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HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT.
[1714-15.
of government did not exceed probably thirty-five hundred dollars.
The accession of George the First to the throne of Eng- land found Connecticut on the flood-tide of a prosperity that continued for many years with little to check its course. Such days are uneventful in historic incidents, but pleasant to recall. The older towns, like swarming hives, sent out company after company to lay the foundations of new towns, until the valleys and forest wilderness on every side began to " bud and blossom as the rose." The fathers and mothers who had first settled the colony rested from their earthly labors, but their children proved worthy of the inheritance they had received.
During the year following the accession of the House of Hanover, a bill was again brought into Parliament to repeal the charters of all the colonies. This attack was largely instigated by English merchants, who began to fear lest the growth of manufactures, fostered by the independent action of the colonies, might lessen their trade. Through the ener- getic and wise action of Jeremiah Dummer, the king gave a favorable decision in behalf of the colonies ; and those who were jealous of the growth of industries in America, had to rest content with the declaration of the House of Commons, " that the erecting manufactories in the colonies tended to lessen their dependence upon Great Britain."
The alarm of these English manufacturers and merchants did not abate. In 1731 they sent a petition to Parliament, and the Board of Trade were ordered to inquire and report regarding the matter. With the busy hum of industry that now fills the State, we can but smile as we read a part of this elaborate report, that among other things says, "It were to be wished that some expedient might be fallen upon to direct their thoughts from undertakings of this nature ; so much the rather, because these manufactures, in process of time, may be carried on in greater degree, unless an early stop be put to their progress."
113
DEATH OF GOVERNOR TREAT.
1717.]
The war stirred up by Rasle, a French Jesuit, who had gained a commanding influence among the Penobscot In- dians, caused Massachusetts much anxiety and suffering. Connecticut declined to have any thing to do with the conflict beyond sending a company of fifty men to protect her border. The venerable and beloved Governor Treat, 4 full of years and honors, died in 1710.
1 YALE COLLEGE was not removed from Saybrook without earnest opposi- tion. Even after the consent of the Assembly was secured, the sheriff, when he came to take the books that belonged to the college, found the house sur- rounded by men determined to resist him. Having forcibly entered the build- ing, he took the books, and kept them under guard that night. In the morning he found the carts, that had been pro- vided to carry them to New Haven, broken, and the horses turned loose. Having secured new means of convey- ance, they started for New Haven, but found some of the bridges broken; and, before they reached their destination, many of the books were missing. The excitement gradually died away; and within a few years, harmony was re- stored, both in the colony and the board of trustees.
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2 APPENDED to this law was this provision, " That nothing herein shall be intended or construed to hinder or prevent any society or church that is or shall be allowed by the laws of this government, who soberly differ or dis- sent from the united churches hereby established, from exercising worship and discipline in their own way, accord- ing to their conscience" (Conn. Col. Rec., v. 87).
3 FITZ JOHN WINTHROP, son of Governor John Winthrop, was born in Ipswich, Mass., 1638. He received his education in England. He accepted . a military commission under Richard Cromwell, but on the restoration re-
turned to Connecticut. He served in King Philip's war, and was a member of Governor Andros's council. In 1690 he was appointed major-general, in com- mand of the Canada expedition; and in the controversies that grew out of this unfortunate campaign, he retained the confidence of Connecticut. He was sent to England in 1694, as the agent of the colony, and discharged his duties with such faithfulness, that the Legislature made him a present of twenty-five hun- dred dollars. He was elected governor of Connecticut, and continued in this office until the time of his death. Like his distinguished father, he was a man of considerable scientific attainments, and was honored by being elected a member of the Royal Society of England. Of unblemished character and pious life, his name is worthy of the high place it occupies in the annals of colonial times.
4 ROBERT TREAT was born in Eng- land in 1622. When a lad he came to this country with his father, who was among the first planters of Wethersfield. Soon after this he removed to Milford; and, although but a youth of eighteen, he was chosen to aid in surveying and laying out the lands of the new town. In 1661 he was elected a magistrate, and con- tinued to serve in this office until 1664, when he declined to serve further under the existing state of affairs. He was an earnest advocate of the union of the colonies; and it was to a great degree owing to his influence that Milford with- drew from the jurisdiction of New Haven, and joined its fortunes to Con-
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HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT.
necticut. His warm friendship for Win- throp, and sympathy with his plans, were shown in his efforts to forward them. In 1675 he was appointed colonel of the Connecticut troops. During King Philip's war, he won honorable dis- tinetion for military skill and bravery. Again and again he saved the border towns of Massachusetts from destruc- tion, and proved equal to every emer- gency. In 1676 he was elected deputy- governor, and governor in 1683. He
held this position for fifteen years with distinguished success. Warmly sympa- thetie in his feelings, Governor Treat was also possessed of an excellent judg- ment, keen discrimination, and knowl. edge of men. The hospitalities of his home were open to all, and his benevo- lence without stint. Beloved by those who knew him, and honored as a man of fearless courage and Christian char- acter, he died at the advanced age of eighty-eight.
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LIFE OF THE PEOPLE.
CHAPTER XX.
LIFE OF THE PEOPLE.
A T this point in our narrative, let us recall the every-day life and surroundings of the people. The temporary log huts which the first settlers built for shelter, were soon replaced by substantial frame houses. These structures, while devoid of ornament or architectural beauty, were well fitted to the wants of the self-reliant and industrious people who dwelt within them. The huge chimney, standing in the centre of the house, was built of stone, and, where it passed through the first floor, measured about ten feet in diameter. The front door opened into a hall which contained the prin- cipal stairway. On each side were two large rooms used as parlors, but one or both of them were almost always fur- nished with beds to meet the requirements of a hospitality that was unstinted and constant. The great kitchen in the rear of the chimney was the living-room of the family. Here they cooked and ate their food, and in winter gathered about the capacious fireplace with its iron crane and hang- ing-kettles, and oven at one side. Stoves were an unknown luxury ; and in some of the houses of the more wealthy planters, the fireplaces were numerous. At first the roofs of their dwellings were covered with thatch, but they soon learned that shingles were far better. The floors were of thick oak boards fastened with wooden pins. The sides of the rooms were plastered, but the joists and floor above were exposed to view. In the parlors, the side next to the chimney was wainscoted, and the wide panels were from
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HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT.
the largest trees of the forest. The windows were made of small, diamond-shaped pieces of glass, set with lead ; and the frame was hung upon hinges that opened outward. Farm- houses were usually built near a spring, which supplied the water for domestic use as well as for the cattle. If a well were dug, the water was drawn by the aid of a " well- sweep," some of which may still be found in almost every rural community.
A few of the houses were built of stone. Of these, the WHITEFIELD HOUSE. house of the Rev. Mr. White- field of Guilford, built in 1639, is still standing, and is the oldest house in the United States north of Florida.1 The majority of the early frame houses were built with a long, steep roof on the rear side ; but this style, known as the " lean-to," was succeeded by the gambrel or hipped roofed houses, of which many still remain. Although the size and expensiveness of these houses varied in accordance with the wealth and position of their owners, they were all marked by the qualities of simplicity, solidity, and neatness.
For a period of half a century and more after the settlement of the colonies, the household furniture, as a rule, was SUN-DIAL. rude and scanty. The floors were bare of carpets ; and excepting the bedsteads, which were placed in almost every room, the most conspicuous piece of furniture in the house was the tall case or " chest " of drawers, that usually stood in the parlor. There were a few wealthy planters who had tapestry-hangings in their apartments, and enjoyed the lux- ury of carpets and other imported articles ; but in most houses, even up to the time of the Revolution, the furniture
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LIFE OF THE PEOPLE.
was plain and substantial. Sun-dials served in the place of clocks, which were scarce and dear. Pewter and wooden dishes were used instead of china, which was kept for ex- traordinary occasions. Almost every well-to-do family had more or less of handsome silver, which was seldom taken from the place where it was hoarded with scrupulous care, and handed down as heirlooms from generation to generation.
The table was plainly but abundantly supplied. Indian meal was cooked in various ways, and eaten with molasses. Vegetables were used in large quantities, the turnip being more of a favorite than the potato. Meat was abundant; and, before tea and coffee came into use, beer brewed after the English fashion was the common drink. With the growth of or- chards, cider took the place of beer, and a generous supply of New-England rum was to be found on the side-board of every family. The disastrous effect of this habit was checked none too soon by the discus- sions in the early part of this century that entirely changed the opinions and attitude HANGING-LAMP. of the best people on this subject.
The family meals were generally eaten in the great kitchen, where the food was cooked. At the end of this room, pew- ter platters, porringers, and basins, when not in use, were displayed on open shelves ; and other utensils of tin and brass hung against the wide panels of the wainscot.2 It was in this room that the social life of the people appears in its most pleasant forms. Here it was that neighbors gathered in the long winter evenings about the great fireplace, and cracked nuts, or busied their hands in making brooms and other articles, while the merry laughter of children mingled with the story-telling of the elders.
At first very few of the colonists settled upon isolated
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HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT.
farms, but grouped themselves in little village communities. The church, the block-house, the school, the variety store, and blacksmith's shop were the centre from which the village- streets radiated. Here it was that the life of the people pulsated in its common interests. Each town was a little republic in itself. The habit of industry prevailed among all classes. There was no room for idlers ; and a shiftless, indolent person was regarded with contempt.8 While the men toiled upon the farms, the women were busy at their
A COLONIAL HOME.
spinning-wheels, or engaged in household duties. The pros- perity that in time smiled upon our thrifty forefathers, was won at the cost of unremitting toil. Large families were the rule ; and the sons were early taught some trade as well as the management of the farm, and the daughters received a practical training in the conduct of domestic affairs. It is difficult for us to realize how simple and quiet were the social conditions of those early days. The steam-engine, the telegraph, the newspaper, and modern postal facilities, were then unknown.
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LIFE OF THE PEOPLE.
New Haven was a way-station in the monthly mail-trip that, after 1672, was made between New York and Boston. This service, however, was quite irregular until Benjamin Franklin made a tour of the colonies, and made more perfect arrangements. The first newspaper in New Haven, called " The Connecticut Gazette," was founded in January, 1755, but discontinued from lack of patronage in 1762. Three years after, it was revived by Benjamin Mecom, who gave notice that he had secured local correspondents, and had sent for " three kinds of English magazines, the ' Monthly Review of Books,' and one of the best London newspapers." He was confident that "these, with American intelligence from Nova Scotia to Georgia, and from Canada," would give his readers a " Stock of Momentous Materials."
0 3
It was not until about the middle of the eighteenth cen- tury that carriages and wagons were used by a few wealthy PRINTING-PRESS. citizens in the larger towns. The first pleasure-carriage ever seen in Litchfield was brought there by Mr. Matthews, the English mayor of New York, who was confined in that town as prisoner-of-war in 1776. The people did not take kindly to this luxurious way of travelling, and the owner of the first chaise in Norwich was fined for riding in it to church.
Ox-carts and sleds were used in farm-work, and in carry- ing produce and supplies to market ; but journeys for pleas- ure or business were made on horseback. Almost every family kept a horse ; and, in riding, the women and children sat behind on a pillion. Common furniture, and household and farm utensils, were made by the farmer and his sons ; and the clothing of the family, from dressing the flax to
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HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT.
cutting the cloth, was almost universally the handiwork of the women.
The men wore homespun ; and the women made their dresses, for ordinary service, of coarse, strong linen. Great pride and care were taken in providing more elegant and elaborate clothing for Sunday use. The men on that day donned cloth coats and beaver hats, and the women appeared in carefully preserved silk or brocade.4 The hair for a long time was powdered, and worn, by the women, in a simple braid ; but this fashion was followed by an extreme, in which the locks were combed over a cushion of horse-hair, so that it would often be a foot above the crown. During the reign of Charles II., wigs were very fashionable, both in Old and GENT IN BOOTS. New England ; and it was not un- common to see boys dressed in short clothes, wearing a wig surmounted by a three - cornered hat.
THE WHITEFIELD HOUSE was 1 built of stone from a ledge some eighty rods distant. Atwater, in his History of the New-Haven Colony, says, "The Whitefield house differed from the typi- cal New-England dwelling, both in the material of which it was built, and in its interior arrangements. Houses were usually supported, not by walls of stone, but by frames of heavy timber. White oak was a favorite wood for this purpose, and some of the larger pieces were considerably more than a foot square. Mr. Whitefield, though he was a man of wealth, had no more apart- ments in his dwelling than the average New-England planter. It is not easy to conjecture where he had his study, nor
where he lodged his ten children, some of whom were nearly or quite adult when he came to Guilford. His house seems small for the requirements of his family and of his calling, and surpris- ingly small in contrast with that of the minister of New Haven. Mr. Davenport had but one child; but there were thir- teen fireplaces in his house, while in Mr. Whitefield's there were but five." There were many who thought the New-Haven people were extravagant in building such " fair and stately houses."
2 A LETTER written in 1780 by the Rev. Mr. Trowbridge of Southington, to his recently wedded wife, gives an idea of the household furnishing late in the cen- tury : "I have purchased," he says, " a
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LIFE OF THE PEOPLE.
clock, brass kettle, iron pot, coffee-mill, pair of flats, pair of brass candle-sticks, brass andirons, and looking-glass; so I hope we shall be able, on the whole, to set up housekeeping with some little decency." In a postscript he adds, " A warming-pan I can borrow for the next winter."
3 AT Hartford, New Haven, and New London were houses of correction, " for suppressing and punishing of rogues, vagabonds, common beggars, and other lewd, idle, dissolute, and disorderly per- sons, and for setting them to work." They were punished by putting fetters or shackles upon them, and by moderate whipping, not exceeding ten stripes at once, ... " to be inflicted at their first coming in, and from time to time in case they be stubborn, disorderly, or idle, and do not perform their task, and that in good condition."
4 THE ordinary dress of the people was more picturesque than in these days. The doublet, as an outer garment, was universally worn by the men, and was often of red or other bright color. The waistcoat was worn beneath the doublet, and was made of cotton by the poorer classes : those who could afford it, often used silk. The sleeves were slashed, in order to display the arms. In Massa- chusetts, as early as 1634, there was a law enacted against " slashed apparel, immoderate great sleeves, long wigs, gold, silver, or thread lace, knots of rib- bon, double ruff or cuffs." Like other laws of the sort, it was virtually a dead letter as far as any special enforcement was concerned. As a text for the Puri- tan preachers, it was very earnestly and frequently inculcated.
122
HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT.
CHAPTER XXI.
SOCIAL DISTINCTIONS. - MARRIAGE CUSTOMS. - FUNERAL SERVICES. - NEGRO SLAVERY.
A MONG the early settlers of Connecticut, a large propor- tion of those known as "planters " were descended from the landed gentry of England. In many cases they traced their ancestry in a noble line from the time of William the Conqueror, and it is not strange that pride of birth con- tinued to exert a peculiar influence in the social life and customs of the colony.
Titles were used sparingly, and with careful discrimina- tion. Only those who had possessed landed estates in Eng- land, the younger sons of the nobility and the sons of baronets and knights, were addressed in writing with. the title of "Esquire." The more common title of honor was " Master" or "Mr." Among those who received this mark of distinction were clergymen, and planters of good families, and those sufficiently well-born who had enjoyed the advan- tages of a liberal education. This appellation was seldom bestowed upon young men of whatever rank. "Sir " was a title employed in a limited sense to designate young gentle- men who were students in college. The sons of men like Governor Winthrop or Governor Treat, when at home during their vacations, would be greeted by old companions as Sir Winthrop or Sir Treat.
Those who, by thrift and force of character, won a worthy position in the community, were called " Goodman " and " Goodwife." Military titles were in high favor, and recog-
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SOCIAL DISTINCTIONS.
nized with becoming deference. Prior to 1654 the highest military office in the colony was captain, and John Mason of Pequot fame was the only one who bore this title. When in after-years he visited the militia of the different towns, bearing the insignia of his rank as major, he was " gazed at by the boys and girls of the settlement with eyes of wide wonder, as a man to be reverenced, but not approached." Ecclesiastical titles were highly esteemed, but the clerical prefix of Reverend was not employed in early colonial times. Ministers were recognized as Mr., Pastor, Teacher, or Elder.
The legal and medical professions had but scant recogni- tion in these early days. The doctor picked up what little knowledge he possessed from personal association and study with an older practitioner. His success depended upon his natural skill and tact in dealing with people, and a wise sympathy in the suggestions and notions of the good house- wives, who felt that the art of healing was a part of their domestic duties.
The lawyers fared hard. No mention is made of them in the public records of the times, except in the statute which, having mentioned rioters, scolds, drunkards, and other evil- doers, provides that " common barrators, which frequently move, stir up, and maintain suits of law in court, or quar- rels and parts in the country, shall give security for their good behavior, or be sent to the common gaol." It was not until late in the eighteenth century that Connecticut lawyers depended upon their profession alone for a living. During Governor Talcott's administration, the attention of the As- sembly was called to the fact, "that many persons had taken upon them to be attorneys at the bar, so that quarrels and lawsuits were multiplied, and the king's good subjects disturbed." It was enacted that there should be " allowed in the colony, eleven attorneys and no more ; namely, three in Hartford County, and two in each of the others." This law was, however, soon repealed.
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HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT.
Long before the Revolution, society had fallen into certain lines and orders that sharply defined personal influence and position. This order followed the gradations of gentlemen, yeomen, merchants, mechanics, and servants. The position of yeoman was every way honorable. Some of them bore the title of master, and were elected to fill important offices of trust. The educated class, however, formed the real aristocracy of society ; and it was not until after the Revo- lution that their commanding influence began to wane.
At the head of this aristocracy stood the clergy. While a few men of wealth, birth, and personal strength of char- acter, held commanding positions, and officers who had gained military renown were highly esteemed, there was no class of men who occupied as unique and powerful a vantage-ground of influence as the ministry.
" The ministers of the Puritan emigration," says a recent historian, " were men of birth, education, and breeding. Many of them had been driven from the pulpits of the English Church, and all possessed the sternest courage and deepest convictions. They were, without exception, leaders in every way among the people ; formed the strongest class in the community, and were bold, vigorous, intolerant, able men, who set their mark indelibly upon the early institutions of New England. In accordance with their views, the laws were framed ; by their opinions, much of the public - policy was directed ; for them the college was founded, and they alone were thought worthy of the highest education. To them the people looked up with a voluntary reverence, and with profound awe; while from their pulpits, they wielded an authority, and exercised a power, which was simply over- whelming " (Lodge).
The Lord's Day began at sunset on Saturday. At this moment all unnecessary work ceased, and the time was passed with strict religious observance until sunset of the following day. Sunday evening was given to recreation and
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MARRIAGE CUSTOMS. - FUNERAL SERVICES.
social conversation and visiting. This was the time when the young men were in the habit of visiting the Puritan maidens without fear that parents or guardians would be displeased, if they were worthy. The marriages that resulted from these visits were solemnized by a magistrate. If a clergy- man officiated, he was obliged to secure a special permit.
Weddings in early colonial days were usually celebrated quietly at the home of the bride. With the increase of wealth, there was a marked change in this respect. Not only were the banns proclaimed in the church, but a general invitation was given from the pulpit to attend the ceremony. Friends and neighbors were entertained with lavish hospital- ity at the bride's house. On the wedding- day, muskets were fired; and those who attended the ceremony, marched in pro- cession to the bride's home. The wed- ding-feasts lasted sometimes for two or WEDDING SLIPPER. three days. At a grand wedding in New London, on the day after the marriage ninety-two ladies and gentlemen, it is said, proceeded to dance ninety- two jigs, fifty-two contra-dances, forty-five minuets, and seventeen hornpipes. Marriages were usually consummated at a very early period of life, many girls becoming wives at sixteen and seventeen.
The early settlers made the final offices of respect to the dead as simple as possible. This custom changed in time, and, while the religious rites were brief, the obsequies were performed with much pomp and state. The grave was dug by friends, and, after the service, was also filled by their hands. Leading men of the community were selected as pall-bearers ; and besides a general distribution of scarfs, gloves, and rings, a feast of baked meats and drink was pro- vided. This extravagance was carried so far that it was the custom in some of the towns to supply scarfs and gloves 1 on the burial of a pauper.
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