USA > Connecticut > Middlesex County > Middletown > Centennial address and Historical sketches > Part 21
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Fitch Welwyn Taylor, son of Col. Jeremiah Taylor and broth- er of James Brainerd Taylor, was born at Middle Haddam. He was graduated at Yale College in 1828. He read theology, as resident graduate, at New Haven, and in Alexandria, Virginia. He was Rector of William and Mary Parish, Charles Co .. Mary- land, for four years, and then made a voyage around the world in the U. S. Frigate Columbia. He received an appointment in the U. S. Navy in 1841, and is still in the service. He isauthor of several works : "The Flag Ship," " A voyage around the World," "The Broad Pennant," "Ella V-, or the July Tour," and " A New Tribute to the Memory of James Brainerd Tay- lor."
William Wright, Yale 1835, studied theology in New Haven, was settled in Jewett City, in Griswold, Nov. 18, 1832, where he was pastor about four years; was installed in Plainville, in Far- mington, Nov. 8. 1843, where he was pastor a much longer pe- riod : Feb. 15, 1852 he was constituted pastor of the church at Chicopee, Mass.
Thomas Tallman, Yale 1837. Graduate of the Theological Department in that institution ; was installed pastor of the church in the society of Scotland, in Windham, March 20, 1844.
MIDDLE-HADDAM POST-OFFICE, ESTABLISHED IN 1804.
Post Masters.
John Hugh Peters,
from 1804 to 1811.
John Stewart,
1811 " 1830.
John Stewart, formerly Jr.,
1830 " 1832,
Henry Stewart,
1832 " 1841.
Huntington Selden,
1841 "
Cobaltville Post-Office in the north part of Middle-Haddam, established in 1851-Charles Rich, postmaster.
SKETCH OF EAST-HAMPTON.
It was mentioned in the address that the first settlers in East Hampton were attracted thither in 1743 by the fine mill site ai the outlet of Powtopogue pond where a forge was erected. This pond is a beautiful as well as a very important sheet of water. The circumference following the curves of the shore is about nine miles. The waters are generally ten feet deep and inclose several islands. one of which was the favorite reson of a clan of Indians. It is fed by low springs, for rains which fail so gently as not to run off from the earth do not alter its height. For sev- eral miles the outlet is known by the name of the Postopogne stream, and then by that of l'ine Brook. which after a course of six or seven miles in East-Hampton and Middle-Haddam empties itself into Salmon River, three miles from the entrance of that river into the Connecticut at East Haddam Landing.
At the time the forge was erected, iron was very much needed by the inhabitants in the surrounding country, and it was soon needed in Ship-building, to which the attention of numbers on the Connecticut was turned in a few years. How much business was done at the forge for the first forty years it would be diffi- cult now to ascertain. Probably much was dore. The proper- ty passed into the hands of various individuals and companies. For a time at least it was held by Abijah Hall. About 1784 it passed into the bands of his son Abijah Hall, Jon. and from that time until about 1810 or 12, when the forge was given up, about S hands on an average were employed in it. and two lads.
Ore was brought to the forge from West Point. and from this iron was made for use in ship-building. The best iron for gen- eral purposes was made from pigs. procured in the city of New York and from Salisbury, and for these purposes that from Sal- isbury was preferred. Much iron was made for the vessels built at Middletown, and in places below on the river. h. 1825 a new forge was built on the site of the old forge, and a scythe factory. and at these, business was done several years. Both are dilapi- dated.
The factories and mills now existing below are as follows. and in the order they are named, viz :
BUELL. & VEAZEY'S BELL FACTORY, which employs frem a dez- en to fifteen hands. The principal building is 38 feet by 22, two stories ; to which an iron foundry is attached. one story, 40 feet by 20.
BEVEN BROTHERS BELL FACTORY. The casting shop is 110 by 18 with a turning shop connected, 30 feet by 18. 'There is also a blacksmith and finishing shop 55 feet hy 22. They employ on an average about 20 hands.
24
284
SKETCH OF CHATHAM.
BUELL & SEARS' SAWMILL, in full operation is on the east side of the stream, on the opposite side they have a batting mill.
J. S. HALL & CO'S. BELL FACTORY. Shop 47 feet by 26 ; elev- en or 12 hands on an average.
BELL FACTORY OWNED BY THE EAST HAMPTON BELL COMPANY. Foundry and finishing shop 91 feet by 25, 2 stories; 19 feet head and fall. wheel 16 tect. Employs 15 hands. This is on the ancient site of Cook's grist mill.
NOAH S. MARKUM'S HOE FACTORY. The building is 36 feet by 26. the fall of water 14 feet. Seven hands are employed and 1200 dozen of hoes made annually. These are the concave hoc, entirely of c .st steel and highly polished. They are much ad- mired at the north for all the purposes for which hoes are needed. For this fine article a silver medal has been awarded to Mr. Markum by the American Institute in the city of New York.
NILES, PARMELEE & CO's. BELL FACTORY. The building is 36 feet by 20. the fall of water 14 feet, turning an overshot wheel of 12 feet diameter. Ten hands are employed.
BARTON & CLARK'S FACTORY. The building is 36 feet by 18, with two wings 18 bv 14. The fall of water is 14 feet, and the wheel. (a breast wheel) 16 in diameter. This manufactures brass kettles of various sizes, which are useful for all purposes in which iron material is not needed.
SKINNER'S SAWMILL. This has a fall of water of 16 feet. It is new and in full operation. Connected with this is a large building in which is a grain mill. and in which manufacturing operations are expected to be carried on.
All the above factories and mills are within two miles of the Powtopogue Pond. Further on are :
ABEL'S SAW & GRAIN MILLS. These are in operation, but out of repair.
PINE BROOK FACTORY, 38 feet by 26. There has not been much lone in this factory, and it is now undergoing repairs.
WEST'S SAW MILL. This has a fall of 16 feet, but the build, ing is so much decayed as not to be fit for use.
JOHNSON'S PISTOL FACTORY, 24 feet by 20, 7 feet posts, not in operation.
JUSTIN SEXTON & SONS' SATINET FACTORY, 36 by 26 with an ell 22 by 20, fall of water 18 feet. the wheel 14. This employs 5 hands, cards wool and manufactures cloth for customers. With this factory a saw mill is connected.
Northeast of the Pond, on Chatham and Marlborough Turn- pike. H. & W. Veazey, have a bell factory moved by horse pow- er, which employs on an average 16 hands.
Nearly all the bell factories manufacture ship and house bells, cow. sheep, hand and sleigh bells. Various articles of iron are also manufactured in them to some extent, particularly waffle irons.
285
SKETCH OF CHATHAM.
It is a remarkable fact that sleigh bells are manufactured here, and in the factory mentioned as being in Middle-Haddam. almost exclusively for all those parts of the United States in which such bells are used, and also in Canada. With the exception of a small quantity made in a factory in New Britain, it is said. they are entirely. The manufacturing enterprize and general pro- sperity of East Hampton are very mu h owing to Mr. William Barton, who was born in Wintonbury. a society of Windsor, now the town of Bloomfield. Nov. 26, 1762. He labored with his father, whose name he bore, and who was armorer at Springfield in the Revolutionary war. At the close of the war he returned to Wintonbury and manufactured pistols and other warlike im- plements until 1790, when he went to New York and engaged in the manufacture of andirons and articles of brass. From that city he came to East Hampton in the spring of 1808. and com- menced the manufacture of hand and sleigh-bells. Others ac- quired skill from him and engaged in the same concern. Liber- al minded himself, he was happy in benefitting others and the community soon regan to flourish around him. In May 1826 he removed to Cicero, in the state of New York, where he exer- ted a happy influence. but after 20 years returned to spend the residue of his days with his children and friends in East Hamp. ton, where he died July 15, 1849, universally respected and la- mented.
In connection with the foregoing factories and mills it might have been mentioned, that further south on Pine Brook, arc Rand's Oakum Factory and House's Paper Plill. But the form- er is not now in operation, and both are in a part of Middle Haddam, belonging to the town of Haddam.
Salmon River for some distance washes the south-eastern bor- der of East Hampton parish. The principal sources of this stream are in Hebron and Lebanon ; it passes through a part of Colchester. It is much larger than that flowing from the pond. On this are several sites where factories might be built. But as the river is liable to sudden and great rises. as dams of much strength and cost are needed, and as they are further from navi- gable water, than the sites on the other stream. they are not yet occupied. But should the contemplated rail road through Mid- dletown on to Boston be soon built, it is probable men of the requisite capital would secure the sites and erect upon them large establishments. There are however. many unoccupied privileges on Pine Brook, where men of small capital may invest property to advantage. A good road opened along near the stream would hasten their occupation.
East Hampton was settled more rapidly than any part of Mid- dletown east of the Connecticut. There was a rush of inhabit- ants there upon the erection of the forge at the outlet of the Pond about 1743.
286
SKETCH OF CHATHAM.
The nunes of the inhabitants and their lists as taken that year, and as stated on the colony records. were as follows :
Azariah Andrews, £ 30
George Hubbard, 33
,* Jonathan Bailey,
48,16
* James Johnson, 86
* David Bailey, 27
* John Beven. Jun.
34,06
* Seth Knowles, 58,10
* Jabez Clark,
39.09
* William Norcot, Jun. 20
* Ebenezer Clark,
42.13
* Joseph Parker, 100.16
* John Clark,
143,10
* Hezekiah Russ,
30
* Josiah Cook,
32,06
* Isaac Smith,
26
Samuel Eggleston, 30
John Stephens, 26
* Stephen Griffith, 47
* Samuel Wadworth, 40
Nathan Harding,
27
* Isaac Williams, 18
Daniel Fils, Total
31
* Daniel Young, 1100.06.
22
All those whose names are starred. together with Caleb Jolin- son, William Clark, Shubael and Thomas Lewis, became after- wards applicants for society privileges, and the reason that the . others named did not, is probably owing to death, removal or some other circumstance of which we have no information.
A Mr Miller early settled in the society, from whom the hill where he lived, over which the Chatham and Colchester Turn- pike passes, is called Miller's Hill. John Parmelee from Bran- ford was also an early settler. James Bill from Lebanon, and Joseph Buell from Colehester came here afterwards.
The parish was incorporated in May 1746, the church was or- ganized Nov. 30, 1748, at which time Rev. John Norton, a native of Berlin and graduate of Yale College 1737, was installed their pastor.
He was settled before. Nov. 25. 1741 over a small church and congregation at Falltown, now Bernardston, Mass., but the peo- ple being greatly disturbed by the occurrence of the first French war, he took a dismission in 1745, and became chaplain at Fort Massachusetts, in Adams. He was there at the time it was at- tacked, Aug, 20, 1746, by an army of about 900 French and In- dians undor Gen De Vaudruil. Sergt. Hawks, afterwards Col. Hawks. who commanded the fort at that time, had only 22 ef- fective men with him, and but 33 persons, men, women and children. and was miserably supplied with ammunition. Not- withstanding these unfortunate circumstances, he defended the fort 28 hours .- and probably would never have given it up had not his ammunition failed. He was finally obliged to capitulate and offered such articles as were accepted. One special article was, that none of the prisoners should be delivered into the hands of the Indians. The next day however, Vaudruil deliv- ered one half of them to the Indians, on the plea that there was danger of mutiny in his army, the Indians being irritated that
Wm. Johnson, 9
* Willian Beven, 20
* John Markum, 21
John Bozworth, 18
William Norcot, 41
287
SKETCH OF CHATHAM.
they were ent off from the profits of the conquest. The savages immediately killed one of the prisoners, because being sick. he was unable to travel, for the prisoners were destined to march into Canada as captives. In the siege, Col. Hawks lost but one map, while the enemy as near as could be ascertained, lost 45 men, who were either killed outright or died of their wounds.
Mr. Norton wrote an account of his captivity and that of his companions, which was published, and fills a duodecimo pam- phlet of 40 pages. From this it appears that when the prison- ers were marched as far as Crown Point, on their way to Que- bec, a party of the Indians, who went off from Adams with a view of attacking Deerfield. returned with 6 scalps and one cap- tive. and that afterwards, while in Quebec, a sickness broke out among the English prisoners; that Mr. Norton himself was re- peatedly sick. and that 15 belonging to the company from Adams died, 10 men. 3 women and 2 children, and that on the 27th of Aug. 1747. they sailed under a flag of truce from Quebec, and on the 16th of September arrived in Boston
In 1755, in the 21 French war, while pastor at East Hampton, Mr. Norton went as chaplain in the expedition to Crown Point, and the members of the Hartford South Association, to which he belonged. agreed to supply his pulpit from Oct. 12th, in that year, till Feb. 2d. 1756, He died of the small pox, March 24, 1778 aged 62.
Rev. Lemuel Parsons, native of Durham, graduate of Yale 1773, succeeded Mr. Norton as pastor Feb. 10, 1779 and died in Feb. 1791, two days after he had closed the 12th year of his ministry, aged 37.
Ren. Joel West, native of Lebanon. graduate of Dartmouth Col- lege 1789 was ordained Oct. 17, 1792, and died in the pastoral office Oct. 26. 1826, aged 60.
Since his death the people have had the following pastors ;- Rev. Messrs. Timothy Stone, Samuel J. Curtis, Rufus Smith and William Russell.
Mr. Stone. was the son of Rev. Timothy Stone of the society of Goshen, in Lebanon.and was early prepared to enter some class in college. but by reason of disease abandoned literary pursuits for some time. and studied the art of painting with the celebra- ted John Trumbull, a native of the same town with himself. After this, becoming a subject of grace, he resolved to enter the ministry and placed himself under the instruction of President Dwight. living in his family, and under his guidance pursuing both classical and the logical studies. Nov. 10. 1803 he was or- dained pastor of the church in South Cornwall. and at the com- mencement in 1804 the Corporation of Yale College conferred upon him the degree of Master of Arts. He was dismissed from this charge in 1827 or the beginning of 1828. and on the 4th of June in the last mentioned year was installed pastor of the church in East Hampton. He was dismissed a second time Feb. 7, 1832,
* 24
288
SKETCH OF CHATHAM.
and soon after returned to his family in South Coruwall where he died April 14, 1852 aged nearly 78.
Mr. Curtis, a native of Meriden, was settled in East Hampton Nov. 1, 1832 and dismissed Nov. 21. 1837 After his dismission he was stated supply at West Woodstock and at Union ; at the latter place he has been pastor since April 12, 1843. On fast day March 25, 1842, he was called to the sudden and aggrava- ted affliction of parting with his wife and a daughter who were killed by lightning.
Mr. Smith is a native of Chaplin, and was sometime a physi- cian in Griswold, but afterwards studied theology and was licen- sed to preach. He was settled in East Hampton, Sept. 19, 1838 and was dismissed Aug. 1, 1845. He now lives in East Hartford.
Mr. Russel is a native of Stratford, graduate of Yale 1837. Studied theology at New Haven. He was first settled in Wake- man, Huron Co., Ohio, in Dec. 1842. He was installed in E. Hampton Oct, 14, 1846.
The early records of the church are lost, and of course it can- not be told of how many the church consisted at its formation, nor how many were admitted to it by Mr. Norton.
Mr. Parsons, admitted
58
Mr. West,
128
Mr. Stone,
16
Mr. Curtis, 66
40
Mr. Smith,
22
Nr. Russell has admitted,
37
The number of members Jan. 1, 1852, was
118
DEACONS.
Elected.
Deaths.
Age
Ebenezer Clarke,
Moved away.
Isaac Smith,
July 29, 1802.
85.
John Clarke, Esq.
Aug. 8, 1809.
James Bill, Esq.
July 5, 1795.
July, 23, 1825.
Gideon Arnold,
do.
Feb. 17, 1807.
Moses Cook,
May 16, 1805, do.
Oct. 28, 18 L5,
70.
Joseph Sage,
July 24, 1815,
David Clarke, Esq.
July
1816,
Mar. 20, 1843,
88.
Warren A. Skinner,
Diodate B. West,
May 1, 1818, 1824,
The society have the following funds for the support of the ministry :-
A bequest made by Mr. Silas Smith in Aug. 1840 $878.
One hundred dollars raised by the society. 100.
May 15, 1818,
94. 87. 72. 75.
Isaac Smith,
Feb. 20, 1818, 60,
978.
The annual contributions of the people to the great objects of
289
SKETCH OF CHATHAM.
Christian benevolenee have been for several years past about $200.
BAPTIST CHURCH IN EAST HAMPTON.
A few families ot this denomination by the name of Morgan, Webb and Welsh, originally from Colchester, but who had lived for a time in Nova Scotia, came to this place and settled about 1775. Among these a church was formed Sept. 10, 1784. The Strict Congregationalists in the southern part of Haddamin 1792 professed themselves Baptists and united with them. The two branches maintained public worship separately. Elder William Welsh, who labored more or less in both branches, lived in East Hampton. He died in 1824, and the branch there is extinct.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
The Methodists in East Hampton began to have week-day preaching about 1815 ; from 1828 to 1847 they had preaching once in two weeks on the sabbath, and from 1847 they have had preaching from sabbath to sabbath. In 1830 they built a mect- ing-house on Miller's Hill, 48 feet by 36, which cost $1800. Twenty-eight of their members withdrew from them in 1848, The number belonging to the church Jan. 1, 1852 was 30; and 6 persons were on probation.
FREE METHODISTS.
The twenty-eight persons who withdrew from the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1848 were formed into a free or indepen- dent church. They built a house for the worship of God, which was dedicated April 10, 1851. Its dimensions are 40 feet by 30. Their members Jan. 1, 1852 were 48.
PHYSICIANS IN EAST HAMPTON.
Dr. Robert Usher, who practised medicine in East Hampton and also in Westchester, is spoken of in the address, and notli- ing farther need to be stated here respecting him, except that his residence was in the southeast part of Chatham, in a neigh- borhood called Waterhole, and attached to the parish of West- chester in Colchester, separated from the parish of East Hamp- ton by Salmon river.
John Richmond was from Brookfield, Mass. He studied medi- eine with Dr. Timothy Hall of East Hartford, and was introduc- ed into East Hampton by Dr. Coleman of Glastenbury about 1792. He died Dec. 16, 1821 aged 54. Besides attending pro- fessional duties, he guided the studies of several young men who
290
SKETCH OF CHATHAM.
were contemplating the same services. Richard Mayo Smith, who became his successor was his pupil ; Newell Smith already mentioned in the notice of Portland physicians, Abber Clark, who is now living near Dunkirk, N. Y., and Elijah Root who died in Marlborough in the autumn of 1827, were also his pupils.
Richard Mayo Smith, native of Chaplin, was attending medi- cal leetures at New Haven at the time of Dr. Richmond's death. He commenced practice in East Hampton in the spring of 1822, and died on the 22d. of December following, aged 26. The church records say he died Dec. 23d
Charles Smith. See physicians of Middle Haddam.
Francis Griswold Edgerton. born in Norwich, studied medicine for a shorter or longer period with Drs. George Hazard of South Kingston, R. I, Philemon Tracy of Norwich Town, and William P. Eaton of Norwich Landing. and attended medical lectures in New Haven in 1824 and 5. He commenced practice in East Hampton on the 27th of March 1826, and has ever since practis- ed in this place.
To this notice it may be properly added that Elias Norton a son of Rev. John Norton, studied medicine with Dr. Thomas Mosely of East Haddam and was surgeon's mate with Dr. Rob- ert Usher in the Revolutionary war, by an appointment made Jan . 29. 1776. He afterwards settled as a physician at Machias in Maine, where he died some years since.
Dan Arnold, also a native of East Hampton, studied medicine with Dr. John R. Watrous of Colchester and settled in Hebron, where he has practised about 60 years.
GRADUATES FROM EAST HAMPTON.
Amasa, West was long a member of one of the New England Colleges. it is believed of Williams College, and he is spoken of in East Hampton as being a graduate, and as having taught school there after he was gradnated, but as his name is not on the Triennial catalogue of Williams College. nor of any other college which the writer has consulted, it is doubted whether he went wholly through with his college course. He studied the- ology. and went, it is believed as early as 1812 or 13 to the county of Chatauque, and preached in several places about the centre of that county for many years. He is now in the State of Michigan.
Ephraim Tucker Barstow, Yale 1841. Died while engaged in the study of law at Rochester, N. Y., in 1845.
Rufus Smith, son of Rev. Rufus Smith, was born in Griswold, and graduated at Yale 1846. He taught school in Powelton, Hancock Co., Georgia. about a year ; and then on due consulta- tion and advice started for Texas, with the view of opening a school in that State, but on his way fell sick with the yellow fe-
291
SKETCH OF CHATHAM.
ver at New Orleans, where he died Oct. 15, 1847 aged 26. IIe held a very respectable rank in his class, and had been an exemplary professor of religion a number of years.
Shaler Hall, G. of Michigan University 1847, is engaged in manufacturing.
Adonijah S Welsh, G of Michigan University 1847, is employ- cd in teaching at Jonesville, Michigan.
Edwin H. Cole, W. U. 1851. Is teaching in Armenia, N. Y.
EAST HAMPTON POST-OFFICE, ESTABLISHED IN 1817.
Post Masters.
Franklin G. Comstock, from June 1818 to the spring of 1821.
David Buell, from the spring of 1821 66 1845.
William G. Buell, 1845 May 21, 1850.
Noah S. Markum, from May 21, 1850
Chatham Post-Office, also in East Hampton, established in 1851, Moses Warren Comstock, postmaster.
ADDITIONAL ITEMS.
Within the society of East Hampton there are 177 tenantablo dwelling houses and 188 families. About 80 of the houses have been built within 26 years, and during that time about half as many have been torn down or abandoned as dwellings.
The small section of land, belonging to Chatham, which is at- tached to the society of Westchester, lies to the southeast of East Hampton, and is separated from it by Salmon river. The section is part of a school district called Waterhole, and in this section there are 8 houses and 9 families.
The number of school districts in East Hampton is 7; the , children in them between the ages of 4 and 16 in 1851 was 236, and there were 6 more in the Chatham part of Waterhole.
There are two merchant stores in East Hampton.
The grave-yards in the society are 3, and there is a 4th in Waterhole within the limits of Chatham. The deaths in E. H. for 10 years prior to Jan. 1, 1852 were 91.
JUSTICES IN CHATHAM
UNTIL THE ADOPTION OF THE PRESENT CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE,
Inclusive of those who lived in what was at the time the First
292
SKETCH OF CHATHAM.
Society in Chatham. but has since become the Town of Portland. The justices who are not indicated as living in Middle daddam or East Hampton by the letters M. H. and E. H., affixed to their names, are to be regarded as having lived within the present limits of the new Town.
Names.
Deaths.
Ages.
Joseph White,
Dec.
14,
1770.
82.
Nathaniel Freeman,
Sept.
6,
1791.
78.
David Sage,
Nov.
25,
1803.
86.
Ebenezer White.
July
29,
1817.
90.
Joseph Dart, M. H.
May
5,
1791.
53.
John Clark, E. H.
Ang.
8,
1809.
94.
Jonathan Penfield,
July
23,
1794.
69.
Bryant Parmelee, E. H.
Jan.
6,
1817.
84.
James Bill, E. H.
July
25,
1825.
87.
Hezekiah Goodrich,
April
1817,
72.
Chauncey Bulkley, M. H.
May
10,
1818.
75.
Daniel Shepherd,
Oct.
24,
1850.
97.
David White,
Sept.
18,
1833.
79.
Gen'l. Seth Overton,
Dea. David Clark, E. II.
May
20,
1843.
88.
About
1839.
76.
John Parmelee, E. H.
June
20
1827.
62.
Nathaniel Cornwall,
March
22,
1823.
73.
William Dixon,
March
20,
1826.
81.
Cyrns Bill, M. H.
Moved from the
county
Jan.
7,
1818.
41.
Joseph Dart, M. H.
Ralph Smith, M. H.
Jan.
1838.
77.
George White,
June
1,
1848.
84.
Amasa Daniels, Jun. M. H.
1847. 1
70.
Sparrow Smith, E. H.
July
14
1842. |
82.
TOWN CLERKS IN CHATHAM.
This town was incorpor : ted Oct. 1757, and held its first meeting for the choice of officers on the 7th of December following. The office of clerk has been held by the following persons : Jonathan Penfield, from Dee. 7, 1767 till July 23. 1794. Daniel Shepherd, jr. Sept. 15, 1794 * Dec. 6, 1802.
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