USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > History of New Haven County, Connecticut, Volume II > Part 31
USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > History of New Haven County, Connecticut, Volume II > Part 31
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The pastorate of Reverend N. G. Axtell began September 1st, 1885, and was terminated May 28th, 1889. The present pastor, Reverend C. H. Upson, was called September 29th, 1889, and has served as the regular minister since February 1st, 1890.
Under the Presbyterian form of government Ephraim Strong, Noah Baldwin, Nathaniel Cunningham and Benjamin Fenn were elected elders of the church.
Since the office of deacon has had a recognized place the following have been chosen: Joseph Treat, William Atwater, Samuel Platt, J. Benedict Bull, Henry Bull, William Durand, Samuel Higby, Noah Kelsey, Allen C. Bull, William Fenn, Harvey Mallory, Theophilus Miles, Bryan Clark, Amos Smith Bristol, Frank H. Woodruff, Nathan T. Smith and A. A. Baldwin. The three last named now serve. The latter is also the church clerk and the treasurer.
A Protestant Episcopal church was formed in Milford in 1764. The contention between the two factions in the First Congregational church, consequent upon the settlement of Reverend Mr. Whittlesey as the pastor, encouraged the formation of a society professing the doctrines of the Church of England. Accordingly, with that end in view, clergymen visited the town and preached; Reverend Mr. Ar- nold in 1736, and others soon after. In 1743 Reverend William Lyon, as a missionary of the English society, preached in the town, and some lands were secured as a parish glebe. But no parish was formed until 1764, when one was constituted of 20 families. To these
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sermons were read by Richard Clark, a lay reader, who afterward went to England for holy orders. In September, 1761, Reverend Doc- tor Mansfield, of the Derby church, who sometimes preached in Mil- ford, here administered the first public communion, 20 persons partic ipating in these solemn rites.
In 1765 the parish was placed under the care of Doctor Johnson, of Stratford, who preached at both places, but later appointed Samuel Tingley lay reader for the Milford church. Reverend Mr. Kneeland also preached, continuing until the revolution. In this period a house of worship was begun in 1771, which was completed and consecrated in March, 1775, as St. George's Church.
In consequence of the feeling against the Church of England dur- ing the war for independence, no minister was maintained for ten years. But in 1786 Reverend Henry Van Dyke became the minister of this and the West Haven church. A like relation was sustained by Reverend David Belding two years later. From 1788 to 1814 only occasional services were held, when Reverend Nathan P. Burgess for two years preached one-fourth of his time. From 1816 until 1819 Rev- erend Doctor William Smith served the Milford and West Haven churches. Then came a vacancy of more than four years, when, in 1823, Reverend John M. Garfield was the minister a short time. After this the church was again served with Stratford.
In 1831 Reverend Gurdon Coit preached one-half his time; from 1833 to 1835, Reverend William H. Walter; 1835 to 1837, Reverend R. Camp; and then came the Reverends S. Stocking and Edward J. Ives. In 1843 Reverend Ferdinand E. White became rector and served the church five years. He was succeeded in May, 1848, by Reverend James Dixon Carder, whose rectorship continued until 1861. It was one of the most eventful in the history of the church. In 1850 the old church building, which was a wooden structure without a spire, but having an architecture which was not unattractive, was taken down. As a consecrated building it had been used about 75 years. A new church edifice of stone was built upon the same lot, at a cost of $7,000, which was dedicated in 1851 as St. Peter's Church. This building is not only substantial, but is very neat, and with repairs and improve- ments has been still further beautified. It has 300 sittings in the nave of the house. The spire is 100 feet high and is also of stone. On the same lot is a fine rectory, put up after the church.
After Mr. Carder the following served as rectors: 1861 to 1864, Reverend Storrs O. Seymour; 1864 to 1868, Thomas E. Pattison; 1869 to 1871, Henry R. Howard; 1871 to 1876, A. Douglas Miller; 1876 to 1878, J. H. Van Buren ;* 1878 to 1890, John H. Fitzgerald. Since 1890 the rector has been Reverend F. I. Paradise.
In 1890 the parish of St. Peter's had as clerk John W. Fowler; as * Being a candidate for holy orders, he was here ordained a deacon May 31st, 1876, and a minister June 25th, 1877; he now served as rector till May 1st, 1878.
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wardens, Henry Cornwall, Samuel L. Burns; as vestrymen, Isaac T. Rogers, John W. Fowler, P. S. Bristol, Joseph S. Ferris, Thomas Corn- wall, Edward P. Avery, Henry Davidson, Charles A. Tomlinson, Wil- liam Cecil Durand, Frederick Cornwall, Eldridge L. Cornwall, Warren G. Plumb, Henry C. C. Miles, De Witt C. Burns. The number of families in the parish was 100; the individuals, 350; the registered communicants, 160. In the Sunday school were 15 teachers and 100 scholars.
The Milford Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1836. Reverend Jesse Lee preached the first Methodist sermon in the town August 16th, 1789. He spoke in the town house, which was crowded with attentive listeners. On two other occasions, subsequently, he preached here, but appears to have made no lasting impression, for he said that he had no invitation to call at any man's house, nor did he become acquainted with any person. He further added, at this ap- parent lack of hospitality, " If I can but be useful, I am willing to re- main unknown among men." After this the town was occasionally visited by itinerant ministers, and local preachers from the neighbor- ing churches also came, preaching as they had opportunity.
In 1822 Reverend E. Barnett preached and organized a small class, some of whom had been converted by the preaching of a Mr. Water- bury, whose labors among the sailors especially had been successful, as he himself was a converted sailor. Later meetings were held in a house near the mill, owned by Elizur Fowler. In 1833 Reverend Hum- phrey Humphries made an effort to more fully organize the work in Milford without satisfactory results. But two years later Eliakim Fenn and several others who had been converted, commenced to hold meet- ings at Burwell's Farms. About this time, also, Deacon Ebenezer All- ing, of Orange, was licensed to preach and held meetings in various parts of the town with much success. More than twenty persons were converted. Accordingly, in 1836, on the 12th of August, the Milford church was organized, with 27 members. Of these ten joined by letter from the First church, among them being Eliakim Fenn, Stephen Gunn, Nathan Gunn, Thomas Burwell, Lamson B. Clark and Eliza L. Gunn, the latter surviving as a member in the fall of 1890. Milford was now taken up as a regular appointment, with Reverend Ebenezer Alling as the pastor. The meetings were held in the old Baptist church (the old town hall), and at the end of the year about 60 members were reported. The society now purchased Bristol's shoe shop, and moved it to a site on North street, near the Orange road. Heman Bangs was the presiding elder, and aided in fully establishing the church.
In 1837 Reverend J. C. Goodrich became the first resident pastor, and was followed by Reverend Josiah Bowen, in 1838; Ira Abbott, in 1839; and Lewis Lum, in 1840. The following two years the confer- ence made no appointment for Milford, but the brethren nevertheless decided to build a house of worship, which was begun in 1843. The
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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.
corner stone was laid in the fall of that year by the pastor, Reverend J. B. Wakeley, and the church was dedicated December 5th, 1844. The house cost $3,000, and some debt remained to burden the society.
In 1845 Reverend Stephen B. Bangs was appointed pastor; in 1846, William F. Smith; in 1847, G. S. Hare. On account of the poverty of the society no regular minister was appointed until 1852, when Rev- erend L. A. Hubbell was assigned. A notable revival had just ended, and 33 persons had been added to the church.
Ground for a parsonage was now bought, which was built in 1854- 5, during the pastorate of Reverend M. N. Olmstead.
In 1875-6 the church building was remodelled and repaired, at an outlay of $2,500; and lesser repairs were made in 1882 and again in 1886. The church debt was fully removed in 1885. In later years the membership of the church has also been increased, there being 130 in 1890.
Among the later pastors have been the Reverends W. Bool, Daniel Nash, S. C. Keller, G. Perrine, W.W. McGuire, K. K. Diossy, G. Loomis, W. Ross, E. H. Rowlandson, W. Treviddy, E. Rowlandson, J. M. Carroll and since April, 1890, Reverend J. A. Macmillan.
Connected with the church is a Sabbath school of more than 100 members, which has George H. Woods as the superintendent, and a Society of Christian Endeavor, which was organized February 9th, 1888, with seven members. In 1890 the number belonging was 32.
The Milford Baptist Church was organized August 28th, 1831, by Reverend James H. Linsley, of the Stratford church. There were about 25 covenanting members, and John Smith was chosen the first deacon. Subsequently, in the same office, were D. L. Hubbell, Jason Clark, Anon Clark and Thaddeus Smith. For some years the mem- bership increased, but as the population of the town changed, the na- tive element removing and foreigners taking their places, the society became so weak that its organization was discontinued. The new meeting house, which was erected in the period of the church's pros- perity, in 1845-6, was, through the treasurer of the society, Thaddeus Smith, sold to the town in 1866, and has since formed a part of the town house. In a remodelled condition it is now the audience room of the public building.
Among the Baptist ministers who preached here there is none re- membered with greater pleasure than Reverend Oliver H. Hammond. He was highly educated and a very ready speaker. Reverends John H. Waterbury, Dryden S. Viets and Mr. Davis were also ministers. Most of the remaining Baptist members connected themselves with other Protestant churches, and at present but very few of that faith remain in the town.
St. Mary's Church (Roman Catholic) had its beginning in the influx of Irish laborers, consequent upon the building of the New Haven railroad. A visiting priest came here in 1848, and gathering together
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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.
the believers in Catholicism, said mass to them in a private house. Encouraged by the increasing interest, Reverend Edward O'Brien, of St. Mary's church, New Haven, who now had the care of this people, erected a small church in the eastern part of the village, southeast of the cemetery, which was occupied in September, 1853, as the St. Mary's church. Subsequently this work sustained a mission relation to the parish of Birmingham, and was greatly built up by Reverend Father Kennedy. A larger church was demanded, and its erection was begun in 1882 by him on a fine lot on the corner of Gulf street and New Haven avenue. This was dedicated June 25th, 1883, by the Right Reverend Bishop McMahon. It has 400 sittings, and cost about $12,- 000. As the parish had a limited membership, mostly of the poorer classes, it required much sacrifice to accomplish this purpose, but the parish has nevertheless since prospered, and in 1885 became separate from other churches. That year Reverend J. Larkin became the first resident priest. For his accommodation a fine parsonage was subse- quently erected opposite the church. The old church is used for school purposes. The parish is now fully equipped, and is growing in numbers and influence. There are not quite one hundred families at this time.
The Catholic cemetery is on the Indian river, south of the New Haven road. The land was purchased in 1868, but it was not dedi- cated until about ten years later.
It is said that the first death in the town was a child of William East, June 18th, 1644, aged 1 year. The first adult death was Sarah, wife of Nicholas Camp, who died September 6th, 1645. These and others dying up to 1675 were buried in a part of Mr. Peter Prudden's garden, set aside for that purpose. Mr. Prudden himself was buried there in 1656. Not quite 40 years after the town was settled the south- east portion of the present burial place was laid out, but it was a part of the commons until 1756, when it was fenced on three sides, the swamp being on the east side On the south side was now a road three rods wide, whose course was afterward taken by the railroad. In this part 46 revolutionary soldiers were buried in 1777. Since that time the cemetery has been much enlarged and its neglected condition im- proved. Its appearance was very much bettered in 1863, and in more recent years it has been placed in care of a superintendent, under whose direction it looks more like a modern place of interment.
There are many quaint inscriptions on the older stones, which have been transcribed and published by the New Haven Historical Society. A number of handsome monuments mark the resting places of Mil- ford's worthy citizens dying in more recent times. In the southwest part is the revolutionary soldiers' monument, erected in 1852.
The cemetery contains the graves of three Connecticut governors- Treat, Law and Pond-Judge Roger Newton and several of the former pastors of the churches.
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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.
In 1825 the town purchased a hearse; in 1866 a new hearse was pur- chased, also by the town, which still controls the cemetery.
As early as 1640 the Milford planters, able-bodied males over 16 years of age, were formed into a " Train Band," or local militia, with the following officers: Captain, John Astwood; lieutenant, William Fowler; ensign, Alexander Bryan; sergeant, William East. The com- pany had six general trainings per year, three in the spring and three in the fall. In 1699 the population of the town warranted the forma- tion of two companies, commanded by Roger Newton and Joseph Woodruff. They were that year provided with new equipments, colors and drums, and were drilled to a fine state of proficiency.
Besides the foregoing there were others captain: Robert Treat, in 1662; John Beard, in 1670; William Fowler, 2d, in 1677; Samuel Eells, in 1680; Samuel Burwell, in 1690; Josiah Prime, in 1692; Samuel Bryan, in 1696; Samuel Newton, in 1698; Benjamin Fenn, in 1708; Joseph Treat, in 1712. Others in command of militia companies before the revolution were Captains Thomas Clark, Elias Clark, Josiah Buck- ingham, Isaac Treat, Samuel Buckingham, Nathan Baldwin, Theodore Miles, John Woodruff, Benjamin Fenn, Arnold Tibbals, Benjamin Bull, Nathan Clark.
Roger Newton rose to the rank of colonel, and that title was also bestowed upon Benjamin Fenn, in 1737; Richard Bryan, in 1770. David Baldwin became a major in 1784.
Of the later military organizations, the Milford Grenadiers achieved an enviable reputation. The company was organized in 1796, the first officers being: Daniel Sackett, captain; Abram V. H. De Witt, lieuten- ant, and Benjamin Bull, ensign. At first there were 25 members, who voluntarily enlisted in 1795 to serve in the 32d Regiment, of the Second Brigade of the militia of the state. The original uniform, which they themselves provided, " consisted of scarlet coats with buff facings, and gold lace trimmings, drab knee breeches, with buckles, and suwarrow boots with tassels; pointed caps, about 18 inches high, of cloth, red front and buff back, with side edges and plume of ostrich feathers; a narrow frontlet was added afterwards, of same material.
"On the first Sunday after their equipment they marched in . full regimentals' to the meeting house, and no doubt a discourse was deliv- ered and a blessing invoked on the occasion, by the then youthful and greatly beloved Mr. Pinneo.
"At a later period, the buff breeches gave place to blue broadcloth pants, with the lace and silk trimmings, and about 1815 white pants were adopted, and continued during their existence.
" Wherever and whenever they appeared, they were the company, and the observed of all. Their tall and lofty bearing, faultless in dress, equipments and discipline, marching and counter-marching to the music of Isaac Tibbals, Charles Baldwin, Nathan Baldwin, fifers; and Joseph Fowler, Hubbard Botsford and Isaac Davidson, drummers,
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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.
rendered them ever welcome among their friends, but a terror to their foes. The reputation of the gallant New York Seventh Regiment was never more enviable or deeply cherished by her citizens than was this brave and patriotic corps."*
In the war of 1812. when Joseph Platt was the captain, the com- pany marched to old Fort Trumbull to repel the British if they should attempt to land from their vessels, which appeared off shore. But the enemy soon left these parts, and the Grenadiers saw no further ser- vice in that war. In 1816 the company attained its zenith, having in all about 70 men, and embracing the leading young men of the town. A waning interest, caused by dissatisfaction by being deprived of its time-honored position, on the right of the regiment, and the organi- zation of an artillery company at Milford, led to the dissolution of the company, in 1836, while Charles Tibbals was the captain. Two years later another light infantry company was in existence, with Jason Bristol, captain, and Captain John Smith commanded the artillery. The former disbanded in 1849. The latter was for many years a suc- cessful organization.
Many of the members of the celebrated Grenadiers were honored by promotions in the state militia, and became regimental and brig- ade commanders. Among them are remembered the following: Col- onel Daniel Sackett, Colonel Benjamin Bull, Colonel William Fenn, Colonel Stephen B. Ford, Colonel Andrew Beard, Colonel William Platt, Colonel Abel R. Hine and Colonel Isaac T. Rogers; Major Sam- uel Higby, Major Barnabas Woodstock and Major Samuel B. Gunn. None of the later military organizations was as long continued or be- came as renowned as the Grenadiers.
The inhabitants of Milford warmly espoused the patriot canse in the struggle for the independence of the colonies. At the commence- ment of the revolution they expressed themselves as being unani- mously opposed to the oppressive measures of the British ministry, and opened a subscription "for the relief and support of such poor in- habitants of Boston as were immediate sufferers by the Port Bill." The town also later contributed liberally for the relief of the people of Fairfield.
Measures for defense were early urged. May 1st, 1775, "voted that all the great guns be mounted and be made ready for use, and that the selectmen provide powder and balls at the Town Expense."
A minute post was at once established, under the direction of Cap- tain Isaac Miles. In the spring of 1776 a small earthwork was erected at Burns' Point, about where is now Colonel Fall's residence, in which a battery of guns was placed for the defense of the harbor. It was erected by the town, aided by the colony, and was called Fort Trum- bull. From this fact arose the name of Trumbull avenue, in that lo- eality. A lookout was also kept at Burwell's Farm, and another at Poconoc Point.
* Hon. John W. Fowler.
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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.
On the first of January, 1777. a transport bearing a flag of truce appeared at the mouth of the harbor and landed 200 sick American prisoners, of whom 46 died in a short time and were buried in a com- mon grave. The same year the town provided its full qnota of men, and the selectmen were directed to " furnish guns, bayonets and pro- visions for such as are called forth for the defence of the LIBERTY OF AMERICA." A premium of £10 was offered per head to enlist during the war, and Captain Samuel Peck's company of 72 inen marched for the seat of war. Three of the townsmen were killed at the battle of Danbury.
In January, 1778, the town expressed its approval of the articles of confederation adopted by the colonies. In 1779 20 British transports lay off the harbor several days, but did not land, except a few soldiers who came ashore at Pond Point and plundered the house of Miles Merwin, the family being at that time in the village. No buildings were burned during the war, but some property was stolen by the "Cow Boys," of New York, who sometimes visited the town and com- mitted depredations in the way of stealing cattle, sheep, etc., which they carried to Long Island and sold to the British forces. Lambert says that in 1780 a band of twelve of these marauders was captured on an island in the Housatonic, near Turkey hill, but the particulars in regard to it are somewhat vague.
There were but few tory sympathizers, and owing to the over- whelming sentiment in favor of the Americans, they were not trouble- some; but after the war a few loyalist families moved to Nova Scotia.
In the war of 1812 a small guard was kept for a time in Milford harbor, but among the inhabitants there was but little interest taken in the war, as the town in general did not approve it.
The 250th Anniversary and Founders' Memorial was one of the most interesting and important events that have occurred in the town. At the annual town meeting in October, 1888, action was taken to appropriately celebrate the founding of Milford on the 250th anniversary, the following year. In pursuance of that purpose the town appointed a committee, consisting of Charles A. Tomlinson. Phineas S. Bristol, Nathan G. Pond, William Cecil Durand and Charles H. Trowbridge, who decided that a memorial bridge at Fowler's Mill would best perpetuate the event to be observed, and be as well an en- during monument to the founders of the Wepawaug plantation or Milford colony. This idea was successfully carried out, as is attested by the artistic and substantial handiwork at the spot designated. The memorial arch and tower, crowned with tablets and mementoes in honor of the leading founders of the plantation, is one of the most pleasing objects in the town, and, while attractive, is also useful and strikingly appropriate. The erection was made possible by appropri- ations from the town and the liberal aid of patriotic citizens in Milford and other places.
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The work was dedicated and the general celebration of the event was held August 28th, 1889. On the morning of that day 42 guns were fired, the village bells were rung and there was a parade, show- ing various phases of Indian and pioneer life; also an industrial ex- hibit, showing products from 1639 to 1889. Isaac C. Smith was the chief marshal, A. A. Baldwin the president of the day, General Joseph R. Hawley the orator; a concert was given by the Wheeler and Wil- son Band; Governor Morgan G. Bulkeley and others made addresses. A vast concourse of people was in attendance, and the occasion was full of credit to the people of the town.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Doctor Hull Allen, born in Westport, Conn., May 16th, 1798, is a son of Gabriel Allen, of that place. Doctor Allen was educated in Westport, studied medicine one year with Doctor Chetwood, of Eliza- bethtown, N. J., and attended medical lectures in New York. He taught the young ladies' seminary at Trenton, N. J., about one year. He was licensed to practice medicine at Newark, N. J., in 1821, and commenced the practice of medicine at Sparta, N. J. He came to Milford in 1821, and practiced there until 1870, when he gave up act- ive practice. He does some office practice still. He was 93 years old
May 16th, 1891. He is the oldest physician in New Haven county, if not the oldest in New England. He has been three times married. By his first wife, Susan Platt, he had three children. One daughter, now living with him, is, the only child surviving. He has also one granddaughter living with him, and one grandson in New Haven. His second wife was Elizabeth Clark, and his third wife Susan Phil- lips, of Fishkill, N. Y. Doctor Allen is a member of the state and county medical societies. The meetings of the latter have frequently been held at his house. He has frequently consulted with the leading physicians of New Haven county, is held in high esteem by them, and has the utmost respect of his townspeople.
CHARLES W. BEARDSLEY, son of Charles Beardsley, was born in Stratford, Conn., May 27th, 1829, and in the year 1844 he removed with his father's family to Milford. He is descended from William Beardsley, one of the first settlers of the town of Stratford, from whom he takes the name William, and from the Beach family through his great-grandmother, Sarah, daughter of Israel Beach, 2d, of Stratford. His mother was Sarah, daughter of Hezekiah Baldwin, of Milford. a descendent of one of the first settlers of that town; and he regards his success in life as very largely the result of the early training and Christian advice of his mother. The first American ancestor above alluded to, William Beardsley, came from England in 1635, in the ship "Planter," commanded by Captain Travice. He was then only 30 years of age, but had a wife and three children, all of whom accompa- nied him hither. He came from Stratford-on-Avon (the birthplace of
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