USA > Connecticut > Middlesex County > History of Middlesex county, Connecticut, with biographical sketches of its prominent men > Part 116
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December ยท 29th 1707 .- " It was also granted to the proprietors of the pews next the Door on the south side of the Meeting House, and the proprietors of the pew granted to Wm. Tully, Liberty to make and maintain a window against their several pews if they see cause."
There having been some doubt cast upon the title of the Congregational society to the triangular plot of ground opposite their church, known as the "Green," being the site where the former church stood for 114 years, an extract from the ancient town records, volume 3, page 334, under date of February 17th 1724, seems to be con- clusive on that point. After the usual form of convey- ance in use at that time from the grantors to the "Pres. byterian or Congregational Society," the boundaries are given as follows:
" Twenty rods of land on the S. E. corner of our home lot, six rods East on great highway, and seven rods S. W. on highway called Pennywise Lane, and Northerly on the remaining part of the homestead aforesaid.
" JOHN PRATT and " ISAAC PRATT."
December 17th 1776 .- " Voted that a premium of 2-6 be given for every full grown wild cat, and 1-6 for every fox."
March 1777 .- " Voted that the Committee for collect- ing subscriptions for the fort, be desired forthwith to layout the sums they may have gathered toward com- pleting said fort. Also that selectmen divide the town into districts for keeping watch on the sea coast, and that a small guard house be built on ye Neck at ye expence of the Town, with a fire place therein as cheap as may be."
DIVISION OF THE TOWN.
The increase of population in the second and third societies of the original town made it necessary to hold the town meetings in the most central location, and that was Potapaug. When they were first held there is not certainly known, but probably some years before the Revolutionary war. After Westbrook and Chester were formed into new towns, the preponderance of popu- lation was still with Potapaug and Deep River, and the
town and electors' meeting were still held there. In 1852, an effort having a political signification, was made to divide the town, Hon. Samuel Ingham, of Essex, be- ing the leading spirit in the matter. It was strongly opposed by the people of the present town of Old Say- brook through their representative for that year, Mr. Ozias H. Kirtland, and by their committees, but the ef- forts of the people of Esssex, before a Legislature in sympathy with the political views of the petitioners, were successful, and the town was divided. Saybrook and Potapaug being set off from Deep River, that re- mained as the original town, and retained the name of Saybrook, together with the ancient records. The re- maining part having to adopt a new name, and not will- ing to relinquish the old one entirely, took that of Old Saybrook. Deep River is still the post office address of the town of Saybrook, and Saybrook is the post office . address of the town of Old Saybrook. The first town meeting was held in Potapaug, and Capt. John Bushnell was appointed moderator by the Legislature. As the records and the name were gone, there was no particu- lar object to be gained by remaining with Potapaug, so in 1854 the people of the present town of Old Say- brook petitioned to be set off, which was granted by the Legislature, and they became a town by themselves, retaining the name of Old Saybrook, while Potapaug adopted that of Essex-part of it having been incorpo- rated for several years as a borough. The first town meeting under that name was held July roth 1854, in the academy, Samuel M. Tully being appointed modera- tor by the Legislature.
CIVIL LIST.
Representatives .- The town of Old Saybrook has been represented in the State Legislature by the following named persons:
James Phelps, 1853, 1854; Henry Potter, 1855; Wil- liam R. Clarke, 1856, 1865; William J. Clarke, 1857, 1858; Sumner Bull, 1859; Gilbert Pratt, 1860; James Tread- way, 1861; R. C. Shepard, 1862; Richard E. Ingham, 1863, 1864; E. M. Lynde, 1866; James Rankin, 1867; John J. Doane, 1868; Ozias H. Kirtland, 1869, 1870; John S. Dickinson, 1871; Edwin Ayre, 1872, 1873; Robert Chapman, 1874; Frederick A. Chalker, 1875; Robert B. Chalker, 1876, 1877; David W. Clarke, 1878, 1879; Corydon M. Whittlesey, 1880, 1881; Ozias H. Kirt- land, 1882, 1883; Rufus C. Denison, 1884.
Town Clerks .- The clerks of the present town of Old Saybrook have been: William J. Clark, 1854 to 1861; Ed- ward Sandford, 1861 to 1862; Augustus Pratt, 1862 to 1864; Ozias H. Kirtland, appointed in 1864, still in office.
NEW SAYBROOK.
Among the property owned by Mr. George Fenwick was the entire "western neck," or Lynde's Point, as it was afterward called, extending from the mouth of the river beyond Cornfield Point, the eastern end of which is now called "Fenwick," and is the site of the light
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OLD SAYBROOK-NEW SAYBROOK. .
house, Fenwick Hall, and numerous cottages. This property, by a codicil added to his will, March 9th 1656-7, was given to his sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Cullick, wife of Captain John Cullick, from whom it descended to her daughter Elizabeth, wife of Benjamin Batten, of Boston. This property, containing about 800 acres, was one of the most valuable farms in Saybrook, on account of the sea weed and fishing privileges, by which large quantities of valuable fertilizers could easily be obtained. In 1674, the property was sold by Benjamin Batten and wife to Simon Lynde, of Boston, and possession was given by turf and twig.
Simon Lynde came to New England from London in 1650, and was a prominent citizen of the colony of Mas sachusetts for more than 30 years. In 1686, he was one of the assistant justices of the Court of Pleas and Sessions, and in the following year one of the justices assistant of the Superior Court. He died in 1687. possessed of a large estate in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, and leaving 12 children, of whom six survived him. Nathaniel Lynde, his fourth son, born November 22d 1659, after serving as apprentice to his father, who was a merchant, married, in 1683, Susannah, only daughter of Deputy Governor Willoughby, of Charlestown, and removed to Saybrook, Connecticut. Here he became possessed of several hundred acres of land, which his father deeded to him on the 16th of April 1685. This was a part, and probably only a part, of the Neck farm, as his brother, Benjamin, speaks of visit- ing "my Neck " as early as 1720. Mr. Lynde held many offices of trust, and was, for a time, associate judge of the Quorum. On the 9th of September 1703, himself and wife gave, by deed, for the use of the college, so long as it should be continued at Saybrook,
" A certain dwelling house and house Lott Lyeing & Being in Say Brook containing by estimation Two acres & 58 rods, with an addition of upland & meadow adjoyn- ing to the House Lott, Bounded E. with the Common, S. by cove, W. partly by N Lynde, & partly heirs of Capt. Robt. Chapman, N. highway & lands of N Lynde, & heirs of R. Chapman, House lot with additional land, in the whole 10 acres more or less. Delivered same day to Rev. Nodia Russell, Rev. Samuel Russell in behalf of trustees."
Mr. Lynde, who, two years earlier (1701), had acted as treasurer of the infant college, was a man of high character and large public spirit, and was devoutly re- ligious .* He died October 5th 1729, in the 70th year of his age, having survived his wife a little more than nineteen years. His remains, and those of his wife and his son Samuel, lie under three tabular monuments of stone, at the west side of the burying ground on Say- brook Point, and but a few rods from the site of the college, from which inserted slate tablets, with inscrip- tions, have crumbled away. One of the oldest tomb- stones now standing in the yard is that of " Susanna, ye daughter of Nathaniel & Susanna Lynde, Aged 41/2 months, Dec'd December ye 19 H, 1685." Another
stone near by is that of Willoughby, who died in 1704 at the age of 7. Nathaniel Lynde's brother, Benjamin, of Boston, was a judge of the Superior Court of Massachu- setts in 1712, and in 1728 was made Chief Justice of the Province, which office he held till his death in 1745. He often visited his brother at Saybrook, as chronicled in his diary, and several times alludes to "my Neck." He owned a farm " at Kelsey hill, in Potapaug, contain- ing about 525 acres, and of the Buildings thereon, and of the Saw Mill on Deep River."
His son, Benjamin Lynde jr., was for some years one of the judges of the Supreme Court of Massachusetts. In his diary is the following entry:
" Sept. 19th 1754 Died my Coz. Col. Samuel Lynde Esq., at Say Brook, then one of ye Judges of ye Superior Court in that Colony, and had been several years Ist Justice of the Pleas for the County of New London, and now and for many years before, one of the Council, he was taken away by a fever in the 64th year of his age, much lamented, as he was greatly beloved."
The owners of the land at Fenwick, may be summed up as follows: George Fenwick, his sister, Mrs. Eliza- beth Cullick, her daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth Batten, Simon Lynde, afterward his son, Nathaniel, after which it con- tinued in possession of the Lynde family till it was sold to Gilbert Pratt, about 1850. After holding it for several years he sold it to I. S. Otis, and after his death it was sold to Messrs. John F. Bushnell, R. M. Bushnell, and D. C. Spencer, who held it only a short time, and sold it to the New Saybrook Company.
In the summer of 1870, the attention of a few citizens of Hartford was called to the " Lynde Farm " or "Light House Point," as a desirable location for a seaside re- sort, which would be made more available by the com- pletion of the Connecticut Valley Railroad, which was then projected. After a careful examination of the property, it was bought, and a joint stock company was formed under the laws of the State, so that the stock- holders should be gentlemen well esteemed in their re- spective communities, and that there should be none likely to disturb the harmony which should exist in a large company gathered for a few months in the sum- mer for purposes of health and recreation. It was also decided that in addition to the erection of a first class hotel, provision should be made for the building of cot- tages by the stockholders and others. It was therefore arranged that each stockholder of 40 shares of $25 each should receive in fee the deed of a half acre lot, the choice of lots to be disposed of by auction.
The following is a list of the original stockholders, each of whom subscribed for 40 shares: C. T. Webster, G. Wells Root, E. Fessenden, C. S. Weatherby, William M. Bates, Jacob Knous, H. S. Lord, A. M. Hurlbut, G. B. Barnes, Newton Case, R. A. Chapman, Perry Smith, Daniel F. Seymour, William H. Bulkeley, E. S. Tyler, Henry Corning jr., Isaac Glazier, Roswell Blodgett, T. O. Enders, David A. Rood, S. C. Preston, A. P. Pitkin, F. R. Foster, Milo Hunt, C. A. Taft, Geo. E. Hatch, Ebenezer Roberts, Welch & Shipman, Henry Keney, P.
*Lynde family .
466
HISTORY OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY.
F. Robbins, C. T. Marston, L. Brainerd, H. P. Blair, J. C. Walkley, Augustus S. Jerome, S. H. White, H. Blanch- ard, Stiles D. Sperry, M. M. Merriman, G. F. Davis, G. P. Barker, H. A. Redfield, F. W. Russell, David S. Brooks & Son, C. Nichols Beach, H. K. W. Welch, trustee, Mrs. Eliz. H. Colt, R. D. Hubbard, John B. Russell, Daniel Phillips, R. S. Ely, Nelson Hollister, A. M. Ward, R. W. H. Jarvis, Geo. G. Sill, John A. Butler, C. C. Hubbard, Charles G. Day, Rev. Cyrus F. Knight, Wm. F. Tuttle, Wm. S. White, Samuel I. Tuttle, Wm. L. Wright & Son, H. & S. Bissell, Worthy & Merrick, A. B. Gillett, Patton & Covel, J. B. Clapp, D. C. Spencer, G. S. & C. L. Lincoln.
Mr. A. M. Hurlbut was chosen president; Newton Case, vice-president; Samuel H. White, secretary; and George E. Hatch, treasurer.
The land being bought, work was begun on the hotel in the fall of 1870. A wagon bridge, half a mile and eleven rods long, runs across the mouth of the South Cove, and connects the New Saybrook property with Say- brook Point. The Connecticut Valley Railroad also bridged the cove, and has a depot on the premises of the company. The number of cottages has been gradually increasing till now there are eighteen.
FENWICK HALL.
In the selection of a site for the hotel the committee representing the New Saybrook Company exhibited a thorough knowledge of the topography of the country as well as a just appreciation of the beautiful and ex- tended views obtainable from this point of observation. In a southerly direction, about eight miles distant, may be seen the shores of Long Island Sound, beyond which and overlooking the same, a view of Shelter Island is clearly discernable. Plum Island lies in a southeasterly direction, distant about nine miles. Fisher's Island is seen some 20 miles to the eastward, and on the west about 22 miles distant, is Faulkner's Island. On the op posite side of the river is the little village of Lyme, the tall spires of the churches rising above the surrounding hills, and the landscape dotted here and there with the little farm houses and more pretentious village mansions, the whole presenting a very picturesque appearance. From the north and west stretches for a long distance a level tract of country, broken by little coves and inlets, while small streams winding through in a serpentine course gradually find their way to the sea. Beyond this, forming a beautiful frame to the picture, rise the distant hills, and the eye is drawn from one object to another, affording great play for the imagination. Added to all this is the healthfulness of the locality. The pure sea breezes wafted from the southward and eastward across this vast expanse of ocean are tempered by the mild winds that conie floating down from the northern hills and valleys, equally invigorating and refreshing to the invalid or the pleasure seeker. The highest temperature ever reached at this point was on Wednesday, Septem- ber 5th 1884, when the thermometer registered 84 de- grees, while at different points along the coast and in the
interior it rose to 90, and in some places to over 100 de- grees, the same day. The highest point ever reached previous to this was 81 degrees, the average temperature during the summer season being from 70 to 80.
The plans for Fenwick Hall were drawn by S. W. Lincoln, a Hartford architect, who evinced a thorough knowledge of the wants and comforts of sea side guests. On every floor, extending the entire length of the build- ing,is a hall twelve feet wide, on the south side of which is the grand saloon, 45 by 31 feet, besides drawing rooms and parlors on the same floor. On the north and east side of the building, looking out upon the sea is the din- ing room, 44 by 80 feet. The sleeping rooms are all large and well ventilated, and arranged in suites of two, three, four,and six rooms connecting, provided especially for the accommodation of families. By the pecular architectural construction of the building, a cool sea breeze is in nearly every room in the house. The ascent to the rooms is by a broad open staircase, of such easy tread that the invalid finds no difficulty in ascending to any height. Many of the rooms are provided with stationary wash stands with an abundant supply of water. A broad verandah extends along the entire length of the east, south, and west sides of the building, 454 feet long . by 16 feet wide.
Abundant opportunities for recreation and amusement are afforded by the surroundings. A sail on the open sea, a row around the coves and through the inlets, fish- ing, with pole, net or running line, still water or surf bathing, afford the guests a choice of amusements on the water, while the beautiful level tracts of land and smooth lawns afford an opportunity for croquet, tennis, and games of a like nature.
The drives are pleasant and delightful, and the several places of historic interest in the neighborhood afford pleasant pastime and study for the tourist and an- tiquarian. A visit to the tomb of Lady Fenwick or Lady Alice Boteler, as she was called, who left her home of luxury and refinement with her husband, to found a new colony in a land then inhabited only by savages and wild beasts, will well repay the traveler. A short drive in a westerly direction toward Westbrook, brings one to Obed's Hammock, where the rude savage offered sacri- fices and oblations to his god. A drive along the banks of the Connecticut River, about four miles north, brings one to the little village of Essex, formerly called Potapaug, where the British, in the war of 1812, by order of Com- modore Hardy burned all the slipping. Canes from one of the old hulks are still supplied to curiosity seekers by persons living in the locality.
About five miles further north is the thriving village of Chester, formerly called Pattaconk, meaning "sweat- ing place," or "round hill," a beautiful promontory, covered with a thick growth of pines. Here the " medi- cine man " brought his patients and placed them in a heated enclosure until the fever disappeared. Several excavations on the top of this hill show where the eager seekers after the buried treasures of Captain Kidd were wont to spend days and weeks in their fruitless efforts to acquire sudden wealth.
JOHN CHATFIELD, Proprietor.
FENWICK HALL.
SAYBROOK POINT, Conn.
467
OLD SAYBROOK-FENWICK HALL-THE REVOLUTION.
Other places of interest may be found in almost every direction.
The hotel was completed in 1871, the whole work hav- ing been done under the supervision of Mr. A. M. Hurl- but, of Hartford, who was president of The New Say- brook Company at the time. In addition to the hotel and other improvements, a bridge was constructed, 2,900 feet long by 22 feet wide, connecting Saybrook Point with Light House Point.
The hotel was opened for the reception of guests in the summer of 1871, by Mr. D. A. Rood, of the United States Hotel, Hartford. It subsequently passed into the hands of other parties, who for want of experience or other causes-mainly, however, because they catered for local patronage-failed to make it a success.
In June 1884, Mr. John Chatfield, of New York city, a gentleman of large experience, who was formerly con- nected with the Manhanset House at Shelter Island, and the Manhattan Beach Hotel at Coney Island, ob- tained a five years' lease of the place, and at once com- menced to renovate and improve everything connected with the premises. He established an extensive livery for the accommodation of his guests, and made every conceivable arrangement for the comfort and pleasure of his guests. Considering the superiority of the cuisine, which is fully equal to most of the first-class hotels in our large cities, his prices are extremely moderate, and while the results for the season of 1884 were considered satisfactory, under the circumstances, it is expected that another season, when this favorite place of resort be- comes better known, there will be a large increase of business.
The accompanying engraving presents a southeastern view of the hotel.
In the engraving below is shown a view of the old fort as it appeared before its removal. Beyond this is a view of the light house, showing the hotel a few rods to the northwest. A faint view, showing the location of Lady Fenwick's tomb before its removal, is also shown in the engraving. A separate view of Lady Fenwick's tomb is shown as it appeared in 1870.
Steamboat Company offer superior accommodations to the sail on Long Island Sound. Steamers also pl y be tween Hartford, Greenport, and Sag Harbor, connecting with the numerous places of resort on Long Island Sound.
SAYBROOK IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR.
Being a seaport town, Saybrook had more than its share of the alarms and dangers of the Revolutionary war. Samuel Tully kept a diary, and from it are taken the following extracts:
"Sabbath July 9th 1775 Were alarmed in time of Ser- vice by firing of cannon from a ship in ye Sound, which took several vessels. A schooner upon the bar was seized, but was released as also several vessels."
"Sabbath Aug. 6th Were alarmed by an express from New London informing that 10 or 12 ships were standing in for that harbor."
April 9th 1776, " General Washington passed through Town."
" July 7th 1776, Troops this day under command of Major Hart Mc'h'd for New York."
" August 11th, Capt E. Chapman with part of a Com- pany embarked for New York."
" August 24th, Express from New London bro't news of some British vessels being come into the sound."
"August 28th, The soldiers stationed at the fort ar- rived in Town to-day."
"September 3d, People flocking from Long Island continually."
"September 14th, Several companies of militia are
now in town from the Eastward, on their way to N. Y."
"Sunday 22d, Three or four companies of Continental troops marched through here on their way to N. Y."
"October 4th, Worked on ye Fort."
"October 8th, Worked on Fort to-day, Col. Fanning & Major Conkling were bro't from Long Island prison- ers."
"22d, Col. Richmond's Reg't from Long Island ar- rived here in whale boats."
" 26th, The last of the Continental troops left this town on their way to New Haven."
" December 5th, About 100 ships of the enemy in ye sound to-day. Militia ordered to New London."
" 6th, This day about II marched with the Company to New London, and arrived in the evening. Dismissed next day-ships gone." At that time they boiled sea water to obtain salt, and also established saltpetre works,
"July 28th 1777, A Brigade of Continental troops passed going East."
" August 30th, 57 or 8 sail of Ships passed the river, supposed of the enemy's."
" 1779, February 11th, Continental troops passed through the Town to-day."
" July 9th, Militia from Haddam & Chester ordered in here. News of the burning of Fairfield was received." "roth. Gen. Glover's Brigade in Town to-night."
The means of communication are excellent. The Connecticut Valley Railroad and the Shore Line Rail- " August 9th 1779 .- Hindered A. M. two men having road connect in every direction running north, south, [ been killed last night at Waterside, breaking into a house. east, and west, while the Hartford and New York
P. M. Attended funeral."
60
468
HISTORY OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY.
As he was a justice, he probably held an inquest. The circumstances were these: William Tully, who in 1800 was colonel of the Seventh regiment State Militia, in the divis. ion of which William Hart was major-general, was at that time 20 years of age, and was one of the garrison at the fort. He was born and lived in a house that stands on the north side of Saybrook Point, close to the water, with a wharf, now gone to decay, in the rear, which was built either by Col. Tully or his father, and known as Tully's wharf. The house is now owned by John Grumley, hav- ing been previously occupied for several years by Capt. John Chauncey Whittlesey. A boat loaded of contra- band goods, which some tories from up the river were endeavoring to run out of the river for the purpose of trading with the British, had been captured and stored in a chamber of this house, and young Tully was detached to watch them. On the night of Sunday, August 8th 1779, a boat with eight tories, from Middletown, some of whom owned the goods, landed near the house, and de- manded the goods, which Tully refused to give up, whereupon they threatened to break in the, door. He warned them not to do so, but they forced the door and rushed in, whereupon he fired his musket upon them. The ball passed entirely through the first man, and lodged in the body of the man behind him, who fell dead on the spot. Tully charged upon them, and wounded one with his bayonet, and then escaping from a window he alarmed the garrison at the fort, when the tories re- treated carrying the wounded man with them. The first man who was shot, went into the room where the goods were stored, took hold of the window sash with one hand, and a package of tea with the other, when he fell dead, leaving the print of his bloody fingers on both. Tra- dition says that in 1801, when Col. Tully was a member of the Legislature, he roomed at the tavern with a man who proved to be the one whom he had wounded with the bayonet, and they were friends ever after. On one occasion Mr. Charles Williams, of the Point, who hap- pened to be awake at night, heard the grating of the keel of a boat on the beach, and seizing the bar of the door, he rushed into the street scantily clothed, shout- ing: " Turn out, guards! Turn out, guards!" which so frightened the marauders that they made off. He was ever afterwards known by the sobriquet of "Bold Charley." He afterward permitted his son Daniel to go to the defense of Fort Griswold, as substitute for Mr. Asa Kirtland, the consideration being a hogshead of cider. The cider was delivered in his cellar in the fall after the death of his son. The epitaph on the tomb- stone of Daniel is as follows: "Daniel Son of Capt. Charles & Mrs. Temperance Williams, who fell in the Action on Fort Griswold on Groton hill on the 6th of September 1781 in the 15th year of his age."
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