USA > Connecticut > Middlesex County > A statistical account of the county of Middlesex, in Connecticut > Part 6
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It is very rare for a family for three successive generations, to be as highly esteemed as the Hamlin family has been, or as richly to deserve the affections and confidence of the public.
The Hon. Titus Hosmer died before Col. Hamlin, but was a younger man. He was a native of Hartford, and graduate of Yale College, where he distinguished himself for the acquisition of science, particularly the knowledge of the languages. After
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Town of Middletown.
preparatory studies he commenced the practice of law in Mid- dletown ; where faithfulness to his clients, and strong powers of reasoning, soon raised him into esteem with the bar and the court ; and secured him, not only much professional business, but civil offices of honour and importance. Besides the com- mon town offices, and the commission of the peace which he held, he was sent a representative to the Assembly, a service for which his talents eminently qualified him. In 1777, he was speaker of the house of representatives ; where his reasoning and elo- quence were influential in prompting the Legislature, to the adop- tion of vigorous measures against Great Britain. During a part of the war, he was a member of the Council of safety. In 1778, he was a member of Congress. In 1779 and 80, he was elected an assistant; and in the last mentioned year was sent again to the National Legislature. A few months before his death, he was appointed a Judge of the Court of Appeals, established by Congress, principally for the revision of maratime and admi- ralty causes in the United States ; and while preparing to enter upon this office, he died, Aug. 4, 1780, at the age of 44.
His person was above the common size and his countenance expressive. His passions were naturally quick and strong, but kept under vigorous discipline. By nature he had the genius of a poet ; but his profession led him to cultivate the powers of the understanding, rather than the powers of the imagination. Fond of conversation and extensively acquainted with men and books, he often entertained at his house a group of friends, who courted his society. In deliberative bodies, he was always heard with that attention and pleasure, which are secured by lucid and man- ly argumentation. He was, in one word, a gentleman of correct moral habits, a thorough scholar, a learned and eloquent lawyer, and a sound practical statesman, deeply versed in national law, and universal history.
Gen. Samuel Holden Parsons, possessed a strong and active mind, extensive information, and was employed in various pub- lic, and important services. He was a son of the Rev. Jonathan Parsons, for some time minister in Lyme, and afterwards in Newburyport, Massachusetts. For several years previous to the revolutionary war, he was settled as a lawyer in the town of New-London ; and was King's attorney for the county of that name. When the war commenced, he went into the army of the United States in the capacity of a Lieutenant Colonel ; where he was advanced to the rank of a Brigadier General, and after the disability of Gen. Putnam, to that of a Major General. Upon the cessation of hostilities, he settled in Middletown, whither his family had been removed during the revolution, and resumed the practice of law. In the prosecution of measures
7
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Statistical Account of Middlesex County ;
requisite for the formation of Middlesex County, he was more engaged and more influential than any other man. The same year in which this was accomplished, he travelled to the west- ward, and held a treaty, in connection with Generals, Richard Butler and George R. Clarke, in behalf of the United States, with the Western Indians, near the falls of Ohio ; from which he returned the following spring. In the beginning of 1788, he was a member of the Convention, which adopted the National Constitution. During that year, Congress appointed him judge in the Territorial Government, northwest of Ohio river ; and he went forward and entered upon the duties of that office. The next year he took an excursion, for the purpose of making ar- rangements for holding a treaty at some future time with Indians, claiming lands in the Connecticut Reserve ; and on his return to his residence at Marietta, he was drowned in the Great-Beaver creek, Nov. 17, 1789, at the age of 52. In the contemplated treaty, the late Gov. Wolcott and James Davenport, jr. Esq. were appointed by the Government of Connecticut, to act with him.
This list of characters, may very properly be closed, by a sketch of the character of Richard Alsop Esq. who died sudden- ly at Flatbush, Long-Island, on the 16th of Aug. 1816, in the 56th year of his age.
Though occasionally engaged in agricultural and commercial pursuits, Mr. Alsop spent most of his days in the pursuit of ele- gant literature ; for which he had an unusual fondness. In this pursuit, he became familiarly acquainted with the literature of his own country and of the principal European nations. His love of poetry was enthusiastic, and was abundantly gratified by reading and composition. Numerous poetical pieces, published by him in news-papers and magazines ; and others, issued in dif- ferent forms, were well received, and did honour to his genius. His translation of Molina's History of Chili, the Universal Re- ceipt Book, and the Narrative of the Sufferings of John R. Jewit, have also given him a respectable standing as a prose writer. All his compositions are characterized by purity of expression, and indicate that delicacy of thought and feeling which appear- ed in his private life.
As a man, as a scholar, and as a writer, Mr. Alsop will long be remembered with affection and respect by his numerous ac- quaintances.
There hav been several seasons of revival in parts of this town.
In the last year of the first Mr. Russel's life, 34 persons were admitted to the communion of his church, which ren- ders it probable, that more than ordinary religious excitement prevailed at that time, among that portion of the people,
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Town of Middletown.
to which he ministered. Ninety-nine were admitted to the same church in 1741 and 2, the season of the great revival in New-England. In some more recent periods, particularly dur- ing the last year, many within the bounds of the First Society, belonging to different denominations, have been hopefully con- verted. By revivals in the Upper-Houses in 1814, and in the winter of 1817 and 18, 66 persons were brought into the Con- gregational, and some into the Baptist church. A revival in Middlefield in 1808, has been already noticed.
Three charitable societies exist in the city, and there are some others in other parts of the town.
The first in the city, is the Female Charitable Society, form- ed in 1809 ; whose special design is, to provide for the education of the children of the poor, and to furnish clothing to the desti- tute. This was incorporated at the last session of the Assembly, when it possessed $ 1100, in Bank stock.
The second, is the Female Benevolent Society, formed in Aug. 1816 ; auxiliary to the Connecticut Society, for the edu- cation of indigent pious young men for the ministry of the Gos- pel. This has made very commendable exertions.
The third, is the Middletown Sunday School Society, formed in Sept. 1818 ; whose object is to communicate religious instruc- tion to those who attend its schools, and the rudiments of learn- ing, so far as they are necessary for this purpose. Three sun- day schools were taught in the city last summer, one composed of blacks.
A
STATISTICAL ACCOUNT
OF THE
TOWN OF CHATHAM.
THIS Town belonged to Middletown until Oct. 1767; when it was made a distinct town, and called Chatham, from the import- ance of its shipbuilding, in allusion to Chatham in England.
According to its original grant, Middletown extended over a tract, on the east side of Connecticut river, three miles broad : that is, three miles broad at the north and south ; but which, on account of the windings of the river, was less than three miles at Knowles's Landing, and much more against Middletown City ; on an average, about three and a half. By an additional grant, made in March 1683, Middletown was extended over another tract, further east, uniformly three miles in breadth.
These two tracts constitute the present township of Chatham ; which is not far from nine miles long, and contains about 37,440 acres. It is bounded by Glastenbury on the north, by Marlbo- rough and Colchester on the east, by East-Haddam and Haddam on the south, and by Connecticut river on the west.
It embraces Chatham parish, (which was called East-Middle- town, until the incorporation of the town,) the greater part of Middle-Haddam parish, the parish of East-Hampton, and part of the parish of Westchester.
Some lands in this town, against the city of Middletown, were early improved. In 1675, 40 rights were laid out between Glastenbury and Haddam lines, in lots 2 1-2 miles long, running from what was then the east boundary of Middletown, towards the river ; the remaining 12 rights owned in the town being laid out in Moromos.
. But notwithstanding these improvements and divisions of land, only two white families are known to have lived in Chatham, until after the commencement of the last century. James Stan-
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Town of Chatham.
cliff had a house on the bank of the river, nigh the end of Chat- ham street, as early as 1690, and John Gill had another, not far from that time. The next settler after these, was William Cornwell, who settled back from Chatham meadow, about 1703. In 1710, there were. only nine or ten families within the limits of Chatham parish. The early settlers in this parish, after those who have been mentioned, were of the name of Bevin, Hall, Har- ris, Hubbard, Ranney, Sage, Savage, Stocking, Warner, White and Willcox, emigrants from the two first parishes in Middle- town. With these, were afterwards united, Lemuel Lewis from the county of Barnstable, Massachusetts ; John Penfield, from Bristol, Rhode-Island; Joseph Blague, from Saybrook, John Churchel, from Weathersfield, &c.
A family, by the name of Goffe, settled south of Knowles's Land. ing about 1710, who were the first inhabitants within the limits of Middle-Haddam. Among the other early settlers in the west part of that parish, were a few persons from Middletown, Ebene- zer Dart from New London, and the ancestors of the Freemans, Hurds, Higginses and Youngses, from the county of Barnstable. About 1750, Lemuel Daniels, a native of Colchester, John Eddy, from Norton, Massachusetts, and a few others, settled in the east part of the parish.
The three miles last granted to Middletown, constitute the parish of East-Hampton, and part of the parish of Westchester. Many years after this was granted, the question arose how it should be divided among the inhabitants ; the proprietors of the town of Middletown, or their representatives, claiming it wholly as theirs, and later settlers insisting upon a share of it, as it was given to the town after they became inhabitants, or those under whom they claimed. At length this friendly compromise was adopted, that it should be divided to the proprietors of the town according to their original list and the list of 1714, united, and to others, according to the latter list only.
On this tract, no settlement commenced until 1743. At that period, several families were induced to settle in East-Hampton. by the excellent mill-seat at the outlet of Pocotopogue pond, where a forge was then established. Among the early settlers in this parish, was a Mr. Miller, from whom the hill south of the meeting-house, is called Miller's hill, John Clark from the Up- per-Houses, John Bevin from Chatham parish, David Bailey from Haddam, Jonathan Parmelee from Branford, and Isaac Smith from the county of Barnstable. James Bill from Lebanon, and Joseph Buel from Colchester, settled here at later periods.
The lands in this township were obtained from the Indians, in connection with the lands in Middletown. But a reservation, laid out partly at Indian hill, and partly a little east of Chatham
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Statistical Account of Middlesex County ;
meeting-house, was held by them till about 1767; when, having dwindled to a small number, they sold their right, and united with the Farmington Indians.
These Indians have been sometimes called Wongonks or Wongums, but the reservation was for the heirs of Sowheag and Mattabesett Indians, and they were doubtless of the same tribe with the Indians on the west side of the river. A little clan inhabited, or frequented, the region about Pocotopogue pond, and had a place of rendezvous on the principal island which that incloses. These were also, probably, a part of the Matta- besett Indians.
At Indian-hill was a famous grave-yard; where monuments with inscriptions, were set up over some of the graves, after the English settled upon the river. Indian bones have been found also on the left bank of Taylor's creek, as it enters the Connec- ticut.
This township is much more rough and uneven than the town- ship of Middletown. Northwest from that wide range of hills, which have been denominated the Strait-Hills, is a considerable tract of smooth and very excellent land, and the large meadow, called Wongum meadow, yielding an abundance of coarse grass.
The other lands throughout the township, with few and small exceptions, are hard and stony ; and in many cases rocky and mountainous. Besides the Strait-Hills, there are in the town, Great-hill, Bald-hill, and many others.
Among these hills are many brooks and small streams, running with violence in moist and rainy seasons. But there are no streams in the town meriting particular notice, excepting Salmon river and Pine brook.
The former has its principal sources in Hebron and Lebanon, passes through a part of Colchester, and then crosses the eastern corner of this town, whence it forms?a boundary between East- Haddam, and Haddam-Neck, to the Connecticut. It derives its name from the abundance of salmon, which used to be found in its waters.
Pine brook rises in Pocotopogue pond, and after a course of six or seven miles, in the parishes of East-Hampton and Middle- Haddam, unites with Salmon river, three miles from its mouth. This is a fine mill-stream, which already supplies many mills, and might supply many more.
The pond from which this issues, is about nine miles in cir- cumference, or rather the ponds, for it is in the form of two ponds, nearly circular, united by a strait, of no considerable width or length. Its waters are generally ten feet deep, and sur- round several islands, one of two acres, the favourite resort of the Indians, above mentioned. It is fed by low springs; for
Town of Chatham.
rains, which fall so gently as not to run off from the surface of the earth, though long and great, do not alter its height.
Another pond, within the bounds of Chatham parish, called Job's pond, is about two miles in circumference. This has no outlet. It rises and falls as much as fifteen feet ; from causes which cannot be easily explained : for it is often the highest in the dryest season of the year, and lowest in the wettest season. When it begins to rise, it rises regularly for six or twelve months, and then falls for about the same periods. This, in many places, is from 40 to 60 feet deep.
Both of these ponds contain small fish, the first in considerable quantities.
Besides these, there is a pond nigh Connecticut river, called Pocowsot pond, and some others in other parts of the town, but too inconsiderable to be particularly noticed.
At the foot of Collins's hill in Chatham parish, is a chalybeate spring ; which has been known for some years, but never much used for medicinal purposes.
Another spring of a similar description, exists in Middle-Had- dam, on the bank of Pine brook, which has been occasionally visited for some time, by individuals afflicted with cutaneous complaints.
A mile southeast from this, on nearly the top of Bald-hill, is another spring, from representation, more strongly impregnated with iron.
About 1762, a Cobalt mine was opened at the foot of Great- hill, under the direction of Dr. Stephaunes, a German, and im- proved for a little time. About 1770, he renewed the improve- ment of it, in connection with two gentlemen by the name of Erkelin and Khool, and continued it for two or three years. Many casks of ore were obtained and shipped for Europe. But as all the persons concerned in the mine, labourers as well as princi- pals, were foreigners, and as the ore was exported ; little was known of its character or value. After they left it, it was en- tirely neglected till last autumn. Since then, several men have been employed in searching for cobalt, in and near the former openings ; and have been so successful, as to encourage the hope, that the mine will be permanently improved. The scarcity of this mineral, and its uses in porcelain and linen manufactories. render it highly desirable, that the contents of this mine should be thoroughly explored.
Coal was discovered at Indian-hill about thirty years ago. But whether it exists there or in any other part of the town in any considerable quantities, must be determined by future re- searches.
In 1799, appearances of an iron mine were noticed in Collins's
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Statistical Account of Middlesex County ;
hill : but the ore is imbedded in so hard a rock, that it will be very difficult to obtain it.
On the banks of Connecticut river, half a mile northeast from Middletown harbour; are noted and very valuable quarries of free-stone.
The rocks at the northern and principal opening according to tradition, originally hung shelving over the river. They were used for building stone very soon after Middletown was settled. At a meeting held in that town in 1665, it was resolved that no one should dig or raise stones at the rocks on the east side of the river, but an inhabitant of Middletown, and that twelve pence should be paid to the town for every tun of stones taken. As early as this, they were transported in vessels to other places. By several subsequent resolves, they appear to have been re- garded as valuable, and to have been considerably sought. Sometime after 1726, the town sold this quarry, and it has since passed into several hands. For forty years past it has been ex- tensively improved, and the stone, to the depth of thirty feet from the surface, are now removed, over an area of an acre and a half, back from the river. The stone in this quarry is co- vered in some places with four or five feet of earth, and in others with four or five feet more of shelly rock. It is not perfectly so- lid, but lies in blocks, eight and ten feet thick, and fifty and sixty feet long. The seams and joints facilitate the process of removing these from their beds; and when removed, they are re- duced by the wedge and chisel to any size or form, which is wished. In this quarry, thirty hands have been employed for several years, eight months in a year, and from four to six teams. The quantity of stone prepared for market, and sold to the inhabitants of this and of neighbouring towns, and exported to distant parts of the country, has been very great; and has yielded a handsome profit.
Fifty rods south of this quarry, an opening was made about 1783, now spreading over half an acre. Here the stone is co- vered with about ten feet of earth. In this opening as many as twelve hands, have been sometimes employed. Vessels come to this, and the above quarry, and load from the bank.
The bed of stone in which these, and some smaller openings in the neighbourhood have been made, is immense, and lies at different depths from the surface, in different places. It, has been discovered in sinking wells, for half a mile in northern and southern directions, and has been opened at a greater distance eastward. Wherever found, the stone possesses the same general properties, but varies like the free-stone in Middletown, in the fineness of its texture.
The forge at the outlet of Pocotopogue pond has been generally
59
Town of Chatham.
improved since its erection in 1743. Ore for it, was formerly brought from West-Point.
In 1811, a woollen factory was set up on Pine brook, two miles from its communication with Salmon river. The quantity of cloth wholly manufactured here, has not been great : conside- rable has been fulled and dressed for customers.
A rum distillery, erected at Knowles's Landing in 1785, dis- tils 300 hogsheads of rum annually.
Shipbuilding has long been an important business in this town.
The first vessel built in Chatham parish, was launched in Oct. 1741. This was a schooner of 90 tons, built, as is supposed, at Lewis's yard ; where very many vessels have been built since that period. Shipbuilding was begun at Churchel's yard in 1795. Here 12,500 tons of shipping were built, from the beginning of 1806 to the close of 1816.
Besides merchant vessels, the following vessels of war and privateers have been built in this parish.
The Trumbull and the Bourbon were built during the Ameri- can revolution, the former of 700 tons, 36 guns ; the latter of 900 tons, and intended to carry 40 guns, but not armed on account of the occurrence of peace.
The Connecticut was built in 1798, of 514 tons, 20 guns.
The Holker was built in 1813, of 350 tons, 18 guns. This was driven on shore by the English at Narragansett and lost.
Another vessel of the same name was built in 1814, of 400 tons, 20 guns. This was.cast away in a storm on the coast of Long-Island. The Macedonian was built the same year, of the same tonnage and force.
The Saranac and the Boxer were built in 1815, the former of 373, and the latter of 367 tons, each 16 guns.
The three first and two last of these vessels were built for the United States.
The first ship at Middle-Haddam Landing was built in 1763. Some small vessels may have been built there before. In the two yards which are now improved, there were 18 ships, 9 brigs, 11 schooners, and 1 sloop built, from 1805 to 1815, amounting to 9,200 tons.
Forty or fifty years since, no navigation was owned in this town. Since that time, a moderate number of vessels have been employed in the coasting and West-India trade.
Considerable business has been carried on in Chatham parish in connection with shipbuilding. But the most important place of business in this town is Middle-Haddam Landing, five miles south-easterly from Middletown city, and two and a half from the Straits.
This is frequently called Knowles's Landing, from Capt. Cor-
8
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Statistical Account of Middlesex County ;
nelius Knowles, an early and respectable inhabitant, who had a dwelling house at this spot, upon the bank of the Connecticut. A store was opened here in 1758, and the trade gradually secur- ed from the greater part of Chatham, and to a considerable ex- tent from Marlborough and Hebron. The shipbuilding, and dis- tilling business carried on here, have been already stated. There are now four merchant stores, some mechanic shops, and 60 or 70 dwelling houses. The ground on which most of these stand, is considerably elevated above the level of the river, but is low compared with the surrounding country, which rises into hills on the north, east and south.
The few families, living within the bounds of this town, at- tended public worship with their brethren in Middletown, until May 1714; when they were constituted a new society, called the society of East-Middletown. No other society existed in the town until 1740. By this time, the inhabitants had become considerably numerous, and had spread generally over the tract, first granted to Middletown, on the east side of the river. In May, therefore, of this year, the inhabitants in the southern part of this tract, together with the inhabitants of Haddam-Neck, in the town of Haddam, were formed into a new society ; and as their territory lay partly between Haddam and East-Haddam so- cieties, it was called Middle-Haddam.
The society of East-Hampton was incorporated in May 1748.
The small portion of this town, belonging to Westchester, is in its south-eastern corner, separated from East-Hampton and Middle-Haddam by Salmon river. This is called Waterhole.
The first church in this town was gathered Oct. 25, 1721, con- sisting of 29 members, who were probably taken from the two first churches in Middletown. At the same time, the Rev. Daniel Newil was ordained their pastor.
Mr. Newil is spoken of as a gentleman of worth; and some special awakening is said to have accompanied his labours. He deceased in 1731.
The Rev. Moses Bartlet succeeded Mr. Newil in 1733; and in connection with the appropriate duties of his office, was em- ployed to a considerable extent as a physician. He died in 1766, and his people, in respect to his memory, erected a monu- ment over his grave.
Mr. Bartlet was succeeded by the late Dr. Strong, in 1767.
Dr. Strong was highly and deservedly esteemed for his good sense, his thorough acquaintance with theology, and his uniform and blameless conversation. In the relations of private life, as a companion and friend, few have been more beloved; and though as a preacher, he had not that fervency of address and brilliancy of imagination, which are requisite to catch the atten-
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