USA > Connecticut > Windham County > History of Windham County, Connecticut, Volume II, 1760-1880 > Part 64
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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
triumphant victory, which was joyfully celebrated on the succeeding Fourth of July. Town organization was effected the day preceding : George Warren, moderator : James W. Manning was chosen town clerk and treasurer: George Warren, Horace Scamans, L. Hopkins, selectmen. Putnam's subsequent career was typified in the result of this struggle. Iler energy and unconquerable resolution have overborne every oppos- ing obstacle. Built up mainly by the gradual drawing in of men of moderate means, her growth has been steady and healthful. With few large capitalists, she has had the good fortune to attract many sterling men of energy and public spirit. ever ready to bear their share in schemes for public improvement. The junction of the " New York and New England railroad " with the " Norwich and Worcester," has greatly stimulated her later growth and development, and few inland towns manifest greater business activity and more varied enter- prise. Its admirable manufacturing facilities are very largely im proved. The mart and market of many thriving towns its trade is lively and extended, and its importance as a manufacturing. business and railroad centre is every year more manifest. . It has had to con- tend with unwise radicalism and overwise conservatism, with large out- goes and limited incomes, with conflicting land and road titles, with floods, fires and the rapid growth of evil influences. With great labor and cost she has established an excellent school system with a High School of exceptional character and standing, and provided suitable buildings for school accommodation. Her churches are strong, active, aggressive, guided by competent pastors and officers, and furnished with convenient and elegant edifices. Methodists organized as a distinct society and erected a house of worship in 1857. St. Mary's Catholic Church. a very elaborate and costly edifice completed in 1870, and burned down after a few years, has been already replaced. The graceful St. Philips Church accommodates Episcopalians. The square left vacant by the great fire of 1877. is already filled up with finer blocks, hotels and stores. In newspaper enterprise Putnam yields the palm to her rivals, contenting herself for many years with a broadside of the County Transcript, edited by Dr. Plimpton. The Putnam Patriot, established in 1872, by Mr. Everett C. Stone, now fitly represents the interests of the town. The Putnam Nets, edited by sons of Dr. Bronson, had a brief existence. The modern town pre-eminently of Windham County. Putnam is not without historic interest and land- mark. Within its borders are the old mother church of Killingly Hill (now known as Putnam Heights), the first Killingly burying-ground, given to the town by Peter Aspinwall, and the Revolutionary Elm of the old . South Neighborhood." Many prominent men have been asso- ciated with her past history-Captain John Sabin, the first settler of
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DANIELSONVILLE.
Pomfret. Deacon Benjamin Eaton at the Upper Falls (now Rhodes- ville), Captain Cargill at the Great Falls. She has grateful memories of the honored names connected with her later development-Mr. Wilkinson, the Messrs. Cutler, Dr. Plimpton, Messrs. Horace Seamans, Lewis Williams and others, already passed away. She can boast what all old towns cannot, a town clerk that has served a quarter of a cen- tury, and she has celebrated in advance that interesting anniversary by an nnique exhibition of antique relics and art that would do credit to the oldest town in the Republic.
DANIELSONVILLE.
West Killingly has been greatly changed by railroad facilities ; Westfield village, Danielson's and Tiffany's mill-villages compacted into a flourishing and influential Borough. Danielsonville Depot was the nucleus which gathered around it new business elements, and after the usual fermentative and formative period, united the various vil- lages and interests in a common centre. Ely and Co., G. C. Segur, L. Thompson, I. T. Hutchins, were first to meet the urgent demands of trade. A Windham County Cash Store, opened in East Brooklyn by J. S. Curtis of Hampton, offered great inducements to in-coming customers. Business and manufacturing enterprises initiated in Brook- lyn crossed over to the Railroad station. Edwin B. Carter after sev- eral unsuccessful newspaper ventures in the shire-town transferred his press to Danielsonville in 1844, and tried his luck in The New-England Arena-a spicy little sheet, which did good service in advertising the new business centre. Abiel Converse of Thompson opened a lawyer's office and succeeded in time to the office of State attorney. Samuel Hutchins and D. E. Hall essayed medical practice. The Killingly Institute. conducted by Joseph S. Winsor of Chepachet in 1840, de- veloped into a superior High School. which flourished for a number of years under competent and successful teachers, sending out young men to college and ministerial service, and giving many young women accessible educational privileges. A suitable academy building was erected by private liberality. A Methodist class of thirteen members was formed in 1840, and a church two years afterward. Its first pas- tor was Elder George May. A house of worship was completed in September at a cost of three thousand dollars, including the building lot. The great revival of this year helped build up the Methodist strength and added nearly an hundred and fifty members to the Con- gregational church.
The cotton manufacturing interests of the village were greatly pro- moted by the new impetus. Danielson's mills, which had run back-
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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
ward, were sold out in 1845 to a new company. Messrs. Foster. Sher- man and Remington of New York and Providence, who built a large and commodions brick mill, and manufactured print cloths. Tiffany's Mills and accommodations passed into the hands of Providence pro- prietors, who inaugurated extensive improvements, building new dam, factories, dwelling-houses, with most thorough and substantial work- manship. and running a greater number of spindles than the dozen fac- tories of the previous generation. An iron foundry, machine-shop, plough and shovel manufactory, brass foundry, tin factory, establish- ments for making saddles, harnesses, carriages, furniture, congregated in the vicinity of the station. The incorporation of Danielsonville Borough in 1850. stimulated local growth and enterprise. New busi- ness blocks, Minitexit and Attawangan Houses, were built up and opened. An elegant church edifice was erected by the Congrega- tional society, south of the former site in Westfield, in 1856. The pastorate of Mr. Whitmore was succeeded by that of Rev. T. O. Rice, who was followed successively by Rev. Messrs. T. T. Waterman and James Davenport, now deceased, and later incumbents. The Metho- dist house was repaired and enlarged in 1868 at a cost of seven thous- and dollars. Episcopalians and Adventists have erected houses of worship. Last in the field. the Baptists organized in church estate in 1875 and erected a suitable church edifice. Danielsonville's local posi- tion and consequent aspirations have given it prominence and impor- tance. The key to Court-house and County administration. it has seemed not unlikely that these privileges might in time be transferred to it. Lawyers and newspapers have sought it as the virtual or prospective centre of the County. The short-lived Arend was sue- ceeded in 1848 by The Windham County Telegraph, which struggled for life under various editors. The True Democrat, and the Wind- ham County Gazette failed to survive the perils of infancy. In 1859 the Telegraph, with some four hundred subscribers, was pur- chased by J. Q. A. Stone. Changing its name to The Windham County Transcript, Mr. Stone entered upon his editorial work with much energy and perseverance, aiming to establish a true county paper, "devoted to the best interests of Windham County." The character and standing of this paper upon attaining its majority is sufficient proof of his success. Faithfully advocating all measures and influences that would tend to public elevation and benefit, The Tran- script has been for many years & porrer throughout the County, and has not only helped carry forward and accomplish many good works, but has stimulated county feeling and strengthened the bond of union between the several towns. To its persistent efforts Danielsonville is greatly indebted for the achievement of her graded school system, and
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WILLIMANTIC.
the elegant and commodious High School building of which she is justly proud. The dedication of this fine building, December 6, 1871, was observed with appropriate rejoicings.
A somewhat faint-hearted Herald after a few years' effort was suc- ceeded by a very wide-awake Sentinel, which maintains an advanced position on the Democratic vanguard. Westfield's honored lawyers had retired from active life before the consolidation of the villages. IIon. Ebenezer Young, after filling many useful and prominent posi- tions, died in 1851. Feeble health prevented Judge Backus from assuming many public duties which were urged upon him, but he served several years as judge of the County Court, and also as State Senator, and was one year lieutenant governor. After some years of sickness and infirmity he died in 1858, greatly respected and beloved. Abiel Converse, Esq., removed to New London. Elisha Carpenter, Esq., of Eastford, after some years of successful practice in Danielson- ville, was called to judicate in the Superior Court of Connecticut. the only Windham County lawyer thus honored. save its distinguished jurist, Chief-Justice Swift. His successor, Edward C. Cundall, serves as clerk of the County Court. Earl C. Martin, Thomas E. Graves, Esquires, are among the later lawyers of the enterprising borough. The former has also been made a judge of the Superior Court. A large number of physicians have ministered to the public health. Among Danielsonville's latest achievements is a public hall, which claims to be the finest in the County, and which furnishes many enjoyable musical and intellectual entertainments to large and appreci- ative andiences. The general tone and character of the village has been greatly raised within the past decade. and to business activity and facilities are added the advantages of refined and agreeable society.
WILLIMANTIC.
Three railroads have helped bring this important village to its pres- ent status. Asa Jillson and other public citizens labored earnestly to awaken public sentiment to the importance of these enterprises, and aided in carrying them into execution. The Willimantic Journal, established by John Evans in 1848, quickened local interest and agita- tion. The Hartford and Providence and New London and Northern Railroads opened at nearly the same date. in 1854. inaugurated a new era. "Cotton-teaming " was killed at a blow, the turnpike gates were thrown open, and laden trains from the four quarters of the globe brought goods. trade, money and prosperity to the Willimantic Valley. The old " Air-Line " from Boston to New Haven. passing through the heart of the village, early discussed and surveyed, after many delays
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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
and misadventures, was finally carried through. and as the "New York and New England" thoroughfare has greatly contributed to the later growth of Willimantic, and the development of business and manufac- turing interests. Centralization has wrought great changes. The varied mills and industries that once clustered around the Falls and the Oven Dam, the paper, grist and saw-mills, the site of .. Sodom.". Wellesville, Jillson's cotton and duck-mills, the old "stone school- house." " the Light-house," and other historic landmarks, are now swal lowed up and absorbed by that great .. Willimantic Linen Company." whose line has gone out through all the earth. and whose thread is known throughout the world. The Windham and Smithville cotton manufacturing companies still occupy their former sites with greatly extended facilities. In addition to the ordinary industries called ont by the daily wants of a large population, the manufacture of twisted silks. established by J. H. and G. Holland, and of silk machinery by W. G. and A. R. Morrison. employ nearly three hundred workmen.
The general growth of Willimantic has kept pace with its business development, though its chaotic elements were somewhat slow in tak- ing permanent form. Its moral and educational interests were much promoted through the agency of The Willimantic Journal. which under the charge of Mr. William L. Weaver, assumed a high moral and literary character. A native of Windham, and an early resident of Willimantic. he was deeply interested in its past and future devel- opment. A valuable series of papers published in The Journal pre- serve priceless data concerning the early settlers of old Windham and its vicinity, while his earnest efforts in behalf of temperance, education and all elevating influences, and his broad and enlightened patriotism, left their mark upon the present generation. His death. December 8, 1866, was a great loss to Willimantic and Windham County, but the labor performed by him amid great bodily infirmity and obstacles. will give him lasting remembrance. Mr. Weaver had collected materials and made considerable progress in compiling a Genealogical History of Ancient Windham, comprising all the families embraced within its original limits. Through his efforts the dilapidated town records were collated, repaired and copied. He served the town for many years as registrar and school visitor, and in 1856 was sent as its representative. The Willimantic Journal under successive editorial administrations has continued to represent the interests of the village ; other newspa- per enterprises have been called out by increased demands.
Business facilities and expansion gradually drew in a more substan- tial class of citizens, who helped to raise the character of the village and carry forward needful public improvements. By persistent labor and effort, schools and roads were graded, suitable school-houses,
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WILLIMANTIC.
church edifices and town buildings constructed, a tasteful cemetery laid out, boggy swamps reclaimed into fruitful fields : desert and waste places made to blossom with roses and cheerful homes. And when to these residents was added the vast throng of foreign operatives, the BOROUGH was soon able to outvote the town, and the various public offices were gradually transferred from Windham Green to Willi- mantie, till even the solid old " Windham Bank " was forced to yield to the pressure, and take its securities and trusts to the all-absorbing business centre. Within the last decade its progress has been increas- ingly rapid. The enlarged operations of the Willimantic Thread Company, and their enlightened public spirit in beautifying their grounds. and providing for the intellectual improvement of their en- ployes, has been a great benefit to the village. A hall devoted to public purposes occupies the upper part of the unique Company store- building, where lectures and gratuitons instruction in singing have been provided, and a library open to the use of all has found abundant patronage. Increasing pride and interest in the village is manifested by improvements in stores and public buildings. Plate glass windows and marble fronts are coming into fashion. and the "Opera House " of Willimantic threatens to quite overshadow and surpass Danielson- ville's Music Hall. Next to its Thread Company, Willimantic's most famous institution is probably its annual camp-meeting, which attracts many thousand visitors from all parts of the land. From small be- ginnings this has become a noted resort. The first land for a camp- ground was purchased in 1860 by leading Methodists, and conveyed the following year to the trustees of the Willimantic Camp Meeting Association. Other purchases were made, till now the ground com- prises about thirty acres on a sloping hill-side, covered with natural growth and commanding an extensive view, with an audience circle capable of seating five thousand people, streets regularly laid out, tents. cottages, boarding-house, and every convenience for accommo- dating the great multitude, who enjoy its aesthetic and spiritual privi- leges. The various religious societies in Willimantic have grown with the village and are well sustained and influential. Sabbath-schools have received much attention, and an anual gathering of the children on the evening of Fast-day from the Baptist. Congregational and Methodist schools, excites much interest. The Universalist society has been superseded by a Spiritualist organization. the largest and most prosperous in Windham County. Regular services are maintained in Excelsior Ilall, erected by the society in 1868. A Children's Pro- gressive Lyceum organized about the same date is in a very flourishing condition. Many of the best speakers in the State have lectured upon its platform. A Catholic mission ministered to the foreign
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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
residents at an early date. The former Baptist church. re-christened as St. Joseph's, became too small for the increasing number of worshippers, and a very elegant edifice was completed in 1874. the Iligh Altar built in Munich. Bavaria. Father De Bruycker. its pastor for sixteen years. is now the patriarch among Williman- tic clergy, and cares for his large flock with most unremitting watch- fulness and fidelity. Willimantic's numerous churches have been favored with a competent succession of faithful ministers, who have aided in all good enterprises. It has also had its full share of profes- sional aspirants. The lamented Catlin had his residence for a time in this village. Dr. William Witter died after some years of pro- fessional service. Numerous lawyers and physicians have essaved the field with varying ability and success.
Windham Green yielded slowly to the demands of her aspiring off- shoot. but was forced to submit to the will of the stronger. Gradually her stores, public offices and business interests lapsed to the Borough. Her Fire-company dissolved. and its engine was stored away. her taverns were reduced to the minimum. and Bacchus himself tumbled off his post and was ignominiously pitched into a wood-shed .* The Windham Bank meantime retained its place and integrity. In 1840. Mr. Samuel Bingham was chosen cashier. Ten years later Henry S. Wolcott was elected president in place of John Baldwin. deceased : Thomas Ramsdell succeeded to the office in 1872. upon the decease of Mr. Wolcott. The venerable Deacon Perkins died in 1850. George S. Catlin. after a brilliant career. died young. The last of the old Wind- ham lawyers. Judge Calvin Hebard. died at an advanced age. The Congregational Society completed its fourth house of worship in 1849. The church celebrated its one hundred and fiftieth anniversary Decem- ber 10. 1550. when the several churches that had gone out from it took part in the interesting services. Rev. George I. Stearns of Killingly. who succeeded Mr. Tyler in the pastorate. died in 1862. A Baptist church was organized in 1846. The Windham Bank was removed to Willimantic in 1879. retaining its respected officers. Though shorn of its ancient honors and business prosperity. Windham Green is a well- preserved and attractive village. a pleasant home for public-spirited citizens. and a favorite summer resort for many of its wandering child- ren. who enjoy its pure air and historic associations. The late Hon. A. A. Burnham. so prominent in public life for many years. speaker of the House of Representatives, lieutenant-governor. congressional repre-
* This time-honored Revolutionary relic was not left long in such igno- minions quarters. but after narrowly escaping demolition for kindling-wood. it was rescued by appreciative friends, and finally transferred to the city of Hartford, where it occupies a conspicuous position in a window on Main street, exciting much admiration and remark.
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SOUTII WINDHAM. NORTH WINDHAM.
sentative, had his residence at Windham Green. Lieutenant Colonel Rufus L. Baker, U. S. A., after many years of professional service, returned to a beautiful home in Windham.
South Windham retains its manufacturing enterprise. Large reser- voirs recently constructed increase the working power of Smith and Winchester's establishment, which not only supplies an increasing home market with paper-making machinery, but fills orders for Cuba. Mexico. England and other foreign countries. The manufacture of wood type, introduced by Mr. Edwin Allen, was transferred to John G. Cooley, and afterwards to William H. Page, who acquired the art at South Windham and pursued it there for a time in partnership with James Bassett. Becoming satisfied that the use of wood type could be greatly extended, Mr. Page removed to Greeneville, found a wealthy partner, and has built up an extensive and flourishing business, supply- ing the trade throughout the country. The ingenious and costly ma- chinery perfected by Mr. Page preserve the principle of the original machine thought out in three days by Mr. Allen, who like many other inventors has failed to reap the golden harvest. Educational Tables, combining amusement with instruction, machinery used in making government envelopes. are among his many achievements. The "type-mill " in South Windham, purchased by Guilford Smith, and used for a time as a felt manufactory, now manufactures wood type in the service of ". The American Wood Type Company." "The Adams Nickel Plating and Manufacturing Company " has a prosperous estab- lishment in this busy village, and many thousand tons of fertilizing gypsum imported by the ship-load from Nova Scotia have been ground out in Elisha Holmes's grist-mill and distributed over an extensive region.
The pleasant village of North Windham with its convenient rail- road accommodations is thriving and prosperous. The cotton factory built by Mr. Swift, after twice burning and re-building, is now employed in thread manufacture. The felting works have been for some time discontinued. Mr. Ralph Lincoln maintained the ancient reputation of the family name by administering the post-office depart- ment till past his eightieth year. A Christ-ian church has long existed in this locality, dating back to the days of Joshua Abbe. The various industries of the several villages, and the great manufacturing interests of Willimantic, make Windham now the richest town in the County, and notwithstanding the loss of Scotland Parish, she is second if not first in population. Her central position on the great thoroughfares of travel, and distinguished manufacturing advantages, would seem to augur continued growth and prosperity, and despite her loss of 71
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territory and dignity we may well believe that the modern business town will yet far exceed the glories of the ancient shire-town.
SCOTLAND.
This ancient parish after repeated struggles achieved its independ- ence in 1857. Its first town meeting was held on the morning of July 4th, in the vestry of the Congregational house of worship. Jephtha Green, moderator. Benjamin Hovey was chosen clerk and treasurer : John P. Gager, Zephaniah Palmer. John P. Webb, select- men ; Henry Webb, constable. A pleasant social gathering was held in the afternoon, when patriotic and congratulatory addresses were made by Governor Cleveland, Rev. Mr. Tallman, and native citizens. Change of status made little practical difference in local administra- tion. A slight change in the former west bound brought the Main Brick works and the old Robinson house with its monthly religious services within the town. Rev. Thomas Tallman resigned the pastorate of the Congregational church in 1861. A meeting-house had been built in the village in 1843, by the Universalist society, II. Slade, pastor. Dr. C. H. Bromley practiced medicine for many years. No special events have occurred since town organization. Youngest and smallest of Windham County towns, with no special business facilities. Scotland can hardly be expected to take a conspicuous position. The sons of David L. Fuller, Esq., engaged about 1850, in a clothing manufacture, sending out garments to be made throughout all the adjacent towns, and conducting a branch establishment in Thompson, but they followed the westward movement, and devoted their energies to building up St. Paul and Minnesota, while other young men have won success in varied fields. Restricted in present compass and population, Scotland abounds in historic memorial. She can show us the birthplace of Hon. Samuel Huntington ; the early homes of Daniel Waldo,* the famous centenarian chaplain of Congress, and the more distinguished artist, Samuel Waldot ; the old Devotion homestead with its Revolutionary associations, and the homes of other ancient families which sent out names now known throughout the land. Inspired by
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