USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > Seymour > Seymour, past and present > Part 8
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50
Some of the upper rooms have never been finished off, remain- ing very much the same as when built. The general plan of one
103
OLD LANDMARKS, HOMES, AND FAMILIES.
will serve for most of the larger houses. Two rooms in front with narrow hall and winding stairs between, the large chimney in the center, fireplaces, and the long kitchen, or living room at the rear, with a small room at one end. When the house is square, there is often an ell ; but when a long sloping back roof, there is space for the smaller rooms about the living room. Some have stone chim- neys to the top, as brick was not then to be had, at least not preferred. Some are shingled all over, the shingles being shaved by hand, enduring the weather beating storms for a century and a half. Now and then a huge well-sweep is still to be seen with its ancient grace in dipping up the living waters. Some of these houses are on the old stage road to Waterbury and have served as taverns in their early days.
The ancient furniture is set aside for the modern. The people themselves have been religious, loyal, patriots, contributing strength to the cause of freedom. The moss grown orchards are to be found here, sometimes in the very edge of the forests, so long have they been neglected, and also with them came the cider brandy mills which have wrought the work of error. By the side of the brook, there is still to be seen the ruin of the last of these; and another ruin caused by brandy and rum has touched some of the young men, who had not the endurance of their ancestors, the pioneers.
The Tomlinson-Beardsley-Davis-Scranton place is located on what is known as the Davis' corners on the Great Hill and Wood- bury road. Being one of the best locations on Great Hill, it is doubtless one of the oldest. It may yet be learned that this was the homestead of Jonas Tomlinson who came to this region about 1680. Some time following the Revolution, Russell Tomlinson built the old house over, making a large house, and the best in all the country round about. He was called Squire Russell, and his place became one of the taverns (or stopping places) in the days of overland transportation of merchandise from the Derby landing up country to Woodbury. Evidently Squire Russell was one of the leading men in this vicinity.
About 1795 this estate passed into the hands of James Beards- ley who held it for 15 or 18 years. At the beginning of the War of 1812, Anson Davis, son of Col. John, came from Oxford, and the old homestead on Chestnut-tree Hill, and took possession. Anson had a family of ten children, among whom were Rev. Sheldon, the rector, Samuel P. and Marcus. During his time, improvements
10.4
SEYMOUR, PAST AND PRESENT.
and additions were made. Anson was followed by his son Samuel P. who carried on the large estate until his sudden death near the close of 1891, the place having remained in the family 80 or more years. A period of gloom overshadowed this fine homestead at the time of the death of Samuel P. and nearly all the household, sev- eral in number, including the help. The severity of the disease was intensified by typhoid fever, thought to have originated from the well. The contagion was terrible, judging from the results. How-
THE RUSSELL TOMLINSON-DAVIS-SCRANTON HOUSE.
ever, recovering from that period of gloom, there was begun another period of sunshine and prosperity, when about 1895 the estate passed iuto the possession of Abraham Scranton, whose promising family may keep it in their possession for a century yet to come.
Located on the corner, this place is the most attractive of all in the region, the same as it was a century and more ago. In front there is a row of large maple trees, a neat fence, a large open yard and field to the south and east. The house faces the west and south, is very large, two stories, with a large ell on northeast corner, the well and entrance to the cellar being located in the middle on the north side. The north side looks the most ancient, but on the whole it is not an old looking house because of being so well built and well
105
OLD LANDMARKS, HOMES, AND FAMILIES.
preserved. Everything about the house is of the generous order. For a great many years there were chambers that did not have the modern finish, being left unfinished like many other houses. Fre- quent reference is made to the large stone step at the south front door. Priest Abner Smith boarded here previous to his departure, then an old man of more than 80 years, in 1829.
As early as 1775 there was preaching in the schoolhouse at the foot of the hill towards the brook, and soon after petition was made for a separate society, which was granted, their first meeting being held on Sept. 20, 1779. This was "The Great Hill Society." The church was built in 1781, mostly by Capt. John Holbrook, who was a noble and generous man, an earnest and strong patriot, hav- ing given three sons to the American army. Capt. John was a man of great wealth, having many hundred acres, woodland, and a saw- mill. From his large resources he gathered the material and built the Great Hill meeting house on his own land. In 1786 the Rev. Abner Smith was engaged to be the pastor of this "Great Hill Society." He was titled "Priest Smith," and remained as their faithful pastor and preacher until 1829.
The old Congregational church, sometimes called the Presby- terian, was located a few rods from the Tomlinson-Davis place, across the road southward, near where the angle is to be seen in the stone wall. A part of the building stood where the road now runs. The church was a plain looking structure facing the south, shingled on all sides, without porch or spire, having three or four windows on each side, two windows on the south end, the door being in the center, with stone steps. The interior was plain and simple in its furnishings. Humble looking as this church was, for many years it was the center of interest and activity of the Great Hill and Rockhouse Hill people. Other denominations worshipped in it ; the town meetings were held there every third year, and from 1830 to 1852 it was used for school purposes, at last being divided by a partition. It was dismantled and removed in 1852, much to the grief of some of the old members of the church. Some of the timbers of the church are still preserved in the barns on the Bassett place, nearest the parsonage and home of Priest Abner Smith.
The recollection of Marcus Davis brings us nearer to the old times than those of any other man living, unless it be those of Sheldon Miles, both of whom are over 80 years of age. Marcus Davis speaks of the old times when Rev. Abner Smith boarded at
106
SEYMOUR, PAST AND PRESENT.
his father's house, then an aged man of more than eighty years. Though a little boy himself, he remembers the seasons of devotion which seemed very long to him. He speaks also of the school days of seventy years ago, the big boys and the big men ; the time when the boys of twenty-five years went to school, but not having the am- bition to learn. A part of the schooling then consisted in the de- velopment of muscle and mischief, and who could handle the school master or put him out of the school house.
The best teacher was the one who could keep on the inside of the schoolhouse, and the best pupil was the one who could put the teacher out. It may have been a case of a "little learning " being a dangerous thing. Yet we recognize the high attainments which some made in the line of education. One is reminded of the clans of an earlier date, while listening to the stories of the common meeting ground of the Great Hillers, Rockhouse Hillers, and the Hell Laners, with their particular traits and singular virtues. A school of sixty of these sturdy young men and girls demanded a master who was the master. It would be difficult to reproduce this "Deestrict School." Other recollections cluster about the old school, the meeting house and the great family gatherings, all of which are matters of history to the present generation. The once familiar names now have no living representative, and the thought of this brought an expression of sadness upon the face of him who has told us of these things.
Sheldon Miles relates his experience, when but a small boy. From the old homestead on the Bungay road he would walk to Great Hill to attend evening meetings, and still remembers that eventy years ago, 1830, there was a company of old men who were very active in the church, and especially in the prayer meetings, both earnest and spiritual to the profit of all.
From the old Davis homestead-now Scranton -- land was taken to make another homestead, known as the Capt. Abel Holbrook place, a little distance south. The house was built by a Mr. Whit- ney, there being two men by that name during the period of the Revolutionary war. It appears that Capt. Abel Holbrook was a soldier in the Revolution, and in due time occupied this place, which was pleasantly located facing the west, a large two story house bearing the marks of age. On the southeast corner, there was a large addition which made the house quite spacious, and, like many old homes on this road within a mile, this was used as a
107
OLD LANDMARKS, HOMES, AND FAMILIES.
tavern. Its general appearance is stately, large, and spacious, be- ing overshadowed by several large cherry trees. The general plan and rooms are very much like those described. Some distance from the road and north of the house, there is a well and a fine old well-sweep, which makes one of the finest pictures of its kind hav- ing the orchard for a back ground. The barns are across the high- way westward. This Holbrook family represented one of the swarms which came from the old Holbrook "hive," that will be mentioned later.
THE CAPT. ABEL HOLBROOK HOUSE.
Still going south, the first old red one story house on the right is worthy of mention because of its age, and being hidden among the low lying branches of the trees. About a hundred and fifty years ago this was a Bassett place.
Our interest is now turned to the old parsonage built in 1788, a little distance below, the home of Priest Abner Smith, the pastor of the Congregational church 1786-1829. Beautiful for situation, it is located on the highest point of Great Hill, on the west side of the highway, facing east, a good sized gambrel roofed house in good repair, and well preserved, now the home of J. W. Tomlinson. In
108
SEYMOUR, PAST AND PRESENT.
front stand the old cherry trees, and the big swing gate, balanced on a post, guarding the en- trance on the south. The north upper room was used for a study by the parson, and the book case is still in place under the gambrel roof. In the front north room, another reminder of former days may be seen, the old corner closet, where were kept the liquid refreshments, which was thought at that PRIEST ABNER SMITH'S HOUSE. time to be one of the social necessities. It is said that the parson suffered a little because of this custom, due to the social generosity of his people, especially on those days when he made a great many calls. These visits to his scattered congregation he made on horseback, and was always able to return in the same manner that he went.
MOSES PANTON-BENHAM HOUSE.
109
OLD LANDMARKS, HOMES, AND FAMILIES.
From this place extensive farms cover the southern slope em- bracing homesteads of other families, that have had a large part in the affairs of Great Hill. The wide landscape reaches out until it meets the Sound and the ships, seen from afar.
From the Davis-Scranton corners, the road extends west and northward. Near this turn is another corner, where the latest and present schoolhouse is situated, being finished about Jan. I, 1878. This a neat and pleasant building, where few are taught as compared to the most prosperous days of the people.
CHAIRS OF RECTOR SMITH AND COMMUNION SERVICE.
One cannot fail to observe the picturesque and conspicuous house just west of the schoolhouse, on a rise of ground, as the hill begins to slope westward and north. Pleasant beyond expectation, the house is large, two stories, facing the east and south, shingled on all sides, and well preserved. This is known as the Moses Fan- ton place, the house being built by him in 1781. The present own- ers are twin brothers, Julius H. and Junius N. Benham, who are now old men. These are the brothers who lived where the RECORD office now is. The Benham brothers have in their keeping the old communion service used by the Episcopal people on Great Hill in
IIO
SEYMOUR, PAST AND PRESENT.
the early history of that church, and also several chairs that formerly belonged to Rector Smith, some seventy years ago.
From the present schoolhouse northward there is a long hill, near the foot of which there is another locality of much interest, because of the meeting of the four roads, the Great Hill road over which we have gone, the Hell Lane road from the north, the Rockhouse Hill road that extends west over the hill towards Wood- bury, and the Squantuck road from the Housatonic river and Squantuck section. Three interests have been centered here, namely, the Methodist church, the tavern, and school.
Considering the youngest institution first, the Methodist church, we recall that this region was one of the first strongholds for Meth- odism in Connecticut, beginning soon after 1790. They had no church of their own until their present church was built and dedi- cated Oct. 25, 1854, being still in use. Besides the work given the cost was $880.
THE TAVERN. - Somewhere near the corner of the meeting of the roads near the present M. E. church there was a house kept by Capt. Gillett, a tavern, road house, and hotel, all combined, where were entertained a great many people, and in the order of events the place became known as the "Hell House." Following events led to the name of one of the roads as Hell Lane, extending north- ward past the Holbrook, and west by the Gunn and Nettleton places. The exact location of this famous house has disappeared and is not known.
THE SCHOOL .- The first and oldest schoolhouse stood about opposite the M. E. church, where the barn stands on the Treat place. Mention of this school is made as early as 1766. The Great Hill school had sixty scholars, big fellows, in the early times, it being the custom then, of attending school winters until twenty- five years of age. Little learning was one quality in the school life, and the best scholar was the one who could put out the teacher and the best teacher was the one who would not be put out. This was the meeting place of the Great Hillers, six-footers, and the Hell Laners, who lived in the valleys where the brandy mills were, and the Rockhouse Hillers, who, like the historic Lot, pitched their tents towards the valley; and the Squantuckites from the river. In 1830 there was an exciting discussion about schoolhouse privileges. As a result of this discussion the church for a time was used for school purposes. About the same time the schoolhouse
III
OLD LANDMARKS, HOMES, AND FAMILIES.
was built at the foot of the hill, near the M. E. church, now used for a horse shed.
There were numerous cider brandy mills in the valley of this Four-Mile Brook and the region about, one of the last being located near the brook west of the M. E. church, on the north side of che road. This continued in operation until 1888, when it finished business and closed up ; the foundation is still to be seen. The one near che Gann-Nettleton place, on "Tite's Corners," was closed up about 1865, and now there is nothing to mark its location.
TOMLINSON HOUSE.
Notwithstanding this old time brandy business there were many noted families and names connected with this local history, and some of these were on the Squantuck road and along the Housa- tonic river, besides an old mill, and a road house of considerable fame. But this region is now more closely related to Derby.
Rockhouse Hill, sometimes called Rocker's Hill, rises west- ward from the Four-Mile Brook to the height of 590 feet, and, to- gether with the encircling hills north and east, forms a great basin, or hopper, with here and there an old farm house adjoining an
112
SEYMOUR, PAST AND PRESENT.
extensive farm. From these encircling hills the views are beauti- ful, even grand. On the very summit of Rockhouse Hill there stands an old house south from the road and some distance back, facing the north.
The house is two stories in front, with roof sloping back to one, with a very large chimney. On the north and east there is a terrace, with the old time cherry trees to make the place more an- cient looking. The entrance to the cellar is on the east terrace.
Like some other old houses, this one has a spirit peculiar to itself, impressing one while wandering through the unfinished rooms, for only one, the front room, has been finished, painted and paper- ed. This looks out upon the road and the wild scenery beyond, down into the valley and beyond in stretches of beauty.
The other rooms appear in their rude, unfinished state, with no ceiling but the timbers and floor above. This house is without a hall. The cold of winter must have found free accesss through many thin places and cracks to the outer world. A feeling of prim- itive simplicity comes to one while looking into these rooms where a stove never stood, yet where many have lived and slept the sleep of the just.
The kitchen occupies the center of the back part, with a fire- place about ten feet across and near four feet deep, having two huge ovens directly back, one each side of the fire, about four feet apart. The fireplace has been described to be large enough to roast an ox in it. Doubtless with this great chimney heated, the house would feel a little less like winter.
One peculiar thing about the house differs from all others known is the way to the upper story; instead of stairs of wood there are stone steps made of long stone laid into and supported by the chimney. It is very uncommon to have stone steps to the attic. Among other attractive things a few years ago were several pieces of ancient furniture, not then discovered by the antique "hunter." This old home, known in more recent years as the Truman Tomlinson place, has sheltered one of the best families in New England, and doubtless some in the cities, who have spent their youth here, look back in fond recollection of those sacred memories that cluster about the old homestead that has braved the blasts of one and a half centuries. Glancing back there stands the long stone wall, supporting wooden posts, rails gone, holes gone, yet the sides stand moss covered with age.
113
OLD LANDMARKS, HOMES, AND FAMILIES.
This was a Tomlinson place. The house was built by Joseph Tomlinson in 1775, for his half brother Isaac, who was married Dec. 19, 1775. There is a tradition that the house was standing about 1750, being one of the oldest in that region. As already in- dicated, Tomlinson was among the first to settle on Great Hill. The name Isaac appears in several generations, and also the name Jonas. Sarah, the dau. to Jonas, married Andrew Smith May 21, 1696. Jonas was the father to Joseph, and Isaac his half brother was son to John Tomlinson, who died Nov. 1756, aged 70. Joseph was appointed guardian of his half brother Isaac 1756. Some sixty years ago this old home passed into the hands of the Lum family. These Lum families were prominent in the early affairs and history of the town. Two of their homesteads were located east of the Tomlinson place just described. The first house east is of a later date, where lived the widow Lum to the great age of 97 years, her death being caused by choking while eating. E. J. Leavenworth is now living here. The old original house has disappeared, but formerly stood a number of feet eastward from the present house.
The other Lum homestead is now the Henry Treat place, the present house having been built about a hundred years ago. The old house stood back of the present one, and a little west there was a small room where the slave of the family lived. This room re- mained until recent years. In those days it was a mark of social distinction among some families to have a slave. Only two other slaves are mentioned as living among the farmers of this locality. The Holbrooks owned one, the Nettletons the other, Titus and old black "Sim." The Treat family came from Quaker Farms, next south of the stone house belonging to the Griffin family. The old home of their fathers has fallen into decay ; their present home is one very pleasantly located, beneath the great elm, a house of two stories, well built, facing the north, back from the road, with a fine outlook.
The name Lum often appears in the records of the town in connection with school matters. Still another Lum family lived on the Squantuck road.
Among the prominent names are those of the Russell families, who lived in the two houses east of the H. Treat place, the two sons of Timothy, Samuel, living in the one story house, and Joseph, who lived in the next two story house, near the highway. This last was used as an "inn" in the time of the Revolution and since.
114
SEYMOUR, PAST AND PRESENT.
Both of these houses were standing as early as the Revolution. The name Samuel Russell frequently appears in the records of the town as holding some office. This road was one of the most fre- quented because of being the direct route to Derby dock.
On the left and north is another substantial looking old house, now owned by Mr. Francis, but formerly belonging to the Smith family, a name of long standing in the region, one of whom, Ephraim, bought the place of Mr. Waters, and conducted the brandy mill now in ruins by the brook below. This house stands back many rods from the road on the shelf-like portion of the hill, from which there are beautiful views of the valley and hills. When the sun is declining, the most conspicuous object is the little cem- etery a mile away eastward with the white marble stones marking the place of the dead.
CHRISTOPHER SMITH HOMESTEAD.
Returning from Rockhouse Hill to the little Methodist church and the little deserted schoolhouse by the corners, the first house north stands back from the old Hell Lane road, to the west and across the brook, approached by a lane from the highway. This is
115
OLD LANDMARKS, HOMES, AND FAMILIES.
the old Christopher Smith homestead, one of the most picturesque places within the Great Hill region. Being so located in the center of the valley and near the brook, and being surrounded by the en- circling hills, this old home makes a picture rarely surpassed, as seen among New England hills. On going down the lane there are two gates some distance from the house and on the east side of the brook, one gate for teams, the other a narrow gate by its side, not a common arrangement in these days. These two gates remind one of the work of Sir Isaac Newton who cut two holes in his study door, one for the old cat, the other a small one for the kitten. The use of the small gate was a matter of convenience when on foot, or for cattle. Crossing the bridge, the driveway led to the south of the house, the house facing the east, a large two story red dwelling, with only one story on the west side, the house being shingled all over. The usual large stone chimney, and also the arrangement of rooms are after the old plan. The back door is low and very near the roof.
This is one of the typical old New England homesteads, with surrounding trees, orchards, and a number of farm wagons, carts, old and new, to complete the surroundings. The stone walls about the sheds, yards, and barn, give more than usual appearance of thrift and security. A visit to this home will long linger in mem- ory. Christopher Smith is said to have built this house in 1774. Another house probably stood here a generation before, though this may have been the first one, and older than the date men- tioned. Among the five generations of Smiths living here are the names of Christopher, John, and Edgar, who was the last to in- herit and use the estate, but not long. While in a demented con- dition he shot himself, 1893.
Not because he was poor did he take his life, for he had in his possession more than $25,000 in money besides the estate. Now deserted by the family there is a depressing loneliness about this old homestead when one recalls its past history and the work of five generations ago.
Some distance north from the old Smith homestead on the main road, there stands the old "hive," a large square two story red house shingled all over. Located on the east side of the road it faces the west looking toward the brook and Rockhouse Hill. Besides the front door, there is one near the corner on the south. This corner door is common in the homes of the period.
116
SEYMOUR, PAST AND PRESENT.
With the ell on the east side, the house is roomy and well worthy of the name of "hive." It was built by John Holbrook for his son John in 1745. There may have been a house on the same foundation or near, occupied by John Holbrook as stated in connection with the boundary. John Holbrook raised a large family here, and many were the times of swarming during its history, hence the name of the old "hive." Six generations, John, John, Daniel, S. D. Russell and others have been sheltered beneath the broad roof and within the spacious THE HOLBROOK- RUSSELL PLACE. rooms through passing joys and sorrows.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.