USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > History of Fairfield County, Connecticut : with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 156
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whatever grain shall be brought on or before any of the said grinding days (on any day) more than the mill grinds ou sai i days, shall be ground ont of hand, whether men wait and attend on the grinding thereof or not.
"Furthermore (according to the original intent of both parties). I ye said Sherwood do bind and Oblige myself, heirs, and assigns, by virtue of this Covenant (in case of failure and non-performance of every clause, article, and condition, according to plain intent, or upon neglect of due means, and all thorough, seasonable, and faithfull endeavours upon any breaches whatsoever, to rectify, keep, and maintain, y same with every thing necessary and essential thereunto, in good trim and order, for the ends before, covenanted and accordingly improve it) I, the said Sherwood, by virtue hereof, do bind myself, heirs, and assigns, to forfeit and deliver up ye said Mill and Stream unto the said proprietors with all its proper- ties and appartenances and priviledges whatsoever in anywise thereunto, shall at the time of forfeiture appertain, hereby Covenauting not to ex- port or carry away any part property or utensill whatsoever thereunto belonging and do upon condition of failure in covenant for myself, heits, and assigns, give unto the said Proprietors of Ridgfield their heirs and assigns ali full power and authority to enter upon, possess, and enjoy the same; and to convert and improve it to what end and use soever they pleaso by virtue of these presents. In Testimony whereof I do bind myself, heirs, and assigns, set to my hand and scal this thirtieth day of January anno Dominis 171617
"DANIEL SHERWOOD [SF.AL.]
" In presence of us JOSEPH PLATT
EBENEZER BARNUM
" Ridgfield Jan' 30th 171617 Personally Ap- peared Daniel Sherwood ye subscriber to this instrument and did acknowledge it for to he his free act and deed before me
" JOSEPII PLATT,
" Justice.
" Received to Record and Recorded } Jany 30th 171617 per me " THOMAS HIAULEY, " Register."
Mr. Daniel Sherwood erected his mill, as desig- nated, on the outlet of Mamanaseo Lake, and was appropriated a home-lot immediately north of Mr. Benjamin Burt's.
Rev. Thomas Hauley was doubtless liere prior to 1713; in that year his signature is annexed to a deed as a witness.
OTIIER PURCHASES FROM THE INDIANS. .
On the 18th of March, 1715, the proprietors made a seeond purchase of lands from the Indians, as the fol- lowing deed will show :
" Know all men by these presents that I Tackora alias Oreneca, indian, one of the native proprietors and owners of these tracts of nupurchased lands Lying above Ridgefield in ye County of Fairfield and Colony of Connecticut in New England for and in consideration of four pounds Current money of ye Colony of Connecticut to me in band paid, or secured to be paid by ye proprietors of the Town of Ridgfield in the County und Colony nforesaid viz Mr Richard Osburn Samuel Saint John Benjamin Wilson Thomas Smith Thomas Hanley Jonah Keeler, Timothy Keeler Nork Samnel Smith Daniel Olmsted, Jonathan Rockwell Benja- min llayt Henry Whitne Joseph Northrup Milld Sammel Smith Joshua Lobdell Moses Northrup Benjamin Benedick, Richard Olmsted, Ebenezer Smith James Wallace Daniel Sherwood, Benjamin Burt David Scott John Sturdevant Joseph Platt Milford Thomas Hyatt ye Ileirs of Thomas Rockwell deceased Matthew Saint John Matthias Saint John Joseph Keeler Matthew Seamer Daniel Arrus James Benedict Joseph Benedict James Northrup Joseph Crampton and Jonathan Wood, Have and do by these presents freely crearly and absolutely Grant Sell and Confirm unto the above named proprietors of the Town of Ridgefield and their heirs and assigns for ever a certain tract or parcel of Land belonging unto me ye said Oreneen Lying Sitnate being bounded as followeth viz beginning at n White Wood tree standing about four rods west of ye Mill and stands on the north side of the outlett running out of Mamanas jogg pond on
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HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, CONNECTICUT.
which the Mill now stands and from thence running by ye said Outlett till we come to a small Elm Staddle marked on each side and standing on the East side of ye Mill outlett, and from thence over Titicus to a but- ternutt tree, and from thence under the Mountain as tis bounded by marked trees till we come to a black Oak tree marked on each side, thence Elbowing till we come to a marked Bass tree Lying by a brook, near the lower end of Mopoas Ridge, thence immediately across ye brook to a black Oak tree a little below the Lower End of Mopoos Ridge, thence over Titicas near a Northwest line as tis bounded by trees, to a small black Oak Staddle standing by a small brook, running out of the West hills, thence Directly over the brook near a southwest line to a white Oak trec nuder ye mountain with stones laid about the same which is a corner boundary and from hence a South or South East line as tis bounded to a Small Walnut Staddle standing on a heap of rocks, thence something South East down towards ye pond; thence something Eastward between the mountain and Mamanasquogg pond to the lower end thereof, over a small run then named punch Brook, thence about fourty rods South East to a white Oak tree marked and stones Lay'd about the saure which was the lower corner meeting with the Old l'ur- chase, all which quantity or parcel of Land, I the said Oreneca Have Sold and Confirmed unto ye above named proprietors their heirs and assigns for ever to enjoy ye same in quantity and quality, according to each mans interest or propriety of Lands in Ridgefield, immediately be- fore the purchase hereof i.e. a half right man shall have but half so good an interest in the bargained premises as a whole right man shall, (the said James Wallace excepted To Have and to Hold unto them ye said proprietors their heirs and assigns for ever, ye said bargained prent- ises with all the priviledges and Appurtenances therennto belonging, to the only use benefit and behoof of the said proprietors their heirs and assigns for ever, without any Let Claim or molestation trom me the said Orreneca, alias Tackora or my heirs Executors administrators or assigns for ever, or from any person or persons, Indian or English or any other by from or under me or them whatsoever Laying and Demand Challenge or Claim thereunto and I the above named Oreneca do bind myself my leirs Executors and administrators firmly by these presents to free aud exonerate all the above bargained premises from any former and other Grants, bargains mortgages or any other incumbrances Whatsoever. In Witness whereof I the said Oreneca have hereunto Set my hand and Seal this ISth day of March anno Domini 1715.
his mark
"ORENECA X alias TACKORA.
"Signed sealed and delivered in presence of us
ELIPHALET LOCKWOOD JOSEPH PLATT
OCOMOYWA X mark Consent.
"Norwalk within the County of Fairfield March 18th day anno Domini 1715. Personally appeared Tackora, alias Oreneca, indian the subscriber to this instrument and did acknowledge it to bo his free act and deed before nie.
" JOSEPH PLATT, " Justice Peace."
" Received to Record April 1715 and recorded by me.
" THOMAS HAWLEY, " Register."
Again, on the 22d day of November, 1721, a third purchase was made. The following is the deed :
" Know all men by these Presents, that I Tackore, otherwise Called Nor- reneca Indian do for and in consideration of the Sum of Six Pounds in Money to me in hand paid or secured to be paid by the Proprietors of Ridgefield, whose names liereafter follows viz Thomas Hawley Richard Osburn Samuel Saint John Benjamin Benedict Benjamin Burt Benjamin Stebbins Ebenezer Smith Thomas Smith Richard Olmsted Joshua Lobdell Milford Samuel Smith Nathan Saint John Henry Whitny Jonathan Rockwell Benjamin Hayt Nowk Samuel Smith Daniel Olmstead Timothy Keeler Jonah Keeler Matthew Seamore Moses Northrup Jonathan Al- bott Allexauder Resseguie Jonathan Wood, Joseph Benedict James Bene- dict James Northrup Joseph Northrup Joseph Keeler Matthew St John Thomas Rockwells Heirs, Benjamin Wilson Thomas Hyatt, John Sturde- vant Heirs, Joseph Platt Gideon Platt Henry Dwight David Scott James Scott Daniel Sherwood, Do Give Grant bargain Sell and by these presents have given Granted Bargained Sold and fully confirmed unto the afore- said Proprietors viz Thomas Hawley Richard Osborn Samuel Saint John
Benjamin Burt Benjamin Benedict with all the rest before named and to their heirs and assigns for ever, a certain parcel or tract of Land lying within ye Pattend bonnds and supposed Township of said Ridgefield lying and Described as follows viz Beginning upon ye north side of the Brook at the South End of Titicus or Tomspring mountain (so called) at a great Tree marked in the Old purchase line. Thence South West to the South End of ye long swamp marking trees, Thence to the East side of Round pond, and by said Pond to the North West side of it. Thence Norwest acrost the Hills to a brook running into the east end of the Long Pond marking Trees from thence a direct course over the brook to a Hemlock tree standing on Titicus River by the Sand Bank near a brook running into Titicus on the West side of said Tree which tree is thus marked B and thence as the river runs to said Tackores Old House to a white Oak Tree marked near a horse pound, tlience crossing the River to a Tree marked just on the River Thence across ye south end of Mopoos Ridge to a great White Oak tree standing at the northermost part of a swamp thence crossing the end of the swamp to another marked tree crossing the end of a plain Ridge of Land over Mopoos brook comeing from the north to a white Oak tree marked standing on ye East side of a brook by the bank.
"Thence easterly to the range of Asproom Mountain and southerly down under the mountain to the head of Mamanasco hill to a white Oak tree standing on the East side of the River near the Watering place. Thence under Asproom mountain at the foot thereof to Copps Mountain and down to the Old line and by said line Westerly to the Mill at the old boundary, and from thence to the first mentioned place in the boundaries in computing their former purchased called the New purchase.
"To Have and To Hold said Granted and bargained premises with all the priviledges and appartenances to the same belonging or iu any wise appertaining I Norreneca say I have sold and fully made over ye same unto the said Thomas Hawley Richard Osborn Samuel Saint John &c with the above named proprietors and to their heirs aud assigns for ever, who shall and may for ever hereafter by virtue hereof Enter npon possess and Enjoy ye same Convey Convert alienate and improve the same accord- ing to their Several Interests in what way and manner, to what use and end soever, they the above named proprietors their heirs and assigns shall find convenient. Furthermore I the said Norrencca do hereby Covenant and Engage to Warrant and Defend ye same for ever to ye above said proprietors, their heirs and assigns from me my heirs Executors or Administrators or any Indian or Indians, whatsoever Laying any Law- full Claim or Challenge thereunto. In Testimony Whereof I do bere- unto Sct my hand and Seal this 22d day of November Anno Domini 1721.
his "NORRENEKE X Indian. [SEAL.] mark
"Signed Sealed and Delivered in presence of us
BENJAMIN STENBINS
TIMOTHY CANFIELD
"On the 22d of November anno Domini 1721 Norreneca indian person- ally appeared and acknowledged the above written Instrument to be his free act and deed before me.
" RICHARD OSBORN, " Justice. " Received to Record November 22nd 1721 and recorded pr me
"THOMAS HAWLEY,
" Register."
On the 4th of July, 1727, a fourth purchase was made. The following is the deed :
" Know all men by these presents That We Japorneck & Moses, Indians belouging to Wepack or long pond so Called & Richard and Samm In- dians belonging to ammawogg do For and in Consideration of eighteen pounds in money or goods Equivalent, two guns, Eighteen Shillings in hand received, and Three bottles Rhum, paid by ye propriete of Ridge- field, Whose Names hereafter Follow, Viz, Thomas Hauley, Richard Os- burn, Sanı1 Saintjohn, Benjamin Benedict, Benjamin Bnrt, Benjamin Stebbins Ebenezr Smith, Thomas Smith, Richard Olmsted Joshua Lob- dell, Milf Sam Smith, Nathan Saintjohn, Henry Whitne, Jonath" Rock- well, Benjamin IIayt, Jonathan Abbott Sent, Allexandr Resseguie, Titus Wood, Joseph Benedick, James Benedict, James Northrup, Joseph Northrup Joseph Lee, Joseph Kecler, Benjamin IIeacock Benjamiu Wil- son, Thomas Hyatt, John Sturdevants heirs, Joseph Platt, Gideon Platt, David Scott, James Scott, Dan1 Sherwood, Norw Sam Smith, Daniel Olm- sted, Timothy Keeler, Jonah Keeler, Matthew Seamore, Joseph Hobart,
ham Fond to be
Sold
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line Titi Decl
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637
RIDGEFIELD.
Moses Northrup, Give, Grant bargain Sell, and by these presents do freely fully, and absolutely Sell Convey and Confirm unto ye said Proprietos above named, according to your sevorl interests in the Proprietyship of Ridgefield, a Certain traet, or parcel of land hereafter described, and mentioned, Namely, all ye lands included within ye lines hereafter men- tioned, beginning at a large White Oak tree mark't, Standing about twenty miles three Inindred and five rodds from Cortlands point the line agreed upon by the Commission and from thenee a line Southerly par- allell to ye line Call'd twenty miles from Hudson River, till it meet ye former purchase made by Cottoona: and again from ye fore mentioned white Oak Tree a line Northerly parallel also to said Twenty milo line till it meet ye purchase made of Takore, Comprehending all ye land, Eastward of said lines, till it come to ye old purchase lines, to have and to hold ye said Granted and bargained premises with all ye priviledges and Commodities to the same belonging, or in any wise appertaining, We said indians have sold and fully made over ye same unto ye above Named Proprietors and to their heirs and assigns forever, in such proportion as above, according to their sever' interests to them and theirs, Sole and proper use and benefitt, who shall and may forever hereafter by virtue hereof enter upon, possess and enjoy ye same, Convey, Convert, alienate and improve it in what way and manner, to what nse and soever, they the above named proprietos their heirs and assigns Shall See Convenient.
" Furthermore we the said Japorneck, Richard Moses and Samm, in- dians, do for ourselves and heirs hereby Covenant and Engage to warrant and defend ye same forever unto ye proprietos of Ridgefield aforesaid and to their heirs and assigns forever, from us and our heirs or any persons what forever, whether English or indians laying any lawfull elaim Chal- lenge or demand thereunto.
" In Testimony whereof we do hereunto set our hands and Seals this 4th day of July Anno Domini 1727.
" JAPORNECK, his X mark, [SEAL.] RICHARD, his X mark. [SEAL.]
MOSES, his X mark. [SEAL.]
SAM, his X mark. [SEAL.]
WETT HAMS, his X mark. [SEAL.] AMMON, his X mark. [SEAL.]
"Signed Sealed and delivered In presence of us
JOHN BOLT, his X mark. PETER RANDALL.
"July 4th, 1727 then appeared ye persons of Japorneck Moses, Richard, Sam, Wett IIams, and Ammon Ind'ans, and did acknowledge the above written Instrument to be their free aet and deed. Before me
" RICHARD OSBURN " Juste.
" Received to record July 4th, 1727 and recorded pr me
" THOMAS HIAULEY, " Register."
Two other purchases were made in the year 1729, -the first on the 7th of March, the second on the 10th of April. Below are the deeds :
" Know all men by these presents that we Japporneck, Ammon and Wett hams, Samm Moses, Pawguenongi and Crow all indians belonging to long pond or Wepaek for and in Consideration of a valuable reward paid or to be paid by ye Proprietors of Ridgefield Have Given, Granted, bargained Sold and by these presents do freely fully and absolutely Sell, Convey, and Confirmn unto ye proprietors of Ridgefield their heirs and assigns for- ever, according unto their several interests or proprieties a Certain Traet or pareell of land Supposedly in ye Township of Ridgefield Lying Situate and Butted and bounded as Followeth, Namely, Beginning West at an Oak Staddle standing on ye west side of ye Outlett of long pond about six rods west of said Outlett, Near ye lower fishing place, from thenee South- ward along ye line which Mr. Lewis run, and dowu to ye old purchase line; and from said Staddle Northward by said line of Mr. Lewis To Titieus river, and bounded East by ye former purchase made of Jappor- neck and by ye purchase made Tackora being in breadth, about three hundred and five rods.
" To Ilave and To Ilold said Granted and bargained premises with all ye liberties and privileges to ye samo belonging or in any wise appor- taining.
" We say we have sold and fully made over ye same unto ye said pro- prietos of Ridgefield according to their proportionable interests and properties as above, and to their heirs and assigns forever, who shall and may forever hereafter by virtue hereof, Enter upon possess and Enjoy ye
same Convey Convert alienate and improve it, in what way and manner, to what use and end forever they the said proprietors their heirs, or assigns shall See Convenient.
" Furthermore We the said Japporneck Ammon nud Wett Hamns, Moses, Samm Pawquenongi and Crow do for ourselves heirs, and assigns, hereby Covenant and Engage to warrant and defend ye above Granted, and bargained premises unto ye sald proprietors, their heirs and assigne, from us Our heirs, Exeentors, administrators, or any manner of persons or persons what forever, English or indians laying any manner of Claim Challenge or demand thereunto from by, or under us, or Ours. In Tes- timony whereof we do hereunto set our hands and Seals this 7th day of March Anno Domini 1729.
" JAPORNECK, his X mark. [REAL .. ]
MOSES, his X mark. [SEAT .. ]
SAMM, his X mark. [BEAL.]
AMMON, his X mark. [&F.AL .. ]
WETT IIAMS, his X mark. [SF.AL .. ]
PAWQUENONGI, his / mark. [SF.AL.] CROW, his X mark. [SEAL.]
"Signed Sealed and Delivered In presence of us
JOSIAH GILBERT,
WILLIAM DRINKWATER.
" March ye 71h. 1729, then appeared personally ye Subscribers Namely Japporneek, Moses, Samm, Ammon, Wett Hamns, Pawquenongi, Crow, and did acknowledge yo above writteu Instrument to be their free aet and deed, Before nie
" RICHARD OSBURN,
" Justice. " Received to record Mareh 71h, 1729, and recorded pr me
"THOS HAWLEY, " Regist."
" Know all men by these presents, that we Ahtopeer Moheus Neshneawpo Tawquantose Wawsachim all Indians belonging unto Hooppacks, and Jacob Turkey Indian belonging to Narrahawtong. For and in considera- tion of a valhiable Sum or reward paid by the proprietors of Ridgefield which is to our full satisfaction, have given Granted bargained Sold, and by these presents do freely fully and absolutely Sell Convey and confirni unto said proprietors their heirs and assigns forever according to their several interests the following Tract or parcell of Land-viz Beginning at Danbury South West Corner Continnelng Our patten line till it meets ye 20 mile line between the Government, and then Southwardly by said 20 mile line, till it cross Titiens River and thence Eastwardly to Dan- bury South West Corner, Bounded all along Southerly by our former purchase.
" To Ilave and To Hold said granted and bargained premises with all the priviliges and appurtenanees to ye same belonging or in any wise appertaining we say we have sold. and fully made over the same unto ye said proprietors and to their heirs and assigns forever, in proportion to their several interests, who shall and may forever hereafter by virtue hereof enter upon possess and enjoy the same, Convey Convert alienate and improve it in what way and manner, to what use and end soever, they ye said proprietors their heirs and assigns shall see Convenient.
" Furthermore we the indians above named do for ourselves and heirs hereby Covenant and engage to Warrant and Defend the same forever unto the proprietors of Ridgfield as above from us Our heirs or successors or any manner of person whatever English or Indians lawing any law- full elaim Challenge or Demand thereunto.
"In Testimony whereof we the above named Indians do hereuuto Set Our Hands and Scals this 10th day of Aprill Anno Domini 1729.
"JACOB TURKEY, his X ma .k. [SEAL.] AHI TOPPEER, his X mark. [SEAL .. ]
MOKENS, his X mark, [SEAL .. ]
NESHUCAWPO, his X mark. [SEAL .. ]
TAUQUATOOSE, his X mark. [SEAL.] WAW SACHIM, his X mark. [SEAL.] S WAW CALI, his X mark. [SEAL.]
Two boys
CAPT JACOB, his X mark. [SKAL.]
" Signed Sealed and delivered in presence of us
ISRAEL MEAD CALEB STRONG
MOSES indian his X mark.
Cnow, his X mark."
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638
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, CONNECTICUT.
Two other purchases were subsequently made of the Indians,-one on the 28th of February, 1738, and the other on the 6th of December, 1734,-but they were of lands lying within the limits of the State of New York, on the oblong; and although the deeds are recorded on the town records, they are not deemed of sufficient interest to be given a place here.
The eighth and last purchase of lands by the pro- prietors of the Indians was made on the 19th of Dc- cember, 1739. The following is the deed then given :
"Know all men by these presents that we Betty ye mother of Jacob Tur- key, Capt Jacob Turkey Mokquaroose, for and in consideration of ye sum of six pounds five shillings money to us in hand paid, or secured to be paid by Lt Ebeur Smith, Capt Daniel Olmsted, & Matthew Seamore of Ridgefield in ye County of Fairfield and Colony of Connecticut in New England and which is to our full Satisfaction, Do Give Grant Bargain Sell and by these presents Have Given Granted, Bargained Sold and fully confirm unto ye above Sd Let Eben" Smith Capt Daniel Olmsted & Mat- thew Seamore and their associates, and to their heirs & assigns forever a certain parcell or tract of Lands Lying within ye new Pattent Bounds Called in ye Township of Ridgefield, as it is Butted & Bounded on ye east by Danbury Township, north by New Fairfield, on ye west by ye Govern- ment Line Southerly by Our former Purchase made of Jacob Turkey. To Have and to Hold said Granted & Bargained premises with all ye privi- lidges & appurtenances to ye Same belonging or in any wise appertaining, We ye said Betty, Jacob Turkey, Mokquaroosc, say we have sold and Fully made over ye same unto ye said Lt Eben" Smith Capt Dan1 Olmsted and Matthew Seamore, their Associates, and their heirs and assigns for Ever, who shall and may for Ever hereafter, by virtue hereof Enter upon Possess and Enjoy ye Same Convey, Convert, Alienate, and improve ye Same according to their Severall interests, in what way, and manner to what use & end So Ever they ye above named Lt Eben Smith, Capt Daniel Olmsted, and Matthew Seamore, their Associates, or their heirs and assigns Shall See Convenient.
"Furthermore we ye said Betty, Jacob, Turkey, Mokquaroose, Defend ye same for ever to ye abovesaid Lt Eben' Smith, Capt Dan1 Olmsted, & Matthew Seamore their associates heirs and assigns from us, our heirs Executrs administratrs, or any Indian or Indians Whatsoever, or any manner of persons, Laying any Lawfull Claim Challenge, or Demand thereunto. In Testimony whereof we do liereunto Set our hands & Seals this 19th day of December A. D. 1739.
BETTY, her X mark."
This deed was also signed by other Indians, whose names and marks are fully recorded on the town records.
EXEMPTION FROM TAXATION.
Although the carly settlers of Ridgefield were a hardy and industrious people, and exerted every effort to improve their store of worldly goods, still it is evident that their task was not any easy onc, and that for many years the financial condition of the town was at a low cbb, for, in 1725, we find them pe- titioning tlic General Assembly for exemption from taxation, as the following shows :
" The towns of Ashford, Hebron, Ridgefield, New Town, and New Mil- ford shall proceed to take and make a list of all the polls and ratable estate by their listers, this present year, as other towns in this colony do. And if either of the said towns are destitute of listers as the law directs, to do tho work, that then, in such case, such town so destitute shall sometime in the month of June next meet together and choose a suita- ble number of their inhabitants to be listers, who shall be sworn to that office accordingly, who shall take the said list and transmit the same to this Assenbly to be holden at New Haven in October next."
The petition exempting them for two years from public taxes was granted, with the provision that the town should draw no money out of the treasury for
the schools nor send no representative to the As- sembly during the exemption.
At the expiration of the two years they found it necessary to again request the same clemency, which was granted "for the term of two years next to come."
We find no repetition of this request, or anything that would seem to indicate financial depression, until 1740, when Ridgefield, together with Litchfield, was fincd and censured for not sending "the sum total of the list of the polls and ratable estates" to the Gen- cral Assembly. This doubtless may be attributed to neglect rather than financial depression.
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