USA > Connecticut > Windham County > History of Windham County, Connecticut. Volume I, 1600-1760 > Part 12
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 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67
13
98
HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
would appear to buy such small parcels of land at such a rate as men under oath must prize them," and so the committee would never be able to vend any land, and the tax-money would be lost-at which dire- ful prospect the afflicted Parish comes again to the Court " as a child to a father ; begging you to look upon us as one of your sons and grant us relief, for if we lose the money due it will be very prejudicial to this society in this, the day of small things." In response to this request, the Assembly granted "liberty and full power to the committee to sell said land at public vendue and to execute good and ample deeds to purchasers-provided that sufficient notice be made to owners sixty days before,-notice to be set up on Windham sign-post. Owners to have liberty to redeem land within one year."
Under this authority, the Canada settlers were enabled to collect a portion of what had been allowed them and make some progress in the construction of their meeting-house. The accession of substantial citizens from time to time encouraged and strengthened them-Samuel Ashley, of Hartford ; Paul and Philip Abbot, of Andover, John Clarke, William Farnham, Nathaniel Flint, and Benjamin Bedlock,-settling in this vicinity prior to the formation of the church. A minister was procured as soon as practicable ; preaching at first in private houses. Some other improvements were effected. David Canada and Nathaniel Hovey were appointed surveyors of highways in the northeast parish, and its inhabitants received "liberty to build a pound in the great street near the meeting-house, provided it be done at their own charge." The widow of Thomas Fuller was also allowed to keep a house of public entertainment.
Early in 1722, the society secured the services of Mr. William Bil- lings, of Preston, who was graduated from Yale College in 1720, and had just completed his preparation for the ministry, and soon pro- ceeded to call him to settlement. As the four years respite from paying country taxes had now expired and the meeting-house was far from completed, the inhabitants of Windham Village again appeared before the General Court with a humble petition, informing-
" The Honorable Court that our circumstances are very grievous; a very poor parish ; new settlers; parish small; have engaged to give Mr. Billings £150 for settlement and five-pence a pound on ratable estate till it comes to £90 for salary-and we shall be glad and evermore have cause to thank the honored Court if they would be pleased to consider our poverty and difficult circumstances. We are but thirty-five little families, and we ha'n't a bit of land to settle our ministyr upon but what we must buy at five seven, eight and nine pound per hundred Eacaars. We pray the Cort to abate our tax for two years next coming, and it will forever oblige us. JOHN DURKEE, WILLIAM DURKEE, NATHANIEL HOVEY, in behalf of the inhabitants. May, 12, 1722."
Fearful lest their continual coming should have worn out the patience of the Honorable Court, this petition was sent to their neigh- bor, Mr. Timothy Pierce-the deputy from Plainfield, and one of its
99
CANADA PARISH.
most prominent citizens-with a letter, praying him "as one not un- acquainted with our poverty, to befriend us what you can in this matter," and by his friendly services a favorable answer was secured. The way was thus at last opened for the settlement of the minister. A hundred acres of land were sold by Samuel Ashley to William Billings, " evangelical predicatore for Windham Village." The meeting-house, though far from completed, was probably made ready for occupation on the day of ordination. This happy event was joyfully celebrated in June, 1723, and doubtless the inhabitants of all the surrounding country gathered in Windham Village on this interesting occasion. The proceedings of the day were thus recorded by Mr. Billings :-
" The Council that embodied ye Church and carried on ye affair when Mr. Billings was ordained pastor in Windham Village: Samuel Whiting and messengers, Eliphelet Adams [of New London], Samuel Estabrook [of Canterbury ], Joseph Coit [of Plainfield], Ebenezer Williams [of Pomfret]. Mr. Adams gave the charge; Mr. Estabrook the right hand of fellowship; Mr. Whiting preached; Mr. Coit made the last prayer-thus all was com- pleted, June 5, 1723."
The following church covenant was then read and subscribed :-
" WINDHAM VILLAGE, June 5, 1723, being ye day of ordination. We do this day, in the strength of Christ, humbly and heartily avouch the Lord, whose name alone is Jehovah, Father, Son and Spirit, to be our God and the God of our seed, entirely and everlastingly dedicating both ourselves and ours unto his holy fear and service according to liis word; promising and cove- nanting to walk with God, and love one another as God's chosen people and a particular church of Christ ought to do; complying with ye whole will of God so far as he hath been pleased, or shall further please, to discover his mind to us by his Spirit, word and providence; acknowledging, embracing and submitting unto the Lord Jesus, God-man, as head of the church, prophet, priest and king of our souls, ye only mediator between God and man and surety of ye new covenant, that he inay of God be made unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption, looking for acceptation only in Christ both of our persons and services.
Rev. William Billings, pastor. Nathaniel Kingsbury. Ebenezer Abbe. George Martin. Joseph Jennings. Nathaniel Hovey. Samuel Ashley. John Clarke.
John Durkee. William Durkee. Jeremiah Durkce. Thomas Marsh. William Farnham. John Scripture. Nathaniel Flint. Benjamin Bidlock."
At a church meeting, June 19, John Durkee and Thomas Marsh were clearly chosen deacons. It was also voted, "Y' we look upon any baptized person in this place as under the watch and care of the church." The deacons, with Nathaniel Kingsbury and William Durkee, were chosen representatives of the church-office not defined. The population of Windham Village and the surrounding parish was now rapidly increasing. During 1723 and 1724, there united with the church : Abiel Holt, David Warren, Paul Abbot, Matthias Marsh, William Averill, James Utley, Daniel Button, Timothy Pearl, Robert Willis, Jacob and John Preston, Ebenezer Crocker, Nath. Woodward,
100
HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
Robert Holt, Ebenezer Martin, John Badcock, Philip Abbot, with many of the wives and daughters of the settlers. Among those simply " owning the covenant " during these years, were Margaret, wife of David Canada; Sarah, wife of Joseph Jennings ; Stephen Fuller, Nathaniel Barker, William Shaw, Jon. Hendee, Thomas Durkee, Samuel Coburn, Joshua Holt, Joseph Laselle, Isaac Canada, Nath. Ford, Robert Coburn, Samuel Blanchard and Benjamin Preston. The large number of residents not connected with the church called out the following regulations :-
" February 4, 1725, voted, Yt we look upon every baptized person to be a subject of church discipline and ought to be called to an account by some church or another, whenever they offend.
Also, it is ye duty of that church where the Providence of God hath made persons (baptized or not in full communion) inhabitants, to call them to account and to see that the laws of Christ's Kingdom are put in due execution on them when they offend.
Also-February 18,-That when any communicant of other churches settle with us, we will desire a letter of recommendation of them from ye church whence they came, and if any such person shall neglect to procure ye same, after reasonable time, we will deny such persons church privileges unless there appears to be some peculiar reasons."
On the same day, it was also voted :-
" Yt we do take ye Word of God to be our platform in all ye management of Christ's discipline."
So great was the increase of population in Canada Parish that, in 1724, a full military company was formed there, with Stephen Howard for captain, Nathaniel Kingsbury for lieutenant, and Samuel Gardner, ensign-and at least sixty privates between the ages of sixteen and sixty. Schools were provided as soon as practicable, selectmen, sur. veyors and other useful officers appointed, so that the parish was every way well established and accommodated, and its inhabitants only needed to repair to Windham Green for town-meetings. With this growth and general prosperity, they would have been able to pay country rates and finish their meeting-house but for drought, short crops and other discouragements, whereby they were again compelled, in 1726, to petition the General Court, "To have their rates allowed them, because their unhappy difficulties, short crops of late years and the great charge of settling a minister had yet hindered the people from finishing their meeting-house, though they had labored with all the dilligence in their power." In response to this plea, presented by Thomas Marsh and George Martin, "one year was granted and no more;" after which the second society of Windham was obliged to bear her part of the burdens of the Colony.
101
GENERAL ADVANCEMENT, ETC.
XV.
GENERAL ADVANCEMENT. RELIGIOUS REVIVAL. £ DEATH OF MR. WHITING. SETTLEMENT OF MR. CLAP.
THE Scotland settlers still maintained their connection with the first church of Windham, though their number was constantly in- creasing. George Lilly purchased land on both sides Little River in 1710. John Robinson, a descendant of Elder John Robinson, of Leyden, removed to Scotland in 1714. The old Puritan stock was well represented in this locality. Descendants of Robinson, Brewster and Bradford, with French Huguenots and Scotch Presbyterians, were among its inhabitants. A straggling village grew up around the pound and school-house. Many sons of the first Windham settlers established themselves in this vicinity. Joseph and John Carey settled on Mer- rick's Brook, on land given them by their father, Deacon Carey. Deacon Bingham's son, Samuel, settled on Merrick's Brook ; Nathaniel on Beaver Brook. Nathaniel, son of Joseph Huntington, occupied a farm on Merrick's Brook near the centre of the settlement, and became one of its most prominent citizens. The population was mainly gathered in the vicinity of Merrick's Brook and on the road lea ling to Canterbury. Many of the Scotland settlers were members of the Windham church, and actively concerned in the business and manage- ment of the town.
In Willimantic, there was yet little progress. In 1718, the town granted " Ephraim Sawyer, or to any other person that shall appear and accept, the liberty and privilege of the stream at the falls at Willimantic River in said town-provided that he or they shall build and erect a forge or iron works thereon, so long as they shall maintain them,"-but the privilege was not accepted, and the saw and grist-mills remained in sole possession of the field. A pound was added to the settlement in 1721, and one was also allowed "near Stephen Tracy's dwelling- house at Crotch of River, between Deacon Skiff's house and Ser- geant Backus's field." In 1726, another attempt was made to utilize the unused water power. John Devotion, of Suffield, purchased two acres of land of Ebenezer Babcock, " on the northeast side of Willi- mantic River," embracing the privilege known in old deeds as Sliding Falls, now owned by the Willimantic Linen Company. Mr. Devotion, with Daniel Badger, Samuel Hathaway and Joseph Kellog, all of Suffield, formed a company for manufacturing iron, under the name of " Daniel Badger and Co." They purchased an " iron mine " of Deacon Nathaniel Skiff, in the town of Mansfield-agreeing to pay two shil- lings-sixpence a ton, if three tons of ore made one ton of iron, and
102
HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
so on in that proportion. Preparations for damming and bridging the stream and the erection of forges were commenced during this year. The first bridge across the Shetucket was built in 1722, by Stephen Tracy, Jos. Hebard, Ralph Wheelock and Ebenezer Wright, and was maintained by them many years at great cost and trouble.
Windham Green continued to gain in influence and importance as the seat of town government and the business centre of so many flour- ishing settlements. A Court of Probate was established here in October, 1719, for the towns of Windham, Lebanon, Coventry, Mans- field, Canterbury, Plainfield, Killingly, Pomfret and Ashford, and added much to its business and importance. Captain John Fitch was appointed the first judge of the Probate Court, but still retained his position as town clerk of Windham. Several improvements were effected. In 1721, it was voted, "that the town street should be made eight rods wide, to begin at Deacon Bingham's, southeast corner of his house-lot, and go to the northeast corner of Gentleman Mitchell's house." A new pound was built near the meeting-house. John Backus had liberty "to set a shop in the highway near Ginning's house-not to damnify highway,"-and Amos Kingley "the privilege of the spring in the highway near Caleb Conant's house, for the benefit of tanning, he setting his tan-trough on the north side of the highway, near his father's fence, and to enjoy it during the town's pleasure." In 1726, the highways and commons were pronounced "sufficiently clear" and the town permitted "to cease cutting bushes." The population of Windham had now so increased that a second military company was organized, with Eleazer Carey for Captain, Edward Waldo for lieu- tenant, and Nathahiel Rudd for ensign. Jeremiah Ripley, Jun., was lieutenant of the first company. The sons of the first settlers were now active in public affairs. Jonathan Huntington, son of Joseph, was practicing as Windham's first regular physician. His brother Joseph had married Elizabeth, daughter of Joshua Ripley. Joshua Ripley, Jun., married a daughter of John Backus. John Backus, Jun., married a daughter of Mr. Whiting, and thus the families of Windham were twined and intertwined together. Jonathan Crane's son, Isaac, married Ruth Waldo, of Scotland, whose favor he had won by gallantly con- veying her on his own steed through the swollen waters of Merrick's Brook, when a sudden Sunday freshet had made it impassable for foot travelers. Among the new inhabitants of Windham was Thomas Dyer, who removed thither in 1715, when twenty-one years of age, married Lydia, daughter of John Backus, was first a shoemaker and farmer, but soon engaged in public affairs, and became one of the most prominent and wealthy citizens of the town. Eleazer Carey,
103
GENERAL ADVANCEMENT, ETC.
nephew of Deacon Joseph, removed to Windham in 1718. Deacon Joseph Carey died in 1722.
The first church of Windham, during these years, shared in the prosperity of the town. The ministry of Mr. Whiting was greatly blessed to his people. While conservative in liis views, a warm friend of the Ecclesiastical constitution of Connecticut, and even favoring " a moderate Episcopacy,"-his preaching was eminently spiritual and awakening. In 1720 and 1721, his church enjoyed a season of special religious interest-the more remarkable as occurring at a time when revivals were almost unknown and the churches very cold and indif- ferent, so that the Windham church was compared to Gideon's fleece,
which was filled with moisture when all around it was dry. This work was wrought " without extraordinary apparent occasion, but through the secret operation of the spirit of God upon the heart. Persons of all ages, and some of whom there was but little expectation, came together weeping to seek the Lord their God, so that within the com. pass of about half a year four-score persons were joined to the com- munion." Residents of neighboring towns were drawn to attend these meetings, and young men were converted who were among the most prominent actors in the religious developments of a later period. In acknowledgment of this great blessing, a special thanksgiving service was observed, February 12, 1721, and a sermon preached by Mr. Whiting, from 1st Thess .; iii : 8-" For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord; " from which text this doctrine was deduced : " All godly persons, and especially they that have taken pains with people for their good, will be much refreshed and comforted, and it will help to balance the trouble they meet with when they that have been brought over to the acknowledgment of the truth do stand fast in the Lord." This sermon was shortly published, with an introduction by the Rev. Mr. Adams, of New London, giving some account of this wonderful work of grace, and closing with the ejaculation :-
" Oh, that the same good spirit from on high were poured out upon the rest of the country, for what pity is it that this single place only should be wet with the dew of Heaven, while the rest of the ground round about remains (comparatively) dry ! "
This day of rejoicing and thanksgiving was followed ere long by one of mourning and lamentation. Mr. Whiting died suddenly of pleurisy, when absent from home on a visit at Enfield, September 27, 1725, in the fifty sixth year of his age. Though his sickness was short and distressing, he did not forget his friends and people, but offered two special prayers upon his death-bed-one for his family, and one for the continuance and prosperity of his church. He left a widow and thir- teen children-the youngest, Nathan, then but little more than a year old-and ample provision for their maintenance and education. " Upon
.
104
HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
the certain and sorrowful intelligence" of the death of their beloved pastor, the people of Windham were overwhelmed with grief and apprehensions. A number of the neighboring ministers were invited by the town authorities to keep with them " a day of humiliation, wit- nessed by solemn fasting and earnest prayer to God for his guidance and direction in ye weighty affair of calling and settling a minister among us to supply the place now vacant,"-who, upon conclusion of the day's services, gave the following counsel : "That they should first apply themselves to Mr. Welsted, a Fellow of Cambridge, and if he could not come, to Mr. Osgood, of Andover ; and, if he refused, to Mr. Dunbar, of Boston; and then repair to the President at Cambridge." A special town-meeting was immediately warned by the selectmen, "that the town inight have an opportunity to consider what to do in order to the calling and settlement of a gospel minister," when it was voted, unanimously, "To comply with the advice of the Reverend ministers." Seven of the leading men in town were then chosen a committee, "to call a minister on trial for a quarter of a year." The committee did not secure either of the candidates recommended, but Mr. Thomas Clap,* of Scituate, Massachusetts, a Cambridge graduate of the class of 1722. After some experience of his ministerial gifts, to the general satisfaction, the town proceeded to call him, February 22, 1726, to settlement-offering, with their usual liberality, three hundred pounds for settlement, one hundred pounds salary and fire- wood. These terms being accepted, and the church concurring, a committee was chosen, July 1, 1726, "to provide and bring together sugar, spices, provisions and whatever else was needful for the entertain- ment, in a decent way, of the ministers and managers that should attend the work of ordination," and a contribution was ordered, "at the conclusion of Fast-day meeting, to help defray ye charge of ordina- tion, each person to write his name on the back side of the bill that he contributed, and the committee to keep account." These arrangements being perfected, Mr. Clap was formally ordained, with all due ceremony, August 3, 1726, but no record was made of the services of the occasion.
The Windham church was then in a very prosperous condition, having received three hundred and eighty three members during the ministry of Mr. Whiting, and, after dismissing colonies to Mansfield · and Windham Village, still numbered two hundred and sixty-four. The recent revival had increased its strength and spirituality, and Mr. Clap began his ministry under the most favorable auspices. With the
* It was Mr. Clap, and not Mr. Whiting, as erroneously stated, page 69, who studied theology for a time with the celebrated Dr. McSparran, rector of St. Paul's church, North Kingston, R. I.
105
THE QUINEBAUG COUNTRY.
new minister, new deacons were also elected-Eleazer Cary, Jos. Huntington, Nathaniel Wales and Abel Binghan being inducted in that office in 1726. Joshua Ripley, John Fitch and Jonathan Crane, chosen as representatives of the brethren to act with the deacons, made up the " seven pillars" or counsellors, so dear to the early settlers, and "were recommended unto the pastor to be called together on all emergent occasions for him to consult with."
XVI.
THE QUINEBAUG COUNTRY. PEAGSCOMSUCK.
THE third town organized within Windham County limits was Plain- field, which was laid out in 1699, in the Quinebaug country, east of Windham. This Quinebaug Country, extending from the junction of the Quinebaug and Assawaga Rivers to the north bound of Nor- wich town, and from the Appaquage or Little River eastward to Egunk, was claimed by two powerful parties-Fitz John and Wait Winthrop, as representatives of their deceased father, Governor John Winthrop, and Major James Fitch, as agent and guardian of Owaneco. The Winthrop claim was founded on a deed from Allumps and Massashowet, resident sachems in 1653 ; Owaneco's, on the hereditary title of the Mohegan sachems. The General Court of Connecticut had " allowed the Governor his purchase," and also allowed Uncas to dispose of Quinebaug lands to Owaneco. The first land laid out in this disputed country was the six hundred acres levied from Uncas and Owaneco, "for satisfaction for their men's burning the county prison." Fitch, as treasurer of New London County, was ordered "to dispose of the land and build said prison therefrom," and selected the richest part of the Quinebaug valley, on both sides of the river. Deeds of sale, June 23, 1680, conveyed this land to John, Daniel and Solomon Tracy and Richard Bushnell, all of Norwich, who at once " seized and quietly possessed it." A neck of land "below the river island, Peags- comsuck," granted by Owaneco to Fitch, was also laid out in 1680. Other large tracts in the Quinebaug Country were given to Fitch by Owaneco-" land and meadow east of the Quinebaug, bounded south on Norwich town line, thence northeast to the great brook that comes in at Peagscomsuck excepting that already sold to John Tracy ;" " land both sides the Little River that comes in at Wequa- nock . bounded south on Norwich town line, west on New
14
106
HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
Plantation, land of Joshua, deceased ;" " land east side of Little River, taking all the corne and plaine, improvable land; " a mile in breadth from Appaquage to the Quinebaug, bounded north on the Wabba- quasset Country, east on the Quinebaug, west on New Plantation and south on common land,-were among the gifts thus lavishly bestowed.
Neither Fitch nor the Winthrops attempted settlement of this land during the troubled years of Andross' administration, but as soon as practicable after the restoration of colonial government, initiated move- ments in this direction. The double claim and doubtful land-titles were unfavorable to its early occupation. No organized colony, like those of Woodstock and Windham, would choose to venture on such debatable territory, but only such rash or resolute settlers as were willing to risk ejectment or litigation. The confusion of titles makes it impossible to trace the order of settlement, as deeds subsequently pro- nounced invalid were not inscribed on the records of the future town- ship. October 13, 1690, Fitz John and Wait Winthrop petitioned the General Court, " That their right to a certain tract, bought of Allumps by their father, might be confirmed to them for the benefit of those about to settle a plantation there." No reply was granted to this request, but despite this lack of confirmation, the plantation was begun. A number of Massachusetts families took possession of Quinebaug land east of the river, purchased of the Winthrops soon after 1690. Timothy and Thomas Pierce came from Woburn, Thomas Williams, from Stow; Joseph Parkhurst, Jacob Warren, Edward, Joseph and Benjamin Spalding, from Chelmsford; Matthias Button and James Kingsbury, from Haverhill ; Ebenezer Harris and John Fellows, from Ipswich ; Isaac Wheeler, Isaac and Samuel Shepard, with their step- father, Nathaniel Jewell, from Concord. Other families removed thither from Connecticut towns, below : Peter Crery, James Deane, William Marsh and Edward Yeomans, from Stonington ; William Douglas, from New London ; and others from that vicinity. Several Gallup brothers-sons of Captain John Gallup, of Stonington-pur- chased land and, perhaps, removed to the Quinebaug plantation. Most of the settlers received their deeds from the Winthrops ; James Welch, Thomas Harris, James and John Deane and Philip Bump purchased land of Fitch and John Tracy. The most northerly settlers were the young Shepard brothers-sonsof Ralph Shepard, of Malden, deceased- who bought land at the mouth of Moosup's River, given by Owaneco to Samuel Lathrop, of Norwich. The Spaldings were probably a mile or two south of the Shepards, but the great body of the settlers were south of the site of the present Plainfield village.
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.