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 34
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This village is memorable from the attack made upon it by the British, during the late war, and the entire destruction of the ship- ping in the harbour, which seems to have been the object of their friendly visit. This event occur- red on the 8th of April, (being Good Friday, and a public Fast day,) 1814. A detachment from the British blockading squadron, then lying off New-London, con- sisting of several hundred soldiers and marines, made an excursion up the river, in six large barges, with muffled oars, and arrived at the landing in this village, about 3 o'clock in the morning. About 270 men were immediately land- ed, who rushed into, and took pos- session of the village. The com- manding officer informed the inha- bitants, that his orders were to burn the shipping, but not to mo-
lest the citizens, unless they were attacked ; in which case, he was ordered to destroy every house in the village. The suddenness and surprise of this irruption produ- ced a scene of confusion, which obstructed the organization of any efficient means of resistance ; and the party was left to proceed in their work of destruction. They burned all the vessels in the har- bour, amounting to 23, and va- lued, subsequently, at $200,000. They also destroyed or stove seve- ral hogsheads of rum, and carried off several thousand dollars worth of cordage.
The population of the town, in 1810, was 3926; and there are about 450 Electors, 5 Companies of Militia, four of Infantry and 1 of Artillery, and about 600 Dwelling houses.
The aggregate list of the town, in: 1816, was $75,857.
There are 2 Post offices in the town, one in the first Society, and the other in Chester; and, in ad- dition to the county or public roads, it is accommodated with a convenient turnpike, leading thro' Haddam to Middletown ; and an- other is now opening from this town to New-Haven.
There are, in this town, 20 pri- mary Schools, 6 Clergymen, 5 Phy- sicians and 1 Attorney.
This is one of the most ancient towns in the State. Lords Say and Seal and Brook, having purchased the tract of land upon the mouth of Connecticut river, previously to the year 1635, caused a fort to be erected at the Point, this and the succeeding year, in which a garrison of about 20 men was maintained. The garrison made
287
BIOGRAPHY.
some improvements ; and it was contemplated immediately to pro- secute the settlement. But the war with the Pequots, and the con- dition of the colony, retarded it. In the summer of the year 1639, Mr. George Fenwick, with his fa- mily, arrived in a ship from Eng- land, with a view to take posses- sion of the country, and establish a settlement, in behalf of the pur- chasers or patentees thereof. A settlement was soon commenced, and in honour of their lordships, Say and Seal & Brook, was named Saybrook. Messrs. Fenwick and Thomas Peters, who was the first minister in the settlement, Capt. Gardiner, and Capt. John Mason, were among the first and principal settlers. The town was indepen- dent of the government of Con- necticut, until after the purchase of Mr. Fenwick, in 1644. The first tax, levied by authority of the colony, was at the Oc- tober session, the year after. Soon after this period, the settle-
ment began to flourish ; a number of families removing here from Hartford and Windsor. The ori- ginal li: its of the town extended upon the east side of the river, for several miles, and included a part of the town of Lyme.
BIOGRAPHY. Gen. William Hart, distinguished for his enter- prise, as a merchant, his wealth, and the high estimation of his fel- low-citizens, was a resident of this town. He was in the service, du- ring the revolutionary war. In 1795, he, together with Oliver Phelps, and their associates, pur- chased of the Governor of this State the tract of land in the State of Ohio, called the "Western Reserve," amounting to about 3,300,000 acres ; the considera- tion of which was $1,200,000.
Gen. Hart attained to a high rank in Society, and unusual pub- lic consideration ; having, at one period of his life, for several years, been a candidate for Governor of this State. He died in 1817.
D
TOLLAND
-
COUNTY.
TOLLAND, an inconsiderable and recently organized county, is situated in the northeastern sec- tion of the State ; bounded on the north by the State of Massachu- setts, on the east by Windham county, on the south by the coun-
| ty of New-London, and on the west by Hartford county.
The county of Tolland has an average length of more than 22 miles, and a mean breadth of about 15 miles ; comprising an area of about 337 square miles.
The following TOPOGRAPHICAL AND STATISTICAL TABLE exhibits a view of the several towns in the county ; their situation, with re- lation to Tolland, the seat of justice; their population, at the cen- sus of 1810 ; number of dwelling houses ; religious societies ; school districts, and post-offices.
Towns.
Post- Popu- Dwelling Religious School Distance from Tolland. offices. lation. houses. societies. districts.
Tolland.
1
1610
300
3
13
Bolton.
1 700
100
2
5
10 m. S. W.
Coventry.
1 1938
324
3
11
: 7 m. S.
Ellington.
1344
162
2
8
7 m. N. W.
Hebron.
2 2002
321
4
12
15 m. S.
Somers.
1260
200
1
9
10 m. N. W.
Stafford.
1 2230
320
5
19
8 m. N. E.
Union.
750
120
2
6
15 m. N. E.
Vernon.
1 827
135
1
6
8 m. S. W.
Willington.
1161
200
2
11
7 m. E.
Tolland county, as it respects its surface, soil and geological cha- racter, is divided into two distinct sections. The western section is a very handsome, level or undula- ting country, and as it is in location, so it appears to be in its character, an intermediate tract, between the
argillaceous district upon Connec- ticut river, and the granitic region with which it connects upon the east. This tract is in general free from stone ; and the soil, al- though generally shallow, and ra- ther light, is warm, fertile and productive ; being well adapted to
289
TOLLAND COUNTY.
the growth of grain, and affords great facility of cultivation. The eastern section embraces the ex- tensive granitic range which ex- tends through the State. This section is elevated and mountain- ous, and some parts of it cold and sterile. A considerable proportion of it has been suffered to remain to forests, which are more exten- sive here than in any other part of the State. The trees are of the deciduous species, and the timber is generally of an excellent quality. The improved lands, in this section of the county, afford tolerably good grazing ; but in ge- neral do not admit of a grain cul- ture. Upon some of the streams, however, there are small intervals, suitable for arable purposes. In this section of the county, the ag- ricultural productions consist of butter, cheese, cattle, sheep, beef, pork, and some others ; and in the western section, rye, corn and oats, constitute the staple produc- tions.
The waters of the county con- sist of numerous small streams, and are principally embodied, in the eastern section, in the Willi- mantic and Hop rivers. These rivers and their numerous branch- es intersect and water a considera- ble proportion of the county. In the western and southern sections, the waters are principally embo- died in the Scantic, Hockanum and Salmon rivers. The former of these streams has considerable tracts of alluvial, and the others afford many water privileges.
The manufacturing interests of the county are flourishing, and constantly extending ; developing
new fields for industry and new sources of wealth. Domestic ma- nufactures receive universal atten- tion, and are an important source both of industry and economy ; the inhabitants being remarkable for their hardy and persevering habits of industry. Of the manufac- tures, those of cotton and iron are the most important. There are 9 Cotton Factories, 2 Forges and 3 Furnaces, most of which are up- on a considerable scale. There are 11 Fulling Mills, 20 Carding Machines, 4 Woolen Factories, 36 Grain Mills, 2 Glass Factories, 3 Paper Mills and 2 Oil Mills. Re- cently, the manufacture of straw braid has been introduced, and re- ceives great attention in some towns in the county. This busi- ness is the more important, as it contributes to the aggregate indus- try ; the labour being performed by those persons whose services are not usually profitably employ- ed, and thereby avoids any inter- ference with other departments of labour.
There are, in this county, 25 Religious Societies of every des- cription, 14 School Societies, divi- ded into a suitable number of School Di # icts, of which there are 100, and 10 Social Libraries.
There are about 40 Mercantile Stores.
The population of this county, in 1810, was 13,770; and the amount of taxable property and polls, in 1817, was $327,282.
This county originally belonged to the counties of Hartford and Windham, and was incorporated in 1786.
37
290
TOLLAND.
TOLLAND, the seat of justice for the county, is situated 18 miles east from Hartford, 52 northeast from New-Haven, and 42 north- west from New-London. It is bounded east on the Willimantic river, which separates it from Wil- lington, west by Vernon and El- lington, south by Coventry, and north by Ellington. It contains about 36 square miles ; being more than 6 miles in length, and 5 and a half miles in breadth.
The town is uneven and rough, being mountainous and stony. The soil is gravelly ; but some of the valleys and borders of streams consist of loam which is warm and fertile.
The lands are best adapted to grazing, being too rough and sto- ny for plowing, although some corn, oats, rye and flax are raised.
The forests, which are exten- sive, consist principally of oak and chesnut ; comprising, however, va- rious other deciduous trees.
The geological structure con- sists of granite, schistus and other rocks of a primitive formation. Large masses of granite appear upon the surface, some of which are detached and insulated, others of a connected stratu ». Iron ore is found in many places in this range of mountains ; but we have not ascertained that any has been discovered within this town.
There is a mineral spring in the town, the waters of which possess similar medicinal qualities to those of Stafford ; but it has not acquir- ed any celebrity abroad.
The town is watered by the Willimantic and the Skungamug rivers, and innumerable small streams. There are three bridg-
es across the former, and four across the latter of these rivers.
Snipsick pond is a large body of water, being 2 miles in length, and 100 rods in width. There is also a pond called Skungamug in the town.
The civil divisions of the town are 1 located or Congregational Society and 13 School Districts.
In the centre of the town is a pleasant village, having an eleva- ted and prospective situation. It is about half a mile in length, and contains a Court House and Gaol, for the county, 2 Churches, a Post office, and about 30 Dwelling hou- ses, some of which are neat and handsome buildings.
There are several turnpike roads which pass through this town ; Hartford and Tolland turnpike, leading from the former to the lat- ter place, and from thence to Bos- ton ; Stafford turnpike, and Tol- land county turnpike.
There were, in 1810, 1610 in- habitants in the town. There are now 250 qualified Electors, 3 com- panies of Militia and about 300 Dwelling houses.
There is 1 Furnace, for casting iron, 3 Grain Mills, 3 Saw Mills, 3 Distilleries, 3 Tanneries, 2 Ful- ling Mills, 1 Carding Machine and 4 Mercantile Stores.
There are 3 Churches ; one for Congregationalists, one for Bap- tists and one for Methodists, 1 So- cial Library, 13 common or Dis- trict Schools, 2 Clergymen, 3 At- tornies and 4 Physicians.
The general list of taxable polls and estate of the town is $37,335.
Tolland was incorporated as a town in the year 1715.
291
COVENTRY.
BOLTON.
BOLTON is a small post town- ship, 14 miles east from Hartford ; bounded on the north by Vernon, on the east by Coventry, on the south by Hebron, and on the west by East-Hartford. The township contains an area of 16 square miles ; being more than 5 miles in length and 3 in breadth.
This town is embraced within the granitic district of the eastern · section of the State, has an ele- vated situation, and is hilly and stony. The soil is a coarse, hard, gravelly loam, rather cold and ste- rile. It however affords tolerable grazing ; and the dairy business is the leading agricultural interest.
The natural growth of timber is oak, walnut, maple, chesnut, &c. ; and the forests are considerably extensive. The farmers, in the fall and winter seasons, bring large quantities of wood to Hartford market.
A branch of Hop river runs through the northeastern section of the town, and a branch of Sal- mon river through the southwest- ern.
The Hartford and Norwich turn- pike road leads through the centre of the town.
There are, in Bolton, 2 Grain Mills, 1 Fulling Mill and Cloth- ier's works, 1 Tannery, 2 Mer- cantile Stores and 1 Tavern.
The population of the town, in 1810, was 700; and there are 100 Dwelling houses, 1 Company of Militia, and about 120 Electors
The town forms one located Congregational Society ; and there is, besides, a small Society of Episcopalians. There are 5 School Districts and Schools, 1 small So- cial Library, 2 Physicians and 1 Clergyman.
Bolton was settled in 1716, and was incorporated in 1720.
COVENTRY.
COVENTRY is a post town- ship, situated 18 miles east from Hartford ; bounded on the north by Tolland, on the south by He- bron and Columbia, on the east by Mansfield, and on the west by Bol- ton and Vernon.
Its average length is 7 miles, and its average breadth about 6 and a half miles, comprising about 45 square miles.
The surface is uneven, or mo- derately hilly, and the soil a gra- velly loam. The stones and rocks are granite and micaceous schis- tus.
The natural growth consists of
oak, walnut, chesnut, butternut, sumach, &c.
The agricultural productions are grass, rye,corn, oats, butter,cheese, beef, pork, and some others ; but the lands are best adapted to graz- ing, and the dairy business consti- tutes the principal agricultural in- terest.
The eastern border of the town is washed by the Willimantic, which forms its boundary. The Skunga- mug runs from north to south thro' the town, and, uniting its waters with another stream, formas Hop river ; which, running eastwardly, washes the southern border of the
· 292
BIOGRAPHY.
"town, and constitutes its bounda- ry, or south line. It unites its wa- ters with the Willimantic, which forms the southeastern corner of the township. There are a nun- ber of bridges across these streams ; and they also afford numerous sites for mills and other water works, many of which are advantageously occupied.
There is a lake or pond in this town, called Wangumbog, a consi- derable body of water, being about 2 miles in length and 1 in width.
There are several turnpike and mail roads which lead through this town.
The manufactures and mecha- nical employments, exclusive of those of a domestic character, con- sist of 1 Cotton Factory, 2 Paper Mills, 1 Glass Factory, 1 Manu- factory of Carding Machines, 3 small Distilleries, 5 Tanneries, 3 Grain Mills, 6 Saw Mills and 5 Car- ding Machines. There are 7 Mer- cantile Stores.
The population of the town, in 1810, was 1938; and there are 324 Dwelling houses, 366 Free- men or Electors, and 164 Mili- tia.
The town is divided into three located Congregational Societies or Parishes, in each of which there is a small village and a Congrega- tional Church.
It contains 11 School Districts and Schools, 2 Social Libraries, 2 Clergymen, 1 Attorney and 3 Physicians.
The general list of the town, including polls, is $52,833.
Coventry was settled in 1709; belonging then, and for a long time afterwards, to the county of Hart- ford, and incorporated in 1711.
BIOGRAPHY. Capt. Nathan Hale, a celebrated youthful hero, and martyr of the revolutionary war, was a native of this town. Capt. Hale received his education at Yale College, where he gradua- ted in 1773. The ardent glow of patriotic feeling, and the deep in- terest which he took in the cause of his injured country, induced him, at an early period of the re- volutionary war, to offer to it his services ; and having obtained a commission, he entered the army in the capacity of a captain in the Light Infantry regiment comman- ded by Col. Knowlton, a very brave and distinguished officer, a succint account of whom may be found in this work, subjoined to the town of Ashford. After the un- fortunate engagement upon Long Island, on the 27th of August, 1776, an immediate retreat to New-York was deemed the only expedient that could save the en- tire American army, consisting of about 9000 men, from falling into the hands of the enemy. This measure was planned and execut- ed with great judgment, secrecy and success ; all of the American forces having been safely convey- ed to New-York, before the Bri- tish had any knowledge of what was going on. Yet the sudden- ness of this movement, and the surprise which it must have occa- sioned with the British, gave Gen. Washington great solicitude to be- come acquainted with their situa- tion subsequently to this unexpect- ed event, and of their intended movements.
Gen. Washington communica- ted his views and wishes upon this subject to Col. Knowlton, whose
293
BIOGRAPHY.
regiment formed the van of the ar- my, and requested him to devise some mode of obtaining the ne- cessary information. Col. Knowl- ton, knowing the intelligence, the ardent patriotism, and the bold and adventurous spirit of Capt. Hale, submitted to him the views and wishes of the commander in chief. Capt. Hale, animated by a sense of duty, and pleased at an oppor- tunity of signalizing his zeal in the cause of his country, he immediate- ly offered himself as a volunteer for this difficult and imminently ha- zardous enterprise. Having dis- guised himself, he crossed to Long Island, explored and examined ev- ery part of the British army, and obtained the necessary information respecting their situation and sub- sequent operations. But, although successful in accomplishing the objects of his enterprise, he was not destined to return. He was apprehended, and carried be- fore Sir William Howe, and cir- cumstances affording such strong proof against him, and from the characteristic principles of integ- rity and honour, which governed his conduct, he frankly acknow- ledged who he was, and the objects of the service in which he was en- gaged. Sir William Howe imme- diately, without even the formality of a trial, ordered the provost mar- shal to have him executed the next morning. This cruel order was accordingly executed, under cir- cumstances the most distressing, and by as unfeeling a savage as ev- er disgraced humanity.
Thus fell Nathan Hale, in the morning of life, and in the dawn of high promise, of reputation and honour to himself, and of use- ---
fulness to his country. The man- ner and circumstances of his death must ever be abhorrent to the feelings of humanity. He was treated in the most unfeeling and indecent manner ; and every in- dulgence, every mark of sympa- thy and respect were denied him. He desired the attendance of a clergyman, which was refused. But what was more inhuman, the letters which he had written to his mother and friends, were destroy- ed on the morning of his execu- tion. This savage outrage upon the feelings of humanity could on- ly be equalled by the reason which was assigned for it; which was, " that the rebels should not know that they had a man in their army who could die with so much firm- ness." It is difficult to conceive of a situation more awful, or that in a more eminent degree was cal- culated to overcome the firmest mind. Among entire strangers, in the hands of his enemies, every face presenting the aspect of hos- tility, and without a single friend to sympathize with him or console him in this hour of trial, and subjec- ted to contumely and reproach, ha- ving the opprobrious epithet of rebel bestowed upon him, he had nothing but the consciousness of his moral innocence, and the just- ness of the cause in which he was. engaged, to sustain him ; and these were sufficient. He met his fate with the most dignified composure and firmness. His last words were, "that he only lamented that he had but one life to lose for his country."
Capt. Hale possessed a fine ge- nius, had received an excellent education, and disclosed high pro- mise of future talents and useful-
1
294
BIOGRAPHY.
ness. He was open, generous and brave, and enthusiastic in the cause of liberty and his country, in which he had engaged, and for which he was destined to die an early mar- tyr. The fate of Hale, it will be observed, was in almost every re- spect strikingly similar to that of Major Andre. Asit respects cha- racter, qualifications and personal interest, Hale would not suffer from a comparison with Andre. Yet, strange as it may seem, the fate of Andre, even in America, has been universally lamented, and his memory universally respected ; whilst it is scarcely known that there was ever such a man as Na- than Hale. Andre has had a monu- ment erected to his memory by his country, and the most distinguish- ed honours and rewards conferred upon his family ; but what has our country done for the memory of Hale? No stone, however hum- ble, has been erected to it ; no me- morial has rescued it from oblivi- on ; and no inscription has preser- ved his ashes from insult. Such is the influence of books, and the evil tendency of importing them, that while Nathan Hale, an Ame- rican, an ardent revolutionary patriot, and who offered his life as a sacrifice to our liberties, is whol- ly unknown, the life, character and fate of Andre are familiar with almost every individual, however humble his situation, or limited his intelligence.
Thus, while fond virtue wish'd in vain to sure, HALE, bright and generous, found a hapless grave. With genius' living flame his bo- som glow'd, ,
And science charm'd him to her sweet abode.
In worth's fair path his feet had ventur'd far,
The pride of peace, the rising grace of war.
In duty firm, in danger calm as ev'n,
To friends unchanging, and sin- cere to hear'n.
How short his course, the prize, how early won,
While weeping friendship mourns her fav'rite gone.
DWIGHT.
The Hon. Samuel Huntington, late Governor of the State of Ohio, was a native of this town. He was the son of the Rev. Joseph Hunt- ington, for several years a settled clergyman in this place, and dis- tinguished for a posthumous work which he wrote, entitled"Calvinism improved," being a treatise upon the doctrine of universal salvation.
Samuel Huntington was educa- ted at Yale College, where he graduated in 1785. In 1801, he removed to the State of Ohio, and settled near the village of Paines- ville, which at that time was a wilderness in the county of Geauga, upon the border of Lake Erie. During his residence in that State, he was appointed to a succession of important offices. He was a member of the convention which framed the constitution of that State, and a Senator in the first Legislature organized under it. He was afterwards appointed a Judge of the Superior Court, in which situation he continued until called to a more exalted station, being elected by the people Gov- ernor of the State. This office he held for some time, and discharged
d
91
th
O
p C
1
ELLINGTON.
HEBRON.
295
its important and responsible du- ties with equal credit to himself, and advantage to the interests of the State, which was rising rapid- ly into importance, and presented an extensive field requiring a judi-
cious direction of authority for the developement of its resources, and the promotion of necessary im- provements. He died at Paines- ville on the 7th of June, 1817, aged , 49 years.
ELLINGTON.
ELLINGTON is situated 13 miles northeast from Hartford. It is bounded west by East-Windsor, north by Somers and Stafford, east by Tolland and Willington, and south by Vernon and Tolland.
The township is equivalent to about 34 square. miles, butitis of an irregular figure, its greatest length being 9 miles, and its greatest breadth about 6 miles, and it com- prises about 21,760 acres.
The township, in its westein section, is generally level ; a con- siderable portion of it being a plain, the soil of which is light, dry, and inclining to coarse sand or gravel, but is feasible, and con- siderably fertile. It is best adapt- ed to grain, particularly rye, of which, when well cultivated, it carries good crops. It affords good pasturage for sheep, which receive considerable attention.
The eastern section of the town is broken, being hilly and stony ;
the soil of which is hard, coarse and gravelly.
There is a small but pleasant village in the centre of the town, having a Congregational Church, & a number of neat Dwelling houses.
In 1810, there were 1344 in- habitants in the town; and therc are now about 175 Freemen, and 1 Company of Militia.
There are 1 Cotton Factory, 1 Distillery, 1 Grain Mill, 4 Saw Mills, 1 Tannery, 1 Carding Ma- chine, and 3 Mercantile Stores.
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