USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > Stratford > A history of the old town of Stratford and the city of Bridgeport, Connecticut > Part 23
USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > Bridgeport > A history of the old town of Stratford and the city of Bridgeport, Connecticut > Part 23
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246
History of Stratford.
In 1666, upon his settlement as pastor, his salary was fixed at £60 per annum, and one-fourth of the sequestered minis- try land was given him for his use, and a house soon after built on the home lot for him to reside in and improve as his own property, but in case of death or removal these were to revert to the town. In 1677, however, the house and land was fully deeded to him, as was a like estate to the Rev. Zechariah Walker, pastor of the Woodbury Church.
Mr. Israel Chauncey studied medicine and was a practic- ing physician of eminence as well as a divine, and hence he was an important personage in the Council of War, in the Narragansett Indian troubles.
On the 9th of March, 1675-6, the authority at Hartford make this record : " The Council also ordered the Secretary to write to Mr. Israel Chauncey to hasten up to Hartford to attend the Council's orders, with an order to impress men, horses, and accommodations for his coming up."1
Two days later a further record was made.
" March 11, 1675-6. The Council appointed Mr. Chaun- cey to be one of the Council of the army in room of Mr. Hooker, and also that he should now go forth with the army as their chirurgion," [surgeon].
Upon the breaking out of the King Philip or Narragan- sett War, in July, 1675, a " Council " of War was appointed by the General Court, consisting of the Governor, Lieut. Gov- ernor, Assistants and a few others named, and Mr. Israel Chauncey being appointed a member of that body shows the estimation in which he was held, but this act brought the calamity to the heart of Stratford by taking their minister from them a number of months, in the midst of the most distress- ing anxieties, for the war created great fear and excitement.
The destination of the army under Major Robert Treat, when Mr. Chauncey was ordered to go with them as their Surgeon, was Norwich, and if he went, he soon returned, for the burning of Simsbury, Connecticut, the following Sunday, caused the Council to recall Major Treat and a part of his forces and send them north, to protect the settlements in that direction.
1 Conn. Col. Rec., ii. 415.
247
The Rev. Israel Chauncey.
On the 27th of the same month, Mr. Chauncey being at Hartford as a member of the Council, having received intel- ligence " of the death of his child and the dangerous sickness of his wife, was permitted to return home ; but before leav- ing he addressed a letter? to the Council which shows a little further his influence and public relations to the Common- wealth.
His brother, the Rev. Nathaniel Chauncey, was the pastor at Windsor, and had been with the army as chaplain, ap- parently, on its first expedition to Norwich, in this war.
His brother Bulkly, whom he mentions in his letter, was the Rev. Gershom Bulkley, pastor at Wethersfield, and had married Sarah, the eldest sister of Mr. Chauncey, and the occasion for his having an "easy horse" was from the fact that he had accompanied Major Treat's forces northward two weeks previous, and was wounded by a shot from the enemy, in a sudden assault made upon the English by a small party of Indians.
Mr. Chauncey was successful in his pastorate at Stratford, beginning in the Spring of 1665 and ending at his decease, March 14, 1702-3, a term of thirty-seven years. He con- ducted his church through the troublous time which re- sulted in the organization of a second church and its removal to Woodbury, with dignity of character in apparently a large Christian spirit, securing to himself great respect and honor during his subsequent life.
2 Mr. Chauncey's letter.
"Much honoured : I am truly sorry that I am necessitated to trouble you. I have lately received a letter from some friends, who doe acquaint me with the afflicted state of my family ; my wife being very lately delivered, the child dead, and my wife in danger of death, by reason of weakness prevailing upon her. I doe therefore humbly entreat your Worships to grant me a release to visit my afflicted family, and dear wife, if living. Excuse my boldness and troublesome- ness, and consider my condition. I hope my brother Bulkly, provided he have an able and easy horse, will attend the army, upon their present motion ; only, if it be expected, he doth desire care may be taken for an easy horse, and that it may be sent him this night. I have not further to adde but my hearty prayers for the presence of the great and wonderful Counsellor with you, in your solemne consul- tations, and to subscribe myselfe Your Worships reall servant,
Stratford, Mar. 27th, '76. (Conn. Col. Rec., ii. 424).
Is : Chauncey.
248
History of Stratford.
Notwithstanding the calamity of King Philip's War, two years later they commenced the building of a new meeting- house and completed it in 1680.
After the death of his brother, the Rev. Nathaniel Chaun- cey of Windsor and Hatfield, Mr. Chauncey took, in 1686, the son Nathaniel, of that brother, to bring up until of age, for the use of the Rev. Nathaniel's library during that time. This library was valued in the inventory of the estate at £85, and comprised, probably, says Prof. Fowler, a large part of Pres. Charles Chauncey's library.
Mr. Israel Chauncey was one of the founders of Yale College, and probably presided over the first meeting of its projectors, his name being first on the list of their names ; and on November 11, 1701, he was chosen Rector, or Presi- dent of the Institution, but declined the labor and honor, probably because of a sense of failing health, as he lived but about a year and a half after.
Dr. Charles Chauncey, a nephew, of Boston, said of him : "He spent his days among that people [Stratford] in great reputation as a physician as well as a divine."
Mrs. Sarah (Chauncey) Whittelsey, who lived in his fam- ily when a young woman, said, "he was one of the most hospitable, benevolent old gentlemen she ever knew."
Nathaniel Chauncey, nephew of the Rev. Israel Chaun- cey, was settled in Durham. He began preaching there in 1706, but was not ordained before 1711. In 1708, he was called with but one dissenting vote to become pastor of the Stratford Church. Five candidates had been previously tried without success. He declined and Mr. Cutler was secured.
Robert McEwen came from Dundee, Scotland. He early in life attached himself to the sect called from their leader, Cameronians, and at the age of eighteen, in 1679, was engaged in a battle against the King. In 1685 many of the persecuted Christians being in bonds and imprisonment, were sent by the government of Scotland on board of a ship of War of fifty guns, to colonize the isthmus of Darien. The commander of the ship dying a few days after they were at sea the passengers brought the ship toward New York and ran her ashore at Amboy, N. J.
249
Biographical Sketches.
Robert McEwen wrote in his account book the fol- lowing : " In June 18, 1679, I was in one engagement in Scotland at Bothwell's Bridge, I then being the age of 18 years. The 5th of September, 1685, we set sail from Scot- land to come to America, and we landed at Amboy the 18th of December. The 18th of February I came to Stratford in New England, 1686."
"June 30, 1695, I was married to Sarah Willcoxson in Stratford."
Robert McEwen died in 1740 aged 78 years. Tradition in the family says that after being landed at Amboy, eleven of the passengers having heard of the freedom of the people in Connecticut, came on foot to Stratford.
James Blakeman, son of the Rev. Adam Blakeman, married Mirriam, daughter of Moses Wheeler in 1657, and died in 1689. He and his brother Samuel married cousins. He was a farmer and miller, purchasing first the tide mill at the Eagle's Nest, next the one at Old Mill green, which he sold and went to the Near-Mill river and built the first mill there, receiving considerable land from the town to aid, or remunerate him in part for the expense of building the mill, at the place now called Peck's Mill. He was one of the most active business men in the town, in his day.
Rev. Benjamin Blakeman, son of the Rev. Adam Blakeman, after his father's decease chose to seek an education in accordance with his father's previous wishes, and was grad- uated at Harvard College in 1663. He resided at Stratford a few years as a teacher, then entered the ministry. In 1674, he removed to Malden, Massachusetts, and in 1675 married Re- becca, daughter of Joshua Scottow, merchant of Boston. He preached at Malden until 1678, and afterward he preached at Scarborough. He represented Saco in the General Court of Massachusetts, and was a large land holder in that town. He died before 1698.
Thomas Kimberly was received in Stratford as an out- liver in 1667. He was probably Thomas of New Haven in 1643, and purchased land of Joseph Hawley on " 18th, 10th, 1668," and in 1670-71 he bought a part of a house lot of James
250
History of Stratford.
Blakeman, and died about one year afterward. Some of his sons were quite influential, successful men in after years.
Jeremiah Judson, son of William Ist, born in England, came with his father to Stratford in 1639, when eighteen years of age, and soon became a land owner and prominent citizen. He married, Ist, in 1652, Sarah, daughter of Nathaniel Foot then of Stratford, who died about 1672, and he married Cath- arine, the widow of Thomas Fairchild, senior.
He mas made a freeman in May, 1658, was a Sergeant in the Militia ; a justice of the peace, a large land owner and farmer, and died May 15, 1700, in his 79th year. He made one mistake in business transaction, as indicated and explained in the following record :
"General Court, May, 1669. This Court remitts Jeremy Judson the remaynder of the fine that is unpayd, which fine was imposed upon him by the County Court, March last, at Fayrefield, for selling Cider to the Indians."
His son, Jeremiah, when sixteen years of age, with Wil- liam Hunnywell, had a little court business, which indicates that they were like some other young men since that day.
" These lads, with two others, were prosecuted at the Fairfield county court, August, 1685, for 'stealing water mil- ions, the last Thursday in the night about the going down of the mone,' from Benjamin Lewis's yard. They confessed having taken two melons,-for which they were fined eleven shillings, cost and damage; and for 'night walking' were fined in addition, ten shillings each, or in default of payment, to sit in the stocks. They petitioned for a remission of the latter penalty, which was granted."3
Lieut. Joseph Judson, son of William Ist, born in England in 1619, came with his father and two brothers to America, at the age of 15 years, in 1634. The family remained at Roxbury, Massachusetts, four years, came to Hartford or Wethersfield in 1638, and, with Mr. Blakeman's company, to Stratford in the spring of 1639.1
Joseph Judson was made a freeman in May, 1658, when
3 Col. Rec., iii. 197.
4 See inscription on his tombstone, p.
251
Biographical Sketches.
39 years of age, and was elected a representative the next October.
He was made a Lieutenant of the Train Band of Strat- ford in June, 1672, and was engaged in the Narragansett War in 1676.
In his time he was one of the most active, and well-known business men in the county, but was not the highest military officer, as stated on page 110.
In May, 1673, a petition was presented by Stratford townsmen to the General Court, to confirm the bounds of their plantation, and " for adjudication of the claim of Lieut. Joseph Judson to a large tract of land alleged to be within Stratford bounds."5
This was a tract of land purchased by Joseph Judson of the Indians in 1661, twelve years before the petition, called Mohegan Hills, and contained over 5,000 acres of land, lying between the two branches of the Farmill river, including the present Walnut Tree Hill School district of Huntington, a part of two other districts and extending into Monroe, nearly to the place called East Village ;ª it being a territory averag- ing about two miles wide and five in length. This land was wholly within the township of Stratford, and they could claim it under their grant, but Joseph Judson had paid the Indians for it and hence he had a good claim. No record has been seen as to how the matter was settled, but it was doubtless done, as in several other cases in which the individual parties retained land sufficient to remunerate them fully, and the town took the remainder.
Joseph Judson removed with the Woodbury company to that town, where he was a leader among the people, a deputy to the General Assembly a number of years, and also a com- missioner of the town, but he was buried in Stratford.
Francis Hall was of New Haven in 1639. He pur- chased land in Fairfield in 1654, where he seems to have re- sided a number of years. He bought of James Rogers of New London, as the agreement says : "All my debts that appear
5 Col. Rec., ii. 195.
6 See Indian deed on page 22 of this book.
252
History of Stratford.
by account, or otherwise due to me, that is to say at Nor- wolke, Fayrfeyld, Stratford, Milford and New Haven, with my lands at Stratford, houses, commons belonging to those lands, with a little house by the water's side at Milford, Aug- ust 1, 1659." Not long after this he settled in Stratford, where he died ; his will being proved March 14, 1689-90. He was a practicing lawyer while in Stratford ; was employed quite a number of times by the town, and by the proprietors of the common lands. He was influential in ecclesiastical affairs, and appears to have been a useful, good, and honored citizen.
Ephraim Stiles, whose mother married Robert Clarke, came to Stratford about 1660, received land from his step- father in 1667, at Oronoke, where he settled and became a thriving, valuable citizen. He was considerably active in town matters, had a gristmill at Farmill river, " a little below Black Brook, near the place called the Plum trees," and in character and standing appears to have been among the first of the town. His children being three, and all daughters, his family name ceased with himself when he departed this life.
Samuel Stiles, brother of Ephraim, was equally fortu- nate in receiving land by gift from his step-father Robert Clark, and thus had a more advantageous start in the world than many others. All persons of this name have disap- peared from the old town of Stratford some years ago, but there are a few in Bridgeport.
" June II, 1667, Samuel Stiles, by way of gift from his father Robert Clarke, hath a dwelling house and the home lot thereto adjoining, lying at Woronoke, bounded east with the great river, south with the land of John Wheeler, north with the Farmill river, and west with a creek."
He and his brother Ephraim received twenty acres to be divided between them, from Mr. Clark.
Thomas Stiles, brother of Ephraim and Samuel, re- ceived land from his step-father Robert Clark, " fifteen acres in the woods by the river called Stratford river on the south side of Joseph brook."
Considerable search has been made by different parties
253
Biographical Sketches.
to ascertain if Francis Stiles, the father of the above three sons, came to Stratford with his family before his decease, without success, but the following record seems to give some light on the question, and is the only item of the kind that has been seen.
" Caleb Nichols purchased of Mr. Stilles one house lot, one acre and a quarter, bounded with Mr. Fayrechild on the south, Isaac Nichols on the west, my own lot, that was Francis Nichols' on the north, and the street on the east." No date is given to this purchase, but it being in the hand- writing of the town clerk, Joseph Hawley, it must have been made before 1666, and was probably made about 1660. Mr. Stiles' purchase of it was not recorded, as far as can be ascer- tained. The record of this sale was made in 1664.
Besides this, the fact that Robert Clark gave to the three sons of his wife, formerly widow of Francis Stiles, about fifty acres of land, when he had several children of his own, indicates that he received this land from his wife, and deeded it to its rightful owners, her three sons. By these items it seems quite evident that Francis Stiles resided here several years, was the owner of considerable land and a homestead. Also no record is found showing that Robert Clark pur- chased the land he gave to his step-sons.
Captain John Minor was a valuable inhabitant of Stratford nearly twenty years. He was a native of New London or that vicinity ; was educated at Hartford at the expense of the Colony for an interpreter to the Indians, and came to Stratford in 1659, or before. He was town clerk ten or twelve years from 1666 until his final removal to Wood- bury in 1677. He was in demand as interpreter very fre- quently during most of his life. After settlement in Wood- bury he was appointed captain of the train band, served many years as representative and departed this life with many hon- ors, September 17, 1719, aged 85 years.
Samuel Galpin, from New Haven, came to Stratford about 1675, bought land here September 6, 1681, which was laid out in the Newpasture in 1682, and he may have made his home at Old Mill green. He married Esther, the daugh-
254
History of Stratford.
ter of John Thompson, in 1676-7, and died before 1701, leav- ing several children, two sons, whose descendants soon dis- appeared from the town.
John Pryor, became a land owner and inhabitant in Stratford in 1686, but soon removed.
Richard Rounesfall became a proprietor and inhabit- ant in 1687, but remained but a short time.
Jacob Walker, son of Robert of Boston and brother of the Rev. Zechariah, came to Stratford about 1667, and mar- ried Elizabeth, widow of Samuel Blakeman, December 6, 1670. He is said to have been a weaver by trade, and his wife had considerable property left her by her husband at Old Mill Green. They prospered, accumulated property and became prominent citizens, but his descendants of his name soon became extinct in Stratford. His daughter Mary mar- ried Abraham Wooster and was the mother of General David Wooster, of imperishable fame.
Joseph Walker, son of Robert of Boston, and brother, also, of the Rev. Zechariah and Jacob, came to Stratford about 1667. He married Abigail, daughter of the Rev. Peter Prudden of Milford in 1667. His life work in Stratford was soon finished, for he died in 1687, leaving one son and four daughters. His son Robert was deacon of the church eleven years, and died, aged 75 years. The grand-son, Robert, be- came Judge of the Superior Court of Connecticut, and is re- ported as one of the most capable men, of irreproachable character, that Connecticut had produced to that day. He is said to have been the equal of Hon. William Samuel John- son, in many respects. The name of Walker has been cele- brated above most names in Fairfield County.
John Brooks, a young man from New Haven, bought his first land in Stratford March 18, 1679-80. He married here and had one son. His wife, who was widow of John Peat, died in 1694, and he in 1695.
This Brooks family became quite numerous in the west ern part of the town, in Stratfield Society.
255
Biographical Sketches.
William Roberts became a land owner and inhabitant of this town in 1668. His family, consisting of one daughter and two sons, seems to have left the town about the year 1700.
Benjamin Lewis was first in New Haven, from which place he removed to Wallingford and thence to Stratford, where he purchased his first land March 1, 1679, a house and lot bounded west with the Congregational burying place, and east on Main street. This has been a numerous, successful and influential family-several descendants still residing in the town.
Rev. Zechariah Walker, son of Robert of Boston, was preaching at Jamaica, L. I., from 1663 to 1668. He was or- dained pastor over the second church in Stratford May 5, 1670; went with the company to Woodbury, whither he re- moved his family in 1678. He, after a laborious and suc- cessful pastorate at that place, died January 20, 1699-1700.
The coming of this man to Stratford was of great honor, for although he soon removed to Woodbury, yet, through his being here for a time, probably, his brothers became inhabit- ants here and their descendants, some of them, were among the most noted persons in the State.
Robert Bassett, son of John the first, was in New Haven with his fathar in 1643. He was a shoemaker, and served the plantation as drummer a number of years. He removed to, and was an inhabitant at Stamford, in March, 1653.
While in Stamford Robert Bassett had a difficulty with the civil authority, which made a great commotion, with con- siderable remarks against himself.
The difficulty arose out of the proposition to go to war against the Dutch, in 1653; and in this matter Roger Ludlow and several others were involved. What were the facts ?
In the spring of 1653, while the Commissioners of the United Colonies were in session at Boston, they decided that 500 soldiers should be raised for an expedition against the Dutch at New Amsterdam, and proportioned the soldiers to be drafted, to the Colonies as follows: Massachusetts, 333 ; Plymouth, 60; Connecticut, 65 ; New Haven, 42.7
7 Conn. Col. Rec., i. 241.
256
History of Stratford.
Upon the receipt of this action, Connecticut proportioned her number among her plantations: " Windsor, 12; Pequett, 5; Mattabezek, 1; Norwalk, 1; Hartford, 15; Wethersfield, 8; Farmington, 3; Seabrook 5 ; Fairfield, 8; Stratford, 6." The order of the General Court, May 21, 1653, was, that these soldiers should " be forthwith impressed, to be at a day's warning, or call, as also that suitable provisions and amuni- tion shall be forthwith prepared."
The colony of New Haven took favorable action in re- gard to the war and sent commissioners special to urge upon Massachusetts the necessity of united and energetic action ; the 42 soldiers were proportioned, and in June of that year Stamford, then under the jurisdiction of New Haven, reported her soldiers raised and under pay, and that they were put to the service of watching for the protection of the town until ordered forward.
Immediately after the act of the Commissioners inaugu- ratingthe war, Massachusetts as a colony declined to be gov- erned by that act, pretending that the Commissioners had not power to such an extent.
Roger Ludlow was one of the Commissioners when the expedition was decided upon, and the trouble which arose out of this proposed expedition, in addition to some other matters, is said to have led him to leave the country in dis- gust ; and it is not much wonder ; for, after the soldiers had been in arms drilling and wasting their time some months at a heavy cost to the plantations along the Sound, and the Dutch, meanwhile making their trespasses at Greenwich and threatening Stamford and Norwalk, the expedition was de- layed by Connecticut and New Haven until late in the autumn of that year, in consequence of the inaction of Massa- chusetts. Then it was that Stamford men, with other planta- tions, proposed to go against the Dutch, without Massachu- setts.
It was at this point that Robert Bassett was brought be- fore the agents sent to Stamford from New Haven to settle these difficulties, charged as the leader of the disturbances.
The particular items in this matter are revealed in the record of the New Haven Court, November 22, 1653 :
257
Commotions in Stamford.
" The Governor acquainted the court with a letter he had received which had been sent to Robert Bassett without date or name subscribed, which is to stir up to stand for the State of England, as they pretend, and to stand for their lib- erties, that they may all have their votes and shake off the yoke of government they have been under in this jurisdiction ; also with a letter from the town of Stamford, making com- plaints of their rates and other grievances as they pretend ; also another writing from Stamford, stirring up to raise volun- teers to go against the Dutch, and that themselves will send forth ten men well furnished for the war; also a letter from Mr. Ludlow, informing of a meeting they have had at Fairfield, at which they have concluded to go against the Dutch, and have chosen him for their chief, and he hath accepted it; all which writings were read to the Court, after which the Court considered whether they were called at this time to send forth men against the Dutch, and after much debate and consultation had with most of the elders in the jurisdiction, the issue was, which the Court by vote declared, that considering the haz- ards and danger attending such a design, especially now, it being so near winter, and the want of suitable vessels and the like, they see not themselves called to vote for a present war, but to suspend a full issue till Connecticut jurisdiction be acquainted with it and give notice what they will do; but if they agree to carry it on now, then this Court agrees to join with them and to meet again to consider and order, as the case may require."ª
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