The history of ancient Windsor, Connecticut, Part 6

Author: Stiles, Henry Reed, 1832-1909
Publication date: 1859
Publisher: New York : C. B. Norton
Number of Pages: 956

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He preached to the church of Windsor, on the day after his arrival, from 1 Corinthians, 12th chapter, the last part of the 31st verse. 1

Symptoms of disaffection and trouble among the Indians, be- gan at this time to threaten the safety of the settlements. " The manifold insolences," says the court record of August 15th, " that have been offered of late by the Indians, put the Court in mind of that which hath been too long neglected, viz: the exe- tion of justice upon the former murderers of the English," Accordingly, a levy of 100 men was sent down to Middletown to apprehend " several guilty persons " who had been harbored by the chief Sohiage. In September following, the conquered Pequots at Pawtatuck (Mystic ?) who had been given to Uncas and Miantonimoh, having violated their agreement by planting corn at that place, Major Mason was dispatched thither with 40 men, to confiscate and gather in the corn thus planted. He was accompanied by Uncas, with 100 warriors and 20 canoes. On his arrival at Pawtatuck he found the Indians somewhat disposed to show fight. It however finally resulted in nothing worse than a skirmish between his allies under Uncas, and the Pequots having burned the wigwams of the latter, the English returned to their homes in safety, bringing with them their vessel and some 50 canoes full of corn and booty. Windsor furnished thirteen men, twenty arms and two shallops to this expedition. They were absent nine days, and received each 2s per day.

1 Henry Wolcott's Shorthand MS.

HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.

The 10th of December 1639 was probably a "high day " at Windsor, for then and there Mr. Huit was solemnly ordained . or " called to office." Mr. Warham preached on the occasion from Titus Ist chapter, 5-9 verses. 1

In 1639-40, the first meeting-house of Windsor was built. It may seem strange that its erection was so long delayed, but it is to be remembered that our ancestors had much to do within the first five years of their residence here. The forest and the field were to be subdued, houses must be built for shelter, and fortifications for defense of themselves and families. These and many other things must first be accomplished, and that too in the face of dangers and obstacles most appalling. Indian war, with its horrors, its sense of insecurity, and its necessary drain upon the time, the means and the nerve of the colony; thin crops and scarcity of food; winter in its severest aspects; and lastly - but not least, the Great Flood of the previous year, sweeping away all the results of their labors with "one fell swoop." Is it then to be wondered at, that five years passed quickly away, before they found the necessary leisure and opportunity to build their sanctuary?

Where they had assembled for worship, during this time, we know not. Perhaps, like their brethren of Hartford, they found insufficient accommodation in some rude log church, perhaps in some humble private dwelling - or it may be, in the open air, under the wide shadows of some monarch elm.

Be this as it may, in February, 1639-40, they had commenced the building of a Meeting-House.

" Mr. Hull moved the Court in behalf of Thomas Ford of Windsor, that in regard the workmen are much taken up and employed in making a bridge and a meeting-house with them, and his work hindered of impaling in the ground which was granted him by the Court for a hog-park, that there may be granted him a year longer time for the fencing it in; which was upon the reasons aforesaid, condescended to."

This Meeting house was located within the palizado, opposite the present residence of Dr. William S. Pierson. It was not finished for many years, owing perhaps to the fact that the town was feeble, and fully occupied with the more pressing

1 Henry Wolcott, Jr.'s Shorthand MS.

A MEETING-HOUSE AND FERRY.

necessities of daily life, and that many individuals contributed their proportion in the work of their own hands, and worked, of course, as they could find leisure. The town records, as will be seen, present many items which chronicle its slow progress toward completion.

The bridge which is mentioned in connection with the meet- ing-house, must have been over the Little River, connecting the upper and lower portions of the town. It was undoubtedly of a frail description, and early carried away by the freshets, as the earliest town records (1650) make no mention of it, but frequently refer to a ferry.

Apropos of this bridge, we may here relate an anecdote which tradition has preserved of its reputed master-workman, the Rev. Ephraim Huit. While engaged in its construction, he was honored with a visit from his friends, the Rev. Messrs. Stone and Hooker of Hartford. Being very much occupied with his work, he failed to pay them as much personal attention as usual. This they noticed, and after watching his labors for a while they turned to go, Dr. Stone pleasantly remarking to Dr. Hooker, " Ephraim is joined to [his] idols, let him alone."1

In June, 1640, the Indians having become somewhat free and bold in their manners, the Court passed the following order:

"Forasmuch as our lenity and gentleness towards Indians hath made them grow bold and insolent to enter into English- men's houses, and unadvisadly handle swords, and pieces, and other instruments, many times to the hazard of limbs or lives of English or Indians, and also to steal divers goods out of such houses where they resort; for the preventing of such mischiefs, it is ordered, that whatsoever Indians shall hereafter meddle with or handle any Englishmen's weapon of any sort, either in their houses or in the fields, they shall forfeit for every such default { a fathom of wampum, and if any hurt or injury shall thereupon follow, to any person's life or limb (though accident- al) they shall pay life for life, limb for limb, wound for wound, and shall pay for the healing such wounds and other damages: and for anything that they steal to pay double and suffer such further punishment as the Magistrates shall adjudge."

Two years later, 1642, the conduct of the Indians gave rise to serious apprehension of trouble, and about the 20th of August,

1 Hosea, IV, 17.

HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.

1642, Mr. Ludlow, then residing at Uncowa (Fairfield), was visited by a neighboring sachem, who disclosed to him a plot of Miantonomoh, sachem of the Narragansetts; Sohiage, sachem of Mattabesick, and Sequasson of Hartford, to rise and mur- der the English upon the Connecticut River, and throughout New England generally. The same plot was also disclosed to Mr. Eaton at New Haven, by a friendly Indian, and the matter was promptly brought before the general Court on the 26th of the same month. They immediately adopted precautionary measures. The Massachusetts General Court was duly warned of the impending danger. Orders were issued that the troops, ammunition and defences of each town should be overlooked and reported. Each town clerk was required to hand into the town deputy an exact list of all the " Train men from 16 to 60 years;" and each town was ordered to furnish, within fourteen days, two half-pikes, ten feet in length. Several pieces of ordnance, recently bought from Piscataqua, were immediately mounted on carriages. A daily guard was also kept under arms in each plantation. The Windsor guard numbered thirty. A force of forty men in each town, was ordered to come "complete in their arms to the meeting every Sabbath and lecture days." No Indians were permitted to enter into the houses, although magis- trates might entertain " a sachem, if he come with not more than two men." The inhabitants were prohibited from purchas- ing venison from them, and smiths were forbidden to work, or make, or mend any weapons for them without license from the inagistrates. In short, every precaution was adopted, which could preclude the possibility of any sudden attack.

. :

In October, it was required that " 90 coats be provided" by the plantations "within ten days, basted with cotton wool and made defensive against Indian arrows." Windsor furnished thirty of these arrow-proof suits. Truly in those carlier days, "the price of liberty, was eternal vigilance."

The year 1643 was not characterized by any very important event.

The next year, however, was saddened by the death of the Rev. Ephraim Huit. Of his life and ministry we know nothing, save that his piety, character and talents had greatly endeared

DEATH OF REV. MR. HUIT.

him to the church and people of Windsor. Over his grave they erected a monument bearing the following inscription, suffi- ciently indicative of their respect for his character, and sorrow at his loss:

Heere Lyeth Ephraim Hvit, sometimes Teacher to ye church of Windsor, who dyed September 4th, 1644.

Who When hee Lived Wee drew ovr vitall Breath, Who When hee Dyed his dying was ovr death, Who was ye Stay of State, ye Churches Staff, Alas the times Forbid an EPITAPH.

The stone which bears this inscription, still exists, in a good state of preservation, in the Old Burying Ground of Windsor, and is supposed to be the the oldest original monument in the state, if not in the Valley of the Connecticut. It consists of a slab of red sandstone, which is now inserted in one side of a monument, the other side of which bears a corresponding slab, with an inscription to the memory of the Rev. Jonathan Marsh.

Mr. Huit's only published work is entitled, "The whole Prophecy of Daniel Explained, by a paraphrase, analysis, and brief comment, wherein the several visions shewed to the prophet are clearly interpreted, and the application thereof vindicated against dissenting opinions." 4to, published at Lon- don, 1643. He left a widow, and daughters, Susanna, Mercy, Lydia and Mary, but no sons. 1

1648, "This year " says Winthrop,? "a new way was found out to Connecticut, by Nashua, which avoided much of the hilly way."

In 1649, we find the first mention of any settlement in that portion of the town known as Poquonnoc.

Thomas Holcomb, John Bartlett, Edward, Francis and George Griswold, all of Windsor, had removed thither, and the Court "taking into consideration the many dangers that their families are in and exposed unto by reason of their remote living from neighbors, and nearness to the Indians, in case they should all

1 His will is printed in the Col. Records of Conn., vol. I, p. 458.

2 Vol. II, p. 253

HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.

leave their families together without any guard," freed "one soldier of the forementioned families from training upon every training day; each family aforesaid to share herein according to the number of soldiers that are in them, provided that man which tarries at home stands about the aforesaid houses upon his sentinel posture."

CHAPTER III.

THE CIVIL ORGANIZATION OF WINDSOR, ILLUSTRATED BY HER RECORDS.

The first act of the settlers of Connecticut, doubtless, was to provide for themselves a civil organization. They were no mere adventurers, but men of sober thought and strong intent, who believed that

"Law is the faint reflection in Man's turbid mind Of the bright order first by Heaven designed."

Nothing more clearly exhibits their character in its best and truest light, than the system of laws and regulations which they laid as the corner stone of their social fabric, and which remains, after the lapse of two centuries, as substantial and clearly defined, as when first created. Their Civil Organization was purely democratic as regards those who, in the capacity of inhabitants, framed it. Inhabitants, in those days, were such, and only such, as by virtue of a good character, blameless life, and "honest conversation," and a vote of the town taken in public meeting, had been admitted to the privilege of residence and participation in town affairs.

Vicious and abandoned persons, idlers, vagabonds and pau- pers, were excluded from such privileges, and not even permit- ted to tarry in the town. So carefully did our forefathers guard themselves against the influx of bad members of society, that the General Court, in 1637, enacted that

"No young man that is not married, nor hath any servant,

HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.

and be no public officer, shall keep house by himself without consent of the town where he lives, first had, under pain of 20 shillings per week."1

"No master of a family shall give habitation or entertainment to any young man to sojourn in his family, but by the allowance of the inhabitants of the said town where he dwells, under the like penalty of 20 shillings per week."2

We accordingly find, scattered along through the town records of Windsor, such entries as these:

"Dec. 1, 1651. John Moses had allowance to sojourn with Simon Miller in his house."

Also, "Sept. 13, 1652. It is assented that Isaac Shelden and Samuel Rockwell shall keep house together in the house that is Isaac's, so they carry themselves soberly and do not entertain idle persons, to the evil expense of time by night or day."

Also, " that John Bennett3 should be entertained by William Hayden in his family."

Also, 1656: " In town meeting it was consented that Nicholas Wilton should sojourn with John Owen, so he lived orderly with him." Again, "June 27, 1658-The townsmen took into con- sideration how to prevent inconvenience and damage that may come to the town if some order be not established about enter- tainment and admitting of persons to be inhabitant in the town. We therefore order that no person or persons whatsoever shall be admitted inhabitant in this town of Windsor, without the approbation of the town, or townsmen, that are, or shall be, from year to year, in being. Nor shall any man sett or sell any

4 -

1 This law continued in force until the general revision of the statutes in 1821, being then the oldest statute provision on our records not previously repealed, expressly or by implication. (Mss. of Thos. Day, LL. D.)

2 This was embraced in the Code of 1650, survived the revision of 1673, but disappeared in that of 1702 .- Ibid.

3 This John Bennett was an old offender, and the order seems to refer to some previous one. Perhaps the town designated this place because of his proneness to get into mischief. William Hayden's house was at the extreme north end of town, although several families lived near him. In 164S, three complaints had been entered against John Bennett on the same General Court, One for breach of covenant with John Bissell. One for defaming John Griffen, charging him with giving false evidence in Court. The other complaint would indicate that there was even among those humble settlers of Windsor, an aristocracy of worth, if not of family, sufficient at least to forbid an unworthy fellow from defaming the reputation of "an old man's daughter," by report- ing that she looked upon him with favor. "John Drake complains of John

HER CIVIL ORGANIZATION.

house or land so as to bring in any to be inhabitant into the town without the approbation of the townsmen, or giving in such security as may be accepted to save the town from damage. Also, it is ordered by the townsmen, that whereas Edward King 1 doth reside in a place remote from the Town where there has sometimes been recourse of divers persons in a private way which we judge may prove prejudicial to divers persons if not timely prevented. It is therefore ordered that on or before the first of October next he shall give in sufficient security for his good carriage in his family and also for his careful attendance of the order of this jurisdiction, and of the order of this town, or else shall continue there no longer than that time, upon the penalty of 20 shillings per week.

"It is also ordered that Edward Ryle shall continue there no longer than the aforesaid time appointed, upon the same penalty."

"November 29th, 1667-The townsmen granted liberty to Samuel Pinney that he should entertain Judit Cromel a so- journer in his family for a twelve month, and [he] engageth to see that he carries well, and keeps good order, as an honest man should do, to the best of his endeavor, by counselling him." " Dec. 10, 1659. The townsmen approved of that Thomas Gunn should entertain as a tabler, Capt. Thomas, in his family for this winter."

As late as "April, 1699, the widow Rix made application to the townsmen for liberty to keep at the widow Phelp's house or other place in the Town. She saith that she lived with Left. Joshua Wills for wages, but now that they are parted she wants another place. The townsmen do not see reason to grant her request, but have now warned her to remove out of this town to the town from whence she came, or to some other place, that she may prevent the townsmen proceeding against her accord- ing to law."

Bennett for saying that he had enticed and drawn away the affections of his [D.'s] daughter." At the next sitting of the Court, John Bennett appeared and " expressing his repentance and promising better carriage in future, the Court is willing once more to pass by his corporal punishment," and he was bound over for his good behavior. Educated as these settlers were in a land where the grades of society were strongly marked, it is not strange that some dis- tinctions should be retained even in the more unreserved intercourse of this new country. John Drake was not a man of sufficient distinction to entitle him to the appellation of Mr., yet his son Job, a shoemaker, won the heart and hand of the daughter of Mr. Henry Wolcott, one of the first Magistrates of Connecticut, and probably, after the pastor, the most distinguished man in Windsor.

1 This Edward King was an Irishman. He afterwards lived on the East side of the River, near Podunk.

HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.

These extracts serve to show how carefully the law interposed its authority to preserve the purity of social life.1

Thus constituted, the Inhabitants themselves managed the affairs of the town and transacted its business. They estab- lished the Town Meeting-which has been aptly styled " a little primitive nursery of republican truth," and made it the duty of every man who was an inhabitant to attend it-subject to a fine for each failure without excuse. These town meetings were convened as often as business or convenience dictated. Sometimes by special appointment, "to publish some orders made at the General Court before," or "to read the Capital Laws;" sometimes "after lecture," or on " a day of training," when it was presumed that most of the inhabitants would be in attendance.

1 Although the strictness of these first regulations concerning inhabitants, especially those relating to " young unmarried men," were after a time some- what softened, yet the settlers always maintained a vigilant eye upon the character and doing of each member of the community. Their deep sense of the individual duties devolving upon every citizen, found expression in the Oath of Fidelity, which was framed by the General Court in 1640, and which was to be administered by any two or three magistrates to all males, above sixteen years of age, who could present a certificate of good behavior.

" I, A B, being by the Providence of God an Inhabitant within the Juris- diction of Conectecott, doe acknowledge myself to be subjecte to the Govern- mente thereof, and doe sweare by the great and dreadfull name of the everliving God, to be true and faithful unto the same, and doe submit boath my person and estate thereunto, according to all the holsome lawes and orders that eiher are, or hereafter shall be there made, and established by lawful authority : and that I will neither plott nor practice any evell against the same, nor consent to any that shall so doe, but will tymley discover the same to lawful authority established there ; and that I will, as in duty bound, mayntayne the honor of the same and of the lawfull Magistrats thereof, promoting the public good of it, whilst I shall so continue an Inhabitant there ; and whensoever I shall . give my vote, or suffrage or proxy touching any matter which concerns this Commonwealth being cauled thereunto, will give it as in my conscience may conduce to the best good of the same, without respect of persons or favor of of any man. So help me God in our Lord Jesus Christe."

At the first session of the General Assembly under the charter, Oct. 9, 1662, it was ordered that those who desired to be admitted freemen should obtain a certificate from a majority of the Townsmen, certifying that they are per- sons " of civil, peacable and honest conversation, & that they have attained to the age of 21 years, and have £20 estate (besides their rent Poll), in the list of Estate," and such certificate should be presented to the court authorized to admit freemen. Provision was made at the same time, for the disfranchise-

TOWN OFFICERS.

The first officers created by the inhabitants, as the executives of their will, were townsmen, constables and surveyors.

The duties of townsmen were similar to those of our present selectmen, although more extensive, and laborious. They were exempted from "watching, warding and training," and were " chosen to order the affairs of the town," except cases of taxes, land grants, admission of new inhabitance, and making and repairing of highways. These matters were reserved for the town. It appears, indeed, that many acts which the townsmen were competent to perform, were referred to the people in town- meeting assembled; for we find the townsmen at one time issu-

ment of such as were convicted of scandalous offenses. It has been asserted by some, that none but church members were admitted freemen in Connect- icut, and that none were permitted to dissent from the faith and form of the established church order. A better acquaintance with the early history of the colony would do away with this erroneons impression.

During the administration of Cromwell, the Colonists had been suffered to manage their own affairs much in their own way ; and when Charles II ascended the throne, he soon after sent out, through his Commissioners, to inquire into the administration of the Colonial Governments. At a session of the General Assembly, held at Hartford, April 20, 1668,

" His Majesties Honorable Commissr. propositions were presented and read to the court-as follows :

Prop. Ist. " That all honseholders inhabiting this colony take the oath of allegiance, and the administration of justice be in his Majesties name."

To this the Colony answered.

" This we return, that according to his Majesties pleasure expressed in our charter, our Governor formerly hath nominated and appointed meet persons to administer the oath of allegiance."

Prop. 2d. " That all men of competent estates and of civill conversation, though of different judgments, may be admitted to be freemen & have liberty to choose and be chosen officers, both military and civil."

To this, " our order for admission of freemen is consonant with that pro- position."

Prop. 3d. " That all persons of civil lives may freely enjoy the liberty of their consciences and the worship of God in that way which they think best, provided that this liberty tend not to the disturbance of the publique, nor the hindrance of the mayntaynance of ministers regularly chosen in each respect- ive parish or township."

To the 3d Prop. " we say we know not of any one that hath been tronbled by ns for not attending his conscience, provided he hath not disturbed the publique."

Surely this is sufficient to refute the calumnies which have been hurled at the " illiberality " of the founder of Connecticut.

HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.

ing orders which are afterwards acted upon in town-meeting. The town also held the power of vetoing such actions of the townsmen as they did not approve, as for example:

" March 15, 1650. Also this day the order concerning sheep was published, and the town did not approve of the penalty set by the townsmen."

The selectmen had authority also under the Code of 1650 (see chapter on the Schools of Windsor) to see that every child and apprentice in their town was taught to read and write, and was educated to some useful " trade or calling," and to take charge of any whose parents or guardians neglected thus to educate them. Their supervision even extended to the somewhat minute, and, to us, laughable office of examining the town's children in the catechism! We wonder how our present worthy selectmen would look engaged as official catechumens?

The office of constable, differed but little from that of the present day, except in its superior dignity. The very oath which he was obliged to take, betokens the important duties and solemn obligations with which he was vested.

I, A, of W, do swear by the great and dreadful name of the everlasting God, that for the year ensuing, and until a new be chosen, I will faithfully execute the office and place of a consta. ble for and within the said plantation of W, and the limits thereof, and that I will endeavor to preserve the public peace of the said place, and Commonwealth, and will do my best endeavors to see all watches and wards executed, and to obey and execute all lawful commands or warrants that come from any Magistrate or Magistrates, or Court, so help me God, in the Lord Jesus Christ."

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The history of ancient Windsor, Connecticut, Part 6

Author: Stiles, Henry Reed, 1832-1909 Publication date: 1859 Publisher: New York : C. B. Norton Number of Pages: 956

Author: Stiles, Henry Reed, 1832-1909
Publication date: 1859
Publisher: New York : C. B. Norton
Number of Pages: 956