History of Fairfield County, Connecticut : with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 169

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 169

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).

Stewart, Nehemiah.

Stewart, Abel.

Stewart, Philo

Seelye, Abel.

Seelye, Noah

Seelye, Benjamin

Sherman, Ele

Sherwood, Ebenezer.

Sherwood, Isaac

Sabins, Jesse.

Leatch, Ichabod ..

Leach, David.

Leatch, William.

Leatch, Mary.

Merchant, John

Northrup, Abraham.

Northrup, David.

Northrup, Jobe

Northrup, Isaac.

Northrup, Levi

Osbourn, Renben ...

Osbourn, Reubeu, Jr ..

Osbourn, Aaron.

Potter, James.

Potter, William C ..

Potter, Jared.

Peter, Waller

Pepper, Stephen

Pepper, Loyal

Pepper, Dan ...

Pepper, Azubee.

Payne, Aron.

Payne, Samuel.

Page, Jonathan.

Page, William

Prindle, Amos

Pickitt, Benjamin

Pickitt, Bernil

Wakeman, Seth.

Wakeman, Gideon.

Wanzer, Jolın

Wanzer, Elvid

Wanzer, Abraham

Wright, Abel.

Wilcox. William.

Wing, Thomas.

Woodard, Asa

Wood, John.

Wanzer, Husten.

Stewart, Alexander.

Geddings, Joseph

Geddings, Jr., Joseph

Butler, Timothy

Irash, Aseph

Graves, Ezra ...

Akins, James.

Hoag, Nathaniel

Wing, John ...

Weaver, Joseph

23.50 45.30 46.76

Sherman, Jotham.

Bartram, Noah

60.00

Osburn, Nathaniel.

66.06

Barlow, David.

80.00

Page, Uriah

77.00

The list was certified to as follows :

"The within is a trne List of the Poles and Rateabel Estate of the Town of Sherman for the year 1802, Pr us, Bennit Pickett and James A. Giddings. Sworn Listers.

" To Mr David Northrup Town Clerk.

" We hereby certify that the foregoing is a true list of the Town of Sherman for the year 1802 amounting to $22,083.26.

"SHERMAN, May 5, 1803.

" GIDEON BEARDSLEY, " JOSEPH BEACH, Jun., " Selectmen of the town of New Fairfield. "STEPHEN BARNS,

"SAMUEL ALLEN,

" DAVID BARLOW,

" Selectmen of the town of Sherman."

The records also show that at this date James Pot- ter was a physician in the town; David Gorham, mer- chant; John Hubbell, innkeeper; Thomas Hareton and Abel Wright, blacksmiths; Thomas King and Isaac Ingersoll, shoemakers; and Thatford Holmes, joiner.

Hubbel, Jolın.

96.90

Geddings, William

Gaylord, Ebenezer

Gaylord, Aaron.

25.48

70.00

Barrit, Johu.

Clark, I. B.

Graves, Jedediah ...

104.34 65.50 60.00 306.31 23.74 76.68 136.62 253.84 70.00 130,50 267.38 88.60 159.16 37.04 73.27 007.01 611.71 185.90 135.00 110.61 58.46 86.25 250.63 238.37 174.92 94.22 48.56 213.98 136.00 115.40 77.73 80.00 88 24 152.95 104.42 80.41 105.58 129.17 199.97 201.50 374.56 443.27 338.19 217.38 65.39 203.36 94.15 70.46 332.08 343.04 67.35 94.00 104.00 145.14 67.00 60,30 34.96

363.85 236.91

(85

SHERMAN.

PIONEERS.

Among the prominent pioneer families are men- tioned the Giddings, Greeleys, Barnes ('Squire Barnes was a large landholder), Graves, Gorhams, Hunger- fords, Northrup, Lecalers, Allens, Wanzers, Wake- mans, Barlows.

PHYSICIANS.

Among the first physicians were Drs. Potter, Holmes, John Orton. Daniel W. Northrup practiced here about forty years. John N. Woodruff, M.D., succeeded Northrup, and is still in active practice. He studied his profession with Dr. Northrup and Dr. F. A. Kinch. He spent considerable time in Bellevue Hospital, New York; also attended lectures at Co- lumbia College. In addition to the active practice of an arduous profession Dr. Woodruff is also town clerk and judge of Probate. Dr. Beach practiced here about a year, and removed. Dr. Henry L. Mallory is also a practicing physician here.

THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.

This church was organized in 1751. The following is a list of ministers : Thomas Lewis, ordained 1744, dismissed 1746; Elijah Sill, ordained 1751, dismissed 1779; Oliver D. Cook, ordained 1792, dismissed 1793 ; Maltby Gelston, ordained 1797, died 1856 ; Judson B. Stoddard, colleague pastor, ordained 1845, dismissed 1854. For a number of years ministers were fixed for a year or two. Solomon J. Douglas was ordained October, 1863, and dismissed in 1867. April, 1868, Watson W. Torrey ordained, and dismissed before the year was up, on account of his health. James J. Hoyt was ordained in July, 1870, and dismissed 1874. Edward P. Herrick, ordained in February, 1876, is the present pastor. The following is a list of deacons : Ephraim Hubbell, 1797; Daniel Noble, William Burns, Benjamin Bennett, no date; James Potter, 1795 ; William Giddings, 1803 ; Jared C. Potter, 1813; William C. Potter, 1814; Daniel N. Giddings, 1814; Jared C. Potter, 1825; Levi Stuart, 1829 (died 1873) ; Edwin Hungerford, 1870 (died 1879) ; Hugh Gelston, 1848. Maltby G. Gelston, Theodore C. Rogers, and George C. Giddings were appointed in 1879.

"I have no means of knowing," says Rev. Hugh Gelston, "who the members were previous to the or- dination of Rev. M. Gelston, April 26, 1797. At that time they were Deacon James Potter, Jedediah Graves, Joseph Giddings, William Giddings, and Thomas Kellogg, males ; Alice Hubbell, Mary Tow- ner, Abigail Potter, Ruth Graves, Deborah Barns, Ruth Ackley, Mary Giddings, Mary Kellogg, Lydia Giddings, and Esther Wilcox, females. The present number of members is one hundred and thirty-nine.

" The first church was erected about 1770. The present church was erected in 1836.

"The number of members continued to increase from time to time until 1821, when a revival added thirty-two. There was a revival in 1831 which added forty-four, and there were added, in 1838, sixty-nine,

and in 1841 there were one hundred and thirty- eight members."

UNION CHURCII.

The church now called the Union church of Sher- man was built in about 1836 or 1837 by subscription. Time came when the old church building needed re- pairing, and some of the members insisted upon having it removed, while others desired it repaired. on the same site. The fight became a bitter one, and many of those living remember the length to which the controversy was carried and the amusing inci- dents connected with the affair.

ST. POLYCARP'S CHURCH.

Dec. 22, 1866, an Episcopal Church was organized here under the name of St. Polycarp's Church, with the following members : John N. Woodruff, Charles Pepper, G. N. Woodruff, William B. Pepper, Royal W. Briggs, L. N. Blydenburgh, D. B. Mallory, and N. E. Northrup. The corner-stone of the edifiee was laid, when some trouble arose, and the building was never completed. Services were held liere by Rev. I. L. Townsend, the rector at Danbury. A Mr. Peck also held occasional services at this place.

There is also a Christian Church in the southern part of the town, but we have been unable to procure any data concerning it, although diligent inquiry has been made.

RECOLLECTIONS OF MORGAN STUART.

The following artiele is from the pen of Morgan Stuart, formerly a resident of this town, now residing in Milan, Ohio. It was prepared expressly for this work.

In the extreme northwestern corner of Fairfield County, in the State of Connecticut, is the town of Sherman. Its history commences in the year 1802. At that time the town of New Fairfield was divided, and the northern part was set off and formed the town of Sherman. The first town-meeting was held in 1803, when I suppose the town was organized.

It must be admitted that there is little about the natural features of the country that would attract the attention of a stranger. The land is rough and broken, made up largely of hillside and valleys, the former so steep often as to make the cultivation of the soil difficult, and many other parts so stony as to re- quire a large amount of labor and expeuse in their removal, as the long lines of stone wall show. The soil is generally fertile, and yields the farmer a fair return for his labor and toil. The land is well watered with brooks of clear running water, coming down the mountain slopes, and many a pretty water- fall may be seen on the steep rocky hillsides as the smaller streams make their way to the beautiful meadow-lands below. As will be supposed, it would require patient, untiring industry and economy to en- able the owners of these lands to meet the expenses of the family and the education of the children.

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686

HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, CONNECTICUT.

This they were able to do, and in addition they were often able to lay by each year a small surplus for future use. In fact, there was seen a thrift and often an independence in means beyond what was enjoyed by others in more favored sections of the country. A small sum, as I stated, would be laid by each year, with which a few acres were added to the farm, or the money was put out at interest. I have seldom secn a people among whom more real comforts were enjoyed.

I necd hardly say that the school and the church were among the prominent things in the minds of all good citizens in Connecticut. The people in this town were celebrated for their support of the common or district school, and every child, rich or poor, at suit- able age, was gathered into the school-room.

The school-houses would not compare with those of the present day. They were not in the highest style of architecture or of much artistic beauty, and with few equipments like those of modern times. There was no claim to ornament, no cornice, no blinds, and the interior equally without attractions, and I might say without comfort. A monstrous firc- place built of rough stone at one end of the room, well filled with wood, really furnished all the heat that was needed ; but it was unequally distributed ; it was too hot on one side of the house and on the other too cold. " Please let me go to the fire" was often heard, and was often not an unreasonable rc- quest. Coarse oak-slab benches, without backs, in the centre of the room, and writing-tables around the outside, with the same kind of seats in front, with a plain board table for the teacher, constituted the main furniture of the school-room sixty or seventy years ago. With all these drawbacks, good instruc- tion was given, and by earnest application of the pupils a good and substantial education was secured, preparing some for the more common business of life, and others for the higher schools and colleges, from which went out some of the highest talent seen in our learned professions.

These district schools received the attention of our best men, clergy and others. Our pastor, Mr. Gel- ston, made it his business to look after their interests, visiting all the schools in the township four times a year, noting the standing of each pupil at the begin- ning of the term, and the progress each had made at subsequent visits. These examinations were very critical, and were interspersed with remarks and suggestions of great practical value, as he had a taste decidedly in this direction. As he was about to leave he would invariably address the teacher in these words : " Are you ready for prayers, sir ?" The reader will notice that he did not ask the teacher if it would be agreeable to him ; he was not consulted on this point. The thought that an objection could be raised as to the propriety of such an exercise-or I might say whether the Bible should be read in the school-had not been thought of then. It was left for almost the

close of this nineteenth century to start a doubt whether God should be acknowledged in the insti- tutions for the instruction of our children and youth. The most profound attention and stillness prevailed as that minister addressed the throne of grace, in- voking the blessing of Almighty God on the parents, the teacher, and the children. Who can doubt the salutary influence of such a man in all the schools in the town as four times a year he repeated such a visit ?

It would not be possible to name all the familics or persons who were prominent in the early history of this town, or who were so fifty or sixty years ago, which is about the date of these recollections. A few only can be mentioned. There were four brothers by the name of Allen,-Gideon, Samuel, John, and James,-who were more or less prominent in the the building up and welfare of the church and society in its early history. Gideon, I believe, was the largest contributor to the society's fund for the support of the minister. I am informed that the communion service now in use by the Congregational Church was a gift from him a long time ago. James Allen was also a warm friend of the society, and con- tributed liberally to its support. The other two brothers, I believe, also gave in smaller sums for the support of religion.

Mr. David Northrop, who lived about two miles north of the centre of the town, deserves to be men- tioned as one of the early settlers. He had six sons, all of whom became prominent business men, and worthy and useful citizens. Only two of them are now living. Mr. Thomas Northrop, who has long resided in Vermont, during the last year paid a visit to his native place, and walked all the way from Gaylordsville, four miles, although he is eighty-four years old. Mr. John O. Northrop only resides in Sherman, and is a worthy representative of the fam- ily. There are other families of the same name who are worthy of particular notice, but the scope of this article will not admit of it.

In the north part of the town were several families of the name of Giddings. There was Baldwin, Sam- uel, David, George, Daniel, Jonathan, and Andrus. They were all men of real worth, possessing all the substantial qualities that make good citizens in an eminent degrec. I think all, or nearly all, were Christian men, and their families such as go to make up the best society. "They all died in like faith, having received the promises and embraced them."

There were also the names of Graves, Barnes, Hubbell, Briggs, Potter, Hungerford, and Stuart, worthy of honorable mention. The two last were very numerous, and acted an important part in the early history of the town, but upon whom I have not the time to dwell. Dr. John Orton, for a long time our principal physician and a man without re- proach, should also be noticed. William Giddings, Esq., near the centre of the town, was one of our

687

SHERMAN.

most intelligent citizens, with a numerous and highly respected family. They removed, in 1830, to the State of Michigan, where several of them filled places of importance and responsibility. One of these I shall have occasion to again mention in the course of this article.

Another name-a name above all others I have mentioned-must have a place in these reminis- cenees. Without the name of Gelston no history of Sherman fifty or sixty years since would be com- plete. His long life and works are so interwoven with all its best interests and prosperity that it is essential ; in fact, it could not be omitted, and no one would wish to have it omitted. Back to my earliest recollections the Rev. Maltby Gelston was the worthy pastor of the Congregational Church, which was al- most the only church at that time in the town. He was highly educated, refined in all his tastes, digni- fied in his deportment, polite in his manners, and, so far as I could see, perfect in his life and example. Those of us who were in early life felt towards him the highest respect,-I may say, a kind of veneration. He was not accustomed to use superfluous words, was precise in all he did or said, in conversation, in the pulpit, and everywhere. Every word was in its proper place and the best that could be used. No jesting or trifling was expected in his presence.

On one occasion a young man sought his advice in an important matter as to his future business for life. After stating his case with great care he said, "Now, Mr. Gelston, I want your candid opinion." Mr. Gel- ston replied with some warmth, "Mr. Piekett, you will have my candid opinion if you have any, sir." This was said in a tone of voice and manner that convinced Mr. Pickett that he had made a mistake. He was wise in counsel, and his opinion was often sought where important interests were involved, both in the church and in the common business of life. In ecclesiastical assemblies no one stood higher, and he was often appointed to preside in their meetings.

While Mr. Gelston was not an eloquent man in the general acceptation of that term, there was added to the words he spake the power of an example as near perfect as is ever seen; and it may be added that no congregation or church was better instrueted in the fundamental doctrines of the gospel, or, when brought under conviction by the Spirit of God, had clearer views of their duties or what it meant to become a Christian and the responsibilities of a Christian life.

Those converted under his preaching less frequently fell away, but were firm in their Christian hope, and sustained well the profession they had made.

Two services were held in the church on the Sab- bath,-one at 10.30 A.M. and the other in the after- noon, after an intermission of an hour. It may be of interest to some to know what the programme was at that early day, and I will describe it as it was on a single Sabbath. It was winter; snow several feet deep covered the ground ; the mercury was nearly at

zero. Many came from a distance. Sleighs drove up to the door, and the inmates entered the building ; others arrived on foot. The room was cold, as there was no fire; stoves for churches had not been much thought of. The room was divided into square pews; on one side of each was the door for entrance, and on the other three sides there were seats with high, straight backs. Of course some of the audience sat with their backs to the speaker, which was quite awkward and unpleasant. I stated there was no fire in the room. This is not strictly true. The women's foot-stoves were the exception. These were filled with live eoals when they left their homes, and were passed around to different ones in the pews; so a small degree of warmth was enjoyed.

The morning service was closed. Most of the people lived miles away. They went to the nearest houses to spend the hour, eat their lunch, replenish their stoves with fresh coals, and then return to the church for the second service. This was much like the forenoon, only at its close and after the benedic- tion they seemed loath to leave. The minister then draws from the Bible a slip of paper, and reads as fol- lows : " A marriage is intended between Mr. John Laurence, of New Preston, and Miss Mary Smith, of this place." With smiling faces they then left the church. This marriage notice, or publishment, was required by the laws of the State at that early day.

There were dark periods in the history of that church while Mr. Gelston was its pastor. It was from the beginning small,-only twenty members. One after another had died; only a few had been added. Finally, the last deacon had been called away by death, and there seemed no one with which the va- caney could be filled. Just at this time a relative called to spend a Sabbath. It was communion that day. They gathered once more around the table to commemorate the dying love of the Redeemer. Our pastor, after he had broken the bread and poured the wine, left his seat and passed the elements with his own hand. After the close of the service the friend inquired with surprise, " Why, my dear brother, where were all your officers to-day ?" He replied with deep emotion " I have none. God took from me some time since my last deacon. I trust to-day he is sitting down to the marriage-supper of the Lamb." "Why don't you appoint some, then ? He replied, "I have no material in the church suitable for the place."

In one of my visits to my venerable friend I sat down by his side and listened to this sad story of his discouragements in his early ministry. He said at times his way seemed hedged up and he was led to think he had mistaken his calling. But a brighter sun was to rise. A church whose foundations had been laid broad and deep through the faithful labors of this minister of Christ was to enjoy great blessings from its Head. Revivals of great power and interest were to be enjoyed, and the fruits of his labors were to appear in the glorious harvests gathered in. In

688

HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, CONNECTICUT.

the year 1831 fifty-five, and in 1838 sixty-one, were added to the church. Other revivals of less power were enjoyed in the year preceding and which fol- lowed these dates. Thus God blessed His faithful ser- vant, and he enjoyed the fulfillment of the promise, "They that sow with tears shall reap with joy."

In December, 1856, in the ninety-first year of his age, the venerable pastor of the Congregational Church in Sherman entered into his rest. He laid off lis armor and was called to go up higher,-to receive his crown. That decision which made him the pastor of that people in the year 1796 was fraught with im- portant interests to them and him which eternity alone can unfold.

GREEN POND.

In the southeastern part of the town is a small body of water called by the above name. It is about three- fourths of a mile long and nearly half a mile wide, and forty feet deep,-as will be seen, of great depth for so small a body of water. A remarkable feature of it is its great clevation above the valley below: it must be more than one hundred feet, and on the spur of a mountain. There is little higher land around it, only a kind of rim of solid rock, confining its waters in their basin.

The question is and has long been, Whenee its sup- ply of water? In long dry seasons, from greater evaporation, its level is lowered somewhat, but not equal to other bodies of water. There don't seem to be higher land around enough to keep up the supply. Some years since I called the attention of Prof. St. Johns, then of Western Reserve College, to this sub- ject. He said it was quite remarkable in this feature, and that he knew of but one other such body of water,-this one in Canada.

The opinion in early times was that it was fed by springs from below, which were not influenced by rains or drought. This pond is well stored with fish and has ever been a popular fishing-ground, and has late years been used for picnics as well.

There is an item of history connected with this pond which I will mention. It used to overflow its banks at the south end and pass below, watering the lands in that direction. At an early day, some sev- enty years ago, Mr. William Leach, a man of much enterprise, who resided in the valley on the west side, coneeived the idea of blasting a tunnel through the rim of solid rock on the northwest end and drawing off the water to be used for mill purposes, three-fourths of a mile below. This was quite an expensive under- taking, but was accomplished. By means of a gate at the artificial outlet, which he could close or open as he pleased, or as he needed the supply at the mills, the water passed down the mountain side, and just above his mills he built an embankment or dam and formed a mill-pond. From this reservoir in a race he carried it to his mills at the bottom of the valley. It made a fine water-power. Three overshot wheels, one below the other, were used,-one for a carding-ma-

chine and two for his grist-mill. (Later there is also a saw-mill and cider-mill there now.)

This was a great convenience to all the surrounding country. But the farmers on the south side of the pond felt damaged in their interests, and brought a suit in court, on the ground that the water was turned out of its natural channel; and the court, with this view of the case, enjoincd Mr. Leaeh from using the water. Under this decision the mills would be dry mills, and all the community around would be dam- aged. Mr. Leach didn't stop here. He got up a pe- tition to the State Legislature, signed by great num- bers of the people in the country around, setting forth that there was no other mill for many miles in that locality ; that they raised their own grain, and de- pended on it for their bread; that it really was indis- pensable for their comfort and welfare. The case was referred to a very able committee, which, after a full investigation, reported in favor of the petitioner, and that Mr. Leach should have a perpetual grant to use those waters for the purposes named. The Legislature adopted the report, and for some seventy years Green Pond has sent out its waters, which have flowed down that mountain side, and the wheels of Leaeh's Mills have scarcely ceased their revolutions, and with ad- vantages to the country around which can scarcely be estimated.

Mr. Leach plead his own case in the trials I have described before the courts and the committee, as I suppose. He died about twenty years ago, but those mills still bear testimony to his energy and perse- verance ; how he pressed forward his work under diffi- culties, and how his efforts were crowned with success. William Leach should be remembered as a public benefactor.

THE OLD FALLS.

One of the curiosities of the town was ever known by this name. I consider them worthy of a brief notice in this sketch. On one of my visits to my old home, several years ago, I visited this spot. It was a bright June morning. The laurels and honeysuckles were in full bloom. Clumps of them could be seen at a great distance by their bright and showy flowers, presenting attractions not easy to describe. We came suddenly and sooner to the place than I had antici- patcd. There they were, right before us, overshadowed by splendid laurels and hemlocks, and other deep shady trees, shutting out the rays of the sun, and forming a dark deep shade over our heads, the air as cool as a September day. For a more. enthusiastic description of the scene than I can give I will copy an extraet from a letter I received about that time from Hon. Marsh Giddings, of Michigan, on this sub- ject, whose boyhood, like my own, had been spent near this spot. He says, "Sometimes I go back to my old town and home. A few years since myself, wife, and daughter paid a visit to The Great Falls in the mountain. Oli, it is a charmed spot ! and it was almost impossible to get Frank away. The mountain

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History of Fairfield County, Connecticut : with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 169

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