USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > History of New Haven County, Connecticut, Volume I > Part 31
USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > History of New Haven County, Connecticut, Volume I > Part 31
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259
HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.
comparable with his. The poise of the face, the lines of the eye, the sweep of the wings, are in some cases so singularly drawn that they reveal that indefinable sphinx like gaze common in old Egyptian cuttings.
Marble was introduced about the year 1800, and also at this date occurs the third type of ornamentation. New designers entered the field and drooping and broken willows shading mortuary urns of impossible construction supplanted the winged emblem of immortality. The change was not a happy one although it prevailed for forty years. From 1750 to 1820 was the age of the epitaph in this church yard. Saint and sinner alike during this period invoked the chisel's aid to express sentiments, the wonder and puzzle of men and angels. Not- withstanding all, this ancient yard is an historic spot. To the North Haven people "names that were not born to die " are found here. Stiles, Trumbull, Pierpont, Foot, yea and a hundred others to whom we owe our birthright to-day, make it all " hallowed ground."
The present cemetery was laid out in 1841, and the first burial within it was a child of Zophar Blakeslee, who died May 21st of that year. Formerly the entrance was at the north end. Later its area was enlarged and a handsome gateway erected on the east side. At the present rate of occupation less than another fifty years will demand still a third location.
At an ecclesiastical society meeting held December, 1720, it was "Agreed on by ye society that ye school shall be kept at four places. First, that it be kept on ye east side New Haven East river, below Muddy river-secondly, that it be kept on the west side East river, below ye Pine bridge-thirdly, from ye Pine bridge upward to ye Blew Hills-fourthly, on ye east side East river and northward of Muddy river." These were the four original districts of the parish. The present number is eight.
It is not probable that school buildings were erected at the date above mentioned. There is no mention of the appointment of school officials and we grope along to 170 before definite action appears. At this time a " committee to manage school affairs," consisting of Ser- geant Ebenezer Frost, Deacon Isaiah Tuttle, Captain Sackett and Cap- tain Barnes was chosen. A two penny rate on the pound was laid. In 1763 the system was revised and a new division of the districts ordered. Frequent as it was in the colony to plant a school house under the eaves of the meeting house, this custom had not obtained in the North Haven parish, for it was not until the latter year that they " voted that a school house might be set on the inarket place, built by par- ticular men." This building stood a few rods north or northeast from the ineeting house and remained well within the present century. It was adorned with the usual collection of autographs of its pupils ·common to that day.
260
IHISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.
The ecclesiastical society continued to appoint the school com" mittees down to 1796. In that year a school society was formed for the separate maintenance of educational privileges. Eight districts had been previously organized and each was supervised by a com- mittee man. Two years later (1798) the first board of school visitors was appointed. In 1820 a local commission re-arranged the boundaries of some of the districts, substantially the same as to-day. In 1841 the Fifth district began to decline in point of numbers. It is now prac- tically abolished. The first public examination of candidates for teachers was held in 1850. In 1855 the school society came to an end and the powers heretofore vested in it were transferred to the districts. The latter plan has remained in force to the present day. The various buildings are in good order and well supplied with the modern helps to education. The most notable instance of progress has occurred in the Fourth district (Center) when the old red school house alluded to above as " built by particular men " was demolished. Its successor was a small brick structure now standing a few feet south of the Congregational church. For years it furnished ample accommoda- tions but as the district increased following the war, it became out- grown. A later attenipt to provide more suitable quarters was vigorously opposed by the conservative element and killed. It was not until the board of education threatened to withold the public funds that the district was brought to terms. A lot was purchased at a considerable sum and the matter rested again.
In 1887 it was resolved to open the struggle once more and force it to an issue. The chief opponent was now dead, the large enu- meration of the school children was an unanswerable argument, and by degrees former objections became overcome. A building committee was chosen as follows: Maltby Fowler, Edward L. Linsley, Sheldon B. Thorpe, Solomon F. Linsley, F. Hayden Todd. The sum of $3,000 was appropriated and the committee authorized to commence at once. The building was designed for four departments and a capacity of 200 pupils. It was completed in the summer of 1888, at a total cost of $3,640, and opened for use in the fall of that year. Additional features and improvements have raised its outlay to near $6,000. Three departments, with considerably over one hundred pupils, are main- tained in it with all the features of a graded school.
The town was not without its academy in the days when such institutions were common. Among the teachers of this higher school, were: Luzerne Ray; William Hartley, 1832; Reverend Orson Cowles, 1835-6; Reverend Samuel Noyes, 1837-8; Reverend Ammi Linsley; Oswin Hart Doolittle, 1845; Henry D. Smith, 1846-7; Leander Cook; Sereno Smith: F. C. Selden; Reverend Mr. Baldwin. About 1850 a new brick-academy was built. In this, Messrs. Dodge, Dimock, Linsley, Niles, Tucker, Little and others taught until the patronage was in- sufficient to sustain it longer.
261
HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.
In 1781, the parish, following the example of similar bodies in the state, made an attempt to secure incorporation as a town. A futile trial had been made 22 years before, but was rejected by the general assembly. It was in contemplation at this time to unite the parishes of Mount Carmel and North Haven. The mother town of New Haven, beginning to feel the burden of caring for her distant possessions, was somewhat clamorous for separation. Altogether it seemed an opportune time, and February 1st, 1781, at an ecclesiastical society meeting a committee was chosen to confer with Mount Carmel. In December of that year, also at New Haven, a committee was raised to prepare a plan for the division of the town. This latter committee reported January 6th, 1782, "that the parishes of North Haven and Mount Carmel be made into a separate and distinct town." The two parishes endorsed the report a few days later, a memorial to the general assembly was pre- pared and presented at the following May session, but for some reason the plan was negatived.
They waited four years and in February, 1785, resolved to attempt it again on the same plan as before, but with the added determination that if neither Mount Carmel or Northford parishes would join with them, they would fight it out alone. On the latter basis they went to Hartford at the May session, 1786, by Thomas Mansfield, their agent. The petition was referred to the fall session and then granted October, 1786.
The charter directed that the first town meeting should be held on the second Tuesday of November at the meeting house, where such officers as were required by law were to be chosen. It appears that these appointees were but temporary and for the purpose of providing for a second town meeting in the following month of December, which was thereafter to be the date of the annual meeting.
The first selectmen were Joseph Bradley, Ephraim Humaston and Samuel Mix. The first town clerk was Joseph Pierpont, and the first tax collector, Elias Beach. The total valuation of the first grand list was 67,947, 4s. 2d. The amount of the first tax laid was £171, 2s. 10d.
The following table shows the prosperity of the town by decades:
Years.
Acres.
Valuation for Taxation.
1786
8,348
87,947 00
1796
9,515
31,074 24
1806
10,816
21.920 70
1816
11,350
26,975 28
1826
11,293
17.363 89
1836
11,636
19.434 04
1846
11,289
17.851 44
1856
11,730
20,867 65
1866
11,800
722,355 00
1876
11,626
801,829 00
1886
1890
. . .
792,840 00
262
HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.
It will be seen from the above that the standard of value fluctuated to a wide degree during the above hundred years.
Directly following incorporation came the division of the personal estate owned in common with New Haven. Roads, bridges, town poor, taxes, etc., had to be adjusted. In all this, Joseph Pierpont was the leading spirit and the conservator of the new town's interests. He was the first representative to the general assembly in 1787, and continued for six terms thereafter.
Under their new powers the people took on fresh life and enthu- siasm. All through the state towns were springing up and a certain rivalry existed among them to be well up on the front line. By the separation, taxes were reduced, greater privileges were secured, the interests of the land holders better conserved and a feeling of hopefulness and buoyancy was general throughout the community.
The town records prior to 1855 have been burned. Since that time the town clerks have been: 1856-7, Ezra Stiles; 1858-61, Nathan WV. Brown: 1862-3, Stephen C. Gilbert; 1864, Isaac L. Stiles; 1865, Sheldon B. Thorpe; 1866-9, Nathan W. Brown; 1870-9, Stephen C. Gilbert; 1880-4, Edward L. Linsley; 1885-90, L. Peet Tuttle.
In the same period the first selectmen have been: 1856-7, Evelyn Blakeslee; 1858, Jared Bassett; 1859-60, Elihu J. Dickerman; 1861, Henry H. Stiles; 1862-3, Elizur C. Tuttle; 1864-5, Whitney Elliott; 1866-9, Henry H. Stiles; 1870, Elizur C. Tuttle; 1871-80, Andrew F. Austin; 1881-4, Cyrus Cheney; 1885-6, R. T. Linsley; 1887, Whitney Elliott; 1888, R. T. Linsley.
There has not been shown a marked disposition by the people to beautify in a public manner any part of the town. The attempt occa- sionally made in communities to make some central point, usually the " village green," the object of especial attention was never imitated here. The "North Parish Green " was donated to " the neighbors" by Reverend James Pierpont, of New Haven, in 1714; in quantity it contained as the will says "8 or 10 acres." It is more than probable it was heavily wooded at that time, the ancient oaks still remaining on its highest part offering presumptive evidence to that effect. With the exception of clearing it and on one occasion rectifying its bounds, nothing was done to enhance its condition from the date of its gift to the year 1880, a period of 166 years.
Perhaps one reason for this neglect lay in the disputed ownership of the tract, the First Ecclesiastical Society and the town both claim- ing it. The space is too limited to admit the arguments each body adduced to prove its title. In its unsettled condition nothing was done-it was in sooth a " public common," a sunken highway trav- ersed its length diagonally and its surface was cut and furrowed in innumerable directions. Barren areas of sand showed here and there and it was a hissing and a by-word to the surrounding com- munities.
263
HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.
Despairing of its condition ever being bettered, a few of the citizens living in the near vicinity, willing to concede its oversight to the First Ecclesiastical Society, petitioned that body for a commis- sion to be raised to improve the public green. A special meeting was called December 20th, 1880, at which time a committee of five was chosen for the above purpose with the privilege of beginning work when the sum of $500 had been raised to the satisfaction of the society's committee. The committee was made up as follows: Deacon Whitney Elliott, Sheldon B. Thorpe. Cullen B. Foote, Edward L. Linsley, John F. Barnes. Elliott resigned and Charles B. Smith was chosen to succeed him. The committee then organized with Thorpe as president, Linsley, secretary, and Foote, as treasurer. An appeal for funds was made and within sixty days something over $700 was secured. Work was begun; highways around the tract were laid out, trees were planted, the surface graded and temporarily 'enclosed, fertilizers were applied with scores of loads of clay, soil and ashes, and the entire area underwent a wholesome change.
The extensive improvements, particularly in the drainage and highway work, which the town should have done at its own expense, made large inroads on the treasury. Local jealousies sprang up over the contested ownership as stated, and the funds dwindled. The work came to a standstill in 1883, and has not since been resumed. Enough improvement is apparent, however, to warrant the expenditure of the sum named. Should at any time the contemplated plan be carried out the result will be a country park second to none in the county.
Previous to 1886 the town owned no public building. Its business had been transacted at the Academy Hall, as has been said, for about 35 years, and previous to that at any convenient place. In 1885 the Veteran Soldiers Association conceived that the time had arrived for the erection of a monument to their deceased comrades. Application was made to the town for an appropriation of one and one-half mills on the dollar, as provided by statute, on the grand list (a sum amount- ing to about $1,200), for such purpose. This request was unanimously granted. Two thousand dollars was named as a suitable sum to raise and the veterans set themselves at work at once to secure it. This was in October, 1885. Opposition sprang up in an unexpected quarter from certain citizens, and a special town meeting was called early in November to repeal the former appropriation. The meeting failed of its object and the canvass went on during the winter. By spring it was seen the entire amount would be secured and the long dream of the veterans find its fulfillment. The opposition was again renewed, this time in the guise of a public building needed by the town. This project found favor in various directions and a second town meeting was called in February, 1886, for the repeal of the grant of 1885. The scheme succeeded. The appropriation was withdrawn
264
HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.
from the veterans' plan and transferred to a project for a Memorial Hall to be erected at an expense not exceeding $5,000.
The action of this meeting was final, and the building soon com- menced. A committee of nine superintended its construction. It was built from plans mainly prepared by Solomon F. Linsley. a local carpenter. Ornamental attractions were held in little favor, the design being to provide for space rather than effect. The first floor is devoted to the Bradley Library and the various town offices. The second floor is used entirely for a public hall. The building was erected and furnished at an expense of something over $8,000. Externally the words " 1886, Memorial Hall," and internally a marble slab bearing the names of those who fell during the civil war, are all that indicate its memorial purpose.
The Bradley Library Association is a chartered institution under the laws of the state. It grew out of the legacy of $1,000 from Honorable S. Leverrius Bradley, of Auburn, N. Y., a native of North Haven. It was incorporated March 19th, 1884. Its rooms at first were at the house of Doctor Austin Lord, and until the completion of Memorial Hall. By the most careful economy it has been made almost self sustaining and has attained at the present time quite reputable dimensions. Upwards of 2.000 volumes are in circulation. Its rooms are open two afternoons and evenings per week. A small fee is charged for membership, also for transient books drawn. By a recent legacy of the widow of Mr. Bradley, its founder, another $1,000 will be available in 1892.
An event in which the town was specially interested was the 100th anniversary of its incorporation, which occurred October 21st, 1886. The main features of this occasion were "an Old Folks' concert." a "Loan Exhibition," procession of the trades of the town, free dinner, public addresses, band concert and fireworks in the evening. The interest was something phenomenal. The entries for the loan exhibition rose to nearly one thousand, and three thousand persons were provided with dinner.
A synopsis of the interests of the town, compiled from the grand list of 1890, shows the following: Population, 1,858; dwellings, 394; stores, 5; manufactories, 27; cattle, 1.027; horses, 471; acres, 11,837: valuation, $792,840.
The first mill of any kind within our present borders was erected on Pine brook, in the northwest corner of the town in the year 1700. It was a small saw mill. The site of the old dam can be seen at present.
The general development of manufacturing in the parish was slow. Water power was depended upon, and there practically was but one stream (Muddy river) that could be utilized. This at one time was well dotted with mills. Doctor Ezra Stiles shows upon a rude map in 1761, seven in active operation-"two corne mills, two
265
HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.
fulling mills and three saw mills." On the East river in 1762. Aaron Day and others built a " corn mill," at the east end of Mansfield bridge. A saw mill was constructed upon the opposite side, managed at one time by Benjamin Bishop. In the year later Doctor Walter Monson built a grist mill upon the same stream at Quinnipiac. One James Bradley, about 1720, had a fulling mill at "Smithtown," near the present Smith saw mill. About 1760 a ship- yard was established on the west bank of the East river, south of the bridge, which was maintained till after the year 1800. Here small seagoing craft were built. Some of them ventured as far as the West Indies. Of these was the " Hiram." commanded by one Cap- tain Davidson of Milford, lost at sea with her crew in 1796.
Bog iron ore was dug in the swamps in the vicinity of " The Pool " previous to 1665, and taken to the " Iron Works" at East Haven. It was also carted to " Bogmine Wharf," a locality near the present Sackett's Point bridge, and there loaded on boats for the same destination. The owner of the land at this time was probably Rever- end James Pierpont, who possessed an immense tract of 800 or 1,000 acres extending between the East and Muddy rivers.
The hard wood lumber trade early in our history was the most extensive and thrifty of any of the pursuits of the settlers. Oak and whitewood were exclusively used, and the North Haven plains fur- nished both in abundance. The latter must have attained dimensions far beyond anything found in the town in later days, as seen in the inside finish of sundry " front rooms" in old dwellings. Here in some cases are found "panels" made of single boards measuring from 36 to 40 inches in width. Oak was the main building material; frames, floors, clapboards and shingles were wrought of it and none but the best quality was used. Large quantities of it were exported from New Haven.
The manufacture of brick began about 1720. The pioneer in this industry was Nathaniel Thorp, and the first yard was about 100 rods north of the present New Haven & Hartford railroad station, and directly east of the track. Abraham Seeley, a Hollander, came next. locating first at Muddy river and afterward removing to near the present plant of Brockett & Todd. Later it was discovered that extensive clay beds underlaid large areas on both sides of the East river, and as brick was beginning to come into favor, as a building material, yards sprang up quickly all over the town.
Among the earlier brick makers were Josiah Thomas, Samuel Pierpont, Seth Blakeslee. Ebenezer Pierpont, Enoch Barnes, Joshua Thorp, Caleb Humaston, Jesse Andrews, Solomon Bradley, Titus Bradley. David Bradley, Jared Bradley and others. Later came John Gill, Orrin Todd, Isaac Stiles. Horace Stiles, Amasa Thorpe and others. Then followed Erus Bishop, Henry M. Blakeslee, Willis Hemingway. Samuel Culver, Alfred Ives, Eleazer Warner, Orrin
266
HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.
Warner. J. M. Mansfield, and lastly I. L. & H. H. Stiles, whose plant, in 1891 under the name of I. L. Stiles & Son, produces about 16,000,000 bricks annually. The latter works are managed on an extended scale, employing about 150 men and 60 or more horses. Sewer and building brick are the only kinds manufactured. This and the yard of Brockett & Todd, with that of Thomas Cody at Montowese comprise all at present in the town.
An extensive business in carriage parts (wooden work) at one time engaged attention. Smith Brothers. Edwin Clinton & Son, Alonzo Smith, John F. Barnes & Co., and others, have still interests in this branch. The latter establishment is situated on the old Middletown turnpike at the old cabinet and undertaking stand of Frederic Barnes. This business originated in 1806. The manufacture of choice wood- work in that day was carried on mostly by hand, and "apprentices" were common learning this trade. Mr. Barnes' establishment was noted for the number of apprentices it always had and the fine quality of its work. In 1870 extensive buildings were erected and the capacity for work much increased.
At Quinnipiac is a valuable water power, but the buildings are the worse for age and wear. Formerly German silver spoons were made in large quantities there; at present Hotchkiss Brothers manufacture bolts and a small grist mill supplies the near community with grain.
The first stock company of which any account is obtainable was the North Haven Academy Association, organized about 1850. The shares were $25 each but no record of the amount of stock is found. Its purpose was to provide better facilities for education, in fact to establish a high school. Such an institution had already been in operation in the community for a number of years with a paying patronage, but never at a specific place or maintained except by transient enterprise. So far as can be learned the earliest " select school " was taught in the winter months over Joel Ray's store (now Stephen Gilbert's), at least 60 years ago, and among the earlier " Masters " were Reverend Orson Cowles, Reverend Ammi Linsley, Honorable Henry D. Smith and others. The new academy was built of brick a few feet north of the Congregational church. Its second floor provided the first public hall in the village, and hither the town's business was transferred from the basement of the Congrega- tional church.
For a few years a school was maintained with considerable success and then patronage declined. Many of the incorporators became restless and unloaded their holdings. The building finally passed into the hands of Alfred Linsley at a sacrifice. Attempts were made from time to time to revive school privileges but with no lasting result, and the structure was devoted to commercial purposes. It is now occupied by the Tuttle Brothers Printing Company.
267
HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.
Following this came these organizations:
2. Clinton Wallace & Co .. September 29th, 1853. Capital stock $28,000, Lyman Clinton, president. This company was formed for the manufacture of agricultural implements. A large two story wooden building was erected in the meadow, west of the track and a few rods north of the New Haven & Hartford railroad station. Business was carried on a few years in connection with the firm of David Clinton & Son, but it does not appear that the venture brought its promoters any money. There were various changes of manage- ment, but through them all a constant shrinkage of business. It was finally shut down and the works practically abandoned. The last transaction in stock was January 12th, 1860. The building was destroyed by fire.
3. The North Haven Brick Company, organized January 21st, 1854. Capital stock $13,000. Elihu Dickerman, first president. The issue of this company was disastrous. Its last transfer was March 13th, 1856.
4. The Warner, Mansfield & Stiles Brick Company, organized May 1st, 1854. Capital $18,000. J. M. Mansfield, first president. Last stock transfer May 13th, 1874, when it went into liquidation.
5. Quinnipiac Paper Company, organized October 1st, 1869. Capital $30,000. John W. Bishop, first president. Factory on Quinnipiac river, near Wallingford line. Last statement made January 1st, 1872. 6. The U. S. Card Factory Company, organized April 12th, 1881. Capital $500.
7. The North Haven Manufacturing Company, organized Novem- ber 27th, 1882. Capital $18,000. Manufacturers of tin spoons.
8. The Tuttle Brothers Printing Company, organized April 19th, 1886. Capital $6,000. Frederic C. Bradley, first president. Pub- lishers of cards of all varieties.
Among the prominent industries of the town, and for a long time apparently the most successful, was the Clintonville Agricultural Works. This concern was founded by David Clinton previous to 1830. He first made fanning mills, at his house. Corn shellers, horse rakes and other machines were coming into notice, on which he made many radical improvements. In 1831 he united with Jude B. Smith in the erection of a large manufactory at what was then known as the hamlet of Smithtown, since Clintonville. The main building was of brick with various additions, and the motive power, water brought from Muddy river. Clinton's implements became renowned. They met with ready sale through the country and were found wherever farms were worked. In 1850 Mr. Clinton associated his son Lyman with him under the name of D. Clinton & Son, and the business was con- ducted more vigorously than ever. The works gave employment to a large number of hands and were continued until 1875, when they were sold to Carr & Hobson, of New York city. This firin managed
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