History of Middlesex county, Connecticut, with biographical sketches of its prominent men, Part 110

Author: Whittemore, Henry, b. 1833; Beers, J.B. & Company, publishers
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: New York : J. B. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 818

USA > Connecticut > Middlesex County > History of Middlesex county, Connecticut, with biographical sketches of its prominent men > Part 110

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In May, the society voted to go forward and build a meeting house "according to the proportion of timber already got." Joseph Miller, Benjamin Miller, and Sam- uel Warner were appointed a building committee. A tax of two shillings on the pound of "Ratable Estate " was voted.

The first meeting house, built in 1745, was 40 feet square. After hearing several candidates the church called Rev. Ebenezer Gould, who was ordained as its first pastor, October 10th 1747. After a service of nine years he was dismissed, in 1756. Nine years then elapsed before another pastor was settled, when Rev. Joseph Denison was ordained in February 1765. He died in February 1770, greatly beloved and lamented. He was born in Windham, in 1738, and graduated from Yale College in 1763. A vote in 1768 to give him sixpence on the pound on all the ratable estates in the society, on condition that he "give bonds to spend his days with us, and never be dismissed from the pastoral care of this church and congregation," shows the estimation in which he was held. In fact, he seems to be the only minister who ever died in the service of this church. The society, at a meeting held soon after his death, voted to " pay for the mourning aparel that was got at his funeral, and the white gloves and the nails for the Cofen and the Cofen and digging the grave-5:15:9d, also voted to allow sal- ary to the widow to the end of the year." Calls were extended to Revs. Benjamin Dunning, Joseplı M. White, and Chandler Robbins, before Mr. Dennison was set- tled, but not accepted.

After his death, Rev. Daniel Brower was called, but declined. Rev. Abner Benedict, of North Salem, New York, a graduate of Yale in 1769, accepted a call, and was ordained November 20th 1771. He was voted a settlement of £200, with a salary of £50, to be increased to f80 after two years. He is said to have been a scholarly and able preacher and pastor. By his personal address and influence, he is said to have secured the free- dom of all the slaves held by his people. He was dis- missed in 1785, to go to New Lebanon, New York, that an invalid daughter might enjoy the benefit of the medic-

inal waters of that place, where he preached six years. He died at Roxbury, New York, in 1818.

After his departure, religion seems to have been at low ebb.

The records of the church and the society abruptly end in 1773, and are not resumed till 1808. Whether there was little of a religious nature to record, or whether the record has been lost, does not appear. From 1785 to 1820, there seems to have been no minister laboring per- manently here. Sometimes they would secure a preacher for a few weeks or months; sometimes neighboring pas- tors would hold a service here; then again, for months together, no public services were held on the Sabbath. The church appears to have become almost extinct.

In 1808, appeared the dawn of a brighter day. The influence of a revival in Durham was felt here. A new church was formed, and 29 persons united with it, but for 12 years they were without a regular pastor. As the church had not control of the meeting house, they often met for worship, like the early Christians, from house to house. Feeling the need of a house of worship, in 1819 "the church and subscribers " built the Conference House, " for the use of the Congregational church in Middlefield, and at their disposal forever."

The next year, May 24th 1820, Rev. Stephen Hayes, of Newark, New Jersey, was installed as pastor, with the understanding that he should devote one third of his time to this parish, and two thirds to that of Westfield. He was dismissed June 6th 1827. After an interval of two years he was succeeded by Rev. James Noyes, of Wallingford, a graduate of Union College in 1821. He was installed sole pastor of this church July 23d 1829, and so continued till his dismission in January 1839. He was afterward settled in Burlington, but spent the evening of his life in Haddam, where he died. He was followed by Rev. Dwight M. Seward for two or three years, and Rev. James T. Dickinson for a somewhat shorter time. Rev. James D. Moore, of Wiltshire, Eng- land, was installed as pastor December 30th 1846, and dismissed April 18th 1850 to accept a call to Clinton.

In 1851 the church was served by Rev A. V. H. Powell; in 1852 and 1853 by Rev. William Jones; in 1854-56 by Rev. Francis Dyer; in 1857 by Rev. Prof. Lindsay. In June 1858 Rev. Spofford Dodge Jewett became pastor, and so continued for more than nine years, to August 1867, when Rev. Theodore S. Pond was ordained. After a year of service he left to go as a missionary to Syria, and was succeeded by Rev. Andrew C. Denison who remains to this time as acting pastor. . The deacons of the church have been: Ichabod Mil- ler, elected -- , died 1788, aged 87; Joseph Coe, elected -, died 1781, aged 71; Giles Miller, elected 1774, died 1804, aged 77; Prosper Augur, elected 1809, died 1836, aged 81; William Lyman, elected 1838, died 1869, aged 85; Horace Skinner, elected 1838, died 1848, aged 56; Phineas M. Augur, elected 1850; Ward B. Bailey, elected 1870, dismissed 1874; Rev. S. D. Jewett, elected 1875.

The average age of the first five deacons was over 80.

438

HISTORY OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY.

In 1882 the church edifice was enlarged by an addition of fifteen feet in the rear, and was improved. The present membership of the church is about 140.

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH .*

The Methodist Episcopal church in this place had a small beginning, and its members were accustomed to meet in school houses and private dwellings. They gradually inceased in number till at length they formed part of a circuit and were visited by the circuit preachers. Being so near the Middletown University the presidents, professors, and students frequently filled their pulpit. The first Methodist church was a brick building, and was erected about 1829. As they gradually gained strength and numbers they were able to sustain a preacher alone. In the course of years the brick church was found too small, and to meet their enlarged wants, in the year 1866, the centennial of Methodism, they celebrated that inter- esting event by erecting their present building. It is the largest, best appointed, and handsomest church in town, and a credit to the liberal men who built it. It has an excellent lecture room, and teachers' room, and it is in every way convenient. They also have a very roomy and pleasant parsonage, with ample grounds, and they are out of debt. There is a membership of about 100, and 90 children in the Sabbath school. The present pastor is Rev. Joseph Smith who is closing his third and last ministerial year here. The prospects of the church are bright and encouraging.

ST. PAUL'S CHURCH, MIDDLEFIELD.

As Middlefield was originally a part of the town of Middletown, so also were the Episcopalians of that sec- tion members of Christ Church in the city.

Among the early settlers of this portion of the town, was Beriah Wetmore, a brother of Rev. James, who was evidently one of " the brethren " in whom the reverend gentleman had succeeded in creating "a liking for the church." In proof of this, we find that a person resi- dent there was as early as 1767 appointed " to collect the rates " in that vicinity for the support of the parish (a customary way at that time for all denominations to support their ministry). This was continued for some years; and it will be remembered that Dr. Goodwin stated, the first time the marriage ceremony was per- formed in Christ Church was to unite Mr. Timothy Hierlehy and Miss Wetmore, of "Middlefield," and one of the zealous men also alluded to in this sermon as "undaunted by difficulties in the erection of the first edifice, was of 'Middlefield.' "

, By deaths and removals, these family names are now extinct in this section. Not so their influences. From that time, there have been those who came to the city, to attend the services here, till after the Berkeley Divinity School was removed to the city, when lay read- ers were furnished to them from that school. One of these, Rev. J. Surges Pearce, is credited for active and

persevering work in procuring the erection of St. Paul's Church in 1862.

The mother church, and especially the "Ladies' Mis- sionary Society," contributed liberally to the funds re- quired, and it was paid for and consecrated within two years. The local papers gave an interesting account of the consecration services, in which the Rev. Drs. Deshon, of Meriden, H. Dekoven, and F. J. Goodwin, of this city, took part, the sermon being from the Rt. Rev. J. Williams, the consecrator. This is still a mission, dependent upon the city for lay readers and clergy. The report of the warden to the convention of 1884 gives 20 families and 28 communicants ..

UNION CHAPEL, ROCKFALL.

This is the school building put up in 1832, when the Rockfall District was set off from the East District in 1856, and the new school house was built. This, through the influence of Peter W. Bennett and others, was moved a little east, and located on land of estate of Thomas Atkins. It has this year been moved to the opposite side of the road where it will doubtless remain permanently. It has been and it is used for a union Sunday school, which was organized in July 1877, and is still prospering; also for Sunday evening religious services.

MILITARY.

Middlefield, with other places, had her company of militia which had its annual drill on the first Monday in May, and again its regimental drill in autumn. Many of our leading men in the last generation held the office of colonel or captain.

In the war of the Revolution several prominent men were in the army. Among whom were Elihu Stowe, Deacon Giles Miller, Deacon Prosper Augur, Sylvanus Nichols; also several of the slaves of Middlefield enlisted and went to fight the battles of the Revolution. All who went had their freedom on their return.

Among those who were in the war of 1812 were Linus Coe, son of Col. Elisha Coe, and Asa Kimball, both de- ceased.

The names of the volunteers from what is now Middle- field, who served in the war of the Rebellion are included in the Middletown list. (See page 50.)

SCHOOLS.

The early inhabitants of Middlefield, like their friends in Middletown, were intelligent, and highly estimated the value of education; hence they soon established schools, and evinced strong interest in them. It is probable that their first schools were neighborhood schools, and that they continued so for many years. The first school records of Middlefield commence with its organization as a school society, and the first school after its organiza- tion was established in 1745. Measures had been taken that year to build a church, and as in many other in- stances in New England, the school was established at about the same time.

On November 18th 1745, at a school meeting duly

*BY REV. JOSEPH SMITH.

439

MIDDLEFIELD-SCHOOLS-INDUSTRIES.

called, "it was voted to have a school three months in winter and three months in summer. And Amos Miller was chosen School Committee." At a meeting held one week later " it was voted to lay a Tax of a penny on the pound for school purposes, which whould be at the rate of about 476 mills on the dollar, and would be regarded as a heavy tax even at this time, when money is more abundant. In 1746, the tax was increased to 11/2 pence on the pound, equal to 67/3 mills on the dollar.

In 1748, 1749, 1750, the society voted a rate of four pence on the pound for school charges, which is about equal to the present rate for all town, county, and State purposes. A portion of this may have been, and prob- ably was, to pay for building a school house, for in 1747 a vote was passed that a school house should be built on a knoll south of the meeting house. In 1756, it was " voted to keep a four months school in the school house by a school master and 6 months in summer in the four parts of the society by school dames." The schools kept by these dames were probably in private houses.

In 1760, it was " voted to build a school house 14 by 16 ft. beside the chimney on a knoll south of the old school house, beside Benjamin Miller's fence." In 1799, or earlier, the society was divided into three districts, with boundaries thus defined:

" First or South, beginning where the west river inter- sects the line of Durham, thence following said river northerly as against the meeting house thence west to the meeting house thence west to and south of Dr. Jehiel Hoadley's to Wallingford line, thence by Wallingford & Durham to the place of beginning.

"Second or East District The Easterly line of the South District so as to include the road and all families living thereon to Widow Abigail Birdsey's (about. 20 ft. back of Lewis Miller's present residence) thence North to Westfield.

" Third, North included all North and West of the above Districts."

In 1832, after a sharp struggle, the paper mill quarter (Rockfall) was set off from the East District, of which it was a part, and since has been a separate district. Since adjust the district lines, and make them more definite; hence, at the present time there are four districts in town; the South, East, North, and Rockfall.

About 1854 there was a general movement throughout Middlefield to improve the schools, with the result that new, convenient, commodious, well. ventilated school houses were built in all the districts, with the best mod- ern improvements.

During the present year, 1884, an effort has been made to establish a high school in town. . The project failed by a small majority against it, but it will probably be ac- complished in the near future.

A glimpse of the old time school-master may not be out of place. He was usually a stalwart man, often a tiller of the soil, and generally a man of pluck, who could wield the rod when necessary. His forte was to command and he expected his charge to obey. He must withal be

a man of art. Often in a school of 60 pupils, 40 would write; hence 40 goose quills were to be made into pens, and mended once, twice, or thrice every day. "Please mend my pen, sir," was a cry continually falling on the ear of the pedagogue during the half hour devoted to the pen. The examination of the master by the board, included a specimen of writing by a pen he was required to make at the time, and the requirements in this respect were not small; indeed, they were often very exacting; hence the master must have a keen pen-knife, and be an expert in its use. He must also be a sober man, though there were sometimes exceptions to this. On one occa- sion a master in school, having imbibed too freely, fell asleep in his chair, and some sharp tricks were played on him, while so humiliated, but this was an exception, and as a rule those old masters were men of mark.

The school dames too were women of high character, and their teaching was an important element in forming the standard of their generation.

MILLS AND MANUFACTORIES.

Commencing at the first mill privilege on the West River, as we ascend it, we find the old paper mill privi- lege. Here, in 1793, Jehoshaphat Starr and Nehemiah Hubbard started the business of paper making, and con- tinued for some 30 years, when larger firms, elsewhere, with greatly improved machinery, caused the paper busi- ness at this place to be abandoned. Then, for a time, Tidgewell Brothers made squares and bevels. After- ward, in 1868, G. W. Miller and P. W. Bennett started a bone and saw mill. In 1875, Bennett bought out Miller and he holds the property at the present time, although the line of manufacture has changed from time to time.

Powder Mill .- This, the second privilege, was occu- pied about 1793 for powder making, by Vine Starr, and this business has continued most of the time since, being now in the possession of the Rand family, of Middle- town. It is quite remarkable that during more than 90 years of powder making only one life has been lost by explosion. The business is still flourishing.

Third Privilege .- In 1,98, Jehoshaphat Stowe erected that time there have been no material changes, except to a factory for cutting nails. The machinery used was in- vented by Daniel French, of Berlin, Connecticut, and it is believed to be the first instance of nail cutting by ma- chinery in this country. In 1812, and during the war with Great Britain, wire was manufactured at this place; afterward, for some years, it was used for wool carding; then for a while it laid idle.

In 1845, the property was purchased, and a new fac- tory built for making pistols. Henry Aston, J. N. John- son, J. Neith, S. Bailey, Nelson Aston, and Peter H. Ash- ton took a large contract from the government. In 1852, the property was sold to I. N. Johnson. The building burned down in September 1879. In 1881, Mr. Otis Smith purchased and rebuilt, putting up a larger build- ing, where he manufactures Smith's revolver (his own in- vention) and other articles in the hardware line.

Middlefield Falls .- This is one of the largest and finest waterfalls in Connecticut.

440

HISTORY OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY.

West River here falls 35 feet, and when the stream is full the roar is heard for several miles.

In the early history of Middlefield this great power was partly utilized to run a grist mill, which was built by William Miller, and which continued to be used down to about 1800. A saw mill took its place about that time, and remained for more than 50 years. In the mean- time a cotton factory was built near the place, using water from the falls. This continued in successful oper- ation until 1874, when it was burned, with all the ma- chinery. The Russell Manufacturing Company, of which Henry G. Hubbard, of Middletown, is a leading mem- ber, erected on the spot a building, 200 by 38 feet, with a wing. The main building is five stories in the rear. The mill is used especially for spinning, and turns out a large amount of work.

In 1779, during the Revolutionary war, a small mill was erected near the falls, using some of the power there for manufacturing snuff. The enterprise was not very successful, and soon ceased.

The Russell Company is the upper privilege on the West or Coginchaug River.

The first privilege ascending Beseck River is that of Isaac Cornwell who has a carriage and turning shop.

At the second, the Farmers' Milling Company built a grist mill about 1845. Mr. David Lyman initiated the enterprise, which after running a few years, proved a complete and disastrous failure, involving a total loss of all that was invested in it; after changing ownership once or twice the mill burned in 1868. The property is now owned by Isaac Cornwell, and is a desirable water privilege.

The next privilege is where Elihu Stow had a grist mill, about 1780, and for many years thereafter. Later it was owned by Deacon Horace Skinner, and was used for wood-turning; still later it was owned by Roswell Lee, and was used for a saw mill and a feed mill, and it is now owned by widow Roswell Lee. It is a good privilege.

The fourth privilege is the bone and super-phosphate mill of G. W. Miller, a good and successful enterprise.

The next privilege, the fifth on Beseck River, is that of the old grist mill and saw mill, and later used by Andrew Coe in grinding bone and in the manufacture of bone charcoal for sugar refiners. Here now are part of the works of the Metropolitan Washing Machine Company.

The next, or sixth privilege, is the one where the old distillery was located. This was established in the early P. M. AUGUR. part of the present century, and was, as such things al- ways are, a curse to the parish, and no small share of the troubles of the people were traceable to this fountain of blackness. In connection with this dismal old building was a wool carding mill where Capt. Alfred Bailey turned out wool rolls for the housewives of Middlefield. Here now are the principal buildings of the wringer works of for Middlesex county, which office he held several years. the Metropolitan Washing Machine Company.

The next, or seventh and upper privilege in town, was occupied in 1849 for the first in the manufacture of buttons. Prominent among the button makers were Mil-

ler, Coe & Bennett. Since the discontinuance of this industry the establishment has been used by William Ly- man in making his bow-facing oars, which for effective- ness, convenience, and novelty have attracted much at- tention. Later, this privilege has also been used and is now in possession of the Metropolitan Washing Machine Company in making clothes wringers; so that three consecutive water powers and a powerful steam engine are now propelling their works, which have a capacity equal to the making of 400 clothes wringers per day. They make wringers, washing machines and mangle ma- chines, and this is supposed to be the largest establish- ment of the kind in the world. From 125 to 160 hands are employed. The company was organized in 1860 and has been increasing in capital and extending its business from time to time since until the Universal Clothes Wringer has a world-wide reputation. The incorporators were: David Lyman, M. W. Terrill, and William Lyman. The first officers were: M. W. Terrill, president; David Ly- man, secretary and treasurer. The present officers are: R. C. Browning, president; Lyman A. Mills, secretary; M. W. Terrill, treasurer.

The general office and sales room is located at 32 Cortland street, New York city.

PROMINENT MEN.

DAVID LYMAN.

David Lyman, of Middlefield, was born in that town in 1820. He received his education in the public schools of his native town and at Guilford. He engaged early in business with his father, and afterward became the trustee of a large estate in Durham, in the management of which he displayed uncommon ability.

He was interested with others in the large wringer manufactory at Middlefield.

He was very active in promoting the construction of the Air Line Railroad, and was during three years its president. It was thought that the discharge of the arduous duties that devolved on him in this position im- paired his health and hastened his death, which took place in 1871.

His wife was Elizabeth Hart, of Guilford, Connecti- cut. They had nine children, of whom three have died.

Phineas Miller Augur was born in Middlefield, Febru- ary 8th 1826. He received a good education in the common English branches in the public schools, then in an academy, in Latin, higher mathematics, and the natural sciences. In early life he was appointed county surveyor and some years later surveyor general's deputy He made a survey and maps of Middlefield with the necessary post route; compiling statistics, etc., which David Lyman used successfully at Washington in secur- ing the establishment of a post office in Middlefield.

441

MIDDLEFIELD-BIOGRAPHIES.

In 1866, when Middlefield was set off from Middle- town, he was chosen as sole assessor, and made out the first assessment list of the town. He was also chosen a member of the board of education, and has held the position continuously since. He has been a justice of the peace since the organization of the town. In 1869, he was elected to the General Assembly. He was a mem- ber of the committee on incorporations, and was the author of several bills now on the statute books.

In early life Mr. Augur united with the Congregational church of Middlefield. In 1850, he was elected deacon of the church, and has filled the office since that time, but has recently resigned.

At the age of 20, he married Lucy E. Parmelee, of Guilford, a lady of noble worth and excellence. They have had five children, three sons and two daughters, all of whom are married. At their last Thanksgiving festi- val, they, with children and grandchildren, made up a number of 22, all happy, healthy, bright, and vig- orous.

When the Middlefield Farmers' Club was organized, Mr. Augur was appointed secretary, and continues to hold that position. He was elected a member of the

State Board of Agriculture in 1869, and after serving two terms, declined a re-election. He was, however, elected in 1872, as pomologist of the State Board of Agriculture, and has since acted in that capacity. In 1876, he was delegated by the board to make a collection of Connecti- cut products for the Centennial Exhibition at Philadel- phia. Although a very small and inadequate sum was allowed by the State Centennial Commission, by close economy an exhibit was made which, in excellence, ex- tent, and variety of grains, corn, fruits, vegetables, and seeds, was regarded as among the very best, being spe- cially remarkable for the great number of fruits of Con- necticut origin.

Mr. Augur has always been an independent thinker, sympathizing with anti-slavery, temperance reform, anti- monopoly, and civil service reform. He is in favor of the best schools, the best common roads, and village im- provement. He believes in economy, and condemns ex- travagance, either in public or private life.

Mr. Augur, in connection with his sons, is extensively engaged in raising fruits, trees, and plants, and their nur- series, greenhouse, vineyards, and orchards embrace a large variety.

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History of Middlesex county, Connecticut, with biographical sketches of its prominent men, Part 110

Author: Whittemore, Henry, b. 1833; Beers, J.B. & Company, publishers Publication date: 1884 Publisher: New York : J. B. Beers & co. Number of Pages: 818

Author: Whittemore, Henry, b. 1833; Beers, J.B. & Company, publishers
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: New York : J. B. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 818