USA > Connecticut > New London County > Groton > Historic Groton : comprising historic and descriptive sketches pertaining to Groton Heights, Center Groton, Poquonnoc Bridge, Noank, Mystic, and Old Mystic, Conn. > Part 9
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
EPISCOPAL CHURCH AND STREET SCENE
December, 1900, to March, 1904; Rev. Wel- come E. Bates, the present pastor, since July, 1904.
The deacons of the Second church previous to the union were Elisha Rathbun, Albert Edgecomb, William 11. Potter, Dudley Chese- bro. Those of the Third church were 11. N. Fish, Nathan G. Fish, George N. Wright, Lanman Lamb. The Union Baptist church continued N. G. Fish, Albert Edgcomb, W. Il. Potter and G. N. Wright. In 1868 there were chosen as .deacons Horace Clift, William I1. Smith, John Gallup and Leander Wilcox. In 1882 the first named of these resigned the ap- pointment. In April, 1886, Robert P. Wilbur, J. Alden Rathbun and John O. Fish were clected. Deacons Win. 11. Potter, John Gal- lup, Leander Wilcox and J. O. Fish have since
secrated by Bishop Williams, April 25, 1873. on St. Mark's day. Rev. W. F. Bielby was rector three years; Rev. J. A. Ticknor one year ; Rev. Samuel Hall one year; Rev. Joseph Hooper, six years; Rev. 11. 1 .. Mitchell, two years; Rev. Eugene Griggs, three years ; Rev. 11. 1 .. Mitchell, three years; Rev. A. C. Jones, the present rector, seven years.
The First Church of Christ, Scientist, Miss Grace W. Edick, first reader, and Charles 11. Latham, second reader, have a hall in Gil- Bert's block. Regular services are held Sin- day morning and Wednesday evening. The reading room is open daily,
Before the steam cars were running, freight was brought in vessels, and about 1850 there were regular lines of sloops running to New York, and to New London and Norwich,
8
HISTORIC GROTON
It can be seen that Mystic has become quite a business centre, and there appears no rea- son why it should not continue. It is cen- trally located between New York and Boston. It has a good river channel connection with the sound and ocean. The Shore Line rail- read depots are convenient for business, travel and shipments. The finishing touch for con- venience of travel has come with the Groton and Stonington Trolley Company, with ex- press cars for freight. Although it may not be classed an ideal section for high grade farming, there being some rocks and ledges, yet extra good crops of grain, fruit and ber- ries have been raised. It has, in quite recent years, been somewhat noted for blooded cat- tle. There are streaks of good granite in a number of ledges in the village limits, which have been used for building purposes.
It is a satisfaction to know that by the liber- ality of a gentleman of large wealth, who has located in the town, the old highway from Mystic over Fort Hill and through Poquon- nock is to be graded and macadamized. This is not the only instance of his .generosity. Now in the prime of life, it is hoped that he may enjoy a serene old age with abundant resources and a continuous will to help im- prove and adorn the town.
Changes are going on. They may appear hardly perceptible at first, but after the lapse of time they show out distinctly. In 1800, and for a quarter of a century later, the Flan- ders school district was one of the largest in numbers of any in the town. At that time the Fort Hill church outnumbered others. İt was the central place of worship for a large section of the town.
During the pastorate of Rev. Roswell Bur- rows, from 1809 to 1837, more than 700 had joined that church. The place of baptism for that section was not far north on the Flanders road. It was on the east side of the highway, northeast of the present residence of Mr. Ira Mosher, and just north of where then stood the home of Nathan and Phebe Mix. A deep cut drain under the higliway drains off the pond, but the basin in the meadow shows where it was. In those days a baptismal scene
was one of the chief events, and this location being near the centre of the present town limits, there would be a large assemblage from all directions. Now the scenes have changed, the population and the churches are elsewhere. To those who cherish sentiment, who are descendents of those worshippers, the old route from the meeting house to the baptistry, used for over half a century, seems like consecrated ground.
The Mystic River National Bank com- menced business in November, 1851, with Charles Mallory president. The Groton Sav- ings Bank commenced business in 1854 with Nathan G. Fish, president ; and the National Bank of Mystic Bridge (east side of the river) was organized in 1864, with Charles Mallory, president.
In the first half of the last century the local physicians were John O. Miner of Centre Groton, Mason Manning of Old Mystic, and Benjamin F. Stoddard. A half century ago they were E. Frank Coates, Alfred A. Coates, John Gray and A. W. Brown, and of those who studied and practised with them, Oscar M. Barber and Frank A. Coates.
The generations which preceded, did not have present day school advantages; very few liad wealth, yet as a community of intelligence and worthiness, their descendents may justly honor their memories. The public schools in the village are graded. On the east side (Stonington district) a fine new school house is being erected. In West Mystic, Prof. A. L. Pitcher is principal with an able corps of as- sistant teachers. For several years a teacher of drawing has been employed, Miss Francis E. Nye, who has given general satisfaction. The "Mystic Academy" building was first oc- cupied as an academy by John 1. Denison, principal, and afterwards purchased by the fifth school district. There are now nine teachers in West Mystic schools, one of them being in the Flanders district. In 1850 there were four teachers in all.
One of the events at that period was a school exhibition during the winter of '49-50. It was held one evening in the school house. which stood a few rods north of the Baptist church building, on the second floor, which
82
RESIDENCE OF MR. AMOS R. CHAPMAN
--
RESIDENCE OF MRS. JOHN S. RATHBONE The Corner Cupboard
RESIDENCE OF MRS. ANNIE L. WEBB
HISTORIC GROTON
RESIDENCE OF MR. ABERT STANTON. "BROADVIEW "
83
HISTORIC GROTON
was the room of the older scholars, with Wil- liam H. Potter teacher. Dudley A. Avery was teacher on the lower floor. It was the time when the California fever was raging, with visions of staking out claims and panning out the gold dust. It was a varied programme and the crowded building shook with the applause given those who took part. The teacher was on the stage and being a little apprehensive of danger requested the audience to be quiet and not stamp the feet. One of the pieces rendered was a popular song of the day by Frank L. Dudley. The visitors, some of whom were soon to sail for the land of gold, could not suppress their enthusiasm and joined in the chorus :
"Oh, California! Oh, that's the place for me! I'm bound for California with my washbowl on my knee."
He was closing up the song with "wash- bowl" in hand and the chorus was making the welkin ring, when the floor began to settle, letting them all down amid much confusion and outcries. The stage also dropped in front, thus sliding most of the audience to the lower floor. No one was seriously hurt. The exhibi- tion was afterwards repeated in a conference house with a fee to help pay the cost of re- pairs.
The Oral School for the Deaf, located on the hill near the north line of West Mystic, is a useful and successful institution. It re- ceives regular appropriations from the state. The pupils have recently numbered between forty and fifty.
The Universal Peace Society hold their an- nual meetings in their grove on "Great Hill," which is south from the Oral school grounds. These meetings are largely attended and no doubt are productive of good. There may be differences with some of the views expressed ; but no person can doubt the sincerity of the advocates, nor the merits of the cause.
The Mystic and Noank Library was found- ed in 1802. The library corporation was form- ed in 1893 and consists of five trustees. This large and elegant structure was the gift of Capt. Elihu Spicer. Some years ago he also purchased a farm home for the dependent
ones of the town. He has passed from us, but his liberality should not be forgotten.
During the war of 1812-14, the people along the coast were harassed by the British fleet. Commodore Hardy's men, besides their expe- rience at Stonington, also found their equals in this vicinity. During the year 1813, the sloop . Fox, Capt. Jesse Crary, was captured. Within a few weeks more than twenty Amer- ican sails were captured. Capt. Crary had escaped, and immediately planned for the re- capture of his vessel. The sloop Hero was fitted out from Mystic with a privateer's commission, Ambrose HI. Burrows, captain. They were provided with a four-pounder, fire- arms and ammunition. Before reaching Block Island they saw the Fox standing in with double reef. She came within two miles of the HIero when she became suspicions, tacked shipi and ran off. Both sloops were built by Eldredge Packer at West Mystic and were Hast vessels. The Fox was furnished with a six pounder, but the Hero keeping on her lee, she could not bring it to bear. The guns of the llero soon forced the Fox to change her course, and as she wore around, the Here ran her bowsprit through the Fox's mainsail ; they then grappled and fought hand to hand. The battle ended just at evening with a vic- tory for the Hero. It took place the last day of April, about ten miles southeast of Block Island. The next morning while the British were in hot pursuit the llero and Fox passed triumphantly up the river. The victors were mostly young men, and a number of them be- came masters of merchant vessels.
In June the enemy had captured and de- stroyed a sloop near the month of the river, and attempted to capture Capt. Jeremiah Ila- ley's sloop, which had grounded on Ram Point, but they were driven off. The location known as Fort Rachel, a natural fortification of rock on its east and south sides, a short distance south from the ferry, was manned as a defence by the citizens. A company had been formed, and Jonathan Wheeler the village blacksmith, was chosen captain. It was de cided to make the attempt to capture part of the British fleet.
84
HISTORIC GROTON
A barge was lault and fitted up as a decoy, loaded with barrels and boxes. Capt. Simeon Haley, Paul Burrows, John Washington, Hen- ry Park and Ezekiel Tufts managed her so as to attract attention when a black barge from the fleet with an officer and a dozen men gave chase. After some manoeuvering the de- coy men were driven ashore at Long Point, west of Noank, and fiercely followed up the bank by the British, who unexpectedly met the forces under Capt. Wheeler, which were
ed, and the atmosphere was one of war with the tramp of armed men ready for the fray. Isaac Park, one of the residents, was taken prisoner while off in his fishing boat, and held on board the frigate several days. Learning that he was a pilot, they tried to force him to steer their barge up the river one dark night. He apparently yielded and chose an hour when it was quite low tide. The barge was filled with men supplied with weapons. One of them kept his pistol pointing at Park, so
VIEW OF SHIPYARD FROM THE BRIDGE
lying in ambush. At the first fire of the mili- tia, which killed one and wounded others, the pursuers threw up their hands and surrender- ed. They were taken in their barge around to the ferry landing and to the Randall house, where the wounded were cared for. The dead Britisher was buried near the northwest cor- ner of the old Packer cemetery on the hill. The wounded recovered and later the prison- ers were exchanged.
It was much like a camp ground around the old landing. A raid or an attack was expect-
that he could understand he was to be shot if he attempted any trickery. They dipped the oars cautiously, but moved quite swiftly. When within range of the fort, Park veered his course and ran the craft on Clam Island, just south of the railroad bridge. As the ves- sel grounded and the attention of the men was taken from him, he jumped from the stern and swam into the channel. In the dark- ness he escaped. They made no further direct attempt to attack "that nest of wasps up the river."
85
HISTORIC GROTON
Judge R. A. Wheeler's report of the battle of Stonington in the County Ilistory, gives the names of those from Mystic Bridge as fol- lows : 1
Jeremiah Holmes, Nathaniel Clift, Simeon 1laley, Jeremiah Haley, Frederick Denison, Ebenezer Deni- son, Isaac Denison, Jr., and Frederick llaley. Capt. Holmes had command of the battery on the moth of August. Frederic Denison was killed.
West Mystic has furnished her full quota of men for all the wars. During the Civil war there were more than three hundred enlist- ments from the town.
The list of those killed, and who died in the service :
Capt. Jedediah Randall, Orrin D. Barker, Charles B. Andrews, Horatio N. Fish, Jr., Wilham H. Dur- lee, Benjamin Crossly, Lorenzo Burrows, Thomas risner, John Barns, Wimnam Brahieny, John Burk, witham Johnson, John L. Seignons, Adam C. Bent- ley, Witham C. renows, Elias W. Watrous, Julius A. Perkins, Cyrus J. f'ease, John F. Putnam, Edmund F. Smith, Abner N. Spencer, Samuel Vanaukin, Chauncy r. Wilcox, John Maynard, l'ruscius Bailey, Thomas Mamice, Witham 11. Watrons, Thomas 11. Shirley, James Finker, Wilham N. Mulkley, George A. Fish, Samuel Rathbun, William P. Latham.
Many have died from wounds and disease resulting from the war. Among them was Lieut. Colonel Iliram Appelman, who was Secretary of State at the time of his death.
The town of Groton was separated from New London and became a township includ- ing Ledyard in 1705. In 1839, Groton and Led- yard became separate towns and probate dis- tricts.
Stephen Haley was judge one year, James Gallup two years, Nathan Daboll three years, Joseph Durfey two years, Zebediah Gates four years, Albert G. Stark two years, Nathan G. Fish one year, Sanford Stark one year, Amos Clift eighteen years, Iliram Appel- man one year, William H. Potter six years, Lemuel Clift twenty-two years, Arthur P. Anderson four years, now in office. There have been clerks of the court, Nathan Daboll, Nathan G. Fish, David A. Da- boll, John Hudson, Albert G. Stark, Nathan S. Fish, Amos Clift, Lemuel Clift, George F. Costello. Mystic has a supply of legal talent, Lemuel Clift in the Civil war and ex-judge, Frank Il. Hinckley, prosecuting at- torney for town of Stonington; Albert Denison, and Benjamin flewitt, Jr., all have offices in West Mystic.
There are two local newspapers, the Mystic Times and the Mystic Journal, The Times is the successor of the Mystic Press and the Mystic Pioneer. Mr. A. 1 .. Pitcher, is the pub- lisher. The Journal publisher is Mr. Harry Anderson.
Many of the old residents were sea-captains and many adventures might be related con- nected with them. Capt. J. Warren Holmes, now retired, but quite active, was 63 years on the water, and sailed 84 times around Cape Horn. About 1856 the ships Twilight, Capt. Gordon Gates, and the Andrew Jackson, Capt. John E. Williams, (both men were near neigh- bors here), sailed from New York at the same time and reached San Francisco in about 100 days, with only two or three hours difference in time, the Jackson being first. Both ves- sels were built in Mystic. Later the Andrew Jackson made the trip in 90 days.
One of the stirring events connected with life on the ocean occurred with Capt. Am- brose H. Burrows and his son, Brutus, in the year 1822. The brig "Frederick," with a val- uable cargo, while off the coast of Peru, was approached at midnight by a strange vessel, which signalled its presence by firing guns. A rough command ordered them to send the brig's boat aboard immediately or else be sunk. Capt. Burrows complied with the de- mand as soon as possible, taking his papers along, supposing the stranger to be a regular cruiser. Before his boat with his aids reached the strange vessel, a boat was sent full of men to the "Frederick" who leaped aboard with drawn cutlasses headed by an officer, who or- dered every man belonging to the vessel, ex- cepting the first officer, to get into the boat in- stantly. They were conducted to the pirate brig, as she proved to be, caused to sit down, and handcuffed.
In the morning they were mustered on deck, where a strange scene presented itself. In groups on the deck were nearly a hundred men of different nations, armed to the teeth. The pirate captain, a stout, fierce looking man, informed Capt. Burrows he intended to take his prize, the "Frederick," and cargo to Chi- loc, and as there was no one on his own ves- sel who could navigate lier excepting his first lieutenant, he wished for Capt, Burrows to take her there and assured him of good treat- ment if he would do so. To this Capt, But rows assented on condition that his son be al lowed to go with him. This permission was
-
1
-
86
拉麵丝量社
TROLLEY POWER HOUSE
ROAD NEAR WEST MYSTIC
HISTORIC GROTON
18.10
BAPTIST CHURCH
87
HISTORIC GROTON
granted, with the warning that the men who were to accompany him would shoot both if he did not take the vessel to the right place. With the officer and nine men to accompany him, the two vessels soon parted company.
After a few days of quiet sailing, Capt. Bur- rows matured his plans for recapture. He se- cured the small arms belonging to his vessel, loaded and concealed them in his stateroom. It was customary each morning for the com- manding officer and his assistant to go into the cabin and examine the charts with the
to the man at the wheel, who gave up to them. The crew were then ordered below. The cap- tain now approached the scuttle and com- manded them to come up singly, and leave every weapon below, threatening to blow out the brains of the first one who disobeyed. They obeyed, and one by one were bound and lashed to the gunnels.
In the morning it was proposed to them either to take the launch and try their fortune in her, or be carried into Callao and be deliv- ered up as pirates ; they all preferred taking
RESIDENCE OF MR. JESSE D. CRARY
captain. One morning while examining the the launch, and accordingly Capt. Burrows was rid of their company.
charts he addressed them : "llere sirs," point- ing on the chart, "you suppose you are, but sirs you are deceived; yon are not far from land, and now stir hand or foot, make but the slightest noise, and you're dead men." They looked up and saw the pistols pointing at them in the hands of Capt. Burrows and his son. Ile informed them he was determined to have his vessel or die; and they must submit or be shot. Amazed, and realizing that resistance meant death for them, the two men submitted to be bound. After securing them, one on each side of the cabin, Capt. Burrows and his son hurried on deck and presented their pistols
The astonishment of the two prisoners still bound in the cabin was great when they learned the situation. These two men had shown some kindness to Capt. Burrows, while he was their prisoner, and needing assistance on his vessel, he took the risk of unbinding them, after pledging themselves to stand by and aid him. They were kept alternately at the helm until the brig arrived safely at Cal- loa in the month of February, Capt. Bur- rows, believing they were sincere and really meant to lead a better life, supplied them with money and allowed them to go.
-
-
88
PEACE TEMPLE
RESIDENCE OF MR. H. N. WHEELER
RESIDENCE OF MR. ALFRED O. COLBY
RESIDENCE OF MR. L. J. COLBURN
HISTORIC GROTON
89
HISTORIC GROTON
The soldiers' monument on East Main St. was presented to the village by Mrs. Charles H. Mallory. At its dedication a number of Grand Army post veterans paraded, amid much enthusiasm displayed by the citizens. Governor Thomas M. Waller and staff offi- cers were present. The address was by U. S. Senator Joseph R. Hawley, Rev. Frederick Denison reading a poem. Capt. John K.
which the commissioners appointed by the governor of the state had decided upon, placed on a boulder monument, was unveiled Jume 26, 1889. Gov. Buckley and staff, with many visitors from abroad, were present.
The battle on Pequot Hill was the first one of importance in New England. The sacri- fice of lives is sad to contemplate, but it re- sulted in giving some security to the early set-
PRY GOODS.I.F.B.NOYES. CARPETS.
BUSINESS BLOCK OF THE GILBERT TRANSPORTATION COMPANY
Bucklyn, a war veteran and principal of Mys- tic Valley Institute, presided at the unveiling.
After some discussion for a Pequot Hill monument, a committee was appointed by the New London County Historical Society in 1866, to bring the matter of an appropriation before the legislature at its session of 1887. The members of the assembly from these and other towns favoring it, an appropriation was voted. Sufficient funds had been contributed to furnish the pedestal. The legislature of 1889 voted an appropriation for unveiling expenses, and the bronze statue of a Puritan warrior,
lers. It appears to be easy and natural to criti- cise past events, yet it may not be so easy to fully comprehend the situation at the time they occurred. Connectient was like a wil- derness roamed by wild beasts and a savage race. Few in numbers and scattered, the col- ony realized the time had come to take ac- tion for their own safety. Massachusetts gave some assistance and John Mason, a trained soldier, who had preferred life with the colony to being a major general, was chosen captain of the expedition. Bluff and courageous, he was a typical representative of
90
HISTORIC GROTON
that era, being regarded as a hero through- out New England.
It was a perilous undertaking. The com- mander, and no doubt every man of them, had the intelligence to comprehend what would be their doom, with the probable fate of the colony if they failed. The Pequots were fleet of foot and were dreaded for their cruelty. Mason knew that his Indian allies, who cher- ished a fear of them, might not be relied on. It was a critical moment when the Pequots,
serts itself. At the time of the battle on Pe- quot Hill and for many years afterwards, civ- ilization appeared as in a morbid condition. It was not only in European countries, but also in New England, the air was surcharged with cries against "heresy" and "witchcraft," and punishment with a horrible death was often. meted out. It seems a strange commen- tary that progress of civil and religious lib- erty should have to come through war; but history reveals the fact of the tendency of hi-
THE STANDARD MACHINERY CO
--
PLANT OF THE STANDARD MACHINERY COMPANY
.
after the first shock of surprise was over, came swarming out to repel the invaders. The burning embers in a wigwam suggested the idea, which was seized upon to aid the con- quest. The strife which followed was of short duration and terrible; but the colony was saved.
A noted and experienced veteran declared with graphic emphasis, "War is hell!" When contending armies meet for a decisive conflict it means there will be destruction and death. In the hour of such extremity, the right of self preservation, nature's first law, usually as-
man nature when clothed with power to use if arbitrarily and unjustly, which has been a chief canse of war. Religious devotees have proved no exception to the rule. It was the reaction of this tendency which caused the article for religious freedom to be imbedded in the Constitution of the United States, for which there is cause to be grateful.
Born and reared in New England. "Around her hills and valleys cling the gentle recollec- tions of our early life." Cherishing a feeling akin to reverence, it is not desired to speak lightly about the "awful virtues of our Pilgrim
91
HISTORIC GROTON
sires ;" for whatever their faults, their virtues were not excelled by those of any creed or any people of that epoch. Investigation and the diffusion of knowledge have helped to curb/ the spirit of fanaticism and intolerance which so widely prevailed. The time should not be far distant when education with religion- with the light of history as a guide, can af- ford some assurance of a continual peace on the earth.
It is nearly two thousand years since the words were spoken to His followers: "This
is my commandment that ye love one an- cther, even as I have loved you." In the hour of agony proving himself the exemplar of the sermon on the Mount, forsaken even by His disciples, He prayed for His persecutors : "Father, forgive them, they know not what they do!" When all the sects of Christendom exhibit that spirit towards each other, and a majority of the human race attain to that high plane of charity and love, it may reasonably be expected that wars will cease.
92
HISTORIC GROTON
Old Mystic
By SIMEON GALLUP
EAR the northeasterly corner of the town of Groton the Lantern Ilill brook flowing from the north joins a stream from the west, and thence both continuing southerly are soon lost in the tide waters of the broad estuary known as the Mystic river. In the narrow valley having the elevated ridge of
SCH1001110USE
Quakataug Ilill in Stonington on the east, and the rocky highlands of Groton on the west, just at the junction of the two streams nestles the village of Old Mystic. Its beautiful sit- uation and charming natural features have been renowned ever since the advent of the white man. Tradition tells us that people who first came into this section from the val- ley of the Mystic river in the vicinity of Bos- ton brought the name with them and gave it to this delightful river and valley.
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.