USA > Connecticut > Hartford County > The memorial history of Hartford County, Connecticut, 1633-1884, Vol. II > Part 17
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MEMORIAL HISTORY OF HARTFORD COUNTY.
Ien Blankets purchased
bythe dead man of Irfis tothe value of - - 5- 176 them Because of the sclet Tron of Infield
Thomas Abby
" So drum and doctrine rudely blent, The casements rattled strange accord ; No mortal knew what either meant : 'T was double-drag and Holy Word, Thus saith the drum, and thus the Lord. The captain raised so wild a rout, He drummed the congregation out."
The next morning a company of seventy-four men started for Boston ; but before they reached that place the danger had passed, and most of them returned home. As the war continued, efficient measures were taken by the town to meet the many demands that were made upon it. Early in 1777 a committee was appointed to take care of the families of those who should enlist in the Continental army. Forty dollars was also voted to each able- bodied man who should enlist, till the town's quota of forty-seven men was filled. During the war town-meetings were held frequently for the discussion of the many exciting questions that arose, and for such action as would forward the colonial cause. An annual tax, sometimes as large as two shillings and fourpence on the pound, was levied for the purchase of clothing and tents for the soldiers, and often another for the support of the soldiers' families. When, in 1779 and 1780, it became difficult for the Continental Congress to raise money for the support of the army, the town FAC-SIMILE OF RECEIPT OF THOMAS ABBE. itself became responsible for the wages of the new soldiers that were called for, and most vigorously pushed the matter of enlistments. The several quotas of the town were promptly filled. Of the number which Enfield sent into the Con- tinental army, fourteen are known to have lost their lives. When the war closed, the town found itself in debt to the amount of several hundred pounds, the most of which was incurred in rais- ing and supporting the men sent into the army. In the issue of the war there was great rejoicing ; not merely because of the victory gained, but because of the Infecto april 21 171 gray Cucine by mt promise of liberty which the triumph gave; for the idea of liberty was deeply fixed in the hearts of the inhabitants of Enfield, as is shown by their action in town-meeting, March 31, 1777, of which we give a fac-simile on page 151.
THE A. G. HAZARD RESIDENCE.
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ENFIELD.
The declaration of peace, in 1783, found Enfield at the end of its first century. The population was 1,580. The inhabitants at once settled down into their former quietness, and entered busily upon the pursuit of the arts of peace. Nothing occurred to disturb them in these avocations until the breaking out of the War of 1812, when they were again aroused to action. The sentiment of opposition to the war common throughout New England was probably shared by the people here ; yet for the prosecution of the war they contributed generously. Be- sides the men enlisted for the service, a company of seventy-four men, under Captain Luther Parsons, and other de- tachments, marched to the defence of New London in 1813.
Until 1828 nothing further occurred to mark the history of the town, or to distinguish Enfield from the surround- ing towns. In that year began a more rapid growth, caused by the erection of mills on Freshwater River. Thomp- sonville, now one of the thriving vil- lages of the State, began its history at that date. In 1833 a village in the eastern part of the town, afterward called Hazardville, was begun. This has grown into a pleasant and stirring place. The growth of these two vil- lages soon began to detract from the importance of the old "centre of the township," and finally drew off to them the most of the business of the town.
The outbreak of the Civil War aroused the people of Enfield as they had not been aroused since the Revo- lution. The spirit shown was the same loyalty to justice and truth that had expressed itself in 1774. On the 29th of April, 1861, in town-meeting assembled, the inhabitants unanimous- ly passed resolutions, expressing their loyalty to the general Government, and the duty of all citizens to make use of their means in assisting " the properly constituted authorities to punish trea- son, suppress rebellion, and maintain the Constitution and enforce the laws." It was also voted to request the legislature to tender to the President of the United States all the resources of the State for the suppression of the insurrection. At the same meeting a committee was appointed to look after all families of volunteers residing in the town, and to report all cases of want to the selectmen, with recommendations that they furnish such sums of money as might be deemed needful. This spirit of loyalty to the
RECORD OF TOWN-MEETING. THE TOWN'S PROTEST AGAINST SLAVERY.
frantheir Slavery and Bondage ray that the Negrows in this stated be Released Cap perkins , En Eliptalet terry be a Committee
· prefer ememorial to the assembly in may next
at the same meeting voted that Joseph hnight
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MEMORIAL HISTORY OF HARTFORD COUNTY.
Government, and sympathy with the Nation's defenders, did not falter as the war continued and its hardships increased. As call after call was sent out for more men, Enfield quickly and generously responded. Bounties of one hundred, two hundred, and finally of three hundred and fifty dollars were paid to volunteers. In July, 1864, it was found that the town had fifty-eight more men in the service of the United States than had been called for. The whole number sent into the army was four hundred and twenty-one. Of these, ten were killed in battle, seventeen died of wounds, sixteen died of disease, and thirteen died in prison. Others received wounds or contracted diseases which after months or years ended their lives; so that they were no less victims and heroes of the war than those who fell on the field of battle.
By the generosity of the town toward those who volunteered and toward their families, a debt of $40,000 was incurred, which has since been reduced to $30,000. Since the close of the war the people have quietly pursued their avocations. The population has steadily in- creased, and, according to the census of 1880, is 6,755.
Provision for the religious needs of the place was very early made. The committee, at their first meeting, in December, 1679, took the fol- lowing action : --
" Whereas it is the most earnest desire of the committee, and by the help of God shall be their great care, to promote the progress of the gospel by endeav- oring to settle the ordinances of God at Freshwater Plantation as soon as con- veniently may be possible, - it is therefore agreed, concluded, and ordered, that all persons who accept of their grants, and shall so declare to the committee before the Ist of May next (1680), they shall, with all others that may have after-grants, become bound and hereby are engaged to promote the settling of an able minister there ; and shall unite together in rendering him suitable and due maintenance."
Sixty acres of land were set apart to become the property of the first minister who should be settled, and seventy acres for the use of the church. In 1683 the building of a house of worship was begun. But the efforts of the people and committee to secure a minister were for some time fruitless; so that, according to the records of a court held in Springfield, Sept. 30, 1684, "the town of Enfield was by the grand jury presented to the court, for that they are without a preach- ing minister." The town was discharged, however, upon the plea that the inhabitants were making all suitable efforts to procure a minister. In 1689 the Rev. Nathaniel Welch, of Salem, Mass., came to undertake the work of the ministry in Enfield ; but in a few months, before his installation, he died. All steps toward the organization of a church were for a time deferred. But the people were not destitute of religious privileges. It was voted by the inhabitants " that they would assemble together on the Sabbath, forenoon and afternoon, except such as might conveniently go to Springfield or Suffield, and carry on the day by prayer, singing, and reading some good orthodox book, till they might get a supply of a minister." In 1693 the provision for the support of a minister was increased. Ninety acres of land were set apart for his use, to become his own possession at the end of seven years. Six
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ENFIELD.
acres were to be put into a state of cultivation, and upon this lot a house was to be built. Besides this, a yearly salary of £55 was prom- ised ; but not until 1699 was a minister se- cured. In that year Mr. Nathaniel Collins Nathan Gallons. al was engaged to preach the gospel. Before the close of the year a church was formed, and Mr. Collins was ordained as its first pastor .! This church was called the Church of Christ in Enfield, and was of the Congregational order.
About 1750 a Baptist church was formed in the northeast part of Joseph Machia the town. It existed, however, for only a short time. Its pastor, the Rev. Joseph Meacham, became one of the first converts in Amer- ica to the faith and principles of Shakerism. This was about the year 1781. With him went several members of his church, and the Baptist organization soon became extinct. Mr. Meacham, who was a native of Enfield, became a leader among the Shakers. Under his guidance the principles of this body in regard to property and order were established, and largely through his influence the different societies of Shakers in New England and New York were founded. A society of Shakers
THE NORTH FAMILY OF SHAKERS.
organized in Enfield about the year 1788, as a result of the defection in the Baptist Church. This society has continued to the present time. It consists of three families and about two hundred and fifty
1 The ministers of the Enfield Congregational Church, succeeding Mr. Nathaniel Collins, have been, - Peter Reynolds, Nov. 1725-1768 ; Elam Potter, 1769-1774 ; Nehemiah Prudden, Nov. 1782-Sept. 1815 ; Franeis L. Robbins, April, 1816-April, 1850; C. A. G. Brigham, Jan. 1851-Feb. 1855 ; A. L. Bloodgood, 1855-1862 ; K. B. Glidden, Oct. 1862-April, 1865 ; Cyrus Pickett, Feb. 1867-April, 1870 ; N. H. Eggleston, Jan. 1870-July, 1874 ; and Geo. W. Winch, July, 1875 -.
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MEMORIAL HISTORY OF HARTFORD COUNTY.
members. The families are gathered near each other in the northeast part of the town. They own a tract of land of several hundred acres, much of which they carefully cultivate. They sustain their own schools, take no part in political affairs, and socially are strictly secluded. They are thrifty, honest, and hospitable. Within a few years they have erected several very large and expensive buildings, which bespeak their temporal prosperity. Their growth is not marked.
In 1762 a controversy respecting church order broke out in the original church, which soon resulted in the withdrawal of many of the members. These persons organized themselves into another church, and were known as Separates. In 1770 the General Assembly organized the Second Ecclesiastical Society of Enfield in connection with this church. The characteristics of this body were wild enthu- siasm, a regard for visions and trances, and a practical denial of the office of the ministry. Gradually these excesses abated. The church became associated with the Baptist denomination, and in that relation continued until its extinction, about 1820.
The original church thenceforward for several years was the only church in the town. But as the population increased, churches of other denominations sprang up. About 1835 a Methodist Episcopal Church was formed, and a house of worship erected in what is now the village of IIazardville. At the time of its organization the church drew its few supporters from the different parts of the town, as there were very few inhabitants in its vicinity. The growth of the village has added strength to the church, so that it has become prosperous and active. A large and beautiful edifice has replaced "the meeting-house built in the woods."
St. Mary's Parish (Episcopal) was formed in 1863. Its numbers have been small, but are now increasing.
The Roman Catholics have had a church edifice in Hazardville since 1863. A new and beautiful house of worship was erected during the season of 1880. From the first the services of this church have been under the charge of the priest in Thompsonville.
In 1839 the First Presbyterian Church of Thompsonville was formed. The first settlers of this village were largely from Scotland, who came as workmen in the mills. They had been connected with Presbyterian bodies at home, and brought with them a deep love for their mother church. While they were few they worshipped with the Congregational Church of the town ; but in ten years their numbers had so increased that they felt justified in organizing a church of their own polity. In 1845, after long and bitter dissensions over the question of instru- mental music in its religious services, this church was rent asunder by the withdrawal of a considerable portion of its membership. The dissatisfied ones at once formed themselves into a new church, and became connected with the United Presbyterian body, and have since been known as the United Presbyterian Church of Thompsonville. Both of these, after many trials and discouragements, have grown into strong, active churches.
In 1840, chiefly through the labors of the Rev. John Howson, who had come from England for employment in the carpet-works, the Methodist Episcopal Church of Thompsonville was formed, and it has continued, growing in numbers and influence.
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ENFIELD.
The Episcopal Church of Thompsonville was organized as a mis- sion in 1851, and as St. Andrew's Parish in 1855, and is gathering to itself an increasing number of adherents.
In 1860 the Roman Catholics erected and dedicated a house of wor- ship in Thompsonville, which by the large increase of the foreign popu- lation has become, in numbers, the most flourishing religious society in the town.
Within a few years a Universalist society has been formed, which in 1879 built a meeting-house, and since has sustained public services. The society is small.
In 1855, after a long contention over points of doctrine, the old First Church of Enfield was again divided. Nearly one half of its members, under the lead of the Rev. C. A. G. Brigham, who for four years had been pastor of the church, withdrew, and formed the North Congregational Church. This latter body continued under the pastor- ate of Mr. Brigham until 1871, when, having accepted the doctrines and polity of the Catholic Apostolic Church, he resigned, and with several members of the church went to form a congregation of the Catholic Apostolic order. After this defection the North Church continued re- ligious services until 1878, when, already weakened by numerous with- drawals from its membership, it closed its house of worship, which in the following year was sold to the Catholic Apostolic Church, and most of its remaining supporters became connected with the First Church. While there are still a few members of the North Society, the body is practi- cally extinct. The Catholic Apostolic Church remains. Mr. William M. Pearl is the elder in charge. Mr. Warren Button is assistant.
Besides these various religious organizations, there is a society of Second Adventists, whose meeting-house is in the eastern part of the town, where public worship has been maintained irregularly for twenty years, and regularly for the past twelve years. The members of the society are somewhat scattered.
Thus there appear sixteen religious societies in the history of the town, of which thirteen still exist and own houses of worship and regularly maintain public services. Yet many as they seem, the multi- plication, since the organization of the First Church in 1699, has hardly kept pace with the growth in population.
Following close upon the provision for the church were measures for the establishment and support of a school in Enfield. The com- mittee, in December, 1679, voted "an allotment of forty acres in some convenient place, for and toward the support of a school to be improved for that use forever." No school seems to have been established until 1703, in which year it was " voted to have a school master in this town to teach children." In the following year it was voted "to build a school-house, to be eighteen foot long, sixteen broad, and six foot studs, in the most convenient place in the middle of the town." And in the same year, also, John Richards was invited to teach school, " the town to give him or any other man that shall keep school in this town £14 yearly, the rest of the salary to be raised upon all children in the town from five years of age." Twenty acres of land were promised to Mr. Richards if he continued to teach for five years. From this time provision was made annually for the support of a school in the
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MEMORIAL HISTORY OF HARTFORD COUNTY.
town. A male teacher only was employed at first ; but in 1714 the town went so far as to vote " to hire a woman to keep school four or five months, if the selectmen see cause and think convenient." Either the selectmen did not " see cause " so to do, or the town was dissatisfied with the experiment, for in the following year it was decided " to hire a man to keep school." In 1733 a movement was made toward estab- lishing a school of a higher grade. A committee was appointed " to consider of and determine what shall be necessary and best respecting hiring a grammar school master." Such a " school master " seems to have been hired shortly afterward.
Until 1754 one school had sufficed for the whole town. In that year the town was divided into five districts, Wallop, Scitico, North End, South End, and the Centre, and the sum of £500 was voted for new school-houses. This multiplication of schools greatly increased the expenses of the town. Frequently the amount raised for this purpose was double that for all other town expenses. As the population has increased, new districts have been organized and new schools estab- lished, so that at the present time there are twenty-six schools sup- ported by the town. Of these, three are high schools, - one in each of the three villages, - and are a blessing and honor to the town. Into these twenty-six schools are gathered eleven hundred children, and for their support twelve thousand dollars are spent annually. Besides these public schools, there are several parochial and private schools, attended by five hundred children and supported at an unknown expense.
The first settlers of Enfield were farmers. To till the soil, they came to this place. The first products of the land were such as would supply their own wants, - corn, wheat, rye, and barley. To increase their income, tar and turpentine were quite extensively manufactured until clearing of the lands put a stop to this industry. Agriculture then for many years remained almost the sole business of the people. To the present time, indeed, it has been the occupation of a large por- tion of the inhabitants. Much fruit, such as apples, pears, and peaches. is raised. Grains of the various kinds are produced. Dairying to a mod- erate extent is carried on. For a long time, however, the chief source of income to the agricultural portion of the community has been tobacco. To the growth of this article the land is admirably adapted.
But Enfield has ceased to be a distinctively agricultural town, and has already become noted for its mannfactures. In 1802 iron-works were erected on the Scantic River in the eastern part of the town, which did a small business for many years. Soon after, the manufacture of ploughs was begun, and was carried on quite extensively until 1860. Then, as the market for the ploughs was mostly in the South, the business was nearly broken up by the war. Since the war it has revived but little.
The year 1828 marks the beginning of a most remarkable growth in the business and population of Enfield. In that year, through the efforts of a former resident of Enfield, Mr. Orrin Thompson, of the firm of Andrews, Thompson, & Co., of New York, the Thompsonville Manufacturing Company was organized, for the purpose of manufactur- ing carpets, and its works were located near the mouth of Freshwater River. As this was a pioneer enterprise, all the machinery and skill
Omn Thanhin
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ENFIELD.
had to be imported, and came from Scotland. The intention at first was to import the yarns dyed, and ready for use. But this was found to be impracticable, and therefore all the departments of a complete carpet-manufactory were at once established. Owing to the business tact and energy of Mr. Thompson, who gave his personal attention to the business, the company was immediately successful. The products of these looms soon became widely known and celebrated, so that there was shortly a demand for increased power of manufacture. In 1833 the weaving of three-ply, and soon after of Venetian, carpets began. In 1841 Brussels and Axminster works were added. In 1847 the hand-loom was displaced by the power-loom, and the works were much enlarged. A new era of prosperity seemed to be opening for the Thomp- sonville Manufacturing Company. But hardly had the promise begun to be fulfilled, when unexpected trials rose to threaten the hitherto un- checked success of the company. The firm of Thompson & Co., of New York, which was virtually the Thompsonville Manufacturing Company, became crippled, and in 1851 failed. In this disaster the carpet com- pany went down, and the mills were at once closed.
The energy of Mr. Thompson, however, was not paralyzed. He set about devising a plan for starting the mills, and after two years suc- ceeded in organizing the Hartford Carpet Company, with T. M. Allyn, Esq., of Hartford, as president, and George Roberts, Esq., of Hart- ford, as treasurer. In 1854 this company bought the property, and at once began operations, with Mr. Thompson as superintendent. Wise management has insured success. A steady growth has marked the history of the new company. Improved machinery has greatly increased the quantity and improved the quality of the fabrics produced. New works erected have admitted the manufacture of new varieties of goods, notably the Wilton and moquette carpets. The present production of the works is nine thousand yards daily. The number of workmen em- ployed is eighteen hundred. In 1856 Mr. Roberts became president, and he held that position until his death, in 1878. During his adminis- tration of the company's affairs its capital was increased from $300,000 to $1,500,000, and its dividends reached at times as high a figure as forty per cent a year. Mr. Roberts was born in East Hartford in 1810, son of Ozias Roberts, and was for many years one of the leading business men of Hartford. He was closely identified with the large mercantile and financial interests of the city, and was held in the highest respect and esteem by all who associated with him. Since Mr. Roberts's death the Hon. John L. Houston, who has for many years been connected with the company, has been its president.
While the manufacture of carpets has been the chief industry of the village of Thompsonville, other branches of business have been carried on to a limited extent. In 1845 the Enfield Manufacturing Com- pany was organized, with H. G. Thompson as president, for the manufacture of hosiery. For several years the company did a flourish- ing business, but finally failed, and in 1873 the property was purchased by the Hartford Carpet Company.
A considerable trade in lumber has been built up by the T. Pease & Sons Company, with yards here and at Windsor Locks. The com- pany has a large planing-mill, and the manufacture of doors, windows, blinds, and other articles used in building is largely carried on.
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MEMORIAL HISTORY OF HARTFORD COUNTY.
In 1833 a business was begun in another part of the town which has since grown into large proportions, and added much to the wealth and population of Enfield. In that year Loomis & Co. began the manufacture of powder in the eastern part of the township. A tract of five hundred acres of land was purchased, lying in a deep valley on both sides of the Scantic River, and mills were erected upon this. At the time of the purchase there were only two houses and six inhabi- tants upon the entire tract. In 1837 Colonel A. G. Hazard, of New York, became connected with the company, and soon was the chief owner of the property and the moving spirit of the business. He removed to Enfield and organized the Hazard Powder Company, of which he was made president and manager. The works were much enlarged and the quantity of manufacture greatly increased. The mills of the company are scattered over a large territory, and consist of twenty-two pairs of rolling-mills, five granulating-houses, six hydrau- lic presses of four hundred tons working-power, three screw presses, forty pulverizing, mixing, dusting, and drying houses, five refineries, and numerous cooper-shops, storehouses, and magazines, - in all two hundred buildings. The power for operating these mills is obtained in part from the Scantic River. Three large artificial ponds have been constructed, and several canals built for carrying the water to the different mills, in which twenty-three large turbine wheels are placed. Besides these, five steam-engines, two of them of one hundred horse- power, are used. About one hundred and fifty workmen are employed. All the different kinds of government, sporting, and blasting powder are manufactured. The daily product of the works is about twelve tons of powder. In 1849 the Enfield Powder Company was organized, and erected mills three miles east of the works of the Hazard Powder Company. In 1854 the latter corporation absorbed the former, and has since run the mills in both places. The powder manufactured here has become greatly celebrated, and finds a market in all parts of the world.
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