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 39
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Gov. Hopkins was not only dis- tinguished as a statesman and pat- riot, but as a man of business ; ha- ving been extensively engaged in trade and navigation, and also con- cerned in manufactures and agri- culture. He was a decided advo- cate, and a zealous supporter, both of civil and religious liberty, a firm patriot, a friend to his country, and a patron of useful public institu- tions. He possessed a sound and discriminating mind, and a clear and comprehensive understanding; was alike distinguished for his pub- lic and private virtues, being an able and faithful public officer, and an eminently useful private citi- zen.
Gov. Hopkins finished his long, honourable and useful life, on the 20th July, 1785, in the 79th year of his age.
Dr. Benjamin West, a celebra- ted mathematician and astrono- mer, was for many years a resi- dent of this town. He was born in Rehoboth, in Massachusetts, in the year 1730. Dr. West was en- tirely self taught. The scientific eminence to which he attained was the result of his vigorous na- tive genius, and indefatigable ap- plication and perseverance. În early life, his advantages for ob- taining an education were ex- tremely limited ; and he was also for a long period in very indigent circumstances. The obstacles, therefore, which circumstances threw in his way to the at- tainment of literary distinction; were of the most formidable na- ture ; having to contend not only with the difficulties arising from the want of early opportunities and
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instruction, but subject to all the privations and embarrassments in- separable from poverty ; and obli- ged to devote almost his whole time and attention, to procure a subsistence. But all these obsta- cles, as great as they were, were not sufficient to discourage him in his favourite pursuit, or to check the vigour of his mind ; and under these embarrassments and difficul- ties, he made great progress in ma- thematics, which was his favourite science, and made extensive and solid acquisitions in general know- ledge.
About the year 1753, he remov- ed to Providence, where he open- ed a school ; which, however, after some time, he relinquished, from an expectation of improving his pecuniary circumstances, and en- gaged in mercantile pursuits. While in this occupation, he opened the first book-store established at Pro- vidence. He continued in this bu- siness until the commencement of the revolutionary war, when his affairs having become embarrass- ed, he was obliged to retire from commercial business entirely, and scek some other employment for the support of his numerous fami- ly. While in commercial pursuits, he found some leisure, and pursu- ed with great ardour his favourite study, the mathematical sciences. About the year 1763, he commen- ced the publication of an almanac, the astronomical calculations be- ing designed for the meridian of Providence ; and continued this publication annually, until about the year 1793. In or about the year 1766, he calculated an alma- nac for the meridian of Halifax ; and he continued annually to fur-
nish a copy of an almanac calcu- lated for this meridian, until near the close of his life, in 1812, with the exception of a short period, during the revolutionary war. The transit of the planet Venus, which occurred on the 3d of June, 1769, and that of Mercury, which hap- pened in November following, af- forded him a favourable opportu- nity of establishing a more conspi- cuous reputation, as a mathemati- cian and astronomer. As early as 1766, he made some very judicious observations upon a comet that appeared that year, which he com- municated to Professor Winthrop of Cambridge.
He also furnished a communi- cation for the Royal Society of London, on the subject of the aforesaid transit of the planets Venus and Mercury. About this period, the reputation. which he had acquired led him to a cor- respondence with some of the. most distinguished scientific char- acters in our country, upon various mathematical & astronomical sub- jects. In 1770, he received the honorary degree of Master of Arts. from Cambridge College. During. the revolutionary war, Dr. West was a zealous patriot ; and Provi- dence being a depot for military stores and supplies, for the Ameri -.. can army, he was engaged in ma- nufacturing clothing, for the public or continental troops, and continu- ed in this occupation during most fof the war. During this period, also, he persevered in his mathe- matical inquiries, with unabated ardour, and frequently favoured the public with the result of his investigations. In 1781, he was unanimously elected a member of
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the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and received their diploma. Soon after this, he re- sumed his former occupation of instructing a school, and continued in this employment until 1786, when he was elected a Professor of Mathematics and Astronomy, in Rhode-Island College ; but did not enter upon the discharge of the duties of his professorship, until 1788. During this interval, he officiated as Professor of Mathe- matics, in the Protestant Epi- copal Academy at Philadelphia. Whilst here, he enjoyed the socie- ty, esteem and friendship of the first scientific characters in this metropolis ; among whom were the immortal Franklin and Ritten- house. In 1788, he entered upon the duties of his professorship ; and at the commencement,in 1792, the degree of Doctor of Laws was conferred upon him, for his distin- guished services to science and so- ciety. He continued in the situa- tion of Professor of Mathematics and Astronomy, and discharged its important duties with great ability, and with equal credit to himself and advantage to the institution, until 1799, when he retired from a station to which he had imparted more honour than he had derived from it. In 1802, in consequence of his distinguished reputation and important services, he was appoin- ted Post-master, at Providence. In this situation, he remained until his death, 13th August, 1813, in the 33d year of his age.
The life of Dr. West affords a conspicuous example, how much success, even in the higher ob- jects of pursuit,depends upon our- selves ; of the important results of;
persevering application, and that native genius, unassisted and with- out a guide to direct its course, is capable of overcoming all obsta- cles, and of attaining to the sum- mit of human knowledge. Al- though Dr. West never attained to that distinguished pre-eminence in society, to which, from his ge- nius, his learning and his patriot- ism, he was entitled, yet he ac- quired a distinction more novel and important, the reputation of being a mathematician, a philoso- pher, a patriot, a useful citizen and an honest man.
'The gallant and much lamented Capt. William Henry Allen, a dis- tinguished naval officer, who was mortally wounded on board the Argus sloop of war, in the action of the 14th August, 1813, in which the Argus was overpowered by a superior force, was a native of this town. He was the son of Gen .. William Allen, a brave and distin- guished revolutionary officer, and was born 21st October, 1784. In the morning of life, when the vig- orous intellect of manhood had scarcely begun to expand from its germ, he disclosed the " bent of his mind," an uncommon ardour for distinction, and love of virtuous fame. At this early period, also, he discovered a surprisingly inqui- sitive mind, and a romantic incli- nation to visit foreign countries, and to become acquainted with the variety of character and man- ners, the result of different politi- cal and religious institutions, and various other moral causes, which belongs to the human family. It was from the influence of these dis- positions and views, that he deter- mined upon entering into the na-
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val service of his country, which he accordingly did, in the month of May, 1800, in the capacity of a midshipman. In the month of August following, he embarked on board the frigate George Washing- ton, commanded by Capt. Camp- bell, and sailed for Algiers. Un- der the instructions, and from the examples of this excellent officer, Capt. Allen made astonishing pro- ficiency in naval tactics, and se- cured the confidence and esteem of his superior officers, and the approbation of his government. On the reduction of the navy, in 1801, Capt. Allen was retained in the service ; and having previously arrived in America, he soon after embarked on board the frigate Phi- Jadelphia, for another cruise to the Mediterranean ; and during this cruise, he visited Constantinople. He made several subsequent voy- ages to the Mediterranean, in the capacity of a midshipman, and had an excellent opportunity to gratify his curiosity and taste, by viewing the romantic and classical shores of the Mediterranean. In all these voyages, Mr. Allen conducted him- self with propriety and fidelity,and manifested much devotion to the service and the interests of his country. In 1805, he was promo- ted to the rank of a Lieutenant in the navy, and was again destined to visit the Mediterranean, on board the frigateConstitution, then com- manded by Capt. Rogers. During this voyage, he had an opportunity to visit the ruins of the ancient ci- ties of Herculaneum and Pompeia, in Italy. Having again returned from the Mediterranean, Lieut. Allen was appointed third Lieuten- ant on board the Chesapeake,
commanded by Capt. Barron ; and whilst in this situation, he was destined to experience a mortification which he little ex- pected. During that unfortunate and disgraceful affair between the Chesapeake and the English frig- ate the Leopard, Lieut. Allen, not- withstanding the situation in which he was placed, did not forget that he was an American officer ; nor could he restrain the strong im- pulse of native bravery. He dis- charged the only gun that was fir- ed by the American frigate on that occasion. At the commencement of the late war, Capt. Allen was employed as first Lieutenant on board the frigate United States, commanded by that distinguished officer, Com. Decatur, and was in the glorious action of the 25th Oct. 1812, which resulted in the cap- ture of the Macedonian. In this splendid and almost unequalled en- gagement, Lieut. Allen was highly distinguished for his activity, skill and bravery, being the first oppor- tunity he had had of displaying his superior knowledge in naval tac- tics, his ardent patriotism, and that undaunted courage, which formed the most conspicuous trait in his character. To him was confided the service of conducting the Ma- cedonian into port; which, not- withstanding the difficulties and dangers that he had to encounter, he succeeded in doing; and, amidst the acclamations of thousands, safely anchored her in the harbour of New-York.
After a short repose, Lieut. Al- len was promoted to the rank of Captain, and was assigned to the command of the Argus sloop of war, to conduct the American mi-
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nister, the successor of Barlow, to France, and thence to cruise for the annoyance of the British com- merce. This was a hazardous na- val enterprise ; but Capt. Allen, considering that, whilst in the em- ploy of his country, his services and his life, if circumstances re- quired it, were to be devoted to her interests, engaged in it with great alacrity ; and after a voyage of twenty-three days, anchored safely at Port L'Orient. From this place, he proceeded to cruise in the Irish channel ; where, after the most active and successful ex- ertions in annoying the commerce of the enemy, and having captured or destroyed a great number of their vessels, almost within sight of their own shores, he fell in with
the British ship Pelican, which he engaged, but was overpowered by a vastly superior force ; the Peli- can being joined by another vessel during the action. In this action, which occurred on the 14th Aug. Capt. Allen was mortally wound- ed, and died on the 18th, at Mill Prison Hospital, in Plymouth, and was interred with military honours. This gallant and youthful hero was but 28 years of age at his death. His name will be enrolled in the catalogue of the naval heroes of his country ; and his fair fame, un- extinguished by time, will beam like a star of the first magnitude, in the constellation of American patriots and heroes, which is des- tined to illume this western hemis- phere.
BURRELLVILLE.
BURRELLVILLE, a town of re- cent date, is situated in the north- west corner of the State, about 20 miles northwest from Providence ; bounded north on Massachusetts, west on Connecticut, south on Gloucester, and east on Smithfield. It is about 12 miles in length, from east to west, and about 5 miles in breadth, from north to south, com- prising about 60 square miles.
This township is rather rough, and the lands in general unfavoura- ble for tillage ; but they are well adapted to grazing, and afford va- luable timber, the forests being ex- tensive. The soil is a primitive gravelly loam ; and the agricultur- al productions consist of butter, cheese, beef, pork, &c.
The most considerable stream in the town has its source in Alluml
pond, which is situated on the nor. thern border of the town, and is partly in Massachusetts. This stream runs through the town in an easterly direction.
The population of this township, in 1810, was 1834; and it contains about 300 Dwelling houses, about 300 Electors, and 3 Companies of Militia.
The manufactures of the town are inconsiderable. There are 1 Woolen Factory, 2 Carding Ma- chines and 2. Clothiers' works.
The mercantile business is re- spectable, there being five Stores and one incorporated Bank.
The amount of taxable proper- ty, according to the United States assessment, in 1815, was $335,540.
There are two Religious Socie- ties, which are accommodated with
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CUMBERLAND.
houses for public worship, and ten regular schools.
Burrellville belonged to Glou-|
cester, until 1806, when it was in- corporated as a separate town.
CUMBERLAND.
CUMBERLAND, a post town- ship, is situated in the northeast corner of the State, about eight miles northeast from Providence ; bounded east on Attleborough and Wrentham, in Massachusetts, north on Wrentham, Bellingham & Men- don, in Massachusetts, southwest- erly on Pawtucket river, which se- parates it from Smithfield. It is of a very irregular figure, and was formerly called the Gore. It com- prises an area of about 28 square miles.
There are some sections of the township that are level and favour- able for tillage ; but a considerable proportion of it is rough and bro- ken, being hilly and rocky, and is reserved for forests and pasturage. It is estimated that there are about 5000 acres in the town, covered with forests. In the other sections, the soil is generally fertile, and af- fords the various productions com- mon to this region. The cultiva- tion of grain does not receive much attention. Hay, cider and fruit are the principal articles that are sent abroad for a market.
The waters of the town consist of the Pawtucket river, which washes its southwestern border, and numerous small streams, of which, Abbot's run, Mill and Peters' rivers are the most consi- derable. There are four bridges upon Pawtucket river ; and these small streams afford numerous va- luable sites for mills and manufac- turing establishments.
The manufacturing spirit which prevails so extensively in this State, and which forms one of its principal characteristics, has pro- duced important results in' this town. There are 8 cotton manu- facturing establishments, contain- ing 5524 spindles. In one of these factories there are 30 water looms, and in another there are 12. The extensive and diversified applica- tion of mechanical power is truly astonishing. Every process, from the preparation of the raw materi- al, to the last finishing which is given to the fabric, is, in a greater or less degree, facilitated and ac- celerated by it. The saving of la- bour, by the use of machinery, in these different processes, varies es- sentially ; but in most of them it is immensely great. This reduces greatly the manual industry ; yet, where business is carried on so ex- tensively, a large aggregate of this is required.
Besides the manufactures of cot- ton, there are one Woolen Facto- ry, two Clothiers' works and six Grain Mills.
The building of boats is an ex- tensive business in this town. There are 19 shops engaged in it, which usually build about 700 boats annually. They are constructed principally of oak timber ; some; however, are of pine, and some of cedar; they are of various sizes,and sell from 20 to 70 dollars each. The manufacture of nails was formerly an important business in this town.
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CRANSTON.
At present, there is but one estab- lishment, at which, from 15 to 30 tons of nails and brads are annual- ly made, which are of an excellent quality, being a patent nail. There is also a marble mill in this town, where large quantities of marble are manufactured for various uses, and sent to Boston, Providence, Worcester and many other places, for a market. The marble is ob- tained at the limestone rock quar- ry, in Smithfield.
The population of this town, in 1810, was 2110; and there are 306 Dwelling-houses, 280 Elect- ors, 3 companies of Militia, 1 Ri- fle company, and a part of a com- pany of Cavalry.
The amount of taxable proper-
ty, according to the United States assessment, in 1815,was $528,220.
The town is well supplied with schools, there being nine regular schools, which are accommodated with school houses. Besides which, there are several that are occasion- ally maintained in private houses. It is estimated that there are from 350 to 400 scholars usually receiv- ing instruction in this town.
There are four Religious Socie- ties ; two of Baptists, one of Me- thodists and one of Friends, all of which are accommodated with houses for public worship.
The first settlement in this town was about the year 1710; and it was incorporated in 1746.
CRANSTON.
CRANSTON is a township situ- ated about five miles southwesterly from Providence ; bounded north- erly on Providence and Johnston, easterly on Providence river, sou- therly on Pawtuxet river and the town of Warwick, and westerly on the town of Scituate. This town- ship is about 7 miles in length, and about 4 and a half in breadth ; con- taining about 19,448 acres.
The western section of the town is uneven, but the eastern section is generally level. The soil in the former is a moist loam ; that of the western part of the latter, being the central part of the township, is rich and fertile, but the eastern part is light, and inclining to a si- liceous sand. There is a mine of iron ore in this town, of an excel-|
llent quality for casting. Former- ly, large quantities were raised, for the Hope furnace ; and from this ore, many of the cannon in our navy were cast ; particularly those used upon Lake Erie by the gal- 1 lant Perry. The metal of Rhode- Island, was proved by the battle of Lake Erie to be of an excellent quality .*
The agricultural productions consist of hay, Indian corn, rye, oats, barley, cider, potatoes, &c. From the vicinity of this town to Providence, particularly its east- ern section, considerable attention is paid to the cultivation of culi- nary vegetables, for the Provi- dence market.
The waters of the town con- Isist of the Pawtuxet river, which
* Commodore Perry is a native of Rhode-Island. 43
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CRANSTON.
forms a partof its southern bounda- ry, and the Powchasset river, which runs through the town, and dischar- ges itself into the former, about two and a half miles above the falls.
There are three bridges over the Powchassett, and one at the falls upon the Pawtuxet, which is main- tained at the joint expense of this town and the town of Warwick.
The Providence and Norwich turnpike road runs upon the north boundary of the town, and a turn- pike from Providence to Pawca- tuck, which has been authorized, but is not yet opened, will lead through this town.
The manufacture of cotton is an extensive business in this town. There are seven Factories ; one of which, the largest, contains 1224 spindles, and has 12 water- looms ; one 900 spindles ; one 554; one 500; one 350; one 288, and one 192, making in all nearly 4000 spindles. These establishments afford employment to a great num- ber of persons, and to an immense capital. They swell to a vast ex- tent the aggregate industry, busi- ness and resources of the place. In addition to the cotton manufac- tures, there are three Woolen Fac- tories in this town. There are one Gin Distillery, six Grain Mills and seven Mercantile Stores.
The population of the town, in 1810, was 2161; and there 'are about 320 Dwelling-houses, about 300 Electors, 3 Companies of Mi- litia,and 1 chartered military com- pany.
There are six school-houses and schools ; one Social Library ; four religious Societies, two of Baptists, one at the village of Pawtuxet and
the other at the village of Knights- ville, one of Friends or Quakers, and one of Methodists ; all of which are accommodated with houses for public worship.
There is a Bank located at the village of Knightsville, having a capital of $75,000.
The amount of taxable property in the town is $577,798.
PAWTUXET, a pleasant and flou- rishing, commercial and manufac- turing village, is situated upon the west side of Providence river or Narragansett bay, five miles below Providence, at the mouth of the Pawtuxet river, which forms a safe and commodious harbour. The village is built upon both sides of the Pawtuxet river, and is partly in this town and partly in War- wick. It contains about 110 dwel- ling houses, some of which are neat, and built in a handsome style, a Church, an Academy, called Pawtuxet Academy, comprising usually about 70 scholars, two flou- rishing Schools, a Post-office, an incorporated Bank, with a capital of $120,000, and about 1000 in- habitants.
Pawtuxet has considerable com- mercial and navigation business, and is a port of entry. But it is most distinguished for its manu- factures, particularly those of cot- ton and woolen, both of which are carried on to a considerable ex- tent. The woolen fabrics, manu- factured here, have been consider- ed as of a superior quality. There are two Woolen manufacturing es- tablishments, one of which is call- ed the Bellefonte Manufacturing Company. There are three Cot- ton Factories, one of which con- tains 1200 spindles ; one 900 spin-
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dles, employed principally in spin- ning thread, and one of 350 spin- dles. There are one Gin Distille- ry, and three Grain Mills, two on the north and one on the south side of the river.
Upon the Pawtuxet river, there is a bridge, connecting the two di- visions of the village. This is a lively and interesting river, afford- ing numerous sites for hydraulic works, and which are probably oc- cupied to a greater extent than those of any other stream in the United States ; there being, upon the waters of the Pawtuxet, about 40 Cotton Factories, and various other manufacturing and mechani- cal establishments.
Cranston was formerly a part of the town of Providence, and was first settled by Roger Williams and his associates, whose posterity are now living here. Joseph Will- iams, a son of Roger Williams, li- ved and died in this town. The town was incorporated in 1754.
BIOGRAPHY. Among the ci- tizens of this town, who were most distinguished for their talents, pat- riotism and public services, were Joseph Harris Esq. and Nehemiah Knight Esq. Although, during the
revolutionary war, the inhabitants of this town were generally at- tached to the American cause, yet there were opposing interests and conflicting opinions that it was ne- cessary to reconcile; and asperities of feeling, that were required to be conciliated." It was at this dark period of our history, when the clouds that appeared in our hori- zon were so charged with the elec- tric fire of party spirit, as portend- ed a war of political elements, that threatened to desolate society ;- it was at this period that the patriot- ism and services of these compat- riots and fellow-townsmen render- ed them eminently conspicuous, and secured to their memories the respect and veneration of posteri- ty. So great were their exertions, so extensive their influence, and so commanding their example, that the voice of opposition ceased, and and all became united in the cause of independence, and rallied round the standard of their country. The descendants of both these pat- riots are numerous and respecta- ble. Among those of the latter, is the present chief executive ma- gistrate.
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GLOUCESTER.
GLOUCESTER is a post town- ship, situated 16 miles from Pro- vidence ; bounded on the north by Burrellville, on the east by Smith- field, on the south by Scituate and Foster, and on the west by the State of Connecticut.
The township has an average length of 12 miles, and a mean breadth of 5 miles, comprising an area of about 60 square miles.
The surface is generally une- ven, and some sections rough and broken, being hilly and rocky. The forests are extensive and va- luable, affording great supplies of timber for ship building and other uses. The grazing business con- stitutes the principal agricultural interest ; but some grain is raised, and there are many excellent or- chards.
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