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 7
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The State Arsenal is situated just north of the limits of the city,
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HARTFORD.
on the country road. It is a sub- stantial fire-proof brick building, designed as a place of deposit for arms and military stores. It was erected during the late war, and at this time contains about seven thousand stands of arms, more than forty pieces of ordnance, and a large quantity of military stores belonging to the State.
HARTFORD BRIDGE, across Connecticut river, opposite this city, communicating with Morgan- street, is a stately and magnificent structure ; of great public con- venience, as well as advantage to this city. This bridge was origin- ally erected in the year 1809, at an expence of more than $100,- 000, inclusive of the extensive causeways, upon the east side of the river. It was partially swept away by the freshet, in the spring of 1818, and was rebuilt the suc- ceeding summer and autumn. The present bridge is constructed upon different principles from the former one, and is greatly improv- ed from it. Its arches, of which there are six, of 150 feet each, are above the floor of the bridge, strengthened by strong braces, and well secured from the weather, the whole wood work being cov- ercd.
The arches rest upon six heavy stone piers, and two abutments. One of those piers was erected in building the present bridge, and the rest raised, enlarged, and strengthened. There is a safe and convenient draw, upon the west side of the river, which obviates any serious obstruction to the navi- gation above this city. 'The bridge, inclusive of the draw, is 974 feet in length, and 36 feet in width. It; in the state, and probably in New-
has convenient side walks for the accommodation of foot passengers ; is provided with what are termed " dead lights," upon each side, and sky lights upon the roof, at 20 feet distance, and a suitable number of lamps.
The timber of the arches, and wood work of the bridge, is almost exclusively pinc, and being strong- ly constructed, and well secured from the weather, it cannot fail of being permanent and durable. As the facility which it affords to travel is an advantage to the inter- ests of this city, so the elegance. and grandeur of its structure are an addition to its appearance. This bridge, whether we consider its size, its strength, or the elegance of its structure, and general mag- nificence of its appearance, is sur- passed by few in the United States. The expense of rebuilding and repairsin 1818, was about $40,000, making the whole cost about $150,000.
There is a bridge across Mill river, which connects the two parts of the town. It has heretofore been of wood, but a new bridge is now erecting, which is to be sup- ported by stone piers.
There are in the city of Hartford nineteen schools, three of which are public or district schools, and have been included in the number of district schools belonging to the town; fifteen of the others are pri- vate schools, and one an incorpo- rated grammar school. One of the public schools is deserving of par- ticular notice ; it is established and conducted upon the new econom- ical and improved method of in- struction. It is the largest school
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England; containing usually 600 scholars, all of whom are superin- tended by one principal instructor, and ten assistants. The scholars are divided into numerous classes, according to their acquirements, and are severally permitted to pro- gress from class to class, according to the proficiency which they may make, which tends to encour- age and stimulate them to exertion. The grammar school has a hand- some fund, and has at times sus- tained a high reputation. Scholars are taught the English and Latin languages, and the rudiments of the sciences, whereby they are fit- ted for college. Several of the pri- vate schools have deservedly a very high reputation; a number are designed exclusively for young Misses, and are considerably cele- brated.
At the present time there are 1132 scholars which attend the several public and private schools in the city.
Among the institutions of learn- ing in this city, the "Asylum" for deaf and dumb persons is deserv- ing of particular notice. It was incorporated in May 1816, and was opened for scholars in April 1817. This is the first institution of the kind in America, and its es- tablishment has been attended with great difficulty and expense. Mr. Thomas H. Gallaudet, who is at the head of it, visited the celebra- ted institutions of Edinburgh and Paris, to qualify himself for its di- rection. On his return from the latter place, he brought with him Mr. Clerc, one of these unfortunate persons, educated at that seminary, who is now associated with Mr. Gal- laudet as an instructor at this insti-
tution. There are aboutfifty deaf & dumb persons at the Asylum, the greater number of whom are from without the State.
Tuition, board and other ex- penses are established at $200 per annum. However highly we may value an institution calculated to draw aside the veil which has darkened the understanding of an unfortunate portion of the human race, it is however apparent, that under present circumstances it can be of no use to those, who, to the misfortune of being deaf and dumb, add also that of being poor.
The Hartford Museum now in Main-street, nearly opposite the Episcopal Church, belonging to Mr. Steward, was first opened in the State House in 1801. It was then the only establishment of the kind in the state, excepting a few articles at Yale College.
It was so far patronised by the State, that the Legislature permit- ed the proprietor to occupy the two committee rooms in the State House, for the arrangement and exhibition of his Museum during the recess of the Assembly, and one room during their session. In 1808, from the industry of its ingenious proprietor and the lib- erality of others, the collection had so far increased, that the apart- ments became crowded and incon- venient, and the building which it now occupies being fitted up for the purpose, it was removed to its present situation. The room oc- cupied by the museum is about 70 feet in length, and is neatly ar- ranged, and handsomely filled with several thousand articles; such as paintings, waxwork, natural and artificial curiosities.
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Strangers and others, who visit the Hartford Museum, will find a gratification for their curiosity and taste.
There are four News papers published in this city, one an im- perial and the other three a super- royal sheet. Although concerned in one of these establishments, we do not know precisely the number of papers which are published weekly in the city, but think it must exceed six thousand.
A social library was established in Hartford in 1796. It contains at this time 2,550 volumes.
Among the useful, charitable and friendly societies, are the follow- iug .- Hartford Agricultural Socie- ty, (which however is a county in- stitution,)Mechanic's Society, Free Mason's Society, Moral Society, Hartford Charitable Society, Fe- male Benificent Society, Sunday School Society, Hartford Auxiliary Bible Society, Harmony Society, Tract Society, & two Female Cent Societies.
In the city of Hartford there are two incorporated banks; Hart- ford bank incorporated in 1792, having at this time a capital of 1,000,000 dollars. Phoenix bank incorporated in 1814, with a capi- tal of 1,000,000 dollars; it has a branch at Litchfield.
There is a Marine Insurance Company, incorporated in 1803, & a Fire Insurance Company, incor- porated 1810. There are 5 fire En- gine Companies, well regulated and provided with engines and other means of effective operation; and the Union Company incorpo- rated in 1800, for the pur- pose of removing obstructions to the navigation of Connecticut riv-
er, from this city to the sound. This company has a capital of 120,000 dollars. The improve- . ment of the navigation of the riv- er, both below and above this place, must be an object of prima- ry importance to the city of Hart- ford.
The system of towing boats up Connecticut river, proposed by John L. Sullivan, Esq. by means of a steam engine, constructed up- on novel principles, has recently been submitted to the citizens of this place; and it is understood, that it is contemplated to make an experiment of its practicability and usefulness. Should this plan suc- ceed, (and from a cursory exam- ination of the engine, it is not per- ceived why it may not,) it would , give facility and extension to the navigation of the river, and event- ually contribute towards the growth and importance of the city.
A more correct idea, perhaps, of the navigation of Hartford can- not be obtained, than what may be formed by referring to the amount of the tonnage owned here; which, together with what is owned in Wethersfield and employed wholly in trade, that centres in Hartford, of actual and not of registered tonnage, amounts to 9,377 tons.
During the year 1816, two hun- dred and seventy eight ships, brigs and schooners, and more than two hundred smaller vessels ascended Connecticut river to Hartford. The same year, there were 17,600 tons of merchandise passed through the locks and canals at Hadley, 40 miles up the river from this city ; and it has been estimated that 5000 tons more were carried on the riv-
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er south of that place. From these facts, in connection with the cir- cumstance that Hartford is situa- ted at or near the head of ship navigation, upon one of the finest rivers in the world-that it has a back country, bordering upon this river, of more than 200 miles in extent, containing a dense and. thriving population, the advanta- ges of this city for business, and its commercial importance, can be determined. It is admitted that these advantages have not been improved to the extent, nor produ- ced those results which might have been expected. There are many causes which have checked the growth and importance of this city. The city is incorporated by the name of the " Mayor, Aldermen, Common Council-men, and Free- men of the City of Hartford," who possess the municipal authority thereof. The Mayor is chosen during the pleasure of the Legisla- ture, and the Aldermen & Common council-men for one year. The Mayor, and two senior Aldermen, constitute the City Court, and hold a session on the first Monday of every month.
HISTORY. · Hartford, and the country on Connecticut river, was undoubtedly first discovered by the Dutch. In the year 1631, the English colonies of Plymouth and Massachusetts obtained the first knowledge of it from an Indian sachem ; but it does not appear that' they visited the country for two years. It is not known at how early a period the Dutch became acquainted with Connecticutriver ; but it is certain that they erected a trading house, in 1633, at the point of land formed by the conflu-
ence of Mill, with Connecticut river, which still retains the name of Dutch point. The first Eng- lish settlement in this town has been ascribed to Messrs. Hooker and Haynes, in 1636 ; but there is the most satisfactory evidence, that it was settled the year before, by John Steel, and his associates, from Newtown, now Cambridge, in Massachusetts. In April, 1636, a General Court was held here, of which Steel was one of the princi- pal members : whereas Mr. Hook- er and Mr. Haynes did not arrive until June following.
Hartford has occupied but little space in the page of history .. It was never visited by a public enemy ; & although few towns were more dis- tinguished for their patriotism dur- ing the revolutionary struggle, or entered more ardently into the " spirit of the times," it escaped the distresses of war, to which many others were exposed. It has become celebrated of late as being the place where a Convention of Delegates, from several of the New-England States, was held dur- ing the late war with Great Britain. This Convention has been a subject of much animadversion.
BIOGRAPAY. The Hon. Jere- miah Wadsworth, distinguished for his public employments and ser- vices during the revolutionary war ; for the exalted public stations to which he was afterwards promoted ; and more for his social virtues, his benevolence and philanthropy, was a native of this town. The design of this work precludes the idea of lengthy biographical details. To- pography, of all the sciences, leads to the most extensive and bur- densome prolixity, and it would be
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altogether inadmissible to encum- ber it with what properly belongs to another department of science. The idea of comprising biographi- cal notices in this work was to assign to each town, according as they are entitled, the citizens of this State, who have been distin- guished for their talents, learning, virtues, or public employments, whether at home or abroad, and thereby to collect and register the same. The preservation of such biographical facts, as come within these views, or the design of this work, may be of more importance than a simple record of " departed worth." It may possibly, in some instances, lead to more ample and satisfactory biographical publica- tions, calculated to do justice to the " virtuous dead ;" to exalt the reputation of the State, which depends, in a great measure, upon the number of its distinguished citizens, and to enlighten the path of posterity, by the experience , and wisdom of their ancestors.
The public services of Jeremiah Wadsworth, in the momentous contest of the revolution, are well known. They are identified with, and form a part of the annals of that period. He was employed as Commissary General nearly through the war. The service was arduous and difficult, and was performed with faithfulness, perseverance and ability-with advantage to the public and to himself. After the close of the war, Col. Wadsworth retired to his residence in this city, and during the remainder of his life, was pre- eminently useful to the place, and to his fellow-citizens. Having an ample capital, and under the influ-
ence of an enlarged and liberal spirit of civil improvements, he exerted all his influence, and all his means, in promoting the inter- ests of his native town, and the prosperity and comforts of his fellow-citizens. This city is greatly indebted to him for many of its im- provements, and measurably for the rank and importance to which it has attained. But what is a more novel, and perhaps a more worthy trait in his character, is, that although blessed with opu- lence, and surrounded with splen- dour himself, he never forgot the poor and unfortunate-although exalted in society, he was never too elevated to do good. The victims of misfortune never ap- proached his doors, without having their wants measurably supplied. Col. Wadsworth was for several years a member of Congress, and subsequently, for a long time, a member of the Council, in this State. He was born in 1743, & di- ed 30th April, 1804, aged 61 years.
The Hon. Chauncey Goodrich, distinguished as a lawyer, and for the many honorable offices to which he was promoted, was a native of Durham, but was long a resident in this town. He was educated at Yale College, and became a Tutor at the same Insti- tution, having gone through the regular course of studies with un- usual reputation. He resolved to enter into the profession of law ; for which purpose he went through the regular and usual course of study, required in this State. Having obtained admission to the bar, he removed to this city to establish himself in his profession. His talents were admirably calcu-
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lated for forensic debate, and he soon became distinguished in his profession, and ultimately at the head of it, in this county, if not in the State. The superiority of his talents rendered him too con- spicuous to be neglected in those appointments, which demand ex- alted abilities. Accordingly, in 1794, he was elected to represent this State, in the Congress of the United States, and continued in this situation for several years. In 1807, he was elected a senator in the Senate of the United States ; whilst in this situation, in 1812, he was elected mayor of the city of Hartford, and the year after, at the annual election in April, of the supreme executive officers, he was chosen by the Freemen, Lieuten- ant-Governor of this State, an office which he did not live long to enjoy. He was born in 1759, and died August, 1815, aged 56.
Nathan Strong, D. D. a distin- guished clergyman, was for 43 years settled in the ministry, in the first Society in this city. He was a man of strong natural talents, possessing great shrewd- ness and wit. He was in doctrinal points a Calvinist, and learned upon theological subjects, and well versed in general science. He was remarkable for his sound com- mon sense ; his knowledge of the human character, and of common and practical subjects, and was a sound, able and orthodox preach- er. Hedied Dec. 25th 1816, Æ 68.
Epaphras W. Bull, Esq. distin- guished for his high promise of| talent, and for his patriotic zeal for the principles of republicanism, was a native of this town. He wag educated to the law, and com-
menced his professional career with unusual brilliancy. He es- tablished himself at . Danbury, where, at an early age, he was elected a member of the General Assembly, which station he occa- sionally filled as long as he re- mained in this State. In this sit- uation he was distinguished for his zeal, and intrepidity in parlia- mentary debate, and displayed abilities which are scarcely to be found, but in those of riper years. Although he was a warm and ac- tive politician, and lived at a peri- od of unusual party animosity, yet his political opponents could not but admit his brilliant talents, his dignified and commanding elo- quence, which, considering his early years, were to be regarded only as the dawn of his meridian sun. He emigrated from Danbury, to a town of the same name, in the State of Ohio, situated upon Lake Erie ; the settlement of which, soon after his arrival, in the fall of 1812, was broken up by the gen- eral irruption of the Indians, which, upon that frontier, followed the unfortunate and disgraceful capit- ulation of Gen. Hull, and the con- sequent occupation of Detroit, by the British. Upon the above, which occasioned the abandon- ment of this settlement, Mr. Bull, with others, retired to Cleaveland, where, soon after, he closed his earthly career, aged 34 years.
Dr. Lemuel Hopkins, a celebra- ted physician and poet, was born in Waterbury, from whence he removed to this city, and resided here until his death. Dr. Hopkins was an original genius, possessing a vigorous mind, a bold imagina- tion, and characteristically eccen
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tric, in all his intellectual features ; ! bold in his enquiries ; free from the restraints of prejudice, or au- thority ; confident in his own opin- ions and views ; ingenious in com- municating them, and severe and sarcastic in his wit. He was the projector of the Anarchiad, a work of considerable merit, and had a principal 'share in writing it. Of this publication, the Analectic Mag- azine gives the following account. " It was a mock critical account of a pretended ancient cpic poem, interspersed with a number of extracts from the supposed work. By a fable, contrived with some ingenuity, this poem is represented as having been known to the an- cients, and read and imitated by some of the most popular modern poets. . By this supposition, the utmost license of parody and imitation is obtained, and by the usual poetical machinery of epi- sodes, visions and prophecies, the scene is shifted at pleasure, back- wards and forwards, from one country to another, from earth to heaven, and from ancient to mod- ern times. This plan is filled up with great spirit ; the humorous is indecd better than the serious part, but both have merit, and some of the parodies arc extremely happy. The political views of the authors were to support those designs which were then forming for an efficient federal constitution."
The Anarchiad was published from time to time, as matter oc- curred, or could be conveniently supplicd. It had an extensive cir- culation through the union, and considerable influence upon the political opinions that were then forming, the public mind being in
a state of general effervescence. Besides the part which he took in this production, Dr. Hopkins was the author of numerous fugitive poctical pieces ; some of which are of a peculiarly humorous and whimsical character, particularly the " hypocrite's hope," and his " epitaph" upon the victim of a Cancer Quack. As a physician, the reputation of Dr. Hopkins stood deservedly high, and he was characterized for the freedom and liberality of his views, and his general philanthropy and benevo- lence. He dicd 14th April, 1801, aged 50 years.
Thomas T .: dall, Esq. a man of very unusual & extraordinary civil and private virtues, and an ardent, faithful and zealous patriot, was a native of Ireland, but resided in this town for forty years, prece- ding his death. He came into this town in or about the year 1778, during the revolutionary war, hav- ing been a paymaster in the Brit- ish service ; but being a republican in sentiment, and considering the war on the part of Great Britain as unjust and oppressive, he left this situation, thereby throwing himself out of employment, and the means of immediate subsis- teuce, a sacrifice to his feelings and principles. When he came to this town, he was a young man of about 21 or 22 years of age, andhad no connections oracquain- tance here-without moncy, with- out friends ; in not only a strange, but a foreign land ; having had but small advantages as to educa- tion, and exposed to reproach from the illiberal prejudices against his countrymen, he had no resour- ces but a firm constitution, a sound
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mind, and a consciousness of his own worth. But these resources never failed him ; they sustained him not only at this period of darkness and discouragement, but through a long life, and raised him to the rank of one of the most distinguished citizens of this town.
Mr. Tisdall never attained to any distinguished public employ- ment, but he was one of those few who can be conspicuous in a " pri- vate station," and exalted in the humblest situation. He had a sound and discriminating mind, improved by reading, observation and experience ; and although not possessed of shining talents, few have had more good sense, or a juster view of life. He was re- markable for his firmness, indepen- dence and freedom of thought : always claiming the right to judge for himself, disclaiming the author- ity of precedent, and above the reach of prejudice. His princi- ples were interwoven in the tex- ture of the constitution of his mind, and were as unyielding as adamant ; and his attachments, whether rela- ting to persons or subjects, were founded upon principle, and as in- flexible and stable, as the founda- tion which supported them was ! firm and durable. He was, in the strictest sense, an " honest man." No one ever made less use of artifice and dissimulation, to dis- guise his faults, or gloss over his character. A consciousness of the rectitude of his life raised him far above the jesuitical arts of hypocri-
sy. He wished to appear precisely what he was, no more, nor no less ; neither would he give to others a character which he knew they did not possess.
" He could not flatter ; " An honest mind and plain, " He must speak truth."
He was remarkable for a system- atic industry and economy, and for the plainness and simplicity of his manners, and the precision, order and regularity, which char- acterized his whole life ; these causes, producing their necessary results, put him in the possession of a good estate. The leading trait in his character was prudence. This was perceivable in every action. His example as a citizen cannot be too highly appreciated, at an age when " the world is de- ceived with show and ornament." He was constitutionally an ardent and zealous friend of civil liberty. A whig in the revolution, he was uniform and decided in his repub- lican principles, which were of a character peculiarly rigid and aus- tere. The lively sense which he had of the injustice & oppression, of the government of his native coun- try, rendered him an enthusiastic admirer of the free institutions of the country of his adoption. We have had few of our native citizens more sincerely attached to the gov- ernment, the liberties, and the prosperity of the United States. He died 31st August, 1818, aged 61 years.
BERLIN.
BERLIN, a post town, is situa- [ ford, and 24 miles north-east from ted 10 miles south-west from Hart-il New-Haven. It is bounded north
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by Farmington, east by Wethers- field and Middletown, south by Middletown and Meriden, and west by Southington.
The township contains about forty square miles, having an av- erage length of eight miles, and an average breadth of five miles.
Its surface is uneven, being di- versified with moderate hills and dales ; the western border of the town is mountainous, extending upon the range of mountains which commence in the vicinity of New- Haven, and extend through the State, into the interior of New- England.
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