USA > Connecticut > Windham County > History of Windham County, Connecticut. Volume I, 1600-1760 > Part 6
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The opening of the surrounding country, if it diminished the popula- tion of Woodstock, increased its business and importance. From an isolated frontier settlement it became a flourishing centre, with communities growing up around it. Woodstock was the mother settle- ment, with conveniences and institutions. The inhabitants of the border towns made use of the mills, patronized its shop, participated in its trainings, frequented its house of worship and claimed a share of its minister. In December, 1703, complaint was made in town meeting " that the Borderers neglect to pay a suitable proportion of Mr. Dwight's salary, though they frequent the house of God and have no- where else to repair unto for the same," and it was voted, "That an
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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
obligation be drawn up and carried by a committee both in Mashamo- quet and Killingly to subscribe unto what they will pay for Mr. Dwight's present salary, and such as shall not subscribe or continue without paying the same, shall be complained of to the authorities of Connecticut." Samuel Paine and Nathaniel Sanger were appointed the following year " To go to the Borderers and see what they will subscribe for Mr. Dwight's salary."
The growth of these new settlements made better traveling accom- modations desirable, and stimulated Woodstock to greater enterprise. Mendon was invited " To make a bridge over Medfield River," and the General Court-" To bridge the great meadows between us and Mendon." A road was laid out, in 1708, through Woodstock, from Medfield, Massachusetts, to Enfield, Connecticut. As the way cut through the swamps by Peter Aspinwall, to Providence, was but a rude bridle-path, the selectmen of Woodstock invited those of Killingly to join with them in petitioning Providence town council to lay out a road through their township to the Quinebaug. October 9, 1710, John Holmes and Jonathan Peake were directed " to meet com- mittees from Killingly and Mashamoqnet, at sun an hour high at farthest, on Friday next if it be fair, if not the next fair day-to advise and state a suitable place on Quinebang River, where it may be most commodious for a bridge, that the road to Providence may be laid to that part of the river." The road was laid out between Muddy Brook and the Quinebaug, crossing the latter river, as at present, just below the Falls and above the junction of the rivers, but no perma- nent bridge was erected for ten or twelve years.
With these great works in progress, smaller affairs were not neglected. The selectmen were enjoined " to obtain a suitable person or persons to keep a school or schools to teach children to read, write and cypher, till the first of March ; after that by a woman or women." In 1710, two new school-houses were ordered ; one near John Childs' corner, at South Woodstock ; one near Joseph Bacon's: - Samuel Perrin, Smith Johnson, William Lyon and John Morse a committee to build them. In October following, Deacon Edward Morris was empowered "to obtain Thomas Lyon to keep school two months at the north, and Stephen Sabin two months at the south of the town, provided they require not above nine shillings a week." In 1710, John Holmes received from the town, in acknowledgment of his public services, a grant of the Falls, thirty rods below his house and the mill, and liberty on the west side the brook to the Falls. A fulling-mill, soon after established here by Mr. Holmes, was a great public benefit. In 1712, he was also "chosen and desired to make coffins as there may be occasion." William Lyon, at the same time, accepted the office of
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IMPORTANT CHANGES, ETC.
grave digger-" he to have two shillings per grave for five years and under; three shillings between twelve and five ; five shillings for all persons above twelve years-he finding tools and giving suitable attendance and making the graves a suitable depth."
In 1710, a new division of land was surveyed and laid ont by Captain Chandler-thirty-seven proprietors receiving fifty-four shares. Few of the original proprietors were present at this distribution, many were represented by their sons-Peter Aspinwall's share had passed to John Childs; Benjamin Sabin's to John Marcy and Jonathan Payson ; John Bowen's to James Horsman; Nathaniel Garey's to Thomas Eaton. Captain Chandler had bought and held several shares. It was voted, " That the lands still undivided on the east end of the town to the town line shall abide as common land forever, or till the town dispose of them." It was also agreed to petition the General Court for an enlargement of the town to Quinebaug River. The fee of this land was now purchased of Captain Chandler.
The final division and distribution of the remaining land in the north half of Woodstock was next accomplished, Roxbury, in 1711, voting, " That these lands should be divided as soon as may be." A meeting of Woodstock proprietors was held in Roxbury, May 6, 1713, when it was agreed, "That all the undivided common lands lying in the old town's half, fit and useful to be divided, be forthwith as soon as con- veniently may be, divided and apportioned to and amongst the several proprietors, according to their several proportions." William Dudley, Captain Joshua Lamb and Edward Bridges were appointed a committee to bring in proposals for the division and good management of said . lands. William Dudley was sworn as proprietors' clerk. The pro- prietors again met, May 19, when the following proposals were submitted and accepted :-
1. That there be two divisions of land, if the same be fit; if not, one of upland and another of swamps and meadows.
2. Proprietors to draw lots.
3. To allow quantity for quality.
4. That it be left to the Committee's judgment to decide when to begin.
5. That there be a distinct division of swamps and meadows to every proprietor.
6. That the committee should lay out and establish roads and ways.
7. That Captain Samuel Ruggles, Edmond Dorr and John Holbrook be a committee to levy charges and disbursements that shall arrive on these divi- sions when they are drawn and adjusted, on the several proprietors, according to their proportions, and receive the same according to the rate or assess- ment, and pay out the same according to the accompt of charges when given in by the committee that shall divide the land.
8. That all the proprietors shall pay their several rates or proportion of the charges to the said committee, appointed to levy and receive the same, in twenty days after the same is levied and published, on the penalty of losing the several shares or lots in their divisions, not excluding any persons that shall be orphans or widows or absent by the providence of God.
9. That the school-lot shall be free of all charges.
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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
10. Committee to inquire into pretended claims.
11. That this day nine weeks, after lecture, the proprietors draw lots.
12. The committee is instructed to show neither favour or affection in the discharge of their trust, but to deal faithfully and uprightly according to their best skill and judgment.
13. That the papers should be put into the clerk's hands.
14. That notifications for meetings should be put up in public places.
15. The committee to be allowed five shillings a day.
16. Assessors, two and sixpence a day.
17. No other lot to be allowed for mill.
The committee promptly fulfilled their instructions, laying out the remaining land in twelve ranges, " all conformable to Mr. Butcher's work," with highways corresponding with those previously allowed. On the appointed day, July 21, 1713, the proprietors drew lots for their respective portions, having previously voted, " That the lots, viz., a hundred and forty-two in number, be the only ones to be drawn for the three divisions of swamps, meadows and upland. and that the pro- prietors draw but once for the three divisions." On account of the slope of the east bound of the town and perhaps, also, the intrusion of meadow land in its vicinity, the first range now laid out was made to conform with the third of the previous division. This first range comprised twenty-one lots, 167 rods in width, beginning at the north bound of the town, and running south till it inet the third range, with a highway four rods wide at the west end, and one of six rods between the twenty-first lot and third range. The second range, meeting the fourth, was laid out in ten lots, leaving a piece of common or undivided land on the north of 298 acres. The third was bounded north by the ' north bound of the town, and comprised twelve lots, 160 rods wide, together with Maple Island meadow and 202 acres of common land at the south end adjoining the fifth range. The fourth range, abntting on the sixth, with a highway on the west, as in the preceding ranges, was laid out in twelve lots, 172 rods wide, with 107 acres left common. The fifth range comprised twenty lots, 170 rods wide, bounding south on the seventh range, with a four-rod highway on the east, thus making a highway eight rods wide, passing from north to south through or near the centre of the town. A four-rod highway was also allowed on the west of this range. The 57th lot, laid out to George and James Griggs, was almost half taken up by Muddy Brook Pond. The 58th was reserved for a school. A lot of 124 acres was also reserved for public uses. The sixth range, bounded south on last lot of eighth, and ยท contained eleven lots, and common land on north bounds. The seventh, abutting on the ninth, had also eleven lots, with a highway on the east and common at the north. The eighth range began at the dividing line between the Goers and Stayers, with a four-rod highway between and a highway on the east. It was divided into ten lots, and fell short of the north bound of the town by 856 rods of land, unfit for division.
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IMPORTANT CHANGES, ETC.
The ninth extended from common on the north to dividing line, and comprised but six lots, with Pine Swamp meadow and ten acres for common at the south. The tenth range extended from north boundary line to the Great Cedar swamp, with highway on each side, and included nine lots. The eleventh began some rods from north line, " land near which not being fit for division," and contained eleven lots. The twelfth and last range began at the dividing line between Goers and Stayers, and was bounded east by highway, west and north by the bounds of the town. The ninth lot of this range, and one hundred and forty-second of the division, was drawn by Ralph Bradhurst. Governors Wait, Winthrop, and Joseph Dudley received the largest number of acres. Many of these shares were appropriated by old Woodstock settlers, who had bought up Roxbury rights and assigned them to their sons. Edward Morris, John Holmes, Henry Bowen, John Bugbee, Thomas Bacon, Edward Chamberlain, Jonathan Peake, John Payson, together with numerous Lyons, Mays, Frizzels, Davises and Johnsons, thus became proprietors in the north half of Woodstock. Some time passed before the land was made over. Further instructions were found needful. At a meeting of proprietors, November 9, 1714, it was voted :-
1. Upon consideration of the difficulty and damage of laying out the meadows distinct and in a particular division, according to a former vote, it is therefore at this time voted, That all the swamps and meadows, except what is hereinafter excepted, be laid out with the uplands and accounted as such in the after allotments and divisions.
2. That Senexsett, Maple Island, Pine Swamp and May's meadows be sold-the proprietors to have the first offer-in order to the defraying the charges of laying out the lands, and that no particular propriety shall buy above five acres.
The assessors previously appointed were now made a committee for disposing of the meadows, and the standing committee empowered to agree with persons for the convenience of a way from the second range to the Country or Connecticut Road, allowing undivided lands in recompense for damage. It was also ordered, "That the cedar swamp be left distinct and excepted from this present division, and be under restrictions and reservations from any persons cutting any timber there without leave had from the committee or persons appointed to inspect and take care of said swamp."
" At a meeting held in the old meeting-house of Roxbury, March 14, 1715, it was further voted :-
1. What has been already done sufficient and nothing further necessary at present to be done as to these lots.
2. Deacon Morris, with surveyor, perfect the lines of first range and second and third lots, not quite finished.
3. Major John Bowles, a committee for disposal of meadows, in room of Captain Ruggles, deceased.
4. If any error or mistake shall be found, persons injured shall have due satisfaction."
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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
September 22, 1715, the ran ges of lots were formally entered and allotments distributed to the numerous proprietors. The meadows were laid out as directed and sold at public auction. Senexsett meadow, east of the first range, was divided into twenty-six five-acre lots, and was purchased mainly by Roxbury residents-owners of lots not to hinder flowing of the meadow by making dams. Pine Island meadow was allowed to Edward Sumner and three others ; Connecticut or May's meadow to Jacob Pepper and three others. Maple Island meadow was purchased by Hon. Joseph Dudley, John Holbrook, Thomas Baker and John Pike's heirs. Governor Dudley also bought out shares of Senexsett. Purchasers of the meadows were ordered to appear at the Gray-hound in Roxbury, June 26, 1716, " in order to pay the money promised for the same." Few appearing on the day appointed, the committee allowed one month more " when some more came and others refused or neglected." The committee then allowed till September 4, "that all might come and no person complain for lack of time." The money was paid and all accounts settled in November. Roxbury's interest and title in Woodstock had now passed into the hands of individuals. At a final meeting, March 26, 1717, the proprietors voted, "That the whole records and concernment of the Woodstock lands be fairly recorded and transcribed into another book of records and kept distinct, to prevent any unforeseen calamity ;- after which the meeting ended."
The western part of the south half of Woodstock was laid out in 1715. Forty-four hundred acres were laid out in four ranges, running from north to south, and distributed among the proprietors. John Holmes, who had died in 1713, was represented by his son, David. Philip Eastman and Joseph Frizzel were represented by their heirs. The northern and western parts of Woodstock were thus thrown open to settlement, and cultivation and population more widely disseminated. The final settlement of the disputed boundary question also added to the strength and stability of Woodstock. Commissioners, appointed by the governments of Massachusetts and Connecticut in 1713, re-sur- veyed and stated the boundary line between their colonies, with the previous stipulation, that towns already settled should remain to their respective governments. A new line was run from Wrentham Plains due westward, and the whole of Woodstock, as was expected, fell to the south of it, but according to the compact was still held by Massa- chusetts. Fifty thousand acres of land in the west part of Massachusetts were allowed to Connecticut as an equivalent for this territory. The township of Woodstock willingly acquiesced in this arrangement, and doubtless preferred, at this period, to remain under the government which had settled it.
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UNEASINESS WITH MR. DWIGHT, ETC.
VII.
UNEASINESS WITH MR. DWIGHT. SECOND MEETING-HOUSE.
0 F Woodstock church, during these years all record is lacking, but it probably kept pace with the town in growth and prosperity. All land-owners were compelled by law to pay for the support of the gospel ; all inhabitants were expected and obliged to attend public service, and probably all were connected with the church either by profession or owning the covenant. The prosperity of the church may have been somewhat marred by an " uneasiness " with the minister. The relation between pastor and people was far from satisfactory. With good abilities and education and much energy of character, Mr. Dwight was eccentric and erratic, rash in temper and speech, and somewhat willful and overbearing. His sermons, though sound and vigorous, abounded in odd conceits and ludicrous comparisons : "A single grain of grace in the heart was worth more than the best load of hay ever carried from Roxbury to Boston." " If unconverted men ever got to heaven, they would feel as uneasy as a shad up the crotch of a white oak." These eccentricities of Mr. Dwight greatly annoyed his ministerial associates, and once, it is said, " induced several to join in an admonitory visit to the offender. Mr. Dwight received these reproofs with great meekness, frankly acknowledged his faults and promised amendment, but in prayer at parting, after returning thanks for the brotherly visit and admonitions, hoped " that they might so hitch their horses together on earth that they should never kick in the stables of everlasting salvation."
Troubles concerning the payment of the salary began at an early period. Whatever the faults of the pastor may have been, it is evi- dent that the people were equally blamable. It was a rude, rough age, and the Woodstock settlers were not in advance of it. Thirty years residence in an isolated frontier settlement may have strengthened their characters, but it had not softened their manners, and there is abundant evidence that their treatment of their pastor was marked by great lack of delicacy and consideration. " Wants, wars and diversity of words " embittered the life of the minister. His small salary was never promptly or fully paid. In 1703, he accepts ten acres of land in lieu of arrearages, " that we may have quiet." In addition to the right of land secured to him in settlement, Mr. Dwight rented and cultivated the land reserved for the support of the ministry. The town, as ready to exact as slow to communicate, at the end of seven years, sent a committee to examine and take possession, which reported, " That he had not cleared the meadow and fenced the land according
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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
to lease ; had broken up and improved one and a half acres, and had eight crops for which the town had received no satisfaction ; also, land had been measured and found over-measurement, and that he still owed half a crown of rent-money." In 1714, the town voted, not to allow the improvement of the ministry land to Mr. Dwight-Captain John Chandler dissenting. Still, with all this bickering and jealousy, there was much regard for the pastor and no thought of severing the connection.
The Woodstock meeting-house had now become extremely dilapi- dated and quite inadequate to the wants of the congregation. In 1713, a committee was appointed "to order and direct the repairing, amending, making or altering the seats in the meeting-house." Pro- posals for purchasing a bell were received, consideration of them deferred "till next training day " and then rejected. In 1717, Messrs. Peak, Deming and Carpenter were appointed "in regard of their skill and experience in the carpentery trade, to view the meeting-house, whether to enlarge, repair or new-build," who reported, "That repairs were impracticable and that it will be most profitable as well as most accommodable to build a new house." The town accepted this report, with thanks, and at the next town-meeting, March 8, debated the location. "Twenty-three were for continuing it where it was first placed or near it ; seventeen, for setting it near the upper school-house ; one, by the burial-place ; some neutral." The town voted " To build as soon as may be ; dimensions, not less than forty-six feet long, thirty- se ven wide, twenty-two high." Captain John Chandler, John Peak and William Lyon were appointed "to provide materials at the best they can and as much for the ease of the people, and not to hurry the work too fast." This latter caution was quite superfluous, as nearly three years passed before it was even begun. The people were unable to agree upon the location. As quite a number of settlers had now gathered in the north half of Woodstock, a letter was written to them, " relating to moving the meeting-house more northerly," if they would bear their proportion of expenses, but no return was made to it, and the question was left to the decision of the south inhabitants. The Woodstock Hill residents favored a more westerly location ; those in the eastward vale sought its removal to their vicinity. A majority of three, in 1717, agreed to set the meeting-house "near the present spot or within twenty rods of the burial ground." At the meeting next following, twenty-three voted for a location "by the burying-place ; eighteen by the pond " in the eastward vale ; ten persons dissented for various causes. Some of the meetings were very turbulent. On one occasion, after a warm debate, it was proposed to take the vote by the pond-party going to one side the meeting-house and the burial-
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UNEASINESS WITH MR. DWIGHT, ETC.
ground party the other. A majority of three was obtained by the latter, but one vote was pronounced illegal, and while debating this point " five others broke away " and the whole vote was lost.
After two years of wrangling and confusion, a better spirit appeared. At a general town-meeting, December 14, 1719, Mr. Dwight was sent for to pray with the town. All previous action was then annulled, and it was voted, " That a committee of three men out of town should decide the point." Samuel Paine, Smith Johnson and Benjamin Griggs from the south part of the town, and William Lyon, James Corbin and Jonathan Payson from Plaine Hill, were then chosen "to remonstrate to the committee from abroad the circumstances of the town and the arguments they have to offer as to which place they think best, and to write to such committee, provide for and pay them." Joshua Ripley and John Fitch, of Windham, and Eleazer Bateman, of Killingly, were the committee selected, who decided, December 28, "in favor of burying-place spot." William Lyon, Eliphalet Carpenter and John Chandler, Jun., were immediately appointed a committee for building, and preparations for the work began in earnest. Samuel Morris, a younger brother of Deacon Edward, residing east of Wood- stock, "came into the meeting and desired that he might build with us and offered to pay ten pounds." In March, 1720, the committee were ordered "to provide stone for under-pinning and get the house framed as soon as they have a prospect of being supplied with boards." The raising was accomplished in April with due feasting and hilarity, the committee being charged " to use their best prudence in the provision they make, that it be done with frugality and honor, charge borne by the public."
After the raising, the work went on rapidly. The inhabitants of this leading established town were greatly interested in this, their second house of worship, and ambitious to surpass anything yet seen in their part of the country. Very particular and detailed instructions were given to the committee, and especial attention enjoined to style and ornament. A pulpit was built of suitable size, the work quarter-round wainscot and fluted pilasters each side its window. The deacons' seat, sounding-board and minister's pew were of the same work as the pulpit,-the minister's pew at the east end of the pulpit ; at the west end were stairs with banisters, and the communion-table in front. A body of seats was placed in the centre of the house, the fore part quarter round wainscot and the hind part plain. The lower windows were cased "after the present fashion," the walls ceiled with boards to the foot of the lower windows. Knot-holes, cracks and partings of the board were filled with tempered clay mortar as high as the lower girths. Six pillars, of a suitable size, were turned and
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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
set in suitable places under the gallery. A breast-work of timber was set up in front of the gallery, its stairs were half-pilastered and wholly banistered, the floor was laid above and below and all " done workman- like." The space around the walls was reserved for pews. The old meeting-house was pulled down as soon as the new one was covered, and its materials appropriated.
April 13, 1721, the committee reported the house in fair way to completion, and liberty was granted by the town to sixteen persous to build pews, the minister's serving for standard. "Captain John Chand- ler had liberty to build a pew for himself and family next to the pulpit stairs." Following him in order, were Samuel Morris, John Chandler, Jun., Samuel Perrin, Jabez Corbin, John Marcy, Deacon Edward Morris, Deacon John Johnson, James Corbin, Eliph. Carpenter, Jonathan Payson, Joseph Bartholomew, Edmond Chamberlain, Joseph Lyon, Zeckariah Richards, and John Morse. The house was probably used for divine service after this date, but some time passed before its completion. In 1723, the town ordered that steps be made to the meeting-house. Manasseh Horsmor having presented the town with an iron bolt and staples for the west door of the meeting-house, " the same was kindly received by the town and ordered to be put on, that it may be kept shut in windy and uncomfortable weather." Two years later more explicit instructions were voted :-----
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