USA > Connecticut > Hartford County > Farmington > Farmington town clerks and their times (1645-1940) > Part 21
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35
If we mention, in passing, the death on September 24, 1866, of the Reverend Noah Porter, for sixty years pastor of the Congregational Church, it is only that after the tributes already
Ruins of Stone Store after fire of July 21, 1864 The former E. H. Deming home and the Parsonage stand now on the site of the store and office building
PA
237
Thomas Cowles
paid this loved pastor by those who knew him, anything we might say would be mere repetition.
He was born in Farmington December 23, 1781, a descendant in the fifth generation from Robert Porter, an original settler in the town and one of the seven founders of the church. Noah Porter was the son of Noah and was born in the family home- stead on Main Street, but as a boy, moved with his father's family to the large farm on Avon Road, where for many years the town almshouse was later maintained. As he grew older and showed a great desire for study, he was sent to spend one winter at the home of the Reverend Joseph Washburn, then pastor of the church, where he helped about the farm and was assisted in his studies, as was common in those days, by the minister. It was found possible for him to attend Yale College, taking the theological course after his college course.
Mr. Washburn died in 1805 and the young theological stu- dent was invited in 1806 to fill the pulpit, temporarily. His pastorate lasted sixty years. He married in 1808, Miss Me- hitable Meigs of Middletown, and they were the parents of Noah, later president of Yale College, Samuel Giles Meigs, and the Misses Maria, Elizabeth and Sarah Porter.
Noah Porter's address on the fiftieth anniversary of his pas- torate in the church, was one of the outstanding events of his years there. That of his son, Noah, who at the age of twenty- nine years, on November 4, 1840, made the now famous and valuable historical address in commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the founding of the town, and in 1871 the equally important 100th anniversary address of the building of the present church, assembled for the first time, valuable historical data of both town and church.
In 1808, Noah Porter built the brick house on Main Street, and here Miss Sarah Porter and her two sisters lived all of their lives. Miss Sarah later added the third story.
For the past two years, the house has sheltered children and their mothers, from war-torn England, as guests of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Porter Keep.
S
RETURN
ORIT E SON £
A FAT
Thomas Prendido
1868-1871, 1873-1879
A CONTEST between Thomas Treadwell and Chauncey Deming Cowles for the office of town clerk, high-lighted the town elec- tion of 1872, and the decision of William Gay, moderator of the election, declaring Mr. Treadwell elected, was set aside later that year by the Superior Court for Hartford County.
Mr. Treadwell had been town clerk first in 1868 and con- tinued until 1871 when he lost the election to Chauncey D. Cowles for two years. In 1871 Chauncey D. Cowles won out without doubt, but in 1872, a difference of opinion developed between the first and second districts and William Gay, moder- ator of the election, declared Thomas Treadwell elected on the strength of the ballots cast in the first voting district and re- fused to admit the ballots cast in Unionville, as in that district the polls had been kept open until 5 p.m., contrary, so said Mr. Gay, to the town ordinance of 1857 limiting the time of voting from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. However, Mr. Cowles, probably through correspondence with the secretary of state, knew that the Gen- eral Assembly meeting in New Haven in 1870 had ruled that ... "hereafter polls in Farmington should be open from 9 A.M. to 5 PM ... " and appealed to the Superior Court for a decision.
This was given on February 13, 1873, reading ". . . It is therefore considered by this Court and this Court doth adjudge that the said Thomas Treadwell has usurped the office of Town Clerk of said Town of Farmington in the information named and described and doth hereby oust the said Treadwell there- from, and doth further adjudge order and decree that the said Treadwell shall no longer in any way exercise the duties of said office and doth further adjudge and determine that the said
the the
his
SIC
lho
ICON
-
ho ex
239
Thomas Treadwell
Chauncey D. Cowles recover of the said Thomas Treadwell his costs and taxes allowed at the sum of ten & 20/100 Dollars and that execution issue therefrom."
The "ousting" of Thomas Treadwell, however, was short- lived, as on the following October, he was again elected town clerk and served without further dispute until the close of the fiscal year in November, 1879.
Mr. Treadwell returned to Farmington, from Albany, New York, in 1867. He was 57 years old and prosperous and immedi- ately became actively interested in the social and political af- fairs of his birthplace. He purchased in 1867, the entire north side of Maiden Lane, with its two ancient houses and the still empty site at the corner of the lane and Main Street where the Pitkin house had stood before the fire in 1864. He built the house which still stands there, its tall pillars, high ceilings and exquisite stairway still one of Farmington's most beautiful homes. The second house on the lane, is now the attractive home of Mr. and Mrs. George D. Mason and the third house at the corner of Canal Street and the lane was razed about 1910 n a bad state of repair.
And he lived across the street from his friend and political competitor, Chauncey Deming Cowles.
The first year of Mr. Treadwell's service as town clerk, he had with him as town treasurer William Gay, called affectionately by all "Deacon" as indeed he was. He was the father of Erastus Gay and had his store in the road at the end of Main Street. He vas a deacon in the church for twenty-five years, president of he Farmington Savings Bank, treasurer of the town through he trying war years, as well as later, moderator of town meet- ngs and elections, and generally considered one of Farmington's nost capable business men through all his active years.
Some interesting events occurred during these ten years. Among them were the efforts of a group to persuade the towns- nen to subscribe to railroad stock.
A special town meeting was held October 9, 1868, and the notion considered read in part: " ... Provided That before aid agent (of the town) shall subscribe for the same, the Direc- ors of said corporation, shall by vote and also by written agree-
1
.
240
Farmington Town Clerks and Their Times
ment with said agent, bond said corporation that the avails of such subscription shall be expended for said RailRoad easterly of the line of the Naugatuck Railroad in Winsted so far as to form a connection by said railroad between Hartford and Win- sted, for passenger and freight service trains, before any portion of said rails shall be extended westerly of Winsted. Also, that said railroad shall pass through the Farmington notch in the Mountain, on or near the lines run by the engineers, of the Connecticut Western Rail Road Company ..
"The following vote resulted after discussion limited to fifteen minutes each: Yes, 290; No, 320."
However, at another meeting called for November 4, 1868, the vote resulted in favor of a motion that the Town of Farm- ington, through its agent, subscribe to nine hundred shares of the capital stock of the Connecticut Western Railroad Com- pany, the vote this time being: Yes, 370; No, 297.
In the meantime Farmington voted for Grant for president with 439 votes as against 310 for Seymour.
And at the annual business meeting of November 30, 1868, the lines of the East Plains and White Oak School Districts were established.
April 17, 1869, at a special meeting a letter was read and discussed, from T. R. Fessenden "setting forth the duty of the Selectmen of the town concerning wandering and vagrant chil- dren. Whereupon it was Voted That the Selectmen of this Town be instructed immediately and strictly to enforce these statutes and to take charge of such children as are therein described, and to place such children under the care of the Directors of the Mansfield Home for Soldiers and other destitute children in accordance with the terms of the Statutes."
April 24, 1869 . . . "Voted that an amount not exceeding seven hundred dollars be and the same hereby is appropriated for the contemplated alteration of the Mountain Road leading to New Britain and the Selectmen are authorized to make any alteration in the construction of the New Road or widening of the Old they may think best and proper, and that the work be entered upon soon as possible."
At a special meeting held May 1, 1869, with Milton Hum-
-
-
241
Thomas Treadwell
phrey as moderator "to take such action as may be thought best respecting the Petition of Plainville to the next Legislature to be set off and made a separate town, to be called 'Welch' it was Voted that the selectmen and Representatives be instructed to procure a remonstrance against the granting of the petition for a division of the Town, and also to employ such legal Coun- sel as they should see fit to prevent the same."
At a special town meeting held August 14, 1869, three months after the incorporation of the town of Plainville, with Thomas Cowles as moderator, it was "Voted That the Select- men confer with the selectmen of Plainville and obtain their terms of settlement in writing if possible, and report at a future meeting." Also "Voted That the Treasurer of the School Society fund Samual S. Cowles, and the Town Treasurer William Gay, be added to advise and assist the Selectmen to make a settlement of all town matters with the Town of Plainville, provided it can be made satisfactory.
"A petition of 57 names was presented for the laying out and opening a road from the Plainville & Unionville road to the Litchfield and Hartford road through land of Mr. Youngs which was referred to the Selectmen to examine and report at a future meeting."
At an adjourned annual town meeting held November I, 1869, with Julius Gay as moderator " ... Voted That the select- men be and they are hereby directed to lay out and to make an estimate of the expense of an alteration of the Highway leading towards Hartford near Prattling Pond eastward, in conformity with a report made by them recommending such alteration "
At a meeting January 7, 1870 Julius Gay moderator:
"Voted That the consideration of the subject of and altera- tion of the line of the Hartford Road be indefinately postponed.
"Voted that in the opinion of this meeting, public conven- ience and necessity do not require the construction of a road such as is contemplated leading to the Copper Mines.
"Voted That W. M. Wadsworth, Chauncey Rowe & Charles L. Whitman be and the same are hereby appointed a committee
od he
es d o
1 0
b
at
ne
1- n
n
of
8,
ng
f
242
Farmington Town Clerks and Their Times
to procure a suitable Hearse for this portion of the Town, and report at a future meeting."
And on April 23, the sum of five hundred dollars was allowed for "such a hearse." At a meeting held December 31, 1870, the same committee was authorized to "procure or build a suitable hearse house."
On April 23, 1870, it was "Voted That the selectmen draw an order on the Treasurer of this town for Four Hundred Dol- lars in favor of Chauncey Rowe Executor on Estate of Charles H. Rowe, as a Soldier's Bounty in conformity with a vote of the town passed at a special meeting held August 30, 1864, said Charles H. Rowe having enlisted into the 18th Regiment Conn. Volunteers on the third day of Sept. 1864 for the term of three years and served until the close of the war when he received an honorable discharge June 22, 1865."
This was referred to the town attorney for review and at a meeting May 7, 1870, the vote was decided in the negative. However, at a meeting August 13, the motion was again brought up and voted in the affirmative.
At the May 7 meeting it was "Voted The Town give up and relinquish all right to the passway South of Erastus Gay's store." This vote was lost and an amendment was passed in- structing the selectmen to repair the above-named road and make it passable.
"Voted That the Selectmen open and make a road from Main Street to the New Road (Canal Street) at or near the south line of Mrs. Morton's land (Mrs. Dr. Morton lived in the old Howkins Hart house, where now stands the home of Florence Gay) at a cost not to exceed Three Hundred Dollars." This street was named Charpentier Avenue - now renamed Porter Road.
"Voted that the Town relinquish all right they may have to the land lately occupied by Union School District.
"Voted That the selectmen be authorized to lay out the High- way running west from Thomas Youngs to the Town of Bristol, and to be 2 rods in width if the laying out of said road shall be to the satisfaction of the petitioners for said road."
August 13, 1870, it was "Voted that the Town of Farmington
243
Thomas Treadwell
hereby authorize the Selectmen to quit claim all the right, title and interest in certain lands lying in front of the Cemetery in Unionville, to the wardens of Christ Church in the village of Unionville, said lands described as follows - Containing about 1/2 of an acre more or less, bounded North by Cemetery and by land conveyed in Farmington Town Records Vol. 54, page 108, East by Cemetery as the fence now stands, South and West by Highway. Reserving the right of passway to the Ceme- tery and also provided that said land shall be conveyed upon the provision that said land shall revert to the Town whenever the said Society shall fail to make use of said land for religious purposes."
November 7, 1870 .. . "Voted That the selectmen be di- rected to put up a head stone at the grave of every person buried in the Town House Burying Ground, with the name and age, if known, also the day month and year of his or her death cut upon it."
December 31, 1870 . . . "Voted That the selectmen enquire whether the Town has any right or title to the 'Mill Lane.' "
The selectmen and A. F. Williams were appointed to ascer- tain if the road leading from Main Street to the New Highway near Mr. Treadwell's could be made a town highway.
March 1, 1871, a meeting was organized with Hon. Thomas Cowles as moderator.
Whereupon Chauncey Brown presented his bill for five hundred dollars bounty money, and a vote offered that the amount be paid him was lost.
Albert C. Hart also asked the town for the payment of his claim of five hundred dollars, which was lost.
"Voted that the Selectmen be instructed to pay Anthony Stokes, John Harrigan and John Long a reasonable sum for clearing the snow from the roads in the winter of 1869 & 70."
April 29, 1871; Chauncey Rowe, chairman:
"Voted That we instruct our selectmen to take measures to oppose by all proper measures the petition of certain persons who have brought the same to the General Assembly to have our Town divided and a large section of the Town to be set to the Town of West Hartford."
nd ed he ble
ol- les of aid ın. ree an
ta ve. ain
up y's ın- nd
ine old ice
his ter
to
be on
244
Farmington Town Clerks and Their Times
At the annual town election October 2, 1871, Thomas L. Porter was moderator, Chauncey D. Cowles elected town clerk, and also town treasurer, Winthrop M. Wadsworth first select- man.
Following the annual election October 7, 1872, with the de- cision of William Gay, moderator, of the election of Thomas Treadwell as town clerk, Mr. Treadwell carried on as such clerk until "ousted" by court order in February 1873.
November 11, 1872 . . . "Voted at the annual business meet- ing That the town will pay to the school districts for the year ensuing for each teacher employed a sum not to exceed $9.00 per week for a time not to exceed 37 weeks, allowing four teachers to Union school District, two to Middle and one to each of the other districts except North district in which there may be two teachers for twelve weeks and one for the remainder of the term and that the town will pay the sum of $35. per year for fuel and incidental expenses for each school room.
"Voted that the Selectmen be authorized and instructed to build a lockup in Unionville at an expense not to exceed Five Hundred Dollars for the lot and building.
"Voted That until otherwise ordered by this Town the Select- men be instructed to call a Special town meeting annually on the last Monday in September at which meeting the printed annual reports of the selectmen, Road Commissioner, school visitors and Treasurer shall be presented for the consideration of the town.
"Voted that the selectmen be and hereby are directed to lay out a road of proper width from Roaring Brook to the road running north and south through the Village of Unionville and report at the next meeting of the town.
"Voted That the selectmen be directed to draw an order on the Treasurer for Three Hundred & fifty dollars in favor of E. C. Ayer or any other person who shall furnish the town of Farmington with a 3 Rod wide highway & a completed road to the acceptance of the three selectmen, from the Scott Swamp Road to Plainville Town line, as surveyed, always provided that the town of Plainville shall pass a vote to make their part
245
Thomas Treadwell
of the road and have built or begun to build and make the same."
October 6, 1873, Thomas Treadwell was again elected town clerk, and votes passed at the business meeting October 13 were, in part:
Petition of P. R. Day for permission to close up the Old High- way leading from the "Parting of the Path" to the river was refused.
"Voted That the Selectmen survey layout and build a road through Indian lane 3 rods in width and improve the road to Farmington Depot at a cost not to exceed $750."
November 22, 1873, at a special town meeting with William Gay as moderator:
"Voted That the Selectmen be and they are hereby in- structed to survey and lay out a highway 3 rods in width, com- mencing at a point on the highway near the residence of N. M. Webster and intersecting the Highway near the residence of George Audlum crossing lands owned by F. A. Tryon, N. M. Webster and B. C. Porter ... without charge to the town and to be the property of the town when completed."
August 29, 1874:
"Voted That the selectmen be instructed to build a Lockup in Unionville at an expense not exceeding Fifteen Hundred dollars ... that the vote passed Nov. 1I, 1872 be rescinded.
"Voted that the selectmen be instructed to lay out a road of proper width beginning at a point opposite the Cowles Hard- ware Co. and running through water street to a line of the East end of the Cowles Paper Co. Main two story building and when this road is laid out the survey shall be recorded in the Town Clerk's Office."
November 2, 1874 . . . "Voted That the Selectmen be in- structed to lay out a highway from the Lovely Street Road near the residence of Geo. Dunham across to the Avon Road near the residence of Geo. W. Payne, also from Main Street to the Lovely Street Road and report to a future meeting."
"Voted That A. F. Williams be permitted to lay a Lead Pipe across the old burying ground if in the judgment of the select- men it can be done without injury and under their instruction.
ed rt
on of of ad
ct- on ed
on
ay ad nd
to re ler ar to ve
L. rk, ct- de- has ich
et- car
246
Farmington Town Clerks and Their Times
"Voted that the selectmen be instructed to remove or cause to be removed all fences now standing in the established high- ways within six months.
"Voted That the selectmen are hereby directed to grade the walks in the Central Burying Ground as they are quite impass- able on a wet day. Also to erect and maintain a fence upon the north line of the grounds. That the selectmen be instructed to repair and paint the fence around the Scott Swamp Burying ground.
"Voted that the town treasurer be instructed to deposit the Town Funds in some National or State Bank where interest will be received upon the daily balances."
October 25, 1875, with Thomas L. Porter as moderator:
"Voted That the selectmen be authorized and instructed to change the layout and build a new road from Richards Mill in Unionville at an expense not to exceed One Hundred and twenty five dollars from the town treasury.
"Whereas the North, Middle and South school Districts have all voted in favor of the consolidation of their districts, The North and South with the understanding that a school for the younger scholars shall still be maintained in their present school houses,
"Voted That the North, Middle and South School Districts be and they are hereby united under the name of the Center School District.
"Voted That the selectmen be instructed to take the money belonging to the Town in the Savings Bank and appropriate the same to the payment of the Town Debt - provided they find it (on examination) to be legal.
"Voted That the selectmen be instructed to keep the water which collects on the south side of the road from Mr. Klauser's to the Deming lot also the water collecting on the north side in front of F. Woodfords turned past Mrs. E. L. Hart to Manion Brook."
The selectmen also made their report with regard to the lay- ing out of a road from Main Street to High Street in the village of Farmington, to be a continuation of Charpentier avenue which was accepted.
247
Thomas Treadwell
March 24, 1876, a special meeting with Chauncey Rowe as moderator:
"Voted That the selectmen are hereby instructed to lay out and build a new road commencing near the house recently occu- pied by Henry Olin and crossing the Mountain by the rout recently examined by the selectmen, and terminating near the house of Mr. Nott or at the place called the Brown Place. And also voted, The Town of Farmington will build or pay for building one half the proposed new road and keep the same in repair forever. Provided any other responsible party or parties will pay for or build the other half."
June 17, 1876, as special meeting with Chauncey Rowe as moderator:
"Voted That the selectmen be directed to remove the fences or cause them to be removed from the house of John P. Lewis westwardly to the 4 corners making it (the road) 3 rods wide. Provided it can be done without expense to the town."
Farmington voted in favor of all of the following Constitu- tional Amendments:
New towns of less than twenty five hundred inhabitants to be attached to Parent Town for representatives in the House of Representatives.
Providing for canvassing votes for state offices in November. Common Pleas Judges to be appointed for four years and City Judges for two years.
Probate Judges to be elected for two years.
Compensation of members of General Assembly limited to $300 and mileage.
Erasing the word "white" from electral qualifications.
October 2, 1876 the vote on licensing the sale of liquors was: First district - yes 65, no 81; Second district - yes 132, no 37.
At the state election November 7, 1876, it is recorded "Winthrop M. Wadsworth and Samuel Frisbie having the largest number of votes were declared elected (representatives). The Deputy Dem. Registrar of the Ist Voting District pro- tested. The meeting was then adjourned."
October 1, 1877, Farmington again voted in favor of consti- tutional amendments barring increase in compensation for any
st
to In nd ve he he pol cts ter hey ate hey ter er's : e in ion ay- age nue
se 1-
le S- ne to ng
248
Farmington Town Clerks and Their Times
member of the General Assembly, county, city, borough, town or school district officer or employee to take effect during the continuance in office of any person whose salary might be in- creased thereby; also an amendment forbidding any county, city, town, borough or municipality from subscribing to the capital stock of any railroad corporation, or become a pur- chaser of the bonds, or loan its credit directly or indirectly in aid of any such corporation. An exemption was made allowing any municipality to protect its credit by additional appropria- tions on previous contracts.
November 6, 1877, the town elected Charles L. Whitman senator and Thomas L. Porter and Samuel Frisbie as represen- tatives to the General Assembly.
February 18, 1878, a special town meeting with Hon. Thomas Cowles voted lengthy laws for the licensing, muzzling and impounding of dogs and added "Resolved that those persons who have killed or shall kill their dogs between the Ist day of October 1877 and the first day of April 1878 be relieved from the tax as on the same on list of 1877."
There was received from the Hon. Eli Burritt of New Britain, manuscript which he presented to the town, "The Colonial History of the Farmington Family of towns, collected with the annals of Connecticut, compiled by Mr. Burritt." Whereupon the following preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted:
"Whereas the Hon. Elihu Burritt of New Britain has this day presented to this town in manuscript and in a form alike attrac- tive and suitable for presentation 'The Colonial History of the Farmington Family of Towns' with the annals of Connecticut
"Thereupon we, the Citizens of Farmington in Town Meet- ing Assembled, in behalf of ourselves and of our fellow citizens do hereby adopt the following Resolutions: -
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.