USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > Seymour > History of Seymour, Connecticut, with biographies and genealogies > Part 10
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28
73
SEYMOUR AND VICINITY.
1844-7]
had not yet given a deed, and probably without thinking of the effect, was induced to sell to Mr. Phelps for a trifling sum the right to flow a small stream back on his land. Mr. F. hearing of this went below Holbrook and made a purchase of William Church, from the river to the hill, and Phelps was checkmated. The result was that Phelps finally purchased the dam and appurtenances Dec. 5th, 1844, (D. R., Vol. 32, p. 53-55,) and R. French & Co. built the brick shops on the west side of Main street.
William Buffum purchased the cotton mill from the Humphreysville Manufacturing Co. July 1st, 1845, for $12,000 and the payment of $300 annually. The purchase included land 100 by 132 feet, being 50 feet on the front and rear, and 10 feet at each end of the mill, "with sufficient water to drive the water wheel in a reasonable manner for the purpose of propelling machinery to an amount suitable to the capacity of the wheel, using the water advantageously and economically," &c. D. R., Vol. 32, p. 98. Ile carried on the business until R. French & Co. sold their mill in Blueville to DeForest & Hodge, Oct. 31st, 1845, for $5,000. D. R., Vol. 33, p. 87. Portions of this property had been purchased by French & Upson of J. C. Wheeler, Nov. 21st, 1839, and Nov. 12th, 1840; and of Bassett & Smith Oct. 27th, 1843.
Some of the tradesmen of the place were-Robert J. Abbott, Apothecary and Druggist; David B. Clark, tavernkeepeer; John S. Moshier, tavern- keeper; Harrison Tomlinson, general country store; Ransom Tomlinson, dealer in meat, &c.
The first number of the Derby Journal appeared Dec. 25th, 1846, and contained the following appeal to the people of the Naugatuck Valley to aid in the construction of the Naugatuck railroad.
"The New York and New Haven Railroad Co. have contracted for the construction of their road, which is to be completed within the coming year.
This road will cross the Housatonic river a short distance above the present Washington Bridge, and from this point to Waterbury is probably from 25 to 28 miles. By following the Valley of the Naugatuck from Waterbury, or some point above, to where that stream unites with the Housatonic, and thenee on the bank of that river to where the line intersects the New York road, a very easy grade would be obtained, and at a very moderate expenditure. An aet of incorporation for this road was obtained in 1845, with power to commence at Plymonth or Waterbury, and to terminate at New Haven, Milford or Bridgeport, after passing through Derby.
* Much more might be said of the wants of the Nangatnek Valley, as well as of its * * * resources, its business, its large amount of yet unused water-power, and its enterprise, but my present object is to direct attention to the subject, hoping that those more conversant with it will engage in the eanse, and especially our northern friends." Humphreysville responded by subscribing $ 10,000.
The Mexican War created quite an excitement here and the Humph- reysville Greys volunteered their services to the government to aid Gen. Taylor. The official document to muster them into service was received on the evening of Jan. 27th and read in the armory of the Humphreysville Greys, amidst much enthusiasm. The principal officers of the company were G. W. Divine, Captain ; Charles W. Storrs, 1st Lieutenant ; Wilson Wyant, 2nd Lieutenant; W. W. Smith, Orderly Sergeant. The armory was over Ezekiel Gilbert's store and Mr. Gilbert came out and said,-"Zach. was whipped at one time, but he didn't know it and went on and conquered, and he will be our next president." And he was, but for some reason the com- pany did not go to Mexico. Capt. Divine had served in the Florida War, and Capts. Wyant and Smith afterward did efficient service in the war of the rebellion. Clark Ford, now a resident of Seymour, was in the 9th New England Regiment, (Thomas H. Seymour, Col.) and is said to have pulled down the Mexican colors at Chapultepec. George N. Shelton, who was for many years a resident of Seymour and engaged in various enterprises here, was
74
SEYMOUR AND VICINITY.
[1847
appointed Adjutant General by the Governor in May, 1847. Ransom Gay- lord, a lawyer from Massachusetts, who had been teaching the Shrub Oak school, went to Waterbury and there enlisted as a private.
The Congregational Church was commenced in 1846, (vide, page 13,) and dedicated April 20th, 1847.
Daniel White represented Humphreysville this year in the board of selectmen of the town of Derby.
There were three heavy freshets in the spring of 1847, viz: Feb. 3rd and 8th, and March 20th.
The firm of French, Swift & Co. was formed in 1847, and April 5th, they bought the property on Little River, now owned by Henry B. Beecher, of James L. Spencer for $1,800. The firm consisted of Warren French, Charles Swift, John F. Marshall, Lemuel Bliss, H. B. Beecher and H. A. Radford, who were spoken of as the "six partners." A farther purchase was made from Clark Wooster Dec. 17th.
A union Sunday school celebration of the Congregational, Episcopal and Methodist churches was held the first Thursday in September. The West- ville and Bethany Sunday schools were also invited and a grand holiday was the result.
The upper dam was commenced this year by French & Dwight, and the west abutment and wall were built.
The works of French, Swift & Co. caught fire Dec. 6th, in the finishing room, and the flames spread rapidly but were subdued after considerable dan- age had been done.
Albert J. Steele sold his furniture and undertaking business Dec. 20th, 1847, to Johnson & Bassett, David Johnson selling out to E. F. Bassett a year later. The salesroom was in the building in the south angle of Main and Hill streets, with a shop on the west side of Hill street, a little above, and another with power in the rear of the sawmill, near the falls. Five years later Mr. Bassett put up the building on the east side of Hill street for a shop and salesroom.
Phonography and phonotopy was taught by Charles Randall and the study was quite popular among the young folks.
Among the members of the Humphreysville Lyceum which met in the basement of the Congregational Church in the winter of 1847-8, was Dr. Yale, a botanie physician, who went to California in the time of the gold excitement, and died there. The name of the Lyceum was changed to the Humphreysville Literary Association. Luzon P. Morris was the president. Among the leading members were J. Kendall, John W. Storrs, Jolm L. Daniels, Clement A. Sargent, George W. Divine and Henry Russell.
The cornerstone of the M. E. Church was laid June 19th, 1847, and the church was dedicated Jan. 18th, 1848. The following description of the church was published in the Derby Journal of Feb. 3rd :
The house is Gothic in design, 40 by 60 feet in dimensions, with a basement al- most entirely above ground containing a commodious lecture-room and two class- rooms. It has an excellent toned bell of 1,150 pounds weight. The slips, the ceiling, the altar and the galleries are grained; the scrolls on the slips are of black walnut. The base on the pulpit is painted in imitation of Egyptian marble, and the pulpit Sienna marble. The walls, above and below, are frescoed. The ascent from the base- ment to the vestibule, and from thence to the galleries, is by a spiral stairs in the steeple and turret. The windows in front, as also those in the steeple and turret, are of stained glass. The sofa, chairs and table, together with the columns for the pulpit
75
SEYMOUR AND VICINITY.
1847]
lamps are of black walnut. The cost of the building is about five thousand dollars. In the afternoon of the day of dedication the slips were rented, and the Trustees will realize about $600 therefrom.
Mr. Hotchkiss, of Birmingham, was the architect ; and he is justly deserving of credit for the plan of the building-the proper proportion and beautiful symmetry of which, favorably impress almost every beholder. The writer of this is authorized to say that the building committee and trustees ef the church take great pleasure in giving publicity to the feeling of entire satisfaction which they entertain in reference to those who have been employed in erceting the house-by the manner in which they have acquitted themselves.
To the Builder, Mr. Amos Hine, of Woodbridge, who has shown himself to be both competent and faithful. While engaged in the construction of the house, he has apparently identified himself with the interests of those by whom he was employed.
To the Masons, Mr. Jerry Bassett and Mr. Isauc Davis, both of this village, the former for the neat and substantial wall of the basement, together with the steps, both of which are pronounced second to none in this region; the latter, who has done himself great credit by the manner in which the walls were finished, in the plastering and frescoing, above and below.
To the Painter, Mr. Martin, also of this village, who in the external painting and sanding of the house, together with the internal work, has shown himself master of his business .- The work upon the pulpit was done at his own suggestion and expense, and is considered to be in excellent taste, presenting a beautiful contrast with the base, as well as the other parts of the house.
The trustees and members of the church take great pleasure in acknowledging the donation of the beautiful black walnut table, valued at twenty-six dollars, pre- sented by Mr. Albert J. Steele, of this village, the workmanship of Mr. David John- son, also of this village.
Great praise is also due to the ladies connected with the "Female Aid Society" of this church, and others who have assisted in the work, for the neat and tasteful manner in which they have furnished the church .- The carpets, the trimmings of the pulpit, the sofa, the chairs for the altar; together with the lamps, are the result of their labors, and speak much for their zeal and diligence in the cause.
While the members connected with this church congratulate themselves in having by the good hand of God, so comfortable a place in which to worship the God of their fathers, they are not insensible to the feeling of kindness and good will which bas prompted members of the sister church to lend a helping hand in this enterprise. May the good Lord reward them au hundred fold, in spiritual blessings. C. S.
The strip of land west of the church, now surrounded by rows of elms and maples, was deeded to the Society, Oct. 31st, 1848, by Rev. Sylvester Smith. D. R., Vol. 35, page 215.
"Commencing at a point on the line of the highway at the corner of the land this day deeded to Medad K. Tucker, and running easterly on sd highway line 3.28% rods to the line of this grantee, thence southerly on sd grantee's line 1420, rods to a point on Bennett Wooster's line close by a maple tree, thence running the south side of sd tree ou sd Bennett Wooster's line 3,20% rods, thence northerly on Medud K. Tucker's line to the place of beginning, said last mentioned line being 14,24 rods, containing an area of 43 rods, hereby saring and reserring to myself the fee simple of sd land after the sd church shall fail to sustain u meeting house where their house now stands, hereby only granting the use of set land to sd church so long us the same shall remain in the control and direction of the trustees of sd church during the time aforcsaid solely for the accommodation of the Methodist E. Society of Humphreysrille, and when the sd Society ceases to maintain sd church in the place where it now stands, then sd luud is to revert to this Grantor, his heirs and assigns."
76
SEYMOUR AND 'VICINITY.
[1847
The subject of temperance was prominent at this time and the Humph- reysville Total Abstinence Society had been organized for the purpose of holding temperance meetings and in various ways advancing the temperance cause. Mr. Isaac Losee, Sen., was the President of the Society in 1847. There were at this time five liquor-selling establishments in the place. In April of this year the officers of the Total Abstinence Society were John L. Daniels, President ; Joshua Kendall and Juhus Bassett, Vice-presidents ; John W. Storrs, Secretary and Treasurer; William Tuthill, James L. Spen- cer and Charles Swift, Standing Committee.
The other Temperance Association, Rock Spring Division, No. 12, S. of T., was in a flourishing condition. In January its officers were :- Jolm W. Storrs, W. P .; Daniel I. Putnam, W. A .; William W. Steele, R. S. ; John Adams, A. R. S .; William B. Curtiss, F. S .; James A. Stephens, C .; David Tucker, A. C .; Charles Swift, I. S .; Perry Cadwell, O. S. In the fall they were-John W. Storrs, P. W. P .; D. J. Putnam, W. P .; J. A. Stevens, W. A .; John Adams, R. S .; James L. Spencer, A. R. S .; W. B. Curtiss, F. S .; Wilson Wyant, T .; David Tucker, C .; Austin R. Pardee, A. C .; Wilson Hendryx, I. S. ; Edwin Wheeler, O. S.
The New Haven Courier in February contained the following in regard to the proposed Naugatuck Railroad, the building of which was commenced in April :
No business man can doubt but that the trade of 20 or 30,000 people is worth obtaining, or that it would be desirable to have this city a depot for the five millions worth of manufactured goods annually produced in that region. But the present trade of that valley is nothing, absolutely hothing, to what ii will, and must, be when communication is opened by means of a railroad. We have the authority of the State Surveyor for saying, that the facilities for manufacturing on the Nangatuck are greater than on any other stream in the State, and these facilities are not as yet half or quarter improved. Besides the Naugatuck, there is an unimproved power on the Honsatonic, at Birmingham, more than twice as great as all the power at Lowell, and capitalists already have their eyes upon this, and it will be improved.
The Saturday before May 25th, there was a tremendous hailstorm ac- companied by terrific thunder and lightning and torrents of rain. The ground was literally covered with hailstones, many of which were as large as pigeons eggs. As described by a writer of the scene, "It seemed for a few moments as if all Iceland had been broken up and was being showered down on our devoted heads." One horse was so frightened that he ran, throwing out its driver, who was seriously injured. Other horses were so stupefied with fear that it was with great difficulty that their drivers could urge them to places of shelter.
Leverett Pritchard died June 4th, in the 83rd year of his age. He had "been an inhabitant of the town from his infancy, and his character ever remained unspotted, so much so that his morality had become proverbial. From his door the friendless were never spurned, and from his bounty the hungry were fed and the naked clothed. In him the needy and destitute found a friend."-(Derby Journal.)
The Thursday before June 15th two men were covered by a landslide about a mile above the village, where workmen were engaged in making ex- cavations for the railroad. One of them was not found util life was extinet. The railroad bridge across the Naugatuck was built under contract by Dwight & French.
The new hall of Rock Spring Division, at the west end of the Nauga- tuck Bridge, was dedicated on the Friday evening before the 16th of October.
1848-49]
SEYMOUR AND VICINITY.
George W. Bungay was the principal speaker and a poem was read by John W. Storrs.
On Tuesday evening, Aug. 1st, 1848, Gough made a powerful temper- ance speech in the M. E. Church, and on Monday and Wednesday evenings of the same week he lectured in the Congregational Church.
The telegraph came following close upon the railroad, and in November was in operation.
In this year Mr. Hyde from Oxford, N. Y., called to see his native place after an absence of thirty-four years. His father had been drowned in the Housatonic River. His mother was buried in the Methodist cemetery. His brother Abijah Hyde was then living in Quaker Farms. Orson Hyde, the Mormon, was a brother of these. The old homestead was in the corner of the lot opposite Cedar Ridge school house, now owned by Judge Munson. The Hydes were remarkable for their good memories. Abijah and his brother from York state were Methodists, and the York state man has sons who have been noted as scholars in the M. E. Church.
A young man named Pitt was killed Nov. 11th, 1818, near the Bell school house, by the bursting of a cannon which was being fired in honor of the election of General Taylor to the presidency.
Most of the maples near the M. E. Church were set out Oet. 28th, 1818, by Rev. Sylvester Smith and his son. Two had been set out on the west side of the church some years before by Alva Davis.
Lewis Bunce lost about $4,000 by the burning of his papermill, Dec. 23, 1848. Stock to the amount of $675 was saved and he received $1,325 insurance.
The Rimmon paper Co. seems then to have been organized, as the D. R., Vol. 32, page 306, under date of Jan. 27th, 1849, refers to machinery of the mill which was destroyed by fire and states that the Company has a paid in capital of $5,100. The stock was taken as follows : Andrew W. DeForest, 66 shares ; Burritt Hitchcock, 66 shares ; Eli Hayes, 36 shares ; Horace Riley, 12 shares ; James H. Bidwell, 30 shares ; James Wallace, 20 shares ; A. W. DeForest, Agt., 10 shares; total, 240 shares. Burritt Hitchcock, president ; A. W. DeForest, secretary. Bunce continued in charge of the mill which was located near the mouth of Little River, where the Douglass Manufacturing Co's lower shop now is.
The establishment of Humphreysville Academy is best recorded by quoting from the prospectus issued at the time.
HUMPHREYSVILLE ACADEMY, HUMPHREYSVILLE, CONN.,
GEORGE B. GLENDINING, A. M., AND MRS. NANCY H. GLENDINING, PRINCIPALS,
The selection of Humphreysville for an Academic Institution, has been made not more with reference to the place itsell' than to a wide traet of the surrounding country. for which there have remed te he educational demands.
Located in the romantic valley of the Nangatnek, Humphreysville is peculiarly healthy . and distant only ten miles from New Haven, sixteen from Bridgeport, and eighty from New York -- with all of which places it is connected by a railroad soon to be in operation, it is most easily accessible
For the youth of the place and the country around it, a higher institution of learning has ap peared to be needed ; at the same time regard has been had youth of the cities, for whom there may be here furnished, in connection with educational facilities at the most moderale rates, the safest guarantees for health and morals. The course of instruction to be pursued in Academy is designed lo meet the wants of pupils of both sexes, and of various ages and destination. Whatever the pupils shall profess to learn they will be required to learn thoroughly-superficial attainments being
78
SEYMOUR AND VICINITY.
[1849
regarded as of little worth. * Instruction will be given in all the branches of an English education ; in the Classics-Latin and Greek; in French and Music. * * *
The Principals trust to the fruits of their labors so to commend them as to gain for their Academy an extended patronage. At their commencement they offer their qualifications, experience in teaching and devotion to the work, as pledges to satisfy such as may commit pupils to their charge. In addition they may refer to the Rev. W. F. Walker, Rector of Union Church, Humphreysville, who has known them for many years in their office as teachers; to the principal inhabitants of Troy, N. Y., where for nine years they taught successfully ; to the trustees of Cayuga Academy, Aurora, New York, of which Mr. G. was more than two years Principal; to Professor Mills of New York city, and to Professor Berteau of Brooklyn, L. I., in whose institution Mr. G. was more than two years professor of Belles Lettres.
IIumphreysville, Feb. 22nd, 1849.
Speaking of Glendining's Academy the Derby Journal said, "The natural and picturesque scenery with which Humphreysville abounds, and the quietness of the village, render it exceedingly well adapted for the location of an institution of the kind."
The new comers were immediately received with favor. In May the Academy had already forty-seven pupils.
Buffum's Cotton Factory took fire Feb. 22nd, but the flames were sup- pressed before any great damage was done. Loss about $200. Insured. A portable fire engine which was kept in the building was made to render good service, the water being carried from the "canal" to the reservoir of the engine in pails and then forced in a stream against the building.
In March Nathan White made an engraving of the village, which was spoken of by the Derby Journal as "very prettily gotten up and giving au accurate idea of the place."
There were in operation one cotton factory, three paper mills, French & Dwight's large establishment for the manufacture of augers, plane irons and other edge tools; also three other auger factories and one ax factory. A large building was being erected for the construction of cars.
Thursday evening, Mar. 15th, about 9 o'clock, French & Dwighit's ma- chine shop was found to be on fire and was burned with all its contents. The shop was an old wooden one and was well stocked with tools, patterns, &c. Loss from $2,000 to $3,000. It stood on the east side of the canal where is now the tinning shop of the N. H. Copper Co.
John J. Rider was licensed as taverner and all licenses to sell spiritnous liquors were refused. Jacob Carter lectured on temperance Feb. 12th. Julius Bassett sailed for California Jan. 23rd.
Joshua Kendall, D. G. W. P., installed the officers of Rock Spring Di- vision Jan. 13th, as follows: William B. Curtiss, W. P .; John Adams, W. A .; John W. Storrs, R. S. ; William Hughes, A. R. S .; Edward F. Bassett, F. S .; Henry Patterson, C .; Alonzo T. Smithi, A. C .; Edward Hotchkiss, I. S .; E. Gainsby, O. S.
In April, Joshua Kendall was elected representative for the town of Derby.
The first locomotive came to Humphreysville on Thursday afternoon, May 10th, 1849; and the first passenger train on the following Monday, May, 14th.
Wilson Weston had his left hand and arm severely mangled June 28th, by the shears for cutting iron and steel, in the works of the Humphreysville Manufacturing Co.
The Rimmon dam was commenced this summer by Dwight & French. The society of the "Daughters of Temperance" was instituted in August.
Friday, Dec. 14th, William B. Watson's horse was killed by a loco- motive and his stage broken up.
79
SEYMOUR AND VICINITY.
1849-50]
In June the small pox was prevalent in Blueville, the dreaded disease having been brought in rags to the papermill.
VILLAGE DIRECTORY IN 1849.
Alopathic Physicians, Joshua Kendall, S. C. Johnson, Thomas Stoddard. Attorney, H. B. Munson.
Augers and bit manufacturers, Dwight & French ; French, Swift & Co .; and Hiram Upson.
Ax manufacturer, Clark Wooster.
Boot and shoe dealer, William Ilull.
Botanic Physician, J. D. A. Yale.
Clergymen, Congregational, William B. Curtiss ; Episcopal, William F. Walker; Methodist, Charles Stearns ; Baptist, William Dennison.
Cotton manufacturers, William Buffum, shirtings, 500,000 yds. yearly, consuming fifty tons of cotton, and running 54 looms. Forty-one persons employed. Sherman & Beardsley were manufacturing stocking yarn, batting twine and carpet warp.
Druggists, James Davis, Robert J. Abbott.
Furniture manufacturers and dealers, Johnson & Bassett.
Harness maker, Isaac N. Martin.
Justice of the Peace, Albert J. Steele.
John Moshier kept the only livery stable, in connection with the tavern. Merchants, Lyman Smith, Lucius Blackman, Downs & Sanford, Harri- son Tomlinson, Elias Hotchkiss, Humphrey & Wooster, Tuttle & Bassett, and Lucius Tuttle.
Paper makers, DeForest & Hodge, manufactured 480,000 1bs. printing paper yearly ; Lewis Bunce, manufactured printing paper, clothiers' boards and press paper; Smith & Bassett, manufactured wrapping, straw and button boards.
Store and tinware dealers, E. Lewis & Co.
Tailors, J. A. Stevens, Charles W. Storrs.
The Humphreysville Copper Co. was organized in 1849 with a capital stock of $40,000. The first issue of stock was forty shares to S. C. Johnson, Jan. 23rd. The proposal to establish a coppermill here was first made by Isaac Nathans to Raymond French. Mr. F. went to New York and made inquiries in regard to the manufacture of copper, prices of stock and manu- factured goods, etc., and becoming satisfied that the business was then a profitable one, returned and organized the company. J. W. Dwight was the first president of the company. The directors, Feb. 8th, were-Raymond French, Harrison Tomlinson, George Rice and Sheldon Kinney. D. R., Vol. 32, page 309.
In the spring of 1850 there was quite an exciting time over the election. The postmaster, Mr. Lum, had recently died and Rev. Samuel Hickox was talked of as successor, but John W. Storrs was finally appointed. The de- cision being partly a party matter, aided by religious preferences and preju- diees, it became evident in March that the matter would considerably affect the spring election. Thomas Burlock of Ansonia was nominated by the whigs and Rev. Sylvester Smith of Humphreysville by the democrats. The election was held in the basement of the Congregational Church in Hum- phreysville. The friends of the defeated candidate for postmaster rallied for Rev. Sylvester Smith, and while Mr. Burlock confidently expected a majority of 125, Mr. S. received a majority of 26. Burlock was a great politician,
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.