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 43
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The population of the town, in 1810, was 1775; and there are about 230 Dwelling houses, 175 Electors, 2 Companies of Militia and one chartered Company.
Warren sends two representa- tives to the General assembly.
This town, for a long time after its settlement, was a part of Swan- zey, in Massachusetts, and under the jurisdiction of that State. It was incorporated as a separate town, by its present name, in 1746.
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1
KENT
COUNTY.
KENT is an agricultural and manufacturing county, centrally situated on the western shore of the Narragansett, and is bounded on the north by the county of Pro- vidence, on the east by the Narra- gansett bay, on the south by Wash-
ington county, and on the west by the State of Connecticut. Its ave- rage length is nearly 20 miles, and its mean breadth more than 9 miles, comprising an area of 186 square miles.
The following TOPOGRAPHICAL AND STATISTICAL TABLE exhibits a view of the several towns in the county ; their situation, with rela- tion to East-Greenwich, the seat of justice ; their population, ac- cording to the census of 1810; number of dwelling-houses ; reli- gious societies ; schools ; banks, and post-offices.
Towns.
P. O. Pop. D. Hou. Reli. So. Sch. Ban. Dist. from
East-Greenwich. 1 1530
210
4
6
1 E. Green.
Coventry. 1 2928
350
5
8
1 10m.N.W.
Warwick. 1 3757
520
5
10 2 4 m.N.
West-Greenwich. 0
1619
220
*
*
0 8 m. W.
The geological structure of this county is primitive, the prevailing strata of rocks' being granitic ; which, however, are interspersed with various other rocks. The surface is generally uneven, and some parts of the county are rough and broken, especially the west- ern section. The eastern section, however, is diversified with many tracks which present a level sur- face. The soil, corresponding with the geological structure, is either a primitive gravelly loam, or a sandy loam, and is generally strong and productive, particular- ly in the eastern section. There are some small tracts of alluvial.
The forests consist of deciduous trees, and are sufficiently extensive to afford a supply for the local de- mand, both for fuel and timber.
The agricultural interests are of a character corresponding with those of this district generally, consisting of the various objects of the grazing business, and the cul- tivation of Indian corn, rye, &c. In the eastern section of the coun- ty the orchards are extensive, and a source of convenience and pro- fit.
Although there is no want of industry, the agricultural interests of the county are not very flourish- ing. There is an apparent want
* See Appendix.
368
EAST-GREENWICH.
of enterprise in this department of industry, and of a spirit of agri- cultural improvements.
This county, in common with the rest of the State, enjoys. the advantages of the waters of the Narragansett bay, which, within the limits of this county, afford seve- ral good harbours, the principal of which are the Pawtuxet, (which, however, is not entirely in this county,) the Apponaug and the Greenwich harbours. The other waters of the county are princi- pally embodied in the Pawtuxet river and its branches, which wa- ter a large portion of the north- western section of the county. This is a beautiful mill stream, un- rivalled for its advantageous sites for manufacturing establishments and other hydraulic works.
The fisheries of the county af- ford employment to considerable industry ; and the fish taken not only supply the home consump- tion, but constitute a considerable article of exportation.
The commercial and navigation interests of the county are not very extensive, and are mostly confined to the coasting business. There are about 20 vessels owned in the county.
Next to agriculture, manufac-|
tures constitute the most import- ant and extensive interest in the county. The cotton manufactures of this county claim the first rank. This business being carried on more extensively here than in any other county in the Union of the same population and extent. There are in the county 28 cotton mills, many of which are upon an ex- tensive scale ; which, considering the short period since this business commenced, and the difficulties that it has had to encounter, from forcign competition and the pre- judices of our own citizens, cannot but be regarded as a gratifying re- sult, and a satisfactory evidence that this great and important inte- rest will become permanently es- tablished in this country.
In addition to the cotton facto- ries, there are in this county, exclu- sive of West-Greenwich, 2 Wool- en Factories, 2 Clothiers' works, 1 Anchor Forge, 1 Paper Mill, 1 Gin Distillery and 17 Grain Mills. There are 59 Mercantile Stores of every description, 4 incorpora- ted Banks, 14 Religious Societies and 24 Schools.
In 1790, the population of the county was 8848 ; in 1800, 8487 ; and in 1810, 9830.
EAST-GREENWICH.
EAST-GREENWICH is a post township and seat of justice of the county, situated upon the western shore of the Narragansett bay, 13 miles south of Providence ; bounded northerly on Warwick, easterly on the Narragansett bay, southerly on North-Kingston, and
westerly on West-Greenwich. The townshipcontainsan average length of 6 miles, and an average breadth of 4 miles, comprising an area of about 24 square miles.
The surface is uneven, and in some sections rather rough and stony, being of a primitive geolo-'
369
EAST-GREENWICH.
gical character. No minerals have been discovered. The soil, which is a primitive gravelly loam, is con- siderably fertile, affording good grazing, Indian corn, barley and potatoes. Rye is also raised, but is a less certain crop. There are numerous orchards in the town ; and it has been distinguished for the excellent quality of its cider.
The natural growth of timber is deciduous ; and although there are no considerable forests in the town, yet there is a supply of oak and chesnut timber for fuel, fencing, building and other uses.
The town is well watered, being washed upon its eastern border by the waters of the Narragansett, and its interior intersected by the Maskachug and Hunt's rivers, two inconsiderablestreams. Upon each of these streams is a bridge of the same name.
There is one excellent harbour, being safe at all times, has 15 feet of water at high tides, and will ad- mit of ships of 500 tons burthen.
The fisheries are confined prin- cipally to the taking of cod and munhaden. There are about 1200 quintals of cod taken annually, and about 1000 barrels of munhaden. The whale fishing was formerly prosecuted here ; but for some time past it has been abandoned. ยท The commercial business is not very considerable, and is confined to a coasting trade. There are 10 vessels owned here.
Of manufacturing and mechani- cal establishments, there are one Cotton Factory, containing 340 spindles, and five Grain Mills.
In the northeastern section of
the town is an ancient and pleas- ant village, which contains a Court- house, a Bank, an Academy, and a number of Dwelling-houses and Stores, and is the seat of conside- rable commercial and other busi- ness. The legislature occasional- ly holds its sessions at this place.
In 1774, there were 1663 inha- bitants in the town ; and in 1810, 1539 ; and it contains about 210 Dwelling-houses, 220 Electors,and 2 companies of Militia, besides one chartered company, called the " Kentish Guards." This compa- ny was established in the year 1774, and proved a nursery of of- ficers in the war of the Revolution ; having furnished, during that mc- morable contest, onc Major-Gene- ral, one Brigadier-General, three Colonels, one Major, and no less than thirty subordinate officers. The Major-General was Nathaniel Green, one of the most distinguisli- ed officers in the revolutionary war. The Brigadier-General was James M. Varnum ; the Colonels, Christopher Green, Archibald Crary, and Adam Comstock ; and the Major, John S. Dex- ter.
The taxable property of the town, is $263,158.
There are 6 Ware-houses and 20 Retail Stores in the town.
There are 4 Religious Societies ; two of Baptists, one of Congrega- tionalists and one of Friends, and three Churches. There are five Schools, besides the Academy, and one Social Library.
This town was incorporated in 1677, and had been settled but a few years at that period.
47
370
COVENTRY.
COVENTRY is an interior ma- nufacturing post township, situated in the northwestern section of the county, 10 miles southwest from Providence; bounded northerly on the towns of Cranston, Scituate and Foster, easterly on War- wick, southerly on West-Green- wich, and westerly on the State of Connecticut.
The length of the township, from east to west, is about 12 miles, and its mean breadth about 6 miles, comprising an area of 72 square miles; being one of the largest towns in the State.
The principal section of this township presents primitive rug- ged features, being hilly and rocky .. Some sections, however, are level, and possess a sandy soil. In the granitic sections the soil is a primi- tive gravelly loam, strong and fer- tile, being well adapted to grazing, and affording good crops of Indian corn, rye, potatoes, &c.
The dairy business is the lead- ing agricultural pursuit ; and the the town is celebrated for the ex- cellent quality of the cheese made here. About three-fourths of the land is under a state of improve- ment, and the residue has been reserved for forests. The natural growth of timber is of the decidu- ous species.
This town is not accommodated with any navigable waters, but is in- tersected by several small streams, the most considerable of which is the south branch of the Pawtuxet river. Besides this is Flat river, and several other small streams. The Pawtuxet and some of the other streams afford numerous ex- cellent sites for hydraulic works.
This town is justly distinguish- ed for its manufactures, particular- ly those of cotton. The number and extent of its factories rank it among the first of the cotton ma- nufacturing towns in the State. It contains 12 cotton mills or manu- facturing establishments, all of which comprise about 10,000 spin- dles. The largest of these estab- lishments are the Washington, the Coventry and the Arkwright Man- ufacturing Companies. Besides the cotton factories, there are one pa- per-mill, two clothiers' works, and ten grain mills.
There is considerable mercan- tile business in the retail line, there being 16 Stores in the town.
There is a flourishing manufac- turing village situated on the south branch of Pawtuxet river. It con- tains 3 cotton mills, one of which comprises 1300 spindles. A large machine shop, for the manufacture of cotton and other machinery, and a weaving shop is establish- ed here, with water-power looms, on Gilmore's plan.
It contains from 40 to 50 dwel- ling-houses, a School-house, 4 mer- chants' stores, and a number of other buildings. The bank of Kent is located here, being 13 miles from Providence. 4
The population of the township, in 1810, was 2929 ; and there are 400 Freemen or Electors, about 350 Dwelling-houses, and 5 com- panies of Militia.
There are five Religious Socic- ties ; four of Baptists and one of Methodists, all of which are ac- commodated with houses for pub- lic worship, 8 Schools and School- houses, and 1 Social Library.
WARWICK.
371
This town was distinguished for its patriotism and services during the revolutionary war. In Gene- ral Sullivan's expedition upon Rhode-Island, when nearly all of the militia of the State were call- ed upon, the companies in this town rallied with great alacrity, therellted in 1742.
being in the whole town but five delinquencies, which were occa- sioned by religious scruples, the individuals being Friends or Qua- kers.
The first settlement of Coventry is not known. It was incorpora-
WARWICK.
WARWICK is a flourishing ma- nufacturing post township, situated five miles southwesterly of Provi- dence ; bounded north on Crans- ton,east on Narragansett bay,south on East-Greenwich, and west on Coventry.
The western section of the township is elevated and hilly ; some of the eminences affording a view of the principal part of the State; but the eastern section is generally level. It has an average length, from east to west, of more than 8 miles, & an average breadth of nearly 7 miles, making about 54 square miles.
The prevailing soil, which is a primitive gravelly loam, is strong and productive, affording grain of the different kinds, vegetables, &c. and being also well adapted to gra- zing. The town is well supplied with timber, consisting of oak, wal- nut, chesnut, &c.
The Pawtuxet river is the lar- gest stream in this town. The southwest branch of this stream has its source, consisting also of several branches, in Exeter, West- Greenwich and Coventry. The northwest branch rises in Scituate, and forms a junction with the southwest branch in this town, near the northwest corner, forming the
Pawtuxet, which discharges its wa- ters into Narragansett bay, at the village of Pawtuxet, which is in the northeast corner of the town. Up- on this river are five bridges. But what renders it more conspicuous is, its excellent sites for hydraulic works, and the great number of cotton factories which have been erected.
There are several good harbours, the principal of which is Appo- naug, about one mile from the village. It is spacious and safe, affording a depth of water suf- ficient for vessels of any size. Vessels of from 20 to 50 tons come up to the village. The fisheries in Narragansett bay are considera- bly important. From 1000 to 2000 barrels of munhaden are put up annually for exportation.
Among the manufacturing towns in the State, this claims a pre- . eminent rank. There are 15 Cotton Factories, containing be- tween 17 and 18000 spindles. The establishments are principally on the Pawtuxet river.
In the southern section of the town is the pleasant village of Ap- ponaug, 10 miles S. S. W. from Providence. It is the principal village in the town of Warwick, containing upwards of 50 houses,
372
BIOGRAPHY.
mostly new, and very compact. Its public buildings are a Baptist Meeting house and Academy. A Bank, called the Warwick Bank, was established in this town in 1818, and located in this village. The Post-office, called the Fulling Mill post-office, is also located herc.
Within a mile from the village of Apponaug may be seen a huge rock, so completely balanced upon another, and its cquilibrium so ex- act, that a boy 14 years of age may set it in such motion that the con- tact or collision caused thereby, produces a sound somewhat like that of a drum, but more sonorous, which in a still evening may be heard a distance of six or eight miles. Hence, from time imme- morial, it has gone by the name of the Drum rock. From the ponder- ous weight of that part which is thus nicely balanced, it is general- ly believed, that no other than the hand of nature ever could have done it. Yet some are inclined to believe, that it was thus placed by the herculean labour of some tribe of the natives. There remains no doubt, but that this was a place of their resort or encampment; and that the Drum Rock served them either to give an alarm in case of danger, or to call the tribe together from their daily avoca- tions. This rock is considered as a great curiosity, excites much attention, and consequently is at the present day a place of much resort, particularly in the pleasant season of the year.
In addition to the cotton manu- facture, there are 2 Woolen Fac- tories, 1 Anchor Forge, 1 Gin Dis- tillery, and 12 Grain Mills.
The commercial and navigation business is respectable. There are 10 vessels owned here, enga- ged principally in a coasting trade. There are 20 Dry Goods and Gro- cery stores, and 3 Druggists' stores.
In 1810, there were 3757 inha- bitants in this town ; and there are 520 Dwelling houses, 450 qualified Electors, and 5 companies of Mi- litia, besides 2 independent com- panies.
There are two incorporated Banks in this town ; one at the vil- lage of Pawtuxet, and one at War- wick.
There are 5 Religious Societies, 2 of Arminians, 1 of Baptists, 1 of Friends and 1 of Methodists ; 10 Schools and 2 Social Libraries.
BIOGRAPHY. Col. Christo- pher Green, a very distinguished revolutionary officer, of his rank, was a native of this town. He was born in the year 1737. With only the advantages of a common education, he became an excellent scholar, particularly in mathema- tical sciences. From the natural vigour of his mind, the solid and useful acquisitions which he had made, and from his correct de- portment, he acquired, at an early period, the confidence of his fel- low-citizens, and was elected a representative of his native town in the General Assembly of the colony, for several years in succes- sion. At the commencement of the revolutionary war, in 1775, he was chosen a Lieutenant in a mili- tary company, called the " Kent- ish Guards." In May, 1775, he was appointed a Major in a mili- tary detachment which was raised for the defence of the State, and shortly after accepted a Captain's
373
BIOGRAPHY.
commission in a regiment raised by the State of Rhode-Island for the continental service, and join- ed the Canadian expedition under Gen. Montgomery. In the ill-fat- ed attack upon Quebec, in which the brave Montgomery lost his life, Capt. Green was taken prisoner, and remained with the British as a prisoner of war, for some time. On being exchanged, he joined the ar- my, and in 1777, was appointed to the command of a regiment, and was selected by Gen. Washington to take charge of Fort Mercer, commonly called Red Bank. In the attack upon this fort by a su- perior force, Col. Green made a gallant defence, which established his reputation as a brave, judicious and faithful officer.
After having performed various services in Rhode-Island, in 1781, Col. Green was assigned to the command of the advanced guard of the army, which was stationed upon the border of Croton river, in the State of New-York. While in this situation, he was surprised in the night by a party of American royalists, and assassinated in the most brutal manner. This mel- ancholy event occurred on the 13th May, 1781, and in the 45th year of his age. Thus died the gallant and heroic Green, a martyr to the cause of his country.
Col. Green possessed an active and energetic mind, and a great share of native bravery. He was a worthy citizen, an ardent patri- ot, and an excellent soldier.
Major-General Nathaniel Green, one of the most distinguished officers of the Revolution, was a native of this town. It will not be expected to find here al
biography giving an ample view of the life and character of Gen. Green, whose history is identi- fied with that of his country, du- ring the most important period of her annals. A work of this de- scription, we understand, is shortly to appear, from the pen of Judge Johnson of South-Carolina. This notice, from our prescribed limits, must be confined to a few promi- nent facts.
Gen. Green was born in the year 1741. His parents belonged to the denomination of Friends ; and having little prescience of the exalted destiny of their son, be- stowed little care upon his educa- tion ; his early advantages having been very inconsiderable. He ob- tained, however, the rudiments of a common education, and some knowledge of the Latin language, at an early period ; and having a vigorous mind, and a strong incli- nation for the acquisition of know- ledge, he obtained, subsequently, by close application, having the aid of a small library, a respecta- ble education for business, and a competent share of general know- ledge. At an early period, he re- moved to the town of Coventry, where he soon became distinguish- ed for his talents, and the general propriety of his conduct ; and his being elected by the people to re- present them in the legislature of the State, is an evidence of the high estimation in which he was held. He was first elected to this office in or about the year 1770, and was re-elected for five years in succession. This being the peri- od immediately preceding the com- mencement of the revolutionary contest, was one of peculiar diffi-
374
BIOGRAPHY.
culty and importance. In the year 1775, when the difficulties between Great-Britain and her co- lonies had assumed a hostile as- pect, and when the clouds which thickened in our political horizon portended a war of resistance to arbitrary authority, and when the strong arm of power seemed to be outstretched, to check the progress which the spirit of liberty was ma- king in this country, General Green was among the patriots of that day, who perceived that, if this spirit was suffered to be put down by force, and the just rights of the colonies trampled under foot, the lib- erties of his country would be lost forever. So conspicuous were his ardour and patriotism for the cause of liberty and the just rights of his country, that he was appoint- ed, at the commencement of hos- tilities, a Brigadier-General, and assigned to the command of the three regiments furnished by the State of Rhode-Island for the ge- neral defence. He led the troops under his command to Cambridge, and was present during the evacu- ation of Boston by the British troops.
Gen. Green's ardent patriotism, and the high promise of military talents which he early disclosed, did not pass unnoticed, but secur- ed to him the confidence of the commander in chief, and the guar- dians of the public welfare. On the 26th of August, 1776, he was appointed by Congress Major-Ge- neral in the Continental army ; and the winter following, he distin- guished himself in the well con- ducted and fortunate actions at Trenton and Princeton. At the battle of Germantown, he com-
manded the left wing of the army, and was signalized for his activity, bravery and skill. In March, 1778, he was appointed Quarter-master General, which situation he ac- cepted, on condition that his rank in the army should not be effect- ed by it.
About the middle of the same year, an attempt was made by the Americans, 'relying upon the co- operation of the French fleet, to relieve Newport. Gen. Green held a command under General Sullivan, who was entrusted with conducting this enterprise, which, although it failed, afforded an op- portunity to Gen. Green to display his military talents ; and he acquir- ed great credit, for the coolness and skill with which he conducted the retreat of the American army.
After a series of disasters in the southern department, the com- mand was bestowed upon Gen. Green. He arrived at head-quar- ters on the 2nd December, 1780, and found only the skeleton of an army, and that in a destitute con- dition. But with this remnant of an army, destitute of every thing, dispirited, and without any confi- dence in themselves, the natural consequence of a succession of dis- asters, he had to oppose a power- ful army, elated with victory. Af- ter some delay, required for the recruiting of the army and obtain- ing necessary supplies, he sent a detachment of troops, under the command of Gen. Morgan, which obtained a victory over the enemy at the Cowpens, that effectually checked the progress of the Brit- ish in that section of the country. Having received considerable rein- forcements, the succeeding spring
375
BIOGRAPHY.
he found himself in a condition to meet the enemy, which he did at Guilford, in North-Carolina, and fought the well known battle at that place. This was one of the most obstinate, and perhaps one of the best fought actions that occur- red during the war. Gen. Green displayed great courage, determin- ed perseverance and superior mi- litary skill. Although this action was not decisive, in its immediate consequences, it not only checked the progress of the enemy, but led to an evacuation of that part of the country by the British troops. Gen. Green's next object was to drive the British from South-Carolina ; and after repeated movements and various success, having nearly suc- ceeded in compelling the enemy to retire from the interior of the State, he was obliged to retreat before a vastly superior force ; the British having received reinforce- ments from Europe. In Septem- ber, 1781, Gen. Green obtained a decisive victory over the British at Eutaw springs, which terminated the war, in the interior of the Ca- rolinas. In this action, Gen. Green displayed his characteristic brave- ry, and distinguished military tal- ents, which were duly appreciated by Congress, that body having, as a testimony of the high sense which they entertained of his good con- duct and superior generalship in this engagement, presented him with a British standard and a gold medal.
Gen. Green continued in the field until the objects for which his country had taken up arms were accomplished, and the rights and independence of the colonies, re- cognized, in the treaty of peace of
1783, when he retired to his native State, where he continued until 1785; when he emigrated to Geor- gia, where he had a considerable estate, not far distant from Savan- nah. Here he passed his time as a private citizen, occupied with domestic and other private con- cerns. As he was walking, one remarkably hot day, without an umbrella, the intense rays of the sun overpowered him, and occa- sioned an inflammation of the brain, of which he died, June 19th, 1786, in the 47th year of his age.
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