History of Fairfield County, Connecticut : with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 146

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) comp. cn
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & co.
Number of Pages: 1572

USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > History of Fairfield County, Connecticut : with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 146

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).

" As was to be expected, the citizens of Redding felt quite honored by the selection of their town for the army's winter-quarters, and welcomed heartily the dusty battalions as they filed into camp; but a few months' acquaintance opened their eyes to some of the ways of soldiers, and caused them to speed the army in the spring as heartily as they had welcomed it in the autumn. The soldiers argued that, as they were fighting the country's battles, it devolved on the latter to furnish the sinews of war, and plundered the neighboring farmers, whether Whig or Tory, with the

utmost impartiality. To them a well-stocked poultry- yard or a pen of fat porkers offered irresistible induce- ments. A milch-cow never failed of a circle of devoted admirers, while bands of merry rovers occa- sionally stole over the borders into the neighboring towns and harried in under cover of night droves of fat cattle, which were killed and eaten with as little for- mality as they were taken. With the morning would come the owner complaining of these little peccadil- loes, but, as he could never prove property or identify the rogues, they usually escaped punishment. After a time, however, the wary farmers foiled the depreda- tors by herding their live-stock over night in the cellars of their houses and in other secure places.

"The ringleader in all these forays was Tom War- rups, an Indian, grandson of the chief Chickens, and one of Putnam's most valued scouts and messengers. Tom possessed a great deal of individuality, and im- pressed himself on a succeeding generation to the extent that numberless anecdotes are remembered and told about him to this day. Some of these, illus- trating the Indian character, are worthy the attention of the grave historian. Tom had a weakness for liquor, which would have caused his expulsion from the camp had it not been for his services as scout and guide. One day he was seen deplorably drunk, and the offi- cer of the day in disgust ordered him to be ridden out of the camp. A stout rail was brought, Tom was placed astride of it, four men hoisted it upon their shoulders, and the cavalcade started. On their way they met Gen. Putnam with his aids making the rounds of the camp. 'Tom,' said the general, sternly, ' how's this? Aren't you ashamed to be seen riding out of camp in this way ?'-' Yes,' replied Tom, with drunken gravity. 'Tom is ashamed-vera mooch ashamed-to see poor Indian ride and the gincral he go afoot.'

".Tom had a house on the high ridge back of Capt. Isaac Hamilton's, now owned by William Sherwood. It was built, it is said, in primitive Indian style, of poles set firmly in the ground, then bent and fastened together at the top. This framework was covered with bark and roofed with reeds and rushes. Its fur- niture consisted of framework bedsteads, with bedding of skins, wooden bowls fashioned from pepperage- knots, huge wooden spoons, baskets made of rushes or long grass, pails of birch-bark, and an iron pot and skillet begged or borrowed from the settlers. His sis- ter Eunice was his housekeeper. Except in war he was a worthless, shiftless fellow, and lived chicfly by begging ; hunting and trapping were his recreations. He would often absent himself from his hut for weeks at a time, sleeping in barns or in the forest. A huge overhanging rock about a mile north of Georgetown often sheltered him on these occasions, and is still known as Warrups' Rock.

"Tom's neighbor and landlord before the war was Col. John Read, son of the early settler of that name. On one occasion the coloncl had a company of gen-

596

HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, CONNECTICUT.

tlemen from Boston to visit him, and planned a grand hunt in their honor. Tom was always master of the revels at such times, and piloted the party on this oc- casion. In their rambles through the forests they came to a spring, and, being thirsty, one of the party lamented that they had left their hunting-cups be- hind. Tom at onee slipped off his shoe, and, filling it with water, offered it to the guest to drink ; where- upon Col. Read reproved him sharply for his ill breeding. Tom drank from the vessel while the homily was being delivered, and then replaced the shoe, observing, with the haughtiness of a king, ' Good enough for Indian, good enough for white man too.'

" After the war Capt. Zalmon Read and Tom were near neighbors, and the former had a cornfield in dangerous proximity to Tom's eabin; he missed the corn and suspected Tom, and, watching, not only dis- covered him to be the thief, but also his ingenious plan of procedure. About midnight the Indian would come, basket in hand, and, seated on the top rail of the fenee, would thus address the field : 'Lot, ean Tom lave some eorn ?'-' Yes, Tom,' the lot would reply ; 'take all you want ;' whereupon Tom would fill his basket with ears and march off. The next night, as the story goes, the captain armed himself with a grievous hickory club and lay in wait behind the fence. Presently Tom came, repeated his formula, and procecded to fill his basket; but when he re- turned to the fence, it was oceupied by the captain, who proeceded to repeat Tom's formula with a vari- ation : 'Lot, ean I beat Tom ?'-' Yes,' the lot replied ; ' beat him all he deserves ;' whereupon the fun-loving captain fell upon the culprit and gave him the thor- ough beating which his roguery deserved.

"One more anecdote of Tom must suffiee. Onc day he went to a neighbor's house and demanded whisky. No, the neighbor was of the opinion that whisky was bad for Tom. 'Rum, then ?'-'No.'- 'Cider ?'-' No; cider was bad too; food he might have to keep him from starving, but no fire-water.' Tom ruminated. 'Well,' said he at length, 'give me toast and eider,'-a favorite dish in those days,-aud in this way won the desired stimulant.

"Some years after, when age was creeping on, Tom and his sister removed to the Indian reservation at Sehatieook, in Kent, whither his tribe had preceded him, and the time and manner of his death were un- known to his white brethren in Redding.

"This is a long digression, pardonable in this eon- nection only because its subject was one of the brave defenders of his country.

" Among the papers in the 'Richards Collection' are some that are interesting as detailing little epi- sodes of eamp-life, as well as some that possess con- siderable historic value. They are as follows :

"' HEADQUARTERS, READING, May 28, 1779. " Daniel Vaughn and Jonath'n Gore of the 8th Connectient Regt Tryd by a Brigade C. M. whereof Lt. Col. Sumner was President, For Stealing

a Cup from Capt. Zalmon Read of Reading, The Court are of Opinion the charges against Vaughn and Gore are not supported.

"' B. O.'

"' CAMP, 2ND HILL, Nov. 14, 1778.

"' The General having obtained permission of the Commander In Chief to be Absent a few days from the Division, the Command will de- volve upon Brigadier Gen'l Huntington. Gen'l McDougal is happy that it falls npon a Gentleman in whose care for and attention to the Troops ho has the utmost Confidence. The Orders will be issued as usual at the Ileadquarters of the Division.'

"' READING, Dec. 18, 1778.

"'Lient. Col. Butler of Wylly's Reg. is promoted to the command of the 2nd Company Battalion and is to be obeyed as such. Col. Meigs is appointed Inspector to the Division and to do the duty of Adjt. General for the same until further Orders-Quartermaster Belding of the First Conn. Brigade is appointed Quartermaster of the Division and is to do that duty until further Orders. David Humphrey Esq. late Brigade Major to Gen'l Parsons is appointed aide de camp to Gen'l Putnam till further Orders.'

"' As the Division is now at Rest, Let us not . .. Who has appeared for us and America in innumerable instances in the hour of our Distress let prayers be attended, Both Morning and Evening, in fair Weather, at such times As the Commanding Officers of Brigades shall Direct. This order Constantly to be observed when the Division is Encamped, Gen'l McDougal flatters himself his officers Will give the Troops the virtuous Example of Attending at all times Divine Service. The Gen'l will be obliged to the officers to Desire any persons whom they know going to head Qr. or to hartford to call upon him.'

"' DEC. 18, 1778.

"' Quarter Master Belding of the First Conn. Brigade is appointed Qr. Master of the Division, and is to Do that Duty till further orders. David Ifumphrey, Esq., late Brigade Major to Gen. Parsons, is appointed A De Camp to Maj. Gen. Putnam Till further orders (Capt. Champion of Col. Wyllis' Regt. Is to do the Duty of Bd Major till further orders, and is to be Obeyed accordingly).'

"' FEB. 13, 1779.

"' The Gen'l Directs that no person be permitted to visit the Prisoners under sentence of Death Unless at their Request as frequent Complaints have been made that they are interrupted in their Private Devotions by persons who came for no other Purpose but to Insult them.'

"' At a Gen'l Court-Martial held at Bedford Oct. 3, 1778, By order of Gen. Scott whereof Lt. Col. Blaisden was President.

"' Elisha Smith a private in Capt. Stoddard's Co. 21 Regt. Light Dra- goons was tryed for Deserting to the Enemy last August and Piloting them into and against the troops of this State Defrauding the publick, by selling his horse and Accouterments in a Treasonable Manner to the Enemy and for Menacing and Insulting his officers while a Prisoner, found Guilty, and Sentence Him to Suffer the pains of Death-His Ex- cellency the Commander in Chief Approves the Sentence and Orders s'd Elisha Smith to be Executed next Monday the 12th Inst. at 11 O Clock A.M. at or near Bedford as Gen. Scott shall Direct.'

No date : "' Divine Service will be performed to morrow at the Clnirch, to begin at 11 O Clock A.M. Those off Duty are to March from Camp so as to be at the Church by that time.'

"The 'Chureh' was the Congregational, at the centre, and the preacher the Rev. Nathaniel Bartlett.

"' ILEANQUARTERS, May 27, 1779.

"' Major General Putnam being (about) to take command of one of the Wings of the Grand Army, before he leaves the Troops who have served under him the winter past, thinks it his Duty to Signify to them his en- tire approbation of their Regular and Soldier like Conduct, and wishes them (wherever they may happen to be out) a Successful and Glorious Campaign.'

"Hazen's command seems to have been the first to break eamp in the spring, as the following proves :

" HEAD QUARTERS, READING, March 21, 1779.

"'Col. Hazen's Regt. will march to Springfield in 3 Divisions by the shortest notice : the first Division will march on Monday next, and the other two will follow on Thursday and Friday next, Weather permitting, and in case the detached parties join the Regt. Col. Hazeu will take with him one peice of Cannon and a proportionable Number of Artillery men.'

597

REDDING.

" April 11th the following order was issued :

"i HEAD QUARTERS, Apr. IIfh, 1779,

"'The officers are Requested to lose no fime in Preparing for tho fiekt, that they may be ready to leave their present Quarters ut tho Shortest Notice. The Q. M. Gen'l-as far as it is in his power will supply those with Portmanteaus, who have not been furnished before, and those who have or shall be provided are on no account to carry chests or Boxes into the field, The portmanteans are given by the publick to Supersede those of such Cumbersome articles in erder to contract the Baggage of the Army and lessen the Number of Waggons, which besides saving tho Expense, is attended with many obvious and most Important Military Advantages. The General also thinks it necessary to givo explicit notice in time with a view to have the army as littlo Encumbered as possible in all its movements, and to prevent burthening the public and tho farmers more than can be avoided. No officer whose Duty does not Really require him to be on horseback-will be permitted to keep horses with the Army-It ought to be the pride of an officer to share the fatignes, as well as the Dangers to which his men are exposed on foot. Marching by their sides he will lessen every inconvenience and Excite in them a spirit of patience and perseverance. Inability alone can justify a Deviation from this necessary practice. Gen. Washington strongly recommends to the officers to Divest themselves as much as possible ef everything Superfluous-Taking to the field only what is Es- sential for Dining and Comfort. Such as have not particular friends within reach with whom they would choose to confide their Baggage, will apply to the Q. M. Gen'l who will appoint a place for their Reeep- tion and furnish Means of Transportation.'

"'READING, May 24, 1779.

"' Gen. Parsons erders the Brigade to be Ready to March to Morrow at 6 e'Clock A.M. Complet for Action.'

" This brigade seems to have returned to the High- lands via Ridgefield and Bedford, as Gen. Parsons dates his next order at Ridgefield, May 30th :

"'That Col. Wyllys furnish a Sergt. Corp. and 12 privates to be posted as a Gnard this Night one quarter of a Mile in front of where his Regt. is quartered on the road leading to Bedford. That Col. Meigs furnish a Gnard of the Same Number and Distance on the road leading to Nor- walk. The Revielle to bo beat to-morrow morning at the Dawn of Day, the troops to parade at 4 o'clock half a mile below the meeting house, on the road leading to Bedford, for which place they will march imme- diately after in the same order as this day.'

"'BEDFORD, May 31st, 1779.

" ' The treops of Gen. Parson's Brigade to have two Days . . . per man frem Capt. Townsend . . . refresh themselves, and be ready to march in two hours to Parade near the Meeting house.'

"' FISHKILL, June 2, 1779.

"'Gen. Parsons orders that Com'sr Sturm deliver one gill of Rum per man, and two Days provision to the troops of his Brigade, this Day. The Qr: master to make return for the same.'

"'IID. QUARTERS, HIGHLANDS, June 6, 1779.

"' General MeDougal Orders a Detachment of 150 Men Properly Offi- eered from Gen. Parson's and Huntington's Brigades to parade at 12 o'clock, with arms, ammunition, aceouterments, Blankets and three days Provisions in front of Gen, IIn. Bd.' (Huntington's Brigade.)

"'IID. QR. Jnne 7th, 1779.

"The Grand Parade in front of Gen. In. Bd. 100 men properly Offi- cered from IIn. Bd. will parade for piquet at 3 o'clock for the future. The Relief will parade at 8 o'clock in the merning. Ne person will pass the piquet who cannot give a Good Ac'et of himself.'

" The Signal of Alarm will be three cannon fired Distinetly by the Artillery in the front line.'

" The following orders show the route taken by the army in the fall of 1778 from the Highlands to Redding :

" ' HEAD QUARTERS, FREDERICKSBURG, Oct. 16, 1778.

"'To morrow being the Anniversary of the Surrender ef Gen'l Bur- goynes and his Troops to the Arms of America under the Command of Major Gen'l Gates, it will be Commemorated by tho firing of thirteen cannon from the Park ef Artillery at 12 : Clock.'

"'IIKAD QUANTENS, Oct. 22, 1778.

"' Nixon's, Parson's and Huntington's Brigades are to march to mor- row morning at 7 'o'clock from the Line under the command of Major Gen'l MeDongall-Orders of March-Gen'l Nixon's Brigade Jeuds, Innt- ington's follows, Parson's brings up the Rear, Commanding Officers of Corps will be answerable for the conduct of the men while on the March. Artillery to March in Centre of each Brigade-the Baggage of Gen'l Officers to March in Rear of the Troops, the other Baggage will march in the same order. Forage and Commissary Waggons in the rear of the Whole.'

"'NRW MILFonD, Nov. 5, 1778.

"' The Honorable, the Continental Congress having on the 12th of October passed a Resolution to discourage prophaneness in the Army it is inserted in this Division for the information of Officers, and Gen. Mc- Dougall hopes for their aid and Countenance in Discouraging and sup- pressing a Vice so Dishonorable to human Nature, to the commission of which there is no Temptation enough .?

"' CAMP, NEW MILFoun, Oct. 26, 1778.

"' Ilis Excellency the Commander in Chief has Directed the troops to remain here till further orders-and be in Readiness to March at the shortest notice as Circumstances shall require. While the Division is Reposed, two days bread will be on store Continually, Baked.'

" These interesting extracts might fitly conclude the story of the army's encampment in Redding. There are, however, some entries in the parish records, proving that amid the horrors of war sly Cupid found a chance to inflict his wounds, that are worthy of in- sertion. They are given as entered by the Rev. Na- thaniel Bartlett :

"' Feb. 7, 1779. I Joined together in marriage James Gibbins a sol- dier in the Army and Ann Sullivan.

" March 18th, 1779. I joined together in marriage Jelin Lines, a sol- dier in the Army, and Mary Hendrick.

"' March 30, 1779. I joined in marriage Daniel Evarts a seldier, and Mary Rowland.

"' Apr. 15, 1779. I joined in marriage Isaae Olmsted a soldier, and Mary Parsens.

"' Apr. 28, 1779. I jeined in marriage Jesse Belknap an artifieer in the army, and Ennice Ilall.

"' May 4, 1779. I joined in marriage William Little, Steward to Gen. Parsons, and Phebe Merehant.

"' May 23, 1779. I joined in marriage Giles Gilbert an artificer in the army, and Deborah Ilall.

"' March 9, 1780. I joined in marriage William Darrow a soldier and Ruth Bartramı.'

" In the month of June, 1781, Count de Rocham- beau and the Duke de Lauzun marched a eolumn of French troops across Connecticut and took post in Ridgefield, within supporting distauce of Washing- ton's army on the Hudson.

"They passed through Redding on the march, and encamped over night, it is said, on the old parade- ground.

"Their supply-train numbered eight hundred and ten wagons, most of them drawn by two yoke of oxen and a horse. The column attraeted much at- tention as it moved, with flashing arms and soldierly precision, over tlte hills and through the valleys on its way to Ridgefield.

" No complete list of the soldiers furnished by Red- ding to the Continental army ean be prepared. The following names appear on the town list of Revolu- tionary pensioners : Col. Asahel Salmons, Capt. Zal- mon Read, Capt. John Davis, Joel Merchant, Ezra Bates, Calvin Jenkins, Ezra Hull, Stephen Batterson, Jacob Patehen, and Abraham Parsons; and iu the

598

HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, CONNECTICUT.

town records those whose families were aided were Nathan Coley, Stephen' Meeker, Elias Bixby, Jere- miah Ryan, and Samuel Remong."

CAPT. WILLIAM JUDD'S COMPANY.

The following is the pay-roll of Capt. William Judd's company, Col. Wylly's regiment, which was encamped at Redding in 1778-79: Asa Chapman, Sergt., Homer Phelps, Joel Smith, Sergt., Thomas Peck, Elijah Porter, William Lee, fifer, Eleazer Porter, D. Adams, Timothy Keeler, Levi Hamlin, Elisha Hollstein, Stephen Chapman, John Oakley, Conor Dunham, Jr., Ebenezer Park, Samuel Hotelikiss, Ephraim Taylor, Amos Barnes, - Shaw, Joseph Hill, Benjamin Potts, David Heydon, Ebenezer Park, Abel Scipio, Thomas Swift, and Luther Atkins.

REVOLUTIONARY ACCOUNTS.#

The following accounts are interesting from the fact that they give the names of some of the soldiers, and also the prices of clothing at the time a part of the army was encamped at Redding in 1778-79 :

Dr. soldiers of Capt. Judd's company for State clothing received of Lieut. Richards, Nov. 14, 1778.

€ 8. d.

Jolın Platner, 1 pair stockings, 6s .; Thin, 12s. 0 18 0

0 12 0

Amos Barnes, 1 shirt, 12s. ; stockings, 6s. 18 0

Ephraim Taylor, 1 shirt, 128

Thomas Twist, stockings, 6s .. 0

Abel Scipio, 1 pair stockings, 6s.

Daniel Mosoock, I pair stockings, 68. 0

6 0

Corp. Woodruff, 1 shirt, 12s. 0

12 0

Lieut. Gore will account with Mr. Richards for 1 pair stockings, 6s.

Deliverance Adams, 1 pair hose 0

6 0

4 16 0

" CAMP NEAR READING, Dec. 11, 1778.

" We the subscribers, non-commissioned officers and privates of Capt. William Judd's company, Col. Wylly's regiment, have received of Samnel Richards, paymaster to the said regiment, the sums respectively annexed to our names on account of wages to be drawn for the months of October and November, 1778.

" Witness our hands:

$7 and 38.90, Asa Chapman, Sergeant.

3 " 37.90, Homer P'helps, Sergeant.

4 38.90, Joel Smith, Sergeant.

1 Thomas Park.

3 Elijah Porter.

" 75.90, William Lee, fifer.

1 75 90, Elezer Porter.

1 75.90, Deliver. Adams.

1 60.90, Timothy Decker.

4 7.90, Levi X Hamlin's mark.

4 = 8.90, Elisha Webster.

1 60.90, Stephen Chapman.

1 John X Oakly's mark.

C. Dunham, Jr.

Ebenezer Park.

3 Samuel Ilotclikiss.

1 60.90, Eplırain Dayton.

1 60.90. Amos Barus.

2 60.90, Shaw.

4 60.90, Joseph Hills.

1 60.90, Benjamin Potts.

1 60.90, David Hyden.

" 60.90, Ebenezer Park.

2 Abel X Scipio's mark.

$1 and 60.90, Thomas Swift.

1 " 60.90, Lnther Atkins."

"Received of Samuel Richards, paymaster of Col. Wyllis' regiment, the sums respectively annexed to our names in part of November pay do.

" Witness our hands, CAMP READING, Jan. 15, 1779:

8. d.

G Homer Phelps.

6 Joel Smith, Sergeant.

17 Theodur Andrews.

8 6 Stephen Chapman.

6 Charles Woodruff.

6 Samuel Adams.

6 George Walton.

8 6 Anos Barnes.

8 G Joseplı Hill.

G Benj. Parker.

G Aaron X Moore's mark.

6 Daniel Moosuck.

6 Prince X Denison's mark.

6 David Hayden. .

G Joseph Teal.

6 Levi X Hamlin's mark.

G Samuel Hotchkiss.

6 Daniel Hitchcock.

20 6 John X Adam's mark.

6 Elijah Porter, drummer.

17 Elisha Webster.

6 Luther Atkius."

" READING, April 2, 1779.

" Received of Samuel Richards, paymaster to Col. Wyllis' regiment, by the hands of Sergt. Phelps, in State clothing, the sums respectively annexed to our names, to be deducted from the payment of January and February, 1779, as witness our hands:

1 pair shoes, 88. 6d., David Smith, Corporal.

1 pair breeches, 20s., Lyman Clark.

1 pair stockings, Gd., Joseph Hills.

1 pair overalls, 15s., Joseplı Teal.

1 pair shoes, 88. 6d., Jolin Adams.

1 pair stockings, 6s., llomer Phelps."

" CAMP READING, May 8, 1779.

" Received of Lieut. Richards, paymaster to Col. Wyllys' regiment, in States clothing, the sums respectively anuexed to our names, to be de- ducted out of our next pay.

" Witness our hands:

Overalls, 10s., Thomas G. Moore, Sergeant.

Overalls, 10g., Homer Philps, Sergeant.

· Overalls, 10s., and frock, 10s., Joel Smith, Sergeant. Overalls, 10%., David Smith, Corporal.

Overalls, 10s., Charles Woodruff, Corporal.

Overalls, 10s., William Lee, fifer. Overalls and frock, 25s., Nicholas Winter.

Overalls, 10s., Stephen Chapman. Overalls and frock, 20%., David Hyden.

Overalls and frock, 20x., Thomas Twist.

Overalls and frock, 20s., Elisha Webster.

Overalls, 10s., Timothy Culver. Overalls, 10s., Ephraim Taylor.

Frock, 10s., Joseph Teal."

"READING, April 25, 1779.

" Received of Lieut. Richards, paymaster, in State shoes, the snms re- spectively annexed to our names, to be deducted from the moutlis of January and February pay. Witness our hands:

8. d.

1 pair shoes, 8 6 Luther Atkins.

6 Elijah Porter.

6 Solomon Root.

6 George Waller.

8 6 Joseph Hill.

1 8

6 Sergeant G. Morrd.

6 Joel Smith, Sergeant.

6 Liverpool Wadsworth.

* Contributed by A. B. Hull.

6 Benjamin Parker."

C h

6 Sergeant Phelps.

Turner JJolinson, 1 shirt, 128.

599

REDDING.

" READING, April 22, 1779.

" Received of Lieut. Richards, paymaster, in State overalls at 15s. per pair, and breechos at 188. por pair, the sums respectively annexed to our names, to be deducted out of our next pay.

" Witness our hands :

1 pair breeches, 188., Liverpool Wadsworth.

1 pair overalls, 158., Ebenezer Drake.

1 pair overalls, 158., Elisha Webster.

1 pair overalls, 158., Timothy Culver.

1 pair breeches, 18s., David Smith, Corporal."

REVOLUTIONARY PENSIONERS.

William Lynes was a native of Redding; when a boy was bound out at Roxbury, Conn., to learn the trade of a blacksmith. A journeyman in the shop in- duced him to run away and go to Canada, where he was promised large wages at peeling bark. The Brit- islı had press-gangs out, and he was pressed into the service. Hc was at sea about five years without being allowed to go on shore for fear he would run away. He refused all inducements given to enlist in the ser- vice. He was fourteen years in the British navy, and was stationed at St. Helena about seven years; was there when Bonaparte died, and shod his horscs. The emperor, learning that he was an American, took fre- quent opportunities to talk with him about this coun- try. Mr. Lynes was in the merchant service about fourteen years. He was for a number of years a charge to the town of Redding, and died on Gallows Hill, in Redding.

Bernhard-or, as he was commonly called, " Uncle Barney"-Keeler was a Hessian, and left the British army when Governor Tryon marched through Red- ding to Danbury. He married and settled at Red- ding. He had been a gardener to a nobleman in his country. He often used to boast that King George would have to pay his sovereign for him, for King George had to pay a certain sum to the ruler of Hesse for all the soldiers who did not return.

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History of Fairfield County, Connecticut : with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 146

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) comp. cn Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & co. Number of Pages: 1572

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) comp. cn
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & co.
Number of Pages: 1572