USA > Connecticut > Windham County > History of Windham County, Connecticut, Volume II, 1760-1880 > Part 60
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of the hour. The inconvenience of voting at Windham Green, and Windham's opposition to needful outlay, soon incited efforts for local independence. Petition for town privileges was successfully resisted, but in May, 1833, Willimantic Borough was constituted. Its first meeting was held in July. Loring Carpenter was chosen warden ; Silas Walden, Asa Jillson, William Witter, burgesses. Liberty was thus gained to regulate its own highways and institute local improve- ments. The material growth and prosperity of the village was thereby greatly promoted but its progress in other directions was slow. The character of its early population was unfavorable for healthy development and assimilation. It was largely made up of persons of small means from many different communities who came to the factories to get a living, with no thought or care for the public good. The immense "teaming interest," the vast number of persons employed in hauling goods and cotton back and forth over the Nor- wich Turnpike, and the accompanying taverns and low drinking places, occasioned much disorder and drunkenness, and bad elements seemed for a time to greatly predominate. Yet notwithstanding these drawbacks, Barber in 1835 reports Willimantic "a flourishing village," with three houses of worship, six cotton factories, a satinet factory and a paper-mill. A post-office was opened as early as 1827-Henry Hall, postmaster. The Willimantic Fire Engine Company was organ- ized in 1830.
North Windham had undergone various vicissitudes. The paper- mill to which it owed its growth was abandoned by Badger in 1825, and after farther failures fell into the hands of an Englishman, Joseph Pickering, who with great labor and difficulty had succeeded in bring- ing to America the first imported Fourdrinier machine for the manu- facture of paper. Associating with J. A. H. Frost of Boston, they bought the dilapidated paper-mill at North Windham at a low price, in 1827, and there set up the machine which was to effect a revolution in paper-making. But as often occurs, those who introduced this invention received no profit from it. The firm lacked steadiness or business capacity, and soon became bankrupt. Boston creditors who attempted to carry on the business were equally unsuccessful. In 1831, the mill property came into the hands of Mr. Justin Swift, who transformed it into a cotton mannfactory and the rejected Fourdrinier moved on to Andover, Conn .. and finally ended its wanderings at York, Pa. But though not permanently retained in Windham, its brief sojourn led to important consequences. George Spafford of South Windham, a man of much mechanical insight, employed to refit the North Windham mill and aid in setting up the new machine, was much impressed by its remarkable capabilities, and the certainty
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that it would in time supersede the very inadequate paper-making process then in use. Forming a partnership with James Phelps, an experienced paper-mill builder, they set to work to construct a duplicate. Selecting New Furnace in Stafford for its foundry accom- modations, they hired a loft and with much cantion and secrecy pursued their difficult enterprise. Nine men under charge of young Charles Smith constituted the working force with only ordinary hand tools and a single power lathe. The curiosity excited by their mys- terious operations was allayed by plausible inventions. Yankee ingenuity triumphed over every obstacle and completed an improve- ment npon the original Fourdrinier which was sold to Amos D. Hubbard and put in successful operation at Norwich Falls, May, 1829. Soon a second was accomplished and sold to Henry Hudson of East IIartford. "Both yielded such excellent results that the projectors were encouraged to make preparations for the permanent continuance of the business," and erected suitable accommodations on the site of the old fulling-mill at South Windham, which were ready for occu- pancy early in 1830. Here they built mills for enstomers in many States and supplied machinery. In 1831, they invented and con- structed dryers, which performed in a few minutes the work of previous hours. Mr. Spafford also devised a cutter for dividing the continuous web into sheets of uniform size. "Phelps and Spafford " as partners carried on a flourishing business till the great crash of 1837, when their losses compelled them to suspend work. A new firm, Smith, Winchester & Co., succeeded the following year. Charles Smith, son of Joshna Smith, brother-in-law to both Spafford and Winchester, assumed the general management. .
" By the death of his father, Charles Smith was left an orphan at the age of fourteen, when the cares and responsibilities of manhood at once devolved upon him. Before attaining his majority he directed the operations of large gangs of men proving equal to every task as it came. Uniting rare executive ability to mechanical talent both natural and cultivated of a high order, he started the company upon a career of prosperity which it has since pursued undeviatingly through all the vicissitudes of the general business of the country. It has been a fundamental rule of the establishment to knowingly permit only thorough work to leave its doors, while the integrity of its deal- ings has won the universal confidence of its patrons."
So great was the demand that the firm was again and again com- pelled to enlarge their works and build new conveniences for storage. The little Pigeon Swamp Brook running dry half the summer was made permanently effective by the construction of reservoirs covering the former swamp. A prosperons village grew up around this estab- lishment. Other industries were introduced. Amos D. Allen con- tinned his furniture manufacture. ITis son Edwin, inheriting a large share of the inventive genius of the family, distinguished himself by
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the construction of machinery for making wood type. Strolling casually into a newspaper office in Norwich his attention was excited by a font of wood type, and a scheme for making it by mechanical process seized his mind with such force that in three days it was embodied in wood and iron, and a perfected machine was turning out its specimens of finished workmanship. In 1837, Mr. Allen entered into partnership with George F. Nesbit of New York City, who under his own name introduced the wood type to the trade, while his partner had charge of the manufacture in South Windham. Such was his skill that he was able to fabricate every part of his machines even to imparting to the steel-cutting apparatus the exquisite temper required. The business made fair progress though encountering the opposition incident to new inventions, but in time it gained ground and the use of large metal type was entirely superseded.
Under the administration of Mr. Justin Swift, North Windham was able to maintain a successful manufacturing establishment, to the benefit of the surrounding country as well as the proprietor. The Lincolns* of this neighborhood had transformed their fulling and card ing-mill into a mannfactory of felting used in working the Fourdrinier machine, having acquired the art by picking to pieces and reconstruct- ing the English specimens first imported. In 1838, Mr. Ralph Lincoln was invested with the office of postmaster, which he retained for many years.
Windham Green though deprived of official honors kept its place as head of the town, exercising its ancient sway over the border vil- lages. Their growth at first added to the importance of the mother settlement. Proprietors and managers of Willimantic factories found pleasant homes at Windham Green. Windham's six stores, bank, probate and town clerk's offices, accommodated all the villages. The first fire-engine in Windham County was purchased by resi- dents of Windham Green, and made over to the committee of the Centre District, June 18, 1825, for the sum of $180.00. George W. Webb, Henry Webb and Eliphalet Ripley were chosen fire-wardens, with power to enlist a fire-company. A suitable company was soon organized, which met monthly for practice and exercise. Fines for absence or tardiness, rigorously enforced. were expended in an annual supper at one of the modern hotels, which had superseded the primitive tavern, while the tutelary Bacchus now swung aloft in Staniford's elm
* This was the family so remarkable for its longevity. Samuel Linkon or Lincoln, born 1693, lacked but a few days of completing 101 years. His son, Captain Nathaniel Lincoln, lived 105 years, 3 months and 18 days. His son of the same name had nearly completed 94 years-making an average of one hundred years to the three generations. It was said that when a Lincoln died, " they wore out a new bell-tongue, tolling his age."
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tree. Windham Bank was incorporated in 1832. The first meeting was held Angust 8. John Baldwin, George Spafford, Justin Swift, Levi Johnson, Stephen Hosmor, Thomas Gray, Win. R. Dorrance, John Webb, Jun .. Chauncey F. Cleveland, John C. Rockwell, Abner Hendee were chosen directors ; John Baldwin, president ; J. A. White, cashier ; Thomas Gray. attorney.
Mr. Joel W. White, who had now removed his residence to Wind- ham, was an active business man, much concerned in staging and transportation movements. Another acquisition was George S. Catlin, a lawyer of brilliant promise. John Baldwin, Esq., was sent as repre- sentative to Congress, 1825-29. Windham maintained its political in- terest, though its influence was diminished by party division, Peter Webb and other prominent Democrats declining to support Jackson, and Anti-tariff principles. Judge Swift died in 1823, his sons having previously removed to Ohio. Samuel Gray, Esq., after a long life of public usefulness, dating back to the breaking out of the Revolution, and officiating as clerk of Windham County Courts for more than forty years, died in 1836, in his 86th year. His son, Thomas Gray, admitted to the Bar in 1819, served as clerk of Courts, town and probate office. Hon. Jabez Clark, chief-justice for a time of the County Court, also died in 1836, and was succeeded in his profession by his son. Edwards Clark. Eliphalet Ripley served as town treasurer. Town meetings were much occupied in resisting demands and encroach- ments. Willimantic having secured borough privileges furthered the movement for a new town-honse. Selectmen were authorized to pur- chase site within fifty rods of Windham Green. George Spafford, Justin Swift, Joel W. White, Hartford Tingley, joined with them as committee, and the house was completed in 1836. It was voted that all town meetings should be held in this house.
Windham's First church resigned many members to the Willimantic church. Mr. Everest was dismissed in 1827, after a peaceful and pros- perous ministry. Rev. R. F. Cleveland's three years' service was equally acceptable. J. E. Tyler of East Windsor was ordained and installed, October 11, 1837. Samuel Perkins, Esq., elected deacon in 1796, continned in office during his ministry. Deacons Charles Lee and Thomas Welch were dismissed to other churches. Abner Follet was chosen deacon in 1840. An Episcopal society was formed in 1832, and a house of worship erected the following year. Mr. Asa Jillson aided largely in supporting this worship. Religious services were statedly maintained in the Robinson house-Elder Roger Bing- ham often officiating there, and chance preachers. Lorenzo Dow and other famous itinerants found open doors and willing hearers. Rev. Jesse Fisher remained in pastoral charge of the Scotland Congrega-
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tional church till his lamented death in 1836. His successor. Rev. O. T. Whiton, was dismissed after four years' service. Thomas Tallman of Middle Haddam, was ordained and installed pastor, March 20, 1844- the society reluctantly consenting to less stringent provisions for the dissolution of the contract. Judge Ebenezer Devotion so long prominent in Scotland affairs, died in 1829, in his eighty-ninth year. The "old Devotion house" was long occupied by his son. Scotland Parish was greatly burdened by excessive imposts and inconveniencies brought upon it by Windham's growth and aspirations, and devoted much of its energies to efforts for separation. No special business en- terprises were developed within its limits. The old saw and grist-mills were kept up, and brick-making carried on near the line between the parishes. Timothy Tingley advertised remarkable trading advantages for a time, but mereantile operations were gradually transferred to Willi- mantie village, which absorbed more and more of the life of the town. Colonel George Spafford assumed the paper-mill after the demise of "Clark and Gray." The adjacent grist and saw-mills were kept busily at work. Richmond's village, now known as Wellesville, was some- what poorly managed and less flourishing than the other establishments. The Jillsons showed much business enterprise, operating cotton and dnek-mills, and building many substantial stone houses. Mr. John Tracy, who succeeded A. C. Tingley as agent for the Windham Com- pany, was very successful as a manager. The Willimantic Sav- ings Institute, organized in his office in 1842, had a most beneficial effect, encouraging operatives to lay up their earnings and make solid investments. Mr. Tracy served as secretary and treasurer for a time without compensation. The Company's store exceeded any in the vil- lage. In 1839, Amos D. Smith and James T. Smith (afterwards gov- ernor of Rhode Island), initiated manufacturing operations which led to the organization of the Smithville Company, and the building up of large factories and accommodations. The " Lee Mill " was absorbed by this company-Deacon Lee having removed to Norwich. Its man- agement was entrusted to Mr. Whiting Hayden, who manifested much business capacity and public spirit. Doctors John Hill, Jun., and William Witter engaged in medical practice. Lawyers preferred as yet the vicinity of the former forum.
In spite of remonstrance from Windham, Chaplin Ecclesiastic So- ciety obtained town privileges in May, 1822. The bounds of the eccle- siastic and school societies were soon after made identical with those of the town. Town government was organized on the Fourth of July following, Erastus Hovey, moderator. Orin Witter was chosen town clerk and treasurer ; John Ross, William Martin, Origen Bennett, Luther Ashley, Nehemiah Holt, selectmen : Abel Ross, James Utley,
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constables ; James Mosely, Jun., Elisha Bill, Judson Metcalf, grand- jurors : Enoch Pond, Darius Knight, Heman Clark, Isaiah Geer, tith- ingmen ; Jonathan II. Ashley, sealer of weights and measures; Eras- tus Hough, Matthew Smith, John Clark. fence-viewers. Chaplin's population was about eight hundred. It showed its loyalty to the mother town by almost immediately joining in effort to secure half- shire privileges. Its business development was quickened by town or- ganization. Peter Lyon set up a paper-mill in the south of the town. Major Edward Eaton engaged in lumber operations, and built new houses in Chaplin village. Boot-making was carried on to a large ex- tent. A tannery was actively maintained and attempts made to estab- lish an iron foundry. The culture of silk received considerable atten- tion. and palm-leaf hats were successfully manufactured. Mr. Andrews labored faithfully as pastor of the Congregational church for ten years. He was followed successively by Reverends Lent S. Hough and Eras- tus Dickinson. The Register of 1826 reports four other ministers in Chaplin-Roswell Bill, Ebenezer Clark, Baptist ; Elias Sharpe, Joshua Abbe, Christ-ians-but it does not appear that local churches were organized. Its only physician, Dr. Orrin Witter, was greatly esteemed. Darius Knight was chosen deacon in 1822.
VI.
HAMPTON. ASHFORD. EASTFORD PARISH.
W HIILE in the manufacturing towns there was life and growth, the farming towns were losing ground. The great out-flow of population to the opening West sapped their vital energies. The western tier of towns suffered severely from this constant drain though Hampton escaped deterioration by the energy and public spirit of those who staid behind. Its farmers maintained its agricultural repu- tation, and its young men engaged in business and public affairs. Edward S. Mosely succeeded to the mercantile business so long carried on by his grandfather and father, Colonels Ebenezer and Samuel Mosely. Promising sons grew up to take charge of the business enterprises of the Taintors. The Cleveland brothers entered early into the political arena and gained much influence in town and county. Chauncey F. Cleveland won immediate success at the bar, by his intuitive skill in seizing upon the salient points of a case and present- ing them before a jury, and was equally successful in winning the suffrages of his fellow-citizens. A radical by training and conviction,
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he soon became a power in the Democratic party. In 1826, he was sent as representative to the Legislature and thenceforward was retained in public service. He was made judge of Windham Probate District, and prosecuting attorney for the County. Mason Cleveland was chosen town clerk in 1825, and employed in various public capacities. William Durkee, Edmond Badger, Hezekiah Hammond, now served as selectmen ; N. F. Martin, C. Moulton, C. F. Cleveland, Roger Taintor, Daniel Searls, Jonathan Clark, justices : Philip Pearl, deputy-sheriff; James Abbott, William Martin, David Fox, grand- jurors. Elijah and Lucius Greenslit, William Brown, Harvey Fuller, William Durkee, Alonzo Martin, Charles Griffin, Charles C. Button, William Bennett, were among later town officers. Ebenezer Griffin, judge of the County Court, was a man of weight and influence. Jonathan Clark was a much respected citizen, earnest in forwarding temperance and anti-slavery movements. Doctors Brewster and Hovey were succeeded in practice by Dr. Dyer Hughes, assisted later by his son and Dr. Clark, previously of Canterbury.
Infirmities brought on by close application and sedentary habits compelled Rev. Ludovicus Weld to seek a dismissal from his charge in 1824. The church was so fortunate as to unite almost immediately in choice of Daniel G. Sprague of Killingly, who was installed May 26th, of the same year. Mr. Sprague's interest in the reform questions then agitating the public mind made him a valued acquisition to the County ministry. Through his influence, the Hampton Temperance Society was promptly formed and efficiently maintained, although impeded in its growth by the convivial hospitalities for which the town had long been noted. Hampton's enterprising young men were greatly interested in the condition of its meeting-house, now a venera- ble edifice. Successive committees were appointed in 1837-38, com- prised of leading men, viz. : Josiah C. Jackson, William Brown, Henry G. Taintor, Uriel Hammond, David Searls, Mason Cleveland, Harvey Fuller, -- to consider the question of building a new house, and solicit subscriptions, but after much discussion it was decided to repair the old house. Committees were appointed. the building was moved, thoroughly remodeled and equipped, and made ready for dedication May 9, 1840. Mr. Sprague had previous to this date been succeeded by Rev. Daniel C. Frost of Canterbury, who was followed in 1842, by Rev. William Barnes. Rev. John Paine continued in charge of the Baptist church till 1827. After his dismissal the church lost ground rapidly, and became extinct about 1844. Worship was still regularly maintained in the Burnham and Goshen meeting-houses.
In military matters Hampton retained its early interest. its regular trainings and occasional "musters " being kept as gala days by the 66
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whole population. The pure air, generous living and social amenities of this pleasant town. were eminently favorable to health and longevity, and an unusual number of Revolutionary soldiers welcomed the semi- centennial commemoration, July 4, 1826. Hampton's celebration of this auspicions day was almost as preternaturally impressive as the " Midnight Review " of Napoleon's grand army, portrayed by an imaginative poet. Not the phantoms but the very men themselves who had marched to Lexington and braved unnumbered battles- forty two hoary veterans-under their old leader. Abijah Fuller. with Nathaniel Farnham as drum-major ; Joseph Foster and Lneins Faville as fifers, and all the subalterns at their posts-appeared in Revolu- tionary costume on Hampton Hill, took arms of the military company. formed in line, and marched up and down the length of the street to the drums and tunes of "'76." Joseph Foster, not a member of the original company, excited much interest as one of ticelre sons. who with their father had borne a part in Revolutionary service. Other military companies present did homage to the veteran corps, who were treated to a free dinner by their admiring fellow-citizens. So great was the military enthusiasm awakened by this unique company that ordinary speech-making was apparently omitted as quite inadequate to the occasion. Samuel Mosely now served as lieutenant-colonel of the Fifth Regiment. Eleazer Litchfield. surgeon's mate. Chauncey F. Cleveland was captain of the Hampton company. His military bear- ing and affable manner gave him great popularity as an officer, and he was rapidly promoted, rising from the ranks to the highest military office in the State. In 1836. Hampton was made a distinct probate district. Edward S. Mosely, judge. In the following year. when bank commissioners were instituted, General Cleveland was one of the first to fill the office. For two years he had now served as speaker of the House of Representatives to great publie acceptance, and by his personal influence and persisteney had aided largely in securing the appropriation of the greater part of Connecticut's share of the surplus revenue for the benefit of public schools. Elected in 1838. the only Democrat from Windham County, with but thirty-eight from the whole State. he yet managed to defeat leading measures urged by the dominant party. The Democratic party warmly recognized his services and enthroned him as their leader. In the following year he received an unanimous non.ination to Congress, but was defeated with all Democrats. Yet notwithstanding the great Tippecanoe excitement, and the temporary prostration of the Democrats, so great was General Cleveland's popularity and personal influence that in 1842. he was elected governor of Connecticut by a plurality of nearly two thousand, although the Whigs had carried the State for Ellsworth the year
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preceding by about five thousand majority. Even the stanch old city of Norwich with a large Whig majority yielded to the fascinations of Windham County's Democratic champion. Governor Cleveland's administration was radical and aggressive. He recommended the abolition of imprisonment for debt-" taking the honest poor man out of the hands of the unfeeling rich, and carried it through in spite of the opposition of almost if not quite the entire Whig members and of the creditorial interest of his own party." He also "recommended and carried through the first appropriation ever made by the State for the support and care of the insane poor. He also recommended and the Legislature passed the law which secured to children worked in factories under fourteen years of age the ten-hour system, and schooling for three months in each year, under suit- able penalties. In short his recommendations were always made for the benefit of that class who are more or less at the mercy of the rich, and a legislature which was in reality as well as name Democratic nobly responded." His course with relation to the famous Dorr Rebellion was somewhat unsatisfactory, Whigs insisting that he should have surrendered the pseu lo Governor upon Rhode Island requisition, and ultra Democrats complaining that he did not retain and defend the fugitive who sought his protection. But notwithstanding some murmurings excited by that remarkable imbroglio, Governor Cleveland again carried the State triumphantly in 1843, against so powerful an antagonist as Roger S. Baldwin, and was only beaten by Connecticut's enthusiasm for another popular favorite, Henry Clay-the Whig spring-tide of '44, sweeping all before it. Hampton Ilill had greatly enjoyed its honors as the seat of Government, and the county at large exulted in its first resident governor. Other citizens of the town were favored with important public offices. Mr. Mason Cleveland, who was highly esteemed for sound judgment and integrity, officiated as school commissioner and comptroller. Messrs. Griffin, Mosely. Clarke and Taintor filled public offices at various dates with credit and fidelity.
Ashford village was still a place of considerable importance with its much-frequented taverns. its stores, lawyers' offices and popular physi- cians. To these accommodations a Probate Office was added in 1830, David Bolles, judge, but this honored citizen of the town died during this year. Ichabod Bulkley. E-q , a very able young man. succeeded to his legal practice, and also to the administration of Probate. He won a high position at the Bar, was employed on the Crandall case and in other important suits. After his death in 1838, Abner Richmond of Westford Parish established himself in Ashford village, and practiced law for many years. Dr. Nehemiah Howe died in a good old age.
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