USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > History of New Haven County, Connecticut, Volume I > Part 14
USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > History of New Haven County, Connecticut, Volume I > Part 14
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" About the same time the master mechanics formed and incorpor- ated the . Mechanic's Society of New Haven.' Practical lectures were delivered by the members before the Society and elsewhere, and many of the employers instituted evening schools for their apprentices. A vast improvement was soon manifest in the moral tone of society. At this juncture Professor Benjamin Silliman, assisted by Professor Olmsted, gave their united public influence in favor of temperance, and the diffusion of the elements of mechanical science-a detail of which, particularly in regard to Professor Silliman's agency in insti- tuting the Scientific Lectures at Franklin Hall, would be beyond the scope and limit of these 'Reminiscences.' Suffice it to say, that the moral power thus exerted has been the great conservative element in enhancing the material prosperity, and elevating the social position of the business men in New Haven.
"There were then but four buildings used as churches, viz .: a wooden structure on the east side of Church street, near Chapel, occu- pied by the Episcopalians, whose pastor was Dr. Hubbard; the so- called ' First Church,' located about where the Center Church now stands, presided over by Dr. Dana, assisted by the Reverend Moses
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Stewart; a frame building, standing about where the North Church now does, known as the ' Old White Meeting House;' and another on the east side of Church street, near Elin, designated the 'Old Blue Meeting House.' The members of the two latter places of worship. uniting as one Society, met alternately in each church. The Reverend Samuel Mervin was their minister. There were no other denomina- tions, except a few Methodists who occupied a small room in Gregson street. Bishop Jarvis, the then Bishop of Connecticut, resided in Elm street.
" The most prominent members of the legal profession were Pier- pont Edwards, James Hillhouse, Charles Chauncey, Simeon Baldwin, David Daggett, William Bristol, Judge Mills, Nathan Smith, Seth P. Staples, Jonathan Ingersoll, Eleazer Foster, Leonard Wales, Dyer White and Hart Lynde. All of these have since died. Their imme- diate successors were then either in school, college, or engaged in the study of their professions, and many of these have attained to high distinction.
"The public buildings were of little account. The old brick state house was located about midway between where the Center and Trinity Churches now stand. The college buildings did not possess one-half of their present magnitude. The old college chapel, where Dr. Dwight preached, is now the observatory. And here the writer would pause to pay his tribute to the memory of that great and good man. His dignity and yet suavity of manner were so marked as to have a perceptible effect not only upon the members of college, but upon the community at large. No person of fair standing in society, whether rich or poor, occupying a public or private position, failed to receive his polite recognition. In all his intercourse with the public or with individuals. he strove to enforce the importance of integrity. In his general prayer, was incorporated this petition: 'Oh, Lord ! give us just men to rule over us, who fear God, do justly, love mercy, walk humbly, and who will shake their hands from holding bribes.' He took a deep interest in the young. His counsel to the writer, when commencing business, has ever been remembered. 'Young man,' said he, 'recollect that anything which is contrary to strict integrity, is against a person's interest.' Dr. Dwight died in the year 1817, universally lamented. He was succeeded in the Presidency of the College by Professor Day, now the venerable Dr. Day.
" There were but few public places of amusement. The principal one was 'Mix's Museum,' on the east side of Olive street, fronting Court street, which for the time, was a very creditable institution, having a fine and well cultivated garden. laid out with much taste. In the building were many curiosities and works of art-prominent among which were wax figures of notable persons. Everything about the establishment was characterized by neatness and order, and reflected credit upon the past generation.
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" Of hotels, the most noted was that kept by Mr. Justus Butler, on the corner of Church and Crown streets, now the . Franklin Building." From the front steps of this house, General Lafayette was introduced to, and shook hands with, the citizens of New Haven. The next in importance was located near where the 'Tontine' now stands, and called . Ogden's Coffee House.' Another was known as . Niehols' Stage House,' and was situated in George street near State. And still another, called 'Miles' Tavern,' in the wooden building now occupied in part by Mr. Pease as a book store.
"Singular as it may seem, although the beginning of the war with England in 1812 was embarrassing in many respects, yet public and private enterprise seemed to be quickened by it. Previous to this period, everything had assumed a stereotyped shape, and any change excited surprise. A stranger walking our streets created consider- able astonishment, and an immediate inquiry as to his name, residence and probable business, ensued.
"At that time, our coast was blockaded by the British, and all means of travel and transportation by water were considered extremely hazardous. A packet venturing to leave .Long Wharf' for New York, with some of our prominent business men aboard, was captured in the Sound by an English cruiser. Great alarm and excitement prevailed in town, which subsided only when both vessel and pas- sengers were ransomed by the payment of what was then considered a large sum in specie. Still, at no period in our history, was there ever evinced so much public spirit. The three churches of our beautiful 'Green' were erected at a cost of nearly $100,000. Especially is this remarkable when we remember the limited means and resources of the inhabitants. A man worth $40,000 was considered very wealthy; and it is said that no estate exceeding $100,000 in value had then ever been administered upon. A salary of $500 or $1,000 per annum found many earnest applicants. Let us award all due honor to those enter- prising citizens, who have left us so worthy an example! Let us often look at those churches as a powerful incentive to public enter- prise, and moral and physical development !
" As an important element of prosperity, in diffusing information, and building up society, mention must be made of the public press. The Connecticut Journal and Connecticut Herald (weeklies) were then the only papers published.
" As an instance of how a supposed calamity eventnated in a great benefit, it may be well to state that business enterprise was consider- ably enhanced during hostilities by the issuing on the part of the government of a large amount of money for circulation, and the in- creasing of the circulation of the local banks. On the face of bills was inscribed, 'Payable in two years after the war.'
" A negative and depressing effect upon credit was the existence of what was termed the . Grab Law,' by which an attachment upon
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property could be made available for the benefit of the attaching creditor. Upon mere suspicion, maliciously, and without notice, the reputation and hopes of many a deserving young man were destroyed. This law was repealed, and another substituted, making a pro-rata rule for the benefit of creditors.
" Before concluding, it will be deemed not inappropriate to allude to a subject which, at the time, was fraught with great interest to all of the citizens of New Haven. About the commencement of the second decade our public burial ground was situated in the rear of the Center Church. It was enclosed by a dilapidated board fence, and was considered by strangers and others as discreditable to the city. In the year 1796, the Honorable James Hillhouse conceived the proj- ect of establishing a new cemetery. Associating with himself thirty- one of our prominent citizens, a lot was secured for that purpose. Additions to this were made from time to time, both by purchase and by the aid and co-operation of the city, till in 1822 it had attained to its present dimensions. Public opinion having been averse to build- ing a new fence around the old cemetery, an arrangement was made with the city to remove the monuments to the new grounds. The whole subject caused great anxiety and excitement at the time. How- ever, this was consummated; and on the morning of the 26th of June, 1821, a great concourse of people assembled at the Center church to engage in appropriate exercises, and to listen to an address prepared by Abraham Bishop, Esq. It was replete with eloquent and impres- sive sentiments. The clergy of the various denominations were present; and the occasion was long to be remembered. Mr. James Hillhouse acted as chairman and chief manager, and superintended the transfer of the monuments. In the year 1845, the corner-stone of the beautiful gateway was laid with proper ceremonies. The project of a new cemetery was conceived by Honorable James Hillhouse, and finally consummated by the Honorable Aaron N. Skinner, whose public spirit and good taste and good judgment were for so long a period at the service of the city of his adoption.
"How few of those among us remember the space between the Center Church and the present State House, covered with the monu- ments of our forefathers! What a moral does it teach of the brevity of human life ! Let us who survive cherish this lesson with reverence and submission ! Let us give our influence and agency in perpetuating the institutions founded by our fathers to promote morals and religion, law and government."*
* In November, 1866, James Brewster, the author of the foregoing, died an New Haven at the age of 78 years. He was one of the most useful men that ever lived in the city, his public spirit always seeking some opportunity to benefit his fellow men. He was thus prompted to found and maintain several benevolent institutions. He came to New Haven in 1809 and was one of the pioneer carriage manufacturers of the city, aiding to develop that industry until it was the principal one in the city. His sons, James B. and Henry, removed to New York where they became the principal carriage manufacturers in the United States.
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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.
Under the stimulus of steamboat navigation, begun in 1815, the operation of the Farmington canal in 1829 and the development of the railway system since 1839, until there are now six important lines, New Haven has grown and prospered, becoming the largest city in the state. The following statistics indicate the general increase:
Population: 1787. 3.540; 1790, 4,448; 1800, 5,157; 1810, 6,967; 1820, 8,327; 1830, 10,678; 1840, 15,820; 1850, 22,529; 1860, 39,277; 1870, 50,840; 1880, 62,880; 1890, 86,095.
The valuation of the building improvements the past twenty years has been as follows: 1871. 81,653,910; 1872, 81,739,030; 1873, $1,317,250; 1874, $968,105; 1875, $1,086,650; 1876, $596,075; 1877, $946,470; 1878, $417,500; 1879, $624,000; 1880, $415,590; 1881. $694,550; 1882. $1,035,850; 1883, $958.350: 1884. $1,015,310; 1885, 1,088,375; 1886, 1,078,131; 1887, $1,253,850; 1888, $1.481,625; 1889, $1,513,075; 1890, $1.455,685; total, $21,339,606.
The following was prepared for the Chamber of Commerce, in 1889. as a summary of the property valuation of the city; Dwelling houses, $28,672,503; lands. $3,485,663; stores, $4,247,364; factories, $3,791.638; horses, $228,435; carriages, $193,338; time-pieces, $53,295; pianos and musical instruments, $86,060; furniture and libraries, $189,426; amount invested in business, $2,967,987; amount invested in manufacturing, $2,198,796; amount invested in vessels and commerce, $592,777; bank stock, $2,156,367; insurance stocks, $399,100; state stocks, $43,460: bridge stocks, $1,790; western farm loans, $83.650: railroad bonds, $490,623; city bonds, 898,931; amount at interest, $376,408; amount on deposit, $310,391; other taxable property, $161,947. On a fair valua- tion the real value of the real estate and buildings is at least double the amount credited them, or $80,000,000, making the real value of the city in the close neighborhood of $100,000,000.
Soon after landing at New Haven the settlers adopted a plantation covenant, under which they were governed until after the meeting of June 4th, 1639, when the civil polity was more clearly defined under the terms of the fundamental agreement, which was at that time solemnly adopted. Conforming to its provisions, the church was organized August 22d, 1639, and the civil government October 25th, 1639. At this meeting it was decided that the annual elections should be held in the last week of October.
At the meeting held the following month, the first tax was levied to raise means to build a meeting house which should be used for all the public purposes of the community. The rate of the levy was 30 shillings on £100 of valuation.
At the November, 1039, meeting arrangements were also made for the proper disposition of the public lands, and a proprietor's com- mittee was appointed which was entrusted with those matters. This corporation has been continued ever since. Six divisions of land were made between 1675 and 1722. Besides the distribution of the land
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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.
among the settlers, much of the town's business was devoted to the regulation of matters pertaining to live stock. The proper care or restraint of animals gave the town much concern. Military matters, also, received a large share of attention. Orders for the formation of a company were promulgated in November, 1639, and the following year the system was completed by the establishment of a regular watch.
Closely connected with the military. but also acting independent of that service was the town drummer, who was among the first official appointees and for whose support the town was taxed £5 per year. Robert Bassett first served in that capacity, and besides beating his drum to announce the usual town and religious meetings, he was required to beat the drum at sunset and every morning half an hour before the break of day. Being a bold, rolicking fellow, he was prob- ably well fitted for this work. This office, in the course of years, became obsolete, in consequence of the use of church bells. Many other offices were created and filled, as the town grew in population, until the officials numbered several score.
Tithingmen have been elected for congregational societies almost from the beginning, few other societies continuing this office after 1866. Such officers were first elected for the Baptists and the Metho- dists in 1821; the Episcopalians in 1833; the Catholics in 1836; and the Hebrews in 1849.
The office of townsman or selectman was created by the town court, November 17th, 1651, when the following action was taken:
"Itt was propounded that there might be some men chosen to con- sider and carry on the towne affaires, that these meetings. which spend the towne much time may not be so often. The court approved the motion and chose one out of each Quarter to this work, viz .: Francis Newman, John Cooper, Jarvise Boykin, Mr. Atwater, William Fowler, Richard Miles. Henry Lindon, Thomas Kimberley and Matthew Canfield, which are to stand in this Trust until the Towne Election in May come twelve month: and they are by this court authorized to be Townesmen to order all matters about Fences, Swine and all other things in the generall occasions of the Towne, except extraordinary charges, matters of Election in May yearly, and the disposeing of the Towne's land."
It will be seen that originally the business of the townsmen was to look after the interests of the agricultural classes, a townsman being appointed for every section. In 1653 the number in this office was reduced to seven-the number still elected-but in the time of the revolution it was increased to thirteen. In 1660 the powers of the townsmen were first enlarged and since that time they have been much increased. The office of town agent has been distinct since 1848.
The affairs of the town have become very important, requiring an .outlay of more than $400,000 per year to properly carry them on.
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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.
Much of this expense arises from the care of the poor and those dependent on the town's support. In 1788 the town followed the custom then and later so prevalent, of selling the poor to the lowest responsible keepers, but soon adopted other measures to maintain them. Among other means at present used is the almshouse, but recently occupied, and which was erected at a cost of $210,000. It stands on the Springside Farm of 257 acres, lying east of West Rock, in the town of Hamden, but which by special act was annexed to New Haven. The entire inventory of the farm and the buildings on it, with the attendant property is $252,727. The construction of a town workhouse is contemplated and an appropriation to begin such a building has been made.
The first deed in the land records in the town is dated February 3d, 1678, and is attested by John Nash, recorder. His signature was last affixed April 22d, 1687. In August, that year, William Jones became the recorder, and served until May, 1695. John Alling was his successor from July, 1695, until September, 1697, when the title of the office was changed to clerk. Alling continued to serve in the latter capacity until 1716, when Samuel Bishop was appointed. The subsequent clerks were elected: 1747, Samuel Bishop, Jr .; 1801. Elisha Munson; 1832, John Scarritt; 1843, Alfred Terry: 1856, Sylvanus Butler; 1863, Milton S. Leonard; 1864, Frank D. Sloat; 1865, M. S. Leonard: 1868, John Cunningham; 1873, Frederick Bottsford; 1876, Truman S. Foote; 1877, Frederick Bottsford; 1880, Edwin W. Cooper; 1883, William M. Geary; 1884, Philip Hugo; 1887, John J. Clerkin; 1888, Theodore H. McDonald; 1889, Frederick H. Brethauer.
Of the territory in the town of New Haven, only the Westville section and that part of the town lying east of the Quinnipiac, which was annexed from East Haven in 1881, are solely under the town government. The other parts have a dual government, being also subject to the rule of the city authorities.
The town of New Haven long maintained its large area, which embraced all the present adjacent towns. The rural population did not increase in the same ratio as that of the village of New Haven, nevertheless, they still held the controlling vote, and the villagers found it difficult to secure the improvements they wanted and needed. Hence, soon after the French and Indian wars, when an impetus was given to the business of the place, an effort was made to secure the incorporation of the village as a city. The town did not oppose this step, but, at a meeting held December 9th, 1771, sanctioned it, and a large committee, headed by Roger Sherman, was appointed to investi- gate the inatter and report on the propriety. But no record of definite action has been preserved and probably none was reached. Nothing further was done until after the revolution. In October, 1783, a peti- tion to the general assembly, signed by 214 persons, prayed for a city charter, but that body postponed action. At the urgent solicitation of
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the town, in January, 1784, the matter was at once taken up and on the 8th day of that month a charter was duly granted to "The Mayor, Aldermen, Common Council and Freemen of the City of New Haven." The first election was held January 21st, 1784, those chosen being the following: Mayor, Roger Sherman; sheriffs, Elias Stillwell, Parsons Clarke; collector of taxes, Joseph Peck; treasurer, Hezekiah Sabin; city clerk, Joseph Meigs; aldermen, David Austin, Isaac Beers, Samuel Bishop, Thomas Howell; councilmen, James Hillhouse, Pierpont Edwards, Jeremiah Atwater, Abraham Augur, Henry Daggett, Stephen Ball, Ebenezer Beardsley, Joseph Bradley, Abel Burritt, Joel Gilbert, Joseph Howell, Jonathan Ingersoll, Timothy Jones, Eneas Monson, James Rice, Elias Shipman, Joseph Thomson, Michael Todd, Ebenezer Townsend, John Whiting. "Though many honorable and talented individuals have been connected with the city government since then, there has, probably, never been a time when so many remarkable men were united in its various offices and boards, as was the case in the first year of its operation."" They will be recognized as the prin- cipal men of New Haven at that period. The city government was organized on the 18th of February following, and since that time its organic existence, with many modifications, has been maintained.
New Haven was the fifth incorporated city in the United States, only New York, Philadelphia, Albany and Richmond having charters granted earlier, and this was the first incorporated city after the in- dependence of the colonies was recognized. It was earlier under corporate rule than Boston or the other bay towns, older than New Haven.
The territory comprised within the limits of the city was desig- nated as that "lying between the Quinnipiac and the West Rivers and between the Mill River Meadows and the Harbor." The line was described from a point at Lewis' bridge. The territory outlying was the town of New Haven proper, yet the entire area was, to a certain extent, subject to town rule. This form of dual government has been maintained to the present time, perhaps to the disadvantage of the community, since the area of the town outside of the city is so small, that nothing but respect for the traditions of the past seems to demand this arrangement. In the course of years the eastern part of the " Neck," lying between the Quinnipiac and Mill rivers was taken out of the city limits and set to the town. But in 1870 it was re-united to the city.
Up to 1853 the city had no division into wards, but that year four wards were created. In 1857 the number was made six: in 1874 ten; and in 1877 twelve, the present number. Each ward is entitled to elect two aldermen and three councilmen, which collectively constitute the court of common council.
At first the city government assumed but few functions, limiting * William H. Beckford.
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its efforts to the better care of the public property, the regulation of the markets, and in a feeble way the improvement of the streets, and the due regulation of the internal police. In the exercise of the first prerogative the city soon assumed the control of the public green and in 1799 passed laws restraining the running of geese on those grounds and also restricted unruly Yale College students. In 1809 it indicated to the proprietors of the town, that the right to grant the erection of buildings on the green was vested in it only, and granted liberty to the Methodists to set up a church on the northwest corner, and by a subsequent act confirmed that grant. But the city long bore a village- like appearance; indeed, it was not until about 1860 that the place began to be regulated as a city. Many improvements were then made or projected and an earnest endeavor was made to improve every department of the service. With the enlarged powers granted by the charter of 1857 that was made possible. A still more comprehensive charter was secured in 1869; and the present liberal one in 1881. Itis the fifth since the incorporation of the city and has been amended to keep it apace with the growing demands of the city. One of the most important amendments was that of 1886 authorizing the issue of bonds to the amount of $100,000 for a free library and permitting the yearly appropriation of $10,000 for its maintenance. In 1889 an amendment was secured permitting an expenditure of $200,000 on the extension of the public park system.
Under the first charter the mayor was chosen by the freemen, but he held his office at the pleasure of the legislature. His duty, among other things, was to preside over the city courts, having two of the senior aldermen as assistants, and having powers somewhat similar to the court of common pleas. In 1842 the charter was amended to create a new judicial office, called the recorder's court, and that arrangeinent was continued until 1869, when the new charter abolished the recorder's court and created the present city court. The judges and assistants of this court are appointed by the legislature of the state. In this connection it may be noted that in 1791, the city began the building of a workhouse, to which were consigned criminals of every species and also insane persons; but after fifty years the latter found separate provision for them in the state asylums.
In September, 1784, the streets of the city were first officially named, many of them up to that time bearing only local designations. The improvement of the streets and sidewalks progressed slowly. Many of the ordinances on that matter were disregarded. In 1834 a super- intendent of sidewalks was appointed, whose efforts aided to bring about a better condition in that respect. In more recent years, there have been vast outlays on the streets, the expenditures for building, repairing and cleaning being more than $100,000 per year. Much of the credit for the improved condition of the city is due to those who have served as mayors. In most instances they have been leading
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