USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > Stamford > History of Stamford, Connecticut : from its settlement in 1641, to the present time, including Darien, which was one of its parishes until 1820 > Part 28
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This year marks a new era in the administration of the schools. They are now provided for, not in the town meeting as heretofore, but in the ecclesiastical Society meeting. By this meeting, orderly warned, Dec. 26, 1734, three committees are appointed to take care of the schools; the first consisting of Eliphalet Holly, Mr. Jona. Maltby, and Ebenezer Weed ;
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the second, of Capt. Jonas Hoyt, Joseph Waterbury, and Nathaniel Weed, and the third of Ensign Knapp, John Pe- noyer, and Nathaniel Webb. Though the record assigns them no restricted territory over which their respective juris- dietion is to extend, the names would leave us to assign to the first committee the center of the town, between Mill and No- roton rivers ; to the second, all east of the Noroton, and to the third, all west of the Mill river.
Two years later three committees are again appointed, when the members are located as follows : Thomas Skelding and John Holly, middle of the town; Justice Wheeler, Jona. Cla- son and Moses Knapp, over Mill river; and Capt. Jona. Hoyt, Nath'l Weed, and Jona. Bell, over the Noroton river.
In 1739, the town give permission to " the inhabitants of the middle portion of the town to set up a school house on the west end of the town house, and the town's committee to stake out the place for them."
In 1744 the Simsbury people were allowed to use their part of the school money if they choose to do so at home, if not, it must go to the people on the west side of Mill river.
At this time, and for some years later, the school committee seem to have been appointed as one body, yet selected doubt- less with reference to their residence in the different parts of the town. In 1747 this committee consisted of Ensign John Holly, Sergeant James Bell, Peter Demill, Col. Jona. Hoyt, Lieut. David Waterbury, Eb. Seofield, Monmouth Lounsbury, Miles Weed, Timothy Curtiss, Benj. Weed, jun., Sergt. Jona. Clason.
Books were in these days a somewhat rare article-and of course the day for the general distribution of newspapers had not yet come. Bnt that the good people of the state who were supposed to be thoroughly instrueted in divine law, might also have no excuse for remaining ignorant of our human eode, the laws of the state had been printed for their use, and in the town meeting of 1756 we find this vote to seeure their distribu- tion : "the town agree that the law books shall be distributed
848
HISTORY OF STAMFORD
into all parts of the town according to their lists of estates, to say £1,000 and a little more to a law book." To carry this vote into effect, Col. Jona. Hait, then, perhaps the most eminent man of the town, is appointed to make the distribution. The number of books thus furnished for distribution in the town was seventy.
That this work was not very thoroughly done, and that it was still felt to be an important measure for the town, we find proof in additional legislation passed in 1761; "that Col. Hait and Mr. Abraham Davenport shall divide the law books; viz. : law books according to act of assembly, by the first of March next."
And, as though the town felt themselves under still fur- ther obligations for the enlightenment of the people, they pass this additional vote: " that Col. Hait and Mr. Davenport shall divide the Confessions of Faith, by the first day of March next, ' on August list, 1760."
One more vote shows how earnest the town had become in this matter of circulating especially legal seience among the people; viz. : "that every person that has got any of the law books and refuseth to deliver them to the committee appointed to divide them, shall incur the penalty of twenty shillings, lawful money."
This last record would suggest that this second division of the law books was simply a re-distribution of them, so that other citizens also could have access to them. And may it not be, that thus early we have in this town transaction, the hint of a town circulating library.
In 1772 a committee of whom Abraham Davenport was chair- man, was appointed to report at the next annual society's meeting, some proper division of the society into school districts. This report was not recorded, but in 1775 it was voted that the school monies raised in the Society shall be delivered to committees of the respective districts in sd society according to their lists." The process of districting went so far, that the
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same territory which in 1716 needed but three districts, had been divided into not fewer than twenty-eight, leaving still, fragments of other districts, connected with those of the neigh- boring towns.
Stamford, it must be confessed, down to a date quite recent, had not been noticeable for any very marked eminence in edu- cation. The earlier attention given to this subject by the fathers, was certainly creditable to their times, The list of professional men, who from the settlement of the town, have here exercised their gifts. will compare favorably with that of our most advanced New England towns. We have had men of eminent ability in every profession. But from our compara- tive distance and isolation from the educational center of the state; from the somewhat urgent call on our young men to the exciting commercial temptations of the national metropolis ; from the unfortunate dependence which the last two generations came to put upon the generous school fund, which instead of an aid and stimulus to the improvement, was too generally accept- ed as the sufficient support of our town schools ; and from that unrecognized yet prevalent delusion among the wealthy, that the expensive education of the few would save a people from the reproach of neglecting the many, it followed that the town had educationally fallen behind many of her sister towns, and private schools came to be the main dependence of the citizens for the education of their children.
Dr. Dwight, in his Travels, probably did the town no in- justice, when near the close of the last century he writes : " both religion and education have always been here at a low ebb; yet for many years there have been several good private schools, in which, however, children from New York are almost the only pupils."
As, however, the center of the town began to fill up, on the opening of the railroad through it, it was soon found that our publie school at the center, was not doing the proper work of such an institution. The accommodations for pupils were nei- ther sufficient in extent, nor suitable in character. After eon-
350
HISTORY OF STAMFORD.
tinued deliberation over the matter a new graded school was established in 1852, in a beautiful, and, as was supposed, ample structure at the east end of Broad street. This building was erected under the direction of J. D. Warren, Theodore Daven. port, and Edwin Bishop. On the burning of this building in 1866, provision was made for a much ampler and more durable structure of brick on the same site. This elegant building was dedicated to school uses May 18, 1867. No more creditable school building has yet been erected for public school uses in the state. It is thoroughly finished in the best and latest style, and heated by the best steam heating apparatus in use. Its capacity is equal to the generous accommodation of eight schools of fifty pupils each ; and the space occupied by it ex- ceeds that of thirty-two just such structures as the pioneers of the town required for the first school house designed for the children dwelling on more than forty times the territory for which this provides.
It was the intention to raise the range of studies in the higher department of this school to embrace all those ineluded in the regular course preparatory to college; and a number of stu- dents already have been fitted for college.
The present committee of the district are John D. Ferguson, Esq., L. H. Hurlbutt, M. D., and Thomas G. Ritch, Esq.
The Principals of this central school, thus far, have been : E. A. Lawrence, Rev. E. B. Huntington, Henry Baleam, Samuel Coburn, W. C. Ginn, and Alden P. Beals.
STAMFORD ENGLISHI AND CLASSICAL BOARDING SCHOOL.
Among our private school enterprises, none have been more successful than that of JAMES BETTS, Esq. Mr. Betts is a native of Wilton, in this State. He opened a private school in North Stamford in 1838, but soon removed to his present location on Strawberry Hill. Here his career, from the first, has been one of great success. About five hundred youth have gone from this institution either to college or into business.
Mr. Betts is a deaeon in the Congregational church, and ear-
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nestly alive to everything which promises to promote the wel- fare of the town. Though principal of a private school, he takes a deep interest in the public schools of the town; believ- ing that the public school should be good enough for the richest families, as well as cheap enough for the poorest.
STAMFORD INSTITUTE.
Another successful school of the town is that established in 1850 on South street, by RICHARD E. RICE, Esq., a graduate of' Yale in 1839. He was born in Saybrook, Conn., Feb. 8, 1810, and after his graduation, spent some three years in mercantile pursuits at the south, and subsequently located himself in Stamford, as above. While here he was chosen deacon in the Congregational church. His health giving way, he sold his school to WALLACE C. WILLCOX, of St. Louis, Mo. Mr. Willcox is also a graduate of Yale college, and a native of New Haven. Under his vigorous management the school has greatly pros- pered. Like his predecessor, Mr. Willcox was chosen deacon in the Congregational church.
GEO. B. GLENDINING'S SCHOOL.
Another school, which for several years has been well patron- ized, both by attendance from the town, and by boarding pupils, is that of GEO. B. GLENDINING, Esq., on the corner of Washington avenue and North street. Mr. Glendining is an English gentleman, educated at Oxford. Ile was engaged for years in a successful school in Troy, N. Y. ; afterwards in Sey- monr, Conn. : and since 1853, in Stamford. The demand for admission into his school, has for several years exceeded its ac- commodation for pupils.
MISS ANNA WEBB'S SCHOOL.
This excellent school was commenced in 1854 and has con- tinued to merit and receive the confidence of its patrons. Its average number of pupils is about thirty.
MISS AIKEN'S YOUNG LADIES' SEMINARY.
This institution was opened in the fall of 1855, in the com-
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IHISTORY OF STAMFORD.
modious boarding house, on Henry street. From the first it has wou a good name for the thoroughness of its instrucuction in all the essentials to a complete school education. In 1862 it was removed to Clark's Hill where under the efficient adminis- tration of Miss AIKEN, who has now associated with her, Mrs. Williams in the boarding department, the school has assumed the character of a permanent and flourishing institution. In all the qualities of an excellent young ladies seminary, very few in the country can surpass it.
THIE MISSES SCOFIELD'S DAY SCHOOL.
This flourishing school for misses was opened in 1862 by Miss KATE SCOFIELD, eldest daughter of Edwin Scofield, jr., so long our Town Clerk. Since then the school has greatly increased, and Miss Scofield has associated with her her sister EMMA, under whose joint supervision it is becoming one of our most successful schools.
CLARK'S HILL INSTITUTE.
W. C. GIN, a graduate of the Wesleyan university at Mid- dletown, Conn., opened this private school for boys,-both day and boarding pupils, in 1859. His accommodations are de- signed for a school of about twenty-five pupils.
CATHOLIC SCHOOL.
In 1862 this school was opened, for the children of Catholic parents, on Meadow street, near the Catholic church. The number of children in attendance nas been about two hundred, under two teachers.
CHAPTER XXII.
WAR OF 1812-'15.
This war began in the vicious claim of England to the service of every subject born within her dominions, however long he might have been a resident and citizen of other countries, and ended in the effective denial, both on land and on the high seas, of any such authority over American citizens. Fought out, largely, on the sea, the war excited here comparatively little local concern or interest. Our records show no public meet- ings or action with reference to the war. Probably none was needed. Our citizens, however, were called on for such service as their position justified ; and they heartily responded to the call. The town enrolled men and kept them in readiness for service when the needed emergency should come ; and the most that our record proposes is to register their names and service. My first list is found on the following " muster roll of a com- pany of infantry under the command of David Waterbury, Capt. in the 37th Regt. of the U. S., commanded by Lieut-Col. Aaron Benjamin, from the 31st Oct. when last mustered to the 31st Dec., 1813." The roll was furnished for use in this History by Charles Brown, Esq., son of John Brown, the first lieuten- ant on the roll.
On the back of this muster roll, in very distinct and ambitious chirography, is inscribed, in the captain's hand, " Don't give up the Ship." "Lawrence." " DAVID WATERBURY."
David Waterbury, Capt. ; Nehemiah Rose, Sergt. ;
John Brown, 1st Lieut. ;
Lewis Jones Corp. ;
Henry Hoyt, 2nd Lieut. ;
Wm. Jones, Corp. ;
Samuel Keeler, 3rd Lieut. ;
James Sandford, Drummer ;
Samnel Keeler, jr., Ensigu ; Alanson Holly, Sergt. ;
Nathan Champlin, Drummer ;
45
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HISTORY OF STAMFORD.
David Brown, Wm. H. Buel, Joseph; Clock, Elisha Crab, Ebenezer Dennis,
John Dean, John A. Dickens, James Forbes, Elisba Fish,
Shadrack Ferris.
William Stevens,
J. W. Shallenburg,
Selleck Scofield,
Oliver J. Smith,
David Tucker,
Samuel K. Weeks, Isaac Wilmoth.
Our second list is that found on the following muster roll, now in the Controller's Office in Hartford. It is the roll of Captain Elijah Reed's Company in the 34th Regt., commanded by Nehemiah Lockwood, and bearing date Sept. 8-13, 1813 It has on it the following minute, probably in the handwriting of the Captain :
"The enemy appearing hostile in the Sound by the verbal order of Ne- hemian Lockwood, Esq., Lieut .- Col. comt, I called the Company into service on the 8th of Sept., 1813 and on the 13th, by his verbal order dis- missed them."
Elijah Recd, Capt. ; Jas. Clock, Lieut. ; Ralph Hoyt, Ens. ;
Fred. Smith,
David Scofield,
Nathan Nash,
Selleck Weed, 1st Sergt. ;
Sammel Street,
Johu Street, 2nd Sergt. ;
Leander Hoyt,
Abr. Tibbet, 3rd Sergt. ;
Ezra Hoyt ,
David Camp, 4th Sergt. ; Holly Bell, 1st Corp. ;
Jas. B. Weed.
Roswell Reed, 2ud Corp. ;
Walter B. Hoyt,
Marza Scribner.
Jacob Wardell, 3rd Corp. Isaac Bishop, 4th Corp. ; Geo. Weed, Isaac Warren, Seely Slason,
David Weed,
Joseph Wood, Jacob Little,
Isaac Bouton,
Audrew Bixbee,
Chas., Rrown,
Samuel Holden,
Lewis Waterbury.
Benj. Little, Jonas Weed,
Lyman Seely,
Ideury Smith, John M. Nash, Raymond Mather,
David Holly, drummer, not on duty ;
Joseph Scofield, absent ;
l'eter Stevens, appeared, but excused for ill health ;
Alvah Scofield, not called on ;
Lysander Fancher,
George A. Fox, Charles French, Ch rles Gill, Warren Huchins, Joel Hoyt,
Daniel Johnson, Reuben Knapp, John Larkin, Moses Mountcalm, Benjamin Odle, Harry Provost, Isaiah Rogers, Charles Rowlson, Amos Stickland,
Chatman Smith,
Scudder Weed, Chas. Weed,
David How,
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WAR OF 1812.
Isaac Weed, Henry Weed John L. Webb,
Samuel Waterbury, lived remote ; Thos. Robertson, not called on ; Johu A. Scofield, not called on.
Hervey Waterbury,
Our third list is that of the company in command of Captain Peter Smith, then lieutenant. The following roll is now in the Controller's Office in Hartford. It is headed with this minute, "Co. 3, commanded by Peter Smith, lieutenant, Col. Samuel Dean's regiment, September 8-12, 1813."
The company was called out on the appearance of a hostile fleet, and was stationed for four days on Shippan Point. They were allowed twenty cents a day by the government-the lieu- tenant, commanding, having received sixty cents a day.
Isaac Knapp, Sergt. ;
Isaac Nichols,
Jas. Webb, Sergt. ;
Wm. Waterbury, 6th,
John Selleck, Sergt. ;
John Hanchaw,
Luther Knapp, Sergt. ;
Wm. W. Scofield,
Chas. S. Gaylor, Corp. ;
Jas. Hoyt. jr.,
Andrew Webb, Corp. ;;
Josiah Ansten,
Elisha Hawley, Corp. ;
Alanson Provost;
Darius Lockwood, Drummer ;
Epenetus Scofield,
Lewis Lockwood, Fifer ;
Annanias Hoyt,
Isaac Ferris,
Wm. Scofield, jr.,
Solomon Garnsey,
Eber Smith,
John Andrews,
Drake Studwell,
Moses W. Smith,
Jas. 8mith, jr.,
Smith Knapp,
Elisha Scofield,
Benj. Hoyt, jr.,
Gilbert E. Waterbury.
'Thos. Weeks,
The following are still other names of our townsmen who were in the service. Their names have been collected from various sources, such as seemed entitled to credit.
John Billings, who is still living on Harvey Scofield at New London, in Longridge, was at New London. 1812.
John Dan and Jonathan Dan, were Samuel Sherwood, at New London. also at New London. John Sherwood, son of Matthew, was in Canada.
Reuben Dibble, son of John, was for twenty-three months a prisoner in John Burgess.
the famons Dartmoor prison. Elisha Leeds. Stephen Haight, of North Stamford, Noah Lockwood. then living in New York, was in Solomon Scofield. regular service. Ezra Stevens.
Alanson Holly, enlisted and served. Lewis Waterbury.
Amasa Lounsbury was in the navy. Sylvanus Meed. William W. Lounsbury was taken James Suiffin. prisoner at New Orleans, in 1812. James Weed.
356
IIISTORY OF STAMFORD.
Tyler Mead was in service at Saratoga. Scudder Weed.
Squire Palmer was sergeant at New London.
Henry Sniffin.
Silas Weed.
Samuel Provost was pensioned for service.
Rufus Weed.
Among the natives of Stamford who rendered good service during this war was also NATHANIEL WEED, Esq., now of Darien. At the opening of the war he had just become well established in business ; but at the call of the government lie consented to accept a captaincy in the army. At the close of the war he had reached the rank of colonel, and won a good name for his uniform promptness and efficiency at every post. (See later biography.) Harvey Weed, brother of Nathaniel, was also in service in this war. He was a lieutenant and was appointed paymaster. Like his brother, he was living in New York. He is now residing in Newburg, N. Y.
Captain WILLIAM SKIDDY, now an honored resident here, was an active participant in the naval struggles of the war. At its opening, he was before the mast. He was midshipman on board the Hornet, captain Nicholas Biddle, in the successful fight with the Penguin ; and the following graphic account from his journal will be of sufficient historical interest for insertion here. It has never before been printed. The squadron in which the Hornet sailed consisted of the President, Hornet, Peacock, Tom-Bowline, and a private armed merchant brig.
"The ships were prepared for sea by the middle of December (1814) but were so closely watched by a much larger squadron in the offing, New York harbor that no opportunity presented of sailing until the 13th of the following January ; when all the ships except the President, suc- ceeded in getting to sea with orders to rendezvous at the island of Tristan d'Acanha, on the coast of South America, and there await the order of the President."
We will now leave the journal to tell its own story.
"Nothing material took place until the 15th of March, when we arrived off Tristian d'Acunha, in latitude 37 sonth, and longitude 11 west. Our first lieutenant, D. Conner, had just landed, when the signal was made to re- turn, there being a strange sail in sight bearing down for us. We hove to,
* Perkins' Later War.
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WAR OF 1812.
and were getting dinner (it was duff day), while she was running down. The " duff" was hardly swallowed, when the drum beat to quarters ; this required but a few minutes, and all was ready for action, every eye watch- ing the stranger. He soon luffed to on our weather quarter, about pistol shot off, hoisted the British flag, and gave us a gun ; this we did not no- tice, waiting for him to shoot ahead more.
He now gave us the first broadside, and as soon as the guns flashed, ours were in operation, and in five minutes I perceived the blood running from his scuppers a stream, and as he almost stopped firing, our little captain ordered us to cease. The enemy thinking we were disabled, renewed his fire, and, of course, we soon convinced him of his mistake. He then, as a dast alternative, ran his howsprit between our main and mizen masts, with the intention of carrying us by boarding. I was stationed with the first lieutenant in the third division on the quarter deck, (three after guns each side), and was now commanding this division, the first lieutenant having heen severely wounded at the commencement and carried below. The jib halyards being shot away, the fore-tack was hauled down to veer the ship. The enemy was now fast of us, and all hands called to repel boarders. We were then hand to hand, and the enemy soon driven back. We were now on the enemy's bows, and it required all the exertions of our captain and officers to prevent our men from boarding them ; had they gone, the enemy would have suffered very much. Their men were now (heaving the cry for us to board, ) running below, and left their first lieutenant, McDonald, alone on the forecastle. Many muskets were levelled at him, but were prevented by our officers from firing on so brave a man. He then asked our leader, the second lieutenant, Lieutenant Newton, the name of the ship, and was answered, ' U. S. sloop Hornet,' when he waived his sword and walked aft.
Our ship in shooting ahead, carried away his bowsprit, tore away all our mizzen rigging, and the enemy lay across our stern. Our captain was standing on the arm-chest aft, speaking to them, when their foremast fell along the lee waist. The marines in the fore-top clung with their muskets to the rigging as the mast fell, and as soon as down, jumped forward, fired, and wounded our captain, the ball passing through his neck. They under- took to rakes us with their bow guns, then opposite our stern. I was stand- ing in one of the stern ports (being open), looking directly at them, and only about twelve feet off. We were then all bands aft to prevent their boarding, and certainly expected to see many of us fall at that fire. Had those guns been well directed, many of us must have been killed, but for- tunately at that very moment the sea lifted our ship's stern, and the balls went under the counter in the water.
Our ship now came round on the other tack, [port] and I played my di-
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HISTORY OF STAMFORD
vision of guns into them, raking them fore and aft. They again cried quarter, and our captain ordered me to cease firing.
She proved to be H. B. M. sloop-of-war Penguin, Captain Dickinson, who was killed during the action, by a ball through the heart. She mounted nineteen guns, -- sixteen thirty-two pounders, two loug nines, and one twelve pounder on the forecastle. They reported fifteen men killed, and twenty-eight wounded, They had a number of men on board from the Medway, seventy-four, and was sent expressly to cruise for the young Wasp privateer. We made out by the rolls on board of her, twenty-five killed, and several of those wounded died.
The Hornet was the same length, one foot less beam. The size and number of guns, except the twelve pounder on her forecastle. We had one man killed, and eleven wounded, and all in the after division-my div- ision. The poor fellow that we killed, was a six-foot marine that was firing over my head, and the first I perceived was his brains on my shoes ; and in turning, I observed the top of his skull taken off by a ball. As he was much in the way, I shoved him through one of the ports overboard.
The first lieutenant was also wounded, standing by me. I carried him out of the way of the guns, and had him sent below.
The most painful was the heart-sickening sight after the fight, of all those poor fellows who, only a few minutes ago, were well and joyful, now mangled by different kinds of balls and splinters. Groans were heard from all quarters. We were now employed getting the prisoners on board, unbedding and bending sails, repairing rigging, and replacing, soou as pos- sible, all damages. This called us from the dying groans of the wounded. The surgeons were all employed amputating limbs and dressing wounds. The prize taken in tow, and night visited the dismal scene. Several died during the night, and were committed to the deep without any ceremony, and the captain, Dickinson, was buried the day after with the honors of war ; his own officers and marines officiating.
Penguin's number of men 158
Hornet's
130
Difference in men. 28
In addition to the above account, we have only to add that a number of our townsmen during this "war of the sea," laid the foundation of their fortunes in privateering. How many of them were thus favored, and to what extent their fortunes were increased, we are without records to show.
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