History of New Haven County, Connecticut, Volume I, Part 13

Author: Rockey, J. L. (John L.)
Publication date: 1892
Publisher: N. Y. : W. W. Preston
Number of Pages: 966

USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > History of New Haven County, Connecticut, Volume I > Part 13
USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > History of New Haven County, Connecticut, Volume I > Part 13

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

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costing $160,000; Sloane Laboratory, erected in 1884, being the most thoroughly appointed of any physical laboratory in the Union; Dwight Hall, built in 1886, at a cost of $60,000, as a home for the University Young Men's Christian Association; and a number of fine and costly dormitories, of which Farnam Hall, built in 1870, was the first of those put up in the new system. Of these interests of Yale, a con- temporary writer# says:

"The Library, in all its departments, contains more than a hundred thousand volumes, and is rapidly becoming one of the largest and most valuable in the country. The Art Gallery, in addition to its other attractions, contains the original paintings of Col. Trumbull, commemorative of leading events in our Revolutionary history. The Alumni Hall is used for examinations, and once a year as the dining hall of the college, when it dispenses its hospitality to all its alumni. The Peabody Museum contains, in a noble edifice, one of the finest collections of minerals in the world. At the beginning of this century the late Professor Silliman carried to Philadelphia in a candle box all the minerals then belonging to the college, to be designated and classified. The buildings occupied by the Sheffield Scientific School, as the scientific department of the college is called, are at the upper end of College street, and are the gift of the late Joseph E. Sheffield, Esq., who also largely contributed to the endowment of the institution. The Yale School of Fine Arts occupies a noble building on the college grounds, the gift of the late Augustus R. Street, Esq. The Medical College on York street, the Law School on Church street, and the new Memorial Recitation Hall on Chapel street, are each worthy the atten- tion of the intelligent stranger. As a source of actual money profit to New Haven Yale University is a marked factor, since at a low esti- mate the aggregate disbursements of the 1,500 students for rooms, board, clothing, books, merchandise and other necessaries and luxuries amount to upwards of $1,000,000 annually, and this divided into forty weeks, the college term, makes weekly receipts for the community from this source of about $25,000." -

Of the private residences in this old yet modernized town, it is claimed that a large wooden building, on Meadow street, a few rods south of Church street, was built in 1642, or four years after the set- tlement of the town. In colonial times it was painted blue, many other buildings being painted red, and these two colors were the pre- vailing ones. The Benedict Arnold house, on Water street, completed in 1772, and occupied by that notorious character before the revolu- tion, was long a marked object. Nearly all the historic landmarks have been swept away by the hand of improvement.

Of the more modern mansions the Noah Webster house, on the corner of Grove and Temple streets, attracts much attention, as being the place where the great lexicographer wrote much of his standard

* James P. Mckinney.

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dictionary. Many other well-conditioned houses of that period remain. Numerous examples of the modern residence are found on Hillhouse avenue, which, for its length, is one of the most beautiful residence streets in this country. Here are the homesof a number of members of the university faculty. Stately elms overarch this street and standing on lawn-like borders, the fine mansions in the back- ground form a most pleasing picture.

Some of the other streets are beautiful to a less degree and the avenues leading to the suburbs add to the attractions of the city. Charming drives extend to the rocky shores of Morris Cove. and the pleasant resorts of West Rock and East Rock Park. From the sum- mits of these mountains extended views of land and sea may be had within a few miles of the center of the city. At the latter place New Haven's magnificent soldiers' monument towers high above surround- ing objects, a noble tribute to the valor and patriotism of the defend- ers of the Union.

On the east side of the harbor are several scenes of historic interest, the one nearest the city being Beacon hill, with traces of Fort Wooster, built in the war of 1812. A mile below on the site of the revolutionary Black Rock Fort, Fort Hale was built in 1809, and was garrisoned in the war of 1812. In the civil war it was rebuilt and again occupied. It has a commanding position. Below are the two lighthouses, the new one being at the extreme end of the cove. These objects add to the beauty of the harbor, which even in its pristine condition caused the first settlers to exclaim, " This is, indeed, a Fair Haven;" and as they here began anew their business ventures as a commercial people, the Indian name of Quinnipiac was soon properly changed to New Haven.

The original settlers of Quinnipiac were families of wealth, intel- ligence and influence, and these traits have ever characterized the inhabitants of New Haven. The leaders were Reverend John Daven- port and Theophilus Eaton, who was elected the first governor. Other principal men were Samuel Eaton, John Evance, Edward Hopkins, David Yale, Stephen Goodyear, William Peck, Ezekiel Cheever, Robert Newman, Thomas Gregson, Richard Malbon, Nathaniel Turner, Richard Perry, Thomas Kimberley. Thomas Benham, Matthew Gilbert, Jasper Crane, George Lamberton, Roger Alling, John Brockett, Robert Seeley, Thomas Fugill, John Punderson, Jeremiah Dixon, Joshua Atwater, Edward Wigglesworth, Francis Newman, David Atwater, John Cooper, John Moss and Thomas Trowbridge. A number of these had been trained to commercial pursuits and many of them possessed large estates which permitted them to make costly improvements and to supply their homes here with some of the com- forts they were accustomed to enjoy in London, from which city most of them had emigrated. A greater portion of this company had come to Boston in 1637, remaining there until a place for the colony had

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been selected by Theophilus Eaton and others deputed for that purpose.

The main company of more than 250 souls sailed from Boston for this destination March 30th, 1638, and in a fortnight they were at the mouth of the Quinnipiac." The vessel passed up the harbor, as it then was, entered West creek and landed its passengers in a locality now indicated by George and College streets. Here a town plat half a mile square was surveyed and divided into nine equal parts, the central section being reserved for a market place and meeting house green. Upon these quarters, around the green, as a radiating point from which the settlement sought its circumference, the building of the city was begun. But to accommodate all with lots two additions, nearer the harbor, had to be surveyed, that work also being done by John Brockett; and after this out-lots and larger farms were surveyed for such as were entitled to them. Some of the wealthier settlers built very spacious houses. Governor Eaton's, at the corner of Elm and Orange streets was so large that the use of 19 fire places was necessary; and in Reverend John Davenport's house, opposite, on the south side of Elm street, werc 13 fire places. Many of the first houses on George street and on the opposite hill were two stories high.

After adopting their church and civil polity, the settlers of New Haven endeavored to establish trade with various points, as Boston, New York, Virginia, Barbadoes, England and Delaware bay. At the latter place trading posts were established on lands which had been purchased for the colony in 1640, by Captain Turner. Unfortunately this venture not only proved unsuccessful, but was also a costly experiment to the colony which had, in 1640, less than 500 inhabitants. Other commercial ventures also failed and more attention was paid to agriculture. Lands were allotted, and in the list of 1643 appeared the names of the planters in New Haven. Four hundred and fifteen per- sons were enumerated, the taxables being 122 in number. Theophilus Eaton had the largest estate, its value being put at £3,000. Mr. Davenport's was valued at £1,000, and there were eight others having estates of the same value, among them being George Lamberton and Stephen Goodyear. Captain Turner's family numbered seven persons and his estate was rated at £800. Thomas Gregson had six persons in his family and an estate of £600. Lamberton's family also number- ed six persons. A considerable number of taxables were newly mar- ried or single men.

About this time an effort was made to create an interest in agricul- ture. But the people of New Haven were little inclined to its arts, and having no skill for this avocation, failed to reap profitable crops. Their commerce, also, further declined and their large estates were wasting away. An uncommon effort was now made, in the fall of 1646, to retrieve these broken fortunes, by gathering up whatever was

* See also Chapter I, for account of settlement.

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merchantable and shipping it to England. A vessel of 150 tons burden was brought from Rhode Island and fitted up for this voyage. upon which such high expectations were based. That her mission might be the more properly fulfilled Captain Turner, Mr. Gregson, and several more of their principal men decided to aceompany Captain Lamberton, the master of the vessel. The fate of this ship has been graphically portrayed by Longfellow, in his poem, the "Phantom Ship." Another account of this ill-fated vessel is concisely given by Henry Howe:

"Captain Lamberton and about seventy others embarked in her, among whom were six or eight of their most valued citizens. They sailed from New Haven in January, 1647. She was so 'walty, i. c. rolling, that Lamberton, her master, said she would prove their grave: and she did. They cut their way out through the ice of the harbor for three miles, and with many prayers and tears and heart-sinkings set sail. Mr. Davenport, in prayer, used these words: 'Lord, if it be thy pleasure to bury these, our friends, in the bottom of the sea, they are thine, save them.' Months of weary waiting passed over and no tidings from Europe of . the great shippe.' She was never heard of- foundered at sea. The next June. just after a great thunder storm. the air being serene, there appeared about an hour before sunset, though the wind was northerly- there appeared in the air, coming up the harbor's mouth, a ship just like their . great shippe,' with her sails all set as filled under a fresh gale, and continued sailing against the wind for half an hour, coming near to the people standing on the shore, when suddenly all her sails and masts seemed blown overboard: quickly after her hulk brought to a careen and she overset and vanished in a smoky cloud. The people declared this was the mold of their ship and this her tragic end; and said Mr. Davenport, .God has condescended for the quieting of our afflicted spirits, this extra- ordinary account of his sovereign disposal of those for whom so many prayers had been made continually.""

The loss of this ship was most disastrous to the hopes of the people of New Haven, and as the sea had now swallowed up most of their estates, they became greatly discouraged. In this state of affairs they were led to think of abandoning the country and settling themselves elsewhere; but all these purposes came to naught. For years they struggled on, a poor people. But the uses of adversity were not in vain. Their posterity learned to adapt themselves to the conditions which prevailed in this country and inany of them having learned to become respectable farmers, New Haven flourished no less than her neighbors.

In 1669 the value of the estates here was $15,402 and the names of the freemen, as returned by the constables were as follows: Mr. William Jones, John Alling, Mr. James Bishop, William Payne, Mr. Matthew Gilbert, John Jackson, Captain John Nash, Nathaniel Merri-

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man, Mr. Samuel Street, Ralph Lines, William Andrews, Ephraim How, Mr. Thomas Vale, Sen., Abraham Dickerman, William Peck, Jeremiah Osborne, Roger Alling, John Gilbert, John Gibbs, Mr. Wil- liam Tuttle, Lieutenant Thomas Munson, Mr. Benjamin Ling, John Mosse, Thomas Mix, John Cooper, Sen., John Hall, Sen., Nicholas Elsey, William Holt, William Thorpe, James Heaton, Samuel White- head, Isaac Beecher, John Brockett, William Wooden, James Russell, John Johnson, Henry Glover, John Clark, Jeremiah Whitnell, William Wilmot, William Bradley, Joseph Mansfield, Philip Leek, Richard Sperry, John Harriman, Sen., Alling Ball, David Atwater, Thomas Kimberley, Thomas Morris, Moses Mansfield, William Basset, Jonathan Tuttle, John Winston, Jeremiah How, Henry Bristow, Daniel Sher- man, Joseph Alsup, John Cooper, Jr., Abraham Doolittle, John Thomas, Sen., John Chidsey, John Miles, Edward Perkins, Mr. John Hodshow, Samuel Miles, Mr. Thomas Trowbridge, Isaae Turner, Thomas Barnes, James Clark, George Ross, Matthew Moulthrop, Timothy Ford, Ellis Mew, John Peck, John Potter, Joseph Peek, James Dennison, Samuel Alling, John Osbill, Thomas Yale, Jr., Samuel Hemingway, Thomas Sanford, Joseph Bradley.

The following year Wallingford was formed out of this town, which decreased its population and wealth, and until 1700 the progress was slow. In that year there were 307 taxables and the estates were valued at £17,844. In 1720 the property was valued at £28,316, much of the increase having come in consequence of the location of Yale College, which brought people of wealth to the town.

"The first Commencement exercises in New Haven were held September 10, 1718, when ten students were graduated. The first college edifice was of wood, 170 feet long, 22 wide, 3 stories high, con- tained about 50 studies, was painted blue,' really a slate-color, formed by mixing lamp-black and white paint. It was taken down in 1782. It stood on the corner of College and Chapel streets, on the identical spot on the campus where the Yale students now, of Summer evenings, sit on the fence in long lines and make the air vocal with song and chorus-'rah!' 'rah !' 'rah.'" *

This institution was named for Elihu Yale, its first principal bene- factor. He was a son of David Yale, one of the first settlers, but who had returned to Boston, where Elihu was born about 1648. Later David Yale and his family and many others of the New Haven mer- chants returned to England. When a young man Elihu went to India as a merchant, where he became a governor of the East India Company and accumulated great wealth. Some of his means were dispensed in charity. It is said that his benefaction to the Collegiate Institute of New Haven colony was prompted by the following shrewd appeal to his benevolence, in a letter to him by Cotton Mather:

"Sir," said he, "though you have felicities in your family, which * Henry Howe.

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I pray God continue and multiply. yet, certainly, if what is forming at New Haven, might wear the name of YALE COLLEGE, it would be a name better than a name of sons and daughters." Then he adds: " And your munificence might easily obtain for you a commemoration and perpetuation of your valuable name which indeed would be much better than an Egyptian pyramid."

Yale died in 1721, and on his tomb at Wrexham, Wales, are the following singular lines:

" Born in America, in Europe bred, In Afric traveled and in Asia wed, Where long he lived and thrived : in London dead. Much good, some ill he did, so hope's all's even, And that his soul through mercy's gone to heaven. You that survive, and read this tale, take care

For this most certain exit to prepare, Where blest in peace the actions of the just Smell sweet and blossom in the silent dust,"

In 1748 there were, according to Wadsworth's map, in the village of New Haven, 180 dwellings, of which 138 were unpainted. On the green were the meeting house, built in 1688, the county house, built in 1717, and near by the jail and Hopkins' Grammar School, which had been founded in 1655. West of the green was Yale College and east of it the Blue meeting house.

From this time on the increase in population and wealth was encouraging until it was interrupted by the revolution. After the war, under the lead of new elements, derisively called interlopers. who overcame the conservatism of some of the native born people, hitherto at the head of affairs, the place took on new life, and in 1784 it was incorporated as a city. Three years later, when a census was taken, the city had 614 families living in 466 houses, and, including 176 Yale students, 3,540 souls. Doctor Dana, in his Century Sermon. 1801, gives the population at 4,000, of whom 85 were slaves, 115 free blacks, 48 Indians and mulattoes, 142 foreigners. There were 471 Congregationalist families, 226 Episcopalian, 7 Catholic, 1 Moravian, 1 Baptist, 7 Methodist, 1 Quaker, 4 Priestlian, and 16 Nothingarian. There were 110 stores and 61 vessels; tonnage 5,436.

In 1811, there were, according to Doctor Dwight, 29 houses con- cerned in commerce: 41 dry goods stores: 43 grocery stores; 10 apothecaries' stores; 1 ship yard; 4 ships' stores; 9 tanners; 2 brass founders; 3 comb makers; 2 paper makers; 1 bell founder; 6 clergy- men: 16 lawyers; 9 practising physicians; and 1 surgeon.

But a better idea of the condition of the city and the town, about the beginning of the present century, may be obtained from the fol- lowing very interesting reminiscences of that period, by James Brewster, as prepared by him in 1866, and which are here given per- manent place :

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"At this period, the population consisted of from 5,000 to 6,000 inhabitants, composed, for the most part, of native Americans. It is believed that the first Irish family was brought to this city in a vessel owned by Messrs. Prescott & Sherman; and these gentlemen were threatened with prosecution, for fear the emigrants might become an expense to the town: but the man being a mechanic, he with his family were provided for by charitable persons.

"At this time, the Grand List of taxable property, as shown by the records, was but $356,372. However, the plan of assessment in those days was on a different basis from that of the present time- lands being valued by the acre, and houses by the stories they con- tained. The Grand List for 1865 showed the valuation to be $29,651 .- 409. The vast difference is accounted for by the great increase of population and wealth. Real estate in Chapel street could have been purchased then for thirty to forty dollars per front foot, and in Orange and other contiguous streets at from three to five dollars. Common laborers received from fifty to seventy-five cents a day, and journey- men mechanics from four to six dollars per week, and board them- selves. The choice of beef could be obtained for six or seven cents per pound; butter for eight or ten cents; and potatoes delivered for sixteen cents per bushel. Good board, with washing could be had for two dollars and two dollars and fifty cents to five dollars per week: transient customers one dollar a day, or even less.

" Money was very scarce, the resources of this country not having yet been developed; consequently a general credit system was adopted as a matter of dire necessity, business men usually settling their accounts once a year by notes, and paying them by installments of 25 per cent. each quarter in the year succeeding. Mechanics usually paid from two-thirds to three-quarters of their workmen's wages by orders on stores.

"Near the close of the first decade, the New Haven Bank was in- corporated, with a capital of $80,000. The subscription to the stock was acquired only by persevering labor. The first President was Mr. David Austin. He was succeeded by Mr. Isaac Beers -- and he by Dr. Æneas Munson. Colonel Lyon was the first cashier. There were then but three banks in the state. The New Haven Bank was located first in the chambers of a wooden building on Chapel street, owned by the Cashier, and for the use of which he charged $50 per annum. The bank was subsequently removed to a room in a brick building on the same street, also owned by the Cashier. In the year 1809, the building on the corner of Chapel and Orange streets was erected, and was then considered a very elegant structure. Although this Bank had a Board of Directors, yet the general management was conceded to the Cashier, Colonel Lyon. The Bank was then almost exclusively avail- able for the accommodation of merchants engaged in shipping, and in the sale of dry goods and groceries. There were but few mechanics

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engaged in business at that day who had attained to any prominence in means and influence. A young mechanic, having just started for himself, offered his note for $400 at the New Haven Bank. The President informed him that the note was discounted; but on going to the Bank, Colonel Lyon remarked to him: 'Four hundred dollars is a good deal of money for a young man; and, in view of this eireum- stance, I have concluded to make the amount $200.' The Colonel dis- criminated very closely in regard to the customers of the Bank. A showily-dressed man was sure to receive a negative answer to his application ; and mechanies, who understood the secret, often exchanged their coats for jackets before going to the Bank for favors.

" These incidents, though trivial, will serve to illustrate the subject of financial development, in comparing the present with the 'olden time.'

"Our commerce was principally with the West Indies, though successful voyages had also been made to the East Indies, and else- where. Among those who were prominently engaged in it were Elias Shipman. Frederick Hunt & Sons. Gad Peck, Jehiel Forbes, Prescott & Sherman, and others.

" The next most important business was that of merchandise. In this were engaged Abram Bradley. Titus Street, Samuel Hughes, of the firm of Street & Son, Timothy Dwight & Co., Reuben Rice, Thaddeus Beecher, Isaac Beers, David Austin, Abel Burritt. and others.

" The principal apothecaries were Doctor Darling, Doctor Hotch- kiss, and Doctor Lewis. Druggists in those days usually sold oils, paints, and other similar articles.

" The most prominent physicians were Doctors Monson, (Deacon) Ives (grandfather of Drs. N. B. and Levi Ives), Hubbard, and a few others just beginning to practice.

" Mr. Eli Whitney. then engaged in the construction of arms for the government, was the only manufacturer of prominence.

" There were many enterprising young men at that day just com- mencing business life, who have since become men of wealth and influence, among whom may be mentioned Abram Heaton, Hervey Sanford. Charles and James Atwater, Ezra and Elias Hotchkiss. Abel Burritt, Henry Trowbridge, Timothy Bishop, William H. Elliott, William Lyon, Elihu Sanford, &c. Some of these have filled their missions, and passed away from earth.

" As has been before remarked, at the close of the first decade the mechanical interests of the city were very limited in amount. Those most actively employed in these pursuits were Isaac and Kneeland Townsend, tailors; James Bradley, joiner; Messrs. Merriman, Wilmot, Zebul Bradley, and Sibley & Marble, goldsmiths and jewelers; Beriah Bradley and Major Grannis, and others, boot and shoe makers; John Cooke, Luther Bradley, Isaac Mix and Eli Bradley, carriage makers; Elias Gilbert, tanner: Hezekiah Hotchkiss and Glover Mansfield, hatters.

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" It is proper to mention here, that a practical lesson may be (lerived from a statement of the fact that many of the most prominent citizens of all professions in New Haven at the close of the first decade (as well as those who succeeded them), attained to their eminent positions (under Providence) by their own industry, economy and integrity; thus showing that inherited wealth or position is no sure passport to success or usefulness; but rather a negative.

"At the commencement of the second decade, carriages for pleasure were considered a great superfluity. There was then but one public hack (and that a very indifferent one), owned by a Mr. Crane; and but one or two private carriages drawn by two horses in the city. Those in want of the best carriages usually went to Hart- ford or Newark. The whole annual product of carriages did not then exceed $40,000. The same business in 1860 amounted to over $2,000,000.

" In regard to the moral aspect of the inhabitants, and especially of what was termed the masses, it may be stated that they were gener- ally intellectually and socially low, and of small ineans. Intemper- ance prevailed to an alarming extent. Public lectures were then unknown, and it is believed that no College Professor or Tutor had ever gone outside the walls of Yale to address the people. At the commencement of the second decade, those reverend gentlemen, Drs. Beecher and Hewett, gave public lectures on the subject of Temper- ance, and of entire abstinence from all intoxicating drinks; and although they met much opposition as " fanatics " and "invaders of private rights," yet they exercised a most healthy and elevating influ- ence upon the whole community.

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History of New Haven County, Connecticut, Volume I, Part 13

Author: Rockey, J. L. (John L.) Publication date: 1892 Publisher: N. Y. : W. W. Preston Number of Pages: 966

Author: Rockey, J. L. (John L.)
Publication date: 1892
Publisher: N. Y. : W. W. Preston
Number of Pages: 966