USA > Connecticut > Litchfield County > Woodbury > History of ancient Woodbury, Connecticut : from the first Indian dead in 1659 to 1854 > Part 35
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In 1815, Nathaniel Tuttle was selected as W. M., William A. Bronson, S. W., and Reuben Fairchild, J. W. Three members were added.
In 1816, William A. Bronson was chosen W. M., Reuben Fair- child, S. W., and Joel Seovill, J. W., and two persons joined the lodge.
In 1817, two persons joined the lodge, one of whom was Nehe- mialı C. Sanford, Esq., and Doctor Nathaniel Perry was elected W. M., Reuben Fairehild, S. W., and Austin Lum, J. W.
In 1818, Thomas S. Shelton was chosen W. M., Reuben Fair- child, S. W., and James Manvill, J. W. The next two years the same officers were re-elected, except that William Hicock took the place of junior warden. In the first of these years eiglit members were added, in the second, five, and in the last, one.
In 1821, Phineas S. Bradley was elected W. M., William Hicock, S. W., and Garry II. Wheeler, J. W. Under this administration twelve members were admitted.
In 1822, William Hicock was chosen W. M., Garry II. Wheeler, S. W., and Benjamin Doolittle, J. W. Next year Benjamin Doo-
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little was elected S. W., and Charles Bronson took his place. In 1822, six new members were admitted, among whom was Rev. Stur- ges Gilbert, and the next year five, among whom was Hon. Edward Hinman, late judge of New Haven county court. On the 18th of September, the lodge moved to their room at Col. French's build- ing, now Mr. Merriam's.
In 1824, E. B. Foote was elected W. M., Benjamin Doolittle, S. W., and Charles Ransom, J. W. Next year the latter held the same station, while Nehemiah C. Sanford, Esq., was W. M., and Phineas S. Bradley, S. W. In 1824, four persons were made masons, and three next year, among whom was Doctor Samuel Steele.
In 1826, Samuel Steele was chosen W. M., Charles Ransom, S. W., and Roderick C. Steele, J. W. Next year the latter was made W. M., and Nathan Preston, J. W., the S. W. retaining his place. Nine members were added in 1826, and four in 1827. It will be seen by the above, that notwithstanding the anti-masonic storm which had swept over the land for several years, and lasted for ten years, that admissions to this lodge did not ceasc.
In the years 1829 and 1835 one member each was admitted. For the six years intervening between these two dates the same causes were at work to hinder admission here, as elsewhere, and had their effect. In 1836 and 1837, two members each year were admitted. Next year fifteen were added to the numbers of the lodge. In 1839, six were admitted; in 1840, two; in 1841, three ; and two in 1842. In 1847, one was initiated; in 1849, three; in 1851, seven ; and from that date to the present, eighteen.
The lodge was very prosperous for several years previous to 1841. From that time for several years, on account of removals and other causes, it rapidly declined in point of numbers and efficiency, so much so that its annual report to the Grand Lodge was not sent in for three years. In consequence of this, in May, 1846, its charter was declared forfeited, and in October of that year a committee of the Grand Lodge waited upon the former officers, and requested the surrender of the charter. After satisfactory explanations, the charter was given up on a promise that the lodge should have a dispensa- tion till the next session of the Grand Lodge, and a return of the charter at that time upon payment of their dues. The last meeting before the forfeiture of the charter, was held January 10th, 1844. The dispensation was received in December, 1846, and a meeting was held January 6th, 1847, at which officers were elected, and the business of the lodge went on. The charter was also restored ac-
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cording to stipulation. The present beautiful and commodious Lodge Hall, one of the best in the county, whose location on a bluff of trap rock, some thirty feet above the main street of the village, makes it a prominent object of attention as the stranger enters our village, was built in 1839, and dedicated to the use of the lodge on the twen- ty-fifth of June, in that year. By the construction of this building, the lodge was burdened with a debt of some five hundred dollars, which contributed not a little to the misfortunes that subsequently fell upon it. About two years ago, the lodge again became prosperous ; the debt which proved such an incubus is removed, and the lodge goes on successfully. Since its reorganization in 1782, three hundred and sixty-two members have been admitted, ninety-eight of whom still survive. As we have now arrived at the time of the present actors in the lodge, it will hardly be expected that we should pro- nounce an eulogy on the living. We will only return and give a list of the officers till the present time, and close our sketch.
In 1828, Roderick C. Steele was re-elected W. M., Charles Ran- som, S. W., and Nathan Preston, J. W.
In 1829, Martin Moody was elected W. M., Garry Riggs, S. W., and Gad Hitchcock, J. W.
In 1830, Martin Moody was re-elected W. M., Nathan Preston, S. W., and James Manville, J. W.
In 1831. Nathan Preston was elected W. M., James Manville, S. W., W. II. Atwood, J. W., and in 1832, these officers were re- elected.
In 1833. Samuel Steele was elected W. M., James Manville, S. W., and W. II. Atwood, J. W.
In 1834, W. H. Atwood was W. M., James Manville, S. W., and Seliek Galpin, J. W.
In 1835, Garry Riggs was chosen W. M., Benjamin Doolittle, S. W., and James Manville, J. W.
In 1836, Benjamin Doolittle was elected W. M., W. H. Atwood, S. W., and John M. Safford, J. W. In 1837, the W. M. and S. W. were re-elected, and James Manville made J. W.
In 1838, Charles II. Webb was chosen W. M., Mitchell S. Mitcli- ell, S. W., and Charles S. Peck, J. W.
In 1839, Mitchell S. Mitchell was elected W. M., Charles S. Peck, S. W., and Edwin Hull, J. W.
In 1840, Bethel S. Castle was elected W. M., W. II. Atwood, S. W., and Lucius Ives, J. W.
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HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
In 1841, Charles B. Phelps was chosen W. M., Mitchell S. Mitch- ell, S. W., and Charles II. Webb, J. W.
In 1842, Charles H. Webb was chosen W. M., Benjamin Doolit- tle, S. W., and Wyllys Judd, J. W. In 1843, the same officers were re-elected, and were the officers when the charter was given up.
In 1847, on the reception of the dispensation, Benjamin Doolittle was elected W. M., Wyllys Judd, S. W. and Albert Thompson, J. W., who served till December, the same year. In December, 1847, the same officers were re-elected for the succeeding year.
In 1848, Wyllys Judd was elected W. M., Albert Thompson, S. W., and Eri Riggs, J. W. February 9th, 1849, on Mr. Judd's res- ignation, Benjamin Doolittle was elected to fill his place.
In 1849, Benjamin Doolittle was reelected W. M., Eleazer Wel- ton, S. W., and Eri Riggs, J. W. In 1850, the same officers were rečlected.
In 1851, Benjamin Doolittle was elected W. M., William Coth- ren, S. W., and E. W. Atwood, J. W.
In December, 1852, being the month of the annual election, Wil- liam Cothren was elected W. M., E. W. Atwood, S. W., and W. R. Galpin, J. W.
Rising Sun Lodge, No. 27, of Washington, was founded by a col- ony from this lodge. That lodge was for many years in a very flour- ishing condition, had many valuable members, but has not been work- ing for some years ; consequently its charter has been revoked.
Fidelity Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, was organized in Wood- bury, January 25th, 1809. It went along prosperously for about five years, Hon. Charles B. Phelps, being the last member received, January 31st, 1814. The whole number of admissions was thirty- two. The location of the chapter was changed to Washington about the year 1815, the last meeting at Woodbury being held that year. The first meeting held in Washington, of which the records speak, was in 1823. While located here, forty-five members were admit- ted. Its location was changed again to Woodbury in 1842, since which time no meeting has been held.
List of High Priests.
Benjamin Stiles, Esq., Hon. Daniel N. Brinsmade,
Doct. Nathaniel Perry, IIon. Daniel B. Brinsmade.
Richard Smith, Esq., Doct. Manly Peters,
William A. Bronson, Esq.
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HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
A division of the Sons of Temperance was organized in this town February 8th, 1847, and called Pomperang Division, No. 27. John W. Rogers, James R. Young, John J. Beecher, Sheldon T. Allen, John S. Bennet, Ezra Toucey, James R. Thomas, Edwin Roberts, and George A. Capewell, were appointed the first officers, and the society went on prosperously for several years. One hundred and five were received as members. Dissensions finally arose among the members of the society, the interest in it subsided, and early in the spring of 1853, it divided its funds among its remaining members. and " parted to meet no more."
List of Worthy Patriarchs.
John Roberts, Robert Peck, Edward W. Atwood,
John W. Rogers,
George De Forest, George L. Teeple,
Benjamin Doolittle,
John E. Blackman, Jerome Hubbell,
James R. Thomas,
Stephen B. Fairchild, Orley M. Parker,
Monroe C. Sherman,
.Jo. T. Capewell, Philo J. Isbell,
Leander Hodge, John II. Doolittle, George II. Hitchcock.
William Way, John Way,
On the application of Silas Chapman, Charles G. Judson, William E. Woodruff, Enos Benham and Clark Linsley, to the Grand Mas- ter of the Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows for the State of Connecticut, the grand officers of said lodge convened at Woodbury, April 16, 1847, and formed the applicants into a lodge under the name of Bethel Rock Lodge, No. 44. The same day, William Cothren, John P. De Forest, John A. Candee, Norman Parker, Noble Parker, Rollin Wooster, Aaron Mullings, Charles H. Webb, and Charles A. Somers, were received into the society by in- itiation. From that day to the present, the society has had a slow, but sure progress. In addition to those above named, it has received fifty-seven members, making seventy-one in the whole, and now has sixty-five acting members.
Its objeet, like that of the two preceding societies, is the relief of the necessities and sufferings of its members, and of the human race. It possesses a fund for these objects, which is constantly inereasing, of about nine hundred dollars, which it keeps at interest, safely in- vested. To secure itself against loss, it has organized itself into a body corporate and politie, under a public statute of this state, enacted for such purposes.
-
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HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
List of Noble Grands.
Silas Chapin,
William Cothren,
Edward E. Bradley,
Charles G. Judson,
Gilead HI. Smith,
Norman Parker,
John P. De Forest, Charles H. Webb,
Benjamin S. Curtiss, Hiram Manville,
Henry Minor,
Isaac Smith.
Luke S. Putnam,
Norman Parker,
List of Vice Grands.
Charles G. Judson,
William Cothren, Ed. E. Bradley,
Jolın P. De Forest,
Gilead II. Smith,
Wm. E. Woodruff,
Charles H. Webb,
Charles A. Somers,
Hiram Manville,
Clark Linsley,
Benjamin S. Curtiss, Isaac Smitlı,
Luke S. Putnam,
Henry Minor, Phineas A. Judson.
At the session of the General Assembly in 1851, a bank, to be lo- cated in Woodbury, was chartered, under the name of the " Wood- bury Bank," Its capital was $100,000. In taking up the stock of the bank, a small majority of it fell into the hands of one William E. Chittenden, a broker in the city of New York, who was heavily enga- ged in wild and daring railroad speculations in the west. Considera- ble opposition on the part of some of the home stockholders was man- ifested to this state of affairs at the beginning. Mr. Chittenden, how- ever, moved his family to Woodbury, made himself a director by means of his majority of the stock, and at once controlled the opera- tions of the bank. It commenced business in November, 1851, and continued till March, 1853, when Chittenden failed in business for a large amount, carrying down with him the Woodbury and Eastern Banks, and injuring the credit of the Bank of Litchfield County, being indebted to it in a sum greater than one-half of its capital.
At the time of his failure, he owed the Woodbury Bank more than $175,000. To secure this, there were some $76,000, in collaterals of various kinds, most of which were not immediately available, leav- ing nearly $100,000, unprovided for and unsecured. The assets of the bank went into the hands of receivers, and after some time a com- promise was made with Chittenden, by which he assigned his stock and collaterals to the bank at their par value, and contracted to pay the remainder of his indebtedness in the bills of the bank. This agreement he has fulfilled in part, 830,000 having been paid by him. Besides this, there is an attachment on property sufficient, it is be- lieved, to secure his indebtedness to the bank within about $10,000. The friends of the Killingly bank having procured a requisition on
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HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
the governor of New York for his person, on a criminal complaint, he found it not advisable to remain longer in that state. Though thus disappointed in the promises of this man, the citizens of Wood- bury have come forward, taken said stock so assigned, and paid its par value into the bank. The result of this noble conduct on the part of the inhabitants, is, that the bank has been able to resume business on a firm footing, and its officers having learned " wisdom by experience," it will go on successfully.
Its officers are Daniel Curtiss, president ; James M. Dickinson, cashier, and George B. Lewis, Lewis Judd, David C. Bacon, John Abernethy, Monroe C. Sherman, Philo II. Skidmore, George, Smith and William Cothren,1 directors.
While these pages have been going through the press, a savings institution has been organized in the village, under the name of the Woodbury Savings Bank and Building Association. It is a corpo- ration under the general law authorizing such institutions. It can hardly be said to be fully organized, and yet it has already a capital of abont fifty thousand dollars, and several thousand dollars on de- posit. It bids fair to be a very successful institution, and with good management, it can not be otherwise than safe. Its officers are
Nathaniel B. Smith, President.
William Cothren, Vice President. Thomas Bull, Secretary and Treasurer.
Benjamin Fabrique, Loren Forbes, Robert J. Tolles,
Charles A. Somers,
Directors.
George Drakeley, Benjamin S. Curtiss,
The manufactures and mechanical employments of the town, inde- . pendent of those of a domestic character, consist of one tinner's fac- tory, three grain mills, one clover mill, seven saw-mills, two tanneries. two cider distilleries, four tailor shops, five blacksmith shops, one silver spoon shop, one spectacle shop, three shoe manufactories, two carriage shops, one button factory, one powder flask manufactory. two cigar shops, one felt cloth manufactory, two eassimere manu- factories, one shear manufactory, one thimble manufactory, one shawl manufactory, one establishment for "leathering carpet tacks," one
1 The latter has been elected since the financial difficulties of the bank; all the oth- ers were its former officers.
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HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
suspender buckle shop; all together employing more than $200,000 capital. There are fifteen mercantile stores, and three hotels, employ- ing some $50,000 capital. There are also fourteen school district and primary schools, two academies, one social library, two attorneys, four clergymen, and four physician.s.
The amount of the last grand list was $39,653.83, and the valua- tion of the lands and buildings of the town, in 1815, for the levy of the direet tax of the United States, which comprised 19,528 aeres, amounted to $604,175, being an average value of nearly $34 per acre. In 1799, the real estate of this town, together with Southbury, was appraised at $847,966.
Thus have we gathered up the fragments of information scattered by the wayside, however trivial, and deposited them in the great gar- ner-house of history, if happily they may engage the attention of the curious reader in some gliding year of the distant future, who may possibly take the same kindly interest in the items of information that concern us of this day, " simple annals of the poor," that we now be- stow on each recorded trace of the doings and sayings of our early fathers. However trivial these matters may appear to the careless observer, the man of thought, of wise forecast, will ever find instruc- tion and food for deepest contemplation in every such recital.
CHAPTER XIX.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF NATIVES AND RESIDENTS OF AN- CIENT WOODBURY, WHO HAVE REMAINED IN THE TERRITORY. THE NAMES WILL BE FOUND IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER.
BIOGRAPHY is that part of history which relates to the history of the life and character of men. It embraces the consideration of all that appertains to our moral, intellectual, social and professional char- acter. It is said that " history is philosophy teaching by example," and biography is ever one of the principal elements of history. Men and their acts are the great theme of the historian's pen. It is this element that furnishes most of the pleasure we enjoy in all historical accounts. The life and progress of men, their virtues and vices, their successes and failures, their motives and their actions, not only affect their own position and happiness, but their influence extends to all within their reach, and descends influencing the character and des- tiny of unborn millions. The good deeds that men do live after them, and so do the bad. The influence of a good or a bad action, once committed, can never be recalled. As one who, standing by the sea- side, casts a stone into the waters, as they lie calmly sleeping in the golden sunlight, will immediately see a small circular ripple extend- ing itself in all directions, gradually increasing the circle of its cir- cumference, till it is lost to his view in the ocean's depths ; so the influence of a good or a bad action, however insignificant we may es- teem it, never ceases, but goes on, extending the sphere of its influ- ence, in an ever increasing ratio, till the end of time. Hence it is well, that the lives of the eminent should be written, that their good deeds and wise teachings may be extended, so that they may ulti- mately take in the human race. Example and competition form the character of nations. "To commemorate the virtues, wisdom and patriotism of their heroes and their statesmen, their philosophers and their poets, has ever been the noblest office of the noblest nations.
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HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
The voice of eulogy, the page of history, monuments, mausoleums, trophies and triumphs, were the proud testimonials to the splendor of their achievements, and the gratitude of their countrymen. Emula- tion blazed high in every bosom-worth became sympathetic and he- reditary-infancy caught the sacred flame of patriotism from the hon- ored and hallowed ashes of its ancestry, and in beholding the bright escutcheon's of war and victory, the tottering and enfeebled limbs of hoary age itself glowed and strengthened into the ardor and energy of second youth. Thus all the diversified departments of their admi- rable systems of government, civil as well as military, contributed to inspirit, to support and dignify each other ; and while moving in their own respective orbits, like the inexhaustible luminaries of heaven, they reciprocally borrowed and reflected light, and shed their com- bined luster and glory upon an astonished world."
The influence of great example diffuses itself over the world, and if we should strike out of history its earlier annals, it would be like striking out the acquirements and experience of youth, in its evil consequences upon the hopes and happiness of mature age. It would be to expect the harvest without the seed-time, the genial influences of summer, or the ripening power of early autumn. But biography is important, not only as a record of the virtues of men, but also of their follies and vices. Even the records of these have their salutary uses. They serve to check us in a career which might otherwise be- come reckless and disastrous. They are like beacons set up to guard us against those evils into which others have fallen, and to direct our attention to the acquisition of the opposite virtues, and the securing of those " temporal and eternal blessings, which are too often wantonly disregarded, and perhaps irretrievably lost."
In a work like the present, there is not space sufficient for the in- troduction of biographies, properly so called. We can only give such brief statistics as have come to hand, from which extended me- moirs can be made, when the requisite time, ability and encourage- ment shall call to the execution of that pleasant duty. Much ditli- culty has been experienced in collecting materials for the personal history of individuals, on account of the want of interest and slug- gishness of those who alone could give the information, and if the following brief sketches shall be exceptionable to any, on account of their meagerness, it is hoped that it will be attributed by the intelli- gent reader, to the appropriate causes.
6
3.45
HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
ROSWELL ABERNETIIY, M. D.
Most of the readers of this volume will recollect the aged, yet noble form-so lately in our midst-of the subject of this sketch- For more than twenty-five years, he "went out and in" among us, approving himself in all the relations of life. To see him about among the people, dispensing the charities of his humane and useful profession, had become a sort of " second nature"-a thing of course. Unusually attentive to the calls of the arduous profession of which he was so conspicuous an ornament, he was ever found at the post of duty, " in the forefront of the battle," in the conflict with dire dis- case. The high moral and religious traits of his character were " known and read of all men"-of which we all are witnesses. His gentlemanly and friendly deportment toward all whom he was called to meet, in the various relations and duties of life, are known to the entire circle of his acquaintance. To the author he particularly endeared himself by his wise counsels in the various emergencies of the early days in his professional labors, and by his unwavering friendship, when the "love of many had waxed cold," and that of most was lukewarm. He was a friend in need. Many were the happy hours spent with him in interesting and useful conversation on all the various topics of human thought. He can almost imagine at times of a pleasant afternoon, he sees that aged and revered form coming toward his office, and can almost hear those manly, kindly tones in which he was wont to hold intercourse with intimate friends. Anon the illusion vanishes, and he finds himself alone, with a sense of having experienced some great loss. To know the full worth of such a man as Dr. Abernethy, one must know him intimately-must hold communion with his very soul. We see few such men in our world. His death has created a void, that will not soon again be filled. Ile will live, while life remains, in the affectionate remem- brances of his numerous acquaintances and friends.
For much of what follows, we are indebted to the sermon preach- ed at his funeral by Rev. Lucins Curtis, pastor of the church at which Dr. Abernethy attended. ITis character was, on that occa- sion, so well drawn, that it seemed to the writer like a waste of time to go over the ground again.
Dr. Roswell Abernethy was born in IIarwinton, Conn., in the year 1774. Ile applied himself very early in life to the study of medi- cine, under the instruction of his father, Dr. William Abernethy, who was at that time the principal physician in his native town. In
23
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HISTORY OF ANCIENT WOODBURY.
1795, while in his twenty-first year, he commenced the practice of his profession in New Hartford, an adjoining town, where he remain- ed six years. During this period, he formed the acquaintance of Dr. Griffin, the celebrated pulpit orator and divine, who had then just commenced his ministerial labors in that town. This acquaintance soon ripened into a friendship, which continued long after they were separated by removal. They were fitted by the character of their minds to sympathize, not only as friends, but as thinkers on impor- tant subjects. From New Hartford he removed to his native town, and continued the practice of his profession there till 1825. The reputation he had acquired as a physician and as a man, made him known abroad ; and a vacancy having occurred in this town, many desired to secure his settlement here. Accordingly the citizens of Woodbury, without distinction of party or sect, extended to him a formal " call," or invitation' to settle, which he accepted. He came here not only by this general invitation, but with the warmest testi- monials of confidence and regard from the citizens of his native town ; and for twenty-five years he continued here, enjoying the confidence and esteem of the community. The extent of his practice was such as to gain for him a generous competence, and during the last few years of his life, he often expressed a desire to retire from the active duties of his profession, which he followed without intermission for fifty-six years. It is remarkable, that just before his last sickness; and while in the midst of his professional labors, as soon as he had come, voluntarily, to the firm conclusion to retire from them, a higher summons came, calling him to close, at once, his professional labors and his life. As if by some presentiment anticipating the time of his departure, he had " set his house in order;" and none who knew him can doubt, that in all respects he was ready for the final sum- mons. After a sickness of little more than two weeks, during which he had but little acute suffering, he went at the age of seventy-seven, quietly and sweetly to his rest.
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