USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > Danbury > History of Danbury, Conn., 1684-1896 > Part 45
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56 Years 6 Months & 21 Da
Aged 19 Years 9 Months & "3 Days
The STAR doth quer finne Tha Ore thìi Tumb faali bur/t in Brauty >cl arvind
STARR GRAVE STONES IN WOOSTER STREET CEMETERY.
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HISTORY OF DANBURY.
A little toward the southwest, and beside the southern bound- ary of the enclosure, is a well-preserved headstone with the following inscription :
" In memory of DR. JOHN WOOD, who died May 26. 1801 aged 62 years. "'' This truth how certain When this life is o'er, Man dies to live And lives to die no more.' "
Daniel Starr, Jr., died November 22d, 1772.
Eli Starr, March 15th, 1774.
The next headstone recalls to memory the long ago spring day when " war in its crimson panoply of flame" ran riot through the streets of Danbury, for it reads :
" In Memory of MAJ. DANIEL STARR who died April 26th, 1777, aged 33 years and 6 months."
Captain John Starr died February, 1788, aged 77 years.
Samuel Starr died December 29th, 1744, aged 47 years.
Mrs. Abigail, wife of Mr. Eli Mygatt, died November 21st, 1767.
"Maj. Ezra Starr departed this life May, 1805, aged 51 years.
"Maj. Oliver Lawrence departed this life, Dec. 16, 1808, aged 49."
His wife, Rebecca (Whiting) Lawrence, died July 15th, 1807.
" Maj. Frederick J. Whiting died Oct. 7, 1801, aged 45 years. Let the dead rest."
" Orrin Osborne, who was editor of the Recorder, died Jan. 7, 1829, aged 29 years."
" Edwards Ely," one of the editors of the old Farmer's Jour- nal, " died at St. Bartholomew, West Indies, Oct. 11, 1809, aged 42 years."
Here are buried Major Taylor, his wife Elizabeth, his son Dan- iel, and grandson Major. Major Taylor died in 1805, his grand- son in 1815.
Rev. Robert Sandeman is buried here. The inscription upon his tombstone will be found in another chapter.
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HISTORY OF DANBURY.
" Amos Benedict, an amiable youth, who soon after he left college entered into the service of his country, served through the campaign of 1776 with reputation and having an appoint- ment in the Continental Army, received the small-pox by inocu- lation, of which he died Feb. 18, 1777, in the 22d year of his age.
" In this warfare there is no difference."
This Amos was the son of Captain Daniel and Sarah (Hickok) Benedict, and graduated at Yale College in 1774. He had been appointed aide-de-camp to General Washington just before his early death.
Captain Daniel Benedict died November 9th, 1777. Sarah, his widow, died May 6th, 1784.
Mabel Carrington, wife of Daniel N. Carrington, died May 13th, 1801, aged 44 years.
Tryphena (second wife) died June 16th, 1815, aged 61.
Daniel N. Carrington died June 5th, 1834, aged 75 years.
Dr. Daniel Comstock is buried in this enclosure, with his wife and his mother beside him. His mother was Rebecca Grumann, of Norwalk.
Major Seth Comstock and members of his family rest here, and David Foot and his wife Eliza sleep in the graves which were prepared by him during his life. Here is also the grave of John McLean, who died April 7th, 1803, aged 67 years.
Here are the graves of Horace Bull, his wife and children, and that of Lucius H. Boughton and members of his family.
Rev. Mr. Irwin and his wife are buried here, and many of the family of Wood.
There are old headstones so worn by age that all inscriptions are gone. One small bit of stone has upon it " March, 1775. H. K.," an unknown, but peaceful inhabitant of this " God's acre."
The names of Barnum, Blackman, Cooke, Clark, Crofut, Cur- tiss, Dibble, Frost, Gregory, Hickok, Knapp, Picket, Phillips, and Nichols are to be found in this ancient burial-ground.
Several years ago Mrs. George W. Ives by personal effort raised a sum of money which, judiciously expended under the gratui- tous supervision of Dr. W. J. Rider and Mr. William Allen, put this burial-place in good order. For many long years it had been neglected, and was in a forlorn condition ; now the ground is clear, the headstones in order, and when it is properly fenced
509
HISTORY OF DANBURY.
and guarded, it should be the wish and pleasure of the citizens of to-day and of those who come after to keep this little enclo- sure cared for, in memory of the first settlers of Danbury and the heroes of the Revolutionary War, who sleep so quietly in the heart of this busy city.
UPPER BURYING-GROUND.
The burial-ground near the head of Main Street is known as the Upper Burying-ground. It lies upon the crest of a little hill, and has been for years, as it is to-day, kept in perfect order by Mrs. Elizabeth White Balmforth, who takes sole charge of it at her own expense.
To wander over the green turf, under a blue sky full of golden sunlight, to listen to the songs of the many birds who nest in the safety of the trees, which surround this pleasant spot, and to dream of the past, is an infinite pleasure, so full of peace, so quiet and restful is this enclosure .*
Here is buried Captain Noble Benedict, who raised the first company of soldiers in the Revolutionary War, and the inscrip- tion upon his tombstone reads :
" In memory of CAPTAIN NOBLE BENEDICT, who died May 19, 1809 in the 74th year of his age. " 'O grave, where is thy victory ?"
His wife Eunice is buried beside him.
Another Revolutionary soldier buried here is Forward Stevens, who died September 1st, 1847, aged 85 years and 4 months.
His wife Rachel died July 12th, 1820, " aged 57 years 1 m. & 8 days."
There are many remnants of old headstones, showing where the early settlers were buried, but time and storms have de- stroyed all lettering. One broken stone bears the following,
* One hundred and fifteen years ago the town by vote granted "Liberty to Mr. Justus Barnum to fence the upper burying place, he keeping two good gates or pair of bars during the Town's pleasure."
In 1792 the town voted " that every burying place shall be furnished with a pall." Those were the days when biers and palls were in use, and the dead were carried by kindly hands to their last resting-place.
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HISTORY OF DANBURY.
which is all that is left decipherable of one who was probably a Thomas Barnum :
" THOMAS BARN- died Mch. 26. - aged 54 (?) y. 4 mts departed Dolly beloved - 19.
In this old ground are buried members of the families of White, Burr, Bishop, Barnum, Benedict, Boughton, Hatch, Gregory, Tweedy, and Knapp.
Ebenezer Russell White died May 4th, 1825, aged 81 years, and is here buried. We copy a few of the old epitaphs to be found here :
" In memory of TIMOTHY TAYLOR, EsQ. who died May 3. 1802. æ. 49. During the revolutionary War he served his country In various grades of military command, with zeal and fidelity. Her Independence established he engaged in mercantile pursuits with activity, prudence and success. In 1799
he was appointed Lieut. Col. of the 13th Reg. of the Army of the United States which he continued to command till the Army was disbanded in 1800. Returning to his former occupation he was honored with several civil Em- ployments, performing the duties of a citizen and a Magistrate with exemplary regard to Justice and humanity. "'Child of affliction, whether dost thou go ? Why that deep sigh, and why those tears of woe ? Dost thou lament thy friend's untimely doom Whom cruel death hath hurried to the tomb ? Compose thy mind, dispel thy gloomy fears Come, cheer thy soul, and wipe away thy tears.'" "In memory of TRYAL, wife of DAVID WEED who died March 24, 1775 aged 19 years, 3. mo. & 5 days."
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HISTORY OF DANBURY.
" In memory of JOSEPH P. COOKE ESQR. who was born at Stratford, Jan 4th 1730, & died at Danbury Feb. 3, A.D. 1816.
"He was educated at Yale College and graduated A. D. 1750. In the progress of his long life he filled many Publick offices with usefulness to the Publick and reputation to himself.
" His private character was unblemished & exhibited an union of those qualities which command reverence and conciliated esteem. Having been for many years a professor of religion he evidenced the sincerity of his profession by the tenor of his life, his Piety was noisless and unpretending. In death he was ap- parently resigned to the Divine Will and Supported by that hope which is an Anchor to the Soul.
" ' At his years,
Death gives short notice, Drooping nature then with Scarce a gust of pain to shake it falls.
The duties of his day
Were all discharg'd and gratefully Enjoy'd its noblest blessings ; Calm as evening skies Was his pure mind and lighted up with hopes
That open heaven ; when for his last long sleep
Timely prepared, a lassitude of life
Fell on his soul and down he sank to rest.' "
" In memory of ELIZABETH VARIAN, wife of ISAAC VARIAN of the City of New York who departed this life August 26th. A.D. 1777. Aged 81 years and 6 months."
" SAME BARNUM Aged 51 y. 2. .. A.D. 1785."
" CAPT. PAUL HAMILTON. Died May 31st 1830 Aged 78 years, 6 months."
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HISTORY OF DANBURY.
" In memory of CAPT. THOMAS COOK who died Dec. 24" 1821. Aged 59 years. 4. months." " In memory of MR SAM' BENEDICT JUR who departed this life May. 19th 1792. in the 71ª year of his age.
"'Such the Scene our life" Displays Swiftly Fleet our Raped Days The Hour that rolls forever on Tells us our years must soon begone.' "
" In memory of PHEBE, Relict of MR SAMUEL BENEDICT, died in 1801 aged 79. "' In Death lamented As in life beloved.'"
This was the daughter of Captain John Benedict, son of James, one of the first settlers.
" In memory of SAMUEL BENEDICT. 3d who died Aug. 19, 1803, aged 59 years & 11 days. "'He lies here in expectation of the great day, What sort of a man he was that day will discover.'"
Samuel, 3d, was son of "Mr. Samuel Benedict, Jr.," and married April 7th, 1768, Betty Westcott. She married again, Gregory, whom she survived, and died at Lebanon, aged 94 years.
" Here lies the Body of MRS. ELIZABETH RODGERS, who departed this Life, December 7th, 1780, in the 80th year of her age.
" She was a Woman of a graceful Person, of a good Under- standing, of eminent Piety and of great Prudence. She shone with distinguished Lustre in the several Characters of a Wife,
VIEWS IN WOOSTER CEMETERY.
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HISTORY OF DANBURY.
Parent, Mistress & a Friend & long adorned her Profession of Jesus Christ."
On South Street is the burial-ground of the old St. James' Church, which was probably first used when the church was erected in 1763. Many bodies have been removed to Wooster Cemetery, but here still sleep peacefully some of Danbury's oldest inhabitants. From a headstone in good preservation we copy the following : "Here lies ye body of Mr Joseph Taylor who died Nov. 6. 1793. in the 92d year of his age." Born here when the town was but sixteen years settled, if only he could speak to us of those long-ago days, how much we might learn !
There are several small, rough headstones with only initials ; one bears the letters M. B .; another, A. P. C. This last is prob- ably one of the Clark family, as others of that name are buried in this vicinity.
Below are a few inscriptions copied from headstones"in this old burying-place :
Here lies Buried the Body of MR JOHN STARR Jun" who departed this Life January 27th 1776 Aged 43 years.
Here Lyes Buried the Body of MR8 ANNES STARR wife to M& JOHN STARR jun™ who departed this life October the 5 1770 Aged 37 Years.
In Memory of CALEB STARR who died Sept 20. 1800 in the 62 year of his age
Death'is a debt to nature due Which I have paid and so must you.
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HISTORY OF DANBURY.
In memory of WIDOW BEULAH STARR Relict of CALEB who died July 14. 1819 Æx. 74 years
In memory of FRIEND STARR who died Sept 10. 1838 in the 72 year of his age
In Memory of COL EBENEZER D STARR who died Oct 20. 1816
in the 41 year of his age
In Memory of WALTER STARR who died May 26. 1813 aged 30 years . & 5 days. In Memory of
CALEB STARR JUNIOR who died Dec'r 17. 1807 aged 33 years 3 months & 13 days
In Memory of ESTHER widow of FRIEND STARR who departed this"life Oct 14. 1853 in the 77 year of her 'age In Memory of MRS LUCY STARR wife of CAPT. ELI STARR who died Sept 16. 1814 in the 29 year of her age
In Memory of STEPHEN STARR who died Oct 1810 aged 31 years 8 months
IN memory of WID HULDAH STARR Relict of CALEB STARR DEC. who died April 11 1853 Æ 78 yrs.
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HISTORY OF DANBURY.
EPITAPHS FROM THE BURIAL-GROUND AT MIRY BROOK.
In Memory of MR THOMAS WILDMAN who Died Nov ye 11th 1777 in ye 72ª year of his age. The Lord is Holy just & Good & Righte ous in his ways Those who are Ransomd by his Blood Find Peasfull Slumber in the Grave
IN Memory of
Dec" BENJAMAN SHOVE Who died May 17 1812 aged 76 yrs 11 mo & 20 days
Apparently in the faith of the Gospel, and with the hope of a blessed Immortality. He died to live and lives to die no more.
In Memory of MR COMFORT WILDMAN who Died with the Small Pox April ye 2nd 1782 in the 42nd Year of his Age. My Flesh shall Slumber in the Ground till ye last Trumpets Joyfull Sound
In Memory of LEM' BENEDICT, who died March 27, 1804. in the 70, year of his age Also ESTHER, (his Wife) died March 29. 1801 in the 66, year of her age.
STARR'S PLAIN BURIAL-GROUND.
In memory of
In memory of
NEHIMIAH SHERWOOD
died dec. 11. 1823. in the 25 year of his age. Behold reader as you pass by, As you are now, so once was I As i am now so you must be prepare for death and follow me.
THOMAS SHERWOOD who died Nov. 24. 1838. in the 88 year of his age.
Remember Oh man that thou must die & turn to dust And after all must come to judgement just.
516
HISTORY OF DANBURY.
In memory of NATHAN BATES who died June 25, 1855 aged 83 years 5 mo & 11 d's.
Sun's rise and set, and earth puts in her bloom But he, submitting to the common lot, Dessended to the tomb.
COMES' BURIAL PLOT, MIDDLE RIVER. IN memory of ELIUD COMES who died Jan 12. 1855. Æ 75 Y'rs 5 Mo's & 14 D's.
Earth has his dust Friends his memory And the redeemer his spirit My life is done my glass is run My resting place is here This stone was got to keep the spot
Least men should dig to near.
MIDDLE RIVER BURIAL-GROUND.
In memory of HIRAM son of CALEB C & DESIRE GREGORY who came to his untimely death by the upset of a cart Oct 10. 1821, Æ. 11 years. 2 mo & 8 days.
In memory of EZRA A. son of RICHARD W & ELIZABETH ROCKWELL who died June 18. 1836. Æ. 4 years & 29 days.
While drawing to that darling dust In fond distress we lie ; We'l rise with joy & reverence view A heavenly parent nigh.
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HISTORY OF DANBURY.
KING STREET BAPTIST CHURCH.
AMZI E only son of NATHAN & MARIAM KNAPP who died July 27, 1828 Æ 8 years 1 mo & 16 days
Short from the cradle to the grave.
In Memory of DEA. THOMAS W. SHERWOOD who died Nov 27, 1841 Æ. 57 years 2 mo & 7 days.
And must this body die This mortal frame decay And must these active limbs of mine Lie mould'ring in the clay
In memory of ELDER NATHAN BULKLEY who died June 9. 1837 aged 80 ye. & 3 mo.
A dying preacher I have been To dying hearers such as you Tho' dead a preacher still I am To those that come my grave to view.
In memory of JERUSHA widow of ELDER NATHAN BULKLEY who died Dec. 2. 1856 aged 94 y'rs 6 mo & 6 d's.
My children all my last words now hear God and his laws always revere And o'er my grave ne'er drop a tear.
GREAT PLAIN BURIAL-GROUND.
In Memory of
ISRAEL CROFUT who died 16 Dec'r 1809 Æ 47
Friends nor physicians cannot save Our mortal bodies from the grave
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HISTORY OF DANBURY. Sacra Memorium EBENEZER NICHOLS died March 6th 1843 aged 84 Y's 10 Mo & 2 d's.
Pause, reader, pause ! within this hallowed spot Rests one whose fame will never be forgot His weeping friends while ore the sacred dust Revere the mem'ry of the good, the just His worth, his virtues, will forever bloom While his poor spirit lives beyond the tomb.
The grave of JEREMIAH B HAWLEY
who passed away Aug 13. 1858 Æ 83 y'rs 10 Mo. & 27 D's.
In memory of MILES HOYT who died Dec 11 1833
aged 55 years 4 m's & 6 d's.
The Grave the end of every thought Of every rise and fall The place of all the world unsought Is found at last of all.
Praises on tombs are trifles vainly spent A Mans Good name is his best armament.
MILL PLAIN BURIAL-GROUND, NEAR LAKE KENOSIA.
In Memory of MISS LYDIA STEVENS who died Jan 23 1799 in the 41th year of her age.
You that pass by this place may think of me For as you are, so once you did me see, What I am now will quickly be your doom My house is strait but by my side thair is Room.
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HISTORY OF DANBURY.
In Memory of MOSES OYSTERBANKS who died Dec 13. 1838 aged 75 years.
IN Memory of HENRY BENEDICT who died May 6. 1839 Æ 26. years 1 mo & 13 days.
Here rest his body cold in death Beloved by Friends when on this earth Disease and death prepared the road For him to trod to his God.
IN Memory of IRA BARBERRY who died Feb 18, 1859 aged 71 yrs 2 mo's. & 9 Days.
My loving friends as ye pass by Please view the place where I now lie Under this earthly heap. Weep not for me nor belch a sigh, But do remember you must die And in the grave must sleep.
MILL PLAIN CENTRE BURIAL-GROUND. HORACE WESTON son of NATHANIEL and MILLY GRAY Died In Sacramento City California Sept. 16, 1852, Aged 29 y'rs 1 mo & 17 d's.
The weary traveller has returned Here he layes mouldering back to dust His sparkling eyes and blooming cheek Did wither like the rose The coffin, earth, and winding sheet His active limbs enclose.
MARY E wife of
JOHN H MERRITT Died Dec 2, 1867. Æ 75 Y'rs 2 M's & 5 D's.
Do think as you pass by How sudden was my death And may you all prepare to die Before you end your breath.
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HISTORY OF DANBURY.
PEMBROKE. The first grave in this yard. In Memory of HANNAH ANN daughter of LEWIS S & ELIZA HOYT who died May 27 1823 aged 2 y'rs & 6 mo A lovely flower seized in the morn of life.
In Memory of THOMAS E STEVENS who died Oct 2. 1827 Æ 24 years 8 mo
With prospects flattering to my view In joy I raised my head My days are numbered and but few I mingle with the dead.
In Memory of CLOWY PORTER who died March 25. 1847 Æ 77 y'rs.
No pain, no grief, no anxious fear, Disturbs the peaceful sleeper here.
IN Memory of SARAH P STEVENS Daughter of EZRA B &
ARATA STEVENS Who Died June 26 1842 Aged 18 Years 10 Mo & 16 Days.
She has passed away in her youth and bloom She has gone to the dark and lonely tomb. She lingered not, till the summers close ; But went when the breath of the op'ning rose Lent its soft perfume to the balmy air We trust to a world more bright and fair.
CHAPTER LI.
DANBURY OF TO-DAY.
FROM the first " settlement at Pahquaige," in the early spring of 1684, when the " original eight"' built their simple homes in this pleasant valley, we have traced our way to the present time, through sunshine of prosperity, through clouds of war, and in some places mists of oblivion that we have been unable to pene- trate. But the little settlement grew, new homes were made, and soon a church was built and a minister settled. That this minister, the Rev. Seth Shove, remained with this church until the time of his death, a period of thirty-nine years, speaks well for both pastor and people.
Whether Danbury sent men into King William's War of 1689 or Queen Anne's War of 1702 we cannot tell ; she did send soldiers into the War of 1744 and that of 1756-62, and the blood of her sons was freely shed in the battles of the Revolution, while she wore a " crown of scarlet flame" on that dread April day of 1777 ; but she rose with unfaltering courage from her ashes, and soon again the hum of busy life of a century ago was heard in the village. The hatting industry, which had its begin- ning before the war, was again in force. In 1790 the first news- paper was printed, and in 1795 the Franklin Library was or- ganized.
The American Gazetteer, printed by Thomas & Andrews in Boston, in 1798, says of Danbury : "The compact part of the town contains two churches, a court-house, and about 60 dwell- ing-houses." As Danbury had in 1790 a population of 3000, the above statement might be handed down as a dim mathemati- cal problem for coming generations to solve.
Danbury grew slowly but surely through the first half of the present century. She sent her full quota of men into the War of 1812, even though Connecticut considered that war "un- necessary."
522
HISTORY OF DANBURY.
In 1836 Barber writes, in his " Historical Collections of Con- necticut," the following of Danbury : "The borough contains upward of 100 dwelling-houses, besides numerous other build- ings, 9 mercantile stores, 1 Printing-office, an Academy etc. There are in the first Society of Danbury 24 hatting shops or factories. Two hundred and eighty-nine persons are employed who manufacture 134,000 hats annually, the estimated value of which is $402,000."
When the Civil War broke out the men of Danbury were among the first to answer to the call for troops, and the women worked with busy brains and deft fingers for the comfort of the army. After the war Danbury grew steadily and healthfully until 1880, when for a decade of years its growth was so rapid as to be almost phenomenal. In 1880 Danbury as a town had a pop- ulation of 11,666, of whom 9533 were native Americans and 2103 foreigners. In 1890, as city and town, the population, accord- ing to census figures, was 19,473, with 12,830 of native and 3722 of foreign birth.
Between 1880 and 1886 one thousand buildings were erected, factories increased their capacities, new streets were opened, and a number of fine business blocks built.
The years following 1886 to the present time have seen the completion of many new residences, business blocks, and public buildings, and a number of new industries started.
Danbury has two colleges of music, both in a flourishing con- dition. It has also a business college.
The merchants of the city have kept step with its municipal growth in meeting the demands of its increasing population and outside needs.
Danbury has a street railway running to Bethel, electric light, long-distance telephone, electric fire alarm, a paid fire depart- ment, good police force, free postal delivery, and public sewers.
Its church edifices are elegant and spacious, its graded school buildings roomy and comfortable, the city is proud of its free library and fine post-office, while its public buildings, banks, and business blocks compare favorably with the architecture of other cities of its size.
The equality of condition in Danbury has always been remark- able ; few have been very wealthy, but almost no streets in the city exhibit signs of squalor or extreme poverty. The city
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HISTORY OF DANBURY.
might seem created in answer to the prayer of Agar, " Give me neither poverty nor riches." It is filled with comfortable homes, of more or less elegance, and nearly every residence has its well-kept green lawn ornamented with shrubs and flowers in their season, which add much to the beauty of the city.
Years ago Danbury ranked with Northampton, Mass., for the beauty and number of its great elms. Time and the encroach- ments of a city have deprived us of many, but on Upper and Lower Main Street and Deer Hill Avenue are long rows of tower- ing trees, in which Danbury citizens may well take pride. The drives for miles about are charming and picturesque, and the roads exceptionally good.
To-day the city of Danbury, thriving and growing, with its many thousand inhabitants, its numerous streets, fine buildings, and busy hum of industry, lies under the same blue sky that smiled, two centuries ago, upon the eight new homes at the foot of the " open plain."
CHAPTER LII.
BETHEL.
UNTIL May, 1855, Bethel was a portion of Danbury, and the " original eight" in coming from Norwalk passed through the site of this now pleasant and growing little town.
If our forefathers found the hills of Redding and Bethel steep to climb, they yet gained from the summits lovely views of broad valleys and distant heights to gladden their weary eyes.
We can imagine these pioneers resting beside Sympaug Pond and enjoying the freshness and coolness of the primeval woods. To be sure, there were panthers in these forests and among these rugged hills, but our pioneers were brave and watchful. There is a rock still known as "Painter Rock" (an abbreviation for panther), where one of the inhabitants of Bethel in its early settlement killed one of these ferocious animals after a desperate fight. From this rock on a clear day in fall or winter, when the trees are shorn of foliage, one can see the glancing waters of Long Island Sound.
A little north and west of Sympaug Pond lies " Silver Spring," a nearly circular lake of clear water, with a diameter of fifty feet or more. Long ago this was famous for large, speckled trout that were taken from its limpid waters. It gives rise to a con- siderable stream, which, uniting with the one from " Milking Yard Pond," flows through Grassy Plain, and the two contribute to the volume of Still River.
With the exception of the extreme southern portion of the territory of the town, the watershed inclines to the north, and the streams thus flow into the Housatonic River, near New Mil- ford, in Litchfield County, and thence into the salt water between Stratford and Milford.
Bethel has several old houses of Revolutionary date, among them the old Barnum homestead at Grassy Plain, and an old
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