USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > Seymour > Seymour, past and present > Part 6
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From this old house so near the corner and Episcopal church, the doctor moved to the Rimmon road, a little way up Rimmon hill, on the west side, the barns being on the opposite side of the road. The house was small and one story, but the location was dry and the views most beautiful, as they are all along the southern slope of Rimmon. This house was burned in 1894. This large farm was afterwards given to his son Joseph, and the old Doctor moved to the east side as already described, a mile below the Falls.
For many years after 1842, Dr. Johnson lived in the new house which he built in front of the old one, on the north corner of West and Church streets, and today it is one of the best locations for a fine residence in town. In May 1901 this property passed into the hands of W. L. Ward, the undertaker, who will make it his per- manent home.
Dr. Kendall lived on the corner towards the cemetery. This house was formerly used as a store. The Rev. Dr. H. D. Northrop's family live in the home on the opposite corner, the house having been built by Hiram Upson in 1847, the work being done by his two sons. And the first physician, Dr. Sanford, lived on the other corner, so there has been a doctor living on each of the four corners.
OLD CANFIELD HOUSE.
on the west side of the street. until he sold it to Abiel Canfield.
Abiel Canfield, son of Joseph, came from that part of Great Hill, known as the Bungay district, sonthward from the pres- ent Bungay schoolhouse. Abiel married Mary Bar- low of Stratford Dec. 23, 1779, and lived in the little house on West St., where now lives George F. Robinson, the fifth house from the corner, Capt. Bradford Steele lived here This is a small one story and a
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half house with a basement kitchen, thought to have been one of the houses built by Capt. Bradford Steele, who built several houses and lived in a number before he moved across the river to the pres- ent Johns place. There is a well, mentioned in a deed given by Theophilus Miles to Abiel Canfield, May 18, 1784 ; and this well is located among the invisible landmarks beneath the concrete walk in front of the first house south of the Canfield-Robinson house.
As early as 1760 Ebenezer Keeney owned land at the Falls, and also the land and house which he lived in, or the place now known as the Canfield-Booth place on North Church street. In 1785 the name of Bradford Steele appears among the names of those who leased land at the Falls, who also became the owner of the house which Ebenezer Kinney previously occupied. Abiel Canfield be- comes the next owner of this old homestead, about 1800, which still remains in the family. Located on the east side near the road, with maple trees in front, this old red house was two stories, facing the west, the east roof sloping down to one story. Besides the front door, there was a small door on the south side near the front corner. The house was built on the old plan, with corner rooms in front, small hall in the center, back of which was the great chim- ney and fireplace of the largest pattern, opening into the kitchen, which was on the back side of the house. Standing beneath the maples and weeping willow, the well sweep pointing heavenward, this old homestead has been a fit subject for the work of artists.
Abiel Canfield was followed by his son, Samuel, who was fol- lowed by Henry T. Booth, who married Harriet, the daughter of Samuel. These two families occupied the old house for nearly a century, or until a few years ago, when the new house was built, being located east of the old one, leaving the well, still to be seen, in the front lawn.
The memory of Napoleon is associated with this well. A trav- eler visiting the tomb of Napoleon cut from the historic weeping willow some branches and brought them to this country. Trans- planting them they began to grow. From one of these a branch was taken and set out about two rods from this well. Growing rap- idly, it became in the course of years a large, beautiful and grace- ful tree. To the surprise of the family, one summer season, the well failed for the first time in its known history. On making inves- tigation, there was found at the bottom of the well a perfect wreath,
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as large around as the well, made of the fine rootlets from the wil- low tree; this wreath was taken out and the tree cut down.
The large red house opposite the Canfield or Booth place, is the oldest looking landmark in the vicinity. Having two stories in front and one in the rear, it stands on the crown of the hill, great in contrast to the buildings of modern days. It is like a monument, or memorial of the past. Formerly it was occupied by Hiram Up- son, but later Samuel Canfield became the owner of it.
Like Capt. Bradford Steele, Hiram Upson occupied many houses making it difficult to trace him in his wanderings.
In 1847 Upson built the house on the corner of Cedar and Church Sts., now the summer home of Dr. H. D. Northrop, and his two sons helped to build the house. Still later Upson moved to the old Miles homestead on the Bungay road a mile above, now the home of Clark Chatfield.
In 1791 Isaac Baldwin had a mill at the mouth of Little River, and a house on the flat below the little iron bridge, and just south of the river at the foot of the Rimmon road. It was in this house that the Methodists held their meetings some year after 1790. At the time of one of their meetings, some of the young fellows got a ladder and covered the chimney, thereby smoking out the devoted worshipers. In after years, the good people thought that the judgment of God was upon those young men, because they all died in the prime of life.
It appears that Hiram Upson began his local career at this place. Though the Baldwin house was burned down, Upson built another on the same foundation, which is still standing, the story and a half house, with a two story addition on the north of it.
Returning to West street, next to the Dr. Johnson place, there stands on the bank above the road a long, low one story house, with little convenience in the arrangement of rooms, once occupied by one of the Humphreys, probably William or John, who was in the office of the T. Vose and Co. It has long been known as the Reynolds' place, but now owned by Hildebrand. Another old well used in early times is to be found north near the south line of Geo. E. Matthies' place. Up the hill from the well stood the large old house two stories in front and one in rear, where once lived Theo- philus Miles, 2nd.
After crossing the little brook the road turns to the left and here stands the house known for many years as the Bell place.
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Smith Botsford sold this place to Horace Hurd, who built over the small one story house into a good size two story dwelling in 1847, making it very attractive in its best days. At one time this was used as the Episcopal parsonage. Directly opposite is the Warren French home, son to Walter, and the only house in the vicinity shingled on the sides.
Passing the Swift place, already described, there stands nearly opposite the old Walter French house, called by Mrs. Stephens, the French Mansion. This was built after 1812, Walter French
THIE WALTER FRENCHI HOUSE.
being the first to engage in the auger business in town. "Star" and John Washburn occupied this house later. An old Samuel Bassett house stands next, across the road, a large two story dwell- ing, facing the north, occupied by him 1814 or 1817, having the ap- pearance of age of more than a century, having small windows, is weather beaten, neglected and now the home of the transients. In this vicinity there was a little red school house long since remov- ed, but of note because Mrs. Ann Stephens and the children of Dr. Stoddard attended school here, and the good old spinster taught Ann how to sew, as well as to read and write. Scarcely any one
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remembers this school, but it stood midway between the French mansion and the saw-mill according to Ann's account. Also Ed- ward Pritchard says the red schoolhouse stood where the road or foot path commences that goes to Swan's shops, within a few rods from the corner of the Walter French garden. If this building was moved, it now stands and is a part of the house where Mr. Beers lives opposite Trinity cemetery.
The old Pritchard place has been known in recent years by the Betts place, located on the west side of the road, on West street, the south end of Swan's reservoir being opposite. The Pritchards had a land interest in this locality, buying it from Ebenezer John- son as early as 1740, the year that James Pritchard, Jr., was mar- ried, being the first of the several generations that lived here. In 1760 the town granted to James Pritchard the right of and use of Little River for mill purposes from the mouth up to the Fairchild place. It is not known when the Pritchard house was built. If not by Johnson, or at the time, in 1746, when James was married, it is probable that 1760 is the date when the grant was given for the use of the river. The old house was a story and a half, facing the east and looking down upon the sawmill and river.
Following James Pritchard was his son Jabez, who married Eunice Botsford Oct. 31, 1764, and his son Leverett was born Sept. 16, 1765, who spent his whole life on or near the homestead ; his son Jabez E. was born there, and his son Edward Pritchard was also born there May 24, 1830. B. Steele, Jr., and Jabez enlisted for the war July, 1777, and were taken prisoners near Fort Inde- pendence while aiding a wounded companion.
Falling into the hands of his inhuman captors, Jabez survived but a short time after being taken to the prison ship in North River. Before his death he gave his money to aid others, and especially Bradford Steele, Jr., who used some of this for provis- ions which preserved his life until released ; then he was scarcely strong enough to get home. However, he recovered, and lived a very useful life, and his name is reverenced even to this day. He was deacon of the Congregational church. He died at his old home on the New Haven road in 1841, aged 80, and was buried in the old Congregational vard.
In 1847 Isaac Lindley built a new house a little south of the old Pritchard house, but the old Pritchard house remained standing until 1866, when Richard Aspden tore it down, and, using old lum-
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ber, built a house for himself, now standing, the first house west of the old Bell place. To the past generation, the new house on the Pritchard place has been known as the Betts place. In March, 1901, this passed into the possession of V. A. Page of Derby. The property is situated between the Bungay road and West street and comprises about fifty acres of land, upon which is erected a dwelling house and a large barn.
The location of the old Pritchard home is still indicated by the high hollow mound just a little north, which now remains as a mon-
THE OLD SAW MILL.
ument of the past, and which is crowned by a living memorial, in the shape of an ancient looking lilac bush, the silent sentinel, still guarding over the sacred memories of the old Pritchard homestead. The lilac bush is often the only living remnant which now marks the location and ruins of the habitations of some of the noted families of New England. The lilacs once planted by gentle hands are still growing by the foundation of the old homesteads, and sometimes are even overshadowed by the later growth of for- est trees, while the hands that planted them have long been at rest.
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OLD LANDMARKS, HOMES, AND FAMILIES.
The old Pritchard saw-mill and the Pritchard farm house were opposite each other, the mill being close by the river and lower than the main road. Josiah Washburn was an early owner of this mill, and conducted a large lumber business. At intervals for more than a century the old saw has furnished music for the neighbor- hood, the last work being done in 1893, which was the sawing of large whitewood logs by Mr. George Wakeley. The second year following, the mill was dismantled, leaving only the stone work. Standing by the side of the falls and beneath the large overhanging trees, and together with the surroundings, this mill made a fine pic- ture of a New England industry, that is fast passing away. These monuments of ruins and departed days speak the silent lessons of the story of life.
This old sawmill was first owned by the Pritchards, second by Josiah Washburn, then by "Star" or Sterling Washburn, who gave it to his daughter, Mrs. Osborn, then bought by John Washburn about 1865. James Swan bought the property in 1868, and in 1875 it was built over and leased to E. L. Hoadley who occupied it for 20 years, the last work being done there in 1898. It was torn down in 1899.
The second house above the Hoadley bridge was formerly the residence of Gen. Clark Wooster, now the home of Frederick Beecher. An old landmark, to many of the people of two genera- tions ago, is still standing a little back in the lot in the appearance of a shop. This was used in its earlier days as a store, and the old fashioned "wet goods" were also kept and sold in such quantities, that the saying went abroad, that "more liquor including cider brandy was sold there than there was water in Little River."
In those days cider brandy was a common drink, sold at 3 cents a glass and some of the patrons ran up such bills at this store, their accounts being kept on the wall, "chalked down" so they could be seen by all. In recording those drinks, a large piece of chalk was so cut and so used, as make two marks-two drinks-instead of one.
Little river winds among the hills, and where the valley is narrow there have been many mills, but the rich meadows invited the pioneers as early as 1731. Up this valley runs the Oxford turn- pike, which was chartered 1795, being one of the oldest turnpikes in the state, and a much traveled road. A number of old houses are still to be seen, and there is one still standing on the corner of the Oxford road and the lane leading to the S. W. Buckingham
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slaughter house, a medium size one story and a half dwelling, rudely furnished, but pleasant in location, and rural-like, because of the many large maple trees growing near. The house was built by Philo Holbrook, one of the Holbrooks who came from the old "hive," the son of Capt. John, Jr. Philo was married to Ann Wooster, June 3. 1779. She was long known as "Aunt Annis," It is probable the house was soon occupied after this marriage. Abijah, one of their sons, lived at the place on the Great Hill road, now the home of Mrs. John Church and sons.
VIEW OF LITTLE RIVER.
The home of Eugene Wyant is in the open field. I Its loca- tion is on the rise of ground across the Little river more than 20 rods east of the highway or turnpike, and, with the bridge, trees, buildings and their surroundings, this little home makes a picture more like some of the European dwellings among the hills of
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OLD LANDMARKS, HOMES, AND FAMILIES.
Switzerland. The low lying roof forms the covering to the south veranda, while the veranda also extends around the west side, making the house appear broad and low. This is called the "Woodside dairy farm." The house was built by Ebenezer John- son, who was married 1814. Immediately following their marriage they lived in the Wooster place until the barn was finished ; then they lived in the barn until the house could be occupied, in 1815.
EUGENE WYANT'S HOUSE.
This family has in its possession a relic of much interest handed down from the time of the Indians ; it is a large, heavy cane carried by one of the pioneer Johnsons. Having this cane in hand one evening while returning home, he discovered an Indian following him with noiseless step and tomahawk in hand. In the dim ligth the anxious man quickened his steps thinking what was best to do. The Indian followed with similar pace nearer and nearer to strike the fatal blow. Suddenly Johnson turned; there was the sound of a heavy blow and the Indian fell upon the autumn leaves and his spirit went to the unhappy hunting ground. This cane did the work
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of saving Johnson's life and now stands in the corner unconscious of its service in warlike days of the pioneer's life.
The old Wooster saw and grist mill, recent owners Sheldon Church, his son William, Edward Pritchard and Mark Lounsbury. At one time plaster was ground at the grist mill. About 1830 Washburn ("Wop") Wooster lived on the north corner of Oxford and Great Hill roads, about the date of the house. The Walter French house was occupied following him by Star Washburn and John, his son. The John Humphrey house was occupied by Dr. Kendall, Reynolds, etc.
At an early date the Woosters owned land north of Chestnut Tree Hill, on Great Hill and Moose Hill which sloped eastward toward Little River. Some of these lands are mentioned in the di- vision of the estate of Edward Wooster, I, in 1694. The selection for a dwelling was one of the best in the Little River Valley, at the north end of the long meadow, which became the home of the Woosters, John and Thomas, and others.
On Little River about two miles from the Falls there was a mill property sold in 1747. From the description and distance this is the locality near the dwelling of David C. Riggs, known in the time of the Revolution as the Capt. John Wooster tavern. The old Wooster house stood near the corner made by the main road and the Park road coming from the west. Capt. John probably came here near 1750 and for many years kept a tavern of considerable note long before the Oxford turnpike was laid out. There was a large deer park owned by the Woosters northwest of the house, covering the hilly section, and was protected by the early laws of the state. South of the tavern was a fine level meadow of many acres lying on both sides of the river.
Located near and north of the well, and a little southwest from the present house, the old house is said to have been red at first but later was yellow, a large two story dwelling facing the east and highway, the back roof long and sloping to one story. The general plan of the house differed but little from others of that date. The chimney was very large, being made of stone, with the usual fire- places including one in the basement room, the corner of the house towards the corner of the roads. In later years this was used as a cider room, and one of the old tables is still preserved. The rooms were large and a good number of them adapted for the purposes of a tavern. In the attic there was a place built for smoking hams.
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This old tavern had a history, though not written. Capt. John Wooster was one of the principal men in town, being a justice of the peace.
The old house became famous because of the visit of Graham, the traitor, with his band of robbers, in March, 1780, on a cold stormy night. Here they sought food and rest, but before morning the officers disturbed them and they fled to a barn, where they re- mained through the day, cold and hungry, waiting for the stormn to cease. Almost starving, they again sought food at the tavern as the dusk of evening came, but before getting it, the alarm of their pres- ence was given, causing them to flee over Great Hill as already stated.
THE WOOSTER CHURCH HOUSE.
Many can look back to this old house as their home, remaining in the Wooster name for several generations, other names being Smith, Stoddard, Randall and Riggs. The old tavern and home was dismantled and torn down in 1872-3, and part of the material was used to build the second house above, and some of the stone from the massive chimney was taken to build the cellar wall of the Congregational church parsonage, 1873.
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In the time of the Revolution, Thomas Wooster, a brother of Capt. John, lived in the story and a half house across the road to the east, nearly opposite the Capt. John Wooster tavern, being located on the south corner made by the main road and the one leading to Rimmon Hill. This house stood a good distance back from the main road, facing the west, being pleasantly located on a natural rise of ground several feet high, and much larger than the usual story and a half house. Covering a large foundation, it was built on a generous plan, with high ceilings, with a large hall seven yards long, and wide in proportion, the stairs being enclosed. On each side of the front door, there was a large hall window. The south front room was the barroom, and later used as the parlor. Among the four rooms on the ground floor, the largest was the sit- ting room, directly back of the hall, which was also seven yards long, containing the big fireplace and oven, which would indicate that this room was at first intended for the living room and kitchen as well as the dining room, and was extensively used in the busy tavern days. The growing demand led to the building of a large ell on the northeast corner, containing the dining room, kitchen, etc. In the angle of the back yard made by the ell and house, there stood a large sweet apple tree and the well, and all about the ground was paved with stones. Later occupants were Sheldon Church, followed by his son Henry and family. At the time of the fire the house was rented.
This was probably at first a red house, but in its latest period when white, it had the look of many years service. Afterward it was burned in August, 1894, and with it a number of valuable pieces of antique furniture. The old chimney stood complete for a long time, and now crumbling, becomes the monument of former days and places, telling of a history, even though without inscrip- tions.
Along Little River southward extends a fine meadow for a quarter of a mile. About half way down this meadow on a rise of ground east of the highway there stands one of the stately homes of more than a century ago. Here lived the Washburns for many years, they being early comers into this fertile region. Just inside the fence there is an earth terrace, the house standing back several rods. The entrances are by two gates more than twenty rods apart, the driveway making a semicircle to the back of the house and to the barns. Scarcely could a better location be found. At
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the north gate there stands a massive elm tree with very large branches, and of great age, which served in colonial times and before as the boundary between the Indians of Chusetown and those of Woodbury. About the house are maples planted in the early part of the century, adding much to the beauty of the surroundings. At the present time the appearance is not only that of quiet but of lone- liness, as if commanding reserved solitude. Nevertheless, this place has a history dating back to the middle of the preceding century The Washburns were among the early comers, there having been at least four generations living on this place, Josiah, Ist, Josiah, Jr., Staples, and his children still living there, Catherine, or Mrs. Rose, and Seth S. Wash- burn.
The first house was very small, with one story and attic, containing but one THE WASHBURN HOMESTEAD. room below with pantry and cupboard, and one of these was under the stairs. The way into the cellar was down stone steps, made from the stone gath- ered from the fields, very rough and uneven. When there was need of extra rooms, blankets were hung up for partitions. To this little house there were three outside doors. The second house is now standing, a story and a half, probably built before the Revo- lution, and many signs of age are to be seen in the architecture and hand-wrought iron hinges, latches and the like. The large fire- places have been bricked up. Differing from most houses, the cor- ner is toward the street, and the principal living room is on the south side, receiving the direct sunlight all day. In this respect there could be no improvement.
About the time of opening the Oxford turnpike, 1794-5, New Haven was building the long wharf so as to make the city a port of entry, and soon after there was a large trade for many miles around, and much of it came over the Oxford turnpike, passing the Washburn place. The distance favored the establishment of a tav- ern, so a large addition was built, in fact a separate house set at
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the same angle as the old one, the corners meeting. The new one was built on the southeast corner of the old.
Josiah Washburn, Jr., was of age to be married, and on account of opposition, he "stepped out" (ran away) and was married on Long Island May 4, 1793, to Catharine Smith, then 20 years of age. This smart young woman figures largely in the success of the tavern during the years when so many travelers and teamsters put up at
INDIAN TREE .- BOUNDARY BETWEEN THE INDIANS OF CHUSETOWN AND THOSE OF WOODBURY.
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