USA > Connecticut > Windham County > History of Windham County, Connecticut, Volume II, 1760-1880 > Part 41
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* Diary of Theophilus Knight.
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EMIGRATION TO OHIO, ETC.
same date, Captains Daniel Davis and John Leavens, were men of wisdom and experience whose counsels were held in high esteem. Benjamin Converse died the year after settlement in Waterford, having already manifested such "genius, public spirit and enterprise," that his death was mourned "as a serious loss to the whole com- munity." The adventures of his second son, Daniel, who was taken captive by the Indians in 1791, and after suffering great hardships managed to escape, and work his way through Canada and Vermont to Killingly, made a deep impression upon his former townsinen but did not deter them from following the narrator back to Ohio, where he became one of the most respected citizens of Zanesville.
XI.
TOWN ORGANIZATION IN THOMPSON. BUSINESS ENTERPRISE. ORDINATIONS OF DANIEL DOW AND PEARSON CROSBY. REPORT OF SCHOOL INSPECTORS. SALE OF THOMP- SON TRACT. IMPROVEMENTS AND EXCITE-
MENTS. COUNTERFEITING.
THOMPSON did not secure town privileges without the customary contest. After voting unanimously in the north and south societies of Killingly, that Thompson Parish should be a distinct town, and also voting in general town meeting, that it be the mind of the town to have said town divided, Killingly repented and remon- strated :-
" That should a division take place it would be attended with many bad consequences, and be very detrimental to the State in general, and this town in particular. 1. As to State it will increase its taxes already so large that the inhabitants groan under the burden, for the increase of the number of the Legislative body, which at present your Honors are sensible is large enough, will increase its taxes. 2. As to the town in its best estate it is very poor and indigent, not more than £26,749 upon its list, and the length of town so much complained of not exceeding sixteen miles, and width not more than seven, and the place where public meetings are held near the centre- which accommodates the people as well or better than any of the neighbor- ing towns. Plan for dividing the town concoeted in the extreme parts of the town, and the two central parishes being destitute of preaching at the time the warning was up but few of the inhabitants were apprized, and at the town meeting when the vote was passed there was much dispute and the house was divided which did not satisfy, and it was carried by a vote to take the yeas and nays in writing, and the yeas being first called for the nays with- drew without giving their names; furthermore, about one half the voters present were new made that took the qualifications at that meeting-and beg Assembly not to pass resolves whereby said town shall be divided which we conceive will be injurious to town and State and against the public peace and tranquillity."
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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
This memorial, signed by a large number of citizens, delayed the inevitable division for a season, but upon a renewal of agitation three years later the town found farther resistance useless. At a General Assembly holden at Hartford, May, 1785, it was enacted, "That the north society of Killingly and the inhabitants thereof should be constituted a distinct town, by the name of Thompson, with powers and privileges-said town to be responsible for its share of State taxes, pay one-half the debts, and share one-half of the credit and stock of the former town and support the poor belonging within its limits : that the first town-meeting should be holden in June following-Simon Larned, Esq., justice of the peace, and two of the principal inhabitants to warn the same-said Justice Larned to preside at said meeting and lead said inhabitants to the choice of moderator and clerk."
In obedience to this act and lawful warning. Thompson's first town meeting was held June 21, 1785, "at the Rev. Mr. Russel's meeting- house," on Thompson Hill. Simon Larned, Esq., deacon of Mr. Russel's church, now advanced in years and honors, presided as directed, and led the people to the choice of Jason Phipps, Esq., for moderator : Jacob Dresser, town clerk. The freeman's oath was administered to seventy-eight inhabitants .* "They then voted and chose" Thomas Dike, Esq., Capt. Pain Converse, Simon Larned, Esq., Jason Phipps, Esq., Mr. Stephen Brown, selectmen : Jacob Dresser, town-treasurer; Simon Davis, Peleg Corbin, constables ;
*The names of those that took the Freeman's oath at the first Town meeting held in Thompson, June 21, 1785 :- Simon Larned, Esq., Jason Phipps, Esq., Thomas Dike, Esq., Stephen Brown, John Jacobs, Ivory Upham, Captains Obadiah Clough, Pain Converse, Daniel Larned, Jonathan Ellis, Capt. Peter Keith, John Whitmore, Capt. John Green, Jacob Dresser, Simon Davis, Lieut. Amos Carrol, David Barritt, John Leavens, John Younglove, Captains Stephen Keith and Benjamin Merriam, Peleg Corbin, Nathan Bixby, Ensign John Whitmore, James Paull, Ebenezer Bundy, Jesse Brown, Ensign Joseph Brown, Moses and Lemuel Barritt, Mr. Jonathan Nichols, Luke Upham, Joseph Prince, William Copeland, Lieut. Jacob Converse, Clement Corbin, Daniel Barrett, Elijah Converse, Amos Green, Jun., Seth Green, Samuel Haley. Joseph Deamon, Joseph Watson, Richard Brown, Robert Plank, Edward Paull, Joseph Gay, Lient. Davis Flint, William Alton, William Dwight, Lient. Benjamin Larned, Capt. Issacher Bates, Matthew Watson, Jesse Bixby, Hezekiah Bellows. John Bates, Ensign Daniel Perrin, Isaac Lee, Joseph Jewett, John R. Watson, Capt. Jonathan Nichols, Elijah Nichols, John Flint, Thomas Grant, Joseph Flint, John Cooper, Asa Bastow, Alpheus Converse, Walter Everden, Samuel Fay, Jonathan Russel, Elijah Bates, Joel Converse, Joseph Town, Jun., Daniel Alton, Jeremiah Haskell. Thaddeus Larned, John Alton. These were followed within a few years by Noadiah Russel, Jun., Samuel Wilson, Asa Jacobs, William Whittemore, Elijah Crosby, Roger Elliott, William Richards, Jun., Benjamin and Ebenezer Green, Joseph Lee, Marshall Keith, Israel Munyan, John Robbins, Nathaniel Gregory, Daniel Robbins, Ephraim Houghton, Aaron Robinson, Jonathan Converse, Jason Phipps, Jun., James Keith, Abel Prince, Asa Dresser, Jacob Bixby, Jonathan Clough.
345
TOWN ORGANIZATION IN THOMPSON, ETC.
Jason Phipps, Samuel Barrett, Jacob Converse, Ebenezer Prince, John Bates, John Jacobs, Dea. William Richards, highway surveyors and collectors ; Amos Carrol, William Richards, fence-viewers ; Henry Larned, Jonathan Ellis, Samuel Palmer and William Richards, listers ; Simon Davis and Peleg Corbin, town-collectors; John Wilson, leather sealer; Ebenezer Cooper and Jeremiah Hopkins, grand jurymen ; Nathan Bixby, Peter Jacobs and Edward Paull, tithingmen ; Amos Carrol, sealer of weights and measures ; Joseph Watson, key-keeper. Captains Daniel Larned and Pain Converse and Thomas Dike, Esq., were appointed a committee to join such gentlemen as Killingly should appoint, to settle all debts and charges and divide debts and credits as directed. Jacob Dresser was authorized to purchase books for the town records.
At the annual town meeting held December 12, these officers were replaced by others, viz .:- Selectmen, Lieut. Amos Carrol, Henry Larned, Jonathan Ellis : constables, Alpheus Converse, John Bates ; highway surveyors. Ensign Joseph Brown, Daniel Russel, Samuel Palmer, Roger Elliott, Captain Jonathan Nichols, Edward Joslin, William Smith ; grand-jurymen, Asa Bastow, James Paull; fence- viewers, Amos Carrol, Pain Converse ; listers, Joseph Gay, Captain Simeon Goodell, Jeremiah Hopkins, John Carrol : tithingmen, James IIosmer, Ephraim Ellingwood, Peter Stockwell, Elijah Bates; leather sealer, John Wilson ; Joseph Watson, key-keeper. Jacob Dresser was retained for many years as town clerk and treasurer. Deacon Simon and Major Daniel Larned were chosen to join the gentlemen committee of the town of Killingly to run the line between the towns. A due east and west line from Rhode Island colony line to the middle of the Quinebang River, bisecting "a heap of stones about two feet south of the garden wall owned by Mr. John Mason, * upon the east side of the great road leading through said towns to New London," was affixed by the committee. Residents in Thompson who had been formerly set off to the First society in Killingly remained the same as though said town had never been divided. Lands belonging to Nathan and John Mason, Joseph Richards, Bernard Hix, Samuel Haly, Resolved Johnson, Aaron Mason and Darius Sessions, claimed by both townships, were awarded to Thompson by Act of Assembly, October, 1789. Accounts between the towns were settled with great promptness and harmony, the " credits " allowed to Thompson happily out-balancing the debts by some twenty-five pounds.
One of the first cares of the town was to look out for the numerous
* Mr. Mason's mansion house north of the boundary line is now owned and occupied by Mr. William Converse of Putnam.
44
346
HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
poor people set off with it. There were two or three helpless families upon their hands. ailing women with drunken husbands and families of children. besiles old people. chronic invalids and imbeciles. After long debate upon the matter it was voted. February 16. 1756. " That there should be two workhouses provided for the poor : That Deacon James Dike's house should be one and he master of the same : That Mr. Ebenezer Bundy should provide a house, and be master of the same "-but the measure failed of accomplishment. Messrs. Dike and Bundy. as " masters of the poor." provided places for them with different families at prices ranging from four shillings to one and six- pence per week. They also provided clothing. medical attendance and occasional supplies of rum. metheglin. sugar and molasses on extraordinary occasions. Selectmen were desired to give notice to the inhabitants " that those shail have the poor of said town to keep that will keep them the cheapest." Children were bound out whenever practicable. Much time and money were expended in transporting doubtful residents to other towns and contesting their claims by legal process.
The privilege of laying out and making its own highways was joyfully assumed by Thompson. Roads "from Thompson meeting- house to Muddy Brook line by the way of Mr. David Jewett's." and from Child's Mills (now Wilsonville) to Dudley line. that may lead to Dudley meeting-house. were at once allowed. Captains Nichols and Clough were appointed agents to prefer a memorial to the General Assembly for liberty to mend the highways by a tax, and also "to give the town of Thompson the name of PRINCETOWN." The latter request if preferred was certainly not granted, and would not have been at all agreeable to the tenants of "the Thompson Land," and those descendants of old settlers who still exercised a certain romantic fealty towards the English proprietor. The family were always reputed to take great interest in this ancient inheritance. and children are known to have been named in their honor. so that if any repre- sentative should chance to visit his domain he would find that their connection with the town had been recognized and appreciated. The usual highway privileges were promptly accorded. William Copeland. Clement Corbin and others having "fung in a complaint to the selectmen." on account of the shutting up of their road to mill and meeting by Asaph Bowen. were appeased by the privilege of having gates and bars that they could pass. Other roads were allowed and repaired in various quarters. and a committee appointed to view and repair bridges. The line between Thompson and Woodstock was perambulated and renewed by a committee from each town. School affairs were left as before in the charge of society and districts.
347
BUSINESS ENTERPRISE, ETC.
General public affairs were not neglected. Jason Phipps, Esq., was sent as Thompson's first representative to the General Assembly. Major Daniel Larned was elected in special town meeting, November 5, 1787, delegate to represent the town in the State Convention called to ratify the Federal Constitution. A committee was sent to consult with committees from other northern towns with regard to obtaining a new county or half-shire, and upon receiving their report the town voted, " that our deputies should join Pomfret deputies with regard to making Pomfret a half-shire, with this proviso that we may be free of cost of a court-house and jail." The young town looked sharply after cost in all its expenditures, and kept its accounts most carefully balanced. An execution served upon it in behalf of the State for an unsettled war claim-fifty pounds with the interest from May, 1777- gave it a deal of trouble. For some obscure cause this claim had been disputed. Assets sufficient to meet it had been allowed by Killingly in settlement but could not be collected. September 20, 1786, it was " voted to choose a committee to inspect the collectors and look into the matter of executions, said committee to carefully inspect the collector's bills, and look carefully into the circumstances of those that are delinquent in payment and wherever there is any personal estate by no means take the land, and farther assist the collectors by calling on the delinquents and urging the absolute necessity of payment, and endeavour to make the matter as easy as possibly may be every cir cumstance considered." This delicate service was assigned to Amos Carrol, Henry Larned and Captain Peter Keith. They found the collection of the ancient rate-bills made over to them by Killingly extremely difficult. After procuring a list "of those that hant paid," a committee of five was appointed "to visit every man described in their bill of balance," find out the abatements that had been applied, and also the bill of overcharges and absconderies. Sixty-five pounds were allowed them in abatements and the remainder apparently secured
by taking possession of land. Captain Carrol and his associates con tinued on duty, going with the collectors when they posted up lands for taxes and deciding if it was best to bid the lands off for the town, and as soon as the law allowed applying for payment, and "if not paid, either let the improvements out for the town, or sell in case they can raise the money nearly to the value of the land-or if they can get stock for part or all to take it at the value in money, and to show as much lenity as the nature of the case will admit." By shrewd management the difficulty was surmounted, all accounts with the mother town and State government settled in full, and a balance reported in the treasury in 1788. Relieved from this incubus the town could now condescend to some minor details, consider the condition of the
348
HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
pound. forbid swine " to run on the commons without a good wire ring in the nose and a yoke three inches below the neck and four inches above." and offer a bounty of six-pence for the head of each crow that shall be killed " within its limits. A rise to ten cents a head so stimulated juvenile enterprise that quite a large sam was dis- tributed year by year in boanty money. Nathaniel Mills was chosen town cleik and treasurer in 1795.
In business for several years there was little activity. Times were hard and money scarce. The various mills for grinding. sawing and cloth dressing. supplied indispensable wants. Ebenezer Bandy had now succeeded the Eatons at the Upper Fall of the Qninebaug. and entered into brisk competition with old Captain Cargill. half a mile below. "Larned and Mason" continued their business in the South Neighborhood, and as trade revived prosecuted it with redoubled energy. A road was laid out for their especial accommodation in 1752. running east of Fort Hill through the Thompson Land. which considerably shortened the distance to Boston-" so inneh advantage no damage had to owners of land." An attempt was made to secure a more direct road to Bundy's mills. A pail mannfactory was now set up. Potash and pearlash were made in large quantities. Proince was taken in from all the sarroun ling country. and even from neighbor- ing States. Finding that the transfer of so inneh merchandise in hired ships was costly and inconvenient. the firm decided to build a ship for themselves. A body of men was straightway dispatched to cut and hew timber in Thompson forests. and Quaddie saw mill engaged for the season. Captain Jonathan Nichols, an ingenious mechanic, had charge of the work. competent workmen were obtained. and in a few mouths a tight little brig or s'oop met the eyes of the many spectators docking to Quaddie to admire so rare a specimen of inland enterprise and architecture. After being taken in sections to Provi- dence. it was carefully retfitted and launched as the sloop Harmony, amid much gratulation and rejoicing. It provel a valuable acquisition to its owners. conveying produce and goods back and forth between Providence and the West India Islands, and furnishing the good people of Thompson and its vicinity with abundant supplies of what were deemed most vital necessities. Under the stimulus afforded by this flourishing business. Sonth Neighborhood proadly maintained its position as DISTRICT NUMBER ONE, and was universally regarded as the business and social head of the town. while Thompson Hill was set apart for religious gatherings, trainings and town meetings. Nothing like a village could then be found at this centre. The meeting-house and red tavern house. a pound and blacksmith's shop held sole posses-
349
ORDINATION OF DANIEL DOW AND PARSON CROSBY, ETC.
sion of the common. A fine house* had been built at the north extremity of the hill by Mr. Samuel Watson, in 1767; " Priest Russel's " pleasant residencet overlooked its southern slope. Esquire Dresser's house on an adjacent hill-top was long famed as a place of public resort and entertainment. His second wife, the widow of Thomas Dyer, Esq., of Windham, was a lady of much dignity and presence, remembered for long years by awe-struck neighbors as " the proudest woman that ever lived in Thompson." Her honored husband, Jacob Dresser, Esq., the first white male born within Thomp- son territory, died in 1783, respected and mourned by all. He had long served as deacon of the church and filled many public offices. Of his six children only one lived to maturity, who bore the name and succeeded in time to many of the offices held by his father. Ile was one of the first captains of the regiment of light infantry, attached to the Fifth Brigade. Amos Goodell, William Dwight, Peleg Corbin, William Smith, Abel Prince, Augustus Larned, David Wilson, Isaac Davis, Moses Bixby, George Keith, Eli Starr, were also officers in this company or in the militia. Daniel Larned, after serving as major and colonel of the Eleventh Regiment, succeeded General Gordon in charge of the Brigade, in 1793. His promotion led to increased activity in military affairs, and the company trainings on Thompson and Brandy Hills, and the annual " muster " in the autumn, were observed with redoubled spirit. The hill tavern was now kept by Sammuel Fairbanks. David Nichols, Jason Phipps. John Bates, John Jacobs had taverns in other parts of the town.
Religious matters were now left to the respective churches and societies, but " Mr. Russel's meeting-house" was claimed by the town as the place for public meetings. Many interesting services were held in this honored house which still retained its place in the affection of the inhabitants. Amasa Learned of Killingly, was licensed to preach in this house at a meeting of the Association, in 1773. Dr. Cogswell in his journal gives a pleasant picture of a meeting of the Association here in 1790. Jogging slowly along on horseback over the rough hills from Scotland, picking up one ministerial brother after another, tarrying for the night with Mr. Whitney, dining with Mr. Atkins, they reached Thompson Hill Wednesday afternoon, Octo- ber 12. Eight ministers were present and one candidate. Brothers Putnam and Judson were detained at home by ill health. Johnson of Woodstock, after much wrangling had been dismissed with comforta- ble circumstances. Mr. Russel in the evening gave an excellent discourse "upon the question, Whether God chose our first parents
* Now occupied by Judge Rawson.
t Site now occupied by William H. Chandler, Esq.
350
HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
should eat the forbidden fruit. He proved the negative incontesta-
bly." On the following day Mr. Lee gave an excellent sermon A pretty full attendance and people very attentive. The Association had a very friendly meeting and were very hospitably entertained. Exer- cises were concluded by a prayer from Mr. Russel. " worthy of an ancient Puritan divine," and after an affectionate parting the brethren ambled peacefully homeward.
Mr. Russel's health was now failing and measures had been taken to procure a colleague when he was suddenly removed. A cotem- porary thus records his decease : -
" Died at Mendon, Mass., Tuesday, October 27, 1795, Rev. Noadiah Russel of Thompson, Conn. On the Thursday preceding, Mr. Russel. his wife and son entered upon a journey from their house to Boston; proceeded leisurely ; arrived at the Rev. Mr. Alexander's on the following Monday. Towards evening sat down at table for refreshment. Then, Mr. Russel was suddenly seized with apoplexy, and continued with little or no sense or motion tilt about eleven the next evening, when he expired. The remains were brought back to Thompson for interment on Friday, on which very mournful occasion a sermon was delivered by Rev. Josiah Whitney of Brooklyn, from Hebrews VII. : 2.3."
" An early, long and particular acquaintance " enabled Mr. Whitney to speak of the deceased with great fullness and tenderness. "His mental powers were excellent. He thought and reasoned well, was careful and critical in examining things, capable of forming a good judgment, agreeable and e.lifying in conversation. His house and heart were open to friends and acquaintances-a lover of mankind, faithful in his friendships, really to do good and communicate, exem- plary in relative duties."
Mr. Pinneo, afterward of Milford, was supplying the pulpit at this time, but was soon succeeded by young Mr. Daniel Dow of Ashford, already favorably known to the churches and ministers of Windham County. After graduation from Yale College in 1793, Mr. Dow maintained himself by teaching psalmbody while pursuing the study of divinity, was licensed by the Windham County Association at its spring session in 1795, and-"to be further qualified for the office of a bishop-became the husband of one wife, the daughter of Deacon Jesse Bolles of Woodstock." These superior qualifications were promptly recognized by the good people of Thompson, and after a few months' probation a call was given and accepted. and the new minister ordained and installed, April 20, 1796, amid much rejoicing and mutual congratulation. The neighboring County ministers com- posed the ordaining council. Private preliminary examination was held at Captain Dresser's tavern. It was a time of great doctrinal debate and agitation. High Calvinism was coming into fashion. The shrewd young candidate, who was suspected of Arminian tenden-
.
351
REPORT OF SCHOOL INSPECTORS, ETC.
cies, was subjected to a most searching inquisition. His adroitness in reply called out all the controversial resources of his assailants, and the debate waxed so warm that Mr. Dow was fain to throw off' his coat and stand parrying their thrusts " with sweat raining down from him like a farmer in a July hay-field." Whatever his theological sentiments were at that period. he maintained them triumphantly, one good deacon of his church as persisteut as himself voting alone against him. In performing the public exercises at the meeting- house, " Mr. Pond preached the sermon, Mr. Lee made the conse- crating prayer, Mr. Whitney gave the charge, and Mr. Graves the right hand of fellowship." Entering with much zest upon his minis- terial labors, Mr. Dow began at once to experience the trials of the ministry. In his own words half a century later :-
" The church I found to be in a very cold, backslidden state; very few of them willing to converse upon experimental religion, or ready to give a reason of the hope that was in them, if they had any religion at all. The congregation seemingly intent upon nothing but vanity and folly. My flock scattered over the whole town, an area of about eight miles square, various denominations of Christian people contending with each other about the shells and husks of religion, while they appeared to pay little or no attention to the substance. Intemperance greatly prevailing, and moderate drinkers as they were called, drinking most immoderately. Errorists of every kind running to and fro, and many, having itching ears, running after them. Some openly avowing their infidelity; while others were proclaiming what they called good news and glad tidings; by which they meant that impenitent sinners, drunkards and all, were sure to go to Heaven. My people were all very friendly to me. They filled the old meeting-house well, heard what I said to them with as much satisfaction as they would listen to a song, and gave me as much, and even more commendation, than what I sometimes thought I deserved. But there was the end of it. They were friendly to the preacher, and satisfied with his performances, but generally speaking, they had no love for Gospel truth, nor any concern for their own salvation. Nor was it in my power to awaken them. I preached what I thought good ser- mons, great sermons, sermons full of excellent speech and moral suasion, sermons good enough to convert anybody, and yet they had no more effect in awakening and converting sinners than a pop-gun discharged against an impenetrable rock. I was greatly disappointed; and the condition of the people who manifested so much friendship for me appeared so deplorable that I sat down discouraged and wept. But in all this the Lord taught me a very important lesson. I was brought to see that nothing short of the power of God can either awaken or convert a sinner. From that time I preached the doctrines of grace more plainly and more constantly than I had ever done before. I expurgated my system of divinity of all Arminian notions, and my language of all such phrases as were capable of misconstruc- tion ; (for though orthodox in the main, I had fallen into some mistakes and inconsistencies in consequence of having read many erroneous books in my early days) ; and I now determined to preach all the doctrines of grace, if I possibly could, as plainly as Christ and his apostles preached them."
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