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 5
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45
Militia .- The militia of Connecticut, according to the returns of the Adjutant General, in 1818, amounted to 20,573; and consisted of six brigades of Infantry, one brigade of Artillery, one of Cavalry and one of Riflemen. There are 24 regiments of Infantry, 3 regiments of Horse Artillery, 2 regiments of Light Artillery, 5 regiments of Cavalry, and 2 regiments of Riflemen. In addition to these, there are four compa- nies of Guards, two of which are Horse-Guards, and two Foot-Guards.
Literature, Seminaries of Learning, Schools and School Fund .- Con- necticut has long been distinguished for its literature, and its valuable institutions of learning. It has been considered as being, in America, what Athens was in Greece, the seat of learning and the arts. Although Connecticut has undoubtedly produced her full share of men, eminent for their talents and literary acquirements, yet the reputation which the State has acquired, as it respects learning, has proceeded from a general diffusion of intelligence, among the whole body of the people, and a prevailing thirst for knowledge which pervades every class in society. In these respects this State certainly claims a pre-eminent
31
OF CONNECTICUT.
rank, and is almost without any example in the known world. Not only does almost every person acquire the rudiments of education, but a desire for general reading prevails extensively, and newspapers and books are spread extensively among all classes. From the prevailing spirit of the people, parents in this State have been much in the habit of giving their sons a liberal or academical education ; and hence the number which have engaged in the learned professions has been greater here, in proportion to the population, than in almost any other section of the world ; a considerable proportion of whom have found it necessary, or deemed it expedient to go abroad to establish them- selves in their professions. The advantages for obtaining an education, in the higher branches of literature in this State, are equal to those of any other section of the Union ; and the advantages for common edu- cation are not surpassed by those of any other community in the ci- vilized world. The subject of common education is not left to the will of individuals ; but it is made a public concern. The principles, cal- culated to produce this object, form a part of the government itself. They are interwoven into its very texture and organization. The whole State is divided into civil and corporate divisions, for the pur- poses of primary education, called School Societies. These socie- ties are subdivided into school districts, the limits of a single school. Both the school societies and districts are corporations, and act as such upon all subjects relating to the establishment and maintaining of schools. Of the former there are 207 in the State, and of the lat- ter, 1431, exclusive of those in the town of Weston ; information with respect to which was not obtained when this article went to press. In each district there is a school house ; for the erection of which, the the district is empowered to tax all the taxable inhabitants within its limits ; but the principal concerns of schooling are managed by the school societies.
For the support of the district or primary schools, very liberal pro- vision has been made, by the well known appropriation, called the School Fund. This fund, which arose from the sale of the land reserv- ed by Connecticut in the State of Ohio, amounts at the present time to $1,608,670. It is vested principally in individual credits, secured by bond and mortgage. In the recent constitution, this fund has been esta- blished ; so that it now rests upon a constitutional provision, and is above the control of the legislature. The proceeds of this fund can be applied to no other object than the support of the primary schools. The annual dividends of this fund have been somewhat variant, but at this time amount to about $60,000 ; which at present is apportioned to the school societies, according to their lists.
In addition to the school fund, a certain proportion of all the taxes paid to the State is by law appropriated to the support of the common schools.
In addition to the primary schools, there are in this State numerous seminaries for instruction in the higher branches of learning. Yale
,32
GENERAL VIEW
College is treated of at length, in the article upon New-Haven, to which. the reader is referred. There are 6 incorporated academies. Be- sides these, there are 26 unincorporated academies and grammar schools, some of which are endowed with funds.
Social Libraries and Newspapers .- There are probably about 172 so- cial libraries in the State, comprising more than 30,000 volumes. In 1818, there were 16 newspaper establishments in this State ; from which, probably, more than 16,000 papers were issued weekly.
Religion .- The constitution has secured, in the most ample manner, the rights of conscience and religious liberty ; all religious denomina- tions being placed upon an equal footing, and every individual being permitted, as it respects religious faith and worship, to pursue the dic- tates of his own mind. There are 449 religious societies of every de- scription in this State; of which, about 210 are Congregationalists, 74 Episcopalians, 89 Baptists, 53 Methodists, 7 Separatists, 7 Friends, 2 Universalists, 2 Sandemanians, 1 of Shakers, 1 of Rogerene Quakers, and 3 of denominations not ascertained. Many of these societies are small, and others merely nominal, particularly several of the Congregational societies being classed with that order from the principles of their or- ganization.
History .- Some historical or chronological notices is all that can be expected under this head. The territory, comprising the State of Con- necticut, was undoubtedly first visited by the Dutch ; but at what pe- riod, it is difficult to determine. But it is probable, that it was soon af- ter their settlement at New-Amsterdam, now New-York, in 1615; al- though they did not erect the trading house, at what is called Dutch Point, being the point of land formed by the union of Mill river with the Connecticut, at Hartford, until about the year 1633. The first in- formation which the English colonies in Massachusetts obtained of the country upon Connecticut river, was in 1631. The first settlement was made in 1635. In 1639, the towns of Hartford, Windsor and Weth- ersfield entered into articles of association, and organized a govern- ment. The colony of New-Haven was first settled in 1638, and a government organized in 1639.
'In 1662, the charter was obtained, and both colonies united. In 1687, the charter government was suspended by Sir Edmund Andross, and was restored after the Revolution in England, in 1688. In 1701, Yale College was established ; in 1755, the first newspaper in the colony was established at New-Haven. In July 1776, the colony of Connec- ticut, in common with the others, became independent of Great-Brit- ain ; in 1784, the first city was incorporated ; in 1792, the first bank was established ; in 1806, the manufacture of cotton first began to receive attention. In 1818, a Convention of Delegates from the several towns in the State, convened at Hartford ; and after a session of about three weeks, framed a constitution of civil government for the State, which was ratified by the people on the 5th of October following.
A
TOPOGRAPHICAL AND STATISTICAL VIEW
OF THE SEVERAL
COUNTIES; TOWNS, CITIES, BOROUGHS, AND VILLAGES, IN THE STATE OF
CONNECTICUT.
HARTFORD COUNTY.
HARTFORD COUNTY is off extensive and beautiful valley of ancient date ; and its original lim- Connecticut river-bounded on the north by the county of Hamp- den, in Massachusetts, on the east by the county of Tolland, on the south by the counties of Middlesex, New-London, and New-Haven, and on the west by the counties of Litchfield and New-Haven. It forms nearly a square, being about 30 miles in length, from north to south, and 25 in breadth, from east to west, comprising an area of about 727 square miles, or 465,280 acres. its comprised an extensive district of country, upon both sides of Con- necticut river, the entire county of Tolland, most of the counties of Middlesex and Windham, and a part of the counties of Litch- field and New-London, having been detached from it, whereby it has been much circumscribed, although it is still one of the largest counties in the State. It is situated in the northern central section of the State, and principally in the
The following TOPOGRAPHICAL and STATISTICAL Table exhibits a compendious view of the several towns in the county ; their popula- tion, according to the census of 1810; dwelling-houses ; religious societies ; school districts ; post-offices, &c.
Towns.
Post- Popu- Dwelling Religious School Distance from
offices. lation.
houses. societies. districts. Hartford.
Hartford.
1
6003
850
6
12
Berlin.
1
2798
400
5
14
10 m. S. W.
Bristol.
1
1423
238
2
9
16 m. S. W.
Burlington.
1
1487
230
3
8
17 m. W.
Canton. 1
1374
220
3
7
13 m. N. W.
East-Hartford. 2
3240
480
4
13
2 m. E.
East-Windsor. 1
3081
500
4
19
6 m. N.
5
34
HARTFORD COUNTY.
Towns.
Post- Popu- Dwelling Religious School Distance from offices. lation. houses. societies. districts. Hartford.
Enfield.
1
1840
274
3
11
17 m. N.
Farmington.
2
2748
400
4
· 15
10 m. W.
Glastenbury.
1
2766
440
4
13
8 m. S. E.
Granby.
1
2696
380
5
16
17 m. N. W.
Hartland.
1
1284
200
3
9
22 m. N. W.
Marlborough.
1
720
110
3
6
15 m. S. E.
Simsbury.
1
1966
290
2
10
12 m. N. W.
Southington.
1
1807
300
3
9
18 m. S. W.
Suffield.
1
2630
360
4
11
17 m. N.
Wethersfield.
2
. 3931
600
4
12
4 m. S.
Windsor.
2
2868
400
5
16
7 m. N.
The county of Hartford, whether we consider the advantages of its local situation, being intersected by a fine navigable river, and at the head of its navigation, the pleasantness, diversity, and beauty of its natural scenery and land- scapes ; the richness, variety, and fertility of its soil ; the mildness, uniformity, and salubrity of its climate ; the magnitude and multi- plicity of its waters, or the general state of its improvements, in agri- culture, manufactures, and the useful arts ; the number and pleas- antness of its villages ; the means of agricultural opulence which it affords ; its aggregate population, wealth, and resources ; will rank before any other county in the State ; and, in many of these res- pects, before any in New-England. With respect to its natural soil, which is the direct or indirect source of almost every interest in society, we feel authorized in hazarding an opinion, that there is not another body of land in New- England, of the same extent, lying together, equal, in quality, to that of this county. And we feel more confident in the assertion, that
there is no other, that comprises an equal quantity of alluvial. The Connecticut is justly celebrated for the extent and richness of its mead- ows ; and there is no section throughout its whole course, where they are more enlarged or valua- ble, than in this county. But the tracts of alluvial are not confined to the Connecticut, but abound upon most of its tributary streams, particularly the Tunxis and Scan- tic-the former of which is a large and interesting river. The county is intersected not only by Connec- ticut river, but also by the green- stone range of mountains, which terminates at the east rock, in the vicinity of New-Haven. The sec- tion on the west side of the river, extends westwardly, 14 or 15 miles, and the mountain which ranges nearly parallel with the river, is five or six miles back from it. The tract between the river and the mountain is exhaustless in the re- sources for agricultural improve- ment and wealth. The natural soil is a deep, strong, argillaceous loam, varied, in different sections, by a greater or less predominance of argil, from a hard and stiff clay,
35
HARTFORD COUNTY.
to a light, gravelly, and, in some ularly that of rye and Indian corn, places, sandy loam. It is of an un- of which large quantities are annu- dulating surface-the hills being very moderate, free from stone, and well calculated for improvement.
The mountain occasions very little broken, or unimprovable lands, consisting only of a single ridge-and all the declivities of this are valuable for the growth of wood and timber, or for pasturage and orcharding, excepting the bold mural precipice which is form- ed upon its west side. The general character of the tract west of the mountain, is also argilla- ceous, although its features are con- siderably different, and have less uniformity. It is more hilly, and clay enters less into the composi- tion of the soil. The western ex- tremity of this tract is considerably mountainous, particularly the north part of it, embracing the eastern section of the granite mountains, which prevail in the county of Litchfield. Upon the Tunxis river, west of the greenstone range, in Farmington and Simsbury, there are extensive and valuable tracts of alluvial. The section of the county east of Connecticut river, is about nine or ten miles wide, and is likewise rich and fertile, and contains ample and durable resources for agricultural improve- ments and interests. It has its proportion of alluvial, and its geo- logial characteris also argillaceous, but the super stratum of the soil has less appearance of the prevalence of clay, and is generally a light, gravelly, and sandy loam. The south eastern section of this tract is also somewhat mountainous.
The land in this county is well adapted to a grain culture, partic-
,ally raised. Itis also well adapted to fruit, and is conspicuous for the extent, variety, and richness of its orchards. But in noticing its ¡adaptation to these agricultural productions and interests, it is not to be inferred that it is not favour- able for almost all others, of which the climate admits. It is a cir- cumstance, which, when consider- ing the natural resources and ad- vantages of this county for agri- culture, ought not to be passed over unnoticed, that there is prob- ably no section in the United States, where there are less physical casu- alties and obstructions, which at- tend a cultivation of the earth, and where the fruits of the " sweat of the brow" can be relied upon with more certainty. Of all vegetable productions, fruit is perhaps the most precarious ; yet it is scarcely within the memory of man, that apples, in this county, have entirely failed.
There is probably no section in the New-England States, less ex- posed to injurious results from frosts. In the year 1816, however, Indian corn was very generally injured ; so much so, that there was a difficulty the next season of obtaining sound corn for seed ; but this is the only instance, since our recollection, of a frost occurring so early in the fall, as essentially to injure this grain. Rye, when properly cultivated, and seasona- bly sown, is a sure crop, and sel- dom, if ever, fails. The farming interests of the county are very respectable, although it is most apparent that there is great room for improvements ; a general de-
1176067
36
HARTFORD COUNTY.
.
ficiency of information upon the subject ; want of enterprise ; con- firmed habits of error and obstinate prejudices ; an unwarrantable ad- herence to long established usages and practices, without investiga- ting their principles, or compa- ring them with other modes ; and that there is a general deficiency of a scientific system of agriculture. But recently, a spirit of inquiry upon this important subject seems to be awakened ; and aided by the exertions and encouragements off an Agricultural Society, which has been organized in the county under an act of incorporation, it is to be hoped that its salutary results will soon be extensively perceived, and the state of ag- ricultural improvements become commensurate with the natural resources and fertility of the soil.
The waters of the county are most abundant and valuable ; be- sides the Connecticut, the exten- sive and beautiful vale of which constitutes the greater part of the territory of the county, and annu- ally overflows and fertilizes its bor- ders ; there are several of its most considerable tributary streams, which intersect this county, and dis- charge their waters withinits limits.
The Tunxis, or Farmington riv- er, which embodies the waters from the west and north, unites with the Connecticut, in Windsor, and is undoubtedly the largest tributary stream of the latter, throughout its whole course .- Within this county, this river is swelled by the waters of two con- siderablestreams-the Poquaback, which unites with it in Farmington, and Salmon brook, which dischar- ges it-elf in Granby. Besides the
Tunxis and its branches, the prin- cipal tributary waters of the Con- necticut, within this county, from the west, are embodied in Mill and Stoney rivers ; the former dischar- ges itself at Hartford, and the lat- ter at Suffield.
Upon the east side of the Con- necticut, its principal tributary streams, are the Fresh water, Scan- tic, Podunk and Hockanum, which, beginning at the north section of the county, discharge themselves in the same order, as they are here noticed.
Having given a compressed view of the natural features and charac- ter of this county, and its resources, . agricultural productions & wealth, and alluded to the state of improve- ment of the same, it would be unjust, if not invidious, not to no- tice other interests and improve- ments, particularly the leading and most considerable branches of manufactures. The most impor- tant and extensive manufacturing interest in this county, is that of the distillation, or manufacturing of grain into spirits. It is, we think, keeping most distinctly within the bounds of truth, to as- sert that this manufacture is pursu- ed to greater extent, and probably more advantageously, and with more practical knowledge and experience, in this county, than in any other in the United States. There are 21 grain distilleries in the county ; some of which are upon a very extensive scale. Some idea of the quantity of spirit man- ufactured can be formed from the duties paid during the late war, which, in 1816, amounted to near- ly $40,000. But at that time, the heavy duties, and other causes,
37
HARTFORD COUNTY.
growing out of the state of the times, had very much depressed the business, and many establish- ments had entirely discontinued their operations. Of the general policy and influence of this manu- facture, in a pecuniary, moral, and social point of view, very different opinions prevail. It seems, upon a superficial examination, essen- tially objectionable, that so great a devastation should be made, as this manufacture occasions, of an article of prime necessity for food, thereby increasing the difficulties and expense of subsistence, if not occasioning distress and want, with the poor and unfortunate ; and more peculiarly so, from the con- sideration that the products of this article are, with reference to the means of subsistence, not only useless, but essentially deleterious, destructive to health, to morals, and social order and happiness. But as it respects the consumption of grain, which is occasioned by its distillation into spiritous liquors, if it is regarded as an evil, it is one which, in a great measure, corrects itself, as the convenient and ad- vantageous market, which is there- by afforded, operates as a power- ful stimulous to an increased culti- vation of the article. And with regard to the use of ardent spirits, it is by no means an established theorem, that its local manufac- ture increases its local consump- tion. That the manufacture of grain-spirits, in this county, has had a favourable influence upon its agricultural interests, cannot be doubted. The manufactures of Cotton and Woolen, aside from those of a domestic character, are not extensive ; there are, however,
13 Cotton Factories, and 9 Wool- en Factories ; in addition to which there are 37 Fulling Mills and Cloth Dressing Establishments, and 38 Wool Carding Machines, for customers. There are in the county various other manufactur- ing establishments, of different de- scriptions. There are 11 Powder Mills, 8 Paper Mills, 5 Oil Mills, 83 Grain Mills, 2 Forges, and 2 Glass Works. In the southern part of the county, the manufac- ture of Tin-Ware is an important and extensive business. Buttons and spoons, of metal ; ploughs, (sent to the southern States) horn and ivory combs, with various others, are among its manufactures, which are articles of exportation.
We cannot enlarge upon the social improvements of the county, but it is believed that there are few sections in our country, exhibiting more ample, extensive, and diver- sified testimonials of industry, en- terprise, and perseverance ; and of theirnecessary and salutary results, order, convenience, and compe- tence. The great northern roads, upon each side of the river, pre- sent nearly one continued village, and corresponding improvements, of almost every description, char- acterized by their plainness, neat- ness, order, and convenience, which serve as a faithful index of the state of society ; of the social and domestic habits, economy, regularity, virtues, and happiness of the people. The county con- tains 32 School Societies, each of which is subdivided into a conven- ient number of School Districts, of which there are in all 210. There are also in the county 67 Religious Societies, 30 Social Li-
1
38
HARTFORD.
braries, and more than 200 Mer- cantile Stores. Its aggregate pop- ulation, according to the census of 1810, was 44,733 ; and the amount
of taxable property, as rated in making up lists, including polls, in 1817, was $910,523.
HARTFORD.
HARTFORD, the seat of jus- tice for the county and semi-capi- tal of the State, is located on the westside of Connecticut river, fifty miles northwestwardly from the mouth of the river at Saybrook bar. It is in north latitude 41,44, and west longitude, 72, 50. Hart- ford comprises an area of about thirty square miles, making 19,200 acres ; being six miles in length upon its west line, five and a half miles upon its east line, and avera- ging about five miles in breadth. It is bounded west on Farmington, south on Wethersfield, north on Windsor, and east on East-Hart- ford and East-Windsor ; the north line, or boundary, extending about one hundred rods farther north, than the north line of East-Hart- ford. The town is divided by a small stream called Mill river, with high romantic banks, over which is a bridge connecting the two divis- ions of the town.
SURFACE, SOIL & NATU- RAL PRODUCTIONS. The area of this town is characteristi- cally waving and uneven; extend- ing only about five miles west from the river, it embraces no portion of those extensive mountainous ranges, which run through a con- siderable part of the interior of New-England. Although very far removed from a plain, it can scarce- ly be called hilly. The eminences
are small, forming in general an an- gle of about 15 or 20 degrees.
An undulating and waving land- scape is every where presented to the view, and the eye can scarce- ly range fifty rods upon a level sur- face. This character of the face of the country gives it, in the sea- son of vegetation, a peculiar va- riety, diversity, and interest; and, at the same time, considering the predominating argillaceous quality of the soil, facilitatesits cultivation, and greatly increases its produc- tiveness. The extensive and valu- able alluvial tract bordering upon Connecticut river, which in many . places is nearly half a mile in width, is an exception to these remarks.
The soil of this town, which is ' characterized with much uniformi- ty, is an argillaceous loam. It is, in general, an admixture of clay and coarse gravel, in which the former greatly predominates. In its primitive state, and before en- riched and warmed by manures, either artificial or formed from the natural decay or decomposition of vegetable substances, (if it can be supposed, that there was ever such a time,) it must have been hard, stiff, and difficult of cultivation. The soil has an inexhaustible bot- tom, but its great defect is the pre- dominance of clay or argillaceous earths. Hence it is easy to discov- er the proper mode of cultivating
39
HARTFORD.
and improving it, as a correct sys- tem of agriculture must always have a just reference to the natural quality of the soil. Without refer- ring to the brilliant analytic discov- eries of modern chemistry for prac- tical purposes, the primitive or natural earths which are the com- ponent parts of all soils, are sand, argil or clay, gravel & lime. Clay is seldom united with lime or cal- carious earths, but always is com- pounded more or less with gravel, or silicious sand. Where the clay predominates, as in this town, the obvious mode of improving the soil, is to correct the excess of argil- laceous earths. And hence, on a soil of this description, manures of every kind have a most salutary and lasting effect. They not only render the land productive from their immediate influence, but by gradually amalgamating with the soil, counteract the excess of the clay, and form a rich mould, of a character, apparently entirely dif- ferent from the natural earth. And hence too, on such a soil gravel or sand is of the greatest utility. A gentleman of this city, about ten years since, in forming a yard or square, which intervened between his house and the road, overspread the land with a course of gravel of considerable depth, taken from the bed of the river ; it was then dress- ed with a rich course of manure, since which period, it has uniform- ly produced two heavy crops of grass each season, of the first quali- ty, without having received any additional supply of manure, du- ring this long period.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.