History of Middlesex county, Connecticut, with biographical sketches of its prominent men, Part 63

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 63

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Adam Stanton, from Rhode Island, had a store at the head of Clinton Harbor before the Revolutionary war. During the war he manufactured salt from sea water, and sold it at great prices. The house where he lived and traded stood on the spot where Capt. R. A. Farnham now lives. After the war Mr. Stanton bought a large un- finished dwelling house and store, built where formerly stood the college. Capt. Walter Ililliard commenced the house, and died and left it unfinished. Adam Stan- ton kept a large assortment of goods, including medi- cines, up to about 1830. He died October 16th 1834.

George and William Carter, brothers, kept a store on the south side of West Main street. Their stock was quite extensive, including medicines, and they carried on the business from the close of the war of 1812 till about 1835, on the premises now owned by Charles D. Stevens.

Ely A. Eliot and Capt. Warren Chapman opened a store on the north side of West Main street, at the close of the war of 1812, at the corner of Main and High streets. The store buildings are now owned by Charles A. Elliot. This store has always been stocked with dry goods, groceries, crockery, and hardware, and formerly had a large trade with people of the North Society.

Benj umin Wright opened a store on the north side of East Main street, in 1790. He had been a fife major in the Revolutionary war, and at its close built a dwelling and store, and carried on tailoring, and selling goods in a small way. The house and store are still standing, but the store is not occupied for trade.

John Rositer, farmer, commenced a store on the east side of Liberty street, about 1818. He did a small busi- ness, selling groceries and liquors. He died December 19th 1841, aged 67, and the business was closed up soon afterward.

All of these stores retailed liquors, and between 1800 incurred in purchasing a site, erecting and equipping the

and 1830 dissipation was very prevalent.

The merchants of Clinton at the present time are: John Andrews, groceries; T. E. Morgan, general store; Wil- liam H. Parks, general store; Horace Kelsey, fancy goods and notions; Elliot Brothers (Henry A. and Charles A.), flour, feed, and coal; William Hull, groceries and pro- visions; William H. Hull, bakery; H. & E. W. Wellman, general store; A. S. Pelton & Son, general store, boots and shoes, and medicines; Hosmer & Wright, drugs and medicines; Giles C. Grinnel, boots and shoes; Henry A. Lyne, harness, etc,; William B. Lewis, harness, etc .; Leon- ard Smith, notions, fruits, segars, etc.

THE OYSTER TRADE.

This is at present one of the leading industries of Clin- ton, and it has been developed within the last half cen- tury. Mr. A. J. Hurd, one of the principal dealers, com- menced planting, within the borders of this town, about 30 years ago. He now plants from 3,000 to 5,000 bushels a year. The total annual planting is about 12,000 bushels. These are brought from Virginia, and various points on Long Island Sound. Clinton oysters are among the best in the market.

THE SCHOOLS OF CLINTON.

Beside the three districts consolidated in the Morgan School there are three other districts not consolidated. There are 284 children between 4 and 16 years of age, who draw public money to the amount of $213. Town deposit fund, $133.44. Total expense of public schools, $1,827.64. All expenses except State aid are paid from Morgan School fund.

THE MORGAN SCHOOL .- This school is justly consid- ered one of the best institutions of learning in the State. Its establishment is due to the munificent liberality of Charles Morgan, of New York city. Charles Morgan, son of Colonel George Morgan and Eliza- beth Redfield, and grandson of Theophilus Morgan, a wealthy merchant and ship owner in Clinton previous to the Revolutionary war, was born in Clinton, April 2 Ist 1795. October 12th 1869, the first steps were taken by Mr. Morgan for establishing this school, and Decem- ber 7th 1871 witnessed its formal dedication, the founder himself being present to receive the congratulations of the people of Clinton, and the friends of education in this State generally. The idea of doing something noble for the place of his own birth and that of his ancestors, was first suggested to Mr. Morgan by his old friend, and the teacher of his youth, Leet Hurd, Esq., then 87 years of age, a descendant of Governor William Leet, of Con- necticut. Promptly and wisely Mr. Morgan resolved to commence with a free high school for the people of Clin- ton, while alive and well, being then 74 years of age. He appointed John D. Leffingwell, Alfred Hull, Andrew J. Hurd, and George E. Elliot, trustees, as the almoners of his bounty. To these gentlemen, Mr. Morgan confided the whole business of purchasing, contracting for, organ- izing, and equipping the Morgan School. The expense

building amounted to $60,000. The building is 75 by 60 feet, three stories high, with Mansard roof and high stoop basement. The above sum was supplemented by a further gift of $50,000 for supporting the school.

Mr. Morgan died in New York, May 8th 1878, at the age of 83. Previous to his death he had left $100,000 more for the support of the school. The sum total of his gifts to the school amount to over $300,000. It was a favorite remark of his that no other $300,000 of his wealth had ever given him so much pleasure. At the dedication, Mr. Morgan was surrounded by a dis- tinguished company of divines, lawyers, educators, and

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HISTORY OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY.

citizens of Clinton and adjoining towns; President Porter and Professor Thatcher, of Yale, Gen. William S. Pierson, of Windsor, Connecticut, a descendant of Rev. Abraham Pierson, first rector of Yale College, and second minister to the early settlers of Clinton. Rev. C. L. Goodell, of New Britain, Connecticut, delivered the address. Speeches were made by Governor Marshall Jewell, Hon. L. E. Stanton, of Hartford, a native of Clinton, and others.

The school was opened April 8th 1872. The first principal was E. C. Winslow, of Amherst, Massachusetts, a graduate of Amherst College, class of 1870. The school comprised one high school, two intermediate, and two primary departments, taking all the primary pupils of three school districts on Main street, all the advanced scholars residing in Clinton, and such non-residents as on application were admitted by the trustees. The organizing and grading were successfully accomplished by Mr. Winslow, and under him the school became favorably known, both at home and abroad. The first graduate was Joseph H. Sperry, a native of Clinton, and the present assistant principal. In 1876, it sent its first graduates to Yale College, where its graduates have gained and maintained high positions in scholarship. Since then, it has furnished Vale, Hamilton, Columbia, Cornell, and Wesleyan with pupils that do it honor. The majority of its lady graduates have become teachers. Joseph H. Sperry has been assistant principal since 1875. In 1878, Mr. Winslow resigned his position as principal, and entered the ministry. Dwight Holbrook, of Sing Sing, New York, a graduate of Hamilton College, class of 1875, succeeds Mr. Winslow as principal.

In the summer of 1879, the trustees decided to enlarge the principal's residence which had previously been lo- cated on the premises.

In 1880, the new residence was completed, and it is now occupied by Prof. Holbrook and his family. The Morgan School Building is of brick, with light colored granite trimmings. The upper floor is a large hall. is finished in hard wood, heated by steam, and is well supplied with water from a large tank in the roof filled by one of Erricson's hot air engines. The school build- ing and principal's residence compare favorably with any similar buildings in the country. The school is equipped with apparatus for illustrating the science of physics, has a well furnished laboratory, and a valuable library of 1,500 volumes, including books of reference and general reading matter for the pupils.

Since its organization this institution has graduated 56 pupils; 27 male and 29 female. The average annual at- tendance has been 230. The present arrangement of the grades is as follows: lower primary, upper primary, lower grammar, upper grammar, and intermediate, each one room; and high school, two rooms. There are two male and five female teachers. Beside the English branches, Greek, Latin, French, and German are taught. The trustees are at present discussing the propriety of erect- ing a separate building for the library.

Prof. B. G. Northrop, late secretary of the State Board

of Education, says, in one of his reports to the State Legislature: "The Morgan School has accomplished grander results, so far, than Yale College accomplished during the lifetime of its first president."

Mr. Morgan left with the trustees a sum of money sufficient for prizes for scholarship, and these prizes have been applied annually. Alfred Hull, one of the first trustees, died May 24th 1877, and Elisha K. Redfield was elected to fill his place. The school building and principal's residence are situated on the north side of East Main street. The grounds are 600 feet deep and 225 feet wide.

CHURCHES OF CLINTON.

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.

The original settlers of Killingworth were Congrega- tionalists from the Puritan stock of the early settlers of Hartford, Windsor, and Wethersfield, and no other church or religious society made its appearance in the town until after the expiration of 130 years. The Half- way Covenant prevailed from the beginning, admitting members to the church record and to the privilege of having their children baptized, but none were admitted to full communion except on profession of faith. This arrangement, which had been unpopular since 1764, was done away with in 1817. The records show that there were 105 persons connected with the church before 1694.

The first minister, Rev. John Woodbridge, became settled pastor in 1667. He was born in Andover, Mass., in 1644, and graduated from Harvard in 1664. He was a son of Rev. John Woodbridge, from Stanton, Wiltshire, England. His salary was £60 a year, and he was voted (March 1669) {60 toward building a house. The Gen- eral Court, in 1671, granted to " Mr. John Woodbridge, of Kenilworth, 250 acres of land for a farm, Provided he take it up where it may not prejudice any former grant to any plantation or particular person." He resigned in 1679, removed to Wethersfield, and died in 1690.

In 1694, fifteen years after the removal of Mr. Wood- bridge, Rev. Abraham Pierson jr., was settled here. He was probably born in South Hampton, L. I., where his father had been pastor. Before settling in Killing- worth Abraham Pierson jr. had been colleague pastor of a church in Newark, N. J., with his father. While at Killingworth he was chosen, by a voluntary assembly of ministers in 1700, one of a committee to " found, erect, and govern a college." In 1701, the General Court granted the desired charter for the institution which in after years became Yale College. At a meeting of the trustees, November 7th of the same year, Mr. Pierson was chosen to take charge of the college "in its instruction and government with the title of rector." By a vote of the trustees the college had been located at Saybrook, an older and more important settlement. But Mr. Pierson had the qualifications, in the estimation of the trustees, "to govern and teach," and if he undertook the charge

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CLINTON-CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.

the college must come to him, and it did. A building was erected near his residence, and was standing after 1790, and vestiges still remain sufficient to identify the spot on which it stood. The testimony of Capt. Leet Hurd, often repeated, is, that he remembered the build- ing well. It was known as the Old College, and was lo- cated on the homestead of John A. Stanton Esq. Abra- ham Pierson died March 5th 1707, aged 61 years. Short was his career as first rector of Yale College, but he laid the foundations well and others built successfully. Two years after the settlement of Mr. Pierson, "the town con- cluded by their voat to hire Mr. Brown to keep skoul for one quarter of year, and for his pains therein to give him nine pounds; the one half of it to be paid by the skol- lers and the other halfe by the town." This is the first record of a school, and the first school house was built in 1703.

The third pastor was Rev. Jared Eliot, son of Rev. Joseph Eliot, of Guilford, Conn., and grandson of the Apostle Eliot, of Massachusetts. He was ordained pas- tor in " Kenelworth " in 1709. He had preached to the people of Killingworth for about two years before his ordination. He was a pupil of Rector Pierson who, on his deathbed, recommended to his people that they should employ and settle Mr. Eliot. Jared Eliot died April 22d 1763. He was a physician as well as minister. During his 54 years of ministry in Killingworth, he rose to a height of popularity as an author and medical prac- titioner, such as no other at that time in the colony had reached. His biographer says that he was unquestion- ably the first physician in his day in Connecticut. He was often called to go long distances, and in many cases received patients into his family for treatment. He was an excellent botanist and a distinguished agriculturist. He introduced the white mulberry tree and the silk worm into Connecticut, and published a treatise on the subject. His essays on agriculture, first published in 1760, were recovered from oblivion by the Massachusetts State Agricultural Society and republished in 18:1. He was also a mineralogist. His attention was called to the iron ores in the vicinity, out of which he made pig iron; but the supply of ore was too small to make it profitable. But of the black sand found on the shores of the Sound, east of Clinton Harbor and west of Duck Island Bay, he made a great success, converting it into the best steel known at that time. With the aid of a blacksmith, Elnathan Stevens, he converted some of this sand into steel and then into a jack knife, which he presented to the Royal Society of Arts in London, and was granted a gold medal (still in existence). In connection with his son, Aaron Eliot, he constructed works for reducing sand iron to steel. He wrote and published a treatise on the subject, describing his methods. A copy of this work (probably the only one in existence) is in the hands of his great-great-grandson, George E. Elliot Esq. The book is 612 by 372 inches and contains 34 pages. It was printed in 1762, by John Holt, New York. The book is a very interesting discourse on the origin of iron and iron sand, their uses, manner of melting, etc., showing exten-

sive research, and application of his own theories. Dr. Eliot married Elizabeth Smithson, of Guilford. She died February 18th 1761. They had II children. He became an extensive land holder, and a considerable por- tion has come down to his posterity through four generations.

Rev. Eliphalet Huntington was the fourth pastor. He was born in Lebanon, Connecticut, graduated from Yale College in 1759, and was settled here January 11th 1764. He married, April 24th 1766, Sarah, daughter of Joseph and granddaughter of Rev. Jared Eliot. She was born July 24th 1751. Mr. Huntington died of smallpox, Feb- ruary 8th 1777. It is said that he called to a stranger passing in the street to inquire for news from the army. The stranger had the smallpox, and Mr. Huntington contracted the fatal disease. He is represented as hav- ing been large and fine looking, a devoted Christian, and a patriot who took a deep interest in the success of the cause of independence.

The fifth pastor, Rev. Achilles Mansfield, a native of New Haven, was installed January 6th 1779. He mar- ried Sarah, widow of Rev. Mr. Huntington. The house he occupied is now owned and occupied by Mrs. Henry Taintor. He died July 22d 1814, and his wife died December 27th 1817, aged 69. He left three children: Nathan, a graduate of Yale College, died April 6th 1813, aged 28; Elizabeth, married Dr. Austin Olcott, May 6th 1807; and Susan, born January 31st 1786, married Rev. Joseph Huntington, of Boston, May 18th 1809.

The sixth minister, Rev. Hart Talcott, began preach- ing here January 26th 1817, and was installed June 10th the same year. He was dismissed, at his own request, January 26th 1824.

Dissensions followed the removal of Mr. Talcott. Cer- tain prominent brethren were subjected to discipline, December 14th 1826. The church was divided into two nearly equal parts. The majority, holding the real estate, employed Rev. Peter Crocker, from Dartmouth, Mass., to preach to them. The quarrel continued till 1831, when a settlement of difficulties was effected. The conditions were that Mr. Crocker should leave, the dea- cons on each side should resign, the church to be no longer consociated, and an entirely new board of deacons should be elected. This result was precipitated by a great revival, which commenced in September 1829.

Rev. Luke Wood, the seventh pastor, was installed October 13th 1831. He was born in Somers, Conn., in 1777, graduated from Dartmouth College in 1803, and studied theology with Dr. Nathaniel Emmons. He was dismissed in March 1834, and died August 22d 1851, aged 74 years.

The eighth minister, Rev. Lewis Fostor, was born in Hartland, Conn., in 1806, graduated from Yale College in 1831, was ordained pastor of this church December 3d 1834, and died in Clinton, October 27th 1839.

Rev. Orlo D. Hine, of New Milford, Conn., was the ninth pastor. He was ordained and installed over this church, April 14th 1841. He was dismissed, October 14th 1842, and is now settled in Lebanon, Conn.

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HISTORY OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY.

Rev. Enoch S. Huntington was installed May 24th 1843, and dismissed March 26th 1850. He was born at Ashford, Connecticut, and died in Danbury, Connecti- cut, April 7th 1862.

Rev. James D. Moore began his ministry here March roth 1850, and was dismissed May Ist 1866. He was born in England, educated at Middlebury College, Ver- mont, and graduated from the Theological Seminary of Yale College. During his ministry, 123 were added to the church, and 53 were added the first Sabbath after his dismissal. His dismissal was the occasion of great grief to a large portion of his church, and he is still re- membered with sincere regard. He had a good classical education, united with a fund of general knowledge. He died at Hartford, January 17th 1869, and was buried in the Clinton Cemetery.

Rev. William E. Brooks was ordained and installed May 23d 1867. He was a native of Maine, and had been captain of a company of volunteers from that State in the war of the Rebellion. He was dismissed May Ist 1874. He preached a bi-centennial sermon, November 13th 1867, it being the 200th anniversary of the organ- ization of the church. He is now the president of a col- lege in Austin, Texas.

Rev. J. Henry Bliss commenced his labors as acting pastor, January Ist 1875, and still officiates. Mr. Bliss is a graduate of Hartford Theological Institute. The church has 215 members now living and residing in Clinton.

The first meeting house, erected in 1667, was located on the hill near where the present church stands. This gave place to a better one about 1700. At a town meet- ing, August 20th 1703:

" It was offered unto the town by several of the neighbors which had by subscription purchased a bell in or to be hung up in the ineeting house whether they would accept of said bell and hang it at the Town charge which was consented to and voted."

" December 29th 1724 it was voted to have the Bell recast with an addition of 50 pounds of copper and one quarter so much pewter and employ Mr. Liscomb of Saybrook to do the work upon condition that he do it for twelve pounds and that he demand nothing for his Labor if he fails in the well performance of his work."

Rev. Jared Eliot, in his will gave " as a testimony of affectionate regard " for the society, £10 toward the support of a school in the society, and £5 toward the purchase of a bell.

November 24th 1823, the church voted to appropriate $40 to purchase a stove. This is believed to have been the first attempt to warm a meeting house in Killing- worth. A new steeple was added to the church in 1809. The old house was removed and the present church edi- fice was built in 1833, at a cost of $4,000; additions, $2,500. It was enlarged 16 feet in 1858, and in 1877, it was remodelled at a cost of over $5,600. An organ was placed in the church in 1870, at a cost of $2,200.

BAPTIST CHURCH.

The Baptists of Killingworth organized first as a society in 1797. The records of this organization are not to be found.

" An account of the number of the Baptists in Killing- worth, October Ist 1822, who belong to the Second B.Ip- tist Church in Saybrook: Elisha Elderkin, Thankful Carter, Henry Archbald, Phebe Treat, Charlotte Parks, Lydia Morgan, Amelia Waterhouse, Elder Pierpont Brockett, Sarah Brockett, Mary Elderkin, Hannah Smith, Samuel Lester, Sally Buell, Pamela Clannin."

The First Baptist Church of Christ, in Killingworth, was constituted September 22d 1825. The names of the first members were: William Carter, Hannah Carter, Phebe Treat, Charlotte Parks, Ruth Crane, Hannah Nichols, Lydia Morgan, Pierpont Brockett, Sally Brock- ett, Jennett M. Loomis, John S. Griffing, Mary Elderkin, Parnell Peck, John A. Peck, Samuel Lester, Betsey Heron, Abner Farnham, Anielia Waterhouse, Lucy Waterhouse, John Pierson, Sally Griffith, Sally Buell, Julia Redfield, Polly Pierson, Pamela Clanning, Deacon Benjamin Carter, Samuel W. Gladding. This church recognizes no ministerial authority. The affairs are managed by three trustees, who are elected annually. The minister whom they hire becomes a member of the church. He is not installed, but is licensed to preach by the association of Baptist ministers. The first church edifice, built in 1835, was 38 by 40 feet. This building, greatly improved, is their present house of worship. It is valued at $4,000, and is situated on the south side of East Main street. Previous to 1835, the society worship- ped in the town hall. The society was incorporated as the Clinton Baptist Church in 1863. It numbers 99 living members. The present minister is Rev. A. J. Chandler.

THE UNIVERSALISTS.

There was a society of Universalists who flourished about the time of the war of 1812, and continued to hold meetings in the east school house until about 1828, when they disbanded. Their preacher was Captain Ebenezer Lester. It is not known that he was a regularly or- dained minister, but it is known that he administered the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, and baptized. Some of the members had seceded from the Congregational church, and the following is from the records of that church, December 30th 1813:

"Whereas, our brother and sister, Jared Elliot and Clarissa his wife, have withdrawn from the watch and fellowship of this church and joined the society called Universalists, therefore voted to withdraw, and this church doth liereby withdraw our fellowship, watch, & care from the said Jared Elliot and Clarissa his wife, at the same time signifying that in case they should be convinced that they are in an error and seek restoration to this church that hath embosomed their fathers* we shall joyfully receive them to union with us," etc.

The Universalists never owned a house of worship here.

METHODIST CHURCH.

The first Methodist class in Killingworth (now Clinton) was formed in 1829, and consisted of the fol- lowing persons: John Hopson Wilcox and Ann his wife,

*This Jared Elliot was grandson of Dr. Jared Eliot, former pastor of the Congregational church. He was a Justice of the Peace and a mem- ber of the General Assembly. He died September 25th 1841.

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CLINTON-CHURCHES-BIOGRAPHIES.

Edwin Parks and Mary his wife, Richard Handy and his wife, Mrs. Polly Buell, Mrs. Sophia Buell, Mrs. Hannah Buell, Laura Handly, and Nathan Brooks. The first minister was Rev. Nathaniel Kellogg. The first church building was erected in 1830, and stood on the south side of West Main street. It was abandoned and sold in 1855. The present edifice was built in 1855, and cost, with improvements since made, about $10,000. The society has a convenient parsonage near the church. There have been a number of interesting revivals during its history. The present number of members is 178.

HOLY ADVENT (PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL) CHURCH.

" Organization of the Parish of the Holy Advent in Clinton, 1873.

"We the subscribers, composed of residents of the towns of Clinton, Madison, and Westbrook in the State of Connecticut, being desirous of becoming a body cor- porate under the constitution and law of said State, for the purpose of establishing and supporting the worship of Almighty God according to the doctrines and disci. pline and liturgy of the Protestant Episcopal Church in these United States and in communion with the same, do hereby resolve and constitute ourselves and our succes- sors into an organized association or corporation under the constitution and laws of this State. And for the aforesaid purpose of a society or parish of the said church to be known in law as the Episcopal Society of the 'Holy Advent Church ' in the town of Clinton, county of Mid- dlesex, in the State of Connecticut.

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History of Middlesex county, Connecticut, with biographical sketches of its prominent men, Part 63

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