USA > Connecticut > Windham County > History of Windham County, Connecticut, Volume II, 1760-1880 > Part 51
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line. This new road to Providence was very needful for the transpor- tation of goods and cotton. The mercantile operations of Captain Alexander Gaston, who had removed from Sterling to South Killingly, were also greatly benefited thereby. His flourishing store added greatly to the importance of this miniature "city." He was accus- tomed to buy large quantities of goods at auction in New York market, and farmers would hurry down to Providence with their teams when his ships were expected, that they might reap the profit of hauling them up to Killingly. A new turnpike project forcibly urged by some citizens was most vigorously resisted, and called out the following successful manifesto :-
" Whereas a contemplated branch of four miles to the Connecticut and Rhode Island turnpike (petition by Evan Malbone and others) is to meer about a thousand dollars expense upon Killingly without enhancing the interests of the town, or facilitating a convenience to the public; and, whereas, such an obtrusion upon the town would be considered as truly extra- ordinary and unprecedented as it would be derogatory to its interests; and, whereas it is the unquestioned privilege of a town at all times to defend and protect its interest against that principle of invasion which would sacrifice the interests of town and individuals to its own accommodation-therefore voted, that the town of Killingly will never submit to such an invasion upon these rights while protection can be claimed by the laws of the State."
So heavy was the burden brought upon tax-payers by public im- provements that an effort was made to secure town division by an east and west line through the centre. Sampson Howe, Captain Gaston and Ezra Hutchins appear frequently as moderators of town meetings : Daniel Buck, John Day, Samuel Sprague, John Kelly, Tiffany and John Adams, Jacob Spalding, as selectmen : Ezra Hutchins, Joseph Adams, Anthony Brown, Ebenezer Young, Pennel Hutchins, Luther Warren, Arba Covill, David Chase, as justices ; Luther Warren, town elerk : Hezekiah Howe, constable. Ebenezer Young had now opened a law office in the rising village of Westfield, which with its meeting-house, doctor's office and tavern, was becoming more and more of a town centre. A fine house near the meeting- house was occupied by Captain Evan Malbone and his establishment. Captain Solomon Sikes' popularity as a military officer added much to the fame of his tavern, especially during war-time. Killingly's artillery company was very efficient at this date, commanded by Captain David Bassett. Laban and Barzillai Fisher served as its lieutenants. William Alexander, Calvin Day, David Chase and Charles Buck were rising officers. The admired South Killingly company maintained its standing under Simon Hutchins, John Eaton, 2d, and Aaron Rood. Increasing centralization and other causes gave a new impetus to the West Killingly church. Mr. Johnson was dismissed from the pastorate in 1809. His successor, 55
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Roswell Whitmore, the son of an old Killingly family removed to Ashford, was ordained Jannary 13, 1813. Ordination services con- ducted with dne form by Reverends Moses C. Welch, Walter Lyon, Israel Day and Elisha Atkins, were very satisfactory as was also the Ordination Ball held the same evening at Captain Silas Hutchins' Assembly Room under the management of the Messrs. Malbone and IIutebins. Many of the young people who graced the Assembly Room on that joyful occasion were among the subjects of the almost immediately succeeding revival and became pillars in church and town. Mr. Whitmore was a man of much life and energy, ready to engage in any form of christian labor and the church was rapidly built up. James Danielson and Shubael Hutchins were elected and installed as deacons in March, 1813. The South Killingly church also enjoyed religions revivals and under its respected pastor peacefully kept the even tenor of its way.
Killingly Hill received its share of the new impetus. Mr. Smith Wilkinson, the Howes, Masons, with many of their managers and operatives, attended worship with the North Killingly church, and identified themselves with its religious and social interests. Very agreeable society was found upon this hill in the families of Captain Ilowe, Captain Arnold, Dr. Grosvenor and others, and it was a matter of doubt whether the many frequenters at Captain Arnold's were attracted by the new post-office or the charms of his blooming daughter. A select school or class taught by Mr. Atkins was an additional attraction to young people. While performing the ordinary ministerial duties with great fidelity and acceptance, this good minister accomplished much for education and public culture. His skill in stimulating the intellect and raising the tone of character was especially recognized, and young people going out into the world needed no other recommendation than a certificate from Mr. Atkins. Young men went out from his training well prepared for college, business and public life: young women, fitted for any station that might await them. Some of the latter became very successful teachers, perpetu- ating the impress received from their revered instructor; others adorned high social positions at home and in distant States. The first voluntary benevolent associations in Windham County were greatly forwarded if not originated by pupils of Mr. Atkins. The careless merry-making of the olden time had given place to a more earnest and thoughtful spirit. Young women of culture and aspirations felt that they had some other mission in the world than to dance and frolic. Balls and merry-makings were now less in vogue than reading- clubs and debating societies. A tendency to unhealthy sentimentalism was happily checked by an opportunity to engage in works of practical
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benevolence. The development of missionary enterprise, the forma- tion of the American Board, the sailing of the first foreign mission- aries, the fervent appeals for aid and co-operation, awakened the warmest sympathies of thousands of Christian women. "Choice spirits " on Killingly Hill were among the first to give their talents and energies to missionary work. Appeals from Windham Associa- tion and their own minister met immediate response. Interest in a foreign field opened their eyes to home demands and necessities. They found that mission work was needed in their own community, that could be best accomplished by the associated efforts of women. It was proposed that the ladies of Killingly North Society and Thompson " should unite on principles of true Christian charity and liberality in a Society that is to be formed for the purpose of com- municating moral and religious instruction by the distribution of tracts." A meeting was accordingly held in the South District in Thompson, July 20, 1816. A constitution, prepared for a similar association of ladies in Providence, was unanimously adopted. It declared the present period "distinguished by very uncommon and important occurrences. While there are passing before us many scenes which are extremely disastrous and gloomy . . . . nothing can be more interesting and encouraging than that spirit of benevolent exertion for extending the knowledge and enjoyment of the Gospel which has been extensively excited in the hearts of Christians . . not merely by particular denominations but by Christians of all denominations . . . . in every section of the earth which is favored with the light of divine truth." The object of the society was to promote the interests of evangelical piety and liberality ; its title, The United Female Tract Society of Thompson and Killingly. Mrs. Martha Whitman Mason, wife of Mr. William HI. Mason-a lady of great intelligence and force of character-was elected president ; Miss Mary Atkins, Killingly, treasurer ; Miss Nancy S. Gay, Thompson, secre- tary ; directors, Misses Susan Bishop, Lucina Converse, Penelope W. Sessions ; receivers, Misses Rebekah Gleason, Elizabeth Copp, Hope B. Gay. A hundred and twenty-two ladies . enrolled themselves mem- bers of this society. It was then voted that the first annual meeting should be holden at the Presbyterian meeting-house in Thompson. on Wednesday, July 24, and that the Rev. Messrs. Dow, Crosby and Atkins be requested to attend, and that Mr. Dow be requested to preach a sermon on the occasion. " Agreeable to the previous resolu- tion a large number of ladies assembled at Mrs. Dow's at one o'clock, P. M., and at two repaired to the meeting-house where an appropriate discourse was delivered by Mr. Dow, and the exercises concluded by a
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very pertinent and impressive address to the Throne of Grace by the Rev. Mr. Crosby."
A large number of traets were promptly distributed among its members, and sent to destitute places. The receivers were required to "peruse the tracts" previous to circulation, and approbate or sup- press them according to their judgment. Every family in the two societies was visited by some zealous distributer and supplied with this form of religious literature. After flourishing for two years the society resolved itself into an auxiliary Bible Society, for the general object of disseminating the Holy Scriptures in all languages through- out the earth. Its first meeting was held in Killingly, October, 1818. It was arranged to hold two public meetings a year, one in each meeting-honse, on which occasions sermons should be ordinarily preached, and such reports from societies and accounts of the progress and success of the Gospel be read as the officers of the society should think proper to communicate.
A new meeting house had been completed previous to this date. A vote not to repair but to build, had been obtained in 1815, but the difficulty of raising money withont resort to direct taxation delayed the work till the September gale so damaged the old building that repairs were no longer practicable. Proprietors now consented to re- linquish their rights. Smith Wilkinson, Robert Grosvenor and Eben- ezer Kelly were appointed to exhibit a plan and report expense. " Plan" was more easily agreed upon than site, which excited much discussion. A committee sent by the County Court affixed a place that was rejected. January 28, 1818, the remains of the old meeting- house and step stones were sold at auction-Mr. Wilkinson officiating as salesman. It was then voted that the names of the proprietors should be called ; those who wished to have the meeting-house erected on the hill south of Mr. Atkins should answer-" Hill"-and those who wished it on the common-" Common." Twenty two declared for common, eighteen for hill. The accepted site was "that part of the ancient meeting-house lot lying between Providence and Killingly Turnpike and the road leading to the new factory so called, near the east side of said lot." This point decided, the house was built during the following summer under the supervision of Elias Carter. "Spirits" used in raising the frame cost twenty-five dollars. Prosper Alexander, Josiah Deane, Asa Cutler, served as society committee ; Angustns Howe, clerk ; Joseph Adams, treasurer. Its dedication was attended by all the elite of the County.
The Baptists on Chestnut Hill happily united in choice of Calvin Cooper, a native of Northbridge, who brought a suitable recommenda- tion from the Second Baptist Church of Sutton. The day of his
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ordination, October 14, 1807, was marked by the gathering of all the leading Baptists in the vicinity, viz: Elder Abel Palmer of Hampton ; Dea. Henry Wells, Robert Baxter and James Wheaton from Wood- stock ; Elder Pearson Crosby, Deacon Lemuel Knapp, Thomas Day, James Brown and Joseph Town from Thompson ; Elder Zenas Leon- ard, Deacon Fish and Reuben Stone from Sturbridge ; Jeremiah Field, Thomas Brown and Stephen Chapman from Pomfret; William Bach- ellor and Deacon Whipple from Sutton. Elder Palmer was chosen moderator. The council was "measurably satisfied with the relation of the candidate relative to his conversion from nature to grace, his call to the work of the ministry, and his views of the Gospel, and concluded to proceed to ordination." Agreeably to arrangement, " the several parts were performed at the Baptist meeting-honse," and Mr. Cooper solemnly set apart to the work of the ministry with earnest prayer for his success and usefulness. These good wishes were "measurably satisfied." Elder Cooper's ministry was the longest en- joyed by the church, and perhaps the most harmonions and prosperous. The building up of many factory villages in its vicinity brought a large accession to population and church membership, but as had been previously the case many of these members were unreliable and disor- derly and the church was constantly agitated with questions of disci- pline. Many were excluded for neglect of ordinances and open mis- demeanors. In 1817. "Brother John M. Hunt was unanimously set apart for ordination to the evangelical ministry of the Gospel." The first council called for this purpose thought the church had been too hasty in this movement, but after farther trial of the young man he was formally ordained to this work by Elders Crosby, Grow, Dwinell and Coles. Elder Cooper, Deacons Jonathan Harrington, Sampson Covill, Edward Chase and Silas Slater, and Brethren Edward Bartlett, Ezekiel Smith and Samuel Bullock, represented the church before this council. During this year it was voted that deacons should be ordained in their offices, but after hearing those then standing in nomi- nation "relate the leading traits of their minds as to the deaconship," the vote was reconsidered and reseinded. The actual membership of the church during this period cannot be ascertained, but the character of its officers and leading men would indicate a good standing and gradual improvement.
Killingly's excessive activity during the war was followed by corres- ponding depression. Mills owned by men of moderate means were generally closed, and those that still kept at work did so to the pecu- niary loss of the proprietors. Experiments in machinery and modes of work were meanwhile .tested, power-looms introduced and many improvements effected. A strong conviction in the ultimate success
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of manufacturing enterprise, and its peculiar adaptation to their own town, encouraged these pioneers to continue their efforts during the darkest days. Companies were re-organized, new men and capital brought in, and when business revived Killingly mills were soon under fresh headway. In 1819, the town had so far recovered from its losses as to report four factories in operation, "all of which contain about five thousand spindles, and were erected at an expense, including buildings, machinery, &c., of nearly $300,000. At the Danielson Manufactory, water looms have been introduced, and in gen- eral the business is carried on upon the most improved principles and very advantageously. Besides the cotton factories there are one woolen factory, one gin distillery, one paper-hanging manufactory, four dye-houses, three clothiers' works, three carding-machines, three tanneries, eight grain mills, eight saw-mills." There were also in the town six mercantile stores, four social libraries, five clergymen, six physicians and one attorney. A post office had been opened at Killingly Centre. Experiments in straw weaving were brought to an untimely end by a sovereign decree from the supreme arbiter of fash- ion, and hopes of pecuniary profit proved as brittle as the straw with which Mrs. Kies had wronght out her ingenious invention. Her son, Daniel Kies, Esq., of Brooklyn, as well as friends at home, lost heavily by investing in a manufacture which by a sudden change of fashion became utterly valueless.
VII.
THOMPSON'S MANUFACTURING COMPANIES. VILLAGE GROWTH AND IMPROVEMENTS. THE GREAT REVIVAL OF 1813-14.
"THE Thompson Manufacturing Company was formed in 1811- John Mason, John Nichols, Jun., Theodore Dwight, Rufus Coburn, Nathaniel Crosby, all of Thompson, and James B. Mason of Povidence, associating for the purpose of establishing a so-called cotton manufactory. Land on the French River -- a swampy hollow, "near the old bridge-place below Stephen Crosby's mills "-was purchased of Willard Whittemore and John Elliott. As soon as possible buildings were put up and machinery set in motion, but ere the establishment was fairly under way a change of base had been effected. Rhode Island capital again secured the prize. Land, water- privilege, buildings, machinery, stock of yarn and cloth, were made over to Mr. James B. Mason, April 17, 1813, for the sum of $11,000. The Mason Brothers, James B., Amasa, William H. and John, now
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joined in company-John Nichols also retaining a share. Mr. William II. Mason assumed the management of affairs and soon the factory was in successful operation. Laboring men with their families, young men and girls, hastened to engage work in its various departments, and the lonely valley was transformed into a brisk little village, known for many years as "The Swamp" and "Swamp Factory "-names derisively given by rival manufacturers in other parts of the town. The Connecticut Manufacturing Company was also formed in 1811, buying a Quinebang privilege near the Boston turnpike bridge. Its constituent members were John Nichols, Jonathan Nichols, Jun., Daniel Dwight, William Dwight, Jun., Benjamin Arnold, Samuel Perrin. A substantial brick edifice built under their direction was soon equipped and ready for action, and the Brick Factory took its place among eager competitors. The bricks used in constructing this factory building, and many substantial dwelling-houses in different parts of the town, were manufactured at Allen's flourishing brick-works in West Thompson. Meanwhile Rhode Island adventurers had also appropriated a privilege on the Five-Mile River in the east of the town. Emor Angell, Nehemiah Knight, Thomas Burgess, John Mackie, all of Providence, Stephen Matthewson of Johnson, associat- ing with Josiah Sessions and Joseph Waterman of Thompson, under the name of the Quaddic Manufacturing Company, and buying land of Deacon Jonathan Converse. Quaddie Factory was built in 1813, and devoted at first to manufacturing woolen hats. A carding machine on the Quinebang in the northwest of the town accommo- dated many customers in Thompson and Woodstock. These manu- facturing enterprises were followed by the usual results, general quickening and activity, and development in every direction. The Swamp Factory establishment was particularly enterprising and helpful. Many men were employed in out-door labor, filling up the hollows and draining the malarious swamps. Many teamsters were needed to draw the cotton from distant marts. It was said that one load brought from Philadelphia during the war cost the company $1,400. The town showed its appreciation of the new industries by favoring them with needful roads and bridges. A road was laid out from Swamp Factory to Woodstock, and roads leading to Pomfret Factory improved and altered. The bridges pertaining to the Thompson Turnpike Com- pany were now assumed by the town. A bridge contractor whose work was not satisfactory, was suspended from town privileges till defects were remedied. In 1811, the town voted to encourage inocula- tion, and appointed two men in each school district to assist Dr. Fanshear in performing the service. A public burying-ground having now been laid out in the Jacobs District, the town ordered the
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selectmen to provide two hearses for public use. James Wheaton, Abel Jacobs, William Lamson, Pardon Luther, Joel Chaffee and Theodore Dwight, were licensed by the civil authority in 1813, to keep honses of public entertainment.
Thompson village, which had been somewhat straitened by scarcity of building lots, received a new impulse in 1814, when land belong- ing to the heirs of Samuel Watson, was thrown into market. Eligible building sites on both sides the turnpike north of the common were quickly secured. The present tavern-stand at the intersection of the two turnpikes and houses north of it, were built by Stephen E. Tefft, Dr. Webb, Noadiah Comins and Hezekiah Olney. The latter engaged in hat manufacture ; Comins opened a saddler's shop. Dr. Webb unfortunately miscalculated his balance sheet and was obliged to take unceremonious leave of patients and creditors. His unfinished house was completed and occupied by Dr. King, while Dr. Iloratio Holbrook built a new house nearly opposite. Esquire Larned, who bought out the Watson land, retained the family homestead at the north extremity of the village. The handsome brick house on the corner below built by John Nichols, was further improved by setting out trees in the little triangular green opposite, commonly termed "The Heater Piece." Meanwhile a new church edifice had been com- pleted. After much opposition from time-honored fathers who insisted that the old house was good for another century, that discriminating gale (which gave so many gala-days to Windham County by opening the way for the erection of new meeting-houses), came to the aid of Young America, and so dismantled it that repairs would cost as much as re-building. At a society meeting the week after that remarkable providential visitation, September 25, 1815, it was voted " not to repair, but to build." Thaddeus and George Larued, Elijah Crosby, Zadoc Hutchins, Isaac Davis, John Nichols, Noadiah Russel, David Town, Daniel Dwight, John Brown, Roger and Joseph Elliott and James Bates, were appointed committee for building. An association was formed, subscribers agreeing to build a meeting-house not expending over $6,000. Mr. Ithiel Town, son of Archelans Town of Thompson, a promising architect then settled in New Haven, presented the plan ; Elias Carter had charge of the work ; Harvey Dresser of Charlton, furnished the painting below the lofty pulpit, which so artfully simulated a stairway with eurtained drapery that it was a perpetual wonder to children that Mr. Dow did not make use of it. The dedica- tion of the new house was observed. September, 1817, with the usual ceremonies and rejoicing. The singing under the direction of that renowned choir leader, Mr. Charles Sharpe, was greatly admired, as were also the very handsome young ladies, who occupied the front
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seats of the gallery on that occasion. The old meeting-house was taken across the street and reconstructed into a town house with stores underneath, where its prolonged public service in various capacities justified the good opinion of the venerating fathers, and still bears witness to the solid character of its builders and timbers. Its post- office was then administered by John Nichols, Esq. The stores were run by the Tetfts, "Nichols and Dwight," and others. A very satis- factory house of entertainment was conducted by Theodore Dwight, in the central tavern.
This era of growth and business prosperity was also marked by a very powerful and wide-spread religious revival, pervading both churches and extending into the adjacent towns. Elder Pearson Crosby sent to the Baptist Magazine in 1814 a very interesting ac- count of this work. Beginning the previous autumn "at a conference meeting in Rev. Mr. Dow's society," it soon spread to the Baptist church. "Conference meetings were generally well attended and the life and energy displayed on these occasions made a means of con- tributing to advancement." Elder Crosby gives a most unflattering picture of the Swamp Factory village as a place " where for two or three years Satan had seemed to reign with almost sovereign and despotie sway. Vice and immorality permitted to riot without con- trol. The sound of the violin, attended with dancing, the sure prelude to greater scenes of revelry for the night." Conference preaching and meetings were held there and impressions made. Elder Crosby reports -"Convictions of the most pungent and powerful character. Some wrought upon in the most sudden manner-one moment swearing, cursing and ridiculing religion ; the next, calling upon God to save their souls. In less than a week instead of the violin, the songs of Zion, and preaching and conference every evening." The preaching of Elder Thomas Paul "had a most blessed effect in awakening, convicting and converting souls."
"Eighteen baptismal seasons," all characterized by the greatest solemnity, were observed by Elder Crosby during this remarkable revival, and a large number added to his church. A corresponding religious interest prevailed for several years in the Congregational church and about ninety added to its membership. The Methodist society was also quickened and strengthened. Many were added to the church. An earnest brother, Shubael Cady, labored with much zeal and effect, and gathered the children into a class for instruction- perhaps the first attempted Sunday school in the County. The meet- ing-house was much improved by galleries and pews brought from Southbridge.
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