History of Fairfield County, Connecticut : with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 154

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 154

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He first figures in public matters in the year 1830, as selectman, which office he continued to hold at in- tervals, with various others of public trusts and im- portance, until the year 1866, when he was disquali- fied by age from office-holding.

He was elected by the Democratic party in 1854 to a seat in the State Senate. While there the Nebraska bill was pending, and he was the only member who east a negative vote. The Republican Farmer of May 23, 1854, says, "All the members of the Connecti- cut Senate but five are Whigs. The Hon. Cortes Mer- chant, who gave the only negative vote, is a Democrat,

* This name is sometimes spelled Marchant.

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HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, CONNECTICUT.

from Redding, in Fairfield County,-a brave and noble man, we have no doubt. We wish we had the honor of his acquaintance. We would introduce him to another honest and good man who in the Massachu- sctts House of Representatives, a few years ago, gave the only No in opposition to a series of resolutions in favor of the Wilmot Proviso. The latter is proud of his vote to this day, and Mr. Merchant, we have no doubt, will feel a similar pleasure in reflecting upon the position he has now taken."-Journal Courier.

" All that the Journal says of Mr. Merchant is true. He is 'one of the men' who stand firm when the timid waver in the presence of an unscrupulous ma- jority. Mr. Demning, of Litchfield County, anotlier senator, though not present when the vote was taken, afterwards recorded his name against the nullification doctrines avowed in the resolutions of the majority."- New Haven Register.

The next year (1855) he was elected a member of the House of Representatives.

In politics he was an active worker and a staunch Democrat. It was his boast that he had never in his life cast any but a Democratic vote, and that he never "scratched" a ticket, however personally ob- noxious or incompetent to fill the nomination he might deem the candidate to be.

Personally, we can, without exaggeration, call him a wonderful man. He was one of the few mighty who, step by step, inch by inch, fought and conquered in the battle of life, and, by vanquishing all of the follies and temptations which assail man in this world of ours, lived up to the golden rule. His word, once spoken, carried conviction with it as far as his name was known. He died Nov. 25, 1874, leaving a spotless name and sincerely mourned by all who knew him. He was what the poct Burns very cor- rectly styles "the noblest work of God, an honest man."

EDWARD MERCHANT.

Edward Merchant was born in the town of Red- ding, where he resided during a long life, and where he died Sept. 24, 1877, in his seventy-first year.

His father, Joel Merchant, was a farmer, but, besides tilling the soil, he carried on to some extent the man- ufacture of clothing. Edward Merchant received his education in the district school. He was married April 14, 1839, to Betsey, daughter of Azariah and Sarah (Coley) Andrews, of the town of Redding. The children of this union were Sarah J., Annie, and Elizabeth.

Edward Merchant followed the calling to which he was reared, that of a farmer, through a long and eventful life, enjoying in the fullest the respect of all who knew him.

THADDEUS M. ABBOTT.

Deacon Thaddeus M. Abbott is descended from George Abbott, who came from England, and was one of the first settlers of Norwalk. He was a land-owner, and his name is in the carlicst town records of 1653. His will, made in 1689, was recorded March 11, 1690.

Deacon T. M. Abbott was born Sept. 3, 1812, in Redding. He was the youngest of a family of six. His father, also named Thaddeus, a blacksmith by trade, moved to Redding soon after his marriage, in 1788. . His wife was Rebecca, daughter of - Mar- vin, of Norwalk. After thirty years Thaddeus, Sr., turned his attention to farming, which he followed during the remainder of his life. At his father's death, which occurred when he was in his twentieth year, young Abbott had attended only the district and select schools of his town. After the above-men- tioned event he taught a district school in Ridgefield one term, and then attended Mr. S. S. St. John's school in Ridgefield for one year, when he taught a term in his native town. This was the last of his teaching, and he again turned his attention to farming.

In 1836 he was married to Miss Mary J. Frost, of Poughkeepsie. Their children have been Frances J. (deceased), Ezra M. (deceased), and Charles M. Soon after his marriage Mr. Abbott entered the mercantile business, in connection with his brother-in-law, E. M. Frost, in Redding. This he followed for five years, leaving it to engage in farming. About this time there occurred one of those incidents which seem to be pure accident, but whichi tend to shape our lives. Wanting a sleigh of peculiar make, such as he could not procure nor find any one to build, he determined to make one for himself. His first effort did not suit him exactly, and he made another. This was the beginning of a protracted apprenticeship to himself extending over a period of many years.

In politics Mr. Abbott started as a Whig, and by that party was elected to various town offices, besides representing his town in the State Legislature. In 1847 he was appointed to the office of Probate judge, filling it again in 1864, after it became an elective office. In 1852, Mr. Abbott united with the Con- gregational Church of Redding, his wife joining at the same time. In 1854 he became one of the deacons, which position he has since held.

NASH COUCH.

Nash Couch was born Oct. 17, 1794, in Redding, Fairfield Co., Conn., on the homestead purchased by his ancestors from the Indians. His grandfather, Simon Couch, and his father, Thomas Couch, were both farmers, and quite naturally young Nash was reared to the same pursuit, which he followed through- out a long lifc.

Nash Couch was married early in life to Polly, daughter of Isaac and Sarah (Morgan) Gorham, of

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of J.

EDWARD MERCHANT.

T. M. ABBOTT.

NASH COUCH.

Photo. by J. II. Folsom, Danbury,

M # waken an us.

629

REDDING.

Redding, and the children born to them were Henry, Jane A., and William.

Nash remained with his father, assisting in the tillage of the paternal acres, until the death of the latter, when he came into possession of the same. The district in which the family reside is known as Couch District, from the family. At the age of sixty-five Mr. Couch lost the use of his limbs and remained an invalid the remainder of his life. He was known and respected by his fellow-townsmen as an upright man and good citizen.

HARVEY BASSETT RUMSEY.

Harvey Bassett Rumsey was born in Monticello, Sullivan Co., N. Y., June 11, 1832.

His father, Lewis Rumsey, also a native of Monti- cello, was a farmer by occupation, was a Whig in politics, as were his ancestors before him, and was prominent in the politics of his town and county. He was married at the age of twenty-five to Nancy Bas- sett, of his town, but who was a native of Washing- ton Co., N. Y. Their children were Harvey B. and S. Louisa.

The early life of our subjeet was spent in New York, assisting his father and attending school. He enjoyed educational advantages of the common school and academy, leaving the latter institution at the age of nineteen to go to the Sacramento valley under the following circumstances : His mother's youngest brother went to California among the earliest pio- neers to that State. Losing his health in the mines, he was advised to cross the plains to recover it. He went to New Orleans, purchasing there four hun- dred and fifty head of cattle and about twenty horses. With these he started overland to California. Losing his foreman by drowning, he wrote to his nephew's parents asking that he be allowed to go by steamer and meet liim at Sacramento, to assist him on his ar- rival there with the stock. The nephew, Harvey B., nothing loath, thus found himself, at a very tender age, in the then Eldorado of the world. He remained with his uncle two and a half years, returning only when his presence was imperatively demanded by the condition of affairs at home, caused by his father's death, which had ocenrred eighteen months before. During his uncle's mining career, he and a partner took from a place called Rattlesnake Bar eighty thou- sand dollars within a month. Mr. Rumsey resided with his mother until one year after his marriage, after his return from California, when he removed to Redding. He was married Jan. 10, 1867, to Adeline Briggs, daughter of George and Emeline Briggs, of Sherman. Mr. Briggs was a large farmer, and one of the most successful raisers and feeders of cattle in Connecticut. The children of Mr. Rumsey have been Emma and Louie C. Mr. Rumsey resides on what was formerly known as the Dudley Place, a farm of

two hundred and sixty-six acres, and devotes himself to cattle-raising, feeding, and farming, also dealing in real estate. He is Republican in politics, and has represented Redding in the Legislature since taking up his residence in the town.

DR. MOSES H. WAKEMAN.

Dr. Moses H. Wakeman is of English descent, and his ancestors were among the earliest settlers of Fair- field and New Haven Counties.

His paternal grandfather, Asahel Wakeman, sct- tled in the parish of Greenfield and followed the vocation of farming.

His maternal grandfather, Nathan Wheeler, also a native of Fairfield, was a militiaman in thic Revolu- tion, and was present at the burning of Fairfield. He barely escaped capture by the enemy, who attempted to decoy him by taking off their red coats and calling to him to come towards them, as he could have a better view from where they stood. Mr. Wheeler held the rank of sergeant.

Silas Wakeman, third son of Asahel, was born in 1804, in Fairfield. He was married early in life to Abbey, eldest daughter of Nathan and Clarine ( Brad- ley) Wheeler, of Easton, Fairfield Co. Their chil- dren were Moses H., Polley (deceased), Betsey, Clarine (deceased), and Abbey B.

Dr. Moses H. Wakeman, then, was the eldest son, and was born in November, 1829. His childhood and youth were spent on his father's farm, attending district school during the winter months. At the age of seventeen lie commenced a course of prepara- tory studies at the old Easton Academy. These he concluded in about three years, and at the suggestion of his uncle, Dr. Nathan Wheeler, of Patterson, N. Y., entered his office the following spring and began the study of medicine. He remained with his uncle three years, during which period he attended. two full courses of lectures at the New Haven Medi- cal College, receiving his diploma from that institu- tion with the degree of M.D. Immediately on his graduation he began practicing with his uncle, and in the fall of that year removed to Milltown, Putnam Co., N. Y., where he practiced four years. On invi- tation of Dr. Charles Gorham, in the fall of 1858, Dr. Wakeman came to Redding and entered into partner- ship with him. This copartnership continued until the death of Dr. Gorliam, in 1859.

May 31, 1864, Dr. Wakeman was married to Har- riet White, youngest daughter of Samuel and Mary (Sanford) Collins, of Redding. The children born to thiem have been Mary Collins, Henry W. (deceased), and Harriet Wheeler. Mr. Collins was own cousin to Sir Garnet Wolseley, and during the latter years of his life was a merchant in Redding.

630

HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, CONNECTICUT.

WILLIAM BURR IIILL.

William Burr Hill was born Jan. 6, 1826, in Red- ding, Fairfield Co., Conn.

His father, Bradley Hill, was a native of Fairfield, coming to Redding when a very young man. He married Betsey, eldest daughter of Zalmon and Mar- tha (Jackson) Banks, early in life, and the children born to them were Abbey M., William B., Mary E. (deceased), Martha (deceased), Albert B., Arthur B., and Sarah M.

William B., the eldest son, remained with his father until his twenty-eighth year, when he was married to Katy, ouly daughter of Nathaniel B. and Eunice (Hull) Selleck, of Danbury, after which event he moved on the farm next west of his father's, where he still resides engaged in farming. The children of Mr. and Mrs. William B. Hill are Helen S., Na- thaniel B., Celia F., Eunice P., Mary E., and Wil- liam B .; besides two deceased.

At the age of twenty-one Mr. Hill was elected con- stable and collector, serving three years, and after an interval of one year was re-elected to the same offices ; he was elected justice of the peace for four consecu- tive years, and in 1864 he was elected to represent his town in the Legislature, and again two years after. In politics he has been Republican since the organization of that party, having previously been a Whig.

DANIEL C. RYDER.

Daniel C. Ryder was born in Redding, Feb. 16, 1819. His grandfather, John Ryder, a native of Dan- bury, was a carpenter by trade, and at the time of his death was a wealthy landowner. His wife was Mary Jarvis, and their children were nine, of whom Ralph, father of the subject of this sketch, also a car- penter, was the eldest. He was killed at the early age of forty-five, by falling from a building, leaving a large family of small children.

Daniel C. Ryder was the eldest of the family, and upon him devolved the entire support of the family. At the age of eighteen he began farming, which he followed but a short time, and then engaged in the business of lime-burning. This business he followed with varied success for some years, abandoning it fi- nally and giving his whole attention to farming. In 1838 he was married to Charlotte A., youngest daugh- ter of Charles and Sarah (Crane) Prindle, of Rox- bury, Conn. Of their children, Charles C. is living in Brooklyn, and is married to Margaret Bennett,

daughter of Burr and Sally A. Bennett, of Redding; James J., married to Mary E., daughter of Anson and Huldah Fields, of Redding; Charlotte A .; and Stella (deceased). Mr. Ryder lives on the farm which has been owned and on which have lived three genera- tions of his mother's family named Chapman. His great-grandfather, Daniel Chapman, was a soldier in the Revolution ; was at Fairfield during Tryon's in- vasion ; was taken prisoner there and carried to New York and thrust into the prison-ship, where it is sup- posed he died, as his family never after heard of him. Daniel C. Ryder inherited the homestead from his grandfather, Daniel Chapman, having lived with him for many years previous to his death. Mr. Ryder has always been a Democrat, representing his town in the Legislature in 1849. He is a regular attendant at the Congregational Church of Redding, a member of its society, and contributes liberally to the support of the church.

EBENEZER F. FOSTER.

Ebenezer F. Foster was born in Ridgefield, Fair- field Co., Conn., March 8, 1826. His father, Jonah Foster, was a clothier, and followed his calling in his native town of Ridgefield. His wife was Timothy and Elizabeth (Whitney) Hunt's daughter Sally, and by her he had the following children : Mary, Eliza- beth, Ebenezer F., Susan, Esther A., Joel G., John B. (deceased), Timothy H., and Martin W.

The youthful days of E. F. Foster were spent in Ridgefield, at the common school, at which place he laid the foundation of that education which found its superstructure in the school of the world. At the age of seventeen he went to learn the wheelwright trade of one Sunderland, of Sommerstown, N. Y. Here he remained three years, and then went to work for George Crofutt, of Danbury, in the same business, remaining with the latter gentleman more or less steadily for eight years, going thence to Birmingham, into the employ of the iron company of that place.

The next event in our subject's life was his mar- riage, in 1852, to Harriet, only daughter of David and Elizabetlı (Keeler) Platt, of Redding. Mr. Fos- ter, after his marriage, took up his residence in Red- ding, where he has since continued to live engaged in farming. In politics he is a Democrat, and has often been called to fill town offices. In 1871 he was elected to the Legislature, where he served with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his con- stituents, and in 1874 he was elected county com- missioner for three years.

Photo. by J. H. Folsom, Danbury.

+-M

DeKyder

Ebenezer f Photo. by J. II. Folsom Danbury

631

RIDGEFIELD.

CHAPTER LXII.

RIDGEFIELD.

Geographical-Topographical-Original Nume Candatowa-Petition for Purchase of Lands-First Indian Deed-First Grant of Lands-Tho Settlement-Names of Pioneers-Acts Relating to Ilome-lots-The Pioneer Blacksmith-The First Grist-mill-Further Purchase from the Indians-Exemption front Taxation-The l'erry Family.

RIDGEFIELD lies on the west border of the county of Fairfield, and is bounded as follows : On the north by the town of Danbury ; on the east by the towns of Danbury and Redding ; on the south by the town of Wilton and the county of Westchester, N. Y .; and on the west by Westchester and Putnam Counties, in the State of New York. Its surface is diversified by hills and valleys, and the soil is fertile.

ORIGINAL NAME.

Prior to 1708 the territory embraced within the present bounds of the town of Ridgefield was in the undisputed possession of the red man, and called by him Candatowa, meaning "high land."

In May of that year (1708) a petition was presented to the General Assembly by a number of the inhabi- tants of the town of Norwalk for the purchase of these lands. The petitioners asked " libertie to pur- chase of the Indians a certain tract of land bounded south on Norwalk bounds, north-east in Danbury, and west upon York-line."

The General Assembly granted the prayer of the petitioners, "provided it doth not prejudice any former grant; this Assembly reserving to them- selves a power for the settlement and allotment of the land so to be purchased among the petitioners, and such others as the said General Assembly shall judge meet."

THE FIRST INDIAN DEED.

The traet was purchased for one hundred pounds, and on Sept. 30, 1708, a deed was executed by Ca- toonah, sachem of the Ramapoo Indians, of which the following is a copy :

" To all people to whom these presents shall Come Greeting &c. Know ye that I Catoonalı Sachem of Ramapoo Indians and Associates within her Majesties province of New York in America. For & in Consideration of ye sum of One Hundred Pounds as current money of said province. To us in hand before the onsealing hereof well and Truly Paid by John Belden, Sammell Keeler Sen, Matthew Seamor James Brown Benjamin Wilson, Joseph Birchard, Joli Whitne Sent. Matthias Saint John Ben- jamin Hickcock, John Beebe Samuel Saint .lolm, John Bouten Joseph Keeler, Samuel Smith Junior, Jonathan Stevens, Daniell Olmsted, Rich- ard Olmsted, John Stirdevant, Samuel Keeler Junr, Joseph Bouton, Jona- than Rockwell, Edmond Wareing, Joseph Whitne, Daniel Hlait, Thomas HIyott, James Benedick, Joseph Crampton, Ebenezer Sension, Matthew Saint Jolin, all of the Town of Norwalk in ye County of Fairfield, within lier Majesties Colony of Connecticot in New England, and Thomas Smith Thomas Canfield, & Samuell Smith, of the Town of Milford in ye County of New Haven & Colonic aforesaid The Receipt whereof we do hereby acknowledg, and our selves therewith fully Satisfied, and Contented, and thereof and of every part and percell thereof Do Exonerat Acquitt & discharge the said Jolin Belden, Samuel Keeler Sent, Matthew Seamor,

James Brown, Benjamin Wilson, Joseph Birchard, John Whitue Sel" Matthias Salut Jolin, Benjamin Hickcock, John Beebe, Samuell Salut John, John Bonton, Joseph Keeler, Samuell Sulth, Jonathan Stevens, Daniel Ohusted, Richard Olinsted, John Stirdevant, Sammel Keeler Jun', .Joseph Bouton, Jonathan Rockwell, Edmond Wareing, Joseph Whitne, Daniell Halt, Thomas Ilyott, James Bennedick, Joseph Crampton, Eben- ezer Sension, Matthew Saint John, Thomas Smith, Thomas Caufield, and Sammel Smith, their heirs executors, administrators forever by these presents. Have given, granted bargalned, sold Alowed Conveyed and Confirmed, and by these presents Do freely fully and absolutely give grant bargalu sell, Aliene Convey and Confirm nuto them the said John Belden, Samuell Keeler Jun, Matthew Seamor, James Brown, Benjamin Wilson, Joseph Birchard, John Whitne Sent, Matthias Salut John, Ben- jamin Hickcock, John Beebe, Samuel Saint John, John Bouton, Joseph Keeler, Samuell Smith, Jonathan Stevens, Danlell Olinsted, Richard Olm- sted, Jolın Stirdevant, Samuell Keeler, Joseph Bouton, Jonathan Rock- well, Edmond Wareing, Joseph Whitne, Daniel Hait, Thomas HIyott, James Bennedick, Joseph Crampton, Ebenezer Senslon, Matthew Saint John, Thomas Smith, Thomas Canfield, and Samuel Smith, their Asso- ciates heirs and assigns forever. A Certain Tract of Land Scitnat Lylug and being so esteamed within her Majesties Colony of Conecticott afore- said Butted and Bounded as followeth, at a Rock with stones Lay'd thereon that lyeth upon ye west side of Norwalk River about twenty rod northward of the Crossing or where Danbury old Cart path Crosseth the River which said Rock is the South East Corner and front said Corner a line Runneth upwards unto Umpewango pond to a White Oak Tree, Standing by the Northwest Corner of said Pond, the said tree being marked and Stones Lay'd about it and is the North East Corner, and from the said Coruer Tree, another line Running near Two points to the North of West into a pond Called Nesopack and Continues ye Sano Coarse untill it meets with a second pond Called Aokkeels, Crossing by ye south End of both ponds, and from thence Running Near West until it Extends to a place Called Mamanasquag, where is a Oak Tree Marked on ye North Side of the outlet of water that Comes out from a sort of a grassy pond, which is known and Called by Said Name, which tree is the North West Corner, and from said Tree another line Running South bearing to ye East About one mile and a half. Running by ye East side of another Mountain Called Asoqnatah untill it meets Stanford Bonnd line, about a quarter of a mile to ye Eastward of Cross River pond, where stands a Marked White Oak tree with Stones about it, and is ye Southi West Corner, and from said Marked tree a long by Stanford line untill it Comes to Norwalk purchase and so by Said Purchase Bounds to the Said Rock at the South East Corner. Containing by Estimation Twenty Thousand Acres, be it more or less. Tho Four Corners of Said Tract of Land being Called by the following Indian Names South East Corner 'Wheer Cock' North East Corner ' Wouonkpakoonk' North West Corner ' Mamanasquag' South West Corner ' Narahawmis.'

"To Have and to Hold the Said granted and bargained premises, with all the appartenances, priviledges, und Comodities to the same, belonging or in anywise Appertaining to them ye Above Named persons, their Associates, heirs, and ussigns forever, to them and their only proper Use, bennefitt, and behoof forever. And I the Said Catoonali and Associats, for ourselves, our heirs, Executors, administrators, Do Covenant, promise, and grant to and with the above Said persons, their associates, heirs, and assigns, that before the Ensenling hereof. We are the true, Sule, and Lawfull Owners of ye above bargained premises and by Native Right Seized and possessed of the Same in our own proper Right as a Good, perfect, and Absolute Estate of Inheritance in fee Simple, and have in Ourselves good Right, full power, and Sufficient Authority to graut, bargain, Sell, Convey, and Confirms said Bargained premises in manner as above said, and that the said John Belden and the rest above said, their Associats, heirs, and assigns, Shall and may from time to time and at all times forever hereafter, by force and virtue of these presents Law- fully and peaceably and quietly Have, Hokl, Use, Occupie, possess and injoy the said Demissed and bargained premisses.

" With the appurtenances free and Clear, and freely and Clearely Ac- quitted, Exonerated & Discharged of from all and all Maunor of former and other gifts, grants, bargains, Sales, Leases, Mortgages, Wills, Intails, Joynters, Dowries, Judgements, Executions, Incumbrances & Extents.

"Furthermore, I the said Catoonali and Associates, for ourselves, our heirs, Executors, administrators, Do Coveunut und Ingage ye above De- missed premisses to them the said John Belden and the rest above said, their Associates, heirs, and nssigns, against the Lawfull Claimus or De- mands of any person or persons whatsoever, forever hereafter to Warrent, secure, and Defend.

" In Witness whereof, we have hereunto Sett our hands and Seals this Thirtieth Day of September, in the Seventh year of the Reign of

632

HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, CONNECTICUT.

our Sovereign Lady Ann, Queen of England, &c., and in ye year of our Lord God, 1708.

"Signed, Sealed, and Delivered in ye presence of

" JOHN HOLMES, JR.

" JOSEPH SEELEY.

" JOHN COPP.

"GOOTQUAS.

his mark.

C his mark.

" GOOTQUAS.

" MAHKE.

his mark.

" TAWPOZNICK.

his mark.

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History of Fairfield County, Connecticut : with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 154

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