USA > Connecticut > Windham County > History of Windham County, Connecticut, Volume II, 1760-1880 > Part 35
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The monument erected by his fellow Masons bore the following inscription :-
The master wardens and brethren Of Moriah Lodge In testimony of their esteem and respect For the virtues, talents and usefulness of their late worthy brother Erect this monument To the memory of Albigence Waldo, surgeon. Who attentively studying the works of God
In the admirable frame of man Rose to eminent distinction In the noble art of healing. His name was charity ; His actions Humanity ; His intercourse with men benevolence and love. Born in Pomfret, Feb. 27, 1750. Died 29th Jan. 1794.
Dr. Waldo left many scientific and medical treatises which it was hoped " would afford great light and benefit to future ages." His bereaved widow made many fruitless efforts to publish a collection of his writings. He was succeeded in practice by one of his own pupils and townsmen-Thomas, son of Benjamin Hubbard-who though yet under age had made such proficiency in medical studies and had such natural aptitude for the profession as to fill the position with great credit and usefulness, and gain in time a reputation
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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
surpassing that of his predecessor. Dr. Hall was also held in high repute abroad and at home, both professionally and socially, and his children as they came upon the stage were shining ornaments of that polite and refined society which so distinguished Pomfret at this day. To this brilliant society was now added Sylvanus Backus of Plain- field, who had opened a law office on Pomfret street and was already ranked among the leading lawyers of the County. His wife was the only surviving daughter of Dr. Waldo.
Among other notable events of this period Pomfret had the excite- ment of tiro murders, an extravagant allowance for a town of its size and calibre. The first was committed in November, 1795, by An, a negro girl twelve years old, belonging to Mr. Samuel Clark. " Not having the fear of God before her eyes but moved by the Devil," she turned against the little five-year-old Martha Clark who had offended her in their play, and with a sharp knife did so cut the throat of the child that she died almost instantly. With remarkable self-command and cunning, Ann herself rushed out and gave the alarm, calling to Mr. Clark that a straggler had killed little Martha. This story was at first believed by the distressed household, but suspicious circumstances appearing a skillful cross-examination elicited the truth. Ann was thereupon taken to Windham jail, tried, convicted and sentenced. Thirty-nine lashes were inflicted upon her naked body and the letter M stamped upon her hand for immediate punishment, and she was confined for life within the jail limits.
The second murder occurred in the south projection of Abington, a sunny little nook apparently far removed from the evils and tempta. tions of the world, occupied by descendants of Mr. John Sharpe, and a few friendly neighbors. Among these residents were Reuben Sharpe and his wife Cynthia, a kindly elderly pair, uncle and aunt to the whole community. Childless themselves they loved to care for homeless children, and among the subjects of their beneficence was Caleb Adams, a motherless lad of weak intellect and morbid temper, who was apprenticed to Mr. Sharpe, and treated with great kindness. When Caleb was about seventeen years old, Oliver Woodworth, a nephew of Mr. Sharpe, came to reside with him, a most engaging little fellow, five or six years of age, who very naturally became the pet of the household. The caresses and attention bestowed upon the child excited the jealousy of Caleb, and his spleen was aggravated by the pranks and tricks of the little Oliver, who took a childish delight in teasing his surly comrade. One day when Caleb was pulling beans in the field, Oliver came out to him with his sled and besought him to go with him for grapes, and agreed at first to help and wait for him, but becoming weary of the work and wishing to leave, Caleb refused
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TRIAL AND EXECUTION OF CALEB ADAMS, ETC.
to let him have his sled and put it over the wall. Oliver got the sled and brought it back, when Caleb took it away and flung it up into an apple-tree, assuring the child that if he got it again he would be sorry for it, whereat the little fellow straightway pulled it down and doubtless looked defiance at the big boy who was trying to master him. Caleb instantly determined to kill the child, and warily carried out his purpose. Calmly and pleasantly he offered to go at once for the grapes, and also into the woods to cut a sled-tongue. The delighted boy went with him to the house, helped grind the butcher's knife and carry the cord and implements for his own destruction, and prattled along to the grapevines and into the deep woods, when a blow from the axe stunned and felled him.
" A horrid gash with a hasty knife And then the deed was done."
As the little life ebbed away Caleb's senses came back to him. From the moment of " that first fierce impulse unto crime," he had thought of nothing but how he should accomplish it. "I did not think of the consequences to myself. The devil led me on till I had done it, and then left me." He could not even carry out his design of dressing his vietim, and hanging him up like other butchered animals. His only impulse now was to shrink away from the sight of man, and he traveled off several miles to a distant uncle's residence. . Night brought no boys to Uncle Reuben's hearthstone. The neigh- bors were aroused, search made, the pitiful remains discovered. Caleb traced ont. At first denying the charge he was brought ere long to make confession. He was taken to Windham and committed to jail, September 15, 1803. The affair excited the greatest interest and many visited him in prison. The trial was held September 29. So great was the throng that the court adjourned to the meeting-house. There was little or no doubt as to the commission of the murder : the only question at issue was the responsibility of the murderer. The boy had been tainted even before his birth. It was "confidently stated and supported by credible testimony," that six months before the birth of Caleb, his father had brought into his household a vile woman with an idiot child two years of age, and that he had persisted in keeping them there to the infinite distress of his neglected wife, who died with grief when her baby was about five months old. Within two months of her decease Mr. Adams married his paramour, and she had charge of the child until her own death, after which he was trundled abont to any one who would keep him for a trifle. It was said that the form of his face and the motions of his body resembled those of the idiot child who had given such distress to his mother, and that he very early manifested great perversity and cruelty of temper, and an
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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
innate propensity to indulge in lying. stealing and various vicious practices, while the circumstances under which he had been placed had precluded any counteracting influences or suitable training. But all these facts and the alleged insanity of his father, which would seem to indicate the unsoundness of the prisoner and plead for a mitigation of sentence, only seemed to convince judge and jury of his unfitness to live, and the necessity of keeping him from further mischief, and the supreme penalty of the law was pronounced against him. A petition in his behalf was sent to the General Assembly but that body declined to interfere with the course of justice. As in the case of Elizabeth Shaw, very great tenderness and sympathy were manifested for the unhappy criminal, and most earnest efforts made to aid him in preparing for the great change. Mr. and Mrs. Sharpe visited him in prison : the latter in particular " was very tenderly affected towards him and treated him with christian compassion," freely forgiving him and hoping that God would also forgive him. His execution Novem- ber 20, was made a grand scenic display, affording the highest satisfac- tion to many thousands of sympathetic spectators. Divine service was performed on the Green before the Court House. "Caleb walked to the place of public worship, accompanied by Sheriff Abbe and the attending clergy, exhibiting on a serene countenance signs of deep and solemn thought. A pathetic and well adapted prayer by Rev. Mr. Nott, opened the service," followed by a sermon from Rev. Elijah Waterman, upon words taken from Luke xi. 35 :- Take heed. there- fore, that the light that is in thee be not darkness-a solemn and appropriate discourse npon the nature and power of conscience. The request of the prisoner to receive baptism and leave his dying testi- mony in favor of the religion which supported him, was then stated, and "after ascending the stage and making his confession of faith, the ordinance was administered by the Rev. Mr. Lyon, in the presence of thousands of solemn and deeply affected spectators. In walking thence to the place of execution, he conversed freely, and stated the ground of his hope, and the support it gave him that through Jesus Christ he should find mercy. When coming in full view of the gallows he observed it with a countenance unmoved," finding strength in prayer and passages of Scripture. Rev. Moses C. Welch thus opened his address, at the place of execution :-
" We are met, my friends. on one of the most interesting occasions. We are come together to see the sentence of law executed on one of our fellow- creatures, agreeably to the declaration of Jehovah :- Who sheddeth man's blood by man shall his blood be shed. Here we see the instruments of death prepared. Here we behold on the scaffold one bound for execution and going soon, even in a few moments, into the world of spirits, and to the bar of Jesus. While our minds are much affected with the awful spectacle it may be interesting to our feelings, it may be profitable to us, to hear a few faets
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GENERAL AFFAIRS IN ASHFORD, ETC.
concerning the prisoner's life with some reflections and remarks. This, at his request, I shall now attempt, not so much to gratify your curiosity as to do good to my fellow sinners."
Before and at the close of this address "Caleb kneeled and prayed with composure and in words well suited to convey his feelings and desires, that he might obtain merey and find forgiveness of sins through Christ-that he might be supported in the trying moment- that all might be for the glory of God, and particularly that the people might take warning by his end and forsake the ways of sin." The Rev. Mr. Lyon, his pastor from Abington, "then addressed the Throne of Grace in language the most interesting and affectionate -- at the close of which the criminal was launched into eternity." The tender-hearted sheriff burst into tears after performing his most pain- ful office, and a most deep and solemn impression was left upon all who had witnessed the scene.
VII.
GENERAL AFFAIRS IN ASHFORD. VISIT FROM PRESIDENT WASHINGTON. TURNPIKE ENTERPRISE. DAVID BOLLES AND THE BAPTIST PETITION. CONGREGA- TIONAL AND BAPTIST CHURCHES.
A SHFORD was still prominent among Windham County town- ships, its citizens expressing their views upon all publie ques- tions and bearing their part of all public burdens. Captain Benjamin Sumner was still at the head of town affairs, and sometimes designated as King of Eastford Parish. Josias Biles in 1780 succeeded Isaac Perkins as town clerk and treasurer. Selectmen in 1783 were Esquire Perkins, Captain Reuben Marcy, Captain David Bolles, Lient. John Warren, Edward Sumner: constables and collectors, David Brown, Jed. Ward, Ebenezer Bosworth, Captain Ebenezer Mason : highway surveyors, Ephraim Lyon, Joshua Kendall, Ephraim Spalding, Amasa Watkins, Jacob Chapman, Thomas Ewing, Jonathan Chaffee, Timothy Babcock, Isaac Kendall, Captain Samuel Smith, Medina Preston, John Loomis, Ephraim Walker, Stephen Snow ; grand-jurors, Medina Preston, Samuel Spring, Abel Simmons, Deacon Chapman, Josias Biles. The selectmen were " desired and impowered to provide for the town a suitable house for the reception of idle, lazy and impotent persons, and the same employ at work in said house, and appoint an overseer, and the same supply with necessaries at the town's expense." Esquire Clark, Doctor Huntington and Ensign Lyon were directed to look after schools.
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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
The furor for emigration that broke out so violently after the return of peace carried away many of Ashford's valued citizens. Captain James Dana removed with his family to Schoharie County, New York. Major John Keyes, his comrade in arms and many a gallant exploit-appointed in 1786 to the high position of adjutant-general of Connecticut militia,-stepped over the line into Scotland. The excellent Dr. Huntington, so useful in church and town, removed to Canaan, Conn., and many other sterling families sought Vermont, New York and opening regions westward. Among the gains of the town were Dr. Andrew Huntington of Griswold, who took the place of his relative in Westford, Jonathan Nichols of Thompson, Abner Richmond of Woodstock. James Trowbridge of Pomfret, Isaac Perkins of Mansfield, whose wife was daughter of Deacon Benjamin Chaplin. Lient. Daniel Knowlton, Captain Marey, and many other veterans who had served through the war, remained in Ashford, actively interested in military and public affairs. The former, who had suffered so severely in imprisonment, was especially noted for fervent affection for his own country and a corresponding hatred for all whom he deemed its enemies. He could never forget his sufferings in the old church and the Jersey prison ship, and was most inveterate in his resentments towards anything that bore the name of Briton. He was accustomed to attend worship with the Congregational church in Westford till one Sabbath when the minister read a hymn, having for its refrain, "Give Britain praise." Lient. Knowlton immediately rose up in his seat and requested that this hymn should be omitted and some other sung in its stead, but the minister paid no attention to his request, and the choir beginning to sing, the old soldier marched deliberately out of the meeting-house, declaring he could not worship with a congregation that gave Britain praise in anything, and never entered it again.
These old soldiers must have been very especially interested in that most notable event of Ashford's history-a Sabbath-day's visit from General Washington and his suite on their return from the Presidential tour of 1789. Leaving Uxbridge before sunrise, Satur- day, November 7, they breakfasted at a tavern kept by " one Jacobs," in Thompson-the well-known "half-way house " between Boston and Hartford-and thence proceeded on the road to Pomfret. Major Jackson and Private Secretary Lear occupied the state carriage with the President, and four servants followed on horseback, a goodly cortege indeed, and one that would have gladdened the eyes of hundreds of devoted adherents and admirers, but that unfortunately in that pre-telegraphie day none knew in advance of its coming, and only here and there a bewildered citizen caught an imperfect glimpse of his
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VISIT FROM PRESIDENT WASHINGTON, ETC.
Country's honored Father. At Grosvenor's, in Pomfret, they paused for rest and refreshment, and to inquire for General Putnam, whom Washington had hoped to see here and which indeed had been one of his inducements for coming this road, but finding that he lived five miles away and that he could not call upon him withont deranging his plan and delaying his journey, he continued on the main road, up and down long hills some eight miles farther to "Perkins' tavern in Ashford," where he "rested on the Sabbath-day according to commandment." The host and hostess, taken unawares, doubtless did their best to accommodate their illustrious visitor, but to their lasting discredit the truth-telling President records that the tavern "is not a good one." Tradition gives few details or incidents of this visit. Washington is said to have attended church, occupying the most honored seat in the house of worship, and Mr. Pond and the town officials doubtless paid their respects, but the Sabbath-keeping etiquette of the time did not permit any formal demonstration, and he was probably allowed to spend the day in peace and quiet after his own fashion. The citizens of Windham town were greatly mortified and annoyed that Washington instead of coming to their town, and giving them the opportunity to manifest their patriotic enthusiasm, should have "gone back and stole away from ye people, going by a by-road through Ashford to avoid pomp and parade." Dr. Cogswell also reports the accompanying visitation of a remarkable epidemic that followed the course of the President from New York to Boston, and all around the country, "even making many crazy "-a violent influenza which by curious coincidence has followed the footsteps of many less illustrions successors.
Ashford was greatly interested in the improvement of those public thoroughfares to which she owed so much of her prosperity and standing. William, son of Isaac Perkins, her first practicing attorney, was made in 1795, agent for the town in all road cases. A committee was appointed to treat with General Newell respecting the road by his mills in the north part of the town. Captain Ward, Lieut. Joseph Burnham, Major Smith and Asa Howe were also appointed to wait upon the committee sent by the Assembly "to lay out a highway from East Hartford to Massachusetts, or Rhode Island line." The Boston Turnpike Company was incorporated in 1797, and within two or three years the great Boston and Hartford Turnpike, running through Mansfield, Ashford, Pomfret and Thompson, was completed and opened to the public. James Gordon, Shnbael Abbe and Ebenezer Devotion were appointed to oversee repairs, gates and collections upon this road. About half a mile east of Ashford village this road connected with another great turnpike leading to
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IHISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
Providence, constructed a few years later by the Connecticut and Rhode Island Turnpike Company. Unlike some other towns Ashford made no opposition to these improvements, but willingly paid the needful impost to gain better accommodations and increased travel. Daily stages passing to and fro over these roads made the town very lively. Chaises and other vehicles were coming into vogue. A large amount of freight was carried over the turnpikes. The numerous taverns needed to supply the wants of travelers and teamsters, were kept by Jed. Fay, Benjamin Clark, Isaac Perkins, Josiah Ward, William Snow, Josiah Converse, Stephen Snow. Samuel Spring.
In 1803, Ashford was accommodated with its first post-office, David Bolles, Jun .. postmaster. Mr. Bolles after studying medicine for a time had tumed his attention to law, and was now successfully com- peting with Esquire Perkins in legal practice. He was in high favor with what were called "the Sectaries" of Ashford and neighboring towns, by his open and uncompromising opposition to any taxation for support of public worship, and the religious Constitution of Con- nectient. A little fellow of six years old, he had stood by his mother's side when her precious pewter was taken by the collector and carried to the town post to pay a " priest tax," and her tears and unavailing remonstrances had such an effect upon his childish mind that he then and there resolved that if he grew up to be a man he would fight those laws that had caused her such distress-a purpose which was still farther strengthened by surrounding influences and later de- velopments. With tongue and pen he kept this childish vow and became one of the "foremost champions" of the Baptist cause, " defending them in pamphlets of his own, issued at the expense of himself or his friends." He was an earnest advocate for the celebrated " Baptist Petition for the Removal of Religious Restrictions," which was circulated throughout the State in 1802, obtaining many thousand signatures, and was one of the committee which laid it before the General Assembly. Much merriment was excited by the presentation of this petition. "Some called him fool; some mad," to think of overthrowing a system so thoroughly incorporated and so strongly intrenched. The Assembly, however, willing to examine its merits, referred the petition to a committee of eighteen members from the two Houses, to inquire and report. It was said that Oliver Ells- worth, chairman of the committee, " as he received the petition imme- diately threw it under the table, and putting his foot upon it, said, 'There is where it belongs.'" Several of the committee were suffered to be its advocates, and it was thoroughly canvassed and dis- cussed until " every gentleman professed himself entirely satisfied that there was no ground of complaint which this Legislature could
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TURNPIKE ENTERPRISE, ETC.
remove, except John T. Peters, Esq., who declared that nothing short of an entire repeal of the laws for the support of religion would accord with his views "-a declaration that was doubtless viewed as the height of presumptuous absurdity. Their report that the request was unnecessary, was accepted by both Houses without divi- sion and it was triumphantly believed that the troublesome question had been forever dismissed. A shrewd old Baptist Elder present told Mr. Bolles not to be discouraged :- " Let them talk as they will, you'll upset their dish yet."
David Bolles, Sen., though now advancing in years was still abund- ant in labors. In 1797, he was ordained as an Evangelist by the Stonington Baptist Association. In 1801, he accepted the call of the First Baptist Church in Hartford, and for two years officiated as its pastor, and was then dismissed at his own request, preferring to live in the country and preach without charge to destitute churches in the vicinity of his old home. His son Lucius was graduated from Brown University in 1801, and after studying three years with Dr. Stillman of Boston, was installed pastor of the newly formed Baptist Church in Salem. Among Dartmouth graduates of this date were Asa Carpenter of Eastford, who settled as a Congregational minister in Penfield, and Tower Whiton of Westford, who taught to good acceptance in Plain- field and other academies. Other sons of Elder Bolles engaged for a time in business in their own town. Mr. Richmond and his sons carried on shoe manufacture and other business enterprises in West- ford. Mills for grinding and sawing, tanneries and distilleries, were active in various parts of the town. Dr. Nehemiah Howe attended to his patients and took a prominent part in town management, opening his office for public deliberations when the meeting-house was too cold for comfort. A second Dr. Palmer shared the practice of his father. The usual representatives of the town at this date were William Walker, Abel Simmons, Jun., Josias Biles and John Palmer. The election of Mr. Jason Woodward, who chanced to gain the vote in 1802, was contested upon the ground that he had obtained it "by distributing liquor; had treated the selectmen with four bowls of sling, and given to the people about his store four bottles of liquor," but fortunately for the honor of the town "the charges were not supported."
After the lamented death of Rev. James Messenger, the First church of Ashford remained for seven years without a stated pastor when it happily united in the choice of Enoch Pond of Wrentham, a graduate of Brown University, who, after a varied experience as a soldier and school-teacher, had turned his thoughts to the ministry, studied theology under the celebrated Dr. Emmons, and was ordained
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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
and installed over the church in Ashford, September 16, 1789. Pos- sessing unusual ability and cultivation, he gained great influence over his people and enjoyed an harmonious pastorate. Ebenezer Mason and Isaac Perkins, Esq., were chosen deacons the same year, and upon the death of the latter in 1795, were succeeded by Matthew Read and David Brown. The old meeting-house after seventy years' occupation was now enlarged and thoroughly repaired ; the practice of admitting baptized persons to certain church privileges abolished by vote of the church. A revival of religious interest soon followed the settlement of Mr. Pond, and some sixty were added to the church. Two gifted young men were fitted by Mr. Pond for the ministry, Daniel and Hendrick Dow, though the latter, no less versatile than brilliant, left the pulpit for the bar.
The Eastford church maintained its high standing in doctrine and discipline. At a church meeting, November 22, 1792, voted :-
"I. That we will admit none to the privilege of baptism for themselves or seed but those who join in full communion.
II. That we esteem conversion necessary in order to right communion- therefore agree, that we will receive none to our holy fellowship, but those that make such a profession.
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