USA > Connecticut > Hartford County > Southington > Ecclesiastical and other sketches of Southington, Conn > Part 43
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400
HISTORY OF SOUTHINGTON.
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staddle on the brow of the hill on the north side of muddy brook being the corner of Stephen Andrus's lot, measured 20 rods west and made a ditch for sd way, on the south side of sd brook just out of the swamp there standing a chesnut tree anciently marked where we set of 20 rods to the west and made a heap of stones for the west side of said way, then going Southward until we came to the corner of Daniel Andrus's lot where we sat off west 20 rods for sd way, and then going Southwardly till we come to a nearstone on the brow of the hill Northwardly of the pond on the east side of Wallingford road near which stone stands a whiteoak tree anciently marked S. H. T. H. which we determine to be the west side of the Highway and setting off 20 rods East made a ditch for the East side of the Highway, and now the mountain coming on will not allow the lots their length to proceed by the ancient monuments and therefore we allowing the lots in the east tier their length at the bound line have marked a whiteoak tree for the east side of the way marked on the west side with H. W. and for the west side of the Highway a nearstone on the east side of the Blue Hill brook a little east of a ditch in the Bound line, and a straight line from the nearstone on the brow of the hill northwardly of the pond to the nearstone in the Bound line east of the blue hill brook to be the west side of the Highway, also a straight line from the ditch eastwardly of the nearstone northerly of the pond to the whiteoak tree standing in the bound line marked with H. W. on the west side as aforesaid to be the East side of the said Highway at the going out of the bounds."
Laid out by us as witness our hands this twenty ninth day of June A. D. 1722.
SAMUEL NEWEL, WILLIAM WADSWORTH, JOHN HART.
The precise lines enclosing this highway are not easily traced. It is impossible to determine the starting point. The only remaining mon- ument in the north end of it, is the "John Root House," which is supposed to be that now owned by Washburn Dunham. After care- fully examining the ground, and deeds of adjacent property, I conclude that the west line of the highway is through the present house of Jo- seph Gridley, south. Artemas Gridley remembers having pointed out to him by old people, the east line at a point in the Reserved highway running east from his dwelling. Taking this point as a base, and measuring twenty rod west, the west line will pass through the house (of Artemas Gridley); tracing the cast line south from the point he adopts, it will run a little west of Martin W. Frisbee's house and over the hill. The west line passes over Burying Ground Hill just west of the Robinson plot. Beyond this hill the highway was never opened
401
HISTORY OF SOUTHINGTON.
(tradition says, because of the heavy timbered land, ) but the traveled way turned abruptly west and down to the Wallingford trail. The survey extended south along by where Major Stannard lives to Joseph P. Platts, and from Mr. Platts to the south bounds of "antient Farm- ington."
The Clark Farm Highway.
This highway begins near the dwelling house of George Bishop on the South End road, and after running in a southeasterly direction for over a mile comes out on the north and south road just north of the dwelling house of the late Joseph Clark or where Ambrose Thorp now lives. It was laid out and the road made by the order of the Superior Court about the year 1845. After having been opposed by the town to the "bitter end," in the first place a petition for the highway was voted down in a legal town meeting, when the matter was brought before the Superior Court, which sent out commissioners to view the route and report. Their report being favorable, the Court decided that the road should be made. Whereupon the town held several meetings in succession, all resulting in a refusal to make the road. Af- ter much delay the Court empowered Col. Seth Pratt to go forward and make the road and to draw on the town for the expense. This he did. The bills were presented to the Selectmen who declined to pay them, but called another town meeting in order to receive instructions what course to take. The meeting was held, and the Selectmen were instructed not to pay the bills. The property of the Selectmen was then at once levied upon. Another meeting was called and held, when the town finding itself defeated at every point, and "driven to the wall," made a virtue of necessity, and made provision for paying the expense of the road. The bills were paid but the expense to the town was equal to that of the original claim. Thus the road cost double the needful amount, the penalty of short-sightedness and obstinacy.
Thirty years have demonstrated the wisdom of the road and the folly of those who opposed it. As the highway of communication with Meri- den it is one of the most important outlets of the town.
Dog Lane.
This highway was one of the earliest, if not the earliest, laid out in the town after the "reserved " ones. It extends in nearly or quite a straight line north and south from the 10 rod reserved highway be- tween the 10th and 11th lots, and the 15 rod reserved highway between the 19th and 20th lots-it being in length from north to south one mile and 140 rods, three rods in width. On this road, near the south end of it, were located the early Woodruff families; further north at the Pine tree near the Town-house stood the stone fort. The most north- 51
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HISTORY OF SOUTHINGTON.
ern dwelling on this road was that of Dea. Thomas Hart which was built in the most durable manner, and was afterward known as the Ebenezer Finch house. It was on the west side of the road about a half mile north of the Town-house, and is still standing but used as a tobacco barn. This street probably took its name from the circum- stance of being laid out so narrow. Our ancestors at that early day, who had been accustomed to highways 20, 15, or 10 rods in width (none less than 4) considered a 3 rod highway not wide enough to be traveled over by anything but the canine species-hence the name Dog Lane was applied to this.
Center Street Highway.
The highway running west from the main street in the village of Southington, beginning at a point north of the Town Hall and run- ning west over Wolf Hill to West street road, is at present known as Center street, or at least the east end of it. It was conveyed by Jared Lee to a committee of the town in 1751, by deed of which the follow- ing is a copy of the descriptive portion: "Know all men by these pres- ents, that I, Jared Lee, of Farmington, &c., for and in consideration of lands out of the highways lawfully conveyed to me or my order do give, grant, bargain and convey unto Jonathan Root and Josiah Cowles, &c., to them as a committee of exchange of highways in the name and behalf of the town of Farmington, &c., for the use of a highway or public road, one certain piece or parcel of land lying in Southington
parish * * * in the middle tier of lots in said parish, beginning at a stone about 10 rods south of my dwelling house on the west side of the 3 rod highway, and running west to a heap of stones about two rods north of the bog meadow, and runs along on the north side of a hill to a white-oak tree at the northwest corner of the west branch of the marsh; and to lie on the south side of the aforesaid boundaries 3 rods in breadth, and runs southwardly from said white-oak tree on the west side of the bog 3 rods wide, butting west on a black-oak tree and a stone near the south side of my lot; and then to run west on the south side of my land to the river; and then to begin at a heap of stones about twelve rods west of the river, and to continue to butt on the lot laid out to Jonathan Smith, of Farmington, south and north on my own land, 3 rods in breadth, and butting west on the 10 rod highway at the west end of my farm, to have and to hold, &c., &c." Dated Oct. 22, 1751. (Farm. Records, vol. 8, p. 13.)
Central Avenue, or Main Street.
This street extends south from Burying Ground Hill and passes through the village. The present road-bed does not vary much from the original trail or roadway, until it reaches a point near Amon Brad-
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HISTORY OF SOUTHINGTON.
ley's, where it formerly took a direct southwest course through'Dr. Hart's door-yard to the north' part of the common-then winding somewhat, it passed south through Mr. Whittlesey's door-yard.
The ridge of ground on which Mr. Russell Peck's house stands ex- tended northeast to the south end of the common. When the Cheshire turnpike was constructed the end of the ridge was removed, and much of the dirt used to fill in the hollow a little east in which at that time was quite deep water. After the second meeting-house (1757) was built a road was run along the present highway on the cast side. When Mr. Robinson came here in 1780, the roads were thus located. Comparing the memories and traditions of the oldest people, the ancient deeds, and earliest maps, we find the west line of what is now a highway extending south from Mrs. Butler's, to be about ten or fifteen feet east of the northeast corner of Mrs. Butler's door-yard, and then winding somewhat, passing through the little building used as a saloon and keeping a straight line to the front of the Hotchkiss house. Assuming this to be the right line ? it is easy to follow the descriptions of ancient deeds.
Berlin Avenue, or Street.
This street runs east from the Methodist church, and was doubtless a branch 3 of the Indian trail to Wallingford. Near the church were dense oak woods and a pond, and here, tradition says, the Indians re- freshed themselves. Within the memory of some living, there was a permanent pond here, and well stocked with fish. When the turnpike was opened it is said a good deal of dirt was carted in and some springs thus filled up. Years before (1752) a survey 4 was made for a highway which appears to have been on a line with the south side of the Hotch- kiss house, and through the present dwelling of William Wilcox, over the hill. But the trail along the valley by where Dennis P. Finch now lives, seems to have been used as a road, and the original survey was never appropriated. Possibly the town may have voted to exchange or sell portions of this survey, as was frequently done in other cases. The north line of this road is south line of the lands of the Congrega- tional society.
1 On page 61, " South, &c. " should read " North End of the present common," a typographical error.
2 The writer has at great labor verified these lines, having carefully examined old maps, surveys, &c., and called to his aid the oldest people of the town.
3 In this opinion Mr. Gad Andrews coincides.
4 After the road over Wolf Hill was opened (abont 1751) a plan was proposed to run a road east from Wolf Hill intersecting the village near the Hotchkiss house, and thence running south over the hill to a point near where Lewis Woodruff lives. At this time the region along Wolf IIill north to Collingwood Hart's was struggling to become the town center .- See page 59.
CHAPTER XXIV.
COURT RECORD OF SOUTHINGTON PARISH.
First Justice ; Jared Lee; his Court Record; Extracts; " Neglect of Public Wor- ship;" "Rude and Idel Behaver ;" " Whispering and Laufing;" "Laufing be- tween Meetings ;" "Breach of Sabbath ;" "Assault on the Sabbath ;" " Traveling on the Sabbath ;" Playing Cards; "Swearing;" Assault and Trespass ; "Strong Licker ;" "Drunknes ;" Trespass.
THE first Justice1 of the Peace for this part of Farmington was Jared Lee. By the law of the Colony certain criminal cases could be disposed of by the local Justice, and he had lodged with him discre- tionary powers as to punishment of offenders against certain customs and usages of church and society. He could try causes involving property of less than forty pounds in value. It was before him that those neglecting sabbath services were brought, and all who violated the sanctity of the day by riding or any needless work.
The Record kept by Jared Lee, from about 1750 or for twenty five years, is preserved in a somewhat mutilated form. I have transcribed portions of it that the present generation may have a knowledge of the judicial proceedings conducted by the fathers.
NEGLECT OF PUBLIC WORSHIP.
Att a Cort? holden att Farmington october the 11th day A. D. 1754 In and for the County of hartford presant Jared Lee Just peace In and and for sd County Hezekiah Clark of Farmington In sd County being complained of By one of the presant Granjurors In that he the sd Clark is Gilty of the Brech of one Law of this Colony by neglecting the publick worship of God the 15th day of September Last which Is a breach of one Law of this Colony page 139 &c as In complaint date Farming- ton Sept the 15 Day 1754 and being brought by writ Dated at Farm-
1 The names of Justices down to within forty years were, Jared Lee, Thomas Hart, Josiah Cowles, John Curtiss, Timothy Clark, Roger Whittlesey, Samuel Woodruff, Samnel Hart. Roswell Moore, Ichabod C. Frisbee, Samuel H. Woodruff, John A. Ilart, John E. Benjamin, Theodore Byington, Romeo Lowrey, Isaac Shepherd, Josiah B. Andrews, Stephen Walkley, Root Gridley, Jesse Olney, and Timothy Porter.
2 Spelling as in the record.
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HISTORY OF SOUTHINGTON.
ington this 4 Day of october 1754 and appeared In Cort and pleads not Gilty In manner and form as set forth In the Declaration and the ples and excuses Being heard and Juged Sufisant to be releived from sd penalty In the Law grounded and shall be discharged when the charges and cost of Cort shall be paid, the Coosts alowed Cort Fees 38 Sheriff's fees 18,, 6ª Lawfull (m)
December ye 2nd Day 1724 Received on the above payment all the Fees.
" RUDE AND IDEL BEHAVER."
At a Cort holden at Farmington In and for hartford County may the 31 1758 presant Jared Lee Just peace for sd County Zachariah Ives of walingford In Newhaven County being atached and Caused to apear in Cort to answer as per writ Dated at Farmington may the 18 A d 1758 Signed thomas wells asistant to answer one Complaint Given Into Jared Lee Just peace for hartford County and say that the Ives was In the meting hous In Southington the 26 day of Feb 1758 In the afternoone In the time of publick worship It being Saboth of Lords Day Did profain the same by a Rude and Idel Behaver Such as Smiling and Laufing and Intiseing others to the Same Eril which is a Gainst one Law of this Coloni page 139 and 140 as pr Complaint on File Dated march 17: 1758 signed Nathael Hitchcock Junr and Ebenezer Scott tithing men the sd Zach Ives pleads not Gilty as aledged the Evedence being heard In the premeses and Find the sd Zach Ives Is Gilty as aledged In sd Complaint and * ** * that sd Zachariah Ives shal pay as a fine thre Shiling Lawfull mony and Coast of Cort alowed £0-17-2 Lawfull mony whear of Execution Remains to be don Fine and fees paid by Zach Ives.
" WHISPERING AND LAUFING."
at a Cort holden at Farmington In hartford County April 26 1758 Presant Jared Lee Just peace for sd County, whearas John Beckwith Junr and Nathaniel messenger of sd Farmington being atached by vartue of one writ Dated April 25 1758 signed pr Jared Lee Just is peace and brought to answer In Cort to one Complaint Given by Elizer Scott and Nathaniel Hitchcock Junr Tithingmen of sd town In the behalf of our Lourd the king and say they being In the meting hous In Southington the 23 Day of April 1758 Between metings It being Subath or Lord's Day Did the sume profain by a Rude and Idel Behaver such as whispering and Laufing being a breach of Law pag 139-140-142 the sd Beckwith and mesenger plead Gilty as aledged In sd writ and ('om- plaint on File and Find that the sd John Beckwith Shal pay as a fine 0-3-0 Lawfull money and the sd nathaniel Messenger Shal pay as a ` fine 0-3-0 and Coast 0-3-0 Lawfull money whear of Execution
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HISTORY OF SOUTHINGTON.
Remains to be don beckwith hath paid Fines and Coast messenger oweth 0-6-0.
" LAUFING BETWEEN MEETINGS."
At a Court holden at Farmington In and For the County of hartford April 25 1758 present Jared Lee Just peace In and for sd County whear as Jane Hasard Jun' a minor Daughter of James Hasard of Farmington being Complained of by John webster Granjuror of and a Gainst the sd Jane hasard to Jared Lee Just peace For sd County being Gilty of the breach ofan Law of this Coloni page 139 by pro- faning sd Day whispering and Laufing between metings on the 26 Day of February 1758 the sd Jane Hasard withoute any Lawfull proses per- sonally Appeared In Cort and pleads Gilty aledged In sd Complaint theirfour Find the sd Jane Gilty and aledged and theirfour In Cured the penalty of Law In that case thre shiling as a fine to the town one shiling Coast of Cort alowed whear of Execution Remains to be don June 27 1759 then Recei'd 0-1-0
Jane Hassard Fine and Cost £0-4-0
BREACHI OF SABBATH.
at a Cort holden at Farmington In and for hartford County Septem- ber 27 A d 1759 Present Jared Lee Just peace for sd County Sowell thomas of waiingford In Newhaven County being Complained In the name and behalf of the king by Zachariah Gillit and Stephen Hitch- cock Granjurors of Farmington sd Granjurors say that the sd Sowell thomas Is Gilty of the breach of Saboth by a rude or profane behaver he being in the meting hous In Southington parish on the Suboth or Lords Day being the 26 Day of august Last past In the time of publick worship In the afternoon Did Laugh or smile and pul the heir of David pardy of sd Farmington all which Is Repugnant to one Good and holesom Law of this Coloni page 139 and 140 as pr Complaint on file Dated at Far- mington September 24 1759 the sd Sowell thomas being arested and Cawsed to Apear as pr writ on file Dated at Farmington September the 25 A d 1759 signed Jared Lee Just peace the sd Thomas pleads In Cort not Gilty as aledged In sd Complaint the Evidence being herd and fined the sd thomas Is not Gilty as aledged in sd Complaint and Dismissed pay Ing the Coast alowed £0-6-3
BREACH OF SABBATII.
at a Cort holden at Farmington for hartford County April 30 Day A.D 1760 presant Jared Lee Just peace for sd County Andrew Cullver of Farmington In sd County being arested by vartew of one writ sighned Jared Lee Just peace on the 29 Day of April Instant and brought to answer one Complaint Givin In to sd Jared Lee Just
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HISTORY OF SOUTHINGTON.
peace In the name of our Lord the king by Josiah Newill Granjuror In which Complaint tis aledged that the sd Cullver Is Gilty of profan- ing the Saboth or Lords Day on the 13 Day of April Instant by unlawfull words aboute John Thomas being at the hous of publick worship In South- ington and on the way home by unlawful words and actions the sd Andrew Cullver pleads Gilty In maner and form as aledged In sd Complaint and thearfour Find sd Andrew Cullver Gilty as aledged In sd Com- plaint and order him to pay, to the town, as a fine, : 3s : and Coast alowed 0-3-10 Lawfull money
Fine and Charge paid by Andrew Cullver.
BREACH OF SABBATH.
at a Cort holden at Farmington In hartford october 6: 1762 presant Jared Lee Just peace for sd County John Bortholomew of Farmington In sd County being Complained of by David Clark tithingman In the Name of the King being In Southington metinghous on the 29 Day of August Last past and Did thear profane the same being Saboth or Lords Day by a rude and profane behaver by playing with his hand and fingers at his hair being a breach of one law of this Colony Law Bok pag 139 as per Complaint on file Dated Farmington Sep 25: 1762 the sd John appeered In Cort and Confesed Judgment a Cording to Complaint their find the sd John Bartholomew Gilty and Shal pay as a fine 38 mony and Cost one shiling 38 :
Fine and Coast paid by the said John
ASSAULT ON THIE SABBATH.
at a Cort holden at Farmington In hartford County February the 16 1762 present Jared Lee Just peace for hartford County Andrew Culver of Farmington In sd County withoute a lawfull proses volen- teryly Confes Judgment a Gainst him self on one sertin Complaint Given In to me Jared Lee Just peace by obadiah Andrus Constabel In the Name of the King wher In the Complainant saith the sd Andrew Is Gilty of one Law of this Coloni page 140 the Andrew being on the Rhode between the meting hous and his plaes of abode the tenth Day of Instant Janeuary 1762 It being Saboth or Lords Day Did the same profan by wicked and Rude behaver such as throing Down phebe Adkinds on the Ice as pr Complaint on file Date Farmington January 26: 1762 theirfouer Find the sd Andrew Culver Is Gilty as aledged and shal pay as a fine to the town tresuar 3s Lawfull money and Coast alowed 0-1-0 money whear of Execution Remains to be Don
February 16: 1762 then Andrew Culver paid Fine and fees : 4s :
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HISTORY OF SOUTHINGTON.
NEGLECT OF PUBLIC WORSHIP.
at a C'ort holden at Farmington in hartford County october 20: 1764 presant Jared Lee Just peace For Sd County John Gladden a'tranchan parson being atached and brought to answer one Complaint Given In by Samuel Hocker Jun' Granjury whear In the Complaint Saith the sd John Gladden Is Gilty of neglecting ' the publick worship of God on the Laste Sabath In September and the First and Second Saboth In october In the year A: D 1764 as pr Complaint Dated october 17: 1764 the sd John pleads Gilty as aledged thearfouer Find the sd John Gladden Shall pay as a fine the sum of 38 pr Days neglect as pr Complaint which In the hol Is the sum of £0-9-0 Law mony to the tresuar and Coos aloud one Shiling Fine and fees paid by Gladden
TRAVELING ON SABBATII.
at a Cort holden at Farmington In hartford County may 1: 1767 presant Jared Lee Just peace for sd County John mody of harington In Litchfield County being brought to answer an Complaint by one of the Granjurors of sd Farmington For traviling ? on the Rode From Southington parish to Farmington First Sociaty on the First Day of march 1767 being Saboth or Lords Day the sd John Confesed Judgment on sd Complaint Dated march 16 1767 thearfouer Find the sd John mody shall pay as a fine to the town £1-0-0 mony and Coast £0-2.4 Fine and Fees paid
PLAYING CARDS.
at a Cort holden at Farmington In hartford County march 15: 1762 presant Jared Lee Just peace for sd County Luther Evens & Stephen munson miner sun to Reubin munson John Bartholamew sun to Abraham Bartholamew and John Gillitt sun to Zachariah Gillitt miners all of Farmington In sd County being atached by writ on file Dated the 8 Day march 1762 sighned Jared Lee Just peace and brought to Answer unto one sertin Complaint In the Name of the King Givenin to Jared Lee Just peace by Reubin Hart Granjuror whear In the Complainant Complains that the sd Luther Evens & Stephen munson John Bartholomew & John Gillitt being at the dweling hous of Reubin munson in Farmington and Did their play at Cards on the Evening next after the 1: Day of February A: D 1762 being contrerary to one Good and holsom .Law of this Coloni Law Book page 81 Intiteled against Gaiming as pr writ on File Dated at Farmington this 8 day of march A: D 1762
1 There seem to have been but two prosecutions for negleet of publie worship, after 1750. Either the people were very prompt in this duty, or the law was seldom enforced. 2 Only two cases are recorded of arrests for this act.
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HISTORY OF SOUTHINGTON.
the sd Luther Evens Reubin munson John Bartholomew John Gillitt plead Not Gilty as aledged In said Complaint the Evedences being herd at Larg and Finde the sd Luther Evens Stephen munson John Bartholomew John Gillitt are Found Gilty as aledged In sd Complaint and Finde the sd Luther Evens Stephen munson John Bartholomew John Gillitt shal pay a fine Each of the sum of one pound Lawfull mony to the town tresuar and Coast of prosecution alowed 0-2-0 Each of sd Delinckants and stand commited
Fees paid by the Defts and Fines paid by Notes to inr Elisha Lewis tresuar.
" SWEARING."
at a Cort holden at Farmington In hartford County presant Jared Lee Just. of peace for said County whearas Nathaniel Duglas of walingford In Newhaven County was atached by vartew of one writ Dated December the 20 Day 1760 and brought to answer unto one Complaint Given in to Jared Lee Just peace whearin the complaint saith that the sd N Duglas Did on or aboute the 24 Day of November Last he being In the Dweling hous of Samuel Root In Farmington sd nathiel Duglas he not having the Fear of God befour his Eyes Did then and their swear Rashly & vainly & profainly by the hole name of God all which Is contrerary to one Good and holsom Law of this Coloni page 195 the sd Nathael Duglas apeared and pleads he Is not Gilty as aledged In said Complaint the Evedence being herd under oath and Find the sd Duglas Is Gilty as aledged In said Complaint and order the sd Nathaniel Duglas shal pay as a fine to the town the sum of six shiling Lawfull mony and Coast of prosecution and Stand Commited till said Fine and Fees to be paid Coast taxed and alowed fine 6 £0-8-9 whearof Execution Remains to be don.
ASSAULT AND TRESPASS.
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