USA > Connecticut > Windham County > History of Windham County, Connecticut, Volume II, 1760-1880 > Part 67
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WOODSTOCK'S NOTABLE MEETINGS.
fields. In 1861, he joined with Reverends William L. Walker, Lucian Burleigh and other earnest temperance men. in forming a County Alliance to take the place of the extinct society, and as its chief executive officer succeeded in carrying out plans which resulted in the formation of the Connecticut Temperance Union. The office to which he was then called by the universal consciousness that he was of all others the man for the place and time, compelled him to seek dismission from his charge and devote his time and energies to most arduous and responsible labors. The grief felt at his loss, and the spontaneous testimony of hundreds throughout the State, bear ample witness to his fidelity and usefulness. Mr. Pratt was greatly esteemed in every relation, ready to further any scheme for public or individual benefit, a man of rare purity, integrity, self-sacrifice, and whole- hearted consecration to his Master's work. Woodstock's numerous churches have been served by a countless succession of pastors. The hundredth anniversary of the First Baptist church was appropriately commemorated by an interesting historical address from Rev. J. T. Smith, and letters from former pastors and members. Rev. Lemnel Grosvenor of Pomfret, pastor for five years of the church on Wood- stock Hill, prepared an historical sketch of this old church for its Thanksgiving service, 1859. Doctors Asa Witter, Marcy and Bradford lived to advanced years, the former leaving three sons to represent him in the profession.
WOODSTOCK'S NOTABLE MEETINGS.
A prophetic instinct would seem to have impelled Judge Sewall to give New Roxbury the name of Woodstock, "for the sake of Queen Elizabeth, and the notable meetings that have been held at the place bearing the name in England," for it may be doubted if any rural town in the country has witnessed more remarkable gatherings. From the day that John Eliot proclaimed the Gospel to the assembled Wabbaquasets in the face of a defiant message from King Uneas till the President of the Free Republic honored it by his presence, it has witnessed a succession of " notable meetings"-meetings for town organization and secession, of preparation for revolt and adoption of Federal Constitution, martial parades and funerals, spirited raisings and dedications. Anti-masonic and Sabbath school con- vocations, mighty musterings of Cold Water Armies, and the great mass-meetings of the present generation. The first of these latter demonstrations occurred in the Fremont campaign. September. 1856. when thousands of adolescent Republicans, fired with the glow of youthful enthusiasm, met as if by spontaneous impulse on Woodstock Hill to be farther electrified and inspired by the stirring words of Raymond and Beecher. Very different was the far greater gathering
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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
in the dark autumn of 1864, when after four years of ceaseless struggle and sacrifice the continuance of the War and the Nation hung upon the result of the impending Presidential election. Thousands from Connecticut and adjoining States joined with Windham County citizens upon that memorable day, and the heroic spirit that animated the vast assemblage, and their avowed determination to stand by Lincoln and the Government at any cost till the rebellion should be subdued. gave new hope and courage to despondent Republicans throughout the North. and had a powerful influence in effecting that happy result. Larger in number and more elaborate in preparation and display was the great Grant Mass Meeting of 1868. when from fifteen to twenty thousand gathered on the Common.
" Through the length and breath of old Windham, An army was marching that day ; An army with torches and banners, In proud and triumphant array."*
The immense town processions, with bands of music, ox-teams, and innumerable banners :f the " ships with white sails, heavy laden, with cargoes of beautiful girls ; " the " Boys of Blue" with their martial tread and suggestive uniform. formed the most remarkable pageant ever witnessed in the County. Governor Buckingham officiated as presiding officer : Sheriff Greenslit as chief marshal. Four stands in different parts of the common were occupied by a succession of dis- tinguished and eloquent speakers. Not less notable than the size and spirit of this gathering was its good order and sobriety, the great multitudes dispersing to their homes as quietly as if from a church service.
Later " notable meetings " have been of less partisan and political character. Most emphatically did Woodstock fulfill her prophetic destiny on that memorable July 4. 1870, when she welcomed the head of a far greater empire than that of Queen Elizabeth. and guests who would have brought honor to her royal namesake. The honor of entertaining President Grant and his suite, the Russian minister, Count De Catacazy. and other notables, solely accrues to Mr. Bowen, who carried out all details with his accustomed taste and efficiency. The centennial town celebration. July 4, 1876, was contrastingly note- worthy as an almost strictly local gathering. an assemblage of citizens entertained by native speakers. Gilbert Phillips, Esq., the president : E. H. Bugbee, the historian of the day. were both of Woodstock
* Poem by Mrs. C. N. W. Thomas, Killingly.
+ Thompson most particularly distinguished herself as the banner town, having in addition to the usnal representations, an admirable colossal portrait of General Grant, painted expressly for the occasion by a native artist, then resident in New York, Mr. George Baldwin.
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WINDHAM'S LATEST WAR-RECORD.
birth. July 4, 1877, witnessed "a new departure." The historie "Common " was forsaken for the new " Roseland Park " opened by Mr. Bowen, who had thus thoughtfully provided for the perpetuation of Woodstock's most cherished institution. Senator Blaine, Ex- Governor Chamberlain made characteristic addresses on this occasion : but its distinguishing feature was the presence and poem of an honored son of one of Woodstock's earliest families, Dr. Oliver Wendell Holmes, whose graceful reminiscences with their patriotic prelude will ever be held in grateful remembrance. Other noted speakers have been provided in subsequent years. and an infinite series of notable meetings in this picturesque park may be confidently pre- dicted. Not only is it available for Fourth of July celebrations and Saturday afternoon concerts but it is found to be eminently favorable for pienies, family gatherings and various social purposes. and the experiment of transplanting the European Pleasure Garden into the heart of a New England community seems likely to be permanently successful, and deserves to be ranked among the most notable achieve- ments of its ingenious projector.
WINDHAM'S LATEST WAR-RECORD.
In the Revolutionary contest Windham took a leading position : in the last great struggle she had but to bear her part among many. But though her resources were relatively limited. her political status enabled her to extend most hearty aid and comfort to the central Government. The strong Anti-slavery sentiment early developed, deepened and strengthened by the repeal of the Missouri Compromise and concurrent events, overcame partisan and political bias. broke the supremacy of Democratic influence and made her the strongest Republican County in Connecticut. Hundreds of honest. earnest Democrats like Governor Cleveland, were forced to renounce allegiance to party by their loyalty to the " higher Law." and the general Govern- ment. The call to aid in putting down the gigantic rebellion met immediate response in Windham County. Meetings were at onee held in all the prominent villages, and measures instituted for carrying out patriotic resolutions. Revolutionary scenes were re-enacted. Young men hurried to cities to enlist, or joined in company drill at home; women came together to prepare clothing and lint; towns hastened to make provision for raising and supplying their prospective quotas. A County mass meeting was held in Brooklyn. April 22. 1861-Governor Cleveland presiding. Daniel P. Tyler. W. II. Chandler, B. F. Palmer. H. Hammond. W. Simpson. J. Q. A. Stone. B. P. Spalding, Jeremiah Olney, committee on resolutions, declared
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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
"that citizens of Windham County would expend their last dollar and exhaust the last drop of their blood ere they would submit to a disrup- tion of the Nation." Stirring, patriotic addresses were made by many earnest speakers. Sixty volunteers offered to take the field at once, and six thousand five hundred dollars was pledged for the support of the Government. W. H. Chandler heading the list with five hundred dollars. Many volunteer companies were formed in the several towns in advance of State requisition. E. W. and Daniel Whitaker of Ashford. and Lester E. Braley of Windham. gained admittance into the First Regiment of Connecticut Volunteers. No man rendered such service in organizing Connecticut's forces as the Colonel of this regiment. Daniel Tyler, of Norwich, a worthy representative of the father and grandfather bearing the same name, so long honored in Brooklyn and Windham County. Educated at West Point and experienced in military discipline. to him was assigned the most arduous task of making an army out of entirely raw material. He was made General of Connecticut's First Brigade, and Brigadier-General of United States Volunteers after his arrival at Washington. Sixteen Windham County residents enlisted in the Second Regiment. Colonel Terry, and a small number in the Third. of which Alexander Warner of Woodstock was major. Dr. John McGregor of Thompson. surgeon. These regiments were hurried on in time to share the defeat at Bull Run, where Dr. McGregor was taken prisoner. This disastrous repulse. tidings of the remarkable career of General Nathaniel Lyon and the great demonstration at his funeral in Eastford. and General McClellan's* assumption of command. all awakened the deepest interest in Windham County and stimulated activity in enlistment and military preparation. Young men kept back by the reiterated declaration that they would not be needed were mustered by hundreds into the quickly forming regiments. About fifty were included in the Fourth Regi- ment. Company H. Fifth Regiment. Albert S. Granger. Putnam, captain : Company A. Sixth. Thomas K. Bates. Brooklyn. captain : Company K. Seventh, Charles Burton, Killingly. captain, succeeded by Jerome Tourtellotte, Putnam : Company F. Eighth. Elijah T. Smith. Plainfield. captain-were almost wholly filled from Windham County. with many in other companies. The Whitakers and Edwin L. Lyon of Ashford were enrolled in Cavalry Company B. Judson
*Son of Dr. George McClellan, the distinguished Philadelphia surgeon, whose boyhood was well remembered in Woodstock, grandson of James, and great-grandson of General Samuel Mcclellan, so prominent throughout the Revolution and in later years, the name could not but awaken much enthusiasm and hope in Windham County, and only the unwelcome conviction that the modern General lacked something of the fire of his ancestors, and did not share its Anti-slavery views, overcame this early predilection.
585
WOODSTOCK.
M. Lyon of Woodstock was Major of First Regiment Cavalry, and Andrew B. Bowen captain of Company A. with some thirty men from Woodstock and towns adjacent. The Eleventh Regiment was greatly beloved in Windham County, Charles Matthewson, Pomfret, lieutenant colonel ; Rev. George Sonle, Hampton, chaplain ; Dr. James R. Whit- comb, Brooklyn, surgeon : George W. Davis, Thompson, quarter- master sergeant. The companies of Captain Clapp, Pomfret, and Captain Hyde. Plainfield, were mostly made up from the County. Many from the south part of the County enlisted in Company G, "the Lyon Guards," Twelfth Regiment, under the veteran Captain Braley. Windham. Alexander Warner of Woodstock, went out as Lieutenant- Colonel of the Thirteenth. Windham's contribution to this regiment were mostly included in Company E-E. E. Graves of Thompson. first lieutenant. These soldiers received generous bounties from their respective towns and ample provision for their families, and went out hopefully to their varied posts of duty and service. After six months of military vicissitudes, culminating in the withdrawal from the siege of Richmond, the towns were again called to raise their proportion of " three hundred thousand more." Eastern Connecticut responded with such alacrity that the Eighteenth Regiment raised in New London and Windham Counties, though the last summoned was the first to leave, August 22, 1862 .* This was most especially Windham's representative regiment. Colonel Ely was of Killingly parentage, Lientenant-Colonel Nichols, a favored son of Thompson, widely known in other towns; Major Keach, a Killingly veteran, Assistant Surgeons Harrington and Hough, familiar residents of Sterling and Putnam. Captains T. K. Bates, Brooklyn, Joseph Matthewson, Pomfret. G. W. Warner, Woodstock, C. D. Bowen, Windham, E. J. Matthewson, Killingly, commanded companies of county men. Dr. Lowell Holbrook of Thompson, Rev. W. C. Walker of Putnam, went out later as surgeon and chaplain of this favorite regiment. Windham was also well represented in Companies D, J, K, Twenty-first Regiment, Company G, Twenty-sixth. Addison G. Warner, Putnam, having recruited more than a hundred men for the First Cavalry, was commissioned captain, January, 1864. Windham also furnished recruits for the artillery and other regiments, and paid her proportion for the colored regiments. promptly fulfilling from first to last every requisition of government. More earnest in filling her quotas than in seeking for office, she furnished proportionably more
* Enlistment in the north part of Windham County was greatly stimu- lated by the opportune return of Dr. McGregor, after more than a year's captivity, A public reception given him on Thompson Green was very largely attended, and his changed appearance and affecting story made a very deep impression, rousing sober, thoughtful men to a truer apprehension of the nature of the contest.
74
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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
subalterns than commanders, though many of Windham birth or stock who went out from other places gained a high rank and rendered distinguished service. At home as in other sections there was great outflow of private liberality, money and labor freely ex- pended in sending comforts to friends who had gone to the front, and to the Sanitary and Christian Commissions, Soldier's Aid Societies busily working in every neighborhood. and " prayer made without ceasing of the church unto God" for help and deliverance. Of the service rendered by the men sent out from Windham County it is impossible here to give detailed report, but there is good reason for belief that it compared favorably with that of the great mass of volunteers, and in many instances was signally effective. Still less can we speak of the lives that were sacrificed. The wounds are yet too fresh ; bereavements are yet too keenly felt. We remember but too vividly the days that brought the tidings that one and another of those who had gone out so bravely had fallen. Each town has its death roll, and its honored graves which it yearly decorates. Some of these heroes were among the best and brightest young men of Wind- ham County, most worthy to be remembered with those of a pre- vious generation, who like them had given their lives for their country. We need not fear that their names or deeds will be forgotten. Enrolled in the archives of the State and Nation, embalmed in every patriot heart, their fame will but grow brighter with the lapse of years. Mustered into the great Army that from age to age in every clime has raised "the battle-cry of Freedom," the men whose names are inscribed on "Windham's latest War-record" may be sure of imperishable remembrance.
THE ARMY OF EMIGRANTS.
If the record fails to chronicle those who went out to battle much less can it include the far greater army that have gone out from Wind ham County to plant, to build, to educate. throughout the length and breadth of the land. No muster-roll inscribes their names ; no estimate gives even an approximation of their number and achievements. Emigration began early. Westward the son of Windham took his way, bearing with him her impress and institutions. Younger Wind- hams, Woodstocks, Plainfields, Canterburys, Pomfrets, represent the mother towns in many States, and testify to the filial love of these roving children. Wyoming, Vermont, New Hampshire, Western Massachusetts and New York, Ohio, and territories westward, received large colonies from Windham. Scattered throughout the land in almost every County of every State, are found descendants of these early pilgrims in every rank and position, but usually classed among
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THE ARMY OF EMIGRANTS.
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the solid, sterling citizens, who have built up society and maintain civil and religious institutions. Here and there one especially gifted or fortunate has set his name high up where all may read it. The world has heard of our Morse's and Holmes's, Generals Eaton and Lyon, and Commodore Morris. Dartmouth, Williamstown, Schenectady, Andover, Yale, Middlebury, Bangor, honor the memory of the good men that Windham has given them-Presidents Wheelock, Fitch, Nott, Pro- fessors Adams, Kingsley, Hubbard, Larned. Hough, Shepard. Rhode Island will never forget the services of Lieutenant-Governor Sessions. William Larned Marcy and Elisha Williams hold a high rank among the great men of the Empire State. Ohio gratefully remembers Dr. Man- asseh Cutler and General Moses Cleveland. Edmond and George Badger won success and honor in North Carolina, and New Orleans still bears witness to the eloquence of Sylvester Larned and Chief Justice Brad- ford. Colonel Craft of Vermont, Governor Williams of New Hamp- shire, Senator Ruggles of Ohio, Hon. Thomas P. Grosvenor, of Maryland, has each an honorable record in his adopted State. New Haven owes to Windham her respected Whitings and Whites, and the late excellent mayor, Ilon. Aaron Skinner, while Hartford is indebted for distinguished and useful physicians, Doctors Coggswell, Welch and Sumner. Windham is largely represented in the min isterial ranks, sending out the ancestors of the present Dr. Bacon, New Haven, Dr. Storrs, Brooklyn. Dr. William Adams, New York, Dr. George L. Walker, Hartford, and a host of lesser luminaries. She has given to art Miss Anne Ilall, Samuel Waldo, Frank Alexander, Henry Dexter* and Ithiel Town, architect, the collector of one of the largest and most valuable libraries in the country. The Grosvenort Library of Buffalo perpetuates the name and munifieence of the son of one of Windham's honored families. The works of E. G. Squier, Alice and Phebe Carey, Mrs. Botta, Mrs. Lippencott (Grace Green- wood), E. C. Stedman, do honor to their Windham ancestry. Other names equally meritorious might swell the list and still a tithe would not be given. Ministers, professors, lawyers, bankers, mer chants, farmers, mechanics, tens of thousands of American citizens
*Henry Dexter, sculptor, lately deceased at Cambridge, was born in Nelson, New York, but spent a part of his early years in Killiugly, where his native love of art was greatly incited by the example and encouragement of his townsman, Frank Alexander. Ithiel Town was born in Thompson, 1784, one of the " odd boys" who devolop remarkable genins. Beginning his career as a common house carpenter, he accomplished architectural feats at Boston that excited great admiration. Entering into business at New Haven and New York City he became widely celebrated, furnishing designs for many import- ant public buildings in those cities and other large towns. He also invented a bridge, which was very popular for a time.
tHon. Seth Grosvenor, New York.
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HISTORY OF WINDIIAM COUNTY.
in all parts of the land. trace deseent from the same old County. And still the tide sets outward. and still despite all that have gone before and the reputed decrease of our native population she has a man ready for any opening. A goodly proportion of active business men, to-day, in Providence, Boston, Worcester, Norwich, Hartford, New York, Chicago, and other cities, went out from Windham County homes and school-houses. She accommodates Massachusetts with a governor, and Rhode Island with leading lawyers, merchants, editors and instructors. She furnishes New York with a very Independent editor, and The Tribune with a specially sprightly correspondent, whose charming lyrics melt the most obdurate critic. She sends to Chicago an author and editor whose name is a " Woman's Secret," and a merchant prince to be president of its Commercial Club, inter- change greetings with Boston magnates, and even draw out a witty response from the speechless ex-president and chief commander. Let a son of Windham rove where he will he finds a brother to welcome him. In every section, in every position. Windham has to-day its liv- ing representatives, its bright, enterprising capable men and women, ready to bear their part in the battle of life, and winning a fair share of its honors and victories.
TO-DAY AND TO-MORROW.
And notwithstanding all this outflow there is something left behind. The perennial fount is full and living. It is pleasant to believe that after the vicissitudes of nearly two hundred years Windham was never more prosperous than at the present epoch. New interests have devel- oped, new elements are at work, bringing indeed fermentation and change but giving promise of continued expansion and development. With a few exceptions the tendency is upward, and great advance- ment has been made during the present generation, not only in wealth and numerical strength but in all things that contribute to material prosperity. Town affairs are administered with more enlightened public spirit. Money is expended more freely for needful uses. The poor of the towns are provided with suitable homes and allowed more comforts than in former days. Schools receive more stringent super- vision. Ample and convenient school-houses are demanded and teach- ers receive far more liberal compensation. A section so well provided with railroads can hardly fail to be up with the times in all essential matters, and yet it has enough conservatism to keep it on the track, and with all its modern impetus it sticks fast to its old traditions, repudiates the idea of a county debt and never suffers a legally executed will to be broken. Windham is essentially a well-balanced
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TO-DAY AND TO-MORROW.
connty. Its varied business interests work harmoniously for the good of the whole. Manufacturing has developed agricultural enterprise ; labor with few exceptions finds its best friend in capital. The resistant gravity of the old hill-top villages and the comparative inertia of the rural districts, happily check the undne momentum of the steam- driven railroad centres, and even those ont-lying sections that would seem to be almost dead-weights serve a useful purpose in preserving the equilibrium, and receive a reflex benefit from the general advancement. Its inherent vitality is manifested in the energy and progressive spirit of those who stay at home as well as in the restless ambition that impels so many to leave, while the general intelligence of the people, the demand for books and news- papers, the book elnbs and literary societies springing up in almost every neighborhood, argue a good degree of mental activity .* A pleasant feature in latter-day life is the yearly increasing number of out- goers who return to their old homes, and their willingness to aid in schemes for public benefit-a return-tide, bringing back to Windham some of the treasures she has so freely lavished. This hopeful omen, with the general status of the County, its improved business facilities and established manufacturing interests, would seem to augur a bright and prosperous future. f There are indeed as in other sections adverse
* While boasting of editors, authors and artists who have gone out from Windham, it is scarcely fair to leave unnoticed those who have won success at home. Well conducted County journals show that Windham boys can edit a newspaper without going to New York or Providence. The poems and stories of Miss Jane G. Fuller of Scotland, and Mrs. C. N. W. Thomas of Kil- lingly, vie in merit with those which have brought honor to Mrs. Corbin and Mrs. Moulton. Miss Fuller has done especial service in her vivid repro- duction of revolutionary incidents, and her charming volume upon our wild- flowers, which has contributed towards " the popularization of science." Mrs. Charles Thompson of Pomfret, has published " The Rectory of More- head, " and other pleasant stories. The portraits and sketches of Miss Sarah S. Hall, West Killingly, indicate a share in the hereditary genius so con- spicnous in her distinguished kinswoman, as well as careful study and training. Mr. J. I. Sawyer of Pomfret (now in Putnam), has won a good reputation as an artist, and Messrs. Baldwin of Thompson and Thurber of Putnam, bring back to their carly homes the fruits of artistic culture.
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