USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > History of New Haven County, Connecticut, Volume I > Part 78
USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > History of New Haven County, Connecticut, Volume I > Part 78
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Samuel A. Foot, LL.D., a son of Reverend John Foot, also here resided for many years. He was born in 1780, graduated at Yale College in 1797, studied law and was admitted to the bar, but never actively practiced. In 1819, 1823 and in 1834, he was elected to con- gress, and in the latter year was elected governor of the state of
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Connecticut. The same year he received from Yale College the degree of LL.D. It was the land resolution introduced by Foot when in congress, which drew out the famous debate between Webster and Haines in 1830. He was also speaker of the house of representatives in his native state for several terms. He died September 16th, 1846, aged 66 years, leaving behind the record of a highly useful life.
Andrew, a son of Governor Foot, and now generally known as Admiral Andrew H. Foot, entered West Point Military Academy in 1822, where he staid but a few months, and in the latter part of the same year was transferred to the navy, his long coveted position. He entered as midshipman. was appointed lieutenant in 1831, promoted to commander in 1850, to commodore in 1861, and was exalted to the position of rear-admiral in 1862. In 1861, when the war was well under way, he had no hesitation as to his duty. This to him was as clear as the sun in the heavens. One day while discussing this matter with his brother, John A., he said, " Well brother John, tell me plainly, do you mean to fight? If you don't intend to do so, then don't express your opinion so loudly. As for me I intend to fight." He was an unswerving patriot, and his name will go down to posterity engraven high on the temple of fame. John A. Foot, another son of the gover- nor, graduated at Yale, became a lawyer and afterward removed to Cleveland, Ohio, and now resides there beloved and honored in the place of his adoption. Augustus, another son of the governor, also moved to Cleveland, and there became a man of prominence in public matters and highly honored among his associates. A like record of honor, prosperity and usefulness, but few families enjoy, as seemed to fall to the families of Reverend John Foot and his son, Governor S. A. Foot, a record that will perpetuate their memory through suc- ceeding generations.
Nearly opposite the Foot residence, where Miss Roxanna Hiteh- cock now resides, Samuel Beach settled about the year 1758. He graduated at Yale College in the year 1757, studied law and practiced to some extent in Cheshire. He married Mary, daughter of Reverend Samuel Hall, for his first wife. He was a delegate to the convention of this state, held in Hartford, in the year 1788, for the purpose of ratifying the constitution of the United States, and cast his vote in the affirmative. He was chosen a deacon of the Congregational church in the year 1766, was sent to the state legislature five different years and was elected to several offices of publie trust in his native town.
Burrage Beach, a son of Deacon Samuel, also lived at the old home- stead during his lifetime. He graduated at Yale College in 1793, and afterward studied law with his father. He was for many years the leading lawyer in this vicinity. His excellent knowledge of law and ready wit, led many even in adjoining towns, to seek his legal services and counsel in judicial affairs. Esquire Beach, when quite advanced in years, met one day in the city of New Haven Alfred Blackman
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then a rising young lawyer. The squire was carrying a large cane for support. Young Blackman noticing this, asked his aged friend if he was afraid of dogs. Squire Beach replied, "Oh, no! I am not in the least afraid of dogs, but I am sometimes terribly annoyed by puppies."
The house now occupied by E. R. Brown was built by Doctor Elnathan Beach, about the year 1780. He married Abigal, a daughter of Reuben Atwater and here resided a few years. Also his brother, Doctor James Beach, occupied this house for a time and practiced medicine. Afterward this house was occupied by the Reverends Doctor Smith, Doctor Bowden and Doctor Bronson, clergymen of the Episcopal church. In the south front room, it is stated the first Epis- copal missionary society was formed. From 1796, forward for several years, men of great minds and rare intellectual attainments resided with their families under this roof, and this was known as a sort of theological center for the Episcopal church in its early history, where its bishops often resorted, and where weighty and important theolog- ical problems were solved.
In front of the Reverend S. J. Horton's present residence formerly stood an old fashioned house built by Deacon Israel Bunnell, who settled here about the time this town was incorporated. He was a large land holder, owning about 400 acres, extending from turnpike to the West mountain. He represented the town in the state legisla- ture six different years, was selectman several years and was a deacon of the Congregational church. He was a man highly esteemed for his works' sake. Mr. Bunnell, like many others in those days, held slaves, and on the records of this town appears the following: " Where- as application is made by Deacon Israel Bunnell to the subscribers, that he is desirous to emancipate and sett free his negro maid servant named Katie, about 30 years of age. We having examined the said Kate, find her to be desirous to become free, and that she is a person in good health, and do therefore grant liberty to said Bunnell, to emancipate & sett free said Kate.
Dated Cheshire, Apl. 8th, 1794.
REUBEN ATWATER, { Civil Authority. JOHN PECK,
WVM. LAW,
ELNATHAN BEACH, Selectmen."
SELDEN SPENCER,
At the head of the street, where Mrs. Hezekiah Rice lives, Eben- ezer Doolittle settled about the year 1700. Here also his son, Ebenezer, and grandson, Ebenezer, lived with their families in turn. Elkanah, a son of the last named, was a graduate of Yale College, his college diploma now being in the possession of his grandson, M. C. Doolittle.
Nearly opposite the Congregational parsonage, Nathaniel Bunnell settled in the year 1709. He married Desire Peck and was the first
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Bunnell settler in what is now Cheshire. He died of the small pox in the year 1732, and is one of the persons alluded to by the Rever- end Samuel Hall in a discourse preached soon after, stating that his loss, with two others mentioned, would be to the infant society, " like breeches of the sea." Here also his son, Lieutenant Ebenezer Bunnell, resided until his death.
Nearly opposite the residence of N. S. Platt Joseph Thompson settled, was a resident here at the formation of the parish of New Cheshire in 1723, and was its clerk for 24 years, from the time of its organization to the year 1747. He was one of the first members of the Congregational church formed soon after. In the year 1737, " By their vote the society agree to warn meetings by beating of the drum, from the house of Abraham Barnes, to the house of Joseph Thompson, on Tuesday Eve and the next Tuesday evening to be the society's meeting."
Nearly opposite the house of E. P. Atwater, Colonel Benjamin Hall settled about the year 1727. He was for many years a justice of the peace and aggrieved persons were in the habit of going to him for counsel and it is stated that when he could not effect a settlement he would send the disagreeing parties to his brother, the Reverend Samuel Hall, as a last resort. He married Abigal, daughter of Rev- erend Nathaniel Chauncey, of Durham. "Dec. ye 13. 1737, by their voat the society gave Capt. Hall liberty to build a pew, upon his own charges in the meeting house for himself and his family." The house now occupied by E. P. Atwater was built by Benjamin Hall for his son Benjamin. The latter married Mary Ives in 1752, graduated at Yale College in 1754, and was for many years a very prominent and useful member of the society of New Cheshire.
A few rods north of the residence of G. D. Crane, Abraham Doolittle settled in 1710. He married Mary, daughter of Benjamin Lewis, and was the grandson of one of the first proprietors of Wallingford, who bore the same name. Here also lived for many years his grandson, Abner Doolittle, who was one of the first persons who swore off from the Congregational society and united with the Episcopalians, and was a prominent factor in the early history of that church in this place.
A few rods south of the residence of William H. Doolittle, Doctor Benjamin Lewis resided in 1724. He married Esther, daughter of Caleb Matthews. A daughter of his married Titus Doolittle, grand- father of the late A. L. Doolittle. Doctor Lewis had many descend- ants.
In the northwest part of the town and a short distance southeast of the late residence of Delos Hotchkiss, Sergeant Samuel Roys settled in the year 1728. He married Martha, daughter of Benjamin Moss. Near this residence formerly stood a rude stone monument some seven feet high, supposed to have been erected by the Indians in commem-
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oration of a battle fought here, for on this ground prior to 1840, were found scores of Indian arrows and other implements of Indian warfare.
Near where James Todd now resides, Benjamin Moss settled about the year 1728. North of the residence of Samuel A. Moss, Isaac Moss settled in the year 1737. His son, Jesse Moss, was a revolutionary soldier. Near where Samuel A. Moss now lives his great-grandfather, Samuel, settled about the year 1734. His son, Thomas, was also a soldier in the war of the revolution and was a true patriot.
In the North Center district, near where J. D. Walters resides, Joseph Benham settled about the year 1735. His son, Uri, and grandson, Joseph, also resided here.
East of E. A. Atwater's a short distance, Abraham Atwater settled about the year 1738. Here also his son, Samuel, lived, and his grand- son, Flamen, each in turn resided with their families. The old house was demolished iu the year 1890. having a history of over 150 years.
On what is known as Peck lane Esquire John Peck settled about the year 1750. His house stood a short distance north of William Peck's present residence. He was one of the first representatives from this town the first year of its incorporation in 1780, and was in- trusted with important interests. He was also one of its first select- men appointed the same year. He was trial justice for several years, and was held in high esteem by his fellow citizens. It is stated that he built at his own expense a portion of the present road, which is still called Peck lane.
East of the academy and near where E. G. Doolittle now lives, Reuben Atwater settled about the year 1752. He married Sarah Hall in 1752, and Mary Russell in 1755. He was a very prominent member of the society of New Cheshire, and also of the town after its incor- poration. He was sent to the legislature six different years. He was also at the head of the memorialists who petitioned the general assembly in 1780, to be set off as a distinct town, and was one of the committee appointed to settle and adjust all differences that might arise, and also to fix the lines for dividing proposed town of Cheshire from the town of Wallingford.
Here also his son-in-law, known as General Andrew Hull, after- ward resided. He was also prominent in civil and military affairs. He was sent to the legislature 20 sessions and 11 different years. He was a superior military officer, holding the rank of brigadier-general of the 2d brigade. General Hull died in the year 1827, and was the marshall for the district of Connecticut at the time of his death.
A short distance north of the Cheshire town house Moses Doolittle settled, also Andrew Hull, his grandson, generally known as Esquire Andrew Hull. He was born in 1754, came here when a child and lived here until his death in 1824. He was a very influential and useful citizen, was a member of the state legislature 36 different sessions and 19 different years, was first selectman several years, a constable for a
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time, and trial justice for a series of years. He was a man of decided traits of character and held in high esteem by his fellow citizens. Naomi, a daughter and only child of Esquire Andrew IIull, married Captain William Brown, who was lost at sea in the brig " Trenton," with all his crew in the year 1811. Several heads of families from this town were among the number lost.
In the northeast part of the town, extending along the line that divides Cheshire and Meriden, in the district known as Cheshire street, and near the present residence of George Baker, Deacon Ed- ward Parker settled about the year 1716. He was evidently one of the first settlers in this locality. He had nine sons, many of whom resided near their father; also one daughter, who married Timothy Hall, in the year 1748, and settled near what is now known as the James Beach place. Deacon Edward Parker lived in a large leanto house built by his own hands. He was a joiner by trade, and built several houses in different parts of the town. He was employed to frame the Third Congregational church in what was then Branford (now Northford) in the year 1746. He was chosen deacon of the Congregational church in 1755, and well adorned this official station. In the year 1734, by vote of society, he was given the third seat in church. It is stated that on one occasion a sound resembling a groan was heard, as if pro- ceeding from under the hearth-stone. This, in those days of much superstition, foreboded evil, and the death of a child of Mr. Parker's very soon after added strength to this conviction. Another early settler on Cheshire street, so-called, was Sergeant Amos Matthews, who evidently settled here about the same time as did Deacon Parker, and was a man prominent in the new settlement. The descendants of Deacon Edward Parker were quite numerous 100 years ago. So many were they that this street was known in those days as Parker's street. Afterward the names of Hall, Bellamy, Twiss, Hough, Cowles, Miles, Smith, Curtiss, Yale, Seeley, Rice or Royce, Root, Matthews, Plymet, Bradley, Hendrick, Brooks, Beach, Newton and others appear as settlers on this street so near the waters of the Great river, so- called.
Charles Parker, a prominent manufacturer of Meriden, and an honored citizen, is a descendant of Deacon Edward Parker; and Na- thaniel Bradley, at the head of the Bradley & Hubbard Manufac- turing Company, also of the Silver City, and who ranks in wealth and influence among the foremost citizens of the city of Meriden, were both from and received their early training in this district. Here was a grist mill, tavern, saw mills, clothing works, tin shop, paint shop, store,school house, cemetery, and many conveniences of a village. In fact here was more thrift and business enterprise than in any portion of the town outside of the center, and its relative importance in these matters was the reason for the name of Cheshire Street given to this section of the town a century ago, and by which its location has been
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since known. But few, comparatively. of the descendants of any of the families heretofore mentioned are present residents of this local- ity; in fact less families now reside here and a smaller population than the facts of a century ago bear witness. The new railroad running from Cromwell to Waterbury and having a depot here, there is reason to believe, will furnish inspiration for a renewal of settlement, and that in consequence this place will more than regain its former prestige.
It is difficult for us at the present day to even imagine the hard- ships our fathers experienced in travelling from one town to another. They were obliged to pass through swamps and marshes, to climb mountains and hills, to ford rivers or pass over on rafts, to cut down trees, to push their way often through thick underbrush, and the en- tanglement of vines, oftentimes with simply a "bridle path " to mark their way. Previous to the year 1802 no roads were made by being rounded from the center to the sides in turnpike form, as is the usual custom at the present day.
Among the first roads built in what is now Cheshire were the fol- lowing, viz .: In 1694 a highway at Broad Swamp. In 1697 John Hitch- cock and John Parker were appointed to see what highways were needed to the Fresh Meadows and westward to Mill river. In 1702 two highways were built on the west side of the river; one by Ben- jamin Hull's, and one to run westward to the south side of Broad swamp, and the other at the north side of said swamp. Also a road to the east side of the West Rocks two rods wide for " footman and horses saddled." Also a highway adjoining the New Haven line from the river westward through the south part of what is now Cheshire and terminating on the West mountain, near Bethany.
In several instances houses were erected before any roads were built near them. After a time parallel roads running north and south were surveyed and several of them built, while cross roads east and west were built one after another as settlement demanded. An old house now stands near the residence of Lauren Cook, in the extreme south- western part of the town, said to have been erected 170 years ago and before the present road was cut through over the mountain. Some of the most manifest changes in the location of the roads here were made on the line of the old colony road at the time of building the turnpike in the year 1800. The old colony road ran back of the present residence of Leander Bristol, several rods from the Hamden line, coming out at road running west past the John Sears place. On this old road were five houses, all of which were created by early settlers. This road is closed, and with the exception of old wells furnishes no evidence of the former settlement. Also near the Pliney Hitchcock place the road ran farther west, which was also the case through a portion of the center of the village. Also the old colony road formerly ran east of William H. Doolittle's through the flat land known as
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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.
Tunxis Valley, east of the North Center district school house and east of E. P. Morgan's house, which now faces the east on the line of this old road. The old Isaac Moss place, which stood on the lot east of Sandy hill, also faced the east. This was an old-fashioned leanto house, which turned its long back on the turnpike for over 70 years. This road crossed the turnpike, connecting with the present road that runs past the Hiram Andrews place, a few rods west of the turnpike and terminating near the late residence of G. L. Hotchkiss. On Moss farms, going north from the residence of Samuel A. Moss, the old road ran farther east some ten roads for a distance of about one-quarter of a mile. On this road Sergeant Isaac Moss, an early settler, first located.
An old road formerly ran south of the late residence of Charles Hall, in the western part of the town, running across to the Prospect road. On this road was a school house and several residences. On this road Aunt Nina Welton lived, who was unwearying in her search after the great "Carbuncle" which she felt sure was hidden among the rocks near her dwelling and which only waited to bestow upon the finder untold riches. She searched for this night after night, her dim lantern flickering here and there, but she never found the jewel which she sought. This road is now closed in part, and the old road running west is but seldom used, and is but a cart path.
Formerly the road from the present residence of Mrs. H. C. Ives, at West Cheshire, ran farther south than the present road, running back or south of William Munson's place and coming out near the notch. On this old road, now closed, Daniel Humiston, the ancestor of the Cheshire Humistons, also Joseph Beach and others lived. An old deed is now in the possession of J. L. Humiston, signed over 100 years ago by Esquire Andrew Hull, Colonel Ebenezer Hale and Israel Bunnell, then the selectmen of the town, conveying the land in this old road to Jesse Humiston.
In the southeastern portion of the town, east of the late residence of Samuel Mallory, and east of Sperry hill, so-called, was formerly a road which ran across, coming out near the residence of H. C. Bristol. On this road Nathan and Ebenezer Benham and others lived in the past century. This road is now closed up and forms a part of a culti- vated field.
From 1780 to 1820 taverns were much more numerous than at present. These taverns all kept ardent spirits and tobacco, and as the mode of travelling was usually on horseback or in wagons of a very rude construction, it is evident these taverns were frequent resorts for the weary traveller in those days.
One of the first taverns was kept by Matthew Bellamy, in the south- east part of the town, near where Albert Rice now lives. The follow- ing is on record: "In October, 1722, Matthew Bellamy petitioned the General Assembly that as your petitioner is living within the town-
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ship of Wallingford, and living very near the place where the miners are at work, where there is many of them, and especially will be many now, and there being no other person within six or seven miles that can well find them entertainment except your petitioner, whereupon your petitioner with the next owners of the mines prayeth your peti- tioner may have a license by an act of this Assembly to keep a house of entertainment, that so your petitioner may without danger provide for and entertain the miners and others as need shall require, and your petitioner to be under the same penalty as other persons that are licensed by the Assembly Court."
In the house standing nearly opposite the residence of Porter An- drews, known as the Enos Bassett place, a tavern or house of en- tertainment was kept about 100 years ago. The window through which drinks were passed and the shelf outside near the well can now be seen.
Near the residence of Mrs. A. M. Beecher a tavern was kept in the year 1732 by Josiah Hotchkiss. It was evidently at his place that the small-pox broke out in the spring of the same year, at which time Mr. Hotchkiss and his wife died of that dread disease. At this place much public business was done in the interests of the new settlement.
In the house now occupied by the widow of Burritt Bradley a tavern and also a store were kept for many years at the commence- ment of the present century. Abijah Beach built the house and here kept tavern for several years. Afterward Asa Tuttle was the pro- prietor for a number of years. In the year 1826, when the canal was first in process of building, a gang of men who were at work near where the Hamden poor house now stands, and who were then board- ing at Joel Merriman's, came up one evening to this tavern and store and called for whiskey. Captain Asa Tuttle, fearing the results, re- fused them. At this denial they became angry and abused not only the proprietor, but all persons present. Titus Gaylord was standing on the steps outside, and their language to him was too insulting for him to bear. His anger was stirred within him. Stepping into the store he selected an ax helve with the right hang to it, and stepping outside, where the gang were carousing, he marched into their midst, striking with his ax helve right and left and doing effec- tive work at each stroke. The intruders made a hasty retreat, and in the morning, when the field of battle was surveyed, a hat was found covered with blood and hair, and it was also found that one of the men was missing from Mr. Merriman's boarding house after this demonstration.
Nearly opposite the Gaius Hitchcock house, in the South Center district, Waitsall Hotchkiss kept tavern about 100 years ago. Here fried cakes and gingerbread were sold to many a customer in all parts of the town. Fried cakes were here on sale at one cent each.
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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.
A short distance north of the residence of Charles T. Hotchkiss, in the western part of the town, can now be seen an old shell of a house, where it is stated that Barney Munson kept tavern or a place of en- tertainment in the beginning of the present century. At this place " flip" was sold quite freely at three cents a glass.
In the extreme northwest portion of the town, in what is known as the John Hall place, nearly 100 years ago, William Hall kept tav- ern. This place was a noted resort for travellers. A cider mill stood near by, which was a very busy place in the fall season of each year.
A short distance south a lane ran directly west to the mountain. Near the terminus of this lane a Mohawk Indian lived 150 years ago. Here were two rocks near together, which he covered over and made habitable. He had committed some offense and had fled thither from his tribe in the Mohawk valley. North of this and near the Southington line Perry Langdon kept a place of public entertainment about the year 1820.
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