History of New London county, Connecticut : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 60

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton)
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Philadelphia : J.W. Lewis & Co.
Number of Pages: 1317

USA > Connecticut > New London County > History of New London county, Connecticut : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men > Part 60

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HISTORY OF NEW LONDON COUNTY, CONNECTICUT.

merchant till 1864, when, selling ont, he rested for a year from active business, then removed again to New London, and engaged in business as grocer with Mr. Howard, with firm-title of Comstock & Howard. At the end of three years Mr. Comstock purchased the entire interest, and continued the business suc- cessfully alone until March, 1880, when he retired from trade, and has spent most of the time since trav- eling in Europe. He married, Dec. 15, 1842, Eliza A., only daughter of Dr. John L. and Fanny Smith, of Lyme. They have had five children,-Fanny E. (dec'd), Anna C. (dec'd), Mary E., Wilhelmine S. (dec'd), and Seth S. (dec'd).

In politics Mr. Comstock has been unswervingly Whig and Republican. As such represented East Lyme two terms in State Legislature (1848-59), and the Ninth Senatorial District in 1854 in the same assemblage. The same year he was drawn by lot, one of the six senior senators, as a member of the corporation of Yale College. He was for many years town treasurer, was paymaster-general of Connecticut (appointed by Governor Bissell), with rank of major. He has held the office of councilman in New London, and is a director of the New London City National Bank. He united with the Baptist Church of East Lyme years since, and now holds membership with the First Baptist Church of New London.

Orlando C. Gorton .- The honored subject of this sketch, son of Collins and Mary Gorton, was born in East Lyme, April 12, 1814. He was educated at the common schools in his native town, where he suc- ceeded in securing an education that well qualified him for his subsequent successful business career.

Mr. Gorton remained at home until twenty-one years of age, when he went to Philadelphia, and subsequently embarked in the book trade, traveling extensively through the South and employing many agents. He was very successful in this business, in which he continued about twenty years, and suc- ceeded in acquiring a handsome competency. He then closed up his business in the South, and return- ing to his native town, purchased the old farm upon which his father had resided for the past twenty years. Wishing to retire from the active management of the farm after 'about fourteen years, he removed to New London and purchased the place npon which his family now reside, and where his last days were spent.

Mr. Gorton was in every respect a self-made man, and his success was the natural result of his indom- itable will and untiring energy. He was Republican in politics, and represented his town in the Legisla- ture.

March 20, 1856, he married Fanny E., daughter of Calvin and Fanny Spencer, of East Lyme. Their family consisted of the following children : Orlando C., John S., Charles E., Henry (deceased), George A., Fannie, Elizabeth, and Ella.

Mr. Gorton died Nov. 12, 1874.

C. Arnold Weaver (oldest son of Wanton A. and Ann Weaver), one of the oldest merchants in the city of New London, was born in Lyme, Conn., April 12, 1821. His early boyhood was passed in his native town, and at the age of seven years removed with his parents to New London, where, with the ex- ception of a few years, he has since resided. He re- ceived the advantages of a good school education ; was diligent, and attentive to his studies, and obtained an education that well fitted him for his subsequent successful business career. Mr. Weaver's mercantile education was commenced in the store of Cady, Ben- jamin & King, where he remained one year, and in 1838 entered the employ of Weaver & Rogers, mer- chants, who were conducting business at the site now occupied by Mr. Weaver. In the spring of 1843, thinking to better his condition, he went to Sag Harbor, L. I., where he remained until January, 1846, when he returned to New London and entered into partnership with Weaver & Rogers, his former em- ployers, in the ship chandlery and grocery business, where he has since remained in the active prosecution of the business. He was also engaged in the whaling business, which at one time was largely carried on by New London citizens. He has ever manifested a commendable interest in all matters tending to ad- vance the material and religious interests of his adopted city. He is a leading member of the First Baptist Church, is a present member of the board of trustees, has been deacon of the church some twelve years, and served as the clerk over twenty-five years. Politically he is a Republican, and has been since the organization of that party. He has given his entire attention to his business, and has never sought political distinction ; has, however, been a member of the Common Council, and was also a director in the First National Bank, now extinct. In Novem- ber, 1846, he united in marriage with S. Augusta Brown, and their family consists of four children, viz. : Frank A., Annie A., Walter B., and Tillie L. In social life Mr. Weaver is gentlemanly and affable, and one of New London's most honored citizens.

In the year 1870, his health being such that a change and recreation was necessary, upon the rec- ommendation of his physician he took a sea voyage to San Francisco, returning much improved in health and bodily vigor.

The residence of Mr. Weaver is located on Granite Street, in the most elevated and sightly portion of the city.

Charles Treadway, born in Salem, New London Co., Conn., was a descendant of Nathaniel Treadway, weaver, of Sudbury, Mass., 1640. This Nathaniel married Sufferance, daughter of Edward Howe, and removed to Watertown about 1645. He was repeat- edly chosen selectman, and died in 1689. Treadway is not a common name in New England, and all who bear it are probably descended from Nathaniel, as he and his brother Josiah, who had no son, are the only

ORLANDO C. GORTON.

Canola Hear

Ch Treadway 5

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NEW LONDON.

ones of the name whose arrivals are chronicled. Nathaniel had three sons,-Jonathan (of Sudbury), Josiah (last of Charlestown), and James. His daugh- ter Lydia married Josiah Jones, Sr. Charles Tread- way was the son of Charles and Lucretia Treadway. His grandfather was a Revolutionary soldier, and was a prisoner on the Jersey ships, which impaired his health and finally terminated his life. His father was a mechanic. The common schools of Salem afforded the entire educational advantages of Charles, but these were diligently improved, and when only six- teen we find him teaching a district school, and con- tinued thus engaged, in a greater or less degree, for more than thirty years, including twelve and a half consecutive years in New London.

Mr. Treadway then engaged in merchandising in New London, in partnership with Daniel Lee, and continued in trade for nearly forty years.

Mr. Treadway was twice married. His first wife was Eliza H. Lee, of Waterford, Conn. Of their six children, none survived their father. He married his present wife April 18, 1865. She is the daughter of Joseph and Submit T. (Dunham) Woodward, of Mansfield, Tolland Co., Conn. Of their three daugh- ters, but one, Jennie Woodward Treadway, is now living.

Mr. Treadway was a member of the Huntington Street Baptist Church of New London.

He was in early life a Whig in politics, but a Re- publican from the organization of that party, and was an earnest advocate of its principles. He represented New London in the General Assembly of Connecticut in 1852-53, held various town offices, all the duties connected therewith being done to the satisfaction of his constituents.

As a man, none were more valued than he among the citizens of New London for his 'sterling worth. Always unobtrusive, conscientious, and active, he was prominent in local politics, religion, and popular education. In the last he was especially interested. As a teacher, he was universally esteemed, and enjoyed the confidence of his pupils in an unusual degree. In all business matters and in all relations of life he was high-minded and honorable, and was actuated by the best motives, and when his death occurred, Dec. 3, 1878, he was sincerely and deeply mourned.

Oscar F. Sites, M.D., one of the oldest medical practitioners in New London, was born in Freistadt, Silesia, Prussia, March 23, 1810. He first attended the high school in Breslau, Silesia, and was studying medicine in Bonn, on the Rhine, in 1830, when he left the university and joined the revolutionary army of Poland. At the close of the war he went to France and studied homeopathy in that country and in Italy. In the year 1836 he came to America and located in New York City, where he taught music. He also continued the study of his chosen profession, and in 1842 graduated at the Geneva Medical College, at Geneva, N. Y., at that time one of the leading insti-

tutions of the day. In 1845, Dr. Sites came to New London, where he has since remained in the active practice of his honorable profession. Giving his pro- fession his undivided attention, he has raised the standard of homœopathy in New London, has secured a good practice, and is highly esteemed by friends and fellow-townsmen.

Edward Hallam was born in New London, Conn., in 1779, received his education at the schools of his native town, and his early manhood was passed as a merchant there. He was largely concerned in

Edward Ballum

West India commerce and other shipping interests. In this he continued many years, and was a stirring, energetic business man, public-spirited also, and doing much for the good of New London. He at last met with financial reverses, and proceeded West to try new fields of labor. He engaged as an apothecary in Cincinnati, Ohio, for a few years, and about 1822 or '23 returned to New London, and ever after resided there, becoming largely interested in whaling voyages, which were very successful ventures. He continued thus engaged until his death, March 26, 1847. He married, first, Sarah Sage, daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Sage) Johnson ; second, Mary, daughter of Stephen and Esther (Sage) Rainey. He left no chil- dren, Mrs. Hallam surviving him ten years. He was of a warm, social disposition, fond of the com- pany of friends, whom he entertained hospitably and pleasantly. He was fond of humor, was himself a great wit, and his friends were held by a strong tie. He was a member, and for several years warden, of the

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HISTORY OF NEW LONDON COUNTY, CONNECTICUT.

Episcopal Church, and reverenced for his consistent Christian character. He never cared for office, and shrank from public life, but when he died he was more missed by a large circle of friends than many who were laden with worldly titles and honors. Mrs. Hal- lam died Nov. 18, 1857, and both lie buried in Cedar Grove Cemetery, New London.

CHAPTER XIX.

NORWICH.

Geographical-Topographical-The Mohegans-The Indian Deed-The First Settlements-Survey of the Townships-Original Proprietors- Home-Lots-The Town Plot-Plan of the Ancient Settlement-Pioneer Schools-Early Births, Marriages, and Deaths-The First Mill-The First Chaise.

THE town of Norwich lies north of the centre of the county, and is bounded as follows: on the north by Sprague, on the east by Lisbon and Preston, on the south by Montville, and on the west by Bozrah and Franklin. The surface of the town is diversified by hills and valleys and the soil is strong and fertile.

Two hundred and forty years ago but a faint wave of civilization had broken upon the primeval forest of the territory now embraced within the bounds of the State of Connecticut. There was a plantation on the Sound at Fairfield, also a small settlement at Hart- ford and New Haven, but for the most part it was in the undisputed possession of the red man. At the time of the settlement of the English the possession of the eastern part of the State was held by the Mo- hegans, and the territory now embraced within the present bounds of Norwich, Franklin, Bozrah, Sprague, Lisbon, and a portion of Preston known as the Nine- mile Square, was claimed by Uncas, the Mohegan chief, and was distinguished by the name of Mohegan.

The jurisdiction of the Mohegan territory was ceded to the colonial authorities by Uncas, Sept. 28, 1640, the deed being witnessed by William Thompson, Thomas Leffingwell, and Benjamin Brewster.

The Indian Deed .- The Indian deed of the town was executed June 6, 1659, and was as follows :

" Know all men that Oukos, Owaneco, Attawanhood, Indians of Mo- hegan, have Bargained, sold, and passed over, and doe by these presents sell and pass over unto the Towne and Inhabitants of Norwich nine miles square of land lying and being at Moheagan and the parts thereunto ad- joyneing, with all ponds, rivers, woods, quarries, mines, with all royalties, privileges, and appurtenances thereunto belonging, to them the said in- habitants of Norwich, theire heirs and successors forever-the said lands are to be bounded as followerh, (viz.) to the southward on the west side of the Great River, ye line is to begin at the brooke falling into the head of Trading Cove, and soe to run west norwest seven miles-from thence the line to run nor north east nine miles, and on the East side the nfores'd river to the southward the line is to joyne with New London bounds as It Is now laid out and soe to run east two miles from the foresd river, and soe from thence the line is to run nor noreast nine miles and from thence to run nor norwest nine iniles to meet with the western line .- In consideration whereof the ad Onkos, Owaneco and Attawanhood doe ac- knowledge to have received of the parties aforest the full and juste sum of seventy pounds and due promise and engage ourselves, heirs and snc-

cessors, to warrant the sd bargin and sale to the aforesd parties, their heirs and successors, and them to defend from all claims and molestations from any whatsoever .- In witness whereof we have hereunto set to our hands this 6th of June, Anno 1659.

" UNKOS

his marke

" OWANECO

marke

" ATTAWANNJOOD

marke

" Witness herounto

" JOHN MASON

" THOMAS TRACY.

" This deed is recorded in the Country Booke Agust 20th 1663; as atests

"JOHN ALLYN, Sec'y."

This tract was described in the proprietor's records as follows :

The line commenced at the mouth of Trading Cove, where the brook falls into the cove; thence W. N. W. seven miles to a Great Pond (now in the corner of Bozrah and Colchester), the limit in this direction being denoted by a black oak marked N that stood near the outlet of the "Great Brook that runs out of the pond to Norwich river ;" thence N. N. E. nine miles to a black oak standing on the south side of the river (Shetucket), " a little above Maw-mi-ag-wang ;" thence S. S. E. nine miles, crossing the Shetucket and the Quinnebaug, and passing through " a Seader Swamp called Catantaquack," to a white-oak tree marked N, thirteen rods beyond a brook called Quo-qui-qua-soug, the space from the Quinnebaug to this tree being just one mile and fifty-eight rods; thence S. S. W. nine miles to a white oak marked N, near the dwelling- houses of Robert Allyn and Thomas Rose, where Nor- wich and New London bounds join; thence west on the New London bounds, crossing the southern part of Mr. Brewster's land, two miles to Mohegan River, opposite the mouth of Trading Cove Brook, where the first bounds began.

The Settlement of Norwich .- The settlement of Norwich was made by inhabitants of Saybrook, under the leadership of the celebrated Capt. John Mason, a man familiar with the Indian country, well known to Uncas, the Mohegan sachem, and of much influence in the colony. The petition to the General Court for permission to begin the settlement was made in May, 1659. The court answered the petitioners as follows:

" Hartford, May 20, (59). This Court haveing considered the petition presented by the inhabitants of Seabrook, doe declare yt they approve and consent to what is desired by ye petitioners, respecting Mohegin, provided yt within ye space of three yeares they doe effect a plantation in ye place propounded."

Survey of the Township .- The preliminary step having been taken, the next move was for a survey of the province, which was made in 1659, when the

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NORWICH.

town plot was laid out, a highway opened, and the home-lots measured and assigned. A few of the set- tlers removed to the new plantation during the fall of 1659 and remained through the winter, but no goods were removed until the spring of the following year.

Original Proprietors-Home-Lots .- The state- ment has been made by various historians that the original proprietors numbered just thirty-five, but the painstaking and indefatigable Miss Caulkins, in her "History of Norwich," after thorough research, says,-

" The following list comprises those against whom not only nothing is found to militate against their being ranked as first proprietors, but, on the contrary, the records either prove conclusively or favor the idea that they belonged to that class : Rev. James Fitch, Maj. John Mason, Thomas Adgate, Robert Allyn, William Backus, William Backus, Jr., John Baldwin, John Birchard, Thomas Bliss, Morgan Bowers, Hugh Calkins, John Calkins, Richard Edgerton, Francis Griswold, Christopher Huntington, Simon Hunting- ton, William Hyde, Samuel Hyde, Thomas Leffing- well, John Olmstead, John Pease, John Post, Thomas Post, John Reynolds, Jonathan Royce, Nehemiah Smith, Thomas Tracy, Robert Wade.

"Others having original home-lots and all the privileges of first proprietors were Thomas Bingham, John Bradford, John Gager, Stephen Gifford, Richard Hendy, Thomas Howard, Thomas Waterman, John Tracy, Josiah Reed, Richard Wallis.

" Of this second class, Bingham, Gifford, Howard, Reed, Tracy, and Waterman were probably minors when the plantation commenced. They were all married between 1666 and 1670, inclusive, and were all living except Howard in 1702, when a roll of the inhabitants was made in reference to a division of lands which distinguished the surviving first proprie- tors from the list of accepted inhabitants. Bingham, Gifford, Reed, Tracy, and Waterman were enrolled with the latter, which would seem to settle the point that they were not original proprietors.

"Most of these names, however, are necessary in order to make up the charmed number thirty-five. From the position these young men took and the prominence of their descendants in the history of the town they seem to have a higher claim to be ranked as proprietors than some of the earlier class,-Hendy and Wallis, for instance, of whom we know little more than their names, and Wade, who soon alienated his possessions. By dropping these three names and accepting the six minors we are brought back to the time-honored prescriptive number thirty-five.

" Stephen Backus, another minor, became a propri- etor in the right of his father, William Backus, who died soon after the settlement."

The Town Plot .- " The town plot was laid out in a winding vale, which followed the course of the rapid, circuitous Yantic, and was sheltered for the greater part of the way on either side by abrupt and rocky

but well-wooded hills. A broad street or highway was opened through this valley, on each side of which the home-lots were arranged.

" A pathway was likewise cleared from the centre of the settlement to the Indian landing-place below the falls of the Yantic, near the head of the Cove, following the old Indian trail from Ox Hill to Yantic ford. This path, called by the settlers Mill Lane, was the most eligible route by which the effects of the planters could be conveyed. In some places the for- ests had been thinned of their undergrowth by fires, to afford scope for the Indians in their passionate love of the chase, and the beaver had done his part towards clearing the lowlands and banks of the rivers. A few wigwams were scattered here and there, the occasional abodes of wandering families of Indians at certain seasons of the year, who came hither for supplies of fish, fruit, or game; and the summits of some of the hills were crowned with disorderly heaps of stones, showing where some rude defense had been con- structed in the course of their wars. But in every other respect the land was in its natural wild state. It was a laborious task to cut down trees, to burn the underbrush, to mark out roads and pathways, to throw temporary bridges over the runs of water, and to collect the materials for building.

" The home-lots comprised each a block of several acres, and were in general river-lands, favorable for mowing, pasture, and tillage. Here lay the prime advantage to be gained by a change of residence, the first proprietors being, with scarcely a single excep- tion, agriculturists and farmers.

" Each homestead had a tract of pasture-land in- cluded in it or laid out as near to it as was conven- ient. Where the street approached the river the planters had their pasture-lots, in the same line with the house-lots on the opposite side of the stream.

" Near the centre of the town plot an open space was left for public buildings and military parades. This was soon known as the green, or plain. Here stood the first meeting-house, towards the south side, with the open common around it, and a steep pitch to the river. Of its erection there is no record.

"The dwellings of Mr. Fitch and Maj. Mason were near together, facing the green, and with the river in their rear. The road running from the green to the river, and spanning the stream with a bridge, sepa- rated the two homesteads. The allotment of Mr. Fitch, consisting of eleven acres, was on the southeast side of the green; the home-lot of Mason, 'eight acres more or less,'-the early measurements were extremely liberal,-was on the southwest side.

"The first wife of Mr. Fitch died at Saybrook in September, 1659. He came to Norwich a widower with six children, two of them sons-five and eleven years of age-who became active business men, and appear in so short a time taking part in the affairs of the town that it might be a pardonable inaccuracy were they ranked as original planters.

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HISTORY OF NEW LONDON COUNTY, CONNECTICUT ..

" Three acres of Mr. Fitch's home-lot he afterwards transferred to his son, Capt. James Fitch.

" On the northwest side of the green, covering the ledgy side hill, was the allotment of Stephen Gifford.

This was afterwards bought by the town for par- sonage-land. On this hill, in the time of Philip's war, the meeting-house, the second sacred edifice of the town, stood.

" At the east end of the green was the homestead of Simon Huntington. His lot was laid out on both sides of the street, with a pleasant rivulet running through it and a lane winding into the woods on one side, separating his land from that of his neighbor, Bradford.

"On the river, southeast of Mr. Fitch, was the lot of John Olmstead, eight acres, and next to him that of William Backus, Sr., six acres. Mr. Backus died soon after the settlement, and left his accommodations to his son Stephen, in whose name they were sub- sequently registered.

"' Memoranda : the footeway six foote broad which goes through the home-lot of Mr. Fitch, John Holmstead, and Stoven Backns was laid ont by Towne order and agreement for the use of the towne in August, 1661.'

"This path for more than a century remained a pent-way, with a gate and turnstile at each end, and when at last-that is, a little before the Revolution- ary war-it was widened into a road and thrown open to the public it was dark with shrubbery and over- hanging trees, and known as the road through the Grove.

"Thomas Tracy's home-lot of nine acres lay east of Simon Huntington's, on the south side of the street, which here runs nearly east and west.

"John Bradford, four acres, opposite Tracy, with the street and highways on all sides. 'Mr. John Bradford's corner' was quoted as a landmark. This was at the east end of his lot, where what was then called ' the road to Shetucket' began.

" Christopher Huntington, six acres, east of Thomas Tracy, with the brook between them.

"South of Huntington's corner was a ravine, with a pitch of several feet, through which in times of abundant rain another gurgling stream, formed by rivulets trickling down from Sentry Hill, passed into the dense alder swamp below. South of this ravine was the allotment of Thomas Adgate, whose land met that of Olmstead at the corner, completing the circle of home-lots around the central block.

" Opposite the homestead of Adgate a branch of the town street ascended Sentry Hill, and came down again to the main road below the corner, in the line of the old Indian trail towards the fords of the Yantic.

" Upon this side road, near where it came into the Town Street, was the lot of Sergt. Thomas Leffing- well, twelve aeres, with an additional pasture-lot of ten acres, with Indian wigwams then upon it, ‘abutt- ing easterly upon the rocks.' The house-lot was eighty-six rods in length upon the narrow highway.

"Sergt. Leffingwell was peculiarly the soldier and guardsman of the new town, and Sentry Hill was the lookout post, commanding the customary Indian route from Narragansett to Mohegan. A sentry-box was built on the summit, and in times of danger and ex- citement a constant watch was kept from the height. Here, too, in the war with Philip a small guard-house was built, sufficient for some ten or twelve soldiers to be housed. It has of late been called Centre Hill, an unconscious change from Sentry that has probably obtained currency from the supposition that the name referred to its position among other elevations in this multitude of hills. Nor is the name at present inap- plicable, this being not far from the centre of the modern township, though by no means central in ref- erence to the original nine miles square.

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History of New London county, Connecticut : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 60

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Philadelphia : J.W. Lewis & Co. Number of Pages: 1317

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton)
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Philadelphia : J.W. Lewis & Co.
Number of Pages: 1317