USA > Connecticut > Hartford County > Windsor > The history of ancient Windsor, Connecticut > Part 43
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Merchants in Windsor, East of the Connecticut River.
Foremost among these was Captain EBENEZER GRANT (grand- father of Major F. W. Grant of South Windsor), who was for many years the leading merchant on the east side of the river, and carried on an extensive business for that day. His son, Ros- WELL GRANT, a young man of fine education and abilities, after- wards became a partner in the concern. Mr. Grant was a large customer of the celebrated Jolm Hancock of Boston, who dealt in dry goods; and of Jonathan Mason of the same place. He was largely engaged in the West India trade, shipping horses, lumber, tobacco, staves, &c., and in return receiving sugar, rum, etc. His principal correspondents were Samuel Olcott, Samuel Welch, and Jonathan Welch of Barbadoes, and Thomas Elmer of Antigua.
had a draw in its centre, but being destroyed by a freshet, it was replaced by another bridge having its draw (a drop draw) at the western end, next to the city. Just below the draw, Lyman's wharf extended into the river, at which vessels were always loading and unloading, so that Windsor vessels were much hindered in getting through the gap. On one occasion, Mr. Alford of the firm of Howard & Alford, was dropping down the stream in one of his vessels, and coming to the bridge was refused passage by the bridge-master on the ground that the way below the bridge was blocked up by vessels at Lyman's wharf. Alford, however, insisted on the draw being raised, saying that he would look out for a passage, he could get along. Finally, up went the draw - Alford dropped down the stream, but just as he had got in the gap under the bridge, he slipped an anchor, and loudly declared he couldn't go any further - even if he did go through the draw - that the way was obstructed by the vessels below. The bridge keeper swore and frowned, the draw could not be dropped so long as the vessel was under it -the current of teams and passengers across the bridge was obstructed, and becoming every moment more impatient and numerous - but imperturbable skipper Alford, as cool as a cucumber, held his place - protesting his will- ingness, but his inability to budge an inch further. Finding him firm, the Hartford folks made it convenient to move some of their vessels out into the stream, and then the Windsor captain floated down the river exulting.
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HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
Mr. Grant was also a large ship-owner, and even built several vessels, at the mouth of the Scantic. One of these, Peggy, was a brigantine built by Charles Gaylord, during 1747 and 1748, at a cost of £212 12s. She was owned by a company of East Windsor men in the following proportion: Ebenezer Grant, }; Mr. Lawrence, 1; Nathl. Day, }; Ebenezer Bliss, 1%; John and Charles Gaylord, 4; Samuel Watson, 16; Ebenezer Watson (who worked on her), 1%; Ammi Trumble, ; David Bissell, 16. In 1757, Mr. Grant purchased of Nathl. Hooker of Hartford, merchant, 1% of the sloop Sarah, " being a square stern vessel of about 65 tons burden;" and in 1755, he pur- chased from Thomas Elmer, Joseph Rockwell, Jr., and Jerijah Olcott, § part of the sloop Susannah, 50 tons. The schooner Ann, was also built at East Windsor.
MR. NATHANIEL PORTER, before referred to as tavern-keeper, was also a merchant. His store was an addition to the north- east end of his house, beyond which it projected some 15 feet, and by a slight excavation of earth was high enough to form a cellar below, for liquors, etc., and a room above for dry goods, with steps leading it, running up by the side of the house. Similar to this was another store kept by Mr. AUGUSTUS MILLS, and Mr. JOHN WATSON'S (now standing) was an exact copy of the same.
Ship-Building.
Timothy Loomis's common-place book records that, "The first sloop raised in Windsor was on the 19th day of December, 1723. Mr. Ja Wd, Master Workman. Said sloop was lancht May 7, 1724 The boat belonging to said sloop was launched May 28, 1724."
Hayden's Ship Yard, owned by Master John Hayden, who came from Essex, Ct., about the close of the last century, was situated at the present Old Red House, half a mile from Hayden Station. There was also a ship-yard at the Rivulet ferry. These, together with three yards on the east side of the river, at Warehouse Point, the mouth of Scantic River, and at Higley's Ferry, were used for ship-building until 1820, or thereabouts. The launching of vessels from any of these yards
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was always quite a matter of interest to the townsfolk, who repaired in large numbers to witness the scene. One old gen- tleman, however, was wont to exclaim that he couldn't see what there was so wonderful in a ship launch, as for his part he would just as lief see a turtle slip off an old log, into the water.
Old Houses.
The dwellings of the first settlers were undoubtedly mere log houses, or cabins, such as the emigrant of the present day erects on the prairies of the west. These were succeeded, as the cir- cumstances of their owners improved, by a better class of houses, two stories high, containing two large square rooms above and below, with a chimney in the centre, and steep roofs. Some of these houses had a porch in front, about ten feet square, of the same height as the main part of the building. This porch form- ed a room overhead, and the lower part was either enclosed or left open and supported by pillars, according to the fancy of the occupant. Of this description was the house of the Rev. Mr. . Hooker, at Hartford, and also that of the Rev. Timothy Edwards, of (East) Windsor. At a later period, as the necessities of growing families increased, and they needed more room, the scants or lean-to was added to the rear of the house, leaning to- wards the upright part, and continuing the roof down to the height of the first story. This afforded a kitchen, buttery and bed-room. This, with an addition to the chimney of a fire-place, for a kitchen, became the established order of domestic archi- tecture. Examples of this kind of house will be found in the old MOORE and ALLYN houses, which stand nearly opposite to each other on Broad Street Green. The former, of which we present a likeness, on the next page, taken from a drawing made some years since, was built by old Deacon John Moore, and presented - so says tradition - to his son John as a set out on his mar- riage day, A. D. 1690. It was in its day, and even within the recollection of some now living, a fine house, but is now degraded to the humble office of a kitchen to a more modern house which occupies its original site. Still some of its ornaments remain - sufficient to hint of its former glory. The lady to whom we are indebted for its portrait, and who is herself a descendant of the old
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HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
The Ancient Moore House.
house, 1 writes us as follows. "I have pointed out the door for the cat, for, at that early day, it was considered a very necessary accommodation to so important and privileged a member of the household. The old song, you know, sings of him, who, when ' He made a great hole for the great cat to go thro', A little hole made, for the little cat too.'
My ancestor was not quite so provident ; but be it known that in every door of the old mansion was a passage for puss, that she might pursue her vocation from garret to cellar without let or hindrance." We may remark, also, that the old elm which overshadows the house, always possessed as much interest as the dwelling in the hearts of the occupants - being one of the oldest and most beautiful trees in the town.
The old Allyn House was built by the first Squire Allyn, and afterwards occupied by his son the second squire. In its day it was considered the grandest house in town, if not in the " universal Yankee nation." It was painted red, and the old
1 Mrs. Fanny L. Bissell.
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OLD HOUSES.
people yet relate the anecdote of a certain child, who, having gone down to witness the training on Broad Street Green, saw, for the first time in his life, the Allyn House. In narrating the day's adventures to his parents, on his return home, he asserted, with all the naïveté and innocence of childhood, that he had seen "Heaven, the big house where the angels lived!" Here was the centre of the best society of the times, and here, also, was justice dispensed by the squire. " How changed the scene!" -- now the old building is rapidly sinking to decay, and when we went over it in the spring of 1859, we found naught but empty rooms; garrets filled with broken spinning wheels and antique furniture; and in the " best room," a party of negro wenches, preparing pies and cookies to be peddled off at an approaching ' Lection day.
Next to this old house stands the elegant modern dwelling of one of Windsor's wealthiest and most liberal-minded citizens, to whom, as well as all the other members of his family, we are indebted for many acts of personal kindness, and for much of the value and interest which these pages may possess for those who read them.
But to return to our synopsis of the orders of New England architecture; the next step was the carrying of the same form of house up to the second story, making what is called an upright house.
The form of roof was also often changed to that peculiar humpback form, known as the gambrel-roof, of which many specimens are yet remaining. The old brick house south of Deacon Woodford's, formerly known as the Chaffee House, is a fine specimen of this style of roof. These were succeeded by houses with two chimneys, and a large hall in the centre. These were more elegant in form and arrangement than their prede- cessors, but have sometimes been objected to, because the rooms are apt to be small and the house cold. Since then the orders of architecture have become sadly confused, and all sorts of dwellings have arisen - varying according to the whim, the convenience, the means and the tastes of the occupants. Yet taken as a whole, the architectural effect of Windsor is pleas- ing, and its dwellings evince prosperity, as well as taste.
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HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
In the olden time it was the custom for young men who were about to be married to first build " a nest for their bird." The raising of a new house, was always, to a greater extent than now, an occasion of general hilarity. All the neighbors and friends were invited, and work was succeeded by frolics, games and feasting. It was a custom, also, for the bride elect, to drive one of the pins in the frame of her future home. It is related, that about 1671, a certain young man residing in Pink Street, who was about to be married, had a raising, and during the joyous occasion, become somewhat more elevated than his affianced thought proper. So, although she had already com- plied with the custom of driving the pin, she soon after took occasion to break off her engagement. She afterwards, how- ever, married a young man of the same name, who purchased the house from her former lover - and so " they lived and died in peace," in the house which was built for her.
Slaves.
In every New England village church, the darkies have a corner in the gallery - and another corner in the village grave-yard, where ant-hills and tangled vines and weeds struggle for the honor of bedecking their humble and unhonored graves. So we, also, must give a passing notice to the sable inhabitants of Ancient Windsor.
When slavery was first introduced into Connecticut we do not know1- nor does it seem ever to have been directly established by law, although indirectly sanctioned by legislative enactments, and frequently recognized by the courts. In May, 1660, the court decreed " that neither Indian nor negar servants shall be required to train, watch or ward."2
Henry Wolcott Jr's inventory, in 1680, names CYRUS, valued at £30. . This is the first slave in Windsor (and probably in Connecticut) of which we have any record. We have also
1 Matthew Grant's Old Church Records mentions among the deaths in 1644, " one Hager." If, as is probable, this was meant to be the same as Hagar, it would seem to havo been a negro woman, possibly an Indian,
2 Col. Rec., 1, 349.
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SLAVES.
seen a deed of sale of a negro boy named PHILIP, in 1694, to Eleazur Gaylord of Windsor, from Andrew Belcher of Boston. In 1720, John Anderson, on the East side of the river, was assessed for a negro man. The record of burials in the Old Burying Ground of South Windsor, gives the deaths (but not the names) of twenty-one negro slaves, between the years 1736 and 1768. Eleven of these belong to the Wolcotts, three to the Elmers, two to the Rockwells, two to the Cooks, one to the Ells- worths, and two unknown. So that portion of Ancient Wind- sor appears to have been abundantly supplied, for that day, with slaves.
The importation of slaves into the state, however, was never very large, and in 1771 was prohibited altogether. In the Revolutionary war, freedom was granted to all slaves who enlisted and served through the war. Several such will be found in the list of Windsor soldiers in that war. The last colored survivor of the Revolution, who dwelt in Windsor, was OLIVER MITCHELL, who died, as was supposed from a fit, in his boat in which he had been to Hartford for the purpose of draw- ing his pension money, in March, 1840.
In 1784, the legislature, assuming that "Policy requires that the abolition of slavery should be effected as soon as may be consistent with the rights of individuals and the public safety and welfare," enacted that no negro or mulatto child born after the first day of March in that year, should be held as a slave after they had arrived at the age of twenty-five years. Masters of slaves were also permitted to release them, on application to the selectmen of the towns, provided such slaves were in good physical and mental condition, and between the ages of twenty-five and forty-five years. In 1788, a statute was passed, obliging all masters, within six months after the birth of each slave, to duly notify the town clerk, of such birth, &c., on penalty of seven dollars for each month's neglect. This was intended to guard against the illegal holding, by unscru- pulous masters, of those who were entitled to their freedom. In 1797, it was enacted that the children of slave mothers born after August of that year, should receive their freedom
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at the age of twenty-one. At the same time, the carry- ing of slaves out of the state for sale was prohibited; and thus gradually the institution of slavery decreased, and finally disappeared, in 1848, by a formal act of abolition.
The following anecdote is preserved in connection with the liberation of slaves. An aged and faithful Windsor slave, working in the field with his master, was observed to be very moody and silent. At length he broke the silence by saying that such a neighbor had given his slave his freedom, and modestly suggested that "Massa ort to give me freedom." The master quietly replied, "Well, Tom, you may have your freedom." " May I, Massa - when?" " Now," was the reply. " What, now, Massa, right away?" exclaimed the surprised slave. "Yes, Tom, you may stick up your fork where you are, if you choose, and be free." Tom stood looking upon the ground, more mood- ily than ever, while his master went on with his work. . After a half hour's consideration, Tom resumed his labor, remarking with a knowing look, " No, Massa, you have de meat, now you may pick de bone. I no go and take care old Tom myself."
Those who released slaves who were too far advanced in life. when the act was passed to be legally affected by it, generally took the precaution to obtain a release from the authorities of the town from all responsibility for their future maintenance. Among a family of slaves released without this precaution, some members who had removed to East Windsor became poor in their extreme old age, and the authorities of that town, find- ing that they had not been legally liberated, obliged the heirs of their old master (the family of the late Daniel Pinney) to support them.
Those of whatever age, who were incompetent to support themselves, were still slaves unless the town chose to release their owners. Such was Old NANCE, whose death recently occurred in the family of Col. James Loomis. She was born on Greenfield Hill, Fairfield Co., Conn., and remained in the family of Hezekiah Bradley until she was four years old, when she was given to Charlotte Bradley Chaffee, wife of Dr. Hezekiah Chaffee, of Windsor. At his death in 1821, she became a household gift and charge, commended to the especial care of his daughter,
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NEGRO ELECTIONS.
Mrs. Abigail Sherwood Loomis, in whose family she was most kindly cared for to the day of her death in 1857, aged 82.
The first record of negro slavery in Connecticut appeared in the inventory of Henry Wolcott, Jr., in 1680. Old Nance, per- haps, closes the record within half a mile of the spot where the first one lived.
For many years previous to the American Revolution, and as late as 1820, or thereabouts, it was the custom of the Connecti- cut negroes - in that spirit of emulation and imitation which is peculiar to their race, and the monkey tribe - to elect a govern- or for themselves ; and not a governor only, but a deputy, staff officers, sheriff and squires or justices of the peace, who were all elected with much discretion, pomp and ceremony, and exerted the same functions among those of their own color, as their more lordly prototypes of the white race.
Negro election and parade generally came off on the Saturday succeeding the election day of the whites, and was participated in by those who came up to the capital with their masters, and such others as were able to be present. "They of course made their election, to a large extent, deputatively, as all could not
be present, but uniformly yielded to it their assent. * * * The person they selected for the office in question, was usually one of much note among themselves, of imposing presence, strength, firmness and volubility, who was quick to decide, ready to command, and able to flog. If he was inclined to be a little arbitrary, belonged to a master of distinction, and was ready to pay freely for diversions - these were circumstances in his favor. Still it was necessary he should be an honest ne-
* * gro, and be, or appear to be, wise above his fellows. *
The precise sphere of his power we can not ascertain. Probably it embraced " matters and things in general " among the blacks, morals, manners, and ceremonies. He settled all grave disputes in the last resort, questioned conduct, and imposed penalties and punishments sometimes for vice or misconduct. He was respected as gubernor, say many old gentlemen to us, by the the negroes throughout the state, and obeyed almost implicitly.
His parade days were marked by much that was showy, and by some things that were ludicrous. A troop of blacks, some-
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HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.
times an hundred in number, marching sometimes two and two on foot, sometimes mounted in true military style and dress on horseback, escorted him through the streets, with drums beating, colors flying, and fifes, fiddles, clarionets, and every " sonorous metal " that could be found, "uttering martial sound." After marching to their content, they would retire to some large room which they would engage for the purpose, for refreshments and deliberation. This was all done with the greatest regard to ceremony. His ebony excellency would pass through the files of his procession, supported by his aids, with an air of consum- mate dignity, to his quarters, and there receive the congratula- tions of his friends, and dispense the favor of his salutations, his opinions and his appointments."1
The following amusing story is related concerning one of the occasions at Hartford. Dinner was duly set, the dignitaries had marched in and taken their places around the "groaning board," the governor at the upper and the deputy governor at the lower end of it, when the latter with delicate regard for the proprieties of the occasion, exclaimed, " Mr, Gubnor, seems to me dere ort to be sumthin said on dis 'casion." " Will Mr. Deputy say sumthin?" responded His Excellency. Thereupon the Dep- uty spread himself and began, "Tunder above de Hebens. Litnin on de earth, Shake de tops of de trees. Table spread afore us, no eat a'yet, eat a-bimeby, for Christ's sake, Amen." " Well done," exclaimed the governor, " well done, Mr. Deputy, I no idee you such able man in prayer." And straightway the company fell vigorously to work upon the object of the meet- ing.
We do not know that Windsor ever gave birth to a negro governor.
Negro Trainings were also common. At one time subse- quent to the Revolution, training was held at Pickett's Tavern, about half-a-mile above Hayden's Station. General TI, a slave belonging to Capt. Jona. Ellsworth, commanded on that occasion. His master, being a captain of the cavalry, furnished
1 Scava's Hartford in the Olden Time, whose chapter on the negro governors of Hartford, is exceedingly humorous and vivid.
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NEGRO TRAININGS.
him with his own uniform, accoutrements, and watch, to the chain of which he added several huge seals, and set him upon his own war-steed. So General Tr rode forth, that day, "the observed of all observers." Such exhibitions were a source of no little amusement to the whites, who often visited them to witness the evolutions and performances of their sable competi- tors. On this occasion, as we learn from an eye witness, the general was early on the ground, and becoming somewhat im- patient at the tardiness of the soldiers belonging to the Pine Meadow (Windsor Locks) District, he ordered up bis horse and rode through the crowd to take a survey of the field, and things in general. Pulling up his horse in the immediate vicinity of Esquire Bissell, and other prominent Windsor citizens, he exclaimed, " Wonder why de troops don't come on from de north." The squire, who was a bit of a wag, with a sympa- thyzing air, inquired, " What time is it, General?" Dropping the bridle rein, he drew up his watch, hand over hand, and holding it out, exclaimed with scornful dignity, "Look for yourself, gemmen, by - ," which not a little amused the squire and his friends, who happened to know that the general could not tell the time himself.
When the attempt was made to form the regiment, there was no little difficulty in arranging the soldiers so as to make the best appearance - for most had some bit of uniform, but no two alike. The general, anxious to put the best foot forward, hit upon a plan and issued his orders accordingly. Rising in his stirrups he shouted, " All you what got white stocca, rocker shoe, stand in de front." This order was readily under- stood, and the front rank was soon formed of those who were equipped with shoes and stockings. Then came another order from the chief, " All you what got rocker shoe and no white stocca, stand in de rear," and then with the self-satisfied air of one who felt that he had " gone and done it," the general exclaimed, " Now you niggers what got no white stocca, and no rocker shoe, stand out of de way."
During some of the evolutions of the day - which were badly performed, the general's passions got the better of his dignity,
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and he exclaimed with heartfelt bitterness, " A nigga allus will be a nigga, don't know nuthin, and allus did."
CATO, also, is remembered by some of our oldest citizens, as a self-appointed tythingman - who exerted himself on the sab- bath to keep the boys in order - and attended to the ringing of the bell. He was accustomed to go around the town regu- larly to collect his remuneration for his services as bell-ringer, and when any one refused his or her mite to the voluntary con- tribution, he would say, " Well, no pay, shan't hear um bell."
At the commencement of the present century, and for some time after, there were many negroes in Windsor -- but they all seem to have been, or to have ultimately become - a poor, shiftless, lazy set of free negroes.
No town in New England can boast a worthier ancestry than Ancient Windsor. In social position, intellectual culture, sincere and fervent piety, and sterling integrity of character, her settlers were equalled by few, and surpassed by none. They were not mere random adventurers, seeking some fairy Utopia, and bound together by flimsy bonds of selfish interest, but a high-minded, large-hearted Christian brotherhood - selected with consummate tact and rare judgment, from the wealthiest and most cultivated counties of England, by the master mind of the Rev. John White - who, when he saw them set sail from Plymouth har- bor, felt that he was casting forth upon the waters, precious bread, which, with God's blessing, was to enrich and beantify the ends of the earth. There was WARHAM, " a famous preacher," and MAVERICK, with a reputation equal to his years. There was WOLCOTT, whose ancestral antecedents, wealth, and personal character would have commanded respect in any community, and LUDLOW, with legal abilities, and ideas far in advance of the age in which he lived. MASON, also, with a reputation among the best warriors of the continent. PHELPS, ROCKWELL, GAYLORD, and others, all picked men, each possessing some trait or valuable quality essential to the welfare of the whole community. Wo- man, too, was there, with her sustaining and cheering influences, herself upheld by that deep current of religious faith which under- lies the character of her sex. And in every heart - to a degree
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