History of Middlesex county, Connecticut, with biographical sketches of its prominent men, Part 140

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 140

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John P. Dibble, the worthy chorister in the old church, for whom, and Mr. Jedediah Chapman, a subscription was opened in 1783, " to induee them to set up a school in the Parish for instructing our youth in the art of music and other matters beneficial to that subject," was its last miller. Here, for a number of years, he hummed stand- ard minor tunes to the rumbling mill stone accompani- ment, and discussed with himself the question of toll.

A saw mill, probably the first within the town's limits, was erected by Samuel Wright, Nathaniel Chapman, Thomas Bushnell, and Benjamin Jones, on " Falls River," in the northwest part of the town, in 1748. Mr. Wright, upon whose land the mill was built, covenanted that the proprietors " may peaceably possess, improve, and enjoy s'd land on which s'd mill is to be built to Gather with ye dam, pond, Logway, &c., During the term of twelve years without Let or Molestation from any person or persons whatever."

It was agreed that each owner should have the use of the mill for his own sawing three days in each year, "Each owner to find himself a Saw to saw his own turn and when his turn is out he shall be at Liberty to take it away again."

Samuel Wright's turn was to "begin on the first Mon- day of October next and continue (if he shall then own one-quarter of s'd mill) three days, and the others to follow in the likewise course, Excluding Sabbaths, fasts and Thanksgivings."

IRON WORKS.

The " Iron Works," as they are called in old records, and spoken of by tradition, were located in Pond Meadow District, in the north part of the town.

The water power used for that purpose now carries

the " Platts " saw mill. The establishment combined a smelting furnace, where the metal was reduced from the ore, and a blacksmith's shop, where every kind of ham- mered work in use at that time, from a horsenail to an anvil or anchor, was made.

The ore was obtained from "Mine Swamp," but a little distance off, and the present appearance of the mining grounds, and the large quantity of slag that re- mains at the site of the works, leave no doubt of its im- portance to a large section at one time. It is not easy to tell the exact date of its origin, or give with absolute certainty the name of the founder.

The Spencers were the last proprietors in the early part of the present century, and it is altogether probable that Thomas Spencer, a progenitor of the Spencer family, who settled near by, discovered the mine and founded the works, prior to 1700.

In 1702, the General Assembly excused "Charles Williams of Saybrook from training, he being chief workman in the iron works there and living sixe or seven miles from town."

These were the Westbrook works, there being no others of the kind in the ancient Saybrook, and the dis- tance mentioned agreeing with the true distance from the old town.

FISHERIES.

Shad have always abounded in the bays that front the town, and a century ago were caught, in moderate quan- tities, in the two small rivers running through the town. Before the commencement of the present century no one thought of selling the fish, each one catching for his own consumption.

At that time to offer it to a guest at dinner was considered an evidence of excessive economy and al- - most a disgrace. As shad became marketable fish, and finally a luxury, the occupation grew profitable, and was carried on with considerable success for a number of years by " seine " fishing.

The advent of "Pound fishing " and its application to shad, in 1849, gave a new impulse to the business, which since that time has been one of the most important in- dustries of the town, the average annual catch being about 100,000, and the business giving employment to from 60 to 70 men.

The white fisheries, at one time of considerable im- portance, have nearly disappeared, which is a source of regret to the farmers, to whom the fish were valuable as a fertilizer.

Other varieties of fish are obtained from the adjoin- ing waters. The Stannard brothers, Captain John Kel- sey, and Oliver H. Norris are prominently identified with this industry.

ECCLESIASTICAL SOCIETY.

The territory comprising the present town of West- brook was incorporated as a separate and distinct so- ciety by an act of the General Assembly passed May 14th 1724, the Second Society, or present town of Essex,

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antedating it one year. For many years thereafter the parish was known as the Third or West Society in Say- brook, or West Saybrook. The records of the ecclesi- astical society were the history of the parish for three- quarters of a century. Not only did the society build the church, employ the minister, and tax every inhabit- ant for his support, but it divided the parish into school . districts, built school houses, employed teachers, pro- vided a burying ground, built town pounds, and super- vised other matters now conducted by towns at large. The parish at this time probably contained a scattered population of from 200 to 250, judging from the birth and death rate. During the first four years from the set- off there were 42 births and 17 deaths.

The church connected with the society was organized June 29th 1726, the day of the ordination of Mr. Worth- ington, the first minister, with 14 members, nine of whom were Chapmans, Posts, or Spencers. Abraham Post, the first deacon, served in that office alone for 7 years.

The real wealth of the individual inhabitants of the parish, at the time of the set off, was nominal and un- certain. That they were rich in broad acres that had no market value, there is no doubt, and speculators were scarce. The first settlers upon the different tracts of land, most of which cost nothing but the trouble of lo- cating, had come to stay, and their estates were rated according to the improvements made upon them. The occupant's wealth was estimated by the value of his slaves, his stock, or his buildings.

Prior to 1705, the titles to many of these farms were questionable, so much so that the General Court in that year passed a special act, securing the then proprietors in their ownership, and giving them full power to sell and give titles. There was much undivided, unoccupied, and, of course, undesirable, land left at this time, and it is highly probable that the Rev. Mr. Worthington, the first minister, received his princely gift of 100 acres as a settlement from this.

Money was scarce at this early date, the "Bills of Credit of the Colonies " being the principal circulating medium, and these had such an uncertain value at to be in poor repute. Mr. Worthington's yearly salary of sev- enty pounds, in a few years became four hundred, equiv- alent to about $125; not a large compensation for min- isterial service, when, in addition to other duties, two sermons and prayers, consuming three hours of time, were expected to be furnished every Sabbath. The little hard money used was derived from the trade with the West Indies.

A rate bill, granted for the support of the poor of the parish, shows its grand list, in 1745, to have been 4,797 pounds, and the number of property holders, 89. The grand list of the undivided town of Saybrook, the same year, was 17,460 pounds, which shows that this parish was rated at more than one-quarter of what at present constitutes the five towns.

Peter Murdock's 840 acres, entered by his son, John, is the largest assessment, being 302 pounds 15 shillings. The widow Jonathan Lay, who succeeded her husband

in the ownership of the famous " Lay Tavern," estab- lished years before George Washington was born, and which was honored by his presence during the " Revolu- tion," comes next, being set in the list at 151 pounds 12 shillings. Eight Stannards aggregate 346 pounds; five Chapmans, 245 pounds; five Lays, 458 pounds; three Kelseys, 331 pounds; two Grinells, 225 pounds; five Wrights, 279 pounds; eleven Posts, 548 pounds; five Jones, 200 pounds; eight Spencers, 394 pounds; and nine Bushnells, 393 pounds.

The warrant for the collection of this tax was directed to Jonathan Lay, collector " for ye West Parish in ye town of Saybrook," who was required " in his Majesties name forthwith to collect " the same, and it was signed by John Tully, justice of the peace.

Of the sum collected, Dr. Gale, of Killingworth re- ceived " four pounds ten shillings, old tenor bills for Doctering James Jardgin in his last sickness."

The town retained the Indian name of Pochogue until 1810, when it was changed to Westbrook.

" At a General Assembly held in New Haven the second Thursday in Oct. 1810, upon the petition of the inhabitants of the third Society in Saybrook, by their agents Samuel Hart and Joseph Hill, showing to the Assembly that the said society hath from the first settle- ment of said town to the present time, retained the Indian name of Poochague or Poorchague, which name it is believed very few if any, can either spell or pro- nounce correctly, which is found to be inconvenient to the said inhabitants and to the public, wherefore your petitioners pray the Assembly to pass a special resolu- tion in their favor, directing that said society within the present bounds and limits, may hereafter be known and called Westbrook as pr. memorial on file."

In accordance with this petition the following resolu- tion was passed: " Resolved by this Assembly that the third society in the town of Saybrook, within the present bounds and limits thereof, shall forever hereafter be known, and called by the name of Westbrook, and not Poochague or Poorchague, and that said society retain all their ancient rights, powers, and privilages by the name of Westbrook."

The first society meeting in the parish was held May 28th 1724, with Capt. Samuel Chapman as moderator.

At a meeting held June 4th, it was voted "to choose a committee of three men to take the best advice they can in order to obtain a minister to dispense the word of God amongst us." June 29th, Abraham Post was in- structed "to go to Mr. Woranton [Worthington] to see if he can be obtained."

In August, Mr. Worthington was hired for two months, at "8 pounds for the two months," and in October for one year, at a : salary of 50 pounds, the soci- ety to find him his wood. Mr. Jared Spencer's house, which stood in the present new cemetery, near its center front, was fitted up for a parsonage for his accommoda- tion. The next year his salary was increased to 55 pounds.

The society also voted to build a house for the minis- ter, " he glassing and finding the nails for the same."

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HISTORY OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY.

This house, the first parsonage, built in 1725, stood about midway between the present Congregational church and the river.

This parsonage house stood and was occupied nearly a century and a quarter, it having been torn down within the memory of middle aged people now living. It was a quaint looking square structure, with its roof rising to the peak from its four sides the space between the ceiling on the inside and the outside covering being filled with sea weed. Doctor and Col. John Ely, the first resident physician in the parish, was its occupant for a number of years after the removal of the Worthing- tons.

The Congregational society have built two dwellings for their ministers, though two others have come into their possession by gift-one from Mrs. Devotion, the other from Jonathan Lay, the last being the present par- sonage.

Rev. Mr. Rich and Mr. Selden occupied their own dwellings.

In October 1725, the General Assembly, held at New Haven, granted liberty to the inhabitants of the society " to embody into church estate and to call and settle an orthodox minister among them with the approbation of the neighboring churches."

In the early part of the year 1726, Mr. Worthington received a call to settle. In March of that year it was voted " to advance the yearly salary of Rev. Mr. Worth- ington for the future, as long as he continues in the ministry among us, according to our increasing ability, the same to be compounded by ye general list of estates at five pence on the pound, not exceeding the annual sum of seventy pounds money, and his fire wood."

It is difficult to determine what Mr. Worthington re- ceived a year, estimated' by the present standard of value. He first received fifty pounds, which, in 1739, was increased to ninety, "in bills of credit of this and the neighboring colonies." In 1743, Mr. Worthington acknowledged the receipt, for his year's salary, of the " sum of thirty-two pounds ten shillings in lawful money of this Colony, which is equivalent to One hundred and thirty pounds old tenor," though his salary had not been increased from ninety. 4

The depreciation in the value of colonial paper in these years was rapid. In 1747, a committee was ap- pointed "to consider of the representation made by Rev. Mr. Worthington relating to his salary, and report their opinion."

The same year " in lieu of the seventy pounds granted to him in 1731 as his salary, and all additional thereto made heretofore," he was voted "two hundred and sixty- two pounds ten shillings old tenor, for the future, during the pleasure of the society." This was increased until it reached over £400 in 1753.

In the year 1753, three years before Mr. Worthing- ton's death, the matter of salary was established definitely. That year, after much controversy, it was agreed "that for the future as long as he is our minister, Mr. Worth- ington's yearly salary shall be One Hundred and eight

ounces of good coin silver, Troy weight, sterling alloy, or an equivilant thereto in bills of credit of the old tenor, the same to be estimated from year to year by the best judgment of John Tully Esq. and Mr. William Tully, both of Saybrook."

Mr. Worthington's last receipt shows that that " equivi- lant " was " four hundred and ninety one pounds twelve shillings and six pense old tenor," this in 1755.

As an additional inducement to Mr. Worthington to settle in the parish the society voted to deed to him and his heirs forever one hundred acres of land, including the homestead of about eight and a half acres, with the parsonage built upon it, "provided he continue in the ministry in the society." Mr. Worthington, in his letter of acceptance of the call and the gift, among other things said: "I thank you for your good will and kind offer to me. I see so much of your willingness to do for me ye day of small things as is a satisfactory evidence to me that as your ability is enlarged, you wont see me want what you can conveniently do for me."

Accordingly, at a meeting held June 6th 1726, it was voted " that ye last Wednesday of the present month, June (Divine Providence concuring) shall be and is here- by appointed to be ye day for the ordination of Mr. William Worthington, and that such proceedings be had as may be thought most likely and accomodable to at- taining said end." The committee chosen to superin- tend the matter of the ordination "were desired, with the advice of Mr. Worthington, to treat with such min- isters as they shall think proper and convenient in order to ye carrying on that Great, Weighty and Solemn af- fair."

Rev. William Worthington was ordained pastor June 27th 1726, and preached acceptably in the parish a little over 32 years, dying November 16th 1756, at the age of 60. He was buried in the "Old Yard," and his tomb stone records that " he lived beloved and died lamented by all who were happy in his acquaintance."

Mr. Worthington was a native of Colchester, in this State, a graduate of Yale College, and grandfather of John Cotton Smith, the eminent governor.

Mary, the daughter of Mr. Worthington, by his first wife, who was the daughter of Major Samuel Mason, of Stonington, married Hon. Aaron Elliot, a great-grand- son of the apostle, John Eliot.

Mr. Worthington preached the election sermon before the General Assembly at Hartford, May 10th 1744, when it was ordered " that Sam'l Lynde Esq., and Capt. Jede- diah Chapman return the thanks of this assembly to the Rev'd William Worthington for his sermon delivered be- fore the assembly on the roth inst. and desire a copy thereof that it may be printed."

Mr. Worthington died in November 1756. The next January " Esq'r Jed. Chapman and Capt. John Murdock were appointed a committee to invite into the society some orthodox candidate for the Gospel ministry, well approved for that purpose, in order for settlement."

In June the society agreed to " give Mr. John Devo- tion as a settlement, the sum of One Hundred pounds,

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WESTBROOK-ECCLESIASTICAL SOCIETY.

lawful money of this Colony-viz., fifty pounds at or be- fore the first day of February next, and fifty pounds the February next come twelve months." His yearly salary was fixed at " fifty pounds lawful money of the Colony for four years, then to be increased, five pounds yearly, until it reached the sum of sixty five pounds and so to re- main as long as he shall continue in the work of the ministry in the Parish."

The society also voted to furnish him his fire wood, " thirty-three cords in quantity, good and sound, and the first getting of the wood to commence when his wants shall call for it and so to keep pace with his wants until it in quantity shall amount to thirty-three cords and no more."

The Rev. John Devotion was ordained October 26th 1757. A fast was observed, preparatory to the occasion, Thursday of the week before, "beginning at ten of the clock before noon."

as was the custom, he had taken dinner with the military company, at the house of Mr. Ephraim Kelsey, and was marching in front of the company, by the side of Capt. Nathan Kirtland, up to the church, for the usual service, when he was taken and died without a struggle.

This, as an ending to a long and successful ministerial service in the church and society, was everything he could have desired. His widow, a daughter of Major John Murdock, survived him a little more than six months, dying March 18th 1803, aged 65. In Mr. De- votion were united the scholar, the earnest preacher, and the dignified and courtly bearing of a cavalier. He was a native of Somers, and a graduate of Yale.

Mr. Devotion was a man of considerable means, and not wholly dependent upon his salary for his support. The house that he built and occupied is still standing, though the fire places in which he burnt 33 cords of wood a year have been taken out. At times during the Revolution he relinquished a portion of his salary, as he says, " on account of the extraordinary expenses of the war." He seemed to be willing, as well as able to be considerate to his people, as when, in 1785, the society, on account of arrears of salary, had impowered him to draw his orders on the committee for the amount due, which orders were to remain on interest until paid, "Mr. Devotion came into the meeting and relinquished the aforesaid vote in full and every part thereof."

In March 1804, the society gave the Rev. Thomas Rich a call with a settlement of $500 and a yearly salary of $350. The records say that in the vote taken there

were 103 in favor and but one against. Mr. Rich ac- cepted the call and was ordained in June 1804. A sub- scription was immediately circulated to assist Mr. Rich in building a house, and about $500 in material was raised.

Mr. Rich was dismissed in September 1810, at his own request, after the society had refused him aid in his pecuniary embarrassments, caused as he said " by mis- fortune in building and sickness in my family."

To this the society rejoins: "we do not consider his embarrassed circumstances to arise from any public cause or depreciation of currency or from any neglect or fault on our part," and that "granting pecuniary aid would hazard the union of the society." He was a graduate of Dartmouth.

Rev. Sylvester Selden was ordained pastor of the Con- gregational church and society in 1812, and was dismissed early in 1834. He was a graduate of Williams College.

December 1833, the record says: "upon consideration After a pastorate of forty-five years he dropped dead in a fit of apoplexy, a few rods from the church door, it was thought proper and expedient that the minds of the members of the society present should be tried in September 6th 1802, at the age of 73. On training day, regard to the Rev. Sylvester Selden continuing with us as our minister or asking disinission." Result was 21 in favor of his asking dismission and 11 in favor of con- tinuance.

Mr. Selden replied that if the society, or any individ- ual, was willing to take the responsibility of what he would have to sacrifice in the sale of his property, he would ask for dismission. The amount of the sacrifice he put at $500. Upon this the society voted that "they would pay Rev'd Sylvester Selden his salary until the Ioth day of March 1834," provided he supplies the pul- pit and other ministerial duties until that time, " and that they will pay him no longer."

The Rev. Jeremiah Miller was settled as pastor the latter part of the year 1834, at a salary of $450, and was dismissed early in 1837, at his own request, " the leading reasons " for which, he said, were " the want of a suitable parsonage for the accommodation of a minister, and the pecuniary compensation which your Pastor receives for his services rendered for your benefit." He was a native of Avon, and a graduate of Amberst.

Rev. William A. Hyde was installed June 28th 1838, at a salary of $500. After an acceptable pastorate of a little more than 16 years, Mr. Hyde was dismissed at his own request, in July 1854. He removed to Grassy Hill, in this State, and occasionally, to the time of his death, preached here to his old parishioners, who always wel- comed his coming. He was a native of Lisbon, and a graduate of Amherst.

Mrs. Devotion gave by will to the Congregational so- ciety the parsonage built by Mr. Devotion and occupied The church and society had no settled minister after Mr. Hyde until 1863, the pulpit being supplied by vari- ous persons-Rev. Henry T. Cheever, about two years; Rev. E. B. Crane two years; and Rev. Henry A. Loper, by them until their deaths. The house was used as a parsonage until 1813, being occupied by Rev. Mr. Rich until that time. That year it was leased for the term of 999 years. The land was given by Mr. Devotion and | four and a half years. On the 17th of February 1863' was disposed of in 1839, and the proceeds used in build- ing a parsonage for Rev. Mr. Hyde.

Rev. J. H. Pettengill received a call to settle over the church and society, and was installed in April of that year, at a salary of $600. Mr. Pettengill was dismissed, at his request, May 1866.

From May 1866 to January 1877, the pulpit was sup- plied by many different clerymen.

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HISTORY OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY.

About January Ist 1877, Rev. D. A. Atkins was ordained and installed as pastor, at a salary of $1,000. He resigned in April 1878. Since that date there has been no settled minister in charge.

Rev. John B. Doolittle was employed August Ist 1878, ot a salary of $800, and resigned January 1880, on account of ill health.

at a salary of $800, and was dismissed, to take effect April Ist 1883.

1883, at a salary of $900.

The question of building a meeting house was agi- tated very soon after the organization of the society, though on account of the small means of the inhabitants, it would seem, it was not begun until 1727.

April 12th 1725, it was voted "that whenever the So- ciety shall build a Meeting House they will set it upon the hill near James Jordan's house."

October 17th 1726, it was voted "to send to the Gen- eral Assembly now sitting in New Haven for some assist - ance in building a Meeting House," and in January 1727, " it was voted and agreed to proceed to ye building of a Meeting House for God's Public Worship as soon as may be." It was to be " forty foot long, thirty-two foot wide, and eighteen feet between joints." Afterward, it was voted to build it as large as "ye timber will allow not to exceed thirty-three feet in width and twenty feet be- tween joints." William Stannard, Samuel Bushnell, and Peabody Grinell were chosen to superintend the build ing " with full power."

February 29th 1727, the following action was taken, viz : "Whereas the society is apprehensive there should be some speedy method taken for ye procuring of ye nails, glass and lead for ye Meeting House, for ye more easy and speedy procuring ye same, it is agreed and voted that there shall be a committee of three men chosen to procure so much lead and glass and so many nails as they by advice shall think needful, and to use their best endeavor to get ye same by ye first good op- portunity they can meet withall * *

* * and that any person concerned shall have liberty to venture off any of his goods or moneys to sea in order to procuring the aforesaid premises."

At a meeting held at the " Minister's House " in April 1727, " it was agreed and voted that whenever ye society shall build a Meeting House they would set it on the hill near James Jordan's house, at ye lowermost western part of it where it is thought most convenient."

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History of Middlesex county, Connecticut, with biographical sketches of its prominent men, Part 140

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