History of New Haven County, Connecticut, Volume II, Part 94

Author: Rockey, J. L. (John L.)
Publication date: 1892
Publisher: New York : W. W. Preston
Number of Pages: 1138

USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > History of New Haven County, Connecticut, Volume II > Part 94
USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > History of New Haven County, Connecticut, Volume II > Part 94

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Of the ten children of Moses and Betsey Wheeler, Elisha was born in 1816 and died in the paternal home, in Southbury, January 1st, 1877. He was educated in the common schools of his native town, and upon reaching manhood engaged in farming, in which occupa- tion he was successful, accumulating a comfortable estate. He was industrious and thrifty, and, investing his savings in real estate, be- came one of the largest land owners in the town. In all his own af- fairs he was judicious, and having naturally most excellent judgment. with more than ordinary knowledge of general affairs, he was fre- quently consulted by his neighbors on business matters, and had the care and settlement of many estates. All these trusts he discharged with care and fidelity, winning by his conscientious life the esteem of the entire community. He was exact and just, but was a warm friend and a good neighbor. The welfare of his native town was ever dear to him, and through his interest in its affairs he was brought into prominence in official capacities. For many years he served as the first selectman, discharging the duties of that office, in the period of the civil war, so as to win the approbation of all parties. In politics he was a democrat, but he was a staunch Unionist and believed in the active prosecution of the war and the liberal care of the families of the

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enlisted men. In other matters he was foremost in town enterprises and progress. In the affairs of the state he also earned distinction. He was elected to the general assembly as a representative from Southbury in 1855 and 1861, and was a state senator in 1863, serving with credit in both bodies. On the questions of public issue he had strong convictions, but was not radical or intemperate in his speech or actions. He was regarded a safe and prudent official, and was hon- ored and respected by all who knew him. In his relation to the state, as well as to his own community, he was justly considered a most use- ful and excellent man.

Elisha Wheeler was twice married. His first wife was Anna M. Johnson, whom he wedded in 1836, and by whom he had one child, James L., who lived in the town of Beacon Falls. He was married to Mary A. Curtis, of Newtown, in 1863, and died in 1875.

For his second wife Elisha Wheeler married, April 10th, 1838, Eliza A., daughter of Calvin Leavenworth, of Oxford, who survives as his widow. In her early life Mrs. Wheeler was a school teacher, and has retained an active interest in the intellectual and moral life of the community in which she has so long resided. She is a devoted mem- ber of the Episcopal church, and has been much engaged in charitable and benevolent work. Her nature is very refined, and having a most amiable disposition, she is living at a ripe old age, beloved by all who know her.

The union of Elisha and Eliza A. Wheeler was blessed with six children: Frances E., born in 1840, married Truman E. Hurd, and died in 1876, leaving three children: Martha E., born in 1842, married, in 1883, Reverend Elihu T. Sanford, of New Haven, and now resides at New Milford, Conn .; Ralph E., born in 1844, died in 1858; Mary S., born in 1846, married Charles E. Webster, of Mauch Chunk, Pennsyl- vania, and now resides at South Bethlehem, in that state; Henry S. and Alfred N.

Henry S. was born in 1848, and died in Southbury July 14th, 1889. He was educated at the Bridgeport Business College, and was engaged in business at Rockford, Ill., and in New Haven. Returning to South- bury he filled various offices within the gift of his townsmen, serving as a member of the board of education, justice of the peace and first se- lectman. He represented the town of Southbury in the legislature for two terms, and was his party's nominee for state senator. He took an active interest in the politics of his party, and as a member of the democratic state central committee he rendered good service. For a number of years he was a member of King Solomon's Lodge, F. & A. M., of Woodbury. His acquaintance in the state was large and he was favorably known. He was married in 1877, to Hannah A., daughter of Frederick A. and Louisa (Tomlinson) Candee, of Oxford, and their only child was a son, Ralph E., born in 1883. Henry S. Wheeler had inherited many of the excellent traits of his father, and was a man of

Elisha Minuter

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genial disposition and generous heart, universally beloved, and died deeply lamented.

The youngest son of Elisha and Eliza A. Wheeler is Alfred N., a practicing attorney and public man of the city of New Haven. He was born in 1855 and was educated at General Russell's school, at New Haven, and at Yale College, from which he graduated in 1875. Two years later he graduated from the law school of the same university, and located in New Haven for the practice of his profession. He was elected a councilman of that city in 1881, and has for some years been a member of the city board of health. He married September 30th, 1891, Lillian E., daughter of Elisha and Julia B. Wilson, of New Haven.

Truman B. Wheeler, born in Southbury in 1819, is a son of Tru- man, grandson of Truman, and great-grandson of Obadiah, who was a son of John, one of the signers of the land contract with the Pom- peraug Indians of the original land of Woodbury. He settled on the same farm now owned by Truman B. Wheeler. The latter went to Vicksburg, Miss., and was there until the close of the rebellion, when he returned to the home of his fathers and has since resided here. He married in 1870, Catherine L. Webb, of Woodbury, and has three children: Lucy, Truman and Charles.

CHAPTER XIX.

THE TOWN OF WOLCOTT.

Settlement .- Civil Organization .- First Town Meeting .- Town Clerks .- Public Green. -Public Highways .- Schools .- Industrial Interests .- Wolcott Center .- Woodtick. -Physicians .- Religious Matters .- Cemeteries .- Biographical Sketches.

T HE town of Wolcott is in the extreme northern part of the coun- ty and on the line separating New Haven county from the towns of Bristol and Southington in Hartford county, and the town of Plymouth, in Litchfield county. South and west is the town of Waterbury. The average length of Wolcott, from north to south, is about six miles; the breadth is a little more than three miles. The general surface is hilly and mountainous. In all the territory there is only one distinct valley-the one extending from Waterbury, on the west, along Mad river. Along that stream and in the northwestern part of the town, is the elevation called Spindle hill, whose highest point is known as Clinton hill. It is claimed that this is one of the highest points of land in this part of the state. Froni its summit may be seen Long Island, some parts of Massachusetts, and nearly a dozen villages and cities in the surrounding towns. Many other hills in the town approximate Clinton hill in height. Pike's hill in the northeastern part, a point on the Southington mountain, is but a little lower. The Southington mountain extends from the southeastern part of the town along the east line, northward for more than two miles. On the summit the land is comparatively level and some good farms had been opened. but most of them have been abandoned. It takes its name from its location relative to Southington. Some of the other hills were named for those who first lived upon them.

Many of the hill ranges consist of ledges of gray rock, having the nature of granite, the town being contiguous to the granite district in the northwestern part of the state. In some localities these ledges rise above the surface, from five to twenty feet. In other parts the soil is closely filled with smaller stones, rendering its cultivation diffi- cult. In general the soil is a hard, coarse, gravelly loam, and is in- clined to be sterile. But there are fertile belts of small areas and much of the land may be used for grazing. A considerable portion is in woodland and this area is increasing, many abandoned farms being allowed to grow up with birch, chestnut, oak or swamp maple trees.

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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.

Much of the income of the town has been derived from the sale of wood.

The principal water course is Mad river, forming, with its affluent brooks, a stream which affords several water powers. Hence, the lower part was formerly called Mill river. At its source, in the north- ern part of the town, it is a mere brook. Its course is southwest to the city of Waterbury, where it empties into the Naugatuck. Roar- ing and Lily brooks are the other principal streams. There are sev- · eral swamps, one, Cedar swamp, being in the northern part. This and some of the streams have been utilized by Waterbury manufac- turers for water storage purposes. Several large reservoirs have been built.

The land in Wolcott, being originally in the towns of Waterbury and Farmington, was "taken up" or owned by the people of those towns a number of years before any one came here to live as an actual settler. The Waterbury part, by reason of its greater accessibility, the old Farmington path leading through the upper part, was first set- tled. In 1731 John Alcock or Alcox,* at that time an energetic young man of 26 years, came from New Haven and settled on a tract of land, consisting of 1173 acres, in the western part of Wolcott. He increased his purchase until he owned more than 1,000 acres, and was for a num- ber of years the principal as well as the first settler of the town. At the time of his removal here he had been married about 15 months to Deborah Blakeslee, of North Haven, who thus became the queen bride of Wolcott. Their eldest son, Captain John Alcox, was born December 28th, 1731, and was the first child born in the limits of the town. Eleven more children came to bless their home, and their de- scendants became numerous and influential. In direct line of descent were Amos Bronson Alcott and Doctor William A. Alcott, who were honored beyond the measure allotted to most men on account of the useful lives they led. The daughters of Bronson Alcott, Louisa A. and May, have been among the most beloved of American women. John Alcox died January 6th, 1777, nearly 72 years of age, but his wife survived him until January 7th, 1789.

In 1732 Isaac Hopkins settled in the valley east of Chestnut hill, residing on his farm until his death. At Wolcott Center Benjamin Harrison lived as early as 1739, his land adjoining that of Isaac Hop- kins. Their neighbors later in the valley southwest of Wolcott Center were: Elijah Frisbie, Howard Pritchard and Eldad Mix, before 1760: Joseph Parker, Joseph Sutliff, Gehulah Grilley and Timothy Scott, before 1770. Thomas Welton, Eliakim Welton and Shadrach Benham settled on Spindle hill some time after 1732. In the neighborhood of Woodtick were as early settlers Judah Frisbie, Amos Seward and the Upsons. Joseph Atkins came to the Mad River valley in 1758; Wait Hotchkiss, Abel Curtiss, Isaac Twitchell and Joseph Beach came to

*The modern spelling of this name is Alcott.

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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.

Wolcott about 1765. David Norton was here before that time. Josiah Rogers came later. "In 1770 there were at the Center Aaron Harri- son and the family of his brother. Benjamin Harrison, Abraham Wooster, John Barrett and the family of James Barrett, Joseph At- kins and Josiah Talmage, and soon after were added Daniel Tuttle, Samuel Byington and possibly a few others .*

In the Farmington part of Wolcott the lands were allotted to the inhabitants of that town, which furnished most of the early settlers of that section, a few families coming from the old town of Walling- ford. The land was laid out in three tiers of " long lots," each being a mile long, and some possibly extending through the three tiers. The first tier was on the bound or Waterbury line; the second, east; and the third on Southington mountain. They were numbered from north to south. Lieutenant Heman Hall was one of the first permanent settlers in that locality, living on " long lot " No. 56, and settling there some time after 1750. His house stood on the twenty-rod highway on the mountain, and was built by Joseph Preston, who sold to Lieuten- ant Hall, March 12th, 1750. Later his son, Captain Heman Hall, built a gambrel roofed house in the same locality, which was quite a land- mark many years. Jonathan Mott also lived on the mountain, but sold out to Hall. James Pike and sons, Samuel and David, resided on Pike's hill as early as 1753. Within the next 15 years other settlers in that part of the town were Daniel Mix, Benjamin Barnes, John Bronson, Justus Peck, Nathaniel Lewis, David Frost, the Brocketts, the Beechers and the Hortons.

The military company of Captain John Alcox had the following members in 1775, the list indicating the names of the settlers at that time who were subject to that duty: Ezekiel Upson, Joseph Benham, Amos Hall, James Thomas, David Alcox, Aaron Welton, Elkanah Smith, Eliakim Welton, Jr., John Talmage, Abel Curtiss, Sr., Heman Hall, James Alcox, Johnson Cleaveland, Stephen Miles, Jr., Daniel Al- cox, Samuel Atkins, Abraham Tuttle, Joseph Beecher, Wait Hotchkiss, John Bronson, Jacob Carter, Jr., Noah Neal, Abel Collins, Jared Har- rison, Charles Upson, Jeremiah Smith, Mark Harrison, Cyrus Norton, Abraham Wooster, Nathan Seward, Samuel Harrison, Dan Tuttle, Aaron Howe, Curtiss Hall, Philip Barrett, John Miles, Nathaniel Sut- liff, John Greeley, David Alcox, Jr., Jeremiah Selkrigs, Philemon Bradley, Isaac Newell, Moses Pond.

Like most of the hill towns Wolcott had its most numerous popula- tion about the beginning of the present century, and the town had its greatest prosperity between 1790 and 1820. In the year first named there were about 900 inhabitants; in 1800 they numbered 948; in 1810, 952; in 1820, 943. Now began the decline, which has continued until less than 50 per cent. remain. In 1830 the population was only 844; in 1840, 633; in 1850, 603; in 1860, 574; in 1870, 491. Many farms were

*Reverend Samuel Orcutt.

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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.

deserted, and it is claimed that even in 1890, when the population had again increased to 522, there were more ruins of houses in the town than residences. On Southington mountain particularly, where were once many good farms, not a single one remains. All the land has been allowed to return to its primeval condition. In other parts may, however, be seen pleasant, comfortable homes, occupied by an intelli- gent industrious class of people.

A movement for a town organization was made as early as Decem- ber 7th, 1787, when the Ecclesiastical society of Farmingbury unani- mously voted that "we are willing and desirous to be incorporated. into a town." "Voted that it is our mind when made a town to be connected with New Haven county." Committees were now ap- pointed to confer upon the propriety of this step with the towns of Waterbury and Southington, in which the parish was located, and to. memorialize the general assembly for such privileges. Some opposi- tion being made, the matter was allowed to rest, but was again taken up in 1792. It was not, however, until May, 1796, that the general as- sembly passed an act authorizing the incorporation, as per petition presented May 9th that year, which made clear that the towns of Southington and Waterbury had withdrawn all objections against such action. There being a tie vote on the resolutions Lieutenant-Gover- nor Oliver Wolcott cast the deciding vote, when out of compliment for this act, the new town was called Wolcott.

The first town meeting was held June 13th, 1796, Deacon Aaron Harrison being the moderator. It resulted in the choice of the following principal officers: Town clerk, Isaac Bronson; treasurer, Mark Harrison; selectmen, Mark Harrison, Streat Richards, Jacob Carter; tything men, John Frisbie, David Harrison, Solomon Plumb, William Bailey. Samuel Upson, Charles Upson, Streat Richards, Jacob Carter, Mark Harrison, Calvin Cowles, Nathaniel Lewis and Daniel Byington were appointed a committee to adjust affairs between the new and the old towns, and to divide the town poor, if there were any, according to the last list, etc., etc.

Since the first meeting the town clerks were the following: 1796- 1814, Isaac Bronson; 1815-1838, Archibald Minor; 1839-40, Levi Moul- throp; 1841, Isaac Hough; 1842, Ezra S. Hough; 1843-4, Joseph N. Sperry; 1845, Elihu Moulthrop; 1846-7, Joseph Sperry; 1848-91, Henry Minor.

The public green in Wolcott is on both sides of the highway, run- ning east and west, in front of the meeting house. The part north of the road was deeded to the Farmingbury ecclesiastical society in 1772, by Joseph Atkins. On the eastern part of it a whipping post was set some time about the beginning of the present century. It appears to. have been last used in 1817, when Levi Parker, as the constable, in- flicted punishment upon two men charged with stealing a cow. The town had also provided some " stocks," for fastening the feet of evil-

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doers. They were kept in the meeting house shed, " but no one re- members to have heard of any use to which they were put, except to look at."*

That part of the green south of the highway was procured by the town in 1800, 1801 and 1808, the ground being included in three pur- chases. The green has not received the care it merits, and it could be made an attractive spot.

The first road through Wolcott was the old Waterbury path from Farmington, which passed through the northwest section to the pres- ent village of Waterville, thence down the stream to Waterbury. It became and remained for many years the principal thoroughfare be- tween the two towns. In 1750 what became known as the West Farmington road was laid out across Spindle hill, passing the house of John Alcock, who had settled there 19 years before that time. In 1754 another road, east of this, was laid out, between the above two points, and became known as the East Farmington road. It was properly the first road through Wolcott Center. About the same time a road 20 rods wide was laid out on Southington mountain, whichi was for many years a principal thoroughfare, and was much used while that part was inhabited. In recent years it has been less important.

A turnpike, projected from Farmington to New Haven, was en- couraged by the town, but was not built. The turnpike from Water- bury to Marion had among its owners citizens of Wolcott. It is to this day one of the main thoroughfares east and west. A highway on the line between the old towns of Waterbury and Farmington has for a century of years borne the minpoetic name of "Pudding Street." It is said that this name was applied in consequence of the fact that one of the early inhabitants living on it, north of the Center, was so fond of boiled pudding that he had that article for nearly every dinner. Very many of the roads of the town have been well improved and pre- sent a creditable appearance for a hilly. country.

Since the settlement of the town, agriculture has been the leading pursuit, but formerly small mills and shops gave occupation to some of the inhabitants. The privileges of Mad river were early improved; one of the first mills in the town being put up at the Great Falls by Benjamin Harrison, sometime about 1750. A clothing mill was added to the saw mill before 1787, in which year they became the property of Abraham Norton. Afterward a grist mill was put up in that local- ity, which had become known as the " Mill Place," and John Norton was for many years the owner. In recent years a small lumber mill only has been kept up.

About 20 rods below that place, on the same stream, was Jo- seph Atkin's grist mill, put up about 1760 and which was for about a score of years the only one in the society of Farmingbury. Thomas Upson and Streat Richards were later owners, the property passing

* Orcutt's History, p. 203.

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HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN COUNTY.

from the latter, in 1800, to Isaac Upson. Still later the mill was re- moved to Woodtick and its site was occupied by a small carding mill. This was discontinued and the power subsequently was used solely by a saw mill. The Mill Place afforded many natural advantages and, it is said, that had Seth Thomas been properly encouraged in that un- dertaking sometime about 1800, he would have begun the enterprise which transformed Plymouth Hollow into the thriving village of Thomaston. He lived in Wolcott about that time, as a carpenter, and was noted for his energy and persistence of purpose. He saw clearly the possibility of changing these quiet vales into scenes of man- ufacturing activity, but could not sufficiently impress the citizens of Wolcott with the idea and the opportunity passed away, not again to offer itself.

On the Mad river, at Woodtick, Judah Frisbie and others had a saw mill as early as 1776, and after 1800 the site became the property of the Upsons, and the power was later used to operate a grist mill, which was widely known as Todd's. Clocks were afterward made in that building by Charles Kirk, but in 1857 it was converted into a paper mill, which was operated by a joint stock company. After a number of years work was suspended and the place was idle. The property now passed to Gustave Cornelis, who, in 1885, improved it for silver plating works. These were successfully carried on until December, 1890, when the buildings were burned, and since that time the town has again been without any manufacturing, other than the operation of a few lumber mills.

Wolcott Center is near the geographical center of the town, on an eminence which commands a view several miles around. There are about a dozen buildings, including a store and post office, a public hall, a school house, a good Congregational meeting house and an Episcopal church, the latter in ruins. The hamlet is six miles from Waterbury, and is less important than formerly, being in 1800 to 1815 a place of considerable business activity. In that period it contained more buildings than at present, and the villagers of Waterbury often traded at its stores, there being two which were well sustained. There were also several taverns. The first public house was that of Samuel Byington, on the west side of the green, where he also carried on his trade as a wheelwright. After 1800 Joseph Twitchell was the land- lord. Colonel Moses Pond was a well known tavern keeper at the Center, and the public were also entertained by Pittman Stowe and Daniel Alcox. Both houses have been removed.

Lucius Tuttle merchandised here before 1800. Samuel Benham later became a partner, and the firm of Benham & Tuttle had a large trade. A number of others followed, Jason Hotchkiss being the last occupant of the building, which was taken down by E. Fenn and re- moved to Terryville after Hotchkiss had lost his life by falling out of a wagon. Another store, put up by Elihu Moulthrop, which was last

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used by William Welton, was converted into a public hall about 20 years ago. The upper story was handsomely fitted up for the use of a Lodge of Good Templars, whose meetings have long since been suspended.

Adney Whiting was the first postmaster of the Wolcott office, which had one mail per week. Lucius Tuttle and Jason Hotchkiss followed, all before 1840, when Isaac Hough was the postmaster. William Welton held the office after 1850, and then for many years Erastus W. Warner was the postmaster. In 1886 he sold out to Charles H. Carter, and after the latter's death, William H. French became the post- master, and now serves. There are three mails per week, the supply being from Waterbury.

Woodtick is another hamlet in the town, near the head of the valley of the Mad river, in the southwestern part of Wolcott. Its location is peculiarly pleasant, and the settlement deserves a more at- tractive name than the one which it bears, which was given to this section when the country was first occupied, in consequence of the abundance of the insect woodtick. There is a good water power on Mad river. The hamlet contains an attractive chapel, and there are half a dozen comfortable residences.

Doctor John Potter was located in Wolcott as a physician as early as 1780. He married Lydia, daughter of Deaon Aaron Harrison, and one of their sons, Zephna, born in 1785, also became a physician. In 1808 Doctor Ambrose Ives settled in the town as a physician, much against the wishes of Doctor Potter, who claimed there was support for but one practitioner. The latter by his engaging manners soon had a fair practice, and Doctor Potter removed to the West in 1820. Doctor Ives returned to Wallingford in 1827, but subsequently lived in Waterbury as a manufacturer. He died in 1852, quite a wealthy man.

In 1826, William A. Alcott, born in Wolcott August 6th, 1798, re- ceived a diploma as a medical practitioner, and followed that profes- sion in Wolcott until 1829. He gave up this work and became a noted educator and author. He published in all 108 volumes .. His busy life was ended at Newton, Mass., in 1859, at the age of 61 years.

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History of New Haven County, Connecticut, Volume II, Part 94

Author: Rockey, J. L. (John L.) Publication date: 1892 Publisher: New York : W. W. Preston Number of Pages: 1138

Author: Rockey, J. L. (John L.)
Publication date: 1892
Publisher: New York : W. W. Preston
Number of Pages: 1138