walks, 1 T'wine Factory, 1 Muff and Tippet Fac- tory 3 Saddlers, 2 Cabinet Mak- ers, and 2 Carriage Makers. There are 7 Grain Mills, 10 Saw Mills, 3 Carding Machines and 8 Tanne- ries.
There are, in the town, includ- ing the city, 11 Dry Goods Stores, 32 Grocery and Provision Stores, 2 Bookstores, 2 Druggist's Stores, 1 Hardware Store, 2 Crockery Stores, 1 Hat Store and 3 Lumber Yards.
The population of the town, in 1810, was 5382; and there are 700 Electors, 438 Militia, and about 800 Dwelling houses.
The civil divisions of the town are 4 located Ecclesiastical Soci- eties or Parishes, 26 School Dis- tricts and an incorporated City. Besides the located, there are 3 Societies of Baptists, 1 of Episco- palians, 2 of Methodists and 1 of Independents, making 11 in the town, ten of which are accommo- dated with Churches, or houses for public worship ; and, in each of the School Districts, a primary school is maintained.
There are 4 Social Libraries and 1 Circulating Library in the city ; and, in the town, 6 Physi- cians, 10 Clergymen and 7 Attor- nies.
The amount of taxable proper- ty, including polls, is $113,896.
MIDDLETOWN CITY, incorpora- ted in 1784, is delightfully situated upon the west bank of the river, near the centre of the township, upon its eastern border. It has a safe and commodious harbour, the
river here having 10 feet of water at full tide, and is a port of entry.
Its site is principally a gentle de- clivity ; having a gradual ascent back from the river. It is built mostly upon eight streets, of which Main-street, being the great river road, is the principal. This street runs in a northerly and southerly direction, nearly paral- lel with the river ; is well built, for nearly a mile in extent, and con- tains most of the public buildings and public offices ; the two Bank- ing houses, two Churches, the Na- val office and Post office, à con- siderably extensive range of brick buildings, occupied principally for Stores, Washington Hotel, seve- ral elegant brick edifices, and a number of neat and handsome Dwelling houses, Stores, Mecha- nics' Shops, &c. Aside from the navigation interests, most of the mercantile business is done in this part of the city. Upon the mar- gin of the river, is Water-street, running in a parallel direction, and affording a communication with the several wharves which have been built. The maritime business of the city is chiefly transacted in this street; but it contains few stores or other buildings either large or ele- gant. High-street has an elevated and prospective situation, more than 100 rods back from Main- street, upon the height of land, and runs in a parallel direction. This street is a delightful resi- dence, affording a view of the oth- er parts of the city, of the sur- rounding country, which, for beau- ty, richness and variety of rural scenery, is scarcely surpassed, and of the river for a considerable ex- tent. There are a number of
35
274
MIDDLETOWN.
neat and handsome dwelling hous- es upon this street. These streets are intersected by several others, running from the river in a west- erly direction. In the north sec- tion of the city is Green-street ; the next south is Ferry-street, ex- tending only from the river, or Wa- ter-street, to Main-street. This short street is tolerably well built, but its buildings are principally small and of wood. Washington- street intersects Main and High- streets south of Ferry-strect. The Washington Hotel buildings are situated at the corner of this and Main-street. The western sec- tion of this street is elevated, and contains several pleasant residen- ces. Court-strect intersects Main- street near the centre of the city, and extends to High-street. The Court-House is situated upon this street.
The city contains about 350 Dwelling houses, and about 40 Mercantile Stores of every des- cription ; and, in 1810, it contain- ed 2014 inhabitants, and has in- creased considerably since that pe- riod. It contains the Naval office, or Custom-house of the District, comprising the several ports up- on the river, both in this county and the county of Hartford, a Post office, 5 Churches, one for Con- gregationalists, onc for Episcopa- lians, one for Baptists, one for In- dependents and one for Method- ists, a Court House, the Gaol of the county and an Alms-housc.
There arc, in the city, 2 Banks, one a branch of the United States Bank, established in 1817, the oth- er incorporated by the State, in 1795,which has a capital of 400,000 dollars, a Marine Insurance Com-
pany, and a Newspaper establish- ¡ ment.
All the tonnage of the District is registered at the Naval office in this city, and, in 1815, amount- ed to 19,327 tons.
The city of Middletown possess- es very considerable advantages for maritime commerce, but is less favourably situated for inland trade ; the city of Hartford being but 15 miles above, upon the riv- er, with several considerable towns farther up, deprives it, in a great measure, of the trade and com- mercial advantages of the coun- try upon Connecticut river, north of that place. But it has a good harbour, and a depth of water ad- mitting of large vessels, is of com- paratively easy access from the ocean, and, in other respects, pos- sesses advantages for maritime commerce, much greater than any other place upon the river.
In addition to the commercial advantages of the place, it unites many facilities for manufactures, was one of the first towns that disclosed a manufacturing spirit, and its establishments of woolen, cotton, swords, pistols and rifles, were among the first of the kind in the United States ; and most or all of them have acquired a ce- lebrity which has been attained by few others, and have contribu- ted to the reputation and impor- tance of the place.
For some time after the close of the revolutionary war, Middle- town made little or no progress ; and, for several years, actually de- clined in population ; but for the last fifteen years it has been ris- ing, has become a place of consi- derable importance, and has a fair
275
HADDAM.
prospect of a corresponding ad- vancement in size, population and business, with the other commer- cial towns in the State.
Middletown was settled in 1651, the first settlers being principally from Hartford and Wethersfield, and some from England. The set- tlement soon after received con- siderable accession from Rowley, Chelmsford, and Woburn, in Mas- sachusetts. The place was called Mattabesick by the natives, and received the name of Middletown from the General Court, in No- vember 1653; at which time it was probably admitted to town privileges. In 1673, twenty years after, there were but 52 families or householders ; and the town- ship was divided into an equal number of shares. In a few in- stances, formerly, the General As- sembly have held their sessions in Middletown; but no particular events have occurred here worthy of historic notice.
BIOGRAPHY. The Hon. Ti- tus Hosmer, an eminent lawyer and statesman, was a native and resident of this town. He was one of the patriots of our glorious Revolution ; having, at an early period, been a member of the Con- tinental Congress. He died in 1781.
Hugh White Esq., the first set- tler of Whitestown, in the State of New-York. was a citizen of Middle- town. He removed from this place with his familyin 1784,and,penetra-
ting beyond the Mohawk flats, which then formed a barrier to the west ern settlements, located himself at Sedaghquate, now Whitesboro' village, which, till then, had been the gloomy abode of wild beasts and savage men. For the first four years after the commence- ment of this settlement, its pro- gress was rather slow and discou- raging; yet, in 1788, it contain- ed nearly 200 inhabitants ; and the same year, the town of Ger- man Flats, comprising this settle- ment, was divided, and a new town established, which, in ho- nour of this enterprising man, was called " Whitestown." This town- ship, with less than 200 inhabit- ants, comprised then almost all the western section of that State, which, in 1810, contained 280,319 inhabitants ; being about 20,000 more than the whole population of Connecticut ; so that Judge White, who survived this period two years, lived to see the dreary wilderness, into which he was the first man to penetrate, and which once bore his name, contain a greater population than his na- tive State.
As was observed in his obituary notice, "Judge White may justly be considered as the Patriarch, who first led the children of New- England into the wilderness ; and it may be truly said, that he lived to see and enjoy the promised land." He died in 1812, aged 80 years.
HADDAM.
HADDAM is a post township, situated upon the west side of Con-
-
necticut river, 8 miles from Mid- dletown, and 23 from Hartford.
276
HADDAM.
The tract of land between Mid- dletown and Saybrook, cmbracing this township, was originally called the lands at Thirty mile Island, from the Island in Connecticut riv- er of that name, (now Lord's Isl- and,) north of the centre of the tract which was then thought to be 30 miles from its mouth, or the bar. These lands were owned and in- habited by the natives, of which there was a numerous, fierce and warlike tribe. In 1662, the Indian title to these lands was acquired by Matthew Allyn and Samuel Wyllys for thirty coats; not ex- ceeding, probably, one hundred dollars in value. The same year, this purchase was disposed of to 28 persons, who immediately be- came actual settlers upon it. They were most, or all of them, from Hartford and its vicinity. The first settlement was made promiscuous- ly in the town meadow ; some fa- milies, however, located them- selves on the plain below Mill creek, and were called the lower plantation. In October, 1668, six years only from the first settlement, the town was incorporated by the name of Haddam. At this time, this town belonged to the county of Hartford, and so continued until the formation of Middlesex county, in May 1785 ; previously to which, the judicial and other business had been transacted at Hartford, the seat of justice for the county. On the organization of the county of Middlesex, this town, on account of its central situation, became the se- mi-seat of justice for the county, & hath so remained ever since. In 1669, the original limits of this township werc somewhat circum- scribed by a resolution of the As-
sembly, ordering the division be- tween this town and Saybrook and Lyme, of a tract of land embraced within the original purchase, which was considered as forming the boundaries of Haddam, but which was also claimed by these two towns.
At the present time, the mean length of this township is 7 miles, and its mean breadth more than 6 miles, comprising an area of 43 square miles.
This township is the commence- ment of the granitic district, ex- tending to the mouth of Connecti- cut river. It is considerably rough and broken, being hilly and stony. There is but little alluvial upon Connecticut river, but the lands upon its borders are more smooth and better adapted to cultivation. Upon the branches of the Higga- num, and upon Beaver brook, there are some small intervals, excepting which, the lands back from the river are generally rough, and cultivated only for grazing or timber. The prevailing soil is a gravelly loam, hard and dry. The forests are considerably extensive, and large quantities of wood are annually sent to market by the in- habitants, principally to New- York. The timber consists of hickory, oak and other hard wood. In 1807, there were 2000 cords carried from Higganum landing, the principal wood market, to New-York.
The agricultural productions con- sist principally of butter, cheese, beef and pork ; some grain is rais- ed, and a supply of potatoes and other esculent roots, vegetables &c.
There are several quarrics of stone in this town, which, consider-
277
. HADDAM.
ing their vicinity to a navigable | in this town, although this was quite river, promise to be a source of wealth, permanent and inexhausti- ble.
The quarry below Haddam- street was opened about the year 1794. It is on a hill of considera- ble height, about 100 rods back from the river. The stones are usually a little below the surface, and are exhibited in nearly per- pendicular strata. They are valua- ble for building, paving, &c. The bed is inexhaustible; and some years since, there were 80 or 90 hands employed in this quarry, and one opposite, on the east side of the river. These stones have been carried to various places in this State and Rhode-Island, to Boston, New-York, Albany and Baltimore for a market. They are sold by the foot of 4 inches thickness, from 17 to 20 cents ; and of 2 inches thickness, for pavements, from 10 to 14 cents.
Besides the Connecticut which washes the eastern border of the township, it is watered by several small streams ; the Higganum and its branches, Beaver brook and Pine brook. These streams afford various sites for mills and other hydraulic works. There are seve- ral ferries across Connecticut riv- er in this town; Higganum ferry was granted to the town in 1763 ; and what are called Haddam ferry and Chapman's ferry are both pri- vate property. The shad fisheries in the Connecticut river in this town are very important, and a source both of industry and wealth ; there are 16 or 17 different fishe- ries. In the season of 1814, it has been estimated that 130,000 shad were taken at the several fisheries
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