USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > Bridgeport > A history of the city of Bridgeport, Connecticut > Part 11
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Here lyes ye Body of
Mrs. Hannah Starling, wife to Mr. Jacob Starling, who departed this life June ye 14th, 1756, in ye 771h year of her age.
115
Stratfield Burying-place.
Here Iyes Buried the Body of M"
JACOB STARLING Who departed this life Janu" y 9 1765 in y 88th Year of His Age
Here lves the Body of Mary Sterling, Daught of Mr. Jacob & Mrs. Hannah Sterling. who died March 2nd, Anno Dom. 1737, in ye 23d year of her age.
In memory of
Mr. Sherwood Sterling. who died Sept. 224, 1802, in the 29th year of his age.
In memory of
Mr. Stephen Sterling, who depart- ed this life Octº 234, 1797, in the 43 year of his age.
In Memory of
Mr. Stephen Sterling, who depart- ed this life March Igth, 1793, in the .81st year of his age.
To the memory of
Eunice Sterling, wife of Stephen Sterling, who died October 8, 1808, aged 88 years.
Sacred to the memory of
Nehemiah Strong, Esq .. Formerly Professor of Mathematiks and Nat- ural Philosophy in Yale College. He died August 13, 1807, in the 80th year of his Age.
Sacred the memory of
Mrs. Mary Strong, late Consort of Nehemiah Strong, Esqr., formerly Professor of Mathematics and natural Philosophy in Yale College. She died January 234, A. D. 1807, Anno ÆEtat sue 76.
Death like an overflowing stream Sweeps us away, our life's a dream.
Joseph Strong. died March 23, 1816, in the 75 year of his age.
In memory of
Mrs. Comfort Strong, Wife of Joseph Strong, Esqr., who died Feb. I4th, 1804, in the 65th year of her age. In memory of
Comfort, Wife of Joseph Strong, who died Sept. 13, 1841, Aged 77 years. In memory of
Charity Strong, Dautr of Mr. Jos- eph & Mrs. Comfort Strong, Who departed this life August ye 5th, 1776, in the 19th month of her age.
Miss Anna, Daughter of Joseph Strong, Esqr., and Mrs. Comfort his Wife, departed this life July 24, 1798, In the 19th Year of her Age. Rest in sweet slumbers, lovely Sister, rest, Thy life be copied and thy memory blest.
116
History of Bridgeport.
In memory of Miss Comfort Strong, Daughter of Joseph Strong, Esqr., and Mrs. Comfort his wife, who departed this life March 7th, ISoI, in the 20th year of her age.
Stop friend and drop the pittying tear O'er these lov'd remains beneath this sod, Yet think their spirits rest not here
But in the bosom of their God.
In memory of
Miss Sarah Strong, Daughter of Joseph Strong, Esqr. & Mrs. Comfort Strong, who died Oct" 18th, 1804, in the 33ª year of her age.
In memory of
Tryphena, wife of John Strong, of Fairfield, who died Sept. 10, 1829, aged 56 years & 6 months.
In memory of
Aaron Summers, who died Feb. 24, 1826, aged SI years.
In memory of
Huldah Summers, wife of Aaron Summers, who died April 22, 1837, aged 83 years.
In Memory of
Alice Summers, who died March 26, 1823, aged 62 years.
In memory of
Elnathan Summers, who died Dec. 9, 1831, aged 35 years.
Urania, danghter of Elnathan Sum- mers, died Dec. 7. 1849, Aged 63 years.
Here lyes ye body of
Enoch Summers, son of Mr. Daniel and Mrs. Eunice Summers, who de- parted this life March y" 12th, 1759, in ye 15th year of his age.
In memory of Mr. Jabes Summers, who died Augst 219, ISOI, aged 80 years & 27 days.
In Memory of
Mrs. Abiah Summers, who died Septr 8th, 1807, in the 84th year of her age.
In memory of
Mary Summers, who died Jan. 12, 1824, aged 80 years.
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.
In memory of
Mrs. Mary Summers, who died April 19th, 1806, in the 25th year of her age.
In memory of
Mary Summers, wife of Samuel Summers, who died Feb. 2d, ISII, in the 66th year of her age.
In memory of Miss Rhoda Summers, who died Aug. 12, 1823, in her 37 year.
Here lyes Buried the Body of
Me. Nathan Summers, Who De- parted this Life Decem" y" 13, 1772, in ye 70th year of His Age.
Here lyes the Body of
Mrs. Comfort Summers, Wife of Mr. Nathan Summers, Who departed this life Octobr ye 4th, 1763, in ye 631 Year of Her Age.
Here lies the body of
Mrs. Martha Summers, Wife of Nathan Summers, who died Oct. 26th, 1751, in ye 50th year of her Age. In memory of Samuel Summers, who died June 16th, ISIo, in the 74th year of his age Here lyes ye Body of
Mrs. Eunice Summers, Wife of Mr. Samuel Summers, Who departed this Life Febry Sth, 1766, in ye 25th Year of Her Age.
In memory of
Capt. Stephen Summers, who died July 16th, ISII, in the 68th year of his age.
Also of his son,
Stephen Summers, Junr., Master of the Brig William, who with his crew were lost Nov' 1810, aged 34 years.
Nathaniel Thorp, died Jan. 9, 1836, Æ. 38.
Died Jan. 26, 1826, an
Infant, daughter of Nathaniel and Mary Ann Thorp, aged 4 mo. & 18 da, s.
Died Jan. 7, 1828,
Emily, daughter of Nathaniel & Mary Ann Thorp, aged II mo. & 17 days.
Grandison B. Treadicell, died Sept. 24, 1865, JE. 61 years, 4 Mo.
Ruth Ann. his wife, died April 22, 1869, Æ. 55 yrs. 2 Mo.
Naomy, daughter to Lieut. He. ekiah & Mrs. Mehitable Tredwell, who died A. D., August the 12th, 1744, in the 12th year of her age.
Elizabeth Treadwell, Deceased May 10, 1709, In Her 4th year.
II7
Stratfield Burying-place.
Here lyes the Body of H. Treadwell, Dessed Apl. In Her 23 -.
Here lyes the Body of Samuel Treadwell, Died Febray the 28, 1717.
Here lyes Buried ve Body of Mr. Stephen Treadwell, Who De- parted this Life Nov 231, Anno Dom- ini, 1753, in y+ 44th year of His Age.
Here lyes ye Body of
Timothy Tredicell, of this place, Who decd Sept about ye 20th, aged about 37 years, 1720.
S. T. [Probably a Treadwell.] Sarah Treadirell, Died Dec. 24th, 1709.
R. T., 1699. [In the Treadwell row of stones.]
D. T., 1696. [In Treadwell row.]
E. T. [and] E. [and] M .- B. [In Treadwell row.]
E. T., 1708. [In the Treadwell row.] Clark M. Tuttle, died December 8, 1867, aged 59 yrs. 3 mos. & 21 days.
Lorintha, wife of Clark M. Tuttle & daughter of Abel & Ruth Hubbell, died May 19, 1852, .E. 38.
Here lyes ye Body of ye
Rev. Mr. Nathaniel Tucker, Who died December 20th, 1747, in ye 231 Year of His Age ; Who was Rec- tor of the Church of Christ in Con- necticut Farms in Elizabeth Town in New Jersey.
Here lyes Buried the Body of Mr. Henry Wakeling, who Died Januty gth Anno Domni, 1743, in ye 60th year of his age.
Here lyeth the Body of
Rachel Wallin, Who Departed this life in the - year of Her Age, March 10, 1708.
Here lyes Buried the Body of Mr. Zebulon Wakelee, who de- parted this life, July 18, 1767, in ye 55th year of his age.
Sarah B., Daughter of Rufus and Mary Way, died July 30, 1859, aged 3 mo. and 9 ds.
Sleep on dear Babe and take thy rest. We mourn thy absence now but Soon the trump of God shall sound And we again Behold thy lovely face.
In memory of Capt. William Worden, who died Octo 27th, ISO8, in the 75th year of his age.
In memory of Anna Wordin, Wife of Capt. Wil- liam Wordin, who died Augst 27th. 1805, in the 63th year of his age. Here Ives the Body of Elizabeth Wel -. [probably Wells] that deceased in the year 1706.
In memory of Jedediah Wells, who died March 9, 1827, aged 75. In memory of
Hannah. Wife of Jedediah Wells, who died June 5, 1838, aged 84 years. In memory of Charity Wells, who died Oct. 2, 1841, 2E. 61 yrs.
Ellen Wells, Wife of Henry Man- ning, Died Sept. 20, 1867; JE. 83 years 6 mos.
Here lyes Buried ye Body of Mrs. Lucy Wells, Wife to Mr. Jedediah Wells, who departed this life Octr ye 28, A. D. 1751, in ye 2341 year of her age.
Behold as you pass by As you are now so once was I, As I am now so you must be, Prepare for death and follow me.
Here lyes ye Body of
Mrs. Ruth Wells, wife to Mr. David Wells, who departed this life july ye 34, 1766, in ye 35th year of her age. In Memory of Mr. Stephen Wells, who died Sept. II, 1825, aged 70 years. In memory of
Mrs. Mary, relict of Mr. Stephen Wells, who died Sept. 11, 1827, aged 69 years.
Frances Caroline, Daughter of Robert W. & Amelia Wetmore, died April 1st, 1797, Aged 14 days.
In memory of Mr. Benjamin Wheeler, who de- parted this Life Dec 26th, 1793, In the 74th Year of his Age.
In memory of
Mrs. Mary Wheeler, Wife of Mr. Benjamin Wheeler, who departed this life Augst 13th, 1798, In the 71st year of her Age.
Chauncey Wheeler, died April -, 1803, Æ. 52.
I18
History of Bridgeport.
Caroline M., his wife, died May 13, 1853. 2. 92.
Here lyes the Body of
Isaac Wheeler. that Decesed Apr. 1, 1712, Age 70 yrs.
Here lyes Buried ye Body of
Doctr. John Wheeler, Who De- parted this life Sept" 12th, 1747, in ye 64th year of his Age.
In Memory of
Mr. John Wheeler, Who died Sept. 12th, 1790, aged 80 years 10 months & 3 days.
In memory of
Mrs. Dorothy Wheeler. Relict of Mr. John Wheeler, who died Oct. 9th, 1800, in the 87th year of her age.
Here lyes ye Body of
Lucy Wheeler, Daughter of Mr. Hezekiah & Mrs. Abigail Wheeler, Who departed this Life Nov. ye 26th, 1768, in ye 14th Year of Her Age.
Here lyes Buried ye Body of
Nehemiah Wheeler. son of Doct. John & Mrs. Hannah Wheeler, Who Decd Novemb' ye 25th, Anno 1726, in ye 7th year of His Age.
Nichols C. Wheeler, died Feb. 6, 1859. JE. 65.
Polly, wife of Nicholas C. Wheeler, died Aug. 29, 1853, JE. 61.
In memory of
Miss Sarah Wheeler. Dautr of Amos Wheeler, Esqr., of Brookfield, who died Aug. 13, ISO5, in the 14th year of her age.
----
Stay passenger, this stone demands thy tears, Here lies a parent's hope of tender years,
Our sorrows now, but late our joy and praise, Lost in the mild aurora of her days, What virtue might have graced her fuller day ! But ah! the charm just shown, and snatched away, Friendship, love, nature ; all reclaim in vain, Heaven when it will refuses its gifts again.
Here lyes Buried the Body of
Mr. Timothy Wheeler, who died March 5th, 1752, in ye 621 year of his his age.
Here lyes ye Body of
Mrs. Ann Wheeler, widow of Mr. Timothy Wheeler, who departed this life July the 18th, 1764, in ye 72d year of her age.
Timothy Wheeler, son of Mr. Tim- othy & Mrs. Grissel Wheeler, was born Sept. 3ª & died Sept" 28th, 1790.
In Memory of
Wm. B. Wheeler, who decd July 20, 1842, aged 33 yrs.
Don't mourn my friends and parents dear, I am not dead, but sleeping here ;
My peace is made, my grave you see, Prepare for death and follow me.
In memory of
Elizabeth, daughtr of Bennet & Susan C. Whitney, Died Dec. 29, 1839, JE. II weeks.
In memory of
Aaron W. Whiting, who died Nov 3ª, 1833, JE. 52 yrs.
Sally. Relict of Aaron W. Whiting, Died Mar. 2, 1866, JE. S5 years, 9 mos. In memory of
Polly, daughter of Capt. Daniel Wild- man, formerly of Danbury, who died June 29, 1814, FE. 17.
The grave of
Abraham Wilson, who died Sept. 27, IS39, aged 62 years.
Eunice, Wife of Abraham Wilson, died Feb. 28, 1854, JE. 71.
In memory of
Mrs. Eleanor Wilson, Wife of Mr. Amos Wilson & Daughter to Mr. Ben- jamin & Mrs. Margaret Lacey, who departed this life June 23, 1795 aged 27 years 2 months & 17 days.
In memory of
Ann Wilson, who died Dec. 10, 1856, Aged 60 years.
I am the resurrection and the life ; he that be- lieveth in me though he were dead yet shall he live.
In memory of
Mrs. Anna Wilson, who departed this life Oct. 29, 1844, aged 73 years & 3 months.
Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.
The Grave of
Burr Wilson, who died April 12, 1850, E. 76 years.
Ruth, Wife of Burr Wilson, decd June 29, 1858, Aged 84 years.
In Memory of
Isaac Wilson, son of Burr & Ruth Wilson, who died June 28, 1826, aged 29 years.
In memory of
Capt. Daniel Wilson, who died May 14, IS22, aged 52 years.
Maria, daughter of Daniel & Anne Wilson, died May 8, 1850, aged 52 years.
Them also that sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
119
Stratfield Burying-place.
The Grave of
Oliver Gould, son of Alfred & Louisa Wilson, who died Feb. 15, 1837, aged 5 mo & ro days. Death came like a winter's day And snatched our lovely babe away.
Eusebia Gould. Daughter of Alfred & Louisa Wilson, dec Apr. 6, 1852, Æ. 5 years & 25 ds.
The grave of Fairchild Wilson, who died May 28, 1848, JE. 35 yrs. 5 mos. & g ds.
Triumphant in the closing eye The hope of glory shone ; Joy breathed in the expiring eye, To think the race was run.
Thy passing spirit gently fled, Sustained by grace divine. O may such grace on us be shed And make our end like thine.
James Wilson. Died Nov. 24, 1852, A. S2 yrs. & S Mo ..
Sarah, wife of James Wilson, Died April 12, 1870, JE. 93 yrs. 8 mos.
In memory of
Mr. James Wilson, son of Mr. Rob- ert & Mrs. Catharine Wilson, who was seized, Sept. 4th, at Trinity, in New- foundland, of the illness of which he died Oct. 12, 1773, in ye 321 year of his age.
Swift as the sun revolves the day We hasten to the dead, Slaves to the mind we puff away, And to the ground we tread, We steer our course up thro' the skies, Farewell this barren land. There, there the Dear wealth of spirits lies And beckoning Angels stand.
In memory of
Mrs. Sarah Wilson. wife to Mr. James Wilson, Dautr of Mr. Daniel & Mrs. Sarah Morris, who departed this life March the 29, 1771, in ye 26th year of her age.
Come courteous friend, come drop a tear Over these dry bones & say :
These once were strong as mine appear And mine must be as they.
Thus should these mouldering members teach What now our senses learn, For dust & ashes loudest preach Man's infinite concern.
In memory of
Mr. John Wilson, Junr .. Son of Mr. Robert & Mrs. Catharine Wilson, who died Oct 20th, A. D. 1776, in ye 29th year of his age.
You sacred mourners of a nobler mould Born for a friend whose dear embraces hold Beyond all nature's ties you that have known, Two happy souls made intimately one, And felt a parting stroke, 'tis you must tell, The smart twinges & the racks I feel borne. This soul of mine that dreadful wound has Off from its side its dearest half is torn,
The rest lies bleeding & but lives to mourn.
In memory of
Justus Wilson. who died Dec. 14, IS39, aged 73.
In memory of
Charity, wife of Justus Wilson, who died April 23, 1850, in the 77 year of her age.
Paulina Wilson, born Agst. 16, 1798, died April 23, 1879. Her soul Rests in peace.
Robert Wilson, died May 24, 1861, in his 74th year.
Sarah, daughter of Robert & Sarah Wilson, died May 3, 1859, in her 24th year.
In memory of Mr. Robert Wilson, who died May
IIth, ISI3, in the 58th year of his age. Happy the man who consecrates his hours By vig'rous effort, and an honest aim,
At once he draws the sting of life and death ; He walks with wisdom and her paths are peace.
In memory of Eunice, wife of Robert Wilson, who died Dec. 1, 1823. in her 68 year. The grave of
Pamelia, the wife of Wyllys Lyon and daughter of Robert & Eunice Wilson. She died Sept. 1st, 1837, Aged 39 yrs. 2 mo. 12 ds.
In memory of Miss Eleanor Wilson, who died Oct. 8, 1824, aged 29 years.
The Grave of
Sarah, daughter of Robert & Sarah Wilson. She died Nov. 16, 1835, in her 7 year.
Thou art gone, bright flower,
Deep was our grief to part With one so lovely, innocent and fair.
Remembrance long will wring the wounded heart And hold thy beauteous image ever there.
In memory of
Sarah Wilson, who died Sept. 30, 1868, 2E. 68 yrs.
Asleep in Jesus. In memory of
Silliman Wilson, who died July S, 1833, aged 63 yrs. 5 mo. & 15 ds.
In memory of Rhoda, wife of Silliman Wilson, who died April 6, 1825, aged 57 years, 3 months & 2 days.
In memory of
Summers Wilson, son of Abraham & Eunice Wilson, who died Sept. 21, 1826, aged 22 years.
120
History of Bridgeport.
In memory of Winthrop Wilson, who died Feb. 3, 1826, aged 33 years.
Mary, Daughter of Thomas & Eliza- beth Woodward, died 18th Sept. 1802.
E. IT. 1694, A. S. J. P. SS.
E. 1689.
R. G. 1703.
R. J. D. S. F. 12, 1731.
R. J. MY 14, 1712.
E. J. June 11, 1716.
M. J. Nov. 13, 1712.
D. D. 1688.
Mrs. P. C. 1706.
B. B. 1712.
S. J. 1689.
A. B. 1688.
M. B. O. C. 1689.
, 1690.
Here lies
M. J. 1733, D. Jan. 3.
C. J. D. M. J. 1693.
E. J. J. E. 17, 1695. J. O. 1691, S. 12. O. J. M. 20, 170 -.
M. S. Aged 6 ys Who died June 17, 1717.
S. H. 17IS. R. II. 1696. E. O. Aged 17, Who died Oc. 16, 1721. J. H. 1690. D. M.
M. S. IZII. R. T. 1707, Apl. 9, D.
S. C. 1698.
C. B. 1700.
A. B. I688.
1699.
S. B. 1690.
E. B. 1699.
M. S. 98.
A. C. 1698.
D. C. 1699.
M. B. Ds. 7, 1715.
N. T. N. 1691.
A. S. 91.
- 1696.
I. H. 1689.
E. IT. 1688.
R. H.
S. H.
Here lies the Body of Matthew Sherwood.
CHAPTER III.
THE BOROUGH OF BRIDGEPORT.
ANY plans are devised at the present day to build cities as a matter of enterprise and money-making, but Bridgeport grew up without a plan or in spite of one. Before the Revolution it was supposed that New Pasture Point would develop into a city, but so far as has been ascertained, during that war a point of trade was established on the west side of the harbor, and then or soon after, was called Newfield. In 1777 the name is first found recorded, but in an accidental way, as though familiarly used.
In January, 1787, Josiah Lacey, of Strat- field, Nathan Seeley, of Danbury, and David Burr, of Fairfield, were appointed a com- mittee by the Fairfield County Court to lay out and widen the highways now known as Main street and State street. The former is designated in the committee's report, dated April 13, 1787, as "the road at the foot of Golden Hill," and the latter as " the road from the dwelling- house of the widow Eunice Hubbell, near the stores at New- field, to the town line between Stratford and Fairfield." State street, as a highway, was laid out soon after November 9, 1691.1
In May, 1787, the following resolution was passed by the Connecticut Legislature :
1 State Street laid out.
"Nov. 9, 1691. Samuel Sherman and Robert Cune was chosen and appointed by the town to view where it is most convenient for a highway to pass in ye Fair- field to Paquonnock Harbor and to treat with ye persons through whose land said highway should pass.
16
122
History of Bridgeport.
"Upon report of a committee appointed in May last, which is now accepted and approved, resolved by this Assembly that the town of Stratford be and they are hereby empowered and allowed to keep and maintain a public Ferry n said town, across the creek or harbour called New Field Harbour, from the point of land called New Pasture Point, below Toby's wharf, to the opposite shore of said harbour or creek, to and on to land of Aaron Hawley, about ten rods south of said Hawley's dwelling house, and that two suffi- cient boats shall be constantly kept, one on each side of said creek, plying from shore to shore as occasion may require, at the places aforesaid, during the pleasure of this Assembly, all subject to the same relations that other Ferries in this State are by Law subject to."
The western terminus was near the foot of the present Un- ion street, but the facilities afforded by it were not sufficient to accommodate the public, and in May, 1791, the town meeting of Stratford voted its consent to " build a bridge across the Pequonnock river nearly opposite Cannon and Lockwood's wharf," and in the same month the Legislature gave author- ity to Robert Walker, of Stratford, and others to establish a lottery to raise the funds necessary to build a bridge across Newfield harbor, and appointed a committee to view the circumstances as to what kind of a bridge would be needed, and what the expense, and report to the next session.
The next autumn the town voted to request the General Assembly that if a bridge was built by lottery the expense of maintaining it should not fall upon the town.
Upon the building of this bridge it became necessary to change the road which passed around the point along the shore, and a committee of the Legislature made the follow- ing as a part of their report concerning it :
" The alterations between Newfield Bridge and Benja- min's Bridge are grounded ou the necessity of avoiding or shunning the road now traveled, under the bank where the tide flows, which renders it at times impassable, to the det- riment of travellers; being likewise very crooked, which is now remedied by a straight line on good ground through Asa Benjamin's rope walk. Twenty rods of the south part
123
Borough of Bridgeport.
thereof must be taken up and shifted to the north end, together with his wheel house, which is thirty feet in length, and subject him to the necessity of purchasing a lot of land of about seven acres at an extravagant price, beside the expense of taking up the rope walk."
The committee recommended that three hundred and thirty dollars damages should be paid to Asa Benjamin by the town of Stratford. The road was made, and liberty given to Stratford to set up a toll-gate at Lottery Bridge in Newfield, for the support of that and Benjamin's bridge, which was done in 1799. In 1797 Benjamin's bridge was voted, by the town, to be "rebuilt and made eighteen feet wide."
In March, ISoo, the town voted to lay out a " new road from New Pasture Point to Old Mill road." This was what is now East Main street.
In the report of the committee fixing the place from which the ferry should start on the east side of the harbor, they say, "from a point of land called New Pasture Point below Toby's wharf." This wharf seems to have been the same as mentioned in a deed many years before, namely, March 17, 1745-6, Ephraim Watkins, of Ulster county, N. Y., sold to Peter Veiw, of Stratford, " a certain wharf in Pequon- nock River, it being the lowermost wharf in said river."
A part of the township of Stratford was incorporated, by special act of the Legislature, in October, 1800, being " con- stituted and declared to be, from time to time, forever here- after, one body corporate and politic, in fact and in name, by the name of ' The Warden, Burgesses and Freemen of the Borough of Bridgeport,' and by that name they and their successors forever shall and may have perpetual succession.""
The origin of the idea of such an organization is made known in the following extract from a letter written by Jo- seph Backus, one of the earliest lawyers in Bridgeport, to Robert Walker, Esqr., dated September 20, 1822 ; " [ say that I did of my own mere motion project the Borough incorpo- ration (the first project of the kind in the state), and drew the
? Statute Laws of Conn., I. 106.
124
History of Bridgeport.
charter and then submitted it to the citizens to obtain its enactment."'
Hence Bridgeport was the first Borough in the State of Connecticut, and as a forerunner, in its success and prosper- ity, has proved itself worthy of the position thus taken.
Before the charter was granted considerable money had been raised and expended in improvements in the village, and it is probable that the fact of improvement suggested the need of further organization, and hence the proposition for a borough.
Highways, or streets, additional to those already men- tioned, were laid out under the direction of the Warden and Burgesses of Bridgeport, November 16, 1805, Joseph Backus, Justice of the Peace for Fairfield county, having appointed Samuel Gregory, Jr., Isaac Booth and Philip Sterling "to appraise and assess the damages."
Ist. The extension of Water street from Wall to a point about one hundred and fifty feet north of Fairfield avenue.
2d. Fairfield avenue, from Main to Water street.
3d. Wall street, froin Main eastwardly to the "Lottery Bridge," which then stood at the foot of Wall street.
4th. Middle street, from Fairfield avenue to Wall street.
5th. Broad street, from State to John street.
6th. John street, from Broad to Main street.
7th. Bank street, from Main to Broad street. That por- tion of Bank street, from Main eastward, had been previously deeded to the borough by Stephen Burroughs, in 1802, and was known as Morris street.
8th. Court street, from State, southward ninety-nine feet.
At that time there were several other streets or high- ways in the heart of the borough; Water street, from Wall to Baker's pond; Bank street, from Water to Main street, and Broad street, south of State to the outer harbor, and Gold street and Union street.
Baker's Pond was a creek extending westward across Main street, about where South avenue is now located, but that portion of Water street below Gilbert was simply the shore beach by the side of the harbor.
8 Esquire Isaac Sherman's Manuscript book.
£
125
Business Firms.
The Borough at this time owned three slips, one at the foot of State street, one at the foot of Bank street and one at about the foot of Wall street.
At a borough meeting held May 3, 1808, the street names as above noted were established.
In 1801 St. John's Church edifice was erected on the corner of State and Broad streets, and that of the First Congregational Church was erected in 1803, on the corner of Broad and Bank streets.
Business Firms of the Borough.
The following is a list of the firms, with the names of the individuals who composed them, given by Esquire Isaac Sherman, from the first settlement of Bridgeport to the first day of January, 1815, being those of merchants, manufactur- ers, Boston and New York coasters, and West India traders, with the names of vessels employed as well as the names of the owners. The stores and places for doing business were mostly confined to Water and State streets.
The territory on which the city of Bridgeport now stands was much of it an open field of good farming land, and at the close of the Revolution Main and State streets were laid out so that access was had to the landing place on Pequonnock river or Newfield harbor; Water street and the old Golden Hill road having been opened before the Revolution. The name of the landing was called Newfield until about the year 1800, when it was changed to Bridgeport.
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