History of Windham County, Connecticut, Part 79

Author: Bayles, Richard M. (Richard Mather)
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: New York, Preston
Number of Pages: 1506

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Another society of recent date is the A. O. U. M., an organiza- tion of United American mechanics, having for watchwords, "Honesty, Industry, Temperance." The Putnam Council of this order already numbers sixty members. Trustees, M. Miller, C. Bosworth, G. G. Smith.

Probably the one society in which Putnam residents of every age, sect and character, could most heartily unite, is the newly chartered Putnam Library Association. The lack of a well- stored town library has been long lamented. Such good men as the late Messrs. Chandler A. Spalding and George Williams at- tempted to meet the need in part by leaving books for a Parish Library in the Congregational church. Others aided in the or- ganization of a Citizens' Library in 1884, which collected about six hundred volumes, under charge of the Women's Temper- ance Union. Continued agitation and a recent gift from Mr. Edmond Wilkinson have led to a re-organization. J. W. Man- ning, E. H. Bugbee, George W. Holt, Jr., L. H. Fuller, E. H. Johnson, J. B. Kent, A. B. Williams, E. A. Wheelock, George E. Shaw, are elected board of managers of the "Putnam Library Association," which takes the place of the former society, retain- ing members and library material. New books will be procured and it is trusted that the Putnam Library will become a thriving, popular and permanent institution.

Progressive Putnam has its conservative element and does not change merely for the sake of changing. A faithful public ser- vant is retained in office. In thirty-four years she has had but one town clerk and treasurer ; her school visitors have had long terms of service ; her post office has had but few incumbents. Hiram N. Brown succeeded John O. Fox in 1861. His successor, Perry Wilson, held the position till a recent date. The office is now administered by Edward Mullan. Some twenty-five mails are handled daily. The Central Telephone office, Putnam Division, is managed by L. H. Fuller, general insurance agent. Putnam's railroad facilities at the junction of two important lines are very advantageous. The opening and the establish- ment of the New York & New England railroad, after long strug- gles and embarrassment, has been an important factor in its later development. Nearly fifty passenger and freight trains pass

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daily through the village, and convenient routes connect its de- pot with the many thriving towns within its circuit.

Interest in its own growth and neighborly affairs is stimulated by its two wide-awake newspapers, which keep a brisk outlook for all passing events. A column in a Danielsonville paper sat- isfied the requirements of the early inhabitants. A page in the Windham County Transcript, edited by Doctor Plimpton, was next accorded. In 1872, the Putnam Patriot was established by Mr. Everett Stone, son of the editor of the Transcript, which soon gained footing in Putnam and surrounding towns. Mr. A. W. Macdonald, the present editor and proprietor, succeeded Mr. Stone in 1882, and is now associated with Mr. L. O. Williams. The Patriot is now a large quarto, filled with town and county news and more substantial reading, and is considered an indis- pensable necessity in many households. The Putnam News, ed. ited by sons of Doctor Bronson, had a brief existence. A cheer- ful Sunbeam, lighting upon Putnam in 1882, has developed into a dignified Windham County Standard through the energy and perseverance of its editor and proprietor, Mr. N. W. Kennedy. The Standard is a vivacious and enterprising journal, ferreting out news from every corner of the county, and has a wide and increasing circulation.

Putnam's "Brass Bands " deserve to be classed among its most conspicuous institutions, sounding forth its praise and progress in various places and occasions. Both represent a vast amount of patience and self-denying practice. It is said that Father Vygen encouraged the early neophytes of St. Mary's Band by himself taking the field and playing on the instruments with them. The Mechanics' Band has been in existence about a quarter of a century, and was fostered and encouraged by musi- cal veterans of the village. Its roll of membership includes many of Putnam's honored citizens. Its chief founder was the late Professor Goodspeed, a very thorough and successful music teacher, widely known throughout the county. Under his guidance the band made rapid progress, and was soon able to play a prominent part at public gatherings, assisting at many of Woodstock's famous mass meetings and other patriotic demon- strations all over the country. A corporate body, for a time "it held the Fort" at Mechanics' Park, giving weekly concerts and entertainments. A history of Mechanics' Band, with its roll of membership and varied experiences, would have great interest.

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.

St. Mary's Band was organized about 1867, through the agency of Reverend E. J. Vygen. Its first public performance was at the memorable reception of President Grant in 1870. Through the instructions of C. G. Marcy it attained high musical pro- ficiency, and has continued to advance, taking a prominent part on public occasions.

Putnam's demonstrations in welcome of the president and great commander were noteworthy. The streets were very gaily dec- orated and thronged with thousands of spectators. Soldiers and citizens were alike in line. The " pyramids " of children in red, white and blue, artistically arranged by Father Vygen on the church grounds, were especially noted and admired.

One of Putnam's achievements, encouraged and helped on by her newspapers, was the " Antique Art Loan Exhibition," held in March, 1880, in honor of her twenty-fifth anniversary. It was perhaps an answer to the charge of extreme youth brought by jealous contemporaries that this especial form of birthday observation was devised. Youthful emulation, directed by. ex- perienced connoisseurs, brought together in Quinebaug Hall a most remarkable collection of nearly three thousand articles, many of them of great interest and value. Old-time life and customs might be very vividly reconstructed by a careful study of these ancient relics. Pictures and portraits of the early resi- dents of the county were of great interest. The only regret was that the exhibition could not have been more lasting and enjoyed by a larger number, the mud and winds of March preventing a large attendance. Mr. Darius S. Skinner, chairman of the com mittee, was most active in devising and carrying forward this exhibition. A large number of ladies and gentlemen also served on the committee.

The recent visit of President Harrison and members of his cabinet excited much interest, The distinguishing honor done to Windham county in being permitted to receive and entertain the chief magistrate of the great republic was more fully appre- ciated than ever before, and Putnam, with great heartiness and unanimity, roused itself to meet the occasion worthily. The committee of arrangements, comprising many of Putnam's lead- ing citizens, James W. Manning, chairman, together with many organizations and private citizens, vied with each other in ar- ranging and perfecting every detail needful for the appropriate

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reception of the distinguished guests. But "time and tide " are beyond human control, and the protracted storm brooding over New England paid no heed to presidential visitation. In spite of delay and discomfort, Putnam did its part nobly, with some, perhaps, unavoidable omissions. Its streets were as gay as bunt- ing and flags could make them, Each building had its specific devices and decorations ; children in gay attire, representing the forty-two states, on one side ; another bevy in white, each carry- ing a flag, on the other; the prosaic iron bridge transformed into a bower of verdure and beauty, flowers and pennons jaunt- ily floating, in spite of the sombre sky. Joseph McKachnie served as grand marshal of the day, supported by aids, Major H. W. Johnson and Captain A. M. Parker. The veterans of the Grand Army, 140 strong, appeared in tasteful new uniform in honor of the occasion. Company F, from Danielsonville, and Com- pany G, from Putnam, assisted in the procession, together with Putnam's two musical bands, its fire department of 60 men, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, 100 men, and St. Jean Baptiste Society, 300 men, all in radiant uniform and regalia, making a beautiful array as they received the presidential party and escorted it through the limits of Putnam. As on the pre- vious occasion, the ingenuity of Reverend Father Vygen furnished an unique feature of the reception. Driven by the rain from a position by the ruins of the Catholic church, an impromptu scenic representation was arranged within the portals of the convent, its central figure hundreds of happy children in tiers of red, white and blue, massed up to the second story. Ringing bells, booming cannon, inspiriting music, waving banners, hearty cheers and hurrahs, added to the impressiveness of the exhibi- tion, which called out much admiration and praise from the president and other spectators.

After town organization, the lack of a suitable burial place was painfully apparent. Having in his possession near his resi- dence a tract of land (a part of the old "Mighill Farm," Kil- lingly) which he deemed especially suitable for this purpose, Chandler Spalding offered. it to the town for a public burying ground. The town instructed its selectmen to purchase the ground, but its many urgent burdens and expenses compelled delay and reconsideration, during which interval Mr. Spalding proceeded to lay out the land and prepare a cemetery. July 4th, 1856, the first interment was made. Many persons secured lots,

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and the ground was constantly improved and beautified by Mr. Spalding till, in 1866, he conveyed it to the Putnam Cemetery Association, formed by citizens of the town desirous of having said cemetery hereafter well cared for, protected and further improved and enlarged. These desires have been satisfactorily accomplished, and the Putnam Cemetery is regarded with much interest and pride, and is every year freshly consecrated by me- morial prayers and offerings. President of the association, Otis E. Keith; secretary and treasurer, Charles N. Fenn.

A little east of the modern cemetery, overgrown and enmatted with tangled shrubs and vines, is the lot of land given to the town of Killingly for a burial place by its most honored citizen, Peter Aspinwall. Mouldering stones bearing the names of the earliest settlers of this vicinity, are to be found there. Killing- ly's choicest worthies, Captain Joseph Cady and Justice Joseph Leavens, its first ministers, Reverends John Fisk, Perley Howe and Aaron Brown, its town fathers and town mothers for at least two generations, were interred in this time honored grave yard. A tombstone. under a spreading pine tree tells the sad fate of the young bride of Othniel Brown, August 13th, 1786 :

" That awful day, the hurricane When I was in my prime Blew down the house, and I was slain And taken out of time."

The laying out of other burial grounds led to the partial abandonment and neglect of this most interesting ground, but recently it has received more attention, and it is hoped that it may be more thoroughly restored as an unique memorial of the past.

The Pomfret Factory burying ground, on the Pomfret road, west of the former home of Mr. Wilkinson, is no longer in ex- istence. This land was probably devoted to this purpose by Captain Cargill, his little granddaughter, Laura Waldo, being the first person there buried. Included without reservation in the sale of the Cargill land, it was freely used by persons in the vicinity, particularly by the descendants of Captain John Sabin. As the old families became extinct and the land more valuable, it was devoted to other uses. Such stones as were sufficiently preserved were removed to the new cemetery.

The cheerful and well kept burial ground at Putnam Heights is of comparatively modern origin. The first person buried

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.

there was Captain Luther Warren, who died August 9th, 1839. The venerated pastor, Priest Atkins, was also buried there, and many of the later residents of the village and vicinity.

While Putnam village, in a certain sense, absorbs and domi- nates the town, the outlying portions have yet a distinct charac- ter and life of their own. Two miles east of the busy village old Killingly hill reposes in serene tranquility. Transformed in name to Putnam Heights, with new elements and new inhabit- ants, this ancient village still retains its primitive characteris- tics. Business has long since flown to the valley. Its one church maintains but intermittent service; its one school is scantily at- tended, and modern institutions fail to gain a footing, yet this very repose and fixedness, as contrasted with the rush and tu- mult of everyday life, have a peculiar charm, and the wearied denizens of " the tired city's mart " welcome this place of refuge. A number of families, more or less associated with the hill, have permanent summer homes here. Mr. T. J. Thurber, formerly of New York, continues through the year. The recent discovery of a spring of delicious water, with its appropriation of the beauti- ful Indian name of this section, may prove an additional attrac- tion. Aspinock spring and the old hill, with its. pure air and wide outlook, merit a larger constituency. "Beautiful for situ- ation," commanding one of the finest views in the county, with its well-established church and common, Killingly hill was long a leading business and social center, especially noted for its pop- ular taverns and largely-frequented trainings. Probably the hill reached its acme of fame and prosperity soon after the arrival of the cotton factory, when proprietors and operatives from Pom- fret factory, Howe's factory and "The Stone Chapel " sought spiritual and secular privileges at its meeting house and store. The store kept by those enterprising merchants, Ely & Torrey, exceeded anything in eastern Connecticut. Thurber's tailor shop was almost equally celebrated, supplying young men far and near with wedding and "freedom" suits, and fashionable long surtouts. The private class or school of "Priest Atkins" was another peculiar institution of Killingly hill, filling the place of the present State Normal school, in fitting young men and women to become thorough and successful teachers. "Choice spirits " on the hill forwarded the organization of the first mis- sionary and Bible societies of Windham county, one hundred and twenty-two ladies in North Killingly and Thompson organ-

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izing as a " Female Tract Society " in 1816, while spirits of a very different order were lavishly dispensed from Warren's tavern-the headquarters of mirth and conviviality. A large circle of relatives and friends enjoyed the delightful hospitali- ties of Justice Sampson Howe's genial household, and a still wider constituency bowed in meek submission before the dictum and prescriptions of Doctor Grosvenor.

The old "Moffats Mills," at East Putnam, established in time immemorial by an early Killingly family, is still represented. A second grist mill was built on the same site by James Cady. In 1860 Calvin and William Randall bought a privilege on the same Bowditch brook, and built a small mill for the manufacture of cotton yarn. The whole establishment and privileges were purchased by G. A. Hawkins and Augustus Houghton in 1865. They doubled the capacity of the mill, put up new buildings and made many improvements. C. J. Alton succeeded Mr. Hawkins in ownership. Houghton & Alton have sold their interest to Norwich owners, who as the "East Putnam Yarn Company " employ about twenty-five hands, and manufacture 3,500 pounds of cotton yarn weekly. Pleasant residences and a neat little Free Will Baptist church are to be found there. . Mr. Houghton sided generously in repairing this edifice and maintaining stated worship. Its pastor, Mrs. Fenner, has done much valuable mis- sionary work in the vicinity.' The Cady mills, at the Four Cor- ners and near the state line, have been maintained, with inter- vals of suspension, for many years. This eastern part of Put- nam, formerly traversed twice a day by the convenient Provi- dence stage coach, hasbeen left behind and thrown backward by the all conquering railroad, while the valley west of the town has been built up by the same arbitrary power. Many new houses and families appear in the old Gary district. Population year by year stretches farther southward. The old families are mostly gone. Mr. Ezra Dresser still occupies one of the old Dresser homesteads, the other is improved as the town farm. The name of Gary, once so familiar, is transferred to westward towns, where it bears an honorable record. Judge Gary, of Chicago, descends from the old Pomfret family. The Holmes's, Sawyers, Gilberts are mostly gone. Even the Perrin family, so associated with the valley, is no longer represented. The old Perrin house has also passed away.

W.W Preston & CONY.

Mais Arnold

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

WILLIAM S. ARNOLD .- Andrew Arnold, the grandfather of William S. Arnold, married Catherine Reynolds, of North Kings- town, Rhode Island. Their children were two in number, Philip being the survivor. He was born in Warwick, and married Catherine, daughter of William Searls, and granddaughter of Richard Searls, of Cranston, Rhode Island. The children of Philip and Catherine Arnold were: Andrew R., born in 1810; William S., November 3d, 1811; Albert H., in 1813; George E., in 1816; Jabez, in 1818; Susan E., in 1821; Henry R., in 1823; and Catherine M., in 1827.

William S. Arnold, who is a native of Warwick, Rhode Island, at the age of seven years accompanied his father to Woodstock, Connecticut, where, until seventeen, he attended the common schools in winter and spent the summer months on the farm. He then removed to Masonville, in Thompson, and until 1841 filled the position of clerk, subsequently acquiring an interest in the store and cotton factory owned by the Masonville Company. In 1852 he became the exclusive owner of the store, and con- ducted the business successfully and profitably until the fall of 1867. Mr. Arnold having devoted his whole life without cessa- tion to active business, then determined to retire from trade, and accordingly on the disposal of his interest became a man of leisure. He resided in East Greenwich and North Kingstown, and at other points where he found congenial surroundings, un- til 1884, when his present house near Putnam was purchased. Mr. Arnold was formerly a whig, and on the formation of the republican party joined its ranks. He has, however, been content to exercise the privilege of the ballot without controlling the offices within its gift. His pleasures have been found amid the peaceful scenes of domestic life rather than in the excitements attending a public career.

Mr. Arnold in 1836 married Lucina, daughter of Lot Under- wood, of Pomfret, who died in September, 1865. Their children are: Harriet A., wife of Jacob F. Tourtellotte, of Winona, Min- nesota, and Nason Henry, deceased, who married Mary New- man. Mr. Arnold was again married in 1886 to Mary E., daugh- ter of Alphonso Williams, of West Glocester, Rhode Island, a descendant of Roger Williams.

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.

GEORGE BUCK .- David Buck removed from Massachusetts to the part of Killingly now embraced in the town of Putnam, where he conducted a farm and also carried on the trade of a joiner. He was known as an enterprising and successful business man. His children by a first marriage were three sons, David, Jon- athan and Aaron, and four daughters, Mrs. Josiah Dean, Mrs. Benjamin Cutler, and two who married Resolved Wheaton. By a second marriage was born a son, David, and a daughter, Eliza, who became Mrs. Henry Adams. Aaron, of this number, was born on the homestead farm in Killingly, upon a portion of which he settled and resided during his lifetime. He married Annie, daughter of Asa Lawrence, of Killingly, whose children were: Lucy, wife of Calvin Leffingwell; Rosamund, wife of Cal- vin Boyden; Mary, married to Jesse Herendein; Annie, wife of Caleb Howe; Erastus, Elisha, Augustus and George.

The last named of these brothers, and the subject of this bi- ographical sketch, was born October 13th, 1810, in Killingly, and until his twentieth year devoted his time to the work of the farm. He enjoyed but limited opportunities of education, and soon found employment in a cotton mill. This not being alto- gether to his taste, he became one of the leading builders and contractors of the day. For ten years he was employed by Messrs. M. S. Morse & Co. and Messrs. G. C. Nightingale & Co., in connection with the construction and improvement of their property, after which he embarked in building, and dealt to some extent in real estate at the same time. For twenty years he has been the trusted guardian of the real estate and other property owned by Thomas Harris in Putnam.

Mr. Buck has been more or less prominent in affairs connected with his county, was for three terms county commissioner, for five years selectman of the town, and served for the session of 1878-79 as a member of the Connecticut house of representatives. In politics he was first a federalist, afterward became identified with the free soil party, whose principles he espoused with much earnestness, and is now a strong prohibitionist. Since the age of eighteen he has practiced total abstinence, and made it one of the guiding principles of his life. He joined the Congrega- tional church in North Killingly at the age of twenty-one, and later became a member of the Putnam Congregational church. The earliest edifice of the latter church he was largely instru- mental in erecting, and did much to advance the interests of the

W.W.Preston, &.CONY

George Buck in his 79th year

WWW. Presten & C NY

Bates

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.

society. Mr. Buck in 1831 married Phila Williams, of Ashford, Connecticut. He was a second time married in December, 1867, to Sarah Maria, daughter of Colonel Erastus Lester, of Plain- field.

GUSTAVUS DAVIS BATES .- Tyler Bates, the grandfather of Gus- tavus D. Bates, was a prosperous farmer in Thompson. His chil- dren were Erastus, William, Welcome, Holman, George T., Ann, Chloe, Betsey and Sally. Welcome Bates, also a resident of Thompson, was formerly engaged in teaching, and in his later years became a farmer. He married Jemima E., daughter of Reverend James Grow, of Vermont. Their children are: Eliza- beth G., Hannah Augusta, wife of Horatio H. Hutchins; Sarah, deceased; Marvin G., Gustavus Davis, Sarah Jane 2d, deceased, and Welcome E.

Gustavus Davis Bates was born October 2d, 1839, in Thomp- son, where he remained until his twentieth year, receiving his education at the public school and the Thompson academy. He was industriously employed either in a factory or on a farm un- til sixteen, when his attention was turned to teaching, his field of labor being first in Burrillville, R. I., and later in Thomp- son. At the age of eighteen the young man entered a store at Grosvenor Dale as clerk, and was thus engaged until his majori- ty was attained, when he enrolled his name as a private in the Seventh Rhode Island regiment during the late war. His promo- tion, the result of merit, was rapid from corporal to sergeant, first sergeant, second lieutenant, first lieutenant, and acting quar- termaster and adjutant. In July, 1864, he was made captain of his former company. Late in 1864 he was brevetted lieutenant colonel, and secured while in front of Petersburg, Va., leave of absence on account of failing health, which fact finally occasioned his resignation.

Colonel Bates participated in the engagements at Freder- icksburg, Vicksburg, Jackson, the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Bethesda Church, North Anna River, Cold Harbor, Peters- burg and Weldon Railroad, after which his regiment went into winter quarters. On regaining his health he returned again to civil life and embarked in the manufacture of flannel shirts in Worcester, Mass., but met with financial reverses. As an instance of the integrity that has characterized his business career it may be mentioned that afterward, in more prosperous days, he paid all his obligations with interest. The colonel then

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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.

represented Boston houses for ten years, as traveling agent in the sale of gentlemen's furnishing goods, and after an interval of rest assumed the management of the business of George B. Cluett & Co., large shirt and collar manufacturers in New York city. In 1884 he established the Connecticut Clothing Company in Putnam, with a branch at Southbridge, Mass., to which he de- votes as much attention as is consistent with his other business projects. In 1886, in company with a partner, he founded the - Putnam Cutlery Corporation, of which he is secretary, treasurer and manager. He is also president of the Putnam Pump & Hose Reel Company.

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History of Windham County, Connecticut, Part 79

Author: Bayles, Richard M. (Richard Mather) Publication date: 1889 Publisher: New York, Preston Number of Pages: 1506

Author: Bayles, Richard M. (Richard Mather)
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: New York, Preston
Number of Pages: 1506