USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > History of New Haven County, Connecticut, Volume II > Part 84
USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > History of New Haven County, Connecticut, Volume II > Part 84
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The works were located and constructed under the direction of Engineer T. H. Mckenzie. A fine supply of pure, soft water is obtained from a point on Beacon Hill brook, three miles from the center of the village, where a storage reservoir was constructed. This has a capacity for more than seven million gallons and has an elevation 255 feet above the bridge, giving a pressure of 110 pounds to the square inch.
Consequent upon the water works was organized the Town Fire Department, under the general laws of the state, the same being authorized by a vote of the town May 14th, 1888. On the first of October, the same year, six fire commissioners were elected, namely: George H. Carroll, John E. Ryan, Dan. O. Darnell, E. A. Saunders, F. F. Schaffer and Patrick Brennan, who direct the affairs of the depart- ment. The commissioners have been authorized to purchase the necessary apparatus for the department, and a volunteer fire company has been formed to man it. The erection and use of 75 fire hydrants has also been authorized.
The Naugatuck Telephone Company was organized in 1879, by George M. Allerton and others, to build a telephone line from Water- bury to Naugatuck.
The periodical press of the town embraces three weekly papers
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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.
and several publications of occasional issue. The oldest of the former is the Naugatuck Enterprise, which was established November 9th, 1877, by Burton A. Peck, and it has since been conducted by him as an independent local paper. Originally it was a four page paper of 20 columns, but March 5th, 1885, it was enlarged to eight pages. In 1884 the office of the Enterprise was burned, but the paper was re-estab- lished in a new office on North Water street, which is also devoted to job work.
The Naugatuck Review was established in November, 1879, by J. H. Beale as editor and proprietor, being a 28 column folio. Soon after Fred. Wilder and later Henry C. Baldwin became associate editors. On the 4th of December, 1885, Beale's interest passed to the Nauga- tuck Printing & Publishing Company, whose stockholders were L. D. Warner, A. H. Dayton, E. A. Dorlan and William W. Works, and the latter two became the managers. In a few months Works retired and Dorlan alone managed the publication, the editors at different periods being S. M. Stone, C. Collard Adams, William C. Shepard, etc. In April, 1889, the Review was consolidated with the Agitator but, Jan- uary 1st, 1890, it was re-established as an eight page, independent re- publican weekly.
The Naugatuck Agitator was founded in January, 1886, as a work- ingman's paper and was published on the co-operative plan by the Knights of Labor, having D. W. White as the editor. Henry C. Baldwin succeeded him as editor. At the end of another year, D. W. White and J. W. Gunn, as the Agitator Publishing Company, were the editors and proprietors, and so continued two years. In July, 1888, White sold his interest to E. R. Clyma, the firm now becoming J. W. Gunn & Co. In April, 1889, Clyma became the sole owner of the Agitator and on the 27th of that month, by a joint arrangement, the Review was consolidated with it and the papers were published as the Naugatuck Citizen. After September, 1889, Clyma was the sole publisher of the Citizen, and January 1st, 1890, the Review was revived by the old management. The Citizen is continued by E. R. Clyma as a weekly labor and independent local.
The Parish Bulletin has been issued since the fall of 1886, the pub- lishers being the "Parish House Association." At first it appeared monthly, but after a few years the issues were less frequent, being a quarterly in 1890. It is devoted to the interests of the Congregational church at Naugatuck, and the pastor, Reverend W. F. Blackman, is the editor.
The post office was established with the name of Salem Bridge and continued with that title until August 21st, 1834, when the name was changed to Naugatuck. At this time Robinson S. Hinman was the postmaster, holding that position until he removed to New Haven, a few years later. Successive postmasters have been : John A. Peck, L. S. Spencer, Luther S. Platt, Alonzo Ward, G. D. Bissell and, since
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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.
May, 1889, L. S. Moulthrop. There is a fine place of business and the office has many mails per day, with a constantly increasing patronage.
Some time about 1721 James Brown kept the first public house in this locality. It was a small building, on the old county road, near the present B. M. Hotchkiss place, southeast of the village. The sec- ond tavern was farther north on the county road, on the site of the present May place. It was built by Irijah Terrell and was a well favored house until the county road gave place to the Straits, or Water- town turnpike, which was built at the base of the hill about 1800. Several years later Chauncey Lewis put up a part of the present Nauga- tuck Hotel, at the east end of the new Salem bridge. Here many land- lords have entertained the public and the house has several times been repaired and enlarged. On the west side of the river, on the present B. B. Tuttle place, was the popular hostelry of Daniel Beecher, which he kept from 1797 until about 1834. He was a large farmer and also one of the principal men of the community. The house was large and for those days fine, and a good sign told the public that it was "D. Beecher's Inn." Baldwin Beecher succeeded his father as land- lord, but after the railroad was built the inn became a residence and still stands near the old site. At both the above houses popular gath- erings were held, as were also the occasional communications of the old Harmony Masonic Lodge of Waterbury.
On the "pike," above Beecher's Inn, was the toll gate kept by Francis Fouge, a French soldier or adherent of the Bonapartist cause, who had fled to this country. He was eccentric and had singular re- ligious views, but was a great favorite among the young people. Upon his death he was interred in the Hillside Cemetery, the band playing dirges in place of having the customary exercises. John Arndt and John D. Grove were others of Napoleon's soldiers in this locality, and both died in the town. A recent movement to build a modern hotel will supply a want which has long been felt in this growing town.
The three corners at Maple and Main streets have long been de- voted to mercantile purposes. Here have traded, among others, Josiah Culver, being in trade many years; Benjamin Dayton and Ezra Por- ter. The first store on the west side of the river was built about 1834 and was occupied by Henry Spencer and Asahel Lewis, who continued in trade about eight years. The firm also undertook to manufac- ture silk from native cocoons. Others of the Spencer family-Elihu, Stearns, Frank and Gustavus-were also well known tradesmen, the latter removing to New York. Andrews & Smith merchandised many years. Among the later tradesmen have been, E. H. Carrington, John A. Peck, E. E. Barnum, H. H. Patterson and F. W. Tolles, a number of whom have continued many years. Each department of trade has now many representatives and there are a number of good stores in the town.
At Union City, the Union Trading Company engaged in business
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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.
in 1853, L. S. Spencer being the manager. Since that time stores have been kept at that place and there is also a post office, these interests being, in 1890, in charge of Charles H. Smith.
One of the first stores in this town was at Bradley's corner, beyond Millville, on the road leading to Gunntown church (so called). It was kept by Larmon Townsend until about 1807. The building was of brick and on being taken down some of the bricks were carried to Naugatuck and used in the erection of Nichols' Block. In later years small stores have again been kept at Millville.
The first physician of whom any account has been preserved was Doctor Daniel Beekley, who lived in the Salem society prior to 1800, and was at this place probably a score of years. Doctor Nimrod Hull was also an early practitioner, and is remembered as a man of ability, but was so stern in his aspect that the young boys shunned his pres- ence. He died in the town. Doctor Lucian Spencer, an able, popular man, was here prior to 1840, when he moved to Bethany, where he lost his life in the burning of his house in February, 1844. Doctor Timo- thy Langdon had here a good practice until his removal to New Haven, to which place Doctor Pierpont also removed. Doctors Norton, Bart- lett and Brainard were located for short periods only. Doctor John D. Meers was for many years an active physician at Naugatuck, and died in the town. His son, E. S. Mcers, was also a physician, who removed to the West. Doctor John D. Brundage also removed. Doctor F. B. Tuttle has been here many years and is one of the leading physicians of this part of the county. Contemporary with him, in 1890, were Doctors Edward Fitzgerald, C. E. Scott, Frederick Spring, A. J. Walsh and W. F. Hinckley. The latter is also a druggist. Others having drug stores are J. O. May and A. W. Kane.
Robinson S. Hinman was among the first located attorneys, coming from Southbury before 1830, and removing to New Haven. Morton J. Buell and Stephen W. Kellogg removed to Waterbury after having been at Naugatuck for several years. Charles A. Nettleton and George F. Gardiner removed to New York city, where the former be- came a very able lawyer. Others remained a few years only. George Hine has been an attorney at Naugatuck since 1860; Henry C. Bald- win since 1872; Burton A. Peck since 1873, and for less periods Will- iam Kennedy and Judge John M. Sweeney.
Of the many Lodges and societies which have been organized in the town, Shepherd's Lodge, No. 78, F. & A. M., ranks as the oldest and relatively as one of the most important .* It was instituted in 1851, with 22 charter members. Since 1851 there have been but few years when there were less than ten admissions per year, and the aggregate mem-
* Harmony Lodge, No. 42, was organized at the house of Daniel Beecher, at Salem Bridge, in 1196, and for many years its communications were alternately held in this town. The Lodge finally became permanent in Waterbury, and an account of it is given in the history of that town.
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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.
bership has been very large. In 1889 the number in active fellowship was reported as 173. The Lodge held its communications for many years in what is now Foresters' Hall, but for more than a dozen years has occupied the large and fine Masonic Hall on South Water street. The masters of Good Shepherd since its organization have been: Mar- shall Hoadley, 1851-2; Timothy Langdon, 1853-5; John A. Peck, 1856; Robert H. Isbell, 1857: David Smith, 1858; Eldridge Smith, 1859; Da- vid Smith, 1860; Homer Twitchell, 1861-2; David Smith, 1863; John S. Floury, 1864; Dwight W. Lewis, 1865; David Smith, 1866-7; Hubert H. Johnson, 1868-9; E. S. Terrell, 1870-2; John N. Beebe, 1873; Homer Twitchell, 1874; John NN. Beebe, 1875; A. H. Brothers, 1876; B. A. Treat, 1877; H. S. Hotchkiss, 1878; Leon M. Woodford, 1879-80; William D. Middlebrook, 1881; John N. Beebe, 1882; M. S. Baldwin, 1883; J. F. Payne, 1884; H. E. Baldwin, 1885-6; William E. Schaffer, 1887 8; T. J. Northrop, 1889-90.
Allerton Chapter, No. 39, R. A. M., was instituted September 4th, 1876, and at the end of one year had more than 40 members. In the summer of 1890 the number was about 90. Among the principal offi- cers were: Henry E. Baldwin, H. P .; Thomas J. Northrup, K .; Charles F. Landers, E. S .; L. B. Hoadley, T .; William E. Schaffer, S .; John Wood, P. S.
Centennial Lodge, No. 100, I. O. O. F., was instituted November 22d, 1876, with 10 charter members. Its history since that time has been one of growth and increasing interest. In 1890 about 100 persons claimed membership, and at its head were, as principal officers: A. W. Smith, N. G .; George H. Cowell, V. G .: H. H. O'Donnell, secretary; F. IV. Tolles, treasurer; John Kirk, C. F. Hungerford, F. W. Tolles, trus- tees. The Lodge holds its meetings in the Whittemore Block, corner of Maple and Water streets.
Gavel Lodge, No. 10, K. of P., was organized a score of years ago at Naugatuck, but after about six years its meetings were suspended. But April 27th, 1887, on the application of 16 members, the Lodge was re- vived with the same name and number and has since flourished. In 1890 there were 75 nienibers who met statedly in Odd Fellows Hall.
In September. 1889, Scott Division, No. 10, of the First Connecti- cut Regiment Uniform Rank, Knights of Pythias, was organized of members of Gavel Lodge, and No. 10 had 30 men and the following officers in 1890: D. D. Gibbud, Sir K. C .; Charles Moss, 1st lieutenant; Henry Zooner, 2d lieutenant; S. S. Scott, K. secretary. Reverend J. WV. Ellsworth, of the Gavel Lodge, is chaplain of the State Lodge, entering upon that office in 1890. The assembly of the Rank is in Barnum's Hall, on Church street.
Isbell Post, No. 43, G. A. R., was organized October 30th, 1874, with 34 charter members. There has been a membership of 75, but, in 1890, the number belonging was only 42. The Post was instrumental in the erection of the soldiers' monument and statedly decorates the
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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.
graves of deceased comrades. Its place of meeting is in the Odd Fel- low Block, and the Post commanders, in the order of their service, have been: George D. Squires, William H. Vredenburgh, Rufus W. Lewis, Henry C. Baldwin, D. D. Gibbud, R. W. Lewis, Michael P. Coen, Henry E. Sears, Horace E. Jones, George Cragg.
In the same hall meets General Israel Putnam Camp, No. 35, Sons of Veterans, which was established March 20th, 1889, with 13 mem- bers. A number of members have since been added and there is a growing interest in the order.
A few years ago the Knights of Labor had several assemblies in the town and were about 700 strong, exerting a controlling influence in local political affairs. But this interest and large membership was not long maintained, but few having an active membership in that order in 1890.
A Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians was instituted at Naugatuck, and December 3d, 1875, became a corporate body, with John M. Millidy, president; Thomas Conran, recording secretary; and 11 charter members. At one time there were 60 members, but a de- creasing interest caused the Division to disband half a dozen years ago.
Court Unity, No. 5990, Ancient Order of Foresters, was incorpor- ated February 14th, 1877, with 17 charter members. Its meetings are held in the hall of the order on Main street.
At Union City is the German Eintracht Lodge, No. 524, D. O. H., which has an interested membership. At the same place the German Maenorchor Society holds its meetings, being in a growing condition.
In Masonic Hall are held the meetings of Evergreen Chapter, No. 22, Order of the Eastern Star, which is reported flourishing and having an increasing membership.
One of the first complete reports on the schools of the town is that of 1857, from which the following statistics are gleaned :
Center District, composed of the old Districts Nos. 1 and 2, liad 43 weeks of school per year, maintained at an expense of more than $2,000. Enrollment 230 pupils.
Middle District, No. 3, had the same number of weeks, and there were but 15 pupils.
Millville, No. 4, had 36 weeks of school for its 35 pupils and the highest wages were $18 per month.
Union City, No. 5, had 34 weeks of school, 71 pupils registered, a repaired and enlarged school house, and the total expenses were $1,222.
Pond Hill, No. 6, had 32 weeks of school, 40 children in attendance and the expenses were $157.
Straitsville, No. 7, had 36 weeks of school and 30 pupils enrolled.
In the entire town the enrollment for winter schools was 403, from which an average attendance of 390 pupils was secured. The cost of
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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.
maintenance was $3,737.43. At this time the acting school visitors were C. S. Thomas, S. H. Smith and T. G. Carver.
In 1860 the high school of District No. 1 had 42 weeks of instruc- tion : there was an attendance of 193 pupils and four teachers. This school cost the town nearly $2,000. From 1863, for ten years, the principal was H. H. Johnson, who has since been identified with the educational interests of the town. His successor was S. C. Minor, and in 1875 E. B. Kellogg became the principal.
In 1876 another department was added to those already connected with the Center district, making seven in all, and the studies were graded from the primary to the higher mathematics and the classical languages. The Union City school had four departments and re- ported a new school house erected. The children enumerated were 872 ; registered, 663 : and in attendance, 464. The entire school ex- pense of the town was $7,120. The examining committee this year was composed of Reverend J. L. Scott, Doctor F. B. Tuttle and Pro- fessor H. H. Johnson.
In 1877 Union district, at the Center, began its records, the com- mittee being composed of B. A. Treat, J. W. Page and W. P. Coen.
In 1881 the town had six districts, nine school buildings, having 16 rooms and a seating capacity for 753 pupils.
In 1889 the schools of the town occupied 20 rooms, in which 23 teachers were employed. There were sittings for 919 pupils, and from the 1,252 pupils registered, there was secured an attendance, averaging for the year, 723. In Union Center the number registered was 694, and in Union City, 395. Of the latter schools, H. H. Johnson was the principal, with five assisting teachers. The total expense for all the schools in the town was $11,356.21.
In the Union Center district there were 12 teachers, including the principal, W. W. Abbott, who has filled that position since 1888. His predecessors in that position have been : 1877, E. B. Kellogg ; 1878-84, A. P. Mallory ; 1885-7, George W. Wilbur. The schools are well graded and the scholarship of the high school has been advanced to a fine standard.
In 1889 a school house was completed on Rubber avenne, on the west side, at a cost of $12,980 ; and it was voted to expend a like sum in putting up a suitable building on the east side.
In addition to the interest and support of the public schools, there have been several select schools of good character. One of these was taught by Gustavus Spencer about 1840, at the house of Daniel Beecher, and it was attended by some of the leading citizens of the present time. He was a graduate of Yale and was reputed a good teacher. He married one of Beecher's daughters and afterward engaged in mercantile pursuits in the town.
Akin to the educational interests of the town is the Young Men's
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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.
Catholic Institute, which was organized in 1871. In the main the in- stitute has flourished and it maintains a library in the town hall.
The first public collection of books was in the old Salem Library, which was probably the first one established in the entire Naugatuck valley. From fragmentary records it appears that it was founded in 1783, and it was kept first in a small way, the effort, perhaps, being confined to the younger members of the community. Later it re- ceived general support and most of the families of Salem Bridge com- munity subscribed to the constitution of the library and placed them- selves under bonds of £5 each to observe the articles of the same. In this way it was a noteworthy institution from 1789 to 1830.
The library was managed by a committee which, in October, 1789, was composed of Deacon Elisha Stevens, Amos Culver. Israel Terrel. Thomas Porter and Doctor Daniel Beekley. Usually the Congrega- tional minister was the librarian, but when the church had no pastor. some prominent citizen served as librarian, keeping the books at his home. In 1830 the old Salem Library elected its last board of officers, which were: Librarian, Reverend Amos Pettengill; clerk, Thomas Porter; treasurer, Truman Porter; committee, Josiah Culver, Abraham Hotchkiss, Giles Hotchkiss, Reul Sperry and Alfred Stevens.
The Salem Library was soon after merged with the Juvenile Li- brary, which had been formed a few years previously by the young people of Salem Bridge. This library was made up mainly of books contributed by the members and the remnant of the old Salem Li- brary, and was kept at the parsonage of the Congregational church. It appears to have been discontinued before 1840, and its books were divided among the members. After this came the public school li- brary and very recently the fine library in the parish house.
The first settlers attended religious meetings at Waterbury, and belonged for many years to the parish of the First Congregational church of that town. In the course of time the privilege to hold winter meetings at their own homes was desired and granted. This privilege, once enjoyed, led to the further desire for all the privileges of a separate parish which, after some objection on the part of Water- bury, was granted and the formation of the Salem Society ordered, viz .: "By the act of the Governor and company, convened at Hart- ford, upon the second Thursday in May, A. D. 1773. there was made a distinct society for society privileges of that part of Waterbury called Judd's Meadow, and part of Milford and Derby adjoining."
But the formation of a church did not follow until eight years had elapsed. It was organized February 22d, 1781, with the name of the "Congregational Church of Salem." The constituent members were ten males and six females, most of whom had been connected with the Waterbury church. At the end of the year the members were: Gideon Hickox. Gideon Hickox, Jr., Samuel Hickox, Gideon Hotch- kiss, John Lewis, Samuel Lewis, Amos Osborn, Samuel Porter, Ashbel
1
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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.
Porter, Enoch Scott, Samuel Scott, Elisha Stevens, Sarah Hickox, Philena Hickox, Eunice Lewis, Elizabeth Osborn, Hannah Porter, Sarah Sınith, Susannah Tirrill, Sarah Tirrill. In 1785 the church had a revival and 14 persons were added to the membership; in 1787, 33 were added; in 1789, 11 were added; in 1800, 16; and 1801, 15. The church had in 1836, 150 members; but five years later there were only 117. In 1860, 200 members were reported, but in 1872 the number had decreased to 163. Seven years later, however, the members again numbered 249. In 1885 the number had fallen to 219, but a revival that year increased it by the addition of 54 persons, This, with the single exception of one year, was the largest yearly increase. In 1818 63 members were added. In June, 1891, there were 310 members, 174 of whom had been added during the pastorate of Reverend W. F. Blackman.
For twelve years after the formation of Salem society there was no regular preacher, and a number of persous were invited to settle. Medach Rogers preached more or less from 1781 to 1784, but Rever- end Abraham Fowler was the first settled minister. His pastorate extended from January, 1785, to March, 1799. The subsequent minis- ters, pastors and stated supplies were as follows: Noah J. Simmons, 1799-1800; Jabez Chadwick, 1800-1803; Matthiaz Crozier, 1804; Stephen Dodd, 1811-17; Amos Pettingill, 1823-30; J. B. Richardson, 1832-4; Seth Sacket, 1834-8; Chauncey G. Lee, 1838-40; H. A. Taylor, 1840-1; Marshall Eames, 1842-3: Charles S. Sherman, 1843-4; Albert K. Teele, 1845-9; Charles S. Sherman, 1849-69; C. C. Painter, 1869-72; Fred'k T. Perkins, 1872-5; D. A. Easton, 1875-9; S. C. Leonard, 1879-84. W. F. Blackman began work January 1st, installed June 25th, 1885, resigned September 13th, 1891, to become pastor of the church at Ithaca, N. Y.
The ministers sent out by this parish have been: John H. Pettin- gill, John S. Hull, Thomas Lewis (Episcopalian), Edwin S. Lines (Episcopalian), John Scott.
In 1781 the parish proceeded to build its first meeting house, using the proceeds of a tax of a shilling an acre on all the lands in the Salem society. It was placed on the hill east of the village, north of the B. M. Hotchkiss place, and it was occupied in 1782. The site was selected to accommodate those living the Prospect way, as well as the inhabitants of the valley, and was at that time more central than in later years. A bell was placed on the building after 1791, but a stove was not supplied until 1827. The change in the village caused the removal of the frame of the meeting house to the site now occupied, where the house was rebuilt in 1831. In 1854 it was removed to make place for the present edifice, which was dedicated in 1855. This house originally cost $16,000. It was im- proved ten years ago at an outlay of $3,000, and new steam heating apparatus was supplied in 1890. The old meeting house stands op- posite the Episcopal rectory and has been converted into a business building.
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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.
In 1810 a residence was built on the west side of the river, south of Daniel Beecher's place, for use as a parsonage. But the first parson- age proper was not built until 1845, upon the coming of Pastor Teele. Its cost was not quite $2,000. In 1883 the present parsonage was pur- chased, and with it the lots of land which now constitute the fine real estate of the society.
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