USA > Connecticut > Windham County > History of Windham County, Connecticut. Volume I, 1600-1760 > Part 24
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May 9, 1715, the town voted, " That the space in the meeting-house at the west end, between the stairs and door, be a place for boys to sit in. Also, that Lieutenant Chandler shall have liberty to build a pew for himself and family in our meeting-house, at the south side, between the great door and the next window. Also, that Benjamin Sitton shall have liberty to build a pew for himself and family in the meeting- house, adjoining to the east of Lieutenant Chandler's. Also, granted liberty to Messrs. James Danielson, Senior and Junior, to build a pew at the south side of the meeting-house, to the west of the great door. Also, that Edward Payson shall have liberty to build a pew next to Mr. Danielson's, between that and the stairs, provided that they all finish them by the last of September next, and take in and cause all
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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
their families to sit there, if it may be with convenience. Two thousand feet of boards were also voted for and towards building the meeting-house.
May 19, Deacon Sabin, Lieutenant Chandler, Samuel Warner, En- sign Grosvenor, Abiel Lyon and Jonathan Hide, were chosen a com- mittee to treat with Mr. Williams about his ordination. September 14, voted, "That the ordination of Mr. Williams be on the 26th day of October. Also, that an ordination dinner be provided for forty persons, viz. : ministers and messengers of the churches. Also, that the aforesaid gentlemen be entertained as much as necessary before ordination at the town's charge. Also, that Deacon Sabin, Samuel Warner, Edward Payson, Jonathan Hide, Nath. Sessions and Ebenezer Truesdell, be a committee to take care that a good, dinner be pro- vided, and all things carried on in good order." These arrangements being perfected and liberty received from the General Court, the church was organized, October 26, 1715, and Ebenezer Williams ordained as its pastor, but unfortunately no record of the proceedings, of the day was preserved. The occasion was one of great interest and joyfulness, and doubtless drew together a large concourse of people. The young pastor was already greatly beloved by his flock and much respected throughout the adjoining region. He was the son of Samuel Williams of Roxbury, and nephew of the Reverend John Wil- liams of Deerfield, so noted for his captivity by the Indians. He was graduated from Harvard in 1709, and was twenty-five years of age at the time of his settlement. Eleven of the male residents of Pomfret joined with Mr. Williams in church fellowship. Benjamin Sabin and Philemon Chandler were elected its deacons. The " good dinner" ordered for the forty ministers and messengers was provided by Captain John Sabin, who received from the town, "ten pounds in money in the whole" for payment. In the following May, a rate of £130 was ordered, for and towards defraying charge of the meeting- house. December, 1716, a committee was chosen for fencing in the meeting-house. It was also agreed, that the meeting-house should be seated according to the rates they have paid-having respect to age and dignity, Ensign Grosvenor, Deacon Philemon Chandler and Ed- ward Payson, committee. Also, " that Nathaniel Gary should have liberty to build a house in the highway for himself and family to sit in Sabba-days." This "Sabba-day-house" accorded to Mr. Gary is the only one known within Windham County limits, though they were not uncommon in other parts of New England. It was a small house built tight and warm, with an ample fire-place and a few seats and benches. Fuel was kept in readiness and a fire kindled by the first comers on Sunday morning, and there Mr. Gary and his family and
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other friends and neighbors could warm and refresh themselves after their cold, bleak ride before assembling for worship in the fireless, freezing meeting-house. At noon-time they gathered again in the cozy room for warmth and lunch, and again after service to prepare for the journey homeward.
Having thus satisfactorily provided for their spiritual wants, the inhabitants of Pomfret turned their attention to secular affairs. The next thing needful after a meeting-house was facilities for reaching it, and those of Pomfret were most lamentably deficient. No roads had been regularly laid out by town authorities and the only means of communication were rough bridle-paths. The Mashamoquet proprie- tors had the entire control of their lands, comprising more than half the inhabited land of the town, and to them belonged the care of mak- ing roads through their property. Only half the Purchase wa's as yet laid out to them ; the remainder was lying in common, undivided and uncultivated. A new division was proposed with suitable highways, and after long preliminary discussion, a proprietors' meeting was held in Pomfret, November 1, 1716-the first recorded after the distribution of 1694. Ten " whole shares men," were present. Some new proprie- tors appeared-Captain John Chandler of Woodstock, on the right of Samuel Gore; Captain John Sabin on that of Samuel Ruggles ; Edmond Weld for John White. After considerable discussion the following votes were passed :-
"1. That the meeting is legal.
2. That our second division shall be in not less than three parcels or lots and more at discretion of committee.
3. That all the highways shall continue and be confirmed and that each lot sliall have a highway to it-said highway six rods wide from north to south, and four rods from cast to west.
4. The committee shall survey our whole purchase and settle the bounds of the fifteen thousand one hundred acres.
5. The committee shall state needful highways to each lot in second di- vision. not above four rods wide.
6. That Philemon Chandler shall be proprietors ' clerk.
7. That Captain John Sabin, Leicester Grosvenor, Mr. Timothy Ruggles, (and in case of their death or impossibility of attendance), William Sharpe, bc the committee to act the business voted on at this inceting.
8. Second division to be ready by December 1.
9. Highways altered at discretion.
10. The committee have power to decide all particulars, which we have not before the breaking up of this meeting.
11. Are to make out four hundred acres a share if possible ; if not to seek after the lost land.
12. Whole proprietors are to stand law-suits.
13. Captain Chandler, Mr. Dana and the heirs of Captain Samuel Ruggles to have fifteen shillings apiece for being committee last year.
14. That the committee have four shillings per day and pay for chairman and surveyor, all under oath.
15. That Mr. Williams' grant be added to our share in the plot.
16. That the proprietors that dwell in Pomfret, on condition that the Roxbury proprietors will leave the writings at Pomfret shall have attested copies of writings from time to time at the cost of Pomfret proprietors, sent to Edmund Weld of Roxbury.
17. Timothy Ruggles to draw all the votes."
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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
The time allotted for the new division was found quite insufficient. The lost land was not recovered without great difficulty. The western bound of the purchase had never been accurately defined and some of the original lots had been over-measured. A meeting of Mashamo- quet proprietors was held, April 10, 1718, at the house of Nathaniel Sessions, tavern-keeper. Ensign Grosvenor was chosen moderator, John Chandler, Jun., was appointed surveyor and directed to join with Nathaniel Sessions, James Corbin and Ebenezer Sabin, in running the extreme bounds of the tract and see what was to lay out. The shares accruing to Major Fitch, to be laid out " adjoining to land Samuel Warren now lives on." Surveyor to have ten shillings a day and each of the committee, five. The survey was made according to direction, Mr. Corbin assisting on account of his owning the land west in Ashford. This western bound has not been completely identified, but it was paral- lel with the western bound of the town and not far removed from it. October 22, the committee reported, "That the quantity of land expressed in the deed from Major Fitch would fall short of ye comple- ment if the lines be restrained to six miles south from north bounds and will not yield four hundred acres to each share, and that they had accordingly drawn a plot which would carry the purchase to Mr. Stod- dard's south tract." The plot was exhibited and gave satisfaction- the proprietors voting, " To take the land according to plot exhibited, and that what land lies south of six miles from north bounds, be laid out in twelve equal shares, and that the lots formerly laid out be again surveyed, and if too great, allowance to be made." Charge for survey- ing was to be paid by each proprietor in equal proportions-none hav- ing any benefit from the division till they had paid their part of the charge. The division thus ordered was completed during the winter and distributed May 13, 1719, by lot, in the following order :-
1. John Sabin on right of Samuel Ruggles.
2. Daniel Dana and Company.
3. Joseph Chandler-on right of Deacon John Chandler.
4. John Mowrey, on right of Thomas Mowrey, deceased.
5. William Sharpe for John Ruggles heirs.
6. Captain John Chandler on right of Samuel Gore.
7. Edmond Weld for John White.
8. Ebenezer Sabin on right of Deacon Benjamin Sabin.
9. Thomas Ruggles for Captain Samuel Ruggles.
10. Ensign Leicester Grosvenor.
11. Joseph Otis for John Gore.
12. Joseph Griffin.
The charge for this survey, division and plot was £51. 1s. which was divided among the proprietors and paid before the lots were drawn. Of the twelve original proprietors of Mashamoquet none were now living, but Benjamin Sabin and Joseph Griffin. Of the twelve recipients of the second division, only Captain Sabin, Joseph Chandler,
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Ebenezer Sabin and Leicester Grosvenor were, apparently, then resi- dents of Pomfret, though Joseph Griffin, and Samuel and Isaac, sons of Jacob and Benjamin Dana, soon afterward removed there. This second division was laid out in the west of the town, and is now included in the parish of Abington.
XXX.
NEW INHABITANTS. IMPROVEMENTS. SOUTH ADDITION. PETER DAVISON.
THE opening of new territory was followed by a fresh influx of population. Sales and transfers of land became more frequent, and many families were added to the settlement. Jonathan Hide, William Hamlet, Abiel Cheney, Jonathan Dana, Archibald McCoy, Ebenezer Holbrook, Jehoshaphat Holmes, Samuel Perrin and Daniel Waldo appear as residents of Pomfret, prior to 1720 ; William Sharpe, Samuel Sumner, John and James Ingalls, soon after that date. Hide bought Purchase land of Truesdell; Hamlet removed from Woburn to an allotment laid out to Samuel Ruggles, comprising the hill still known as Hamlet's ; Cheney's first residence was south of the Masha- moquet, on land bought of Major Fitch, east of Newichewanna Brook ; Holmes was still farther southward. McCoy's homestead was the fifth lot of the square, bought of Captain John Sabin in 1716 ; Waldo's, east side of the highway, farther northward, on land bought of Captain Chandler. A beautiful triangular farm, bordering on the Mashamo- quet, laid out first to Samuel Gore and sold successively to Captain John Chandler, Thomas Hutchinson and Francis Clark, was purchased by John Holbrook of Roxbury, whose son, Ebenezer, took possession of it in 1719. The Perrin farm on the Quinebaug, early secured by Samuel of Woodstock, was occupied first by his son Samuel, who there built, it is said, in 1714, the fine mansion so long known as "the old Perrin House." Jonathan Dresser, brother to Richard of Nashaway, bought land of Nathaniel Gary in 1717. About 1720, William Sharpe with his wife Abigail, daughter of John White, one of the original proprietors of Mashamoquet, and their seven sons, three daughters and a daughter's husband-Samuel Gridley-removed to Pomfret, settling upon a second-division lot between Goodell's and Grosvenor's in what is now the north part of Abington. Two years later, Samuel Sumner, son of George Sumner of Roxbury, took possession of the sixth lot of the square, purchased of Captain Sabin-building his house near the site of the present Quaker meeting-house, and marrying Elizabeth Griffin,
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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
probably daughter of Joseph, the Mashamoquet proprietor. The young Ingalls brothers, who came up with their widowed mother, Hannah Ingalls from Andover, bought a second-division lot in the southwest of the Purchase, and made them a home in the depths of the wilderness. Joseph Craft appears at about this date as a resident of the west part of Pomfret. It is quite possible that his land was secured by an early grant from Major Fitch, as the name of Samuel Craft appears among the original grantees of the town and no subsequent deed has been dis- covered. Some sales of land were also made to non-residents. Several tracts were sold by Captain Chandler to Jonathan Waldo of Boston. Eight hundred acres of second-division land, south of the Mashamoquet and west of Newichewanna Brook were sold by Major Fitch in 1714, to John Dyer of Canterbury, and by him conveyed to Col. Thomas Fitch of Boston. The strip of land west of the Purchase, embracing about two thousand acres, was made over by Major Fitch to his son Daniel in 1719. The market price of the Pomfret land varied greatly in different localities. Holbrook's four hundred acres cost him as many pounds ; Sumner's purchase was more than a pound and a half an acre ; Hamlet's but half a pound ; Dyer for eight hundred acres gave a hundred and twenty pounds, while a hundred and forty acres in the southwest corner of the town was secured by Samuel Pellet for ten pounds.
These new inhabitants of Pomfret were mostly men of character and property, and at once identified themselves with the growth of the town. Jehoshaphat Holmes was soon chosen town-clerk, Samuel Gridley served as clerk both for town and proprietors, Abiel Cheney was licensed as tavern-keeper, Sharpe, Holbrook and other new inhabitants were appointed to various public services, and "Father Coy" opened his house for public meetings. Several weighty matters were now under consideration. Efforts had long been made to secure better trav- eling communication with Providence, the most accessible market-town for this section. The existing bridle-path could not accommodate teams or vehicles. The building a sufficient cart-road was a very laborious enterprise, far greater than the construction of a modern railroad. Eastward of Killingly the country was for many miles savage and unbroken, a rude, rocky, sterile wilderness. The move- ment was initiated in 1708, and the road completed and opened in 1721, under the supervision of Nathaniel Sessions, who him- self brought over it the first load of West India goods to Pom- fret. The road, like the path preceding it, crossed the Quinebaug just below the Falls at the old fording-place first opened by Peter Aspinwall, who, soon after 1700, begged the privilege of building a bridge there. Another attempt was made a few years later to
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bridge this formidable stream, and a petition sent to the General Assembly by Philemon Chandler, Leicester Grosvenor, Nathaniel Sessions and others, showing that the fording-place was often danger- ous and sometimes impassable, but no relief was granted. Captain John Sabin next took the matter in hand, and with the aid of his son, achieved a substantial bridge "over the Quinebaug at ye falls near Pomfret, in 1722." Joshua Ripley and Timothy Pierce were ap- pointed by the General Court to view this bridge, who reported it " built in a suitable place, out of danger of being carried away by floods or ice, the highth of the bridge being above any flood yet known by any man living there, and think it will be very serviceable to a great part of the government in traveling to Boston-being at least ten miles the nearest way according to their judgment." The cost of this bridge was £120, for which three hundred acres of land in the common lands, on the east side of Connecticut River, were allowed Captain Sabin, " on condition he keep the same in repair four- teen years next coming."
The first representative sent by Pomfret to the General Assembly was Deacon Benjamin Sabin, in May, 1719. His son Ebenezer was sent in the following October; Daniel Waldo in 1720; Captain John Sabin was sent in October, 1720, and several years afterwards, accom- panied successively by Abiel Lyon, Nathaniel Johnson, William Sharpe, Benjamin and Eleazer Sabin. Captain Sabin was appointed a justice of the peace in 1724. Pomfret's list of estates, presented in 1723, amounted to £5,588.
In the matter of schools, Pomfret showed great remissness, making no public provision for them till January 28, 1720, when the town voted to have a school-house.
" 1. Set up near the meeting-house.
2. Twenty-four feet by ninteteen and seven feet stud.
3. To stand north of the pound, within ten rods of it.
4. To be finished by next Michaelmas-come-twelve-month, which will be in the year of our Lord, 1721. Ebenezer Grosvenor, Abiel Lyon and Nathaniel Sessions, committee."
This vote was not carried out. The Michaelmas of 1721, found no school-house in progress. Difficulties had arisen. One school-house for the whole town was thought insufficient. The settlers south of Mortlake asked for their share of the money separate ; the northern inhabitants also preferred nearer accommodations. After three years delay the house was begun as specified in the vote, but in April, 1723, the town voted, " That the school-house shall not be finished." This decision was strongly opposed by a large minority. A protest showing that a rate had been made and paid by most, and that the subscribers looked upon it but reasonable that the money should be used for the
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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
end called for, was signed by Philemon Chandler, Jonathan Hide, Samuel Dana, Abiel Lyon, Ebenezer Holbrook, Samuel Paine, Joseph and Nathaniel Sessions, James Taylor, William Hamlet, Joseph Griffin, Joseph Craft, Archibald McCoy, William Sharpe, Seth Paine and others. In August another meeting was held and the matter satisfac- torily adjusted. It was voted :-
"1. That the school-house shall be finished with all convenient speed.
2. Query. Whether the town will agree upon this method as to the places where the school shall be kept in the town; namely : that the school be kept one-half of the time in the school-house already built, and the other half of the time some where farther northward, in some house which that neigh- borhood shall provide and the whole maintained in the same public manner? Answer; Yes.
3. Query. Whether the town will allow those that live south of Governor Saltonstall's land, their proportion of rate · towards building a school-house for themselves, provided they first erect a school-house; also their proportion of all rates that shall hereafter be made towards the mainte- nance, provided they keep a school among themselves ? Answer; Yes."
Ebenezer Sabin, Jonathan Hide and William Sharpe were appointed a committee to see the school-house finished. Schools were thus simultaneously established in the north, south and centre of the town, and provision made for raising money for their support according to law. The train-band company had been previously re-organized. "March 11, 1721. By virtue of an order from the Governor-the soulderie of the town of Pomfret on a public training-day, made choice of a lieutenant and ensign to fill up the vacancy occasioned by the dismission of Lieut. Philemon Chandler, who for some years had been chosen and served in that 'office." Leicester Grosvenor was accordingly chosen lieutenant ; Nath. Sessions, ensign.
Various minor matters were also considered and settled. A rate of three pounds was allowed for procuring weights and measures and a black staff. A penny a head was allowed for destroying blackbirds ; twopence each for squirrels, woodpeckers and blue jays, and twopence a tail for rattlesnakes,-Nathaniel Sessions, William Williams, Samuel Gridley and Jehoshaphat Holmes, to receive and keep an account of the creatures destroyed. A larger number of town officers was now needed and elected. In December, 1724, the selectmen chosen were Captain John Sabin, Leicester Grosvenor, Nathaniel Johnson, Ebenezer Sabin and Nathaniel Sessions. For constable, Ebenezer Truesdell; grand- juror, Richard Adams ; collectors, Joseph Sessions and Ezekiel Cady ; listers, Samuel Warner, Abiel Cheney and Samuel Dana; surveyors, Benjamin Sabin and Samuel Paine.
Little is known of church affairs, owing to the entire lack of records. Mr. Williams retained the affection and respect of his people, and was greatly esteemed for his learning, wisdom and piety. His congregation was large, embracing all the inhabitants of the town, and the church
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probably received many accessions. After the erection of the second society of Windham, some of the southwest inhabitants of Pomfret were allowed to unite with it, and a petition was presented, "by our Christian neighbors in Windham village, for a strip of land in our township, which was bordering on their precincts, which was so far answered as yt the town chose two persons to view the same and report to the town." The meeting-house still required attention. The offer of a bell from Mr. Jonathan Belcher in 1719, called out the vote, " That there should be a bell cony [balcony] built at one end of the meet- ing-house, and preparations made for the hanging of a bell which Mr. Jonathan Belcher offers to bestow upon the town." For some unex- plained cause the gift was not received, and Pomfret missed the honor of having the first church bell in Windham County. In 1721, liberty was granted to Nathaniel Sessions and Ebenezer Grosvenor to build each, a pew at the east end of the meeting-house. In 1722, the house was re-seated-the town voting, "That the second seat in the body of the meeting house and the fore-seat in the front gallery shall be judged and esteemed equal in dignity; and that the third seat in the body and the fore-seat of the side gallery shall be equal ; the fourth seat in the body and the second seat in the front gallery shall be equal ; and that the governing rule in seating the meeting house shall be, the first three rates which are made in the town on the last year's list, having respect also to age and dignity." Provision was also made for the comfort of horses, inhabitants having liberty to build stables near the meeting-house on the north side of the same. Fines due the town were ordered, "to be improved to repair the glass of the meeting- house and any other repair that shall be found necessary," and a five- pound rate allowed to defray the expense of repairing and finishing the seats.
Pomfret, for a time, was so remarkably healthy that, in five years, the only deaths occurring were those of three infants, so that the burial-ground by the meeting house was scarcely made use of. In 1719, the town voted, "That the burying-place be removed to a more convenient place," and accepted the gift of two acres of land for this use and service, bounded north by Wappaquians Brook and east by the highway, from Deacon Philemon Chandler. The first person interred in the new ground is believed to have been Joseph Griffin, one of the original Mashamoquet proprietors, in 1723. He was followed, in 1725, by Deacon Benjamin Sabin, an early Woodstock pioneer, and one of the most useful and respected citizens of Pomfret.
The condition of Pomfret highways was still unsatisfactory. Within the bounds of the Purchase, they were managed by its proprietors, without, by the town authorities, and harmony of action was not
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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
always attainable. After much deliberation, it was thought expedient to resign title and management into the hands of the town. A special proprietors' meeting, warned by Justice Leavens of Killingly, in January, 1726, was held March 6, " at the school-house near the sign- post." Those present were Captain John, Benjamin and Ebenezer Sabin, John, Leicester and Ebenezer Grosvenor, Philemon and Joseph Chandler, William Sharpe and Edmond Weld, heirs of John White and Samuel Dana. Captain John Sabin was chosen moderator ; Samuel Gridley chosen clerk by the major part of the proprietors and sworn by Justice Leavens. After considering a method to settle highways for the good of the town of Pomfret and issuing present difficulties, the proprietors agreed as follows :-
" I. To give and make over to said town all and singular highways laid out in Purchase in first and second divisions, said town to hold the same forever, and proprietors to quit their rights, under the following restrictions.
1. Any of said ways to be changed or altered, selectmen approving.
2. That, notwithstanding ways were laid out at first six rods wide, all shall be but four hereafter, save from meeting-house to school-house, standing by meeting-house and south from meeting-house to the corner of Father Coy's land, which shall remain six, and upon Wappaquians Brook, for the con- venience of the burying-place-and the two rods taken from ways shall be divided among owners, save against Major Fitch's land, when it shall accrue to the proprietors and not to Major Fitch.
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