USA > Connecticut > Windham County > History of Windham County, Connecticut, Volume II, 1760-1880 > Part 66
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Plainfield. The contrast between this town and its opposite neighbor illustrates the importance of cultivating manufacturing inter- ests. Previous to 1820 Canterbury had the larger population ; to-day Plainfield has at least three to one. Central Village owes much of its growth and prosperity to the enterprise and public spirit of the late Arnold Fenner. Esq., its leading manufacturer, who was for many
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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
years identified with its best interests. William Dyer, Esq., was also an influential citizen, much employed in the settlement of estates and public business. Various stores and workshops give life to this vil- lage. A Congregational church was organized here in 1846, and house of worship erected. Episcopalians have a society and church edifice. A High School was maintained for a time by Mr. Lucian Bur- leigh. The town clerk's office, administered for many years by John S. Fren ch in the centre of the town. has been removed to a new town- house in this village. J. G. Penrose. Esq., continues his legal practice. Dr. C. H. Rogers, has been established in medical practice for several years. The Hartford, Providence and Fishkill Railroad has brought prosperity to Moosup. The old Union Factory, after forty years of joint-stock ownership and management, was purchased by Mr. Sampson Almy in 1850. who built a large new stone factory and made many im- provements, greatly increasing the working capabilities of the village. Smaller factories were then carried on by Jos. S. Gladding and his successors, and James B. Ames. "Almyville" and " Unionville" were soon absorbed in the growing " Moosup." Many new residents were brought in, substantial citizens as well as operatives. Mr. Almy took great interest in the improvement of his lands and village, bring- ing his farms under high cultivation. ITis example was followed by other residents. The Baptists and Methodists have maintained pros- perous churches and suitable houses of worship. Father James Quinn ministered for a time to the Catholic church. While Central Village has attracted lawyers. Moosup would seem to have especial charms for physicians. Doctors Morey and Frank S. Burgess, and William A. Lewis have enjoyed extensive medical celebrity and practice in this vicinity. The later prosperity of Moosup has been checked by the burning of the great woolen mill in 1875, and financial embarrass- ments, but new companies have entered the field and its prospects are again buoyant.
The liberal policy of the non-resident manufacturing company, and the administrative capacity of the superintendent, Mr. James Atwood, have made Wauregan a model village. Beautifully situated on the Quinebaug. removed from the railroad and disturbing influences. it has been able to carry out the design of its founders and realize a high ideal. Everything about it is orderly and tasteful. The manufacturing buildings, houses, store, hall, roads, gardens, green, are all in keeping. The church edifice is an architectural gem, and the residence of Mr. Atwood one of the finest in the County. A Congregational church was organized in 1856, soon after the factory was at work. Charles L. Ayer was its first pastor. The present pastor. Rev. S. II. Fellows, was installed in 1859. Services were held till 1874 in a convenient
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David Gallery
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PACKERVILLE. PLAINFIELD JUNCTION.
hall, provided by the Company. A library was soon founded and is maintained through their liberality, and the elegant church edifice is due to the same source. No intoxicating liquors are sold in the village, and great pains are taken to promote the best interests of the opera- tives and residents.
Packerville has maintained its early standing. Its Baptist church has continued to bring forth good fruit. Reverends J. B. Guild and John Paine, faithful laborers in many fields, have been among its pastors. The village is neat and thriving and bears evidence of care ful management and oversight.
Plainfield Junction for many years was nothing but a railroad crossing, but now carries on Foundry works, and steam saw-mills, and is building up into a village. Old Plainfield Village has perhaps the finest avenue of trees in Windham County, and many handsome resi- dences. The Congregational church still worships in the stone meeting- house of 1818, and though greatly weakened by dismissal of members to Central Village and Wanregan churches, is regaining its former strength. Reverends Andrew Dunning and Henry Robinson were greatly esteemed pastors of this church. Elisha L. Fuller has long filled the deacon's office. Plainfield Academy has suffered a permanent decline, but its building is from time to time occupied by hopeful aspirants. Messrs. William A. Benedict, Elijah Perry and Lucian Burleigh are among the later teachers, who did their best to resusci- tate the enfeebled institution. Plainfield, like many similar towns, suffers from a multiplicity of interests. its villages being practically independent organizations. The senior village, however, occupies a nominal head-ship, and has still been able to retain the administration of the Probate Court. Its charge was held for twenty-three years by Hon. David Gallup, who removed his residence to Plainfield at an early age, and became very active in town and public affairs. Serving repeatedly in the Legislature, his sound judgment and business capac- ity gave him the speakership of the House, and a place on many im- portant committees. Spending his winters latterly in Hartford. he has become widely known and respected in business circles. and was elected with great heartiness and approval to fill the office of lieuten- ant-governor. Judge Gallup continues to pass his summers in his pleasant Plainfield home, and enjoys the confidence and respect of many friends in his own town and County. Plainfield has recently lost its venerable physician, Dr. William II. Cogswell, so widely known in professional and public life. His services as agent for Con- necticut in care of sick and wounded soldiers during the late War, were especially valuable. In public and private, in Church and State. he was alike useful and honored. Judge Eaton, Colonel Lester. Joseph
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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
S. Gladding. left an honorable record of past service. Among the many who went out from Plainfield homes, and the instruction of Plainfield Academy, none achieved a more useful life-work than George Shepard. D. D., Bangor, Maine, professor of Sacred Rhetoric. stamping upon many minds the impress of his own high character and deep spiritual consecration. The highest in public life was probably Hon. Edward A. Bradford, who won much success at the Bar in New Orleans, and was honored by an appointment as judge of the Supreme Court of the United States. Connection with the great Anti-slavery conflict. as well as their own genius, have made the Burleigh brothers very widely noted.
KILLINGLY.
.Growth and business expansion in this town are not confined to Danielsonville. Dayville is a lively and thrifty village with various mills and interests. Mr. Ezekiel Webster followed the railroad track, building a hotel and many private dwellings. He engaged largely in lumber trade, introducing a steam mill and lumber-working machinery. In 1846, Mr. John Day put up a new brick factory, and carried on manufacturing till the destruction of the building in 1858, when privilege and accommodations were purchased by Messrs. S. and H. Sayles, who built up extensive woolen manufacturing establishments. Other industries were developed. stores opened, churches built up. The Dayville Congregational church was organized May 23. 1849. Its constitutent members were mostly dismissed from the three Killingly churches. Rev. Roswell Whitmore* officiated as pastor till 1857, thus ministering to a part of his former flock. Suitable houses of worship were provided for Congregational and Catholic churches. Schools received needful attention, and are accommodated by "a nice house with ample play-ground around it." The neighboring Williamsville Factory has been repeatedly enlarged. In 1849 the company was reorganized, and after refitting the mill with new machinery of the best workmanship, turned out the "Williamsville fine sheetings." so favorably known to connoisseurs in cotton fabrics. Williamsville like Wauregan is "a close corporation," owned and controlled by a single company and interest-a pleasant, isolated working village, well- managed and orderly. Enlightened self-interest as well as public spirit and philanthropy have effected great improvement in the administration of factory villages. Sanitary conditions are studied and observed. Evil influences are kept in abeyance. Compelled by
* This venerated pastor, so long and intimately associated with Windham County churches, survived till April, 1861.
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KILLINGLY. THOMPSON.
the State to educate the children. they voluntarily in many cases provide for the instruction and innocent entertainment of adults by libraries, reading-rooms, lectures, &c. A fine hall has been built by the Williamsville Company for religious purposes and lectures. Attawaugan and some of the smaller factories are maintained on former sites. East Killingly has been aided by increasing centraliza- tion and the construction of a capacious reservoir which enables the enterprising little Whetstone to run its mills throughout the year. Messrs. Thomas Pray and IIenry Westcott were among the many owners who have helped build up Chestnut Hill villages. Lemuel Elliott, Esq., of Providence, improved another privilege and had a pleasant country seat at the foot of Breakneck. The mineral treasures of Mashentuck and Breakneck are as yet nearly undeveloped, waiting for the construction of the "Ponoganset Rail- road" or some kindred enterprise. The well of "porcelain clay " forinerly so vaunted has been tested and found lacking in quantity. The East Killingly and Free-Will Baptist churches have maintained their standing under a succession of pastors. Revs. Austin Robbins and David Williams, formerly laborers in both these churches. died on successive days at their homes in East Killingly. Rev. Hubbel Loomis, well-known in the Baptist ministry. compiled an historical sketch while pastor of the former church. The church in South Killingly after reaching the verge of dissolution, was happily revived. and under an efficient ministry has quite renewed its youth. Its house of worship has been remodeled and much pains expended upon Sabbath school and temperance training. The village has recently suffered the loss of its much respected physician. Dr. Daniel L. Hovey. who had pursued his calling there for nearly half a century. He was the oldest member of the County Medical Society at the time of his decease. Having no manufacturing interests, this village is gradually wasting. Killingly's strength lies in her rocks and rivers. Extensive Brick Works have been carried on near Dayville for many years by Colonel L. D. Alexander. The " Nashawang Farm" and privilege of Hon. Elisha Dyer, promises to bring new business and prosperity to the south of the town.
Thompson, in 1850, the most populous town in Windham County, and one of the wealthiest rural towns in Connecticut. has managed to maintain existence despite the loss of her southern territory and nearly two thousand inhabitants. Since the transfer of Masonville and Fisherville into the hands of The Grosvenordale Company .* two large and elegant brick factory buildings have been erected and many
* The present company still represents the Mason interest, Dr. William Grosvenor having married the daughter of one of the constituent members of the former Corporation, Mr. James B. Mason.
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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
dwelling-houses, an immense reservoir constructed, roads built, hills levelled. and many hundreds added to the population. Mr. Lucius Briggs, as manager, maintains strict order and discipline, and the Grosvenordale manufacturing villages compare favorably with the best in other towns. Regular worship is maintained in the chapel under the charge of the pastor of the Central Baptist church. Mechanicsville. has been greatly improved under the administration of Messrs. S. and T. Sayles. A handsome brick building has been erected, a fine green laid out, and much skill and taste exhibited. Smaller factories have been kept at work in Wilsonville and New Boston, and intermitted at Quaddic and West Thompson. Apart from the special industries, the town seems to be generally thriving, its farms and roads are well kept up and its bills paid every season. The character of its rural population is gradually changing- the Puritanic church-going element replaced by foreigners. The attendance to-day of the six Protestant churches does not proba- bly equal that of the two churches of a former generation. A Catholic church in Grosvenordale draws a large congregation, and preparations are made for erecting a second church building between Mechanicsville and West Thompson.
Thompson Hill long since ceased to be a place of business, but it is none the less a pleasant place of residence, and has been greatly improved and beautified. Adjacent residents bought out the " Ponog," swept off the whole establishment. purified and reconstructed the western point of the common. Mr. William H. Mason built a hand- some house in the curve of the crescent. At about the same date, 1845, a lecture was given by Professor William A. Larned* in the town-house, upon Beauty. Taste, Tree-Culture-all now summed up in the term, " Village Improvements." Spontaneous pledges were given by many of the hearers to aid in carrying out suggestions, and in November a day was devoted to setting out elin, maple and ash trees under the especial oversight of Mr. William H. Chandler. Ten years later, the common left bare by the demolition of the old meeting-house was made over to Thomas E. Graves, Esq., for fencing, smoothing and cultivation, which added much to its beauty and with later touches from the recent Village Improvement Society, and the growth and verdure of the trees, has brought it into fine condition. A new and elegant Congregational church edifice opposite the former site. was completed in 1856, Mr. William H. Mason bearing a large share of the cost of construction. Dr. Dow had ere this closed his ministerial and earthly service. The Semi-centennial Commemoration observed April 22, 1846, was a most interesting occasion. when children and friends
* Son of George Larned, Esq., professor at Yale College, 1839-62.
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THOMPSON.
of the church from near and far came together to congratulate the aged pastor and enjoy his characteristic report of his half century's ministry. Original poems from Mrs. Anna S. Larned and J. Erskine Dow, added interest to the service. A still larger congre- gation gathered at the funeral of the beloved pastor, August. 1849. A chance word dropped by him led to the call of a single candi- date, Rev. Andrew Dunning. Brunswick, Maine, who won at once the unanimous voice of the people and was most happily installed, May 15, 1850. Filling most acceptably the place of honored pre- deeessors, Mr. Dunning died like them in charge after a less pro- longed service. acute disease terminating his valued life, March 26. 1872. With him died too the cherished custom of life-long pastorates and afternoon service-the dismissal of two ministers within five years showing that Thompson can keep pace with the present genera- tion. Failure to keep may ensue from too ambitious selection, and in its later ministerial succession the church has faithfully maintained its early pledge and traditions. Thompson has been also favored in its medieal succession. Dr. Holbrook is worthily represented by the son who succeeded him. Doctors McGregor and Hosford who followed Dr. Bowen. like him gained many friends and died much lamented. The presidency of the Thompson Bank after the decease of Mr. Mason was intrusted to Mr. Talcott Crosby. a much respected citizen, also judge of Probate. and has since reverted to Mr. J. Olney, under whose charge it sustains its financial credit and soundness. The Thomp- son Savings Bank also receives satisfactory patronage. A Family and High School was opened in 1851. by Messrs. Alanson Rawson and Henry Parker, which was well sustained for several years. Among later village institutions a family hotel kept for some twenty years by Mr. Stephen Crosby has served a useful mission. Thompson makes no business pretensions, but its convenient railroad accommodation, pure air and local attractions draw many summer visitors, especially those favored with family associations. Young men who go out from it into business have the good taste to make it a summer residence, building new houses and adding much to its life and prosperity .* Convenient parsonages have been built within five years for the Congregational and Baptist societies. The hundredth anniversary of the parent Bap- tist church was appropriately commemorated by a pleasant gathering near the site of the first church edifice on Brandy Hill, Sept. 9, 1873.
* Erratum. Ante, page 534. please erase from second line of second note the superfluous " one of them," not one but the three young lawyers exercising immediate selection as aforesaid. Thompson is too peaceful in these latter days to offer much scope for legal practice, but if such lawyers as chance to make it a home have failed to follow the example of their predecessors, it is not to be inferred that it is from any lack of pretty young ladies.
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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
An interesting discourse was delivered by Rev. N. T. Pinkham. pastor of the East Thompson church, and many touching reminiscences detailed by aged church members and former pastors. The Congrega- tional church celebrated its hundred and fiftieth birthday, Feb. 11, 1880, by a social reunion and brief addresses.
Pomfret suffered serious deelension after the loss of her factory. but revived with the opening of the New York and New England Rail- road, which accommodates her with three stations and a great influx of company. The pleasant scenery and fine old trees and farm-houses of this picturesque town are more and more appreciated, and it is be- coming a favorite and fashionable resort. Families from many cities enjoy the coolness and comforts of these airy homes. This summary demand has greatly quickened agricultural enterprise. A flourishing Farmers' Club has been instituted. which discusses improved methods of farming, and puts them in practice. Intelligent and capable men give their time, energies and thoughts to farm-working, which has resulted in increased products and profits, and a higher standard of agricultural attainment throughout the town. Pomfret dairies have gained a higher repute, and her "model farms" excite wonder and imi- tation. Pomfret is also gaining permanent residents. Children of her old families come back to the old haunts and hearth-stones, and strangers after a summer's sojourn return perhaps to build villa and mansion of their own. Elegant residences going up on sightly hill and shady nook attest the increasing popularity of the town. The tasteful "Pomfret Hall," recently erected, manifests the public spirit of its citizens and their efforts to provide agreeable entertainment for guests and stranger sojourners, while its Book Clubs and Library Associations show that they have not outgrown their literary pro- clivities .* The Abington United and Ladies' Libraries, dating back as far as 1793. have been extremely well preserved and were recently consolidated into a Social Library, already endowed with some seven hundred volumes, many of them rare and valuable.
The hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the organization of Pomfret's First Church was appropriately commemorated, October 26. 1865. Rev. Walter S. Alexander, recently ordained pastor, welcomed the numerous guests, and gave an introductory discourse. Interesting historical papers were presented by the former revered pastor, Rev.
* Pomfret's inherent genius once more asserts itself in the success and reputation achieved by present aspirants who have gone out from its homesteads-Mrs. Caroline F. Corbin and Mrs. Louise C. Moulton-who are thought to have inherited a share of the gifts of their respected great-grand- mother, Mrs. Hannah (Sharpe) Cleveland, the heroine of the Revolutionary " Pink Satin" (ante, page 200), a woman of rare intelligence and "wonder- ful gift of language."
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WOODSTOCK.
Daniel Hunt. Rev. A. C. Thompson brought greetings from the mother church of Roxbury, and pleasant reminiscences and congratu- lations were given by Reverends C. P. Grosvenor, Andrew Dunning and G. N. Webber. Mr. Hunt survived for several years, a great bless- ing to all who knew him. The honored church father and deacon, Job Williams, died in 1863. Darins Matthewson, Esq., so prominent in public affairs and temperance work, had preceded him ; and his respected sons, Deacon George and Colonel Charles B. Matthewson, have lately followed. Not only church officers but churches have passed away. The Pomfret Baptist church has been absorbed into the former Branch at Putnam, and Quaker worship has died out. A Second Advent church is maintained in Abington. The Episcopal church is very flourishing and enjoys the ministrations of many distin- guished clergymen. Dr. Hiram Holt died in 1870, after a successful medical practice of nearly fifty years. Pomfret's only remaining physician, Dr. Williams, has held the place many years.
WOODSTOCK.
The present generation has seen great changes in Woodstock. Its academy after a long period of depression was resuseitated through the agency of Mr. Henry C. Bowen, who after successfully engaging in business in New York City, made his summer home in his native town. setting ont trees, beautifying the Common and stimulating public improvement. The old building was thoroughly repaired and re-opened in the spring of 1847, with John P. Averill for principal, whose popularity soon drew more than a hundred pupils. During his four years' service the academy continued to flourish, and the impetus survived succeeding administrations, especially that of Mr. J. W. Patterson. Renewed depression led to more general and vigorous effort resulting in an Endowment Fund of more than fifteen thousand dollars, and a capacious and elegant academy building costing more than twenty thousand-liberal initiatory pledges made by Mr. Bowen securing a generous response from citizens and friends of Woodstock. The expense of furnishing the house was also mainly borne by Mr. Bowen. Messrs. Abel Child. S. M. Fenner and Joseph MeClellan served as building committee. Its dedication. August 21, 1873, was one of Woodstock's "notable meetings." Rev. N. Beach reported in behalf of the Trustees. Congratulatory addresses were made by Gov- ernor Buckingham, Professor Northrup and others; a sprightly his- toric compendium was read by Clarence W. Bowen. and a delightful reminiscential letter sent by Dr. Oliver Wendell Holmes. Competent teachers have since been instated in office, and it is hoped that the old
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academy has entered upon a permanent career of prosperity and public usefulness. Scholars find boarding accommodations in Elmwood Hall, which under Mr. Amasa Chandler has been for many years one of Woodstock's "peculiar institutions," furnishing a pleasant summer home to many city-worn refugees, and an excellent annual supper to the perennial Thief Detecting Society, which heartily enjoys the exer- cise of this official prerogative. Woodstock takes much pride and interest in her modern Agricultural Society, organized in 1859, which has already achieved a long list of substantial members. ample grounds and hall. and annual exhibitions which rival those of the older society. It has also a very wide-awake Farmers' Club, whose essays and discus- sions upon many practical questions awaken much thought and interest. The changes effected by modern modes of working. the difficulty of finding mechanical employment, and the increased demand for garden products in the growing villages, have stimulated a new interest in farming, and a great departure from traditional practices. Woodstock with its rich soil and vigorous population is preeminently a farming town, and is doubtless destined to make great agricultural advances. Some of its market gardens and fruit farms are already very celebrated and successful, and the superior stock sent out by Mr. Sumner takes the highest prize at every cattle show. Its manufacturing interests are declining from various causes. Its villages are in the main well preserved, though West Woodstock suffers from distance from railroad accommodations. and North Woodstock from the decline of its earringe manufactory, following the decease of Ezra C. Deane, who had been so prominent in business and public affairs. A tasteful new church edifice has been recently erected in this village in place of the former house, destroyed by fire. The fends of former generations are now so far outgrown that North and East societies unite in one minister, officiating by turns in each house of worship. East Wood- stock lost an honored citizen in George Paine, Esq .. who had served as school commissioner as well as in many town offices, and more recently has suffered the loss of one still more widely known and honored. Rev. Edward Pratt, the efficient secretary of the Connectient Temperance Union, had previously wronght a most useful work as pastor of the East Woodstock church. The temperance movement so earnestly begun in this town, had suffered as in other towns a reaction naturally resulting from the discovery that intemperance was far more deeply rooted than at first supposed, and also from the increase of the foreign element and other influences. With characteristic patience and fidelity, Mr. Pratt began anew at the foundation, gathering the children of his own church into societies and thoroughly indoctrinating them with temperance sentiments, and laboring whenever practicable in wider
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