USA > Connecticut > New London County > History of New London county, Connecticut : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men > Part 141
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Down to the year 1845 sums of from four hundred to five hundred dollars were annually appropriated to the Mohegan Church out of the civilization fund. At this time it was concluded either that a society num- bering so large a proportion of whites should do more to support itself, or that five hundred dollars was too large a sum to be appropriated for a community so small and so uninfluential as the Mohegans. The appropriation was therefore reduced to one hundred dollars. The consequence of which was that Mr. Gleason, unable to support his growing family on so small an income, the white members contributing but a small amount towards the expense, was obliged to remove to another field of labor.
During Mr. Gleason's labors among the natives a temperance society was formed, and several much given to dissipation were reclaimed, and many others were induced to sign the temperance pledge and for- sake their cups, and some had become members of the church, who afterwards were pillars in the church.
Sunday-school and the ordinary services on the Sabbath were regularly kept up. The native mem- bers of the church generally sustained a Christian character, and some would have been ornaments to any church. Several of the Indian youth of both sexes exhibited good musical talents, and their fine voices gave inspiration to the services. One young man became a leader of the choir, and has continued in the position to the present time.
Miss Maria Morgan proved a very efficient teacher in the week-day school, under the superintendence of Mr. Gleason, during several years of his charge. Miss Susan Tracy was a frequent visitor in Mr. Gleason's family, and often rendered valuable assistance in the Sunday-school.
After Mr. Gleason's removal, the services of Rev. De Witt C. Sterry were obtained through the influence of Mrs. Wm. P. Green, of Norwich, and were highly appreciated by the people. His stay with them was only about one year.
In 1851, during a vacancy in the pastorate, Gen. William Williams, of Norwich, became responsible for the maintenance of the usual Sabbath services, either by his own efforts or by whatever clergyman he could secure to assist him. For seventeen years Gen. Williams continued a faithful laborer in en- deavoring to promote religious interests among the tribe, and by much personal effort and generous con- tributions provided for all their religious services. With much veneration they now look over the past and remember his faithful devotion to their spiritual interests, and speak of him as their cherished and true friend.
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HISTORY OF NEW LONDON COUNTY, CONNECTICUT.
Mr. Thomas Kinne, of Norwich, at different pe- riods freely volunteered his services both in the pul- pit and in the Sunday-school in conference with Gen. Williams.
Rev. William Palmer, a Baptist clergyman in Nor- wich, conducted the religious services on the Sabbath about two years, often administering the sacrament. He would sometimes make the pleasing remark that " he found the fellowship of the gospel too sweet, and loved all God's people too well, even to withhold an invitation from any of them when the Supper was set." Rev. Oliver Brown, a young Congregational minister, was employed by Gen. Williams for a year or more about 1854.
In 1856, Rev. Hiram Haydn, then a young minis- ter, during his vacation in the seminary was intro- troduced to Gen. Williams, who engaged him to supply the pulpit, which was done at intervals for a year or more. He was greatly esteemed, and was a zealous and effective preacher.
Rev. Mr. Sexton was employed some two years, and was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Muzzy, who lived among them and labored with some success for sev- eral years. His labors closed in July, 1873. Soon after the close of his ministry the church building was thoroughly repaired both inside and outside, and some improvements made at a cost of about two thousand dollars. For several years past festivals have been held yearly at the church for the support of the gospel among them. This festival is patron- ized by people from the cities of Norwich and New London and adjacent congregations.
After the thorough repairs of the church edifice, the services of Rev. H. Forbush were engaged. Mr. Forbush was a local elder in the Methodist Epis- copal Church. He continues to supply the regular services at this time. He resides in Norwich, and is by profession a dentist.
The Methodist Episcopal Churches .- The Meth- odist denomination have three church edifices and regularly organized societies within the limits of Montville,-one at Uncasville, one at Gardnertown, and one at Chesterfield. That at Gardnertown has not often had a local preacher to reside among them, it being supplied by ministers of the denomination residing either at Norwich or adjacent towns. Its membership being small and being located in a sparsely-settled part of the town, in a farming com- munity, they have never been able to fully support a minister who might reside among them; and until the last two years have always been without any local fund or source of income, depending wholly upon voluntary gifts by the members of the congre- gation. By the last will of Daniel L. Browning, Esq., this church received a bequest of three thousand dollars, the income of which is to be annually used for the support of its preachers.
The church at Chesterfield is young and few in membership, being made up principally from seceders
from the Baptist Church in that place. Their preach- ing is supplied by ministers residing in other towns.
The Uncasville Methodist Church, being the oldest organization of the denomination in the town and the strongest, deserves more than a passing notice in this history.
The first fruits of Methodism in that vicinity was Miss Betsey Rogers, daughter of James Rogers. She afterwards became the wife of Rev. David N. Bently, of Norwich. She died as she lived, a consistent and devoted Christian ; hopeful and happy in life, peace- ful and triumphant in death. She died Feb. 25, 1874, aged eighty-four years. She was converted under the labors of Rev. Nathan Emory in 1805, at the age of fifteen years.
It was not, however, until about 1817 that regular meetings were held in the vicinity of what is now Uncasville, at that time the home of Mr. Charles McNeil was opened for occasional meetings. Mr. McNeil having been converted about that time, be- came a faithful and earnest Christian. He died in 1862, aged ninety-two years.
In 1819; Rev. J. N. Moffitt preached at Mohegan and Trading Cove for a season, at which time a great religious awakening was prevalent in that vicinity, and its influence extended throughout the town. John Tuttle, then residing in Mohegan, near Trading Cove, his mother, and seven brothers and sisters were among the converts of this revival. During the years 1820 and 1821, Rev. Lewis Bates baptized five or six persons in the cove near Uncasville, and several more at Massapeag. Lucy Smith and Thomas Rogers were among the number that united with the church during the two years. Mr. Bates probably formed the first class at Massapeag.
In 1823 and 1824 there was a general work of grace along the west bank of the river Thames, extending from Uncasville to Trading Cove, and many united with the infant church.
In 1825 the first class was formed at Uncasville. Elias Marble and Reuben Ransom were the preachers in the circuit during three years, and held stated meet- ings at Uncasville. In the year 1826, C. D. Rogers and Elias Marble were the appointed preachers.
In 1827, Amasa Taylor and N. S. Spaulding were the preachers, alternating between Uncasville, Gales' Ferry, and Gardnertown. In 1829, Mr. Amos Com- stock invited Mr. Rawson, the then stated preacher, to hold his religious services in his shop. This shop had been used for spinning and weaving in by hand- power. It was located on the west side of the turn- pike, near the toll-gate, and afterwards became the property of Robert Comstock, Esq., and by him con- verted into a dwelling-house. In the last will of Mr. Robert Comstock this house, together with the dwell- ing-house in which he lived, on the same premises, was bequeathed to the town of Montville. The in- come of its avails to be appropriated for the use and benefit of the schools in the town forever.
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MONTVILLE.
It was about this time that the first Sabbath-school was organized in connection with this church. During the year 1829 the class, which had become somewhat irregular in its meetings, was reorganized, and Asahel Otis was appointed its leader. Among the persons who joined the class that year was Peter S. Smith, who afterwards became a class-leader, and was an earnest, faithful, and devoted Christian until his death in 1879.
In 1833, Nathaniel Bradford, an earnest Christian and thorough Methodist, died suddenly. His funeral sermon was preached by Rev. Ralph Hurlbut, of Gro- ton, who a year or two before had preached that of Mr. Bradford's wife. Mr. Bradford, it is said, " kept a free hotel for Methodist preachers."
The first watch-meeting ever held at Uncasville was in 1834. Previous to the meeting of the Conference in 1835 arrangements were made to build a meeting- house at Uncasville, and some time in the month of October of that year the house was dedicated. Rev. S. B. Hascall, of New London, preached the dedica- tion sermon. This building cost about one thousand dollars. Three hundred dollars of this sum remained a debt upon the church for eighteen years.
During the years 1838 and 1839 many were added to the church as the fruits of a general revival.
In 1840 an ecclesiastical society was formed for the purpose of managing the financial affairs of the church. This society existed only about four years.
In 1843 there was another revival, and about thirty persons were added to the church. After this revival, and during the pastorate of several ministers, nothing of special importance occurred until about 1858, when the church edifice was repainted, carpeted, and fur- nished with new lamps and a new stove, at an ex- pense of one hundred and seventy-two dollars and fifty cents.
In 1860, W. E. Shelden was the stationed preacher, and continued only one year. He was succeeded by Rev. Theophilus B. Gurney, who remained two years. He was followed by Rev. L. W. Blood, and during his labors sixteen persons united with the church. Mr. Blood was the first preacher whose term was extended to three years. He was succeeded by Rev. H. W. Conent in 1866. The principal event under his ad- ministration was the purchase of a new parsonage, at a cost of three thousand three hundred dollars, which was paid for by subscription.
During the three years from 1868 to 1871, Rev. Elisha B. Bradford was the stated preacher, and an increase of membership of sixteen. During his ad- ministration the debt of the three hundred dollars was fully paid, and the church freed from its liabil- ities.
Rev. Robert Clark was the stated preacher from 1871 to 1874, and during his term the present new church edifice was erected at a cost of $12,712.35. The money to meet the cost of the same was raised by subscription, many of the townspeople assisting.
This edifice was dedicated Feb. 7, 1872, free from debt.
The old church building was converted into horse- sheds and set in the rear of the new building. From the year 1875 to the year 1878, Rev. Frederick A. Crofts was their preacher. Very few were added to the church during the time, and those during the last month of his term, through the effectual labors of Mrs. Clark, the female evangelist.
The church became very much divided on account of the disagreement of the stewards in regard to the salary Mr. Crofts was to receive.
Rev. Warren A. Luce was the appointed preacher from 1878 to 1881. He was very well received, and proved a faithful and efficient minister of the gospel. He was much respected by the other denominations in the town, and did good service in the temperance cause.
On the 5th day of February, 1879, Daniel L. Browning, Esq., a member of the Uncasville Meth- odist Church of many years' standing, died, leaving by his last will a legacy of four thousand dollars, " to the trustees of the church, in trust, to be put at in- terest, and remain as a fund, the interest of which to be paid annually, and used for the support of the preaching of the gospel at Uncasville for all coming time."
CHAPTER LXIX.
MONTVILLE-(Continued).
MILLS AND MANUFACTORIES.
THE only mills in operation within the present limits of this town at the time of its incorporation in 1786 were four grist-mills, seven saw-mills, and one fulling-mill. The grist-mills were owned and operated by Ezekiel Fox, Jonathan Minaul, George Latimer, and Levi Lester. The saw-mills by Ezekiel Fox, Atwell Chapel, Deshon, Wheat & Hallem, Matthew Leffingwell, George and Jonathan Latimer, George B. Dolbeare, and Joshua Raymond. The fulling-mill was owned and operated by Joseph Smith.
The present number of mills and mannfactories in operation within its limits are twenty, consisting of three woolen-mills, four cotton-mills, two bed-quilt- mills, two paper-mills, one dyewood-mill, two saw- mills, four grist-mills, one shoddy-mill, and one shingle-mill.
The most important stream is called Oxoboxo, and takes its rise in the northwest part of the town. On this stream are located all the large mills. It was formerly called Saw-Mill Brook, and at first only saw-mills were built upon the stream. It continued to be called Saw-Mill Brook down to about 1825, when Lorenzo Dow gave to the pond at the head of the stream the name Oxoboxo. This name is derived from the original name given by the Indians, who
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HISTORY OF NEW LONDON COUNTY, CONNECTICUT.
called it "Opsobosket." Its general course from its source is southeasterly, and rims into a cove which makes up from the river Thames, and extends west- erly about three-fourths of a mile. This cove was called by the Indians Massapeag.
Near the outlet of the Oxoboxo River is the dye- wood-mill of William G. Johnson, Esq., now leased by Johnson & Co., who carry on the business of manufacturing dye-woods.
Upon this site the first saw-mill built upon the stream stood. It was built by the direction of John Winthrop about 1653. About a century after the first saw-mill was built, iron-works were started a few rods below the saw-mill, at a place since called " The Forge." It was probably established by one Jeremiah Vallet, in 1758. These iron-works have no special history. The nature of the work done, or the length of time it was in operation, is unknown, but it was probably of short duration.
In 1788, Jeremiah Vallet sold the premises to George Williams, who, the same year, sold and con- veyed to Amaziah Watson a parcel of land contain- ing ten acres, " with two-thirds of the spot where the late iron-works were erected." Watson built a small shop on the site where the old saw-mill formerly stood. The shop was never occupied by him, as he died soon after its completion. By the last will of Watson this property was given to his wife, Mary, who afterwards married Andrew Tracy.
In 1798, John and Arthur Scholfield obtained a loan of the water-privilege, and buildings then con- nected with it, from Mary Tracy. This lease was to run fourteen years. John and Arthur Scholfield, at this place, set up and put in operation the first woolen machinery for the manufacture of woolen cloth by water-power started in this State. Arthur remained here with his brother John a few years, and then re- moved to Pittsfield, Mass., where, in 1808, he manu- factured a piece of broadcloth containing thirteen yards, which was presented to James Madison, and from which his inaugural suit was made.
After the expiration of Mr. Scholfield's lease in 1812, the woolen business was carried on at this place by John R. Comstock-he having purchased the prop- erty-until his death, which occurred in 1821, at which time his father, Nathan Comstock, came into possession of the mill property.
In 1834, Nathan Comstock sold out to William G. Johnson, who soon after erected and started the pres- ent dyc-works. In 1848 the business was enlarged by the erection of a large building for "extract."
Mr. Johnson being a man of remarkable business enterprise, and bending his whole energy to the busi- ness, was enabled in a few years to achieve success.
In May, 1870, Mr. Johnson leased to his two sons, Edwin C. Johnson and Charles S. Johnson, the mill premises and the business therewith connected for the term of ten years, with the privilege to re-lease the same after the expiration of term.
Messrs. Johnson & Co. import and buy yearly dye- woods, all of foreign growth, to the amount of from thirty to thirty-five thousand tons, of which amount they extract from fifteen hundred to two thousand tons, producing the extract dye, amounting to six hun- dred thousand pounds or thereabouts yearly. The balance of the wood is ground and sold in chips. They employ in their business from thirty-five to forty men, keeping the works in constant operation.
The second mill on the stream is a cotton-factory belonging to and operated by the Uncasville Manu- facturing Company, a joint-stock corporation formed under the laws of the State in 1848, with a capital of fifty thousand dollars, which was in 1852 increased to seventy-five thousand dollars. George R. Lewis was its first president and Charles A. Lewis secretary. On the site of the present mill Levi Lester, in 1794, built and started a grist-mill. In 1823, Peter Richards and his son, Henry A. Richards, purchased of Levi Lester the grist-mill and water-privilege, and also a tract of land adjoining, of George Williams, and erected the present mill building and a few dwelling-houses. Messrs. Richards failing in business, the premises came into the possession of Charles A. and George R. Lewis in 1830. Since that time the business has been successfully carried on, and many improvements made, a substantial dam built, and several new dwell- ing-houses erected.
In the summer of 1880 a new steam-engine, with boiler, was put up in a building erected for the pur- pose. The steam-power being connected with the water-power in the main mill, the company was enabled to increase the amount of their machinery and the production of their mill. In 1876 the mill contained one hundred and thirty-eight looms and about six thousand spindles; this number has since been increased. The production of the mill is up- wards of two millions of yards yearly. About two hundred hands are employed by the company in their business. The company have been very fortunate in securing the services of Mr. Charles N. Wittie as superintendent for several years past.
The Pequot Mills are the next in order as we pass up the stream. Here are two mills ; one is a wooden building and the other a stone building. Connected with the mills are several tenement-houses for the accommodation of the employés of the company owning the mills.
On the site of the wooden building there formerly stood an oil-mill, which was built by John Congdon and David Congdon abont 1803. Previous to the erection of the oil-mill a saw-mill was standing here ; to the operation of this saw-mill the water was first applied.
These premises were conveyed to Giles Turner by John Congdon in 1822, and by Giles Turner conveyed to his son-in-law, Albert G. Darrow, in 1837. Mr. Darrow ran the oil-mill until near the time he sold it to Messrs. Norton Brothers and Hiram Crosby, of
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MONTVILLE.
Norwich, in 1860. Soon after its purchase by Norton Brothers and Crosby the old oil-mill building was en- larged, the stone mill built, and both fitted up for the manufacture of woolen goods. The business was suc- cessfully carried on for several years, until the death of one of the partners, who had the management of the business. His death occurred on the 22d day of November, 1871, and was occasioned by the burning of the steamer "City of New London" on the Thames River.
In 1877 this property passed into the hands of Henry B. Norton, the oldest and only surviving part- ner of Norton Brothers, and Lorenzo Blackstone, of Norwich. A considerable change was made at the mills by the new company. The woolen machinery was taken out and cotton machinery was substituted.
The mills are at the present time in successful operation, under the superintendence of Mr. Daniel Alexander, in the manufacture of print cloths and lawns. They operate two hundred and eighty-eight looms and eight thousand and sixty-four spindles, and employ about one hundred and fifty workmen. The production is from sixty-two thousand to sixty- three thousand yards per week. A new steam-engine has been attached to the mills the present year, which has the capacity of one hundred and fifty horse-power.
The woolen-mill of R. G. Hooper & Co. is the fourth in order passing up the stream. This mill-privilege was first taken up by Col. Francis B. Loomis. The land was purchased by him of Gideon Palmer in 1846. Mr. Loomis the same year built the present stone mill, and immediately put into it woolen ma- chinery. Mr. Loomis continued the manufacture of woolen goods until 1854, when he sold out to Orrin F. Smith, who carried on the woolen business until 1861, when it again came into the possession of Col. Loomis.
In 1862, Mr. Loomis sold to the Thames Woolen Company. This company was composed of Andrew M. Farnham, of East Hartford, William W. Billings and Isaac L. Hayden, of Windsor, and Richard G. Hooper, of Glastenbury.
The business was continued by the company until August, 1875, wlien a joint-stock corporation was formned under the old name, with a capital of sixty thousand dollars. The business not proving success- ful, in March, 1877, the company made an assignment of all their property for the benefit of their creditors to Freeman M. Brown, of Hartford, trustee. The bankrupt estate was settled in the Probate Court, and the property sold by order of the court. The pur- chaser was R. G. Hooper, a member of the company, who, in January, 1878, formed a limited partnership with Aaron Shaw, of Philadelphia, R. G. Hooper being general partner, and Mr. Shaw special part- ner. This firm is now successfully engaged in the manufacture of cassimeres and other woolen cloths. They have recently put into their mill several new broad-looms and other improved machinery. The
capacity of the mill consists of four sets of machinery, the product of which is about three hundred thousand yards yearly, employing about sixty workmen.
Messrs. Palmer Brothers, bed-quilt manufacturers, are the owners and operators of the mill located next above R. G. Hooper & Co.'s woolen-mill, and partly on the site of an old oil-mill built in 1798 by Elder Reuben Palmer. The first person occupying this privilege was William Hill, who here started a fulling-mill about 1768 or 1770. This water-privilege was pur- chased by Elder Reuben Palmer of Jeremiah Rogers in 1797. A grist-mill was also started on the prem- ises a short time previous to 1814. This grist-mill was afterwards converted into a distillery, which was run by Elder Palmer and others until it was sold to Gideon Palmer in 1820. The distillery was, soon after its purchase by Gideon Palmer, abandoned, and only the oil business carried on. In 1850, E. H. Palmer and others purchased the oil-mill, together with the water-rights and privileges, and commenced the man- ufacture of cotton rope, twine, and bats. The busi- ness was continued by E. H. Palmer until it came into the possession of Palmer Brothers, the present owners. E. H. Palmer, in '1866, built the stone mill on the north side of the stream, which has since been enlarged by the present owners by an extension of seventy-five feet. The business has been increasing each year since the present firm commenced the manufacture of their bed-quilts. The firm are now turning out two thousand five hundred quilts per day, and allowing three pounds of filling for each quilt, the amount of cotton-waste used is seven thousand five hundred pounds per day, or twenty-two and a half tons per week. Estimating thirteen yards of prints to each quilt, we have thirty-two thousand five hun- dred yards per day, or one hundred and ninety-five thousand yards per week, used for coverings only. They have in operation about forty sewing-machines, single- and two-gong machines. In addition to the manufacture of quilts, they also make about one hun- dred and fifty pounds of mops and two hundred pounds of calking per day. They employ about one hundred and fifty hands.
Palmer Brothers have done very much towards building up the village where they are located. Being young men of steady habits, and combining enter- prise with business talent, of which they are in a large degree possessed, they have been instrumental in giving employment to many who otherwise would be without means of subsistence.
The sixth manufacturing establishment on this stream is the paper-mill owned and operated by C. M. Robertson. This water-power was first utilized by the erection of a dam across the stream at this place by Gideon Palmer, about 1852, which pond so formed was used for some years after as a reservoir. In 1859 the entire water-privilege, together with such water-rights and flowage as were possessed by Gideon Palmer at his decease, were sold by the executor of his estate to the
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