USA > Connecticut > Middlesex County > History of Middlesex county, Connecticut, with biographical sketches of its prominent men > Part 106
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*Those followed by * never settled,
419
KILLINGWORTH-LAND TITLES.
Buell, John Kelcey, Robert Williams, granted, John Net- tleton, granted, Annanias Turnery, purchase, John Rosi- ter, by agreement, John Meggs, granted, John Shether, purchase of Jonathan Dunnin, George Sanders, granted, William Stevens, Josiah Hull senr., Eliezer Isbel, granted, Isaac Griswold, purchase, Jonathan Dunin."
In 1669, the following list of freemen of the "Towne of Kennelworth," is recorded: Mr. John Woodbridge, Mr. Edward Griswold, Josiah Hull, John Rosseter, John Wilcockson, Samuel Buell, Jonas Westover, Eliazer Isbel, William Stevens, Nathaniel Parmerly, William Barber, John Meigs senr., Andrew Warde, William Keilsey, Wil- liam Welman, George Chatfield, Thomas Stevens, John Keilsey, John Meiggs jr., Josiah Hull, John Rosseter, townsmen; George Chatfield, constable.
The actual first settlers were 21 in number. The act of the General Court required 30 families to settle be- fore an act of incorporation could be granted them. They gradually increased until 1685, when the General Court incorporated them or granted them a " patent."
PATENT OF 1703.
In 1703, a new patent was granted to the inhabitants of Killingworth by the General Assembly.
" This assembly doth grant to Lieut. Henry Crane, William Stephens, Samuel Buell, and John Kelsie, and their associates, the present proprietors and inhabitants of Killinworth, their heirs, succesors, and assignes for- ever according to their and each of their respective and just rights therein all that tract of land lying between the tracts of land belonging to the inhabitants of the towns of Gilford and Say Brook, butted and bounded as followeth, viz, on the south or southward by the sea, On the east or eastward running north from the sea to a white oak staddle on the banks with the top cut off and a heap of stones about it; thence runing a north line to a white oak tree standing in the line near Ma, na, qua, tesett, River at the old riding place* marked with K B on the west and with S B on the east Thence running a north line to Haddam bounds where is a heap of flat stones cast up; and near Haddam is marked two chestnutt trees growing on one root, close by a great rock which is upright | like a wall on the south side; on the north running from said heap of stones in Haddam lines due west to an oak tree marked with H B on the north side and K B on the south side with a heap of stones laid about it. From thence a due west line to the westermost branch of Hammonascit River. On the west by the middle of the said Hammonascit River, as the river runs till it falls into the seas. Together with all and singular the rights, profits, privileges, member and appurtances to the said tract of land or any part thereof belonging or in any wise appertaining, and doe order that the parties above named shall have a patent for confirmation of the prem- ises, to them their heirs, successors, and assigns as
above mentioned. The pattent to be signed by the Hon'r'l the Governor and by the Secretary in the name and behalfe of the Governor and company of this Col- ony."
Notwithstanding these two patents, the first settlers were so anxious for the security of the titles to their land that they took a title deed from the secretary of State [see State Archives, also records of the town of Killing- worth], afterward paid the town of Saybrook to satisfy their claim, and again purchased the Indian title from Uncas, sachem of the Mohegans.
DEEDS FROM UNCAS.
A Deed of Sale from Uncas .- " Witnese this writing made betwixt William Leete and Samuel Kitchel on the one part and Uncas the Mohegan or his son Ahaddon, alias Joshua, on the other part these, we the said Uncas and Ahaddon being the rightful heirs and possessors of all the lands royalties and privileges betwixt the East river of Guilford and Athammonassett river, and having sold most part of the land to Mr. Fenwick and unto Guilford men long since i. e. all beneath Connecticut path to the seaside for valuable considerations already had and received, do now of our free will bargain and sell all the rest of the lands royalties and privileges to us belonging, which land runs half way Notowepesack which right came to us by Uncas' marriage of the daugh- ter of Erhequanach who dwelt at Athamanonassett and she was mother to the said Ahaddon. We say these lands rights royalties and privileges we do sell and deliv- er up unto the said William Leete and Samuel Kitchel to them and their heirs forever for and in consideration of an Indian coat worth thirty shillings and a shirt cloth worth ten shillings now had and received of the said William Leete and Samuel Kitchel in testimony of the truth of all the premises well interpreted and understood by us we have set to our hands this 13th of January 1663.
"It was after the former writing agreed that Uncas or his son shall have leave to hunt in fit season within these tracts observing the directions of the said English and doing no hurt to them or their cattle.
" In the presence of THOMAS CHITTENDEN, JOHN CHITTENDEN, ANDREW LEETE.
" Dated January 13, 1663."
Second Deed from Uncas .- " These Presents Witness that I Uncas Sachem Mohegan have hereby sold unto Mr. George fenwick a considerable parcel of the Land now Lying within the bounds of the Town of Killing- worth we Woncas & Joswah my son do by these Presents alianate assigin & pass ouer forever all our Right & In- terest whatsoever in all or any of the Land lying within the bound & Limits of the Town of Killingworth to the Inhabitants there which I have not formerly sold to Mr. George Fenwick & we Do by these Presents Ratify & Confirm this Sale to the s'd Inhabitants of Killingworth them their Heirs or Assigns-To have & to hold enjoy & possess forever free from any molestation by either of
*This riding place is believed to be iniand from the sea where are now Chapman's Milis, and this running of a new line is the change that loft Benjamin Wright in Snybrook.
54
420
HISTORY OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY.
us Woncas or Joswah or any other Person or persons from by or under us only we reserve Six acres of Land on the great Hammock four acres about to the middle of the Hammock and the other two acres at the East end of the Hammock of the best of the Land there & also free Liberty to hunt in the wood & fish in the Rivers and Harbours & to make of any trees for Canves & Rushes & flags to make Matts-& for the true perform- ance here of we have Interchangably Set to our hand this present November 26. In the year of our Lord 1669. "The mark of X WONKAS.
"The mark of X JOSWAH his son.
"Witness
"HENRY CRANE
"NATHAN BRADLAY."
SAYBROOK VS. KILLINGWORTH.
It appears from the Town Records of Killingworth, vol. I, p. 192, that there was in the early history of the county a quarrel between the towns of Killingworth and Saybrook. In regard to this matter the following from the records may be of interest:
"Whereas there hath been a difference between Say- brook and Kennelworth Respecting the Land they do possess the Inhabitants of Saybrook being from the Con sideration of a peaceable Issue and that So there be unity and unanimity between us both the Inhabitants of Saybrook & Killingworth have therefore agreed and concluded on the Respects aforesaid & Thirty Pounds made sure by obligation bearing date herewith all & this underwritten Conveyanceis a full and final Issue between the Towns as above s'd --
" Know all ye therefore that we whose names are hereunto subscribed do in the name & on behalf & by order from th Town of Saybrook alienate & make over unto the Inhabitants of Killingworth all our Right title, claims & Interests which they possess falling within the boundaries of that Line which Runs north & South be- ing by Mr. Nathaniel White & to deac'n John Hall both of Middletown which was Run by Court order
unto Hammonasset River, and from the sea to Haddam from
Bound us our Heirs and Successors to them their Heirs & Successors forever. To have hold & quietly possess & enjoy without let trouble or molestation the aforesaid Land Either by us our Heirs & Successors or any for us in our names the mean- ing of Rights title, Claim & Interest as above mentioned is that which we have Rec'd both from Indians & En- glish-also the Land that the Wrights now enjoy which was sold them by Saybrook Town before the last Run- ning of the dividend Line between Saybrook & Killing- worth the S'd Wrights are quietly to enjoy according to the tenor of the Deed of Sale which they had from Say- brook without any molestation from the Town of Killing- worth or any of them their Heirs or Successors.
"This Deed of Conveyance is made over unto Mr. Edward Griswold, Samuel Buell, John Kelsey, In the behalf & for the use of the Town of Killingworth by us Samuel Jones John Chapman & John Whittlesey.
" In Witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and Seals this 12th Day of Sept. A. 1684.
"SAMUEL JONES [Seal]
" JOHN CHAPMAN [Seal]
" JOHN WHITTLESEY [Seal]
" Signed Sealed & Delivered In presence of us " JOSEPH BLAGUE
" EPHRAIM HOWARD.
" Samuel Jones, John Chapman & John Whittlesey, each & all of them this 12th Day of Sept. 1684 Declared the above Instrument to be their act and Deed Before me. " ROBERT CHAPMAN, Assistant."
The Town of Killingworth "by their vote March ye 16th 1687 ordered that the Recorder should make Rec- ord of what was Disbursed for the Purchase of Land within their Township of Saybrook Town & the names of those that Did Disburse monies to the sd Purchase & the Respective Sums that each man paid-this to be entered in the book of Record for Land."
It appears from page 138, vol. I, that the following persons " Did Disburse money for Saybrook purchase," viz .:
E. s. d.
"Captain Allen . 2- 0
" William Palmer
" Widow Willcox. I-IO
"Samuel Buel sen 2
" Jonas Westover
" Nathaniel Haydon 2- 0
"John Griswold. 2
" Daniel Kelsey. 0-IO
" Azariah Beach. 0-IO
" Christopher Tooley 0- 7-6
" William Stevens 1-10
" Thomas Stevens 0- 6
" Joseph Hull 0- 6
" John Hull. 0-15-0
" Andrew Ward. I- 0
" Josiah Rossiter 0-IO
" Mr. Bailey
" Will'm Barber
I- O
" Henry Crane I-IO
" John Kelsey . I-IO
" Augustine Williams 0- 5
" Peter Farnam. 0-IO
" Serg't Thomas Stevens I- 0
" Joseph Wright I- 0
" John Nettelton 0-15
" Wm. Goldsmith I-IO
" Wm. Wellman 0-IO
" John Rossiter I- 0
" Samuel Shethar 0-IO
" James Stevens 0-10
" John Lee 0- 7-6." The following is from Vol. I, p. 176, Killingworth Records:
" We the underwritten being appointed by the Court to run the line of the bound between Saybrook & Had- dam & betwixt Saybrook & Killingworth & the West
421
KILLINGWORTH-THE ABORIGINE 02.
line of Killingworth unto Guilford bound have attended the same as followeth-first we begun betwixt Saybrook & Haddam at an Oak tree by the River Side before agreed on by both Towns which tree is marked with the Letter H on the North Side & with the Letter S on the South Side from whence (record ends suddenly).
" April ye 4th A. D. 1699-We whose names are un- derwritten being appointed to Run the line between Guil- ford and Killingworth have agreed that the heaps of Stones that we have this day made in the branch of Hammonasset River against a White oak tree with a heap of Stones at the Root of it & a stone in the Crutch of it s'd heaps of Stones it is the North easterly corner of Guilford & the said Branch to be the Dividing Line be- tween s'd Towns according to the Running thereof till s'd branch falls into the Sea.
JOSEPH HURD SEN'R. WILLIAM STEVENS. THOMAS CRITTENEDN. SAMUEL BUEL. JOHN CRANE.
GRANT OF LAND TO SOLDIERS.
" May 21, 1688-The Town by their Vote granted to those that were out soldiers in the Indian War, to wit Nathaniel Haydon; John Griswold; John Hull; Daniel Kelsey; Joseph Hull; Samuel Stevens; John Shethar; Samuel Shethar; Daniel Clark; John Lee; John Menter: Six acres of Land a piece in the wood without the two miles bound & to be taken up in two Fields the one on the westerly Side of the Indian River & the other on the Easterly Side of the S'd River which Land is not to prejudice no former grant or Highways nor to hinder or Debar any coming unto or carting from either of the Cedar Swamps.
"Also Timothy Stevens is granted Six acres of Land he taking it up with the foresaid persons which Land is to be taken up & laid out within half a year.
" That whereas the Town Did in the year -88 grant unto that went out Soldiers in the Indian War Six acres of Land apiece whose names are Record & they having upon Reasons given neglected their taking of it in the Time prefixed them, the Town do now Confirm their grant unto them-provided they take it up within two months after the Date hereof & in two equal fields & all other terms as is upon Record at a Town Meeting Dec'r 21- 1696."
INDIANS.
Previous to the settlement of Killingworth by the whites, the Indians had nearly all left, leaving only a few wigwams of superannuated ones and females who had not a disposition to remove with those of the fight- ing braves who had not been slaughtered in previous battles with the whites. The first settlers were not molested by Indians. They ordered two forts built in the town, and a draft on all above 16 years of age to assist in the work, but tradition says they were not molested. The occupants of the wigwams at the head of the har-
bor were too poor and needy to be quarrelsome. A vote was passed in town meeting forbidding the letting of land to an Indian.
Tradition says the last Indian resident was Elsie, who had her home under the edge of a bluff near the shore of Duck Island Bay, near a clump of rocks still known as "Elsie's Rocks." She had two sons, who went to sea and were both lost before her death. Elsie died Septem- ber 20th 1802.
TRACES OF THE INDIANS.
On the farm now owned by Mr. Gaylord, situated near the wharf in Clinton, there is a field which was evi- dently used by the Indians both as a camping ground for the living and a burial place for the dead. Here may be found numberless shells that were deposited before the pale face looked upon the home of the Ham- monassetts. There are spots in this locality where the grass grows greener and more luxuriantly than in other places. These plats were undoubtedly fertilized by the refuse from the Indian wigwams that once stood thereon.
Some years since, when the turnpike was cut through this lot near the shore, several skeletons were exhumed, and quite recently Mr. Gaylord, in digging a post hole, came upon the remains of what was supposed to be an aborigine Large quantities of shells reduced very fine cover the cultivated fields on the north and east sides of Clinton Harbor at this day. Their ex- tent and number indicate long residence and numerous persons; broken so fine that thousands of years must have been counted in the process of grinding. Over these fields the busy workmen tread, unconscious of the tribes that sleep beneath their feet.
The Hammonassetts dwelt in this section of the coun- try, and there is reason to believe that they frequented the northern part of Killingworth more in winter than in summer. They preferred to hunt the wild animals of the forests when their fur was in the best condition. There is a cave in the northern part of the town where an Indian used to live. They are also said to have lingered much around a wild granite ledge in the picturesque valley in which Mr. Henry. Kelsey now re- sides. The sides of this ledge are nearly perpendicu- lar, and there are great fissures in the formation, one of which is upwards of 50 feet in length, and leads through the ledge from the west side in a southerly and upward direction to the southeast corner of the eminence. In the deep recesses of the ledge the wild men of the forest were wont to hide themselves.
A plain, northeast of Mr Martin Lord's residence, was also a dwelling place of the Indians. Mr. Henry Hull has in his possession a large stone ax weighing three and three-fourths pounds which was found about sixty years since in the Southwest District.
Among the last of the Indians seen in this locality was one " Jim Soobuck." His children are said to be buried in the " Old Pine Orchard " graveyard, in the western part of Killingworth.
422
HISTORY OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY.
BRIDGES AND HIGHWAYS.
The following extracts from the records in relation to bridges and highways are of historical importance as showing how they were constructed and maintained in olden times:
" June 27th 1674 .- The committee that was chosen by the Town to Join with the Towns men to order & settle the Highways in the Town how they shall be made and maintained Doe now order it as follows:
"I. All that have Land lying on the westerly Side of the Bridges beyond Joseph Wilcox house Lot are to make and maintain their bridges.
" 2. All that have Land westerly from the Second Cove of meadow Commonly Called Eleazer's Cove are to make and maintain their own Highways & Bridges.
" 3. All that have Land Either upland or meadow in Natha'l Huytons quarter Shall make & maintain all the Highways that lead to their land.
"4. All that have either upland or meadow lying in the field commonly called the Neck are to make and maintain the Highways & Bridges so far as they Lead to their Land.
"5. All that have either upland or meadow in the Quarter commonly called the Planting field quarter & also for both the Hammocks are to make and maintain all the Highways & Bridges so far as they lead to their Land.
"6. The true intent and purpose of these orders is that no man Shall be Compellable to make or mend any Highway or Bridge beyond his own Land-
" Also it is ordered that when two or three men that are Interested in any quarter chosen by men Interested in that quarter Shall Judge it necessary to have the Highways or Bridges mended giving Convenient notice at least three Days warning & if any man Refuse or neg- lect to attend the Service Shall forfeit three Shillings for every Day's neglect of a man-& of a team Six Shillings which fine shall be employed by the men Interested in each quarter to hire others to work in the s'd Highways.
EDWARD GRISWOLD THOMAS STEVENS HENRY CRANE JOSIAS HULL."
The bridge across the Hammonassett River, between Guilford and Killingworth, ordered built by General Court, May 14th 1674.
May 13th 1675 .- The court further ordered the bridge to be finished by December: " Their bounds meeting in the Middle of the river, To be built by joint charge. By joint charge is to be understood that Guilford is to pay one half and Killingworth the other half of the charge."
Menunketesuc Bridge .- October. 13th 1692 .-- " Whereas complaint is exhibited to this court, of difficulties, and obstructions in the country Roads, between the towns of Saybrook and Kenilworth. This court having consid- ered the premises, and seeing the absolute necessity of a speedy redresse in the case, Do order and appoynt Capt John Grave & Lieut Steven Bradly, of Guilford, John
Whittlesey Senr and John Parker Senr of Saybrooke, Saml Buell Senr and John Griswold of Kenilworth, to be a committe to survey, and settle the said road in as straight a line as they can from Say Brook Mill via Lieut Joanes Mill, to above sayd Samuell Buells house in Ken- ilworth, or in the most convenient place they can find for the end aforesaid and Kenilworth people to make and maintain the bridge over Eight Mile River in what place sayd Committe shall appoynt, and the sayd road being settled by the Committe SayBrook and Kenilworth people are hereby ordered and required forthwith to clear the sayd road, and marke it out in their respective bounds according to law & The charge of the above sayd Committe to be equally defrayed by sayd townes of SayBrook and Kenilworth."
March 6th 1693 .- " The return of the committe for the laying out of the road or way between Saybrook and Kenilworth being read in Court, was approved by the Court, and the Court expect that they make the bridge and way, passable, as soon as maybe."
In 1795, " Some of East Guilford Petitioned that they might have liberty to be joyned to Kellingworth so as to pay the minister* of sayed Kellingworth."
The town line between Kenilworth and Saybrook was fixed by Nathaniel White and Deacon John Hall (both of Middletown), in 1674.
Hammock River Bridge .- May 14th 1697 .- " Samuel Buell member of Genl Court Presented Petition of John Kelsie, Will Barber, Will Stephens, Robert Lane & Henry Farnum in behalf of some proprietors, That a Cart Bridge and Sluice be built upon the River, called the Hamock River at the charge of such persons who might be benefited thereby, To be determined by the Select men of said town of Killinsworth. This court consider- ing that it may be of common benefit to those whose lands are upon the said River do grant their Petitions. And that all persons in the judgment of intelligent men who shall be benefited thereby shall bear an equal proportion of the charge " (now called Water Side Bridge).
The first petition for the above bridge was in 1696. Samuel Buell was member of the General Court. At this day it would seem unwise to pursue such a narrow policy as to make those who owned land (upland and meadow) on the Hammock, both Great Hammock and Little Hammock, pay for the above bridge. Too much of the above policy has been manifested in Clinton from time to time ever since. No community can grow that gets its impulses from pure selfishness. This bridge is now a great public thoroughfare to a tract of upland and salt meadow, and an approach to the east side of Clinton Harbor for clams, oysters, and fish.
OLD GRIST MILLS.
There was an old grist mill in the Southwest District, ' near where Cooper's paper mill now stands.
GRANT TO JOHN ELDERKIN .- " Also upon considera- tion of building a mill covenanted and agreed four acres
*Abraham Pierson was then preaching in Kenilworth.
423
KILLINGWORTH-IN THE WARS.
of meadow southwesterly from the mill & on the South Side of Manuqweset River being more or less in bredth at the northeast and 7 Rod at the Southwest and 15 Rod and then added in length 14 Rod more Westerly in Breadth Easterly 12 Rod Westerly 20 Rod Bounded every way by the common."
It thus appears that a mill privilege was granted to John Elderkin in 1724. This may have been either on Indian River or where the Clinton paper mill now stands.
FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR.
Captain Peleg Redfield commanded a company of soldiers in this war. The muster roll of this company is given below. The company was raised in the north so- ciety of Killingworth, and was made up of residents of this and adjoining towns. Captain Redfield died on his way home from Canada, at Stockbridge, Mass., Decem- ber 5th 1760. The State paid the expense of removing his remains to his home.
Return of Capt. Peleg Redfield's company for the opening of the campaign of 1759: Peleg Redfield, cap- tain; George Nettleton, ist lieutenant; Abraham Tyler, 2d lieutenant; Edward Shipman, ensign; Theophilus Redfield. Ezra Crane, and William Mitchell, sergeants; Josiah Waterous, clerk; Thomas Dibbell, John Marvin, Thomas Francis, and Reuben Clark, corporals; Miles Wright and Ezekial Hull, drummers; privates, Phineas Bailey, Joseph Bate, Daniel Bale, John Bailey, Permit Boassey, Robert Bradford, Moses Baldwin, Amos Bush- nal, Job Bulkley, Cornelius Chatfield, Amos Carter, Joshua Cone, Thomas Conklin, Zachary Clark, Thomas Clark, Daniel Clark, Joseph Clark, William Cramer, Daniel Comstock, Elijah Dee, Jeremiah Dowd, James Done, Israel Done, David Franklin, Nathaniel Sikes Farnow, Samuel Griffin, Mark Graves, George Hull William Hull, Samuel Hull, Asa Jones, Eliezer Isbell, Elihu Johnson, Ebenezer Horton, Phineas Person, Peter Kelsey, Russell Lane, Levi Leet, Wil. liam Lewis, Edward Merrel, Mitchel Merret, William Pratt, Caleb Pratt, Thomas Pratt, Ithamar Pel- ton, Samuel Parmele, Nathan Pelton, Azariah Pratt, James Redfield, Nathan Redfield, Jonah Rutty, Sam- uel Stephens, Christopher Tully, Gershom Tully, Charles Tryal, Isaac Thomas, Joshua Wright, Peleg Willard, John Wilcocks, Eliakim Stephens, Abraham Stephens, Jonathan Shipman, Nathan Stephens, Thomas Stephens, Nehemiah Stephens, James Stephens, Elijah Stephens, Jonathan Smith, Josiah Scovel, Edmund Snow, Andrew Tully, Ezra Tyler, Nathaniel Wright, Stephen Waterous, Samuel Webb, Isaac Williams."
" KILLINGWORTH, Apr. 28th 1759.
" Then mustered the Second Connectticut Regiment, Capt. Peleg Redfield's company; the Captain, two Lieu- tenants, one Ensign, five Sergeants, two drummers, and eighty-one effective men, rank, and file.
" N. WHITNEY, Colonel,
" and Muster Master to 2d Connecticut Regiment."
REVOLUTIONARY WAR.
The great object in the year 1774, was to inform the people of their just rights, and of the tyrannical attitude Great Britain had taken against them, and to prepare them for the war, which seemed inevitable. To do this, in Connecticut, the holding of town meetings in the various towns was considered the most expeditious way of reaching the masses, and was adopted. Of the towns thus patriotic, Killingworth was among the first, as her first town meeting for this object was holden March 20th 1774. The record of this meeting, and the sub- sequent ones for the same object, is as follows:
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