USA > Connecticut > Litchfield County > Sharon > General history of the town of Sharon, Litchfield County, Conn. from its first settlement, 2nd ed. > Part 10
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
120
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF SHARON.
His Epitaph.
Sacred to the memory of the Hon. John Canfield, A member of Congress from this State, who died the 26th day of October, A. D. 1786, in the forty-sixth year of his age.
'Tis not for lifeless stone to tell thy worth,
A partner's heart the deep impression wears, Thy orphans oft, around this hallowed earth,
Shall tell a father's love with speaking tears, And numerous friends who swelled the tide of grief, Thy great and generous deeds shall oft relate,
Thus through revolving years thy name shall live,
'Till to immortal life, this slumbering dust shall wake.
Canfield, Hon. Judson, was a son of Col. Samuel Can- field, of New Milford, and a nephew of Hon. John Canfield. He graduated at Yale College in 1782. He came to Sharon in 1787, and commenced the practice of law. He built the house now occupied by J. P. and G. D. Goodwin and lived there. He was a member of the house of representatives at seventeen sessions, and for several years a member of the council. He was also a judge of the court of common pleas. He left Sha- ron in 1815, and removed to the State of Ohio, where he died in 1839, at the age of more than eighty years.
Canfield, Col. Samuel, was a brother of the preceding, and came to Sharon in early life. He was an assistant commissary of issues in the war of the revolution, and towards the close of his life drew a handsome pension. He was for many years a merchant of extensive business, and was town clerk from 1792 to 1815, having succeeded Daniel Griswold, Esq., in that office. He was a member of the assembly at several sessions. He died while on a visit at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., on the first day of Oc- tober, 1837, at the age of eighty-three.
Carrier, Deacon Timothy, was from Colchester, in 1747. He bought of Jacob Bacon a part of the twelfth home lot, where Charles Benton now lives. He was appointed a deacon of the church in 1766, which office he held until his death. He had but one son who survived him, and he removed from
I2I
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF SHARON.
the town soon after the decease of his father. He died on the 22d of February, 1781, at the age of eighty-two. His wife died about the same time, and the stone which marks their resting place has upon it the following
Epitaph. Here man and wife, secure from strife, Lie slumbering side by side, Though death's cold hands dissolved the bands, It could not them divide. This tomb shall burst and yield its trust, This pair will live again,
With purer love to soar above, Where joys immortal reign.
Cartwright, Nicholas, was the common ancestor of the Cartwright family, which have been numerous in the town. He was originally from Barnstable, Massachusetts, and lived a short time on' Philip's Patent, now South-East, N. Y. He came to Sharon in 1756, and settled near the place where Austin Cartwright now lives. He was baptized in September, 1781, when he was nearly eighty years of age. He died in May, 1782. He had three sons, Reuben, Christopher and Samuel. Reuben lived where George W. Peck lived. He died, leaving a numerous family, in May, 1790, aged forty. Christopher lived near David Curtis's late residence, and before the revolutionary war he removed to Shaftsbury, Vermont. In 1775, he joined the army under General Montgomery, and was in the battle of Quebec, in which Montgomery fell. He died of the small-pox, in the American camp, on the island of Orleans, before the retreat from Canada. Samuel lived where Austin Cartwright now lives. He was also in the army with his brother Christopher, but escaped his untimely end. He lived to a good old age, and died January 17th, 1819, aged seventy-eight. He left two sons, Nicholas and Auson, who are both now deceased.
Chaffee, Joshua, was from Mansfield, and came to Sharon in 1755. He married the only child of Matthew St. John, Jr.,
*16
I22
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF SHARON.
and first settled where John B. Smith now lives. In 1760 he removed to Ellsworth, where his son Joel S. Chaffee lived. He died in 1789, aged fifty-six. He left three sons, Joel, Matthew and Joshua B. Matthew died soon after the death of his father. Joshua B. died in 1832. He was at the time of his death one of the magistrates of the town.
Chamberlain, Deacon Isaac, was born in New Marlborough, Mass., and came to Sharon with his step-father, Mr. John Hol- lister, in 1756. He was a carpenter and joiner by trade. He married a daughter of Jonathan Sprague, and had several child- ren. He entered the army early in the revolutionary war, and was sergeant of artificers. He was appointed deacon of the Congregational Church in 1799, which office he held till his death. He was a man of strong mind, of great decision of character, and for many years was one of the pillars of the town.
His Epitaph.
Deacon Isaac Chamberlain, a patriot of '76, A soldier of the revolution, and for many years of his subsequent life an officer of the first church in Sharon. Born in New Marlborough, Mass., Oct. 24, 1756, died at Sharon, July 14, 1833.
Grounded and settled in the faith .- St. Paul.
Chapman, Obadiah, was from Colchester, and came to Sharon in 1741. He settled in the south part of the town, opposite Frederick Carter's present residence. He was the owner of a large real estate. He died in 1761. He left four sons, Obadiah, Pelatiah, Matthias and Robért. Obadiah died in 1763. Pelatiah was the father of the late William Chapman, and he died in 1759. His widow afterwards mar- ried Dr. Ashbel Goodrich. Robert, the youngest son, and the survivor of them all, was a soldier in the old French war, and after his return from the service settled in the south west part of the town, where his son, the late Elijah Chapman lived. He died in 1814, at the age of eighty. He was the father of the late Obadiah Chapman.
123
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF SHARON.
Chapman, Samuel, was from Colchester. He came with the first settlers. He settled on the forty-sixth home-lot, near John Jackson's. He afterwards removed to the lower end of Abel street where his grandson, Caleb Chapman, lived. He had three son, Samuel, Ezekiel and Nehemiah. Caleb Chapman is a son of the last named. Ezekiel died a soldier in the French war.
Chappel, Amos, was a son of Caleb Chappel, of Lebanon, one of the original proprietors. He came to Sharon in 1760, and settled in Ellsworth, where Charles B. Everett lives.
Church, Jehiel, was from Great Barrington, Mass., and lived a little north of the late Adolphus Everett's. He died May 1, 1819, at the age of seventy-seven. He had nine children.
Cluxton, Samuel, was originally from the old Plymouth colony. He came to Sharon in early life. He lived where Ansel Cartwright lived. He was a faithful soldier in the revo- lutionary war and died in 1820.
Cole, Caleb, was from Norwalk, and came to Sharon in 1748. He settled on the place now owned by his great grand- son, Albert Cole. He had sons, Zebulon, Matthew and David, which last named was the father of Caleb Cole and Richard B. Cole. He died in 1780.
Coleman, Josiah, came from Hebron in 1771. He lived near where Austin Cartwright lives. He was a son of Noah Coleman, of Colchester, one of the original proprietors of the township. He was a practical surveyor, and was considerably employed in that business. He was a member of the General Assembly in October, 1783, and in May, 1784, and again in May, 1788. He was also a delegate to the convention which ratified the Constitution of the United States, to the adoption of which he was very strongly opposed. One of his sons, Josiah, was taken prisoner at Fort Washington, in 1776, and on his return from captivity died at Milford, January 8th, 1777, of disease contracted in the British prison-ships. He had four other sons, Aaron, Elihu, Jesse and Amasa. The
124
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF SHARON.
eldest, Dr. Aaron Coleman, lived at Warren, to a very advanced age. Mr. Coleman died February 23, 1813, aged eighty.
Epitaph. When rocks dissolve and skies in smoke decay,
Rise, sleeping dust, to an unclouded day.
Comstock, Samuel, was from Lyme, and came into Sharon with the first settlers. He built a log house directly opposite John B. Smith's dwelling house, and a cluster of apple-trees which he planted the first year, is still standing. He was the first collector of taxes in the town, and was a highly respecta- ble man. He sold his place in 1748 to Deacon Matthew St. John, of Norwalk, and himself removed to New Fairfield. His home-lot was the thirty-second.
Conkling, Capt. Benjamin, was from Norwalk, and lived for many years where Charles VanDeusen lived, in the Valley. He was often appointed selectman of the town, as well as to other offices. He afterwards lived in Vermont for several years, but towards the close of life returned to Hitchcock's Corner, where he died on the Ist of October, 1823, at the age of eighty-six. He was the father of Dr. Ebenezer H. Conk- ling, who formerly lived at Hitchcock's Corner.
Corbet, John, was the first settler at the place where the late Samuel Petit lived, in the north part of the town, now owned by George Lamb. He was from Lebanon in 1743. He built a saw-mill, at an early day, near Abel Benedict's. He afterwards lived on the mountain at the Elderkin place, so called, near Elijah Marsh's former residence.
Crippen, Jabez, was from Colchester, and was an original proprietor of the township. He drew the twenty-first home- lot, and his house stood on the ground now occupied by the Grosvenor house, so called, nearly opposite Governor Smith's. He was the first selectman ever chosen in the town. He had sons, Jabez, John, Samuel, Thomas and Joseph. His son Thomas lived where Milo R. Calkin now lives. About the year 1752, the father removed with several of his sons, into Amenia, N. Y., near where the late Jonathan Pennoyer lived ;
125
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF SHARON.
and that neighborhood was formerly called Crippentown. Mr. Crippen died at Manchester, Vermont, about 1785.
Crocker, Oliver, was from Lebanon, before the revolution- ary war. He settled where Philander Abel now lives, and died April 12, 1812, at the age of eighty-one. His widow died recently, at the age of more than ninety years. He left no son.
Curtice, Caleb, was from Hebron and was an original pro- prietor. He drew the thirtieth home-lot, and lived where Ezra H. Bartram, Esq., now lives. He had sons, Caleb, Jere- miah, Daniel and Nathaniel. Caleb lived at the Lockwood place, near John S. Jewett's. Jeremiah lived at the Hanchet place, now occupied by A. Bryan, and Daniel at the place owned by the late Capt. Gibbs. Nathaniel lived on the home- lot. He was killed by the kick of a horse, October 19, 1802. Mr. Curtice, the elder, died November 20, 1777, at the age of seventy-four.
Curtis, Seth, was from Danbury, and came to Sharon in 1782. He lived where Geo. W. Peck formerly lived. He was the father of the late Noah Curtis, and of the late David Curtis. He died March 27, 1804, at the age of sixty-seven.
Day, Thomas, was from Colchester and came to Sharon in 1755. He lived where Thomas N. Lucas, Esq., now lives on the mountain. He had two sons, Jonathan and Jeremiah, the former of whom died in early life. His younger son, Jeremiah, was educated at Yale College and graduated in 1756. Soon after he left college he was married, and settled in town as a farmer. He was constable in 1765, and 1766, and selectman the latter year. He was representative to the Assembly in October, 1766, and in May, 1767. His wife died in August, 1767, and soon after that event he turned nis attention to the ministry. He was, for many years, the minister of the parish of New Preston, in Washington. He was the father of the Rev. Jeremiah Day, D. D., President of Yale College and the Hon. Thomas Day, for many years Secretary of the State of Connecticut.
.
I26
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF SHARON.
Epitaph. In memory of Mr. Jonathan Day, who departed this life January 8, 1763. Spectator ! here you see Exemplified in me, What you must shortly be.
In memory of Mrs. Sarah Day, the late amiable consort of the Rev. Jeremiah Day, who departed this life Aug. 25, 1767. She gives life, but O, pitiable consideration ! gives it at the expense of her own, and at once becomes a mother and a corpse. Flere et meminisse relictum est.
In memory of Mr. Thomas Day, Died February 28, 1772, aged eighty-two. Life how short, Eternity how long !
Davis, Jonathan, was from Rutland, Mass., and came to Sharon in 1746. He purchased of Jacob Bacon, the sixth home-lot, opposite the stone house formerly owned by Anson Boland. He sold this property in 1750, and purchased a large tract of land below Hitchcock's Corner. He had one son, Ezra, who died in early life, leaving a widow and three child- ren. Mr. Davis afterward lived over the line, in Oblong, but where he died is not known.
Delano, Deacon Thomas, was from Wareham, Mass. He lived a short time in Tolland, and came to Sharon in 1759. He settled in the southwest part of the town. The name was originally spelt De La Noy. Mr. Delano was chosen deacon of Mr. Knibloe's church in 1767. He died September 8th, 1803, aged seventy-seven. He had two sons, Jethro and Ste- phen, the latter of whom died in 1840, at the age of more than ninety years.
Epitaph. In memory of Jethro Delano, who died July 17, 1787, aged twenty-nine.
127
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF SHARON.
Virtue alone to him did give, The gift of knowing how to live ; A pattern to the growing youth, A never failing friend of truth.
Deming, Daniel, was from Saybrook, and came to Sharon in 1782. He purchased of Amos Tyler, the place where his widow afterwards lived. He was the father of Stephen Dem- ing, Esq., late of Litchfield, and Dr. Ralph Deming of Sharon. He died May 15, 1816, at the age of sixty-six.
Dibble, Capt. Ebenezer, was from Salisbury in 1776. He lived in the Great Hollow, near the watering place. He sold his farm to Adonijah Maxam in 1795, and removed to Sarato- ga county, N. Y.
Dibble, Ebenezer, was a son of Rev. Ebenezer Dibble, of Stamford, formerly Episcopal missionary in Sharon. He was a merchant and owned the brick house now known as the Tay- lor house. In 1781 he sold out to Robert G. Livingston, Esq., of New York, and removed to Pine Plains, N. Y., where he died. He was the father of the late Fyler Dibble, Esq.
Dotey, Capt. Samuel, was the ancestor of the Dotey family. He was from the old Plymouth colony, and came to Sharon in 1747. He lived a little south of Dwight St. John's. He practised surveying. He and his wife were both cut off by the small-pox in 1784. He had a son, David, who was a phy- sician, and lived near Hitchcock's Corner, and was for a while a captain in the revolutionary service. He died February 9, 1817, at the age of seventy-six.
Downs, David, Esq., was from New Haven, and came to Sharon about the year 1768. He married a daughter of Mr. Thomas Day, and settled on the mountain near John Jackson, Jr. He was a tailor by trade. He was captain of a compa- ny in the revolutionary service, and was, with his company, taken prisoner at the Cedars in Canada, in 1776. He was for many years one of the magistrates of the town, and one of its representatives in the Assembly at eleven sessions. He had several sons who maintained a highly respectable character, but
I28
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF SHARON.
there are none of his descendants remaining in the town. He died December 13, 1813, at the age of seventy-seven.
Dunham, Capt. Jonathan, was from Colchester, and was a leading man in the first settlement of the town. He lived opposite Richard Smith's, and there kept the first tavern in the town. He was the agent to the Assembly to procure the in- corporation of the township, and was appointed to call the first town meeting. He was standing moderator of all the town meetings holden during his life time, and selectman of the town during the same period. His race, however, was a short one, as he died on the 28th day of February, 1745, at the age of fifty-nine. He had several sons, one of whom, Samuel, built the stone house, formerly owned by Anson Bo- land. Capt. Dunham's grave stone is the oldest one in our church yard.
Elliott, Samuel S., was from Killingworth and came to Sharon in 1780. He purchased of his brother-in-law, Reuben Hopkins, the place where Henry Reed now lives. His wife was the daughter of Col. John Williams. He was the father of John A. Elliott, formerly a very worthy citizen of the town. He died on the 22d day of April, 1812, at the age of sixty.
Elmer, Deacon Jonathan, was from Norwalk, and came to Sharon in 1746. He first purchased of Caleb Jewett, the lot on which Gov. Smith lived, and there resided till 1751, when he sold it to Jonathan Gillet, and removed to what is now called the Martin place, near the stone bridge. There he lived till his death, January 5, 1758, at the age of seventy- three. Ile was highly respected as an officer in the church, and as a member of society. He had several sons, who lived in town, but there are none of his descendants bearing his name, remaining among us.
Elmer, Martin, was a son of the preceding, and was a cooper by trade, and a Baptist by religious profession. He lived a bachelor, and died on the 8th day of August, 1778, at the age of seventy-three. The following epitaph is said to be highly expressive of his character :
129
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF SHARON.
In silent shade, Here lies the dust Of him who made, The Lord his trust.
Elmer, Colonel Samuel, was a son of Deacon J. Elmer, and was a brave officer in the revolutionary war. He was ap- pointed a major in Colonel Hinman's regiment, in 1775, and was engaged in active duty in the campaign of that year. The next year he was appointed a colonel in the New York line, and continued in command of a regiment while he re- mained in the army He lived in the town until about 1801, when he removed to the town of Elmore, in Vermont, where he remained until his death. He was the father of John Elmore, Esq., of Canaan .*
Everett, Ebenezer, was from Hebron, in 1745, and settled where Adolphus Everett lived. He had three sons, Isaiah, Ebe and Eliphalet, the two latter of whom were revolutionary soldiers. Eliphalet was for several years the steward of Gene- ral Washington's military family. He lived many years where Everitt Dunbar now lives, in Ellsworth, but spent the latter part of his life in Watertown, N. Y. Isaiah Everett died August 4, 1834, at the age of eighty-two, leaving sons Adolphus, Asa, Gamaliel, Russell and William. Ebe Everett died Janu- ary 5, 1840, at the age of eighty-six, leaving sons, Samuel E., Augustus, Elmore and John.
Everett, John, was a brother of Ebenezer Everett, and came to Sharon from Windham in 1757. He was a blacksmith by trade, and lived on the road which formerly led north from Joel Whitford's, now discontinued. He had but one child, a daughter, who married Ebenezer Sprague. Mr. Everett went to Ohio, in the early settlement of that state, and died there.
Foster, David, was from Lebanon in 1750. He lived on the place which was occupied by the late John Jackson, who was his son-in-law. He was a leading man in the affairs of the
* Colonel Elmer's name was by mistake spelt Elmore, in the commission he received from Congress, and from that circumstance, he adopted the latter method of spelling it, and it has been continued by the family till the present time.
17
130
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF SHARON.
town for many years. He was a member of the Assembly at the October sessions in 1763 and 1764, and selectman eight years. He died in 1793.
Foster, Elijah, was a son of the preceding, and was a highly respectable man. He lived where John Jackson now lives, and was an early favorite of the town. He was for many years a constable. He entered the continental army as a lieu- tenant in the campaign of 1776, and was in active service till the close of the year.
His Epitaph.
Here lies the body of Lieut. Elijah Foster, who died of the small-pox, January 14, 1777. in the forty-second year of his age, on his return from the army. Inspired with freedom and her virtuous cause, To save his country from a tyrant's laws, Resolved an end to the unnatural strife, And in the glorious conflict, lost his life.
Frisbie, Deacon Ebenezer, was from.Branford, and was the first settler at the place occupied by the late Benjamin Bailey, on the Ellsworth turnpike. He came to Sharon with the first settlers, and being a surveyor, he was much employed in laying out lands in the early location of the township. He was town clerk from December, 1743, to January, 1746, and one of the deacons of the church nearly the whole of the time of his res- idence in the town. He had one son, Capt. Hezekiah Frisbie, who settled where Aaron Dunbar now lives, in Ellsworth. He died October 20, 1793, aged eighty-nine.
Epitaph. How short is life we mortals see, How long is vast eternity, In time prepare for death and be Happy to all eternity.
Deacon Frisbie was buried in the Ellsworth grave yard.
Fuller, Benjamin, was from Colchester, and came with the first settlers. He lived on the next lot below Governor Smith's.
131
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF SHARON.
He was among the first who died in the town, having departed this life in December, 1740. His widow afterwards married Nathaniel Skinner, Esq. He had three sons, Matthew, Josiah and Benjamin, the latter of whom was father of the late Capt. John Fuller.
Gager, Dr. Samuel R., was born at Norwich, May 23, 1763, and was an assistant surgeon in the 'navy in the revolu- tionary war. Soon after the close of the war he visited Eng- land. He established himself in Sharon in the practice of surgery in 1788. He was long celebrated in his profession, and was much respected as a citizen. He represented the town in the Assembly in the years 1821, 1822 and 1829. He was also for many years a justice of the peace. He died August 4th, 1835 .*
Gallow, Joseph, was from Hudson, N. Y., in 1785. He owned and occupied the place where R. W. Noyes now lives, and kept a tavern there for many years. He finally returned to Hudson, where he died.
Gay, John, Esq., was born in Dedham, Mass., and in early life settled in Litchfield, and was among the first white inhabi- tants of that town. In 1743 he came to Sharon, and pur- chased of Israel Holley, the thirty-ninth home-lot, which was in the north part of the town. His house stood nearly oppo- site the present residence of his great-great-grandson, George Gay, Esq., and was standing till within a few years. Mr. Gay was a highly respectable man, and lived to the advanced age of ninety-four. He died on the 6th of August, 1792. He had sons, John, Ebenezer, Fisher and Perez. John was the father of the late Capt. Daniel Gay. He died January 1, 1776, at the age of forty-eight. Ebenezer was a merchant, and built the brick house lately owned by Reuben K. Hunt. He was a colonel in the militia, and frequently commanded detachments in the revolutionary war. He was the father of the late Mr.
* It is worthy of remark that William Gager, the ancestor of the Gager family in this State, was of the same profession as his descendant here noticed. Gov. Dudley calls him a " right godly man and a skillful chyrurgeon." His son John came to Connecticut with the younger Goy. Winthrop; and settled in New London, and from him Dr. Gager descended.
I32
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF SHARON.
David Gay. He died July 16, 1787, at the age of sixty-one. Fisher Gay settled in Farmington, where his descendants now reside. He died in the city of New York, early in the revolu- . tionary war. Perez Gay died of the small-pox in 1784. He was the father of Calvin Gay, Esq.
Gibbs, Job, was from Wareham, Mass., and came to Sha- ron in 1747. His house was the one next south of the Gov- ernor's mansion. Mr. Gibbs was a merchant and did a large business for those times He had three sons, Sylvanus, He- man and Job. Capt. Sylvanus Gibbs, the eldest, was an officer in the revolutionary war, and died on the 19th of June, 1834, at the age of eighty-one.
Epitaph.
Here lies interred ye body of Job Gibbs. He died of ye small-pox, Dec. in ye 18th, 1760, in ye 37th year of his age.
I'm here confined, as you must be,
Oh then prepare to follow me,
Because from death no age is free, Get faith in God's eternal Son, In him there is salvation, Boast not thyself of coming time,
Because to morrow is not thine, Seek then, to-day, that you may find.
Gillett, Jonathan, was from Colchester, in 1745. He lived in several places during his early years, but finally established himself, in 1753, where George Skinner now lives. Here he resided thirty years, and kept a tavern. He sold his place in 1783, and purchased of Timothy Carrier, Jun., the place where Charles Benton now lives, where he resided till his death. He was representative to the Assembly at the May and October sessions in 1788, and a delegate to the convention called to ratify the constitution of the United States. His wife was a daughter of Thomas Day, and sister of Rev. Jeremiah Day, of New Preston. Mr. Gillett died December 31, 1814, at the age of eighty-nine.
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.