History of Litchfield county, Connecticut, Part 112

Author: J.W. Lewis & Company (Philadelphia, Pa.)
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Philadelphia : J.W. Lewis & Co.
Number of Pages: 1532

USA > Connecticut > Litchfield County > History of Litchfield county, Connecticut > Part 112

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Dr. Taylor was much in public affairs. He was sent to the State Senate in 1832. This was his first public office. He represented New Milford many years in the Assembly, and was sent again to the Senate. He was judge of probate for a long time, and town treasurer for many years. Democratic in politics, he was one of the pillars of that party in this section of the State. He was nominated for member of Congress in 1847, and defeated by Hon. Tru- man Smith. He was at one time a candidate for Lieutenant-Governor. In 1864 he was sent as del- egate to the National Democratic Convention at Chicago, which nominated Gen. McClellan for Presi- dent. In 1876 he was chosen member of the Electoral College, and cast his vote for Samuel J. Tilden.

Perhaps no man in Litchfield County was more widely known in social, political, or professional circles, and surely none ever stood higher in esteem and confidence than he.

Ifis children are Charles Taylor, M.D., for years a homeopathic physician in New Milford, and Mrs. Thomas E. Stewart, of New York City.

Nothing can more faithfully portray the estimation in which the citizens of New Milford hold his mem- ory than the following extracts, the first from an article contributed to the Bridgeport Farmer by Henry S. Sanford, Esq., and the second from an obit- uary in the Housatonic Ray :

" Born in New Milford, the son of an eminent citi- zen, Col. William Taylor, and the lineal descendant of the two first settled Congregational clergymen of that town, he was in every respect a son of the soil, a product and an exponent of the Housatonic Valley in its calm repose, and of its high hills, which guard it in their silent strength. . . . In politics, during many years, Dr. Taylor stood forth as the main manager and foremost factor of the Democratic party in New Milford. Nay, he often seemed not merely the leader there of the Democratic party, but almost its verit- able and living embodiment. In council, in caucus, and in convention his advice, discreet, temperate and honorable, was always listened to and followed. All my early life was spent in New Milford, and it was my fortune, as that of my father before me, to act always with the party opposed to Democracy, and I take the greater pride and the more pleasure in bearing witness to the manly manner in which Dr. Taylor invariably conducted political contests. His integrity was white as the snow, his fairness plain as the day. He scorned all treachery, trickery, and base- ness. Firm in his fealty to his party, he yet respected the opinions of others who differed from him, and blended no bitterness with the strife. He said once that my father, the late David C. Sanford, and him- self had lived opposite to each other, across the vil- lage green, for many years, and had always and at all times opposed each other strongly in politics, and all matters allied to politics, but that no unpleasant word „and, he believed, no unpleasant look had ever been

RESIDENCE OF D. E. SOULE, NEW MILFORD, CONN.

Albert. A Buldum

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exchanged between them. The truth is the doctor believed steadfastly in his political principles, and was at bottom, and at heart, an ardent patriot and a public-spirited citizen. He believed his party to be in the right in the main, and in most points; so he adhered to it, and honored it, and it honored him. But he has gone. His noble, commanding figure, crowned with snow-white locks, standing and sitting like a Prime Minister, will no more adorn the village and the valley, yet love for the man, and respect and tender regard for his memory, shall remain while the river flows and the valley smiles for us who knew him and are left behind."

"He occupied from early manhood a prominent place in this community, including various positions of honor and trust. His record has been one of per- fect integrity ; his publie career has been without a stain of venality. In the conduct of personal affairs he was just and true in his intercourse with his fel- low-men ; indeed, he was faithful and true in all the relations of life. He had a kind and sympathizing disposition, and was exceedingly gentle, and pains- taking in the discharge of his professional duties; and during his long career he answered thousands of calls from the poor and the afflicted, from whom he could expect no other recompense than gratitude. The characteristics to which we have alluded ran like golden threads through his life, and inspired in a marked degree the respect and confidence of all who knew him."

DAVID E. SOULE.

David E. Soule was born on Long Mountain, in the northwestern part of the town of New Milford, and lived there with his father, John Soule, until he was nearly seventeen years old. Having received a com- mon-school education, he now began the world for himself. After having served an apprenticeship of three years as carpenter and joiner, he set out at New Milford and vicinity, working at his trade until August, 1862, when he enlisted as a private soldier in Capt. George Williams' Co. H, of the Nineteenth Connecticut Volunteers ; served as color-benrer in several battles, -namely, Hanover Court-house, Cold Harbor, before Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, etc.,-after which he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant; was in the Army of the Potomac and Shenandoah Valley ; was engaged in eight different battles, besides several skir- mishes, and was never wounded. When discharged, after the elose of the war, he returned home and en- gaged in building, in connection with the lumber busi- ness, with his brother, T. Soule. He is also extensively engaged in the tobacco business. In January, 1866, Mr. Soule married Sarah M. Sullivan ; they have three children,-Frank E., Florence A., and Willie W. His wife is a native of New Milford. From his labor and skill Mr. Soule has amassed a comfortable fortune. He

is yet in the prime of life, and so conduets his business as not only to furnish employment to a goodly number

DAVID E. SOULE.

of men, but ornamenting his town and the surround- ing country with beautiful designs of architecture. A view of his residence may be seen elsewhere in this work.

IION. A. N. BALDWIN.

Albert N. Baldwin was born in New Milford, Conn., Sept. 28, 1811. He is descended from an old Saxon family often mentioned in early English history, and traces his ancestry in an unbroken line to John Bald- win, of Aylesbury, England, who was sole inheritor of his brother Richard, who died in 1480. Sylvester Baldwin, the emigrant, came to Milford, Conn., in 1632, there settled, and reared sons and daughters. The family has ever been a reputable one, possessed of industry, integrity, and liberality. Theophilus Baldwin came from Milford to New Milford in the early part of the eighteenth century, and his son Isaac, born in New Milford, in 1735, was grandfather to A. N. Baldwin. He married Hannah Davis, Jan. 2, 1765, and died Dec. 16, 1811. They had ten chil- dren, eight attaining maturity. At twenty years of age he settled on the same place now occupied by his grandson, and thereafter, for fifty-six years, made it his home.

Noble Baldwin, his third son, was born on the old homestead, Dec. 25, 1779. He lived there over ninety- two years, and died, much regretted, March 23, 1872. He was a man of strong physique, a quiet agricul- turist, caring nothing for public places or honors, but was prominently connected with the Baptist Church

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HISTORY OF LITCHFIELD COUNTY, CONNECTICUT.

of which he was a zealous member for years. He married Mary Hinman, of Oxford, Sept. 17, 1803. Their children were Norman, Elmer, Albert N., and Harriet E. (Mrs. F. G. Bennet, of New Milford). Mrs. Baldwin died March 9, 1859.

Albert received a common-school education, and taught winter terms of district school from the age of sixteen to twenty-nine, working on the farm in sum- mer. Ile has never moved from the old homestead, which, nicely located in the beautiful valley, has been a pleasant home for several generations. Oct. 20, 1835, he married Eliza, daughter of Jeremiah and Sarah E. (Merwin) Baldwin. She was born in New Milford, April 8, 1816. Their son, Francis G., born Feb. 27, 1840, now resides in New Milford.

Mr. Baldwin is a man of extended public service. He has been called to fill nearly every position of trust and responsibility in his town ; has represented New Milford many years in the State Legislature, was member of many important committees; was State's prison inspector, and largely instrumental in establishing the reform school. Always deeply en- gaged in education, he has been for years a member of the board of education. He was formerly a Whig, but on the breaking up of that party he became a Democrat, and has always acted with its leaders, be- lieving that in a close adherence to the Constitution existed the perpetuity of the republic. His local at- tachment makes him largely interested in New Mil- ford. His economy, business qualities, prudence, and success have placed him in good financial cir- cumstances.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin are consistent and valued members of the Baptist Church, joining it in 1850.

GEORGE H. NOBLE.

The Noble name is of great antiquity in England, from which country Thomas Noble, the first American ancestor, probably came about the middle of the seven- teenth century. He was a resident of Boston in 1653; became one of the early settlers of Springfield, Mass., and afterwards removed to Westfield, Mass., where he died, Jan. 20, 1704.

His son John was born in Springfield, Mass., March 6, 1662, and died in New Milford, Conn., Aug. 17, 1714, ·aged fifty-two years.

The same spirit which led Thomas Noble, Sr., to brave the dangers of the ocean and the wilderness inspired his eldest son to become the first white settler in the rich valley of the Housatonic, at New Milford, Conn. June 22, 1706, John Noble, then of Westfield, purchased land at New Milford, Conn., of John Wood- ruffe, of Milford, an original proprietor, and moved thither in 1707. The incidents concerning his settle- ment appear in their proper place in the history of the town. He was one of the committee chosen in 1710 by the proprietors to divide the lands of the settlers, and the same year joined the First Congrega-

tional Church of Woodbury, and was one of the pe- titioners to the General Court for an organization of a church in New Milford, which was organized in 1716, two years after his death.

Ensign David Noble, son of John, was born in West- field, Mass., Jan. 25, 1696; joined the Congregational Church in New Milford in 1720, and died about 1760. He was selectman 1736-37, representative to the Gen- eral Assembly for six sessions, and was chosen, Oct. 11, 1743, ensign of the North military company, in New Milford. He married for his second wife Su- sanna, daughter of Hon. John and Elizabeth Sher- man, of Woodbury.

Their oldest child, Zadock, was born in New Mil- ford, Sept. 17, 1723, and died Jan. 13, 1786. In 1761 he was selectman. Under date of March 31, 1777, the records of New Milford show that it was " Voted, 2d, That a committee be appointed, according to the advise of his Hon" the Governor, etc., for the purpose of furnishing the Quota of Soldiers in the Continental service of sª New Milford," and Lieut. Zadock Noble was chosen first on said committee. Dec. 8, 1777, he was chosen one of the New Milford committee of in- spection and correspondence. He married Freelove Dibble, of Danbury, Conn., and had numerous chil- dren.

Their son, Ezra Dibble Noble, was born in New Milford, Conn., Jan. 3, 1749; was a farmer, and died March 26, 1808. He was twice married, and bad many children. His son Ezra was born July 9, 1779, in New Milford; passed his life and died there, June 1, 1855. He was selectman 1815-17, and justice of the peace from 1825 to 1849. He was a man simple in his habits, of great modesty and sterling integrity. He died, probably of heart-disease, while sitting in his chair. He married Amelia, daughter of Benjamin and Rachel Hickok, of Danbury, Conn. They had two sons-Hiram B. and George H .- and four daughters.

George Henry Noble was born in New Milford, Conn., March 12, 1814, and was seventh in direct line from Thomas Noble, of Westfield, Mass., and sixth from the first settler of New Milford. He was en- gaged as clerk in New Haven from 1828 to 1838, where he married, Jan. 6, 1835, Henrietta, daughter of Abel and Henrietta (McCracken) Burritt, of New York City. She was born in New Haven, Conn., June 25, 1816. After about four years passed in merchandising in New York City and Augusta, Ga., Mr. Noble returned, in 1842, to New Milford, and be- came associated with his brother in the manufacture of boots, under firm-name of H. B. & G. H. Noble. They made a specialty of goods for California trade, and did an extensive business.

· Mr. Noble was extensively known and respected throughout the State, and at various times during his long and prosperous business career occupied positions of public responsibility and trust. He was postmaster of New Milford from 1853 to 1856; acted with the Re-

Geoss Avble

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publican party from its formation, and was a delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1860, which nominated Abraham Lincoln for President. Previous to this he was for several years bank commissioner for Connecticut, and filled the position with credit and ability. He was for nearly ten years (1862-71) assessor of internal revenue for the district where he resided, and was for several years a director of the Housatonic Railroad. He was a member of the Con- gregational Church of New Milford, a constant attend- ant at the sanctuary, and a valued member of the society. His death occurred Dec. 10, 1872, after a long and wasting illness.

His two surviving children are Alfred Henry and George Belden. They are engaged in the manufac- ture of buttons in New Milford, with firm-name of Noble Bros. Alfred was born June 3, 1841, in New York; married, Oct. 27, 1864, Eleanor Dacy, daughter of Rev. Charles Gardner and Elizabeth C. (Elting) Acly, of New Milford; they have two chil- dren. George was born in New Milford, Oct. 25, 1848. He married, Dec. 19, 1878, Caroline L., daughter of Dr. James and Catharine (Northrup) Hine, of New Milford.

HORATIO GILEAD SPERRY.

Horatio Gilead Sperry was born in New Milford, Conn., Sept. 5, 1806. He was oldest child of Wilmot and Dolly (Averill) Sperry. The Sperry family is of Welsh extraction, and the original spelling of the name, which was continued till about one hundred years ago, was Speary. Deacon Sperry's great-grand- father, Gilead, came from Wales to New Haven with his father and family. He was a splendid mechanic, and when about twenty-one years old came to New Milford to superintend the building of the Congre- gational church, became acquainted with Mercy, daughter of Rev. Daniel Boardman, married her, and became a lifelong resident of the town. Jared, his only son, was born Dec. 25, 1750, on the farm pur- chased by his father, in the north part of the town; lived there as a farmer all his life, and died April 12, 1812, in his sixty-second year, a victim of the terrible epidemic which devastated New Milford in that year. He was an Episcopalian. He married Mrs. Amy Wheaton, whose maiden name was Stone. His only son, Wilmot, was her child. He afterwards married a Widow Camp, by whom he had one daughter, Ifen- rietta, who married Hon. Stephen B. Leonard, of Owego, N. Y., and whose children occupy high finan- cial and social positions. Wilmot Sperry was born on the same farm as his father; was educated for an Episcopal clergyman, but became attached to the

Congregational Church, and settled as a farmer on the home farm. He was an active business man; was a tanner and currier, and for several years was mer- chant in Merryall, with Elijah Bennett as partner, under firm-name of Bennett & Sperry. He steadily refused to accept public office, "preferring," as he said, "to attend to his own business rather than that of others." He was a Democrat of the old school. He married Dolly, daughter of Col. Perry Averill, of Washington. Their children were Horatio G., Amy M. (Mrs. John Angevine, of New Preston), Flora (Mrs. Harvey P. Turrell, deceased), and Dolly M. (Mrs. Harvey Whittlesey, of Farmington, deceased). He afterwards married Anna, daughter of Capt. Jo- seph Whittlesey, of Washington, by whom he bad four sons and one daughter,-Jared, Orlo, Walter D., George (deceased), and Harriet P. (Mrs. C. W. Ben- nett, of Bridgeport).

Horatio was brought up on the old homestead ; was educated at common schools, supplemented by a long course of instruction under that veteran and able teacher, Minor Turrell. From about his majority, for several years, Horatio was engaged during the winter in teaching, and went to New Jersey also as a teacher. Returning to Connecticut after some time, he commenced merchandising at Marbledale, where he remained over ten years. Here he married, Oct. 20, 1834, Eliza, daughter of Rev. Abijah Tomlinson. Her mother's maiden name was Betsy Tomlinson. She was of good old Puritan stock, that has ever oc- cupied important positions in Connecticut and else- where from the early days of the Commonwealth. In the spring of 1841 they moved to the okl place so long occupied by Mr. Sperry's father, and from which he was just called by death, and here they have lived a long life of usefulness, and grown old together, and have the satisfaction of knowing that their life has been one of content. Their children are Anna H. (Mrs. John C. Ackley), Caroline Averill (Mrs. George B. Ackley), Jared Boardman, Charles Tomlinson, Eliza T. (Mrs. Irwin J. Beardsley, of Kent).

Both Mr. and Mrs. Sperry have been members of the Congregational Church for over half a century, and are among the most valued and active members. Mr. Sperry has been deacon since 1854, and clerk of the society from 1854 to 1879.

Deaeon Sperry has been unambitious of public dis- tinction, but has consented to take various town offices, among them justice of the peace. He has, as was his father before him, often been called to ad- minister and settle estates. In politics he was a Henry Clay Whig, and is now n Republican, joining that party on its organization. His sons and sons- in-law are all of the same political faith.

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HISTORY OF LITCHFIELD COUNTY, CONNECTICUT.

CHAPTER XLVI. NORFOLK.

Geographical-Topographical-The Pioneers-Sale of the Towo-First Proprietors' Meeting-War of the Revolution-Names of Soldiers- Labor Regulations, 1778-Pioneer Mills-Schools-The First Post-office -Ecclesiasticel History-Congregational Church-Methodist Episcopal Church-Temperance Society-Civil History-Incorporation of the Town-List of Representatives from 1722 to 1881-List of Physiciane -College Graduates-Military History-Names of Soldiers-Soldiere' Moanment.

THIS town lies in the north part of the county, and is bounded as follows: on the north by Massachu- setts, on the east by Colebrook and Winchester, on the south by Goshen, and on the west by Canaan and North Canaan. The surface of the town is elevated and mountainous, and the soil is a gravelly loam. Blackberry River, which is formed by the junction of two rivers at Norfolk, and flows west into the Housatonic, affords an excellent water-power for manufacturing purposes.

This town belonged to what was known as the Con- necticut colony, and was appointed to be sold at Hart- ford on the second Tuesday in April, 1738. The sale, however, failed, and in 1742 it was again offered for sale, when a portion of it only was disposed of. In May, 1750, an act was passed by the General Assem- bly ordering the remainder to be sold at public vendue at Middletown in the December following, and to con- tinue the sale until the lands were disposed of, which was effected in 1754.

In 1758 there were but twenty-seven families residing in the towu. There were fifty proprietors of the lands, and as it was a condition among them that each should settle one family upon his respective right within five years, the population rapidly increased, and in 1761 numbered about seventy families.

THE PIONEERS.

Among the pioneers were George Palmer, William Barber, Jedediah Richards, John Turner, Ebenezer Knapp, Cornelius Brown, Aaron Aspenwall, Samuel Gaylord, Ezra Knapp, Isaac Pettibone, Edward Strick- land, Samuel Cowles, Ebenezer Burr, Elijah Barber, Ebenezer Pardia, Cornelius Dowd, Joseph Mills, Gid- eon Lawrence, Ashbel Case, Justis Gaylord, Rufus Lawrence, Eli Pettibone, Samuel Mills, Thomas Knapp, Ebenezer Knapp, Jr., James Hotchkiss, Sam- uel Ransom, Abraham Knapp, James Benedict, Stephen Baker, Joshua Whitney, Jacob Spalding, Stephen Comstock, Jedediah Turner, Samuel Strick- land, Jabez Rood, Samuel Monross, Luther Barber, Timothy Gaylord, Elisha Richards, Giles Pettibone, Jonathan Strickland, Amarialı Plumb, and David Turner.

The second sale of the town was effected through the agency of John Turner, who was appointed by the town to make application to the Assembly for its sale. He was a determined and energetic man, and at the same time the application was made secured its

incorporation ; also a land-tax, to continue two years, to assist in defraying the ecclesiastical expenses.

The population of the town rapidly increased, and upon the breaking out of the Revolution it was one of the most prosperous settlements in Litchfield County.

FIRST PROPRIETORS' MEETING, ETC .**

The first meeting of the proprietors of the town of Norfolk, under a warning by Benjamin Hull, Esq., assistant, was on the 18th of December, 1754, at the house of Jonathan Humphry, Simsbury. At said meeting John Humphry was chosen proprietors' clerk. At said meeting it was voted to lay out one hundred acres on a right, there being forty-nine individual rights, one school right, one right for the first minister that should settle, and one right to be appropriated for the support of the ministry. The hundred acres were to be laid in two fifty-acre lots, and to be called first and second divisions, the fifty-two best lots num- bered first division, the others the second division. A committee was appointed to size the lots, so as to make the first fifty-two lots as nearly equal as they could by adding the number of acres, and so with the second division. The committee to lay said lots were first to lay convenient highways. The committee were William Willcockson, Jonathan Pettibone, John Pat- terson, David Phelps, Daniel Lawrence, Jr., Benajah Douglass, Joshua Whitney, Cornelius Brown, Samuel Gaylord.

" Voted, To adjourn this meeting to first Wednesday io May next, to meet at the House of Cornelins Brown, in Norfolk."

The second proprietors' meeting was held in Nor- folk on May 7, 1755 :

" Voted, Whereas, Joho Turner, Jun', Samuel Gaylord, Cornelius Brown, Ezra Knapp. Ebenezer Knapp, William Barber, George Pal- mer, James Hotclikiss, aod Samuel Mooross are now in the improvement of lands, and are residing in this Towo, And by purchase have become proprietors of rights, shall, if they chuse, hold the lots on which their improvemente are made, and oot draw for their lots.

" Voted, To now proceed to draw for our lots."

The following are the names of the persons: Sam- uel Flagg, Hartford; John Beebe, Esq .; Gideon Thompson; John Humphry, William Willcockson, Michael Humphry, Simsbury; David Phelps; Jona- than Pettibone, Simsbury; Timothy Hosford; Wil- liam Barber, Simsbury ; Joshua Whitney, Canaan ; Ezra Knapp, Ebenezer Knapp, Danbury; Cornelius Brown, Samuel Gaylord, Samuel Monross, James Hotchkiss, James Lusk, William Warner, Benjamin Phelps, John Turner, Jr., Hartford; George Palmer, Isaac Pettibone, Simsbury; Daniel Lawrence, Jr., Benajah Douglass, Canaan ; Bavel Seymour, Jere- miah Case, Daniel Willcockson, Jonathan Humphry, Noah Humphry, Simsbury ; Edward Griswold, Wind- sor; Samuel Butler, Phinehas Lewis, John Patter- son, Hartford; Joseph Phelps, Jr .; William Walter, Goshen ; John Beach, Noah Griswold, David Gris- wold, Windsor.

* From uopublished manuscript hy the late Michael F. Mille.

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The lots were designated on the records as lot No. 1, first division, first going over ; Jot No. 1, first divi- sion, second going over.

A meeting was held May 21, 1855 :

" Voted, To lay One hundred acres on each right in two fifty-acre lots, called second division, first nad second going over.

" Fob. 22, 1757 .- Voted, To lay one hundred acres on each right, to be called the third division, in two fifty-acre lots, first and second going over.

" May 24, 1758 .- " Voted, To lay ont the white-pine timber land, &c.

"Sept. 5, 1759 .- Voted, To make a further division of our common land; that each person holding a right shall have a right to pitch sixty acres in two thirty-acre pitches, and the proprietors to draw for the day of pitching, beginning on the first day of October, aod continuing until the fifty-two days expire. The person drawing No. 1 has the first day, and so on. No person has but one day to make his first thirty-acre pitch. Then reversing, so that the last shall be first aod the first last, they make their second thirty-acre pitch. They are to make a survey bill to be signed by two committee men and a surveyor.

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History of Litchfield county, Connecticut, Part 112

Author: J.W. Lewis & Company (Philadelphia, Pa.) Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Philadelphia : J.W. Lewis & Co. Number of Pages: 1532

Author: J.W. Lewis & Company (Philadelphia, Pa.)
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Philadelphia : J.W. Lewis & Co.
Number of Pages: 1532