History of Middlesex county, Connecticut, with biographical sketches of its prominent men, Part 67

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 67

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ocean handed down from former days, when some of their ancestors braved the perils of the deep as captains or sailors. Of late years this business has been confined almost wholly to the coasting trade with the northern ports of the United States, the oyster beds of Virginia, and the Northern West Indies.

In the early part of this century there was an active and lucrative trade carried on with the West Indies. The chief exports were hay and mules, and the imports were rum, molasses, sugar, fruit, and mahogany. At times in those days the wharves of " Upper Houses " were lively. The arrival of a vessel was the signal for boys and girls to rush down to the river for their perquisites, tropical fruits and trinkets from southern ports. Evidences of the commercial enterprise are in Dr. Dwight's " Travels Through New England," in 1796 and following years. He passed through Middletown in September 1796. He says:

" The parish called Upper Houses is a beautiful tract of very fertile land. The village which bears this name and contains a considerable part of the inhabitants, is a thrifty settlement on the southern declivity of a beauti- ful hill. The houses, about 80 in number, are generally well built, and the whole place wears an air of sprightli- ness and prosperity. An advantageous trade was carried on by the inhabitants, particularly with the West Indies. From the summit of this hill the prospect of the scenery is eminently delightful." (Dwight's Travels, volume I. page 224.)

In connection with the commercial enterprises of Cromwell, during the latter part of the last century, and the opening of the present, ship building was a consid- erable industry. One of the ship yards was on the river front now occupied by the present quarry dock. This was owned at one time by Captain Luther Smith. Another, still further down the river, belonged to Captain Abijah Savage. His yard was just below the McKee house, on River street, a short distance south of South street. A little further down was still another yard, be- longing to William Belcher. Sometimes there were ves- sels on the stays in all of these yards at the same time. There was also an extensive rope walk to supply rig- ging for the new vessels. This, belonging at one time to Captain Webber, stood back from the river, on land now occupied by Bulkley Edwards. With the decline of the commercial enterprise of this region these industries have disappeared. As New York grew to be the center of the commercial interests of the country, the talent and capital employed in small ports like this drifted thither, and commercial business languished or disap- peared entirely. At present not a single vessel is owned wholly by citizens of Cromwell. There are only two captains of schooners engaged in coasting trade that live in town, viz .: Captain Ralph Stocking, and Captain Wallace Wright. They are partial owners of the ves- sels under their command. Comparatively few of the citizens follow the sea. There are a few families that gain a livelihood from the fish of the river. This occupa- tion is chiefly confined to shad and alewives in their season.

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HISTORY OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY.

MANUFACTURING.

There was formerly a cotton factory on the plains, 36 by 26 feet, which was run by water power, having two stories and a basement. This property was bought in 1857 by J. and E. Stevens (now the J. E. Stevens Co.). Some time in the early history of this locality, the Lees brothers-William, John, James, and Thomas-who came from England, were identified with the manufac- turing interests, and associated with them Joseph Beaumont, of Yorkshire, who settled in America in 1804. William Lees is said to have built the factory and to have leased it to the co-partners. In the latter part of 1813 or early in 1814, Beaumont entered into partnership with Asa Hubbard, Anson Treat, and Horace and Justus Stocking, under the firm name of the Nooks Manufac. turing Company. They built a factory, two stories high with basement, on the old town grist mill privilege, then owned by Asa Hubbard, now occupied by Mr. J. D. Allison. The lower floor was used for cotton manufac- tures, the upper for woolen. Part of the machinery was built on the premises by Joseph Beaumont, and the first wick yarn made in this vicinity, for which there was a good demand, was here manufactured. Yarn for domes. tic goods and cotton cloth for sheeting were afterward made. This cloth was coarse and strong, was called " Hum Hum," and sold for 50 cents a yard. The mill at this time contained none of Arkwright's improvements, but about six months after completing the machinery, the Arkwright inventions came into general use, thus reducing the price of the former machines to that of old iron. Soon after, improved machinery was introduced, including a mule, 100 spindles for the cotton department, and a pair of jennies for the woolen department. Wick yarn, bed-tick yarn, batting, broadcloth, satinet, etc., were manufactured. Families brought their wool to be carded instead of carding it by hand, as formerly.

In after years, the factory was used in the manufac- ture of hammers and in polishing wall-paper. The building burned about 40 years ago.

William Lees and Joseph Beaumont appear to have had an interest in the original business carried on at this place as late as 1823.

The Eyelet and Ferrule Company .- Chestnut Brook, in Cromwell, was first utilized by James Miller as a water power for running a grist mill more than a century ago. About 1820, the old mill building was taken down and another structure erected on the site for manufacturing purposes. The date of its first occupancy is unknown. For sometime Francis R. Hicks carried on business at this place, and about 40 years ago Colonel George R. Kelsey purchased the property for the manufacture of buckles, and continued the enterprise for six or eight years, when he removed to Waterbury. The estate then passed into the hands of the Cromwell Manufacturing Company, who occupied it till 1859, the concern being engaged in the toy and hardware business. A. F. and R. Warner also made door and shutter bolts in this fac- tory, which was subsequently bought by Mr. Demorest, of New York city, and used by E. L. Wright & Co. for

the manufacture of metallic eyelets and ferrules. Since the death of Mr. Wright the business has been continued by the Eyelet and Ferrule Company, the property being owned by W. A. Stickney.

The upper factory in the Nooks burned about 1881; it was built by Edmund Sage and occupied by him and his brother Elisha as a foundry. It was not very prosperous and soon passed into other hands. Various branches of business were undertaken without any great success and for some years before fire swept the buildings away, they were vacant. J. H. Warner, and Martin R. Warner be- gan the manufacture of harness in this shop with William P. Allison in 1846. In 1849, they removed to their pres- ent location. Mr. William M. Noble entered the firm and they have done a very good though not extensive business.

William P. Allison started the business of manufactur- ing hanımers in the shop now occupied by Colonel Dean Allison who succeeded his father. This factory has al- ways been noted for the excellence of its wares.

The Cromwell Plate Company was started about three years ago, but it bids fair to rival many of its older com- petitors. Some of the most beautiful goods in the mar- ket, and some of the most unique designs, are produced by this company. Every variety of plated ware, except the smaller staple goods, are manufactured here. The company was organized in 1881, under the general law of the State. The directors were Russel Frisbie, John Stevens, George Gillum, Robert Cowl, F. W. Bliss, J. Williams, and George Russell. The officers were: Rus- sel Frisbie, president; Frank Bliss, secretary and treas- urer. The present officers are: Russel Frisbie, president; Silas Chapman jr., secretary; and W. R. McDonald, treas- urer. The works of the company are located near the Connecticut Valley Railroad depot. The main building, which is of wood, is about 40 by 160 feet, three stories high, with an engine and plating room in addition. The engine is of 25-horse power. Some 50 hands are em- ployed, and the annual sales amount to many thousand dollars.

The Floral Nursery of A. N. Pierson was established in 1872, for the cultivation and propagation of flowers and plants, this being the first of the kind at Crom- well. The business extends to New Haven, Hartford, New York, and other cities. The annual sales amount to from $12,000 to $15,000 per year. The nurseries cover upwards of 50,000 square feet. During the winter months the business is mainly in cut flowers; roses being the specialty. In the spring commences the bedding of plants, the business of which amounts to some 200,000 plants. Mr. Pierson employs from 12 to 20 hands.

The J. E. Stevens Company .- The large and ex- tensive works of The J. E. Stevens Company, manufac- turers of iron toys, hardware, &c., is located near the Hartford and Connectieut Valley Railroad. The busi- ness was established in 1843, by John and Elisha Stevens, under the firm name of J. & E. Stevens. In December 1868, Mr. Walters, who became a member of the firm of J. & E. Stevens & Co. in 1856, was killed

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CROMWELL-SOCIETIES.

by being thrown from his wagon. In 1869, the widow of Mr. Walters, and the remaining partners petitioned the Legislature for a special charter, and organized a stock company under the name of The J. E. Stevens Company, with a capital of $140,000. The incorporators were John Stevens, Elisha Stevens, and Mrs. Walters, widow of Joseph N. Walters, and Russel Frisbie. The officers were: John Stevens, president; W. E. Hulbert, secretary and treasurer; Russel Frisbie, superintendent. The present officers are: John Stevens, president; Ed- ward S. Coe, treasurer; George Gillum, secretary; Rus- sel Frisbie, superintendent. The buildings are eight in number, and employment is given to about 100 hands.

CROMWELL HALL.

Cromwell Hall, an institution for the treatment of mental and nervous diseases, stands on a beautiful eleva- tion called Prospect Hill, commanding a fine view of the Connecticut Valley and the surrounding country. It was established in 1877, by W. B. Hallock, M. D., a native of Utica, N. Y., who has had several years ex- perience in the treatment of nervous diseases and the milder forms of insanity. A number of patients have been successfully treated each year, and are now "clothed and in their right mind." The healthful locality and pleasant surroundings have no doubt contributed greatly to this result. The average number of patients treated annually is about 13. Accommodations are provided for 17. Associated with Dr. Hallock, as consulting physi- cians, are A. M. Shew, M. D., superintendent of the State Hospital for the Insane, and Dr. F. D. Edgerton, of Middletown.

CROMWELL TRACT SOCIETY (UNION).

This society was organized June 11th 1852. The first officers were: president, Mrs. Mary E. Bryan; vice-pres- ident, Mrs. Edwin Ranney; secretary and treasurer, Miss Mary G. Savage; with committee of two, and nine collectors.

THE FRIENDLY ASSOCIATION AND ACADEMY.

These two institutions were in active operation in the early part of this century in this town, and were a healthful means of awakening and developing the men- tal powers of the young.

As early as 1808, according to Dr. Field in his " Cen- tennial Address and Historical Sketches," a debating society was formed. Two years later this society was enlarged, or rather another organization was formed upon a broader and more efficient plan, to which the property of the old society was transferred. This was the Friendly Association, whose first meeting was held February 20th 1810. The object of this association was to promote " the discussion of questions on various sub- jects, the recitation of dialogues and select pieces, origi- nal composition and declamation, together with a per- manent library for the use of its members. It has had nearly three hundred members, and a library of about five hundred volumes. This association has had no active

existence as a debating society for these many years. So far as can be ascertained, the period of this society's greatest activity and usefulness was between 1810 and 1830. Dr. Warren says: " When I went to Cromwell (1838) it had passed into its decline. Mr. W. C. Red- field, Dr. William Tully, and others, who had been in- terested in it at first, had moved away, and there were few to take their places. The library was still used to some extent, but the books were not of a popular char- acter, and were not much sought for."

About five years ago its constitution was modified so as to enable it to maintain a reading room and library without sustaining regular meetings, as the old constitu- tion required. A few new books were added and a read- ing room was opened in the second story of the high school building-the old Academy. The books, though modern and entertaining, were too few in number to at- tract readers. The reading room, though enjoyed by those who frequented it, was closed in a few months for want of funds.

The first officers of the society, elected February 20th 1810, were as follows: president, Rev. Joshua L. Wil- liams; vice-president, Silas Sage; secretary, William C. Redfield; treasurer, Allen Butler. Of the early mem- bers who were particularly active in establishing and maintaining the association, the names of Messrs. Wil- liam C. Redfield, Silas Sage, Joseph Williams, and Mar. tin Ranney may be mentioned.

The purpose, organization, and exercises of the asso- ciation were similar to the debating societies and lyceums which were very common in the towns and villages of New England till within a recent period. In late years periodical literature has met the want which these insti- tutions supplied.

The exercises of the meeting were various. "They consisted of original compositions, recitation of dialogues and selected pieces, reading of choice extracts, transla- tions from the classics and modern languages, reviews of literary publications, the exhibition of natural curiosities and articles of antiquarian interest, and the performance of chemical experiments."

Lecturers were secured at various times. Among those recorded by Mr. Williams are Dr. Tully, Rev. Mr. Crocker, and Dr. Warner of this place; Dr. Charles Woodwood, Isaac Webb Esq., and Rev. Arthur Granger, of Middletown; Prof. A. W. Smith, and Prof. Johnson, of Wesleyan University; and Rev. D. D. Field, D.D., of Haddam. The subject of Dr. Field's lecture was com- prehensive, " The buildings, furniture, food, dress, occu- pation, amusements, education, and religion of our Puri- tan ancestors."

Between the date of its organization, 1810, and 1850, the date of Mr. Williams' sketch, 802 weekly and monthly meetings were held.

No precise date can be found as to the establishment of the Academy. Dr. Field mentions that " a number of gentlemen in 1782, united together in an effort to build a new school house in the centre, and to sustain a teacher summer and winter. It was the purpose to

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HISTORY OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY.

maintain a school of a higher grade than the average dis- trict school of that day. This building, or one that re- placed it, stood on the green south of the Baptist Church, and in the rear, west, of the old meeting house-the second church edifice of the Congregational Society. This school never had any fund. It was maintained on what was known as the subscription plan. Those patronizing the school paid their share of the expense.

The teachers employed were generally young men who were pursuing their studies in college, in preparing for college, or for one of the liberal professions. Dr. Hutch. inson, who has been the resident physician for more than 25 years, was at one time, about 1820, a teacher in this school. Of those who have been teachers since 1830, ten became ministers of the gospel. One of these, Rev. I. P. Warren, D.D., of Portland, Maine, writes as follows:

"I was engaged to teach the academy in the spring of 1838, being then in my senior year at Yale. I continued there till the fall of 1839, when I returned to New Haven to study theology. Rev. Mr. Crocker was then president of the board of trustees, which consisted of Deacon Isaac Sage, Edward Savage Esq., Dr. Richard Warner, Israel Russell, and one or two others. The first summer the school numbered about 30; the winter following about twice as many. An assistant, Miss Comstock, of Hart- ford, was employed during part of that term. My salary was at the rate of $500 per annum, and was paid by an assessment, pro rata, upon the pupils in attendance. It was the intent of the school to furnish what was then the highest grade of common education, and also to fit young men for college. Of those who were then intending to enter Yale College, I remember Dr. George S. F. Savage, Josiah Savage, Ebenezer Beckwith, and Dr. Robert Hub- bard. A considerable number of the older pupils were refined young ladies and gentlemen. The school had un- doubtedly done much to elevate the tastes and manners of the youth, and indeed the general tone of society in the place. I should add too, that it was during all that period most constantly under the influences of the Holy Spirit. The ministry of Rev. Mr. Crocker was an emi- nently faithful and fruitful one, and few years passed without revivals of greater or less extent. The princi- pals of the academy were ministers or candidates for the ministry, and few pupils could have attended the school even for a short time without being brought into personal contact with the truth."

The old building on the green gave way to the brick structure formerly called " The Academy," now occupied by the high school. This building was erected in 1834, at an expense of $1,700. No private or select school has been taught for several years. It is now rented by the trustees of the property to the town for the purposes of a high school. The school known as the high school really unites the grades of both grammar and high school department, and has been efficiently taught for several years by Rev. Henry S. Stevens.

VILLAGE IMPROVEMENTS.

Until within seven years from the present year, little has been done in a systematic way by the united effort of citizens toward the improvement and adornment of the village. But there have been, at different times, public spirited citizens who have shown an active and useful

interest. Of these, Benjamin Wilcox should be men- tioned. To him the village is indebted, for the fine ave- nue of maples on the eastern side of the park just south of Prospect Hill. Dr. Richard Warner, also, showed much interest in public improvements. It was through his interest chiefly that the trees were planted along the river banks beside the highway leading to Middletown. By the efforts of citizens now living, considerable had been done, before there was any organized work, in the way of laying sidewalks and planting trees in front of their own residences.

In the spring of 1877, steps were taken toward the or- ganization of a Village or Town Improvement Society. It is an organization of citizens, having this purpose, stated in its constitution, to wit: "to improve as and ornament in every practicable way the public grounds, streets, highways, and other property of the town, by planting trees, fencing and beautifying greens, bettering the roads, attending to drainage and snow paths and doing whatever may render the town more pleasant and attractive as a place of residence. Also to encourage individuals to do for their own grounds what the association attempts for the town generally."

The first officers of the society were elected June 2d 1877, to hold office till the annual meeting to be called in the autumn. These officers were as follows: William E. Hurlbert, president; W. R. McDonald, first vice-pres- ident; Russel Frisbie, second vice-president; J. H. Trent, secretary; E. S. Coe, treasurer; and a board of ten, five gentlemen and five ladies, who, with the other officers, constitute the executive committee.

In the autumn of 1877, about 370 trees were planted. Since the society began its work more than 500 trees have been planted. Something has been done toward improving sidewalks and roadways. The work of im- proving the commons is about to be taken up. The fol- lowing is the board of officers chosen November 24th 1879: president, W. R. McDonald; first vice president, Russel Frisbie; second vice-president, Dr. Hallock; secretary, R. S. Griswold; treasurer, E. S. Coe; executive committee, George Wilcox, M. S. Dudley, Captain Palmer, Bulkley Edwards, A. N. Pierson, Mrs. George Gillum, Mrs. Wheelock, Mrs. M. H. Smith, Miss Emma Savage, Mrs. H. N. Stocking.

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.

Reference has already been made to the organization of the First Ecclesiastical Society of Cromwell. Very soon after the incorporation of this society, work began on a building for use in public worship.

It was so far completed as to be ready for occupancy, although it was not thoroughly finished till the organiza- tion of the church, and the settlement of the first pastor, twelve years later, in January 1715. It is probable that the people worshipped, a part of the intervening time, with the old church in Lower Houses. There is evi- dence, however, that efforts were made to secure a set- tled pastor. A Mr. David Deming was employed for a time, with a view to settlement. He located in town, and

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CROMWELL-CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.

bought land, which he sold, at a later period, to Rev. Joseph Smith.

The deed of land by the society to Mr. Smith for his settlement shows that they had previously (in 1705) ne- gotiated with Mr. Deming, and offered him the same piece of property, in case he would settle among them, as their pastor. He never did become their minister, and never obtained a legal title to this land. But he did get possession of land adjoining. This land he bought of Samuel Hall, in 1710, and sold, afterward, to Mr. Smith. It adjoined the parsonage lot on the south.

It seems probable that Mr. Deming occupied the society's land, and acted as minister a part, if not all, of the time between 1705 and 1715. The lot deeded by the society was on Pleasant street. The northern boundary was about the same as the division fence be- tween the lot owned and occupied by William Graves, and that immediately north. It ran east to the river, and far enough south to include three acres, more or less.

On the 18th day of February 1714, the committee of the North Society reported that the Rev. Joseph Smith would settle with them, as their pastor, provided a suit- able maintenance was guaranteed. The sum fixed upon was £65, to be increased as the society was able. The society immediately took measures to complete its house of worship, which was finished and dedicated on the same day that Mr Smith was installed and settled as pastor of this society. On the same day, also, a church of 93 members was formed. All but two of these were from the old church in Middletown. The following is the list of original members:

Captain John Savage, Mrs. John Savage, Sergeant Wil- liam Savage, Mrs. William Savage, Mr. Thomas Ranney, Mrs. Thomas Ranney, Mr. John Ranney, Mrs. John Ran- ney, Mr. Joseph Ranney, Mrs. Joseph Ranney, Mr. Sam- uel Stow, Mrs. Samuel Stow, Widow Nathaniel White, Mr. Joseph White, Mrs. Thomas Stow sen., Mrs. Daniel White sen., Mrs. Joseph White, Mrs. Daniel Clark, Mrs. Jonathan Warner, Mrs. Nathaniel Savage, Widow Shep- ard, Samuel Hall, Samuel Gibson.

Summary: By letter, 21; profession, 2; total, 23.

All except Hall and Gibson were received from the old society in Middletown.

On the roth of February 1716, one year after the or- ganization of the church, the first deacons were elected. Sergt. William Savage and Sergt. Samuel Hall. Mr. Smith, the first pastor, was removed to this place from Horse Neck, Greenwich, at the expense of the Society. He had served them, for a short time, as preacher. His chief occupation, previous to settlement in Upper Houses, was that of teacher. He was the son of Philip Smith, of Hadley, Massachusetts, a graduate of Harvard, class of 1695. There is evidence. that Mr. Smith con- tinued, for a time, to teach pupils, after his establish- ment in this parish. Among his pupils was Samuel Johnson, D.D., missionary of the Church of England in Connecticut, and first president of King's College, New York. Young Johnson, who had very reluctantly left

the school, in his native place, Guilford, taught by Mr. Jared Eliot, who abandoned teaching for the ministry and settled as pastor in Killingworth, now Clinton, " was sent from home and placed under the care of Joseph Smith, pastor of a newly organized church in Upper Middletown, now Cromwell. Though a graduate of Harvard College, Mr. Smith was not a scholar who inspired his pupil with much respect for his attainments; and after trying in vain for six months to make progress in his studies, he left his poorly qualified master and re- turned to Guilford."*

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History of Middlesex county, Connecticut, with biographical sketches of its prominent men, Part 67

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