A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume I, Part 25

Author: Lincoln, Allen B
Publication date: 1920
Publisher: Chicago : S. J. Clarke publ. co.
Number of Pages: 930

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I remember one day we had been up to "Cobbs Woods" and came home with a lot of chestnuts, Will Cross had a bag full and just as he entered the door the toe of Hull's shoe scattered the contents in all directions. The teacher was just coming in another door and got her share of the shower. The only boy apparently to blame, Frank Richmond, didn't want to tell tales and didn't- want to tell a lie, and made a horrible mess of trying to get out of saying any- thing. Hull was too much of a man to see the wrong boy blamed and openly confessed right then and there. His old Windham County honesty and "get there" showed itself and nothing whatever could keep him down.

Doctor Coggswell used to have the blackest kind of a black man working for him, who had been born a slave on the estate of a relative of President: Harrison, so was called "Charlie Harrison." He was the butt of many prac -. tical jokes and always took them good-naturedly. Probably no one in Plain- field is better remembered among the older people than Doctor Coggswell and his darkey "Charlie." The next house at the foot of "Academy Lane" in those days was the home of the Bradford family. Mr. Everand Bradford, New York City correspondent of the London Times for a number of years, was one of them and still fills that honored position. His wife Susan Packer was: the daughter of Daniel Packer and granddaughter of Capt. Daniel Packer, founder of Packerville.

HOT OLD CAMPAIGNING

I mentioned early in this story the fact of my being presented with a "red hot" campaign suit by Hon. Henry Kimball. Many readers of this history today will wonder what a "campaign suit" meant, but in those days of recon- struction, boys and girls, too, took sides early in the different political campaigns and the lines were very tautly drawn. The campaign of 1872 was a lively one between the white-robed followers of Horace Greeley and the blue-jacketed "tanners" who shouted for Grant; but the campaign of all campaigns in my memory was 1876. Long before the conventions were held, the boys were di- vided into democratic followers of Tilden, Thurman, Bayard, Hendricks, Han- cock and our own English of Connecticut, while the republican boys shouted equally as loud for Blaine of Maine, Morton of Indiana, Sherman of Ohio, Conklin of New York, Washburn of Wisconsin, and some for Grant for a third . term.

After the conventions had selected Tilden and Hendricks, democratic, and Hayes and Wheeler, two practically unknown republicans, the storm broke in all its fury, and it was one continual fight, march, tramp, red fire and shout

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

until election night. And this did not end the campaign, for the battle still raged until the electoral commission finally seated Hayes, but a few hours before March 4, 1877. We boys in Packerville used to work twelve hours a day in the mill and then tramp the roads until mid-night shouting for our favorite candidates, nearly every night in the week, except Sunday. After the election some one of us would go to Plainfield, two miles distant, every night for a Boston paper to read the news and quarrel over it until late bed time, starting in again before breakfast. Those were times that will never be forgotten by those who took part in them, and all campaigns since have been simply child's play, when compared with the Tilden-Hayes battle of 1876.

One of the big men of Plainfield was Judge Waldo Tillinghast and I could not possibly close this article without some mention of him.

One event in the life of Plainfield, that was revived forty years later, was the visit of Edward Payson Weston there on his great tramp from Portland, Me., to Chicago in 1867. Judge Tillinghast, always alive to anything of in- terest to Plainfield, succeeded in having Weston lay his route through Plain- field and be his guest over Sunday, for he would not walk on the Sabbath day. Consequently, November the 2d, 1867, I accompanied my grandfather to Plain- field, where he covered the trip and visit of Weston for the New York Tribune. I was a boy seven years old and little thought that just forty years from that date, I should be acting as successor to my grandfather and meet Weston as the New York Tribune correspondent; but such happened to be the case.

I met the old man at the identical spot where my grandfather did forty years before, escorted him to the Tillinghast home, where the good old judge, his estimable wife and daughter Annie met him at the gate and once more had him as a guest. Judge Tillinghast was the village merchant for more than half a century, and I feel safe in saying that more men and women who really needed a lift were given one by the dear man than any other merchant that ever lived in the county. His three sons, Frank H., Fred W., and Arthur C., are all still in the grocery business and still counted among the town's most honored citizens.

I cannot write more, as space will not permit, but would like to say in closing that later in life, when I became a "Globe Trotter," going all over the United States, several Central American and two South American coun- tries, I had occasion many times to thank the powers above that my life was started in humble surroundings in little Packerville, Windham County. As I look back to my boyhood days I can see those dear old faces, both male and female, who were God's noblemen and noblewomen, and who started us all right, if we followed their directions. God was good to the world when he populated Windham County with a hardy, honest, brainy race that has no superiors and few equals on earth.

CHAPTER IX TOWN OF KILLINGLY

EARLY HISTORY OF KILLINGLY-THE MILLS OF CHESTNUT HILL; THE STORY OF A CONNECTICUT VILLAGE-THE PHYSICIANS OF KILLINGLY FIFTY YEARS AGO

Killingly, the next town after Canterbury in date of organization, was laid out north of Plainfield in 1708, in the northeast corner of Connecticut, in the wild border land between the Quinebaug and Rhode Island. This region was early known to the whites as the Whetstone country, but was left neglected for a long time. The country was poor, being rough and hilly, with many marshes and sand flats, and settlers were not attracted to the spot. It was distant from any thoroughfare, and its settlement would probably have been delayed even longer had it not been for the fact that it was owned by the Con- necticut colony instead of by individuals or corporations. It was protected by the colony, and brought to the notice of the public, and even though poor could be given away or paid to creditors. Many civil and military services were requited in this way, and thus the first proprietors were men prominent in affairs of the colony,-Governors Haynes, Treat and Saltonstall, Majors Fitch and Mansfield and many others. The first to take possession of the Whetstone country were Maj. James Fitch and Capt. John Chandler of Woodstock. A grant of 1,500 acres was confirmed to Major Fitch by the General Court in 1690, and he at once laid claim to the most desirable part of the whole tract, that along the Quinebaug and the Assawaga. Captain Chandler bought up land granted to soldiers,-200 acres at Nashaway, between the Quinebaug and French rivers were confirmed to him by the General Court in 1691; valley land adjoining the French River; and also high land two miles east of the Quinebaug, afterwards known as Killingly Hill, were appropriated by him. Others less accustomed to taking up grants had difficulty in doing so, owing to the wildness of the country and to the Indians, who gave a great deal of trouble. The Rev. Samuel Andrews succeeded in laying claim to a grant of 200 acres west of Rattlesnake Hill in 1692.

In 1693 the first white settler, Richard Evans, took up a 200 acre claim purchased by him. This was in the northern part of what afterward became Killingly, but which is now included in Putnam. Several other tracts of land were claimed, but owing to Indian troubles no settler followed Richard Evans. When peace returned much interest was taken in the valley of the Quinebaug, or Aspinock River, from the Great Falls, now in Putnam, to Lake Mashapaug, for turpentine could be obtained from its pine trees, and thus many settlers were attracted to that spot. By 1691 a road had been laid out, which con- nected this region with Providence, and also with Woodstock, Boston and Hartford. Several others settled on or near the Quinebaug, in a place they called Aspinock. Other localities began to be settled. A sawmill was put up on the Assawaga, near the Rhode Island line. By 1707 the first settler, Evans, had two houses on his plantation, an orchard, tannery pits and a fulling mill.

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

The first settler south of Lake Mashapaug came from Block Island, and in 1707 bought the land between the Quinebaug and Assawaga rivers. He at once took possession and built a garrison.

In 1708 the number of settlers was still small, but on account of the isola- tion of the territory town government was found necessary, and was granted by the Assembly. The name of the town was changed to Killingly, which be- fore that time had been called Aspinock .. For the first twenty years there were no town records. One hundred acres of land were set aside at that time for the use of the minister. Settlements were made north of Rattlesnake, then known as Killingly Hill; and also far to the east,-to the northeast of Rattle- snake. By 1709 there were about thirty families, most of them living in the Quinebaug Valley, and north of Killingly Hill. A "gangway" extended the whole length of the town, and was so poor a road, that tradition gives the story of a negro going over it with a load of produce, who, after having travelled all day, came home that night to sleep. A tavern was kept in the north of the town, on the road to Providence. A gristmill was erected for the use of those who were remote from the Woodstock mill. Many of the townspeople were members of the Woodstock church. The town was free from colony rates, but rates were levied for the building of a minister's house and a meeting-house. A minister was soon procured, but the meeting-house was not ready for service until 1715. In 1711 a Massachusetts colony took possession of Chestnut Hill, lying east of the town, and many settlers came there, a road being laid over the top of the hill. In Northern Killingly settlement progressed rapidly, and in 1713 the boundary between Massachusetts and Connecticut was rectified, though for some time Killingly continued to claim land she had believed to be hers, but which was thus found to belong to Massachusetts. The first represen- tative of the town was sent to the Assembly in 1713, and Killingly was obliged to pay rates after that time. In 1720 the first settler came to South Killingly. In the following year the town laid out and made its first division of public lands, about eighty proprietors receiving grants. « Of the early public affairs, of schools and roads there is no knowledge.

Until 1726 Killingly was a part of New London County, but in that year became a part of the new County of Windham. For some years there was conflict between Killingly and the new settlement in the north, this settlement being claimed by Killingly. However, in 1730 the north settlement was given parish privileges and named Thompson Parish, although it was still under the jurisdiction of Killingly. The first town meeting in Killingly of which there is any record, was in 1728, and this was followed by plans for a more orderly settlement of the town. Qualifications for town residence were restricted; the military company in the south part of the town was reorganized; three taverns were allowed for; new roads were built and others improved. In 1730 there was another land division. In 1732 the inhabitants of South Killingly were allowed by the town to build a pound. Three years later they requested the privilege of having their own minister for the five winter months of each year, as they were several miles from the church in Killingly. This request was granted. A blacksmith's shop was built in the town in 1735. Five years later the town had its first regular practicing physician. New taverns were opened. The minister of the church of the first society of Killingly resigned in 1741, and at that time there were more than four hundred members of the church. It was decided that a new meeting-house should be built, and after much dis-

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

cussion and disagreement the inhabitants of Killingly Center and Chestnut Hill built a meeting-house on Break-neck Hill. This was such an unsatisfac- tory arrangement for the other two societies that the General Assembly divided Killingly into three religious societies. The Separatists came into prominence in South Killingly, and a Six-Principle Baptist Church was also established there. Many of the remaining Indians of the town were converted at the time of the great revival. General affairs were apparently prosperous. Roads were repaired and a new one built in the south part of the town, and one from Danielson's bridge to Voluntown. Thompson Parish, too, prospered to such a degree "that it was richer than both the other societies.". The three parishes were harmonious, and town offices were equally distributed, town meetings being held in the big meeting-house on Killingly Hill. It was found neces- sary to make provision for the Acadian refugees. The poor were better taken care of, and in 1770 a workhouse was built for them. There were many taverns to cater to travelers. In 1767, 400 families were reported to be living in the town. The South Society at that time was not prospering as well as the other two parishes, owing to the religious differences existing there, though as time went on the Separatist Church diminished in strength, but the Baptists in- creased in numbers and strength.

In 1785 Thompson Parish was given town privileges. Killingly then re- organized, and voted that the remaining societies should be North, Middle and South. The old meeting-house at Breakneck was converted into a town-house. In 1791 it was found necessary to change the school districts again. A new store was opened, and also a plant for the manufacture of hats. New roads were laid out, and in 1803 a turnpike was constructed. A lively interest was manifested in the proposed change of county seat, Killingly favoring Promfret rather than Brooklyn as the new center. The broad common in North Killingly was a popular place for general trainings and other military parades. Several taverns were located there. In the Middle Society religious affairs were at rather a standstill, as the old Breakneck church was used for town meetings; and the Baptists had just dismissed their minister, and for some years difficul- ties were encountered in effecting a satisfactory adjustment of Baptist affairs. South Killingly was a small place, but must have had a good deal of dignity, as it was termed "The City," the name clinging to it for many years. The inhabitants were remote from other towns and clung to their primitive customs and to the strict principles of the Separatists, although the young people of the town managed to introduce plenty of fashion and much liveliness which was heartily disapproved of by their fathers. The church of South Killingly was peaceful and harmonious. A new church was organized in the Middle Society, and was the only Separatist Church in Windham County to attain a permanent existence. During the revival of that time its influ- ence was felt to such an extent that sixty new members were added to the church. Another church had been built just previously in the new settlement of West Killingly. Residents of Killingly joined with interest in the western emigration movement, and many of her citizens became pioneers in the settle- ment of the new lands. It was due to the efforts and enthusiasm of a Killingly citizen that many Windham County residents removed to Ohio and began the settlement of Marietta.

By 1807 interest in manufacturing had reached a high pitch in Killingly, its good water power providing natural facilities. Danielson's Factory at

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

Quinebaug Falls, and later the Stone Chapel Manufacturing Company on the present site of the Attawaugan were successfully operated. The Killingly Manufacturing Company came into existence in 1814, and throughout the town weaving, spinning, making of harness, dipping candles, etc., kept the towns- people industrious and enthusiastic over production. In 1809 Mrs. Mary Kies of South Killingly obtained the first patent ever issued to any woman in the United States for "a new and useful improvement in weaving straw with silk." It was found, too, that the Whetstone Hills contained valuable quarries of freestone; "a rich bed of porcelain clay" was discovered on Mashentuck Hill. New roads were laid out as a necessity to accommodate the new industries, one road leading to Providence being useful for the shipment of goods and cotton. Westfield was a rising town within the borders of Killingly. Other interests were manifested besides manufacturing. Classes for young people were held - by Mr. Atkins, and were so successfully conducted that besides training the mind, aroused in the pupils the desire to accomplish things worth while, and many young men and women went out into the world and made their influ- ence felt in later years. "A United Female Tract Society of Thompson and Killingly" was formed, and 122 members were enrolled. A new meeting-house was built.

The great activity before the War of 1812 gave way to depression after it, many factories being closed altogether, those kept in operation running at a loss. Meanwhile experiments with new machinery and also methods facilitating operation were being tested, and power looms and many improvements were introduced. The conviction that Killingly was peculiarly adapted to manu- facturing encouraged efforts, and by 1819 four large factories were again run- ning. Water looms were introduced. Later other factories were opened, and before long cotton and woolen were being manufactured, there was a distillery, a paper hanging factory, four dye houses, three clothiers, three carding ma- chines, three tanneries, eight grain mills and eight sawmills. In 1836 it was reported by Barber to be "the greatest cotton-manufacturing town in the state." There were in the town six stores, four libraries, five clergymen, six physicians and one attorney. Williamsville and Dayville had been built up, and Danielson's Mills was in thriving condition. Temperance had brought about the downfall of the distillery; other factories came into existence. There were five postoffices,-North, Centre, East, South and West. Fire companies were organized, and a poorhouse was built. In 1840 Killingly had the largest population in Windham County.

The coming of the railroad meant much to the town. The several villages of Westfield, Danielson and Tiffany united as a flourishing borough. Daniel- sonville became the new business center, and a new publication "The New England Arena" became a medium for advertising the town. Killingly In- stitute, built in 1840, developed into a high school and existed for some years. Later a very fine high school was erected. The great revival of 1840 built up the Methodist Church of Danielsonville, and added nearly one hundred and fifty members to the Congregational Church. A new impetus was given to manufacture in that town, and new cotton mills came into existence, also an iron foundry, a machine shop, a plough and shovel factory, a brass foundry, a tin factory and many other industries sprang up. In Dayville also, several industries flourished. The Williamsville cotton factory was enlarged, and the interests of the employees carefully safeguarded. Danielsonville was sought

TOWN HALL, DANIELSON

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

out by lawyers and newspapers as the prospective center of the county. After the Arena other newspapers were published, but unsuccessfully until the Wind- ham County Transcript became a real power. A good school system was main- tained and satisfactory schools were built in Danielsonville.

THE MILLS OF CHESTNUT HILL; THE STORY OF A CONNECTICUT VILLAGE

By James N. Tucker

"Distance lends enchantment." Why is it that "Home, Sweet Home," "The Old Oaken Bucket," and "Auld Lang Syne" are immortal in the hearts of all generations? Is it not because their sentiment always finds a vibrant chord in every heart, that carries memory back through all the years to child- hood's home and scenes, and awakens all that is sweet, beautiful and holy in human nature ?

It was a sentiment of Emerson's, I think, that nothing in all the future of each individual life will be more beautiful than the sweet memory of the home life, the loves and friendships, the sunny skies, the green fields and leafy woods, as we see them and enjoy them today.

It is a beautiful ordering of Divine Providence that the bitter shall be gradually eliminated from memory, and so, as the years roll on, only the good, the true and the beautiful remain, and a radiant mist settles down upon the past magnifying and glorifying all that we hold in remembrance.

The wealth of history ever remains unwritten. Very much of that which, if known, would glorify the pages of New England history, was written alone in the humble lives of the actors, and, with them, has passed into oblivion until it shall be revealed in the immortal spheres.

Yet, here and there, much as the antiquarian picks up from the long tilled field the Indian arrow and spear heads that tell of a former age, do we pick up little nuggets of tradition and fact that reveal to us the history of a former generation, and tell us somewhat of the heroic struggles and indomitable energy of the pioneer fathers.

I shall try to tell something concerning a little New England hamlet and the people who have dwelt there, their home life, their enterprise, their indus- tries and prosperity.

If you were down in the City of Providence and were to start westward through Westminster Street, and up Hartford Avenue out onto the old Hart- ford turnpike, and take a walk or drive of twenty miles you would soon find yourself jogging along, up hill and down valley, each hill rising a little higher than the previous one, until, at twenty miles from the city, you would stand upon the tip top of old Jerimoth Hill, named for old Jerimoth Brown, one of the earlier proprietors, who now lies buried upon nearly its highest eminence. This hill is 799 feet above tide water and is twin sister to Durfee Hill, a few miles to the northeast, which is only six feet taller, and is the highest land in the State of Rhode Island.

Up to this point, as you have ascended from the city, your vision has been limited by the ever-rising hills before you, but here you stand upon the summit, and before you spreads a panorama, beautiful beyond description, and only occasionally rivaled in any land or clime. Half a mile away, and many feet below, you, is the Connecticut State line, and for miles and miles beyond spread

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tout the rugged hills and fertile vales of Windham County, the northeastern County of Connecticut, famed for its agricultural products and for its cotton and woolen industries. But the eye rests not here, for beyond rise the hills of Tolland, white capped in the glare of a winter's sun, or of varied shades of green in the summer time, hiding from view the City of Rockville, this side of Hartford. Northwest the southern tier of Massachusetts towns spread in view, the line of vision extending into Hampden County. To the north it spreads through Worcester County, taking in its central towns, while above the horizon arise the peaks of Wachusett and Monadnock.

Here is inspiration. Here is New England in miniature. From her rugged hills have gone forth many generations of worthy sons and daughters, who have given form and shape to the destinies of the nation, and have been strong factors in the world's progress and advancement. No wonder that the great Jewish law giver sought Jehovah upon the mount, or that the Psalmist said, "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help."

As we stand here on old Jerimoth we notice, westward from us, and about a mile within the borders of Connecticut, and in the Town of Killingly, a hill, of beautiful location, but of less magnitude, its base threaded by a silver line of reservoirs. The primeval growth upon this hill was one of stately chestnuts, extending for miles to the northward, and so the hill early received the name of Chestnut Hill, and, although the village of more recent times is known as East Killingly, its early name has never been forgotten and is in- separable from its history.

A century or a little less ago, the prophecy of its industries had not been made. Its people were characters as strong and rugged as the hillsides upon which grazed their flocks and herds. Families of eight, ten, twelve and even more were the rule rather than the exception. The boys helped on the farm in summer and went to school in winter until they were twenty-one, and the girls went to school and assisted their mothers about the various household duties.

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A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume I, Part 25

Author: Lincoln, Allen B Publication date: 1920 Publisher: Chicago : S. J. Clarke publ. co. Number of Pages: 930

Author: Lincoln, Allen B
Publication date: 1920
Publisher: Chicago : S. J. Clarke publ. co.
Number of Pages: 930