USA > Connecticut > Hartford County > Simsbury > A record and documentary history of Simsbury > Part 33
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"This is more than enough to pay our state, town, society & school taxes, we should rather have our names enrolled and handed down to posterity, as the founders of such a Society, than to be Generalissimos of the most potent armies on earth.
"As far as the Society extends, it will almost universally & totally banish all animosities, lawsuits, and everything which has a tendency to disturb Society".
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These are but specimens of his writings. They are strange doctrines for the period in which they were expressed, but not the less true.
To show still farther the character of the man, and es- pecially to present the manners and habits of the people, young as well as old, the following paper is presented. In a letter from Mr. Ely, it is thus referred to: "Enclosed is a paper put on the sign-post, (in our School-house) without having the intended effect".
"Distilled Spirits"
"Every scholar over 12 years of age, who has not drank any spirits today, is requested to give this pleasing informa- tion in writing to, B. Ely.
Thursday 6th Feb."
"N.B. "I rejoice greatly in being one of the first to establish an Aquatic Society, and think it one of the most commendable things I ever was engaged or concerned in. It is really honorable; and one proof of this is, that it occasions the sneers and jeerings of the idle & the dissolute. We expect their shafts, & all the low, vulgar wit of the toping herd. But a conscious rectitude of the propriety of our cause renders us invulnerable, by all the weapons which ingenuity or malice can invent.
"The teacher daily laments that all his arguments in favor of an Aquatic Society among his pupils, prove inef- fectual. Not one among them all is to be found who wholly refrains from ardent spirits. Were you all my own children, I should not only lament your conduct, but should be ashamed of it. Not a drop of distilled spirits have I drank since the 11th of Jany. Here is a good example set before you & not one is found to follow it.
"It is greatly to be desired that some of the scholars would form themselves, now, this day, into such a Society and strictly and conscienciously adhere to it. It would be a great saving of money & time & would also contribute to health and reputation.
"You all have my good wishes; and if any of you would
4ยบ3
resolve to be, and really be, worthy, steadfast Aquatics, you shall have my best wishes. B.E."
"Squire Ely" soon became one of the most influential and leading men of the town, enjoying the confidence of his fellow- townsmen, and the respect and esteem of all who knew him.
For many years he held the offices of Town Clerk, Town Treasurer, Clerk of the Court of Probate, Trustee of various funds, and was especially useful and faithful in the settlement of Estates, - as Administrator, Executor or Commissioner.
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FIRST CHURCH BUILDING . 1683
XXXVIII
Divisions and Physical Geography
As has been before stated (Chapter XXIX) in 1786, Simsbury was divided, by vote of the Town and by Act of the Legislature, and the north half set off, constituting a new town by the name of Granby. From this a second new town was subsequently set off by the name of East Granby.
Again in 1806, Simsbury was divided by a north and South line, to the west of which, that portion embraced in the Ecclesiastical Society of "West Simsbury" was incor- porated as a town to be called "Canton". By this division the territory and population of Simsbury were reduced by nearly one half, so that in 1810 its inhabitants numbered only about 1900.
But even this reduction did not suffice. In 1843 by an act of the legislature, all that part of Simsbury lying east of Talcott Mountain, comprising a "tract of land about five miles from north to south, and one mile wide, containing about three hundred and fifty persons, was annexed to the town of Bloomfield". Thus again, was the population of the town materially diminished; and its area, from being one of the largest at the time of its organization, became by these suc- cessive acts one of the smallest towns of the State. But, like the Books of the fabled Sybil, the loss of a part adds to the value of what remains. By these repeated curtailments and reductions, the natural beauty of situation and scenery, being more circumscribed, have become more manifest, as the beauty of a gem is enhanced by its setting. The area of the present
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town of Simsbury, with its appropriate setting of environing hills and mountain slopes, is identical with that of the "Mas- saco" which John Griffin accepted, for the surrender of Manahannoose.
With its present limits, it is bounded on the north by Granby and East Granby; on the east by the crest of Tal- cott mountain, which separates it from Bloomfield. This mountain range presents to the west a mural front, with only three passes across it within the limits of the town. The first is at Wetaug, through which passes the road to Hartford, from this and other towns lying to the West of it.
The second pass is Terry's Plain, from two to three miles north of the first, through which passes the old County road, leading from Granville, Hartland, and other towns at the northwest, to Hartford.
The third, and only remaining pass is at "the Falls" where the Tunxis river breaks through the mountain ridge, on its way to join the Connecticut, at Windsor. Here passes not only a carriage road, but the Hartford & Connecticut Western Railroad has found a way out of the Connecticut Valley, from Hartford to the northwestern part of the state, and the great West. Here, too, is the beautiful and flourishing village of Tariffville, possessing one of the most extensive and best water-powers in the state.
Viewed from this mountain height, at various points, are presented scenes of beauty unsurpassed. At a point mid- way between Wetaug pass and Terry's Plain pass, is "the Pinnacle", commanding an extensive and enchanting view of the Massaco Valley at the west, and the valley of the Con- necticut spreading broad and beautiful at the east.
In the extreme southeast corner of the town, rises "Mount Philip", a distinct and prominent mountain peak, standing in bold relief, and easily distinguishable from the Talcott mountain, at the east of it. It stands almost wholly within the town of Simsbury, a small section only being in Avon. The Simsbury and Avon line passes across the extreme southern part. From the Connecticut valley, "Mt. Philip" is scarcely distinguishable from the main range of mountains, but from
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any standpoint in Massaco valley, it presents the appearance of a distinct and prominent mountain peak.
Rising to the height of a thousand feet above the river, and commanding a view from North to South, of nearly a hundred miles, in either direction, the scene is enchanting. From east to west the view embraces towns and villages; farmhouses and hamlets; mountains, hills and valleys; meadows and plains; cultivated fields and forests, in endless variety. Looking eastward, we here and there catch a glimpse of the Connecticut; whilst at the west, in close proximity to its base, is the Tunxis, winding in beauty, amid the fields and meadows of the Massaco Valley, which lies like a map, spread out be- fore us at our feet. On the mountain summit, near the corner of the town, looms the "Tower" from the native wilderness of the surrounding forest; whilst a few rods north of the town line, perched on a rock, and rising above the adjacent pleasure grounds, nestles the charming summer-house of Mr. Bartlett, the proprietor of this enchanting spot. It is the resort of pleasure-seekers, travellers and visitors from abroad, who are richly repair for their visits, and never fail to express their surprise and gratifications.
"Mount Philip" was so named by the first settlers of Simsbury shortly after their return from their enforced exodus, at the burning of the town by Philip's warriors. Tradition says that while his warriors were engaged in their savage work, Philip seated himself on this mountain summit, and gazed with complacency and grim satisfaction on the destruction of the town.
Whatever of truth there may be in this legend, it is unquestionably true, that shortly after the event, the in- habitants of Simsbury universally called this eminence "Mount Philip"; and that by this name only, it has been known by them and their descendants, for more than two hundred years. Every rood of land upon it is, and has been, many times recorded in the Simsbury town records, as "lying and being situate on 'Mount Philip'". By those who suffered from the destruction of their homes it was named. In the agony of their grief, it was baptized in the tears of mothers, wives and children
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a monument in commemoraton of the catastrophe. God erected it; our fathers gave it a name; let them stand and fall together.
The south is the only town-line that has not been changed. It remains, the original line between Simsbury and "Farming- ton bownds"; but a new town has been cut off from Farming- ton, formerly the North parish, and called Northington. It is now called Avon.
Simsbury has for its Western boundary the "West Moun- tain", whose crest separates it from Canton. Along its Western border stands a line of mountain eminences, like fortifications, or giant buttresses, as if to protect the valley from hostile inroads from the wilderness which originally bounded it in that direction. On the northwest, just over the line of the town, stand two remarkable elevations separated but a short distance from each other, with a passway between them. These, to the early settlers, were prominent land-marks often men- tioned in the old records of the town, which from their fancied resemblance to great doors thrown open, were called by them the "Barn Door Hills". By that name they were known as early as the organization of the town in 1670, and have been so called from that time to the present. They seem to constitute a continuation of the line of natural fortifications, in the west part of the town.
The geology of the town is interesting. Along the river the soil is alluvial, with a preponderance of sand in its com- position. The underlying rocks of the town are mostly sand- stone. The east mountain is based entirely upon this forma- tion, with superincumbent amygdaloid and trap rock.
The foot-hills and face of the West mountain are of a similar formation, extending, however, but a short distance, when granite hills and ridges take its place, reaching far out to the limestone region of Berkshire and Litchfield.
The river meanders beautifully through the meadows which skirt its banks, along the base of the East mountain. These meadows spread westward a distance of half a mile to a mile, then rise by a natural terrace to a height of twenty five or thirty feet, forming a shelf twenty to thirty rods in
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width, to a second terrace. Along the edge of this shelf ex- tending a mile in length, is the principal street of the town. In 1666, the Committee of the General Court, Deacon More, Simon Wolcott and Capt. Newbery, measured out to the persons to whom they were alotted fifteen house lots, forming a "row" on the east side of Hopmeadow Street, leaving the west side entirely vacant, which so remained for twenty years.
At a distance of ten to twenty rods west from the street rises the second terrace, about sixty or seventy feet in height. This has never been cleared or cultivated, but still retains, and ever has, its characteristics of primeval forest. This adds to the beauty of the street. Back from this terrace spreads out an extensive plain or tableland, and reaching the foot-hills of the West mountain. This is abundantly supplied, in every part, with springs and running brooks. These, with the peculiar conformation of soil and surface with pleasant roads and driveways, give a beauty to the town, which few possess and none surpass.
They give, too, a variety of soil, adapting it to every branch of agriculture. Grass, grain, fruit and root-culture are alike successful. The growing of Indian corn and tobacco are important industries. The former was extensively cultivated by the aborigines, and their successors have continued to make it one of their principal crops. Tobacco, always com- manding cash at some price, is here extensively and success- fully grown. Nor is its culture of recent date. The Indians raised it and the white man followed their example. In the middle of the last century, it was an important article of traffic and commerce in the town. "Packers of Tobacco" were annually chosen, with the other town officers. The manner and method of using tobacco as our ancestors used it seem to be among the lost arts. In 1640, the General Court passed the following order:
"It is Ordered, that what person or persons within this jurisdiction, shall, after September, 1641, drinke any other Tobacco but such as is or shall be planted within these libertyes, shall forfeit for every pownd so spent, five shillings, except they
Col. Rec. I. Page 53.
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have license from the Courte". By this it would appear that it was then taken in the form of an infusion or decoction.
Ib. Page 153.
Another order was passed in 1647 - "That noe person vnder the age of 20 years, nor any other that hath not all- reddy accustomed himselfe to the vse thereof, shall take any Tobacco vntil he haue brought a Certificat, vnder the hand of some who are approued for knowledge & skill in phisicke, that it is vsefull for him, and also that he hath receaued a lycence from the Court for the same. And for the regulating those who ether by their former talking yt have, to their owne apprehensions made yt necessary to them or vppon due aduice are persuaded to the vse thereof. It is Ordered, that no man within this Collony, after the publication hereof, shall take any tobacco publiquely in the street, nor shall any take yt in the fyelds or woods, vnlesse when they be on their trauillor joyrny at lest 10 myles, or at the ordinary tyme of repast commonly called dinner, or if it be not then taken, yet not above once in in the day at most, & then not in company with any other. Nor shall any inhabiting in any of the Townes within this Jurisdiction, take any Tobacco in any howse in the same Towne wher he liveth, with and in the company of any more than one who vseth and drinketh the same weed with him at that tyme; vnder the penalty of six pence for ech offense against this Order, &c."
Stock growing and the dairy must not be overlooked. In these, Simsbury is not behind other towns. For many years it has been noted for its working oxen. Until within a short time past, it has always been the practice for each family to make its own butter and cheese, but this practice is discontinued. A creamery has been put in operation, where the cream from all parts of the town is gathered, and the butter manufactured. Cheese, which formerly was made in each farmer's family, is now purchased from the factories.
In the last twenty-five years a great advance has been made in scientific and practical agriculture in the town.
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FIRST CHURCH BUILDING . 1683
XXXIX
Roads, Bridges, Rail-Roads, etc.
The first road or "way" was probably "Griffin's Path" from Windsor by Scotland, to and across the "Falls", to Massaco, and also along the east side of the river to Capt. Cook's farm, now owned and occupied by Cambell Case. About the same time or shortly afterwards a "way" was es- tablished by use on the west side of the river from the Falls as far south as Bissel's Brook, where "the Plain" bridge over the river now stands. In 1688 the "way to Windsor", over the mountain at Terry's Plain, "on the mountain 20 rods in breadth", was ordered to be laid out.
When, in 1666, the Committee went up to Wetaug and measured out the several grants there, a settlement had already commenced, and Thomas Maskel had a house at Terry's Plain, near Capt. Cooks. Michael Humphrey and John Moses were living at Wetaug, and the Committee measured out to them their upland, "leaving a sufficient highway by the mountain syde, to go down to Thomas Maskel's". John Moses was settled near the present residence of Mr. Amon Latimer.
In 1668, the hopmeadow House-lots were laid out by the Committee, commencing near Hop-brook, and extending north as far as Luke Hill's lot, (now occupied by Dr. L. I. Barber), on the north side of which they laid a highway, from Hop-meadow road to the river, where afterwards, a bridge was erected.
This road was disposed of by the town in 1787, to pur-
4II
S. T. R. B. 4.
Page 111
chase a road to the new bridge between Hopmeadow and Wetaug.
Between Hopmeadow and the "Lower Meadows", (now Westover's Plain) there was no passable road for teams till 1669, when the Committee ordered a way through John Owen's meadow, and the "Dugway". The roads on either side of the river, to "Farmington Bownds", were probably marked out, as early as 1667. In 1673, a ferry was established across the river at the mouth of Hop-brook, and a road or highway from the landing-place on the east side of the river, "to the highway that comes from Windfor"; also a Highway "from the mouth of Hoppe Brook to the way that comes now from Weatoag to hopmeadow". West of these there were no highways opened for fifty years, or more, farther than the Mills and Copper Works on Hop Brook at Hanover. The Old Map of the Town, made about 1735, shows no roads or dwellings west of these.
About this time, or soon after, highways were estab- lished all over the town, nearly as they exist at the present time. In 1688, a "Country way" . "toward Hartford from Weatoug houfes", was laid out. Also, a way across the mountain at Terry's Plain.
Until within a few years, the roads of the town were in a wretched condition. Under the system by which each man could work out his highway tax, - which was too often done by leaning on his hoe or shovel, and telling stories, - the roads were vastly neglected; but of late, and at the present time, the repairs of the road are placed under the control and management of a single road Commissioner, with gratifying results. In good roads and delightful drives, no town at the present time surpasses Simsbury.
Bridges
The erection and support of bridges over the Tunxis or Farmington river, have been, for more than 150 years, a matter of great care, - of many warm discussions - and of great expense to the town. Except at the "Falls", the river could not be forded. At first, and for many years, it was crossed, - save in the winter season, - by canoes; and if
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a horse was to cross, or cattle, it must be by swimming. After- wards ferries were established, by which men and horses could pass. There was one at Wetaug, and one at Hopmeadow. In 1734, the first bridge was built at Wetaug. Since that time, it is believed that no town in the state has erected so many river- bridges, or expended so much to sustain them, as Simsbury.
At the May session of the Assembly in 1734, a memorial was presented, signed by "Joseph Phelps, Joseph Case, Samuel Humphreys 2d, Joseph Case jun", Samuel Pettibone and others, shewing unto this Assembly the necessity that there is of a bridge across the river in Symsbury, where the highway crosses the river at Weatoage, and praying of this Assembly liberty to build a bridge, and that it may be a toll-bridge, &c"; the petition was granted, the rate of toll established, and the term of the charter fixed at ten years. Persons going to and from the public worship of God on the Sabbath, or at other times, and Scholars going to or from school, were to go toll- free.
In 1737, the proprietors were impowered by the Assem- bly "to manage their affairs by major votes", all the votes "to be computed by their interest in said bridge".
In 1744, the Assembly passed "An Act for advancing the Toll or Fare of the Bridge that crosses the River in Syms- bury". This bridge did not continue probably more than five or six years, as would appear from the following vote of the town in 1747. "Voted to Remit to William Barber the money that is Due from him to the Town for a Stray Stear by him taken up Laft winter which was killed & eat at the Raifing of the bridge", showing that a new bridge was erected at that time. No further record in relation to bridges is found till 1796. Then the town considered the expediency of building bridges across the river at Wetaug and Terry's Plain. A Com- mittee was appointed "to raise money in order to Build in whole or in part" the bridges at those places. Not being able to agree on a site, and having voted, "Not to build where the bridge now stands at Wetaug" and "not to build where the bridge now stands at Terry's plain", a Committee from other towns was chosen to fix the location. From the foregoing vote
1734. Col. Rec. Vol. VII. Page 500.
Ib. Vol. VIII. Page 125.
1744.
Vol. IX. Page 18.
S. T. R. B. 3. Page 116.
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it appears that a bridge had been built at the latter place, but when, is uncertain. Bridges were built about 1800 at each of these places, and ever since supported by the town by tax. About this time Capt. Joseph Humphrey built a bridge from his land across the river to Terry's Plain, and asked the town to lay out a road to it on the east side of the river. This was granted but afterwards reconsidered. The site of this bridge was on land now owned by Salmon C. Eno, at the lower end of Hopmeadow.
About the middle of the last century, a bridge was erected at Suffrage, now in Canton, but at that time a part of the town of Simsbury. Great expense and litigation were incurred for many years afterward by the town in maintaining a bridge at this point.
In 1767, the memorial of Abel Merrill and others of New Hartford was presented in the General Assembly, "Shew- ing" ... "that the great bridge across the river at a place called Sufferage within the town of Symsbury is decayed and needs to be repaired" . "that said town of Symsbury do refuse to make, maintain and repair said bridge &c." "Resolved", "that the said bridge" .... "shall for the future be built, maintained and sufficiently repaired, from time to time as occasion shall require, at the cost and expence of the said town of Symsbury."
Col. Rec. Vol. XIII. P. 332.
S. T. R. B. 4 P. 18
Again in 1770, Abel Merrill of New Hartford, Litch- field County, and others, memorialized the Legislature, "show- ing that the bridge at Suffrage, the Winter past, was carried away by the ice and waters, &c. and the said town of Simsbury had neglected to rebuild the same." The town of Simsbury chose an Agent, Capt. Jonathan Pettibone, to defend the town against said memorial but the Assembly appointed and author- ized said Merrel and others to rebuild the bridge at the cost of the town, unless, within three months, the town should build the same, and the Secretary was directed to issue an execution against the Selectmen who were required to levy a tax upon the inhabitants of the town to pay the expense of building the same.
In 1772, the bridge was again carried away, and the
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Col. Rec. Vol. XII. P. 599
Assembly memorialized as before, and again a Committee appointed to rebuild, at the cost of the town.
The town thereupon held a meeting and "voted to prefer a memorial to the General Assembly", requesting them to "repeal the Act of Afsembly that obliges said Town to re- build a bridge across the River at Sufferage; and to Represent the Circumftances of the Town refpecting Bridges in sd town &c". Capt. Jonathan Pettibone was appointed Agent for the purpose aforesaid, and the meeting adjourned to meet in June following. But the application of the town for relief was of no avail, and at the adjourned meeting it was "voted to proceed and build a Cart bridge across the river at Suffrage, upon the cost of the town, at or near the place where the former bridge stood, as the Committee shall judge the best place, in conformity with the Act of the General Assembly relating to that matter." The bridge at this place continued to be a matter of controversy and great expense to the town until Canton was set off as a separate town in 1806, taking with it this bone of contention. At that time, every town was required by law to build its own bridges.
At the present time three bridges are maintained across the river by the town. The support of these bridges is, and has been, a heavy burden upon the town.
RAILROADS
In railroad facilities, Simsbury is not surpassed by any other country town. In 1826, the New Haven and Northampton Company constructed their canal passing through this town, connecting the water of the Connecticut river at Northampton with the tidewater at New Haven. It proved unsuccessful, and after being in operation about twenty years was aban- doned, and the New Haven and Northampton Railroad was substituted, and constructed along or near the line of the canal. By this road easy and direct communication is had with New York. It was opened for use from New Haven to the north line of the State in 1850 and subsequently to Northampton.
In 1871, the "Connecticut Western" railroad was con- structed and opened for use from Hartford to New York state
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