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HISTORY 
 
 OF THE 
 
 TOWN OF LITCHFIELD, 
 
 CONNECTICUT. 
 
 BY GEORGE C. WOODRUFF. 
 
 LITCHFIELD : 
 
 PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY CHARLES ADAMS. 
 1845. 
 
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The following facts relating to the early History of Litch- 
 field, resting eitiicrin tradition, or concealed amidst a mass of 
 other matter, I had the curiosity to collect in moments of leis- 
 ure, and to arrange for subsequent refenmce. And I have 
 deemed it well to incorporate therein, extracts from Morris' 
 statistical account of Litchfield, as that work is nearly out of 
 print, and the facts it contains being interesting to a native of 
 this town. I am also indebted to gentlemen in this village, for 
 some of the facts herein recorded. Many others are doubtless 
 in the memory of our older inhabitants, and valuable docu- 
 ments may be found among the papers of those no longer liv- 
 ing, developing the manners and customs and early histoiy of 
 our ancestors. Should such be communicated to me, I may 
 hereafter take measures to embody them for preservation and 
 the benefit or gratification of posterity. 
 
 GEORGE C. WOODRUFF. 
 
 Litchfield, August 1845. 
 
 
HISTORY 
 
 ^ OF THE 
 
 TOWN OF LITCHFIELD. 
 
 ~«©@©«*- 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 By the charter of King Charles the 2d, to ihc Governor and 
 Company of the Colony of Connecticut, granted A. D. 1662, 
 the boundaries of the Colony were, the Narraganset River on 
 the East, the Sea on the South, the line of the Massachusetts 
 plantation on the North, and the South Sea on the West. 
 Within these houndaries, were included the town and county of 
 Litchfieldj which town, until the organization of the county in 
 1751, was a part of the county of Hartford. 
 
 In 1685, on the decease of Charles, his brother James the 2J> 
 ascended the throne. He is represented as having been an 
 " obstinate, cruel tyrant, and a bigoted Roman Catholic, desti- 
 tute of all the principles of true honor, faith, justice or iiuman- 
 ity. The most humble petitions, arguments from reason, char- 
 ters, the most solemn compact, and royal promises ; from jus- 
 tice, humanity, or any other consideration which a subject 
 could plead, had no weight or influence w ith him. Nearly fifty 
 corporations in England had been deprived of their charters.'* 
 
 With a monarch of such a character, the institutions of New 
 England found no favor. The charier of Massachusetts wa& 
 vacated. Rhode Island submitted. Its inhabitants, and those 
 of the Narraganset country, were discharged from all obedi- 
 ence either to Connecticut or Rhode Island. 
 
 Writs of quo warranto were issued against the Governor and 
 Company of Connecticut, requiring them to show by what 
 warrant they exercised certain powers and privileges, and this 
 under circumstances which showed that it was no part of the 
 King's intention to do them justice. 
 
The government of Connecticut omitted no probable means 
 for the preservation of their chartered rights. But in the year 
 1687, Sir Edmund Andros?, (a lit instrument for such a king,) 
 failing to obtain the surrender or possession of our charter, for- 
 cibly assumed the government of the Colony. The charter, 
 the possession of which he coveted, (at the present time in the 
 State House at Hartford,) was secreted, as is well known, in 
 Ibe hollow of an oak now standing in Hartford, called the 
 Charter Oak. 
 
 During this period, and, as it was said, for the purpose of 
 *' saving the lands from the grasp of Sir Edmund, and to prevent, 
 his enriching himself and his minions by a sale of them," the 
 legislature, on the 26th of January ifee, conveyed to the towns 
 of Hartford and Windsor, as follows : "This Court grants to 
 the plantations of Hartford and Windsor, those lands on the 
 north of Woodbury and Mattatuck,* and on the west of Farm- 
 ington and Simsbury, to the Massachusetts line north, to run 
 west to the Housatonic or Stratford river ; provided, it be not 
 or part of it granted to any particular person to make a planta- 
 tion or village." 
 
 This conveyance subsequently created serious difficulty in 
 the Colony, and gave rise to forcible resistance to the public 
 authorit}^ 
 
 It was claimed on the part of the colony, that the grant was 
 without consideration, and that those towns were to hold the 
 lands in trust for the Colony till the time of danger should be 
 past. 
 
 But those towns denied the justice of the demands of the 
 Colony, and claimed the lands as absolutely their own, and in 
 contravention of the laws of the Colony proceeded to survey 
 and sell them. Some of the ofienders were arrested and pun- 
 ished, some were committed to the prison in Hartford. The 
 inhabitants of Windsor and Hartford armed themselves, and in 
 spite of the power and authority of the sheritf, and the assem- 
 , bly, broke open the goal and rescued the prisoners. These 
 events occurred in 1722. 
 
 The towns still continued to lay out the disputed lands, and 
 * Waterbury. 
 
ihe legislature to' pursue spirited measures to prevent if. Tfic 
 controversy assumed a still more seriou^s aspect, but was final- 
 ly auiicably adjusted in May 1726, by dividing- the lands in 
 controversy, between the towns of Hartford and Windsor on 
 the one part, and the Colony on the other. 
 
 From this division, however, the town of Litchfield, thou£;h 
 a part of the disputed territory, was exempted, as were also 
 other lands previously conveyed by those towns. 
 
 Those interested in the town of Litchfield had, indeed, some 
 time before the controversy attained its height, with commend- 
 able prudencBj taken measures to perfect their title by obtain- 
 ing grants from all claimants. 
 
 CHAPTER n. 
 
 Our ancestors were not of those who pretended that the ab- 
 Originees had no right to the soil which had for centuries been 
 occupied by them and their fathers. The settlers of Connec- 
 ticut deemed it a matter of conscience, to abstain from trespas- 
 sing upon the lands of the natives, much more from depriving 
 them of those lands until they were fairly purchased. 
 
 It is said that before the settlement of this town by the whites, 
 a tribe resided here, probably on the borders of the lake, in alli- 
 ance with the powerful tribe of Indians at New Milfoid, but 
 still independent of them. 
 
 The Tunxis or Farmington tribe of Indians adjoined them 
 on the east, and how far their territories extended into this 
 township, if at all, is uncertain. 
 
 But I find that as early as the year 1657, certain Indians of 
 that tribe conveyed to William Lewis and Samuel Steele of 
 Farmington, certain privileges as appears by the following copy 
 of their deed, viz : 
 
 " This witnesseth that we Kepaquamp and Querrimus and 
 Mataneage have sould to William Leawis and Samuel Steele of 
 
ffavmington A p sell or a tract of land called Matetuckc, that 
 js to say the hill from whence John Standley and John An- 
 drews brought the black lead, and all the land within eight 
 mylle of that 1 till on every side ; to dig ; and carry away what 
 they will and to build in jt for y^ use of them that labour there ; 
 and not otherwise to improve y^ land. In witness wJiereof 
 wee have hereunto set our hands, and thos Jndians above men- 
 tioned must free the purchasers from all claymes by any other 
 Indyans. 
 
 Witnes ; John Steel. William Lewis, 
 
 february ye 8ih 1G57. Samuel Steele. 
 
 The mark 
 febru ye 8th 
 
 of Kepaquamp. 
 1657. 
 
 The mark 
 febru ye 8th 
 
 of Querrimus. 
 1657. 
 
 The mark of 
 february ye 8^ 
 
 Mataneage. 
 1657." 
 
 Precisely where the hill referred to in this deed was situated, 
 I have been unable to discover, but from the subsequent claims 
 of the grantees, from tradition, and from the deed itself, it would 
 seem that it was in the southern part of Harwinton, and em- 
 braced that town, and also some portion of Plymouth (then Mat- 
 atuck or Waterbury) and Litchfield. This purchase was made 
 by the grantees in behalf of themselves and a company com- 
 posed of certain other inhabitants of Farmington. And on 
 
the lltli of August 1714 the whole luchan title to the Kami de- 
 scribed in said instrument, in the successors of the grantors, 
 was conveyed as appears by the following deed : 
 
 "To all christian people to whom (hese presents shall come, 
 Pcthuzso and Taxcronuck with Awowas and y^ rest olf us y^ 
 subscribers, Indians belonging to Tunxses or otherwise ffarm- 
 ington jn theyer majesties Colony of Conecticut jn New Eng- 
 land send greeting — Know ye that whereas, Kepaqam, Quero- 
 mus, and Mattaneg our Predisessors, did feb^ ye eighth 1857 : 
 sell and convey unto Capt. William Lewis and Left. Samuel 
 Steele a certain Tract or p'cell of land called Maftatuck ; that 
 is to say the hill from whence John Stanly and John Andrews 
 brought y^ black Lead, and all yc Land within eight miles of 
 that hill, on every side ; to jinprove as appeareth on Record jn 
 ye second book of Records Page : 17th: which Purchas was 
 made, for y^ most considerable part, of ye jnhabitants of flarm- 
 ington as may appear by a List of theyer Names, who with s'd 
 Lewis and Steele, Payd a considerable sume for y^ Purchas. 
 A considerable Part of which Tract or p^cell of Land is com- 
 prised within ye bounds, of Watterbury and fFarmington, we 
 haueing allso about ye year, one thousand, six hundred and 
 87 ; with sume of our Predecessors Received of Left. John 
 Stanly, about the sume of eight Pounds for Part of said Land 
 which are confirmed to him, and we do now Quitt our claimc 
 to ye same and do confirm ye same to him and his successors 
 according as we or any of our predicessors did before us : and 
 hauing considered what sumes of mony, and that which hath 
 been to o"" predecessors, and our full sattistaction for ye said 
 I)''cell of Land, mentioned jn ye p^misess, with what further, 
 gratuities we have lately received, from Left Stanly and Sarjt 
 Eben Steele, and Now therefore knov,- all men, by these Pres- 
 ents that we Pethuzso and Toxcronock, Avith Awowas, and y« 
 rest of us that have subscribed do well approve of what Kej)a- 
 quam, Queromus and Mattanege, have done jn selling ye aboue 
 s'l Tract or percell of Land aboue s^^ to Capt. William Lewis 
 and Left. Steele, and do hereby give, grant, bargain, sell, alien- 
 ate, confirm and convey all o'' Right jn or to s^ tract of land 
 whatsoever, we ye s^' Pethuzsoe and Toxcronuck, with ye rest 
 
 2 
 
 i 
 
in 
 
 Now, hnuc or jn time to come, might ought or should haue had 
 jii or to s^^ Land aboiie mentioned as it is described jn y^ Rec- 
 ord, and deeds within all y^ extent of y^ buttments bounded or 
 Reputed to l:>c bounded, Together with all such Rights Liber- 
 tyes ; Profits, Privileges, jmunities. Profits, commodities, im- 
 mollunients and appertenances, as jn any kind appertain there- 
 unto, belonging unto y^ sons of s<^^ Capt Lewis and Left Steele; 
 Namely unto William Lewis Sarjt Ebenezer Steel, and allso 
 Left John Stanly aboiic s<^ all belonging unto s'^ ffarmington, 
 v.ith y^ associats of s<l Capt Lewis and Left Samuel Steele, as 
 may appear, by y*-' List of theyer Names on y- other sid of this 
 Justrument, which were ye men yt Payd y^ first Purchas ; Ave 
 say to William Lewis jun^ Eben. Steel and John Stanly with 
 ye ancient Purchasers, w^e say y^ Tract of Land w^^ a]j ye pj-e- 
 veledges w'hich in any kind appertain thereunto with ye Re- 
 uersions and Remainders thereof and all y^ estate Right Title, 
 Jnteresi, jiiherilance. Property claime and demand whatsoever, 
 we ye s*5 Jndians haue, might ought or shold haue, had to ye 
 s^i Land, and Priueledges, and do hereby Quitt any claime 
 thereto, unto ye s^ "William Lewis and Ebenezer Steel, and 3'^e 
 ancient Purchasers to haue and to hold all ye aboue granted 
 prraises with all and singuler ye appurtenances thereof unto ye 
 s^l Lewis Steele and theyer fathers associats, as aboue expresst 
 and to Left John Stanly jn speciall, fifty acres Layd out and 
 confirmed to him near ye s^l hdl, and fifty acres more where he 
 shall sec canse to take it up, or his heirs, wliich we have had 
 full sattisfaction for, with our Predecessors, the s^ Purchasors 
 to liaue and to hold ye Land bought as is expressed of our 
 grandfathers and Relations, with ye apurtenances thereof to 
 ihcm theyer heirs and assigns to their own sole and Proper 
 use, and behoof from henceforth forever. — All ye s'i Pelhuzso, 
 and Toxcronuck v/ith ye Rest of the Jndians subscribing do 
 hereijy for our selves and our heir cxecut''^ adminf^ couenant 
 promise, grant and agree, to and with ye s'^ John Stanly Steel 
 and Lewis in manner and form as followeth, that ye s'^ Keepa- 
 ciuam, Qucrimus and Mattaneage at ye time of ye ensealing ye 
 conuayancc al)ove expressed, they were ye true and lawfull 
 owners of ye Land cTutained jn ye Premises and stood seized 
 
II 
 
 of the wliole tract of laiul contained in y^'ljook of Records in 
 y° premises : after y^ mcathod that other Indians iisecd to do, 
 jn theyer own right ; yet for A further saitislaction of ye heirs 
 of Capt. Lewis, Steel, and Sfanly we haue gimni tliis Jnstru- 
 rnent to Left Stanly and William Lewis, son of Cr.pt L»nvi:=, 
 and Ehenezer Steele to bo A farther confnnialion to tlicni and 
 ye ancient Purchasers forever. Now this indenture v>nitnes.s- 
 eth for a further confumatiou to theui ye s<^I Stanly, Lewis and 
 Steel, that we y^ s^^ Pethuzso and Toxcronuck with y'' rest of 
 ns ye subscribers do grant Release and Quitt any clainie to yo 
 aboue s^ Tractor Percell of Land and do hereb}' assigne, eufe- 
 offe, Rattefic and Confirm unto the afjres'^ Willi" Lewis SarjL 
 Ehenezer Steel and Left John Stanly theyer ancient Purchas- 
 ers and theyer heirs forever, all y^ foremenlioned premises that 
 is to say the hill from whence John Stanly and John Andius 
 brought ye blacklead and all y^ Land within eight mile of y^ 
 hill on euery side, with all y^ timber tree?^, woods brooks rivers, 
 mines, minerals thereupon, and hereby surrender and Quitt our 
 claime to y^ same for them to have and to hold Possess asul 
 enjoy and tlieir heirs forever, and do hereby warrant maintain, 
 and defend y° s^ Purchasers theyer heirs and assigns jn y^ Qui- 
 et and Peaceable Possession, and enjoyment thereof as above 
 described, against our selves our heirs execute* adniini's and as- 
 signs and and all and euery other p''son or p^sons lawfidly claim- 
 ing Right Title Jntrest therein from by, or under us. 
 
 Jn wittness whereof we y^ said Petthuzso Toxcronuck Awo- 
 was, with ye Rest haue to this Indenture Put our hand-, and 
 scales, thiseleuenth of August in ye year of o'" Lord one thou- 
 sand and seven hundred and fourteen : 1714 
 
 Signed scaled and deliv-1 u xti, „„ i- vy i r i 
 
 =•1- „ p Petthuzso : his V mark. fL-s.] 
 
 ered in ye presence 01 ! >^ ■- ^ 
 
 ""'' John Thomson, J Toxcrunuck : his '\ ^. mark [l.s.] 
 Hez. Hooker, 
 ffarmington September ye cleuentii day, Anno q'' Dom. 1714, 
 Petthuszo, and Toxcronuck, ffarmington Jndians, and sulj^cii- 
 bers to this aboue written Instrument came p'sonally before me 
 and acknowledged ye same to be thc'yer own willing and free 
 act and deed. JOHN HOOKER, Juslic. 
 
12 
 
 Wlttnesscs to Taphow "1 .. „ , , . /■ i r i 
 
 and his sciua sign- | ^"""^ Taphow h.s J mavk. [l.s.] 
 
 injj^ sealing and de- )■ >. 
 
 livering | Young Taphow Squa ^ 
 
 Th.)'s Lee, J 
 
 Hez, Hooker. 
 
 Witnesses to Awo-"l „ ^ i -n i /^ t r n 
 
 „,„„ . . , retasas granchild her flr mark. Tl.s. I 
 
 was signing seal- v ^ l -» 
 
 ing & delivering. ( ^^^ 
 
 Timothy Portter, J Awowas his mark/^ r ^ -. 
 
 Josiah Hart. ^^ '-"■-' 
 
 ffarmington Octohf ye 12th, Anno Domi : 1714 : Taphow ye 
 younger and his squa ; allso Wowowis all ffarmington Jndians 
 came prsonally before me, and acknowledged this aboue writ- 
 ten Jnstrument — which they have signed and sealed to be thyer 
 own willing free act and deed. 
 
 JOHN HOOKER, Justic. 
 
 By virtue of these deeds, certain inhabitants of Farmington 
 claimed a title to a portion of this township. But it will be ob- 
 served, that their title, whatever it was, was derived from the 
 natives only. And that the title of the Colony, was vested in 
 the Towns of Hartford and Windsor. Those Towns therefore 
 claimed the exclusive right to purchase the Indian title, and on 
 doing so, to survey and sell the Lands. 
 
 The affairs of "The Western Lands," as they were called, 
 were managed by committees severally appointed by those 
 Towns, who acted in conjunction. As early as 1715, those 
 Towns took measures to explore the Township of Litchfield, 
 and to purchase the native rights. Mr. John Marsh of Hart- 
 ford, one of the first settleis of this Town, and the ancestor of 
 the Marshes of Litchfield, was one of the committee appointed 
 for that purpose, by the Town of Hartford. He was an ener- 
 getic and courageous man, and in May 1715 undertook whai 
 was then a perilous journey into the pathless wilderness. His 
 bill as appears from our ancient records was as follows : 
 
 The Town of Hartford Dr., 
 
 To John Marsh, 
 
 May 1715, For 5 days man and horse with expenses 
 
 in viewing the Land at the New Plantation, £2 
 
13 
 
 I find also ihe following charges m;uk' in January follow ing 
 to the Town of Hartford, by a couimitlce for inanagiiig- the af- 
 fairs of the Western Land. 
 The Town of Hartford Dr., 
 
 Jan 22 171 5-1 G, To 6 days jouniey to AV'uodluirv, 
 
 to treat willi the Indians about the '\\'e.s!ern Lands, 
 
 by Thomas Seymour, £l \ 
 
 To expenses in the journey, 1 14 
 
 £Z 18 9 
 The Town of Hartford Dr., 
 
 To Thomas Seymour Committy. 
 May 1716, By 2 quarts of Rum, £0 2 6 
 
 Expenses at Farmington, 4 
 
 Waterbury, 1 7 
 
 Paid Thomas Miner towards the Indian purchase, 7 10 
 Expenses at Woodbury, 2 110 
 
 " for a Pilot and protection, 1 10 
 
 Fastening horse shoes at "Waterbury, 2 
 
 Expenses at Waterbury, 1 S 
 
 The result of the negotiations with ihc Indians, was the sale 
 by them to the Towns of Hartford and Windsor of the Town- 
 ship of Litchfield. For aught that a])pears, it was fairly pur- 
 chased, and we have no evidence that the natives became dis- 
 satisfied with it, or expressed any unwillingness to surrender 
 the possession. They subsequently gave the settlers little trou- 
 ble. The capture of Gri nvold and the murder of Harris wei e 
 the only exceptions, and whether these were the acts of the na- 
 tives of Bantam, or of the fierce and warlike Mohawks who ex- 
 tended their predatory excursions into these regions, and to 
 whom our tribes were tributary, is uncertain. 
 
 The Indian deed of this Town was executed at Woodbury 
 March 2d, 1715, (probably 1716 N. S.) and is as follows, vix: : 
 " To all people to w'hom those presents shall come — Know 
 ye that we Ciiusqunnoag, Corkskrew, Quiump, Magnasii, 
 Kehow, Sepunkum, Poni, Wonposet, Suckqunnokqueen, 
 TowEEcuME, Mansumpansh,Norkgnotonckqut — Indi.m na- 
 tives belonging to the plantation of Potatuck within the Colo- 
 
14 
 
 ny of ConncclicLif, for nnd in consideration of (he sum of fifteen 
 pounds money in hand received to orir full satisfaction and con- 
 tent i.nenf, have given granted bargained and sold and by these 
 presents do fully freely and absolutely give grant bargain sell 
 and confirm, unto Col" William Whiting, Mr. John Marsli, and 
 Mr. Thomas Seymour, a Committee for'the town of Hartford, 
 — Mr. John Eliot, Mr. Daniel Griswold, and Mr. Samuel Rock- 
 well, a Committee for the Town of Windsor, for themselves, 
 and in the behalf of the rest of the Inhabitants of the Tow^ns of 
 Hartford and Windsor, — a certain tract of Land, situate and 
 lying, north of Waterbury bounds, abutting southerly, partly on 
 Waterbury and partly on Woodbury, — from Waterbury River 
 westward cross a part of Waterbury bounds, and cross at the 
 north end of Woodbury bounds to Shepaug River, and so noth- 
 erly, in the middle of Shepaug River, to the sprains of Shepaug 
 River below JSIount Tom, then running up the east branch of 
 Shepaug River, to the place where the said River runs out of 
 Shepaug Pond, from thence to the north end of said Pond, then 
 east to W^aterbury River, then southerly as the River runs, to 
 the north end of Waterbury bounds upon the said River ; which 
 said Tract of Land thus described, To Have and to Hold, to 
 the ^aid Col. W^illiam Whiting, Mr. John Marsh, and Mr. 
 Thomas Seymor, Mr. John Eliot, and Mr. Daniel Griswold, 
 and Mr. Samuel Rockwell, Committees for the Townis of Hait- 
 ford and Windsor, as aforesaid, in behalf of themselves and the 
 rest of the Inhabitants of said Towns, to them, their heirs and 
 assigns, to use occupy and improve, as their own proper right 
 of Inheritance, for their comfort forever ; together w^ith all the 
 privileges, appurtenances and conditions to the same belong- 
 ing, or in any wise appuitaining. And further, we the said 
 Chusqunnoag, Corkscrew, Quiump, Magnash, Keho\v, Sepun- 
 kum, Poni, Wonposet, Suckqunnokqueen, Toweecume, Man- 
 sumpansh, and Norkgnotonckquy, owners and proprietors of 
 the above granted Land, do for ourselves and our heirs, to and 
 with the above said William Whiting, John Marsh, Thomas 
 Seymor, John Eliot, Daniel Griswold, and Samuel Rockwell, 
 committee as aforesaid, them, their heirs and assigns, covenant 
 and engage, that we have good right and lawful authority^ to 
 
1, 
 
 sell the above granted lajid, — and furl!. or, at ihc desire and re- 
 quest of the aforesaid comuiittcc, and al their own proper cost 
 and charge, will give a more ample deed. 
 
 And for a more full confirmation hereof, \ve liave set to our 
 hands and seals, this second day of March, in ihc second year 
 of his Majesties Reign, Aniioq. D. 1715. 
 
 Memorandum ; before the execuling of this instrument, it is 
 
 to be understood, that the grantors above named have reserved 
 
 to themselves a piece of ground sufiicient fur theif huiitiiig 
 
 houses, near a mountain called Mount Torn. 
 
 Signed sealed and deliv- ) ri 
 
 ered in our presence. 5 Chusqunnoag CC::? hisniark. [l.s.] 
 
 Weroamaug p^ his mark. 
 Wognacug z^/^^is mark, 
 
 Tonhocks ~f~his mark. 
 
 John Mitchell 
 Joseph Minor. 
 
 Corkscrewf*^ his mark, [l.s.] 
 Quiump *^-^ his mark, [l..-.] 
 
 Magnash j his mark, [l.s.] 
 Kehow -^-*^ his mark. [l.s.] 
 Sepunkum /^ his maik. [l.s.] 
 
 Poni / ^his mark, [l.s.] 
 
 Wonposet ^-^V'his mark, [l.s.] 
 
 Suckqunnockqueen / his mark. [l,s. ] 
 
 Taweeumc (y/v^ro his mark, [l.s.] 
 
 Mansumpansh \^^ his mark, [l.s.] 
 
 The Indians that subscribed and sealed the above said deed, 
 appeared personally in Woodbury, the day of the date thereol^, 
 and acknowledged the said deed to be their free and voluntary 
 act and deed. " Before me JOHN MINOR, Justice." 
 
 The Committees, named in this deed, conveyed all tlicir in- 
 terest in said Lands, to the Towns of Hartford and Windsor, by 
 Deed dated August 29, 1716. 
 
 The conflicting claims to this Township, betvs'ecn the Towns 
 
IG 
 of Hartford aacl Windsor on the one part, and " certain con- 
 siderable persons in the Town of Fannington," on the other, 
 arising" out of the preceding conveyances, were subsequently 
 aniicably adju.-ted by the parties. The Farmington company, 
 by their attorney John Stanley, on (he 1 Ith of June 1718, con- 
 veyed their interest to the Towns of Hartford and ^rindsor, and 
 ill con>idcration thereof, those individuals were inve^-ted by 
 tho.-e Towns with one sixth part of this Township. 
 
 — ©S?^— 
 
 CHAPTER HI. 
 
 The title to this Township having thus ]:>een entirely vested 
 In the Towns of Hartford and Windsor, and in certain inhabi- 
 tants of Farniington ; in 1718, a company was formed for the 
 settlement of the Town. 
 
 The Township was divided into sixty rights or shares, three 
 of which were reserved for pious uses. Purchasers having 
 been found for the remaining fifty-seven shares, on the 27th of 
 Apiil 1710, Deeds of conveyance of that date, were made, by 
 coiniuittees of the Towns of Hartford and Windsor, and certain 
 inhabitants of Farming Ion, conveying to the purchasers the 
 whole plantation called Bantam. 
 
 Exclusive of three rights reserved for pious uses, the consid- 
 eration paid for forty-eight of the shares, was jC229, 10, in bills 
 of public credit. That paid for seven shares, was c£31,4. 
 The deeds of the above fifty-five shares, are recorded on our 
 Records. How much was paid for the remaining two shares, 
 which Avere purchased by Mr. John Marsh, dues not appear. 
 
 The Towjiship contains about 44,800 acres, and the ])ur- 
 chase money did not exceed one penny three farthings per acre. 
 
 The three home lots, w'ith the divisions belonging thereto, i. 
 c. 1-20 of the whole plantation, devoted to public purposes, 
 Aveie, one home lot with the divisions and conunons thereto 
 pertaining, to the first minister his heirs &c. forever ; one, to 
 
17 
 
 the use of the first minister and his successors ; and one, for 
 the support of the school. 
 
 It was provided in the Deeds, that, *' the Grantees or their 
 sons, should build a tenantable house on each home lot, or on 
 their division, not less than 16 feet scjuaro, and personally in- 
 habit them, by the last day of May 1721, and for three years en- 
 suing ; and do not lease or dispose of their share for five years 
 hereafter, without consent of Inhabitants or first Plantcr^<."* 
 
 The title thus acquired, was immediately after still further 
 confirmed by act of Assembly in May, 1719, as follows, viz : 
 
 " At a General Assembly holden at Hartford, May, A. D. 
 1719: 
 
 Upon the petition of Lieut. John Marsh of Hartford, and 
 Deacon John Buel of Lebanon, with many others, praying 
 liberty, under committees appointed by the towns of Hartford 
 and Windsor, to settle a town westward of Farniington, at a 
 place called Bantam : 
 
 This Assembly do grant liberty, and full power, unto the 
 said John Marsh and John Buel and partners settlers, being in 
 the whole fifty-seven in number, to settle a town at said Ban- 
 tam ; the said town to be divided into sixty rights, three where- 
 of to be improved for pious uses in said town. And the other 
 fifty-seven shall be, as soon as may conveniently be, settled 
 upon by the undertakers, or upon their failure, by others that 
 may be admitted. Said town to be in length, east and west, 
 
 * The grantees were, John Marsh (2 rights,) Samuel Sedgwick, Sen., Nathan- 
 iel Goodwin, Timothy Seymour, Paul Peck, Jr., Joseph Mason, Nathaniel Mes- 
 senger, Benjamin Webster, and Joshua Garritt, of Hartford, — Samuel Forward, 
 Thomas Griswold, Jr., Jacob Gibbs, Joseph Birge, anrl- Benjamin Hosforcl, of 
 Windsor,— John Hart, Timothy Stanley, John Bird, Joseph Bird, Samuel Isewis, 
 Ebenezer Woodruff, Samuel Root, Nathaniel Winchell, and Hezekiah Winchell, 
 of Farmington, — Josiah Walker, Samuel Orton, Joseph Waller, and Isaac Judge- 
 son, of Woodbury, — William Goodrich, Jr., John Stoddard, Ezekiel Buck, and Ja- 
 cob Griswold, of Wcthersfield,— John Biiel, (2 rights,) Fdward Culver, Hezekiah 
 Culver, Thomas Lee, Elizur Strong, Supply Strong, Caleb Chapel, (2 rights,) 
 Thomas Treadaway, and John Calkins, of Lebanon, — Ezekiel Sanford, (2 rights,) 
 Nathan Mitchell, Thomas Pier, John Man, Joseph Pete, and Samuel Somers, of 
 Stratford, — Jonathan Buck, of New-Milford,— Joseph Gillett, of Colchester, all in 
 the Colony of Connecticut, — Nathaniel Smith, (.3 rights,) Ephraim French, and 
 John Collins, of Taunton, in the Province of Massachusetts Bay. 
 
 3 
 
18 
 
 eight miles three quarters and twenty-eight rods, and in breadth 
 seven miles and an half, being bounded eastward by Mattatuck 
 River, westward the bigger part upon the most western branch 
 of the Shepaug River, and partly upon the wilderness, north 
 by the wilderness, and south by Waterbury bounds and a west 
 line from Waterbury corner unto Shepaug River ; said town 
 to be known by the name of Litchfield, and to have the fol- 
 lowing ligure for a brand for their horse kind, viz : 9. And 
 the same power and privileg-es that other towns in this Colony 
 do enjoy, are hereby granted to said town." 
 
 A Patent was afterwards granted to these Proprietors, dated 
 May 19th, 1724, which may be seen in the Appendix. 
 
 The township was originally divided into sixty home lots of 
 fifteen acres each, as near as could conveniently be done, and 
 any deficiency there might be, w^as made up to the owner of 
 the deficient lot, elsewhere; and still farther divided from time 
 to time, into Divisions and Pitches of 4, 20, 60, and lOQ 
 acres, &c. &c. 
 
 A few individuals commenced the settlement of the town in 
 the year 1720. In the year 1721, a considerable number, 
 chiefly from the towns of Hartford, Windsor and Lebanon, 
 moved on to the tract.* 
 
 *The following is a lis 
 
 t of the original settlers who became such during th 
 
 first three years after the setfleirient : 
 
 
 
 Nehcrniah Allen from 
 
 Coventry. 
 
 Joseph Kilborn, 
 
 Wethersfield 
 
 Joseph Birge, 
 
 Windsor. 
 
 Thomas Lee, 
 
 Lebanon. 
 
 John Bird, 
 
 Farmington. 
 
 Joseph Mason, 
 
 Hartford. 
 
 Joseph Bird, 
 
 «« 
 
 John Marsh, 
 
 " 
 
 Ezekiel Buck, 
 
 WetheriSfield. 
 
 Nathan Mitchell, 
 
 Stratford. 
 
 Satniiel I^eebe, 
 
 Fairfield Co. 
 
 Samuel Orton, 
 
 Woodbury. 
 
 Jolm J'ucU, 
 
 Lebanon. 
 
 Edward Phelps, 
 
 Winddor. 
 
 John Baldwin, 
 
 Stratford. 
 
 Thomas Pier, 
 
 Stratford. 
 
 Daniel Culver, 
 
 Lebanon. 
 
 Paul Peck, Jr. 
 
 Hartford. 
 
 Samuel Culver, 
 
 " 
 
 John Peck, 
 
 " 
 
 Hczokiah Culver, 
 
 <( 
 
 .John Stoddard, 
 
 Wethersfield 
 
 Timothy Colling, 
 
 Guillord. 
 
 EleazUr Strong, 
 
 Lebanon. 
 
 John ('atlin, 
 
 Hartford. 
 
 Supply Strong, 
 
 (( 
 
 James Church 
 
 " 
 
 Joseph Sanford, 
 
 Stratford. 
 
 Joseph GiUcM, 
 
 Colchester. 
 
 Lemuel Sanford, 
 
 " 
 
 Aliraham Goodwin, 
 
 Hartford. 
 
 Nathaniel Smith, 
 
 Taunton, Ms. 
 
 Joshua Garritt, 
 
 <' 
 
 John Smith, 
 
 (< 
 
 Benjamin Gibbs, 
 
 Windsor. 
 
 Samuel Smedley, 
 
 Woodbury. 
 
 Jacob (iibbs, 
 
 " 
 
 Thomas Treadway, 
 
 Lebanon. 
 
 William Cjoodvich, Jr 
 
 Wefhcrsfield. 
 
 Benjamin Webster, 
 
 Hartford. 
 
 Jacob Griswold, 
 
 «' 
 
 Josiah ^Valker, 
 
 Woodburv. 
 
 John Gay, 
 
 Dcdham, Ms. 
 
 Joscpli Waller, 
 
 " 
 
 Benjamin Hosford, 
 
 Windsor. 
 
 Nathaniel Woodruff, 
 
 Farmington. 
 
 Joseph Harris, 
 
 Middletown. 
 
 
 
19 
 
 The rliolee of hoine-lots, was decided by lot. The first lot 
 selected was about half a mile south of the Court House, and 
 next to Middle Street, or Gallows Lane. The second was half 
 a mile further south, and on the corner opposite the late resi- 
 dence of Mr. James Prescott. The third three fourths of a 
 mile west of tbe Court House, known as the Sti'ong jilacc. 
 The eleventh choice was the lot thirty rods next west of the 
 County House corner, which subsequently the town voted, was 
 not lit for building a house upon. The Mansion Hohsc corner 
 was the twentieth choice. The corner now owned by Mr. 
 Olivei" Goodwin, was the twenty-fifth choice. The County 
 House corner was the thirty-third choice. Ten lots were se- 
 lected on Chesnut hill, on both sides of the road and lying 
 southerly from the school house near Mr. Eliada Peck's. The 
 last choice (the 57th) was the lot on which the Hotel of Mr. 
 George Bolles now stands. 
 
 The home lot of the first minister, was located on the corner 
 where now stands the dwelling house owned by Mr. Frederick 
 Deming ; and the twenty acre division appurtenant thereto, 
 was laid adjoining on the north, and extended to the iiortb line 
 of the premises occupied by thp late Mr. Eaton Jones. The 
 borne lot and twenty acre division for the use of the fir>t minis- 
 ter and his successors, adjoining on the north. And the home 
 lot and twenty acre division for the school, adjoining the latter 
 on the north. 
 
 The highway from Bantam river, running westerly through 
 the village, was laid out, twenty rods wide, and called Meet- 
 ing House street. That now called North street, twelve rods 
 wide, and w^as called Town street. That now called South 
 street, eight rods wide, and was called Town Hill street, and 
 the east line terminated six rods east of the front of Mr. Oliver 
 Goodwin's dwelling house. That now called Gallows Lane, 
 twenty-eight rods wide, and was called Middle street. That 
 rvmning southerly from the residence of the late Mr. William 
 Ward, four rods wide w^as called South Griswold street ; and 
 that running northerly was 8 rods wide, and called North Gris- 
 wold st reet. That now called Prospect street, twenty rods wide, 
 but soon reduced to seventeen rods, and was called North street. 
 
20 
 
 The first Church, Court House, and School House, stood 
 nearly in the center of Meeting House street, the Court House 
 about opposite the center of Town street, the Church east, and 
 the School House west of the Court House. 
 
 The first white child born in Litchfield was Eunice, the 
 daughter of Jacob Griswold, afterwards the wife of Capt. Sol- 
 omon Buel. She was born March 23, 1721. The first white 
 male child, born in Litchfield, was Gershom Gibbs, on the 28th 
 of July 172L He was taken prisoner at Fort Washington, and 
 died in captivity. His son Gershom, was born July 18, 1750, 
 and died here in September 1843. 
 
 Many persons have died in this town between the age of 90 
 and 100. The mother of the late Judge Adams, was born in 
 Stratford in 1698, and died here in the year 1803, aged 105. 
 Mr. Reuben Dickinson was born in 1 7 1 6, and died here in 1 8 1 8, 
 aged 102. The oldest man now (1845) living here, is Mr. 
 John Hall, a soldier of the Revolution, born February 26, 1754. 
 The next is Mr. Daniel Lamson, also a Revolutionary soldier, 
 born March 28, 1754. 
 
 ■ Q^J'w"^ 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 The first inhabitants of this town, were thoroughly inibucti 
 with a sense of the importance of education, virtue, and relig- 
 ion, to the welfare of themselves, and their posterity. The ex- 
 perience of their forefathers had taught them, that perfect free- 
 dom of opinion and religion, could not be enjoyed under the 
 European Governments ; and they were satisfied that our pecu- 
 liar Institutions could not long survive the virtue and intelli- 
 gence of the people. We according find in the original con- 
 veyances of this plantation, ample provision made for the per- 
 petuation of these blessings. 
 
 In carrying out their original designs, the first settlers of this 
 town brought with them from Lebanon, the Rev. Timothy- 
 Collins, a candidate for the ministry, to preach for them. And 
 
2! -^ 
 
 at the lirst Town Meeting of which we liave a record, viz. on 
 the Gth of November 1721, lie was "called to a settlement in 
 this place, in the Avork of the miniatry." The town then con- 
 stituted but one Ecclesiastical Society, and for many years all 
 votes relative to Ecclesiastical aflairs, were passed iu Town 
 Meeting. In addition to the provision made in the deed, giving 
 him in fee one sixtieth of the whole township, and also the use 
 of another sixtieth part, (which last was called the Parsonage 
 Right,) the Town then voted the following salary, viz : jC57 
 per annum for the first four years, for the fifth .£60, the sixth 
 jC70, the seventh i^80, and to continue at .£80 a year so long 
 as he continued in the work of the ministry here. The Town 
 also voted to give him XlOO, to be paid by the 1st of July then 
 next, and his firewood so long as he continued here in said 
 work. The amount of his firewood for a series of years was by 
 vote to be eigiity cords per annum. This provision (very lib- 
 eral for the times) was accepted by Mr. Collins on the 12th of 
 December 1721 ; he entered upon his labors, was ordained on 
 the 19 til of June 1723, and continued to be the minister of the 
 Congregational Society till the 15th of November 1752, when 
 he was dismissed. He afterwards continued here, acting as a 
 Justice of the Peace, and in the practice Medicine, and died in 
 177G. 
 
 In January 1745-6, a committee was appointed to make sale 
 and give deeds or leases of the Parsonage Right. And in 
 Marcli following the committee sold most or all of that rigljt 
 which was not afterwards leased to Mr. Champion, and con- 
 veyed it in fee simple to sundry individuals. On the 9th of 
 February 1746-7, the town "Voted That the interest money 
 arising upon the bonds for which the Parsonage Right was sold, 
 be towards the payment of Mr. Collins' rate for the current 
 'yc<ar." What disposition was made of the principal, does not 
 appear from the Records. 
 
 On the 26th of February 1753, the Town voted to give the 
 Rev. Judah Champion, a native of East Haddam, a call to set- 
 tle here in the work of the ministry, and to give him jC2000 in 
 old tenor money, for his settlement. And jC800 per annum old 
 tenor money for his salary. 
 
29- 
 
 Mr. Champion accepted the call, was ordained July 4fh 
 1753, and continued in the ministry till 1798. His salary was 
 continued till his decease in 1810, in his 82d year. For the 
 purpose of paying the seltlement of Mr. Champion, it was, on 
 the 14th of June 1753, voted, to lease to him so much of the 
 Parsonage Right as should be necessary for that purpose, for 
 the term of 999 5'ears, And on the 15th of January 1754, a 
 lease of the home lot and twenty acre division adjoining, was 
 given to Mr. Champion, in consideiation of said settlement. 
 
 The School Right was disposed of as follows. On the 29tli 
 :of December 1729, the Town voted, " That the School Right 
 in Litchfield, shall be leased out for the maintainance of a 
 School in said Litchfield, for 999 years ensuing." And also 
 voted, " That the inliabitants of said Litchfield do oblige them- 
 selves and their successors, in y^ recognizance of Ten Thou- 
 sand Pounds lawful money, to give a new lease of said right at 
 the end of said term of 999 years, if there shall be occasion." 
 
 In pursuance of these votes, the committee appointed for 
 that purpose, on the 15th of April 1730, leased to sundry indi- 
 viduals the School right, being one sixtieth of the Town, for 
 999 years. The grantees paying twenty-seven pounds annu- 
 ally for eight years, for the support of the School, and the 9th 
 year, paying to the selectmen four hundred and fifty pounds, to 
 be forever kept for the support of a school in Litchfield. To 
 the lease was annexed, the following '^ P. S. Before signing 
 and sealing, the above inentioned signers and sealers agreed, 
 that whoever occupies and improves all the above land or lands, 
 or any part of them, shall pay all rates and taxes that shall 
 arise upon them or any part of (hem, during the whole term of 
 the lease." And in the year 17G7, it was " voted, to divide the 
 money for which the school right was sold, between the old So- 
 ciety, the Soutli Farms Society, and the Church of England, iu 
 proportion to the list of each part." 
 
23 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 "The Indian name of this Town, was Bantam. It took the 
 name of Litchfield, wlien it was incorporated. The first, foun- 
 ders built log- houses. The settlement proceeded as fast as 
 could be reasonably expected, from (he circumstances. Dur- 
 ing frequent wars between England and France, the Canadians 
 and Indians often harrassed our borders ; and Litchtield, being 
 a frontier town, was exposed to their ravages. 
 
 Between the years 1720 and 1730, five houses were surroun- 
 ded with pallisadoes. One of these stood on the ground near 
 the present Court House, another about half a mile south, one 
 east, and one west of the centre; and one in South Farms. 
 Soldiers were then stationed here to guard the Inhabitants, both 
 while they were at work in the lield, and while they were at- 
 tending public worship on the Sabbath." 
 
 " In May 1722, Capt. Jacob Griswold, being at work alone 
 in afield about one mile west of the present Court House, two 
 Indians suddenly rushed upon him from the woods, took him, 
 pinioned his arms, and carried him off. They travelled in a 
 northerly direction, and the same day arrived in some part of 
 the township now called Canaan, then a wilderness. The In- 
 dians kindled a fire, and after binding their prisoner hand and 
 foot, lay down (o sleep. Griswold fortunately disengaging his 
 hands and feet, while his arms were yet pinioned, seized their 
 guns, and made his escape into the woods. After travelling- 
 a small distance, he sat down anrl waited till the dawn of day ; 
 and although his arms were still pinioned he carried both the 
 guns. The savages awoke in the morning and finding their 
 prisoner gone, immediately pursued him ; they soon overtook 
 him, and kept in sight of him the greater part of the day, while 
 he was making his way homeward. When they came near, 
 he turned and pointed one of his pieces at them ; they then 
 fell back. In this manner he travelled till near sunset, when 
 he reached an eminence in an open field about one mile north- 
 west of the present Court House. He then discharged one of 
 
24 
 
 his guns, which hiimetliatcly summoned tlie people to his assis- 
 tance. The Indians fled, and Griswold safely returned to his 
 family. 
 
 The capture of GrisWold made the inhabitants more cau- 
 tious for a v.'hile ; but their fears soon subsided. In the month 
 of August following, Mr. Joseph Harris, a respectable inhabi- 
 tant, was at work in the Woods alone not far from the place 
 where Griswold was taken ; and being attacked by a party of 
 Indians, atlempted to make his escape. The Indians pursued 
 him ; and finding that they could not overtake him, they shot 
 him dead and scalped him. As Harris did not return, the in- 
 habitants were alarmed, and some search was made for him ; 
 but the darkness of the night checked their exertions. The 
 next morning- they found his body, and gave it a decent burial. 
 Harris Avas killed near the north end of the Plain, where the 
 road turns to Milton, a httle east of a school house now stand- 
 ing ; and for a long time after this plain was called Harris' 
 Plain.*'* The place of his interment remained unmarked for 
 more than a century, but rested in the memory of the older in- 
 habitants. He was buried in the west burial ground, near the 
 village of Litchfield. In 1830 a suitable monument, with an 
 appropriate inscription, Avas erected at his grave by voluntary 
 contribution. 
 
 The summer of 1724, was a period of excitement and a- 
 larm. The war between the English and the French, was 
 then prevailing, and the latter used great efforts to incite the 
 northern Indians, to attack the frontier settlements of the 
 whites. " The conduct of the Indians at the north and west 
 during this year, and especially their hostile movements in the 
 vicinity of Litchfield, induced the government to take such pre- 
 cautionary measures as the occasion demanded, in order to 
 furnish protection to the weak and exposed settlements. A 
 line of scouts was established, extending from Litchfield fo 
 Turkey Hills, curving around the most northerly and westerly 
 settlements in Simsbury, 
 
 On the 4th of June 1724, Capt. Richard Case, of Simsbury, 
 
 * Morris' Statistical account of Litchfield. 
 
25 
 
 was directed to employ fen incn on this scouting- part}', to ren- 
 dezvous at Litchfield. The men employed in this service w eie 
 sergeant Jonathan Holcomb, John Hill, Nathaniel Ilolconib, 
 Joseph Mills, William Buell, Samuel Petiiljone, Joseph Wil- 
 coxson, Benajah Humphrey, Nathaniel Westover, and Charles 
 Humphrey ; all belonging to Simsbury. They continued in 
 the service until early in October."* 
 
 During these difficulties some of the more timid of the In- 
 habitants deserted their posts, and the intcr])osilioJi of the Le- 
 gislature was deemed necessary, and therefore the following 
 enactment was passed, viz : 
 
 "A General Court holden at New-Haven, Oct. 11, 1721. — 
 Upon the Memorial of the Inhabitants of the Town of Litch- 
 field, Bee it Enacted and Ordained, by the Governor, Assist- 
 ants, and Deputies in General Court assembled, and by the 
 authoriiy of the same, that whosoever hath or ought to have 
 been an Inhabitant and is a proprietor of any of the Lands 
 within the said Town of Litchfield, or have deserted and left 
 said Town since difficulties have arisen there on the account 
 of an Enemy, and shall neglect for the space of one month af- 
 ter the rising of this Assembly to return to the said Town and 
 there abide, or send some man in their room and stead to per- 
 form and doe the necessary duties of watching and warding and 
 the like during the continuance of the difficuUies of the warr, 
 shall loose and forfeit all their right and estate in and n[)onany 
 and all of the Lands aforesaid, and their estate, right and in- 
 terest therein unto the Corporation of Connecticutt. And fur- 
 ther, it is provided, that if any other mtui being now a proprie- 
 tor and Inhabitant, or a proprietor and ought to have been an 
 Inhabitant in the said Town, shall hercaOer during the contin- 
 uance of fear and danger of the enemy, desert and leave the 
 said Town, or neglect to repair thither and there personally 
 abide, without constantly providing some other sulficient person 
 in his room and stead, there to perform all duties as before- 
 mentioned in the case of them who have already deserted, 
 shall likewise forfeit their estates in and on all the lands in the 
 Town aforesaid unto this Corporation. And further, it is pro- 
 
 * rhelps' History of Simsbury. 
 4 
 
26 
 
 vided that upon complaint made to the Committee of Warr at 
 Hartford of or against any such deserter, upon their sattisfac- 
 tion of the truth thereof, the said Committee shall declare the 
 forfeiture, and the said Committee are enahleJ to admit any 
 other person who shall goe and abide there in the room of the 
 deserter and perform the necessary duties as aforesaid, and that 
 he shall hereafter receive a grant from this Court of the estate 
 escheated as aforesaid for his further confirmation therein. 
 And it is further, Ordered that five shillings per week shall he 
 allowed for billeting souldiers in Litchfield for the Summer last 
 past." 
 
 — ©©© — 
 
 CHAPTER VL 
 
 Oiie of the earliest public measures of our piotis forefatherff 
 was the construction of a convenient edifice for the public 
 worship of God, " In April 1 723, the inhabitants voted to 
 build their first Church ; and the house was finished within 
 three years. It was built in a plain manner and without a 
 steeple. Its dimensions were 45 feet in length and 35 in 
 breadth." " At the raising of this building all the adult males 
 in the whole township sat on the sills at onee."* The. Church 
 stood in, and a little north of the center of, Meeting-House 
 Street, and nearly opposite the northern extremity of Town 
 Hill Street as it now runs. It was perhaps in view of the 
 construction of this building that the following vote was passed 
 on the 9th day of December 1723, viz : 
 
 "Voted that whosoever shall sell or tranceport any pine 
 bords out of the Town, shall forfit ten shillings per thousand, 
 and in the same proportion for less or bigger quantities ; one 
 half to the complainer, the other half into the town tresuery." 
 
 In imz the second church was completed, and was erected 
 on nearly the same ground occupied by the first. By a vote 
 
 * Moifis' Statistical Account. 
 
27 
 
 ot the town it was to ho 60 foet in K-iivith, 15 in width, witli 
 s^teeplc. In 1829, the present Chureh of the 1st Ecclesiasti- 
 cal Society was tinished, when the second church erected was 
 taken down. 
 
 The members of the Church of England in this town, asso- 
 ciated together for public worship about the year 1746, and it 
 appears from their lecords that the Episcopal Society "was or- 
 ganized according to law, on the 26th of October, A, D. 1784.'* 
 Their first Church was erected nearly opposite the carriage 
 manufactory of Mi". William Lord, about one mile westerly from 
 the Court House. Their Church in the village was cojnpleted 
 in the year 1812. 
 
 The Church of the Methodist Episcopal Society in this vil- 
 lage, was erected in the year 1836, 
 
 The west Burial Ground near the village, was reserved for 
 that purpose at the first settlement of the Town. The east 
 Burial Ground was laid out in 1754; and in 1767, the town 
 granted by vote, "the use and improv^ement of it to Timothy 
 Marsh during the Town's pleasure." 
 
 The first inhabitants of tire Town, were peculiarly careful 
 that none but j)ersons of good character, should be permitted 
 to settle among them. If a stranger made a purchase in the 
 plantation, a proviso was sometimes inserted in the deed, that 
 the Inhabitants should accept of the purchaser, and that he 
 should "run the risk of trouble from the Grand Committee." 
 
 On the 1st of April 1724, it was " voted that the Commite of 
 hartford and Wind.-;or Chouce Inhabitance. In Cace any new- 
 are Brought into town, and the town Judg them not holsome, 
 then to be Judged by Indifrant men, and by them Judged Good 
 inhabitance, the cost to be paid by Litchfield, if not the Cost 
 to be paid by the Commite that made Choice of said Inhabi- 
 tantse." 
 
 Bounties were paid for the destruction of Wolves, Snakes, 
 &c. On the 16th of May 1740, it was " Voted that Avhosoev- 
 er shall Kill and Distroy any Rattle Snakes, within the bounds 
 of the town, any time before the tenth day of December next, 
 bringing the tayl and som of the flesh to any one of the Select- 
 ivien of the town, shall have three pence for each snake." 
 
28 
 
 And for the encouragement of Fisheries, it was on the 12th 
 of April 1779, " on request of Capt. John Marsh, consented, 
 (by vote,) that he might have the exchisive Pickerel Fishing in 
 the Loon Pond, (so called,) for the space of twenty years next 
 after this day, provided he shall at his own expense procure 
 Pickerel to breed and propagate therein, in a reasonable time.'* 
 It seems however, that no advantage was taken of this privilege- 
 Twenty-eight Pickerel were finit procured in the winter of 
 1809, from a Pond in Southwick, Mass., and put into Cranber- 
 ry or Loon Pond, Their progeny have so increased, that they 
 are now taken in great quantities in all the Lakes in the Town- 
 ship, and they are the most valuable Fish in our waters. Our 
 Lakes arc Great Lak<!, the largest in the State, covering about 
 nine hundred acres ; Mount Tom Pond lying partly in Wash- 
 ington, seventy-two acres ; Little Pond, fifteen acres ; Cran- 
 berry Pond, eight acres. Adjoining some of these Lakes, is a 
 large tract of low meadow containing about five hundred acres, 
 which is apparently alluvial. This land was highly esteemed 
 by the first settlers ; so much did they value it, that in making 
 a division of the Township, only four acres of 1 his meadow were 
 at first allotted to each Right. It is said, that for the purpose 
 of destroying the timber then grownng upon these meadows, by 
 flooding, a dam was thrown across the outlet of the Great Lake, 
 in consequence of which the fever and ague prevailed to a great 
 extent. Since the dam was removed, it is doubtful whether a 
 case of that character ever originated in the Township. The 
 quality of the meadows is greatly depreciated, by reason, as has 
 been supposed, of the fact that the dam of the old Paper Mill 
 near the Jambs, (so called,) for many years obstructed in some 
 degree the drainage of the meadows. 
 
 Our highest mountain is Mount Tom, which is about seven 
 hundred feet perpendicular height above the river at its base 
 on the south side. 
 
 " The lands in this Town afiTorded better hunting ground for 
 the Indians than extensive intervals. Many of the hills were 
 nearly cleared of trees by fires kindled for the purpose of hunt- 
 ing." 
 
 The Inhabitants of the Town, arc mostly natives of this 
 
29 
 
 State, and many boa?t of tlioir descent from tlic Puriians of 
 New England. 
 
 "The manners and customs of the liisi s-etilers were plain 
 and simple. Their clothing was of ihcir own domestic manu- 
 facture ; and their food of their own raising. Foreign luxu- 
 ries were scarcely made use of till about the year 1750. Their 
 aumsements were of the most athletic kind." " The fnst use 
 of the violin in this town for a dance was in the year 1718. 
 The whole expense of the amusement, although the young 
 people generally attended, did not exceed one dollar ; out of 
 which the tiddler was paid. When this instance of profusion 
 took place, parents and old people exclaimed, that they should 
 1)6 ruined by the extravagance of the youth. In the year 1798 
 a Ball, with the customary entertainment and variety of music, 
 cost |;160, and nothing \\as said about it. Such has been the 
 did'orence in the manners of Litchfield witliinhalf a century."* 
 
 Slavery can hardly be said to have existed in this town, 
 during the piesent century, and it has for years been extinct. 
 In the year 1800, only seven blacks were accounted slaves, 
 though some born such are still living. During the eighteenth 
 century, however, it existed here in a mild form, as it did in 
 other parts of the State. The records of Wills and Distribu- 
 tions, show, that a considerable proportion of the personal es- 
 tate of the most opulent of our early settlers consisted of ne- 
 gro servants. 
 
 Formerly, by a law of this State, if debtors had no other means 
 to pay their debts, they were assigned in service for that purpose. 
 And it is said to have been common for poor foreigners, who 
 could not pay their passage money, to stipulate with the Cap- 
 tain of the Ship, that he might assign them to raise the money. 
 Persons so assigned, were called Redemptioners, and several 
 were so held in service in this town. Among them was Mat- 
 thew Lyon, a native of Ireland, who was assigned to Hugh 
 Hannah, of Litchfield, for a pair of stag?, valued at £\ 2. Ly- 
 on was afterwards a Member of Congress from Vermont, and 
 from Kentucky, He was convicted under the famous alien 
 
 * M»rris' Statistical Account. 
 
30 
 
 and sedition Irvw, and fined. The fine was subsequently remit- 
 ted by Congress, to him or his heirs. 
 
 "There has been but one instance of murder in this Town, 
 since its first settlement, and that was perpetrated by Jolm Ja- 
 cob, an Indian, upon another Indian in the month of Februa- 
 r}^ 1768. The murderer was executed the same year.* 
 
 There have been but three executions in this town for capi- 
 tal offences ; and these include all which have taken place in 
 the County of Litchfield. The first was the Indian above nam- 
 ed. The second was a man by the name of Barnct Davenport, 
 a native of New Milford, convicted of both murder and arson. 
 lie was executed on the 8lh day of May, 1780, aged twenty 
 years. 
 
 This murder, taken with all the attending circumstances, 
 was one of the most inhuman, atrocious, and horrible deeds 
 ever perpetrated in New England. From the criminal's own 
 confession, it appears that his parentage and early education, 
 were exactly calculated to produce his wicked life, and tragical 
 end. Untutored and unrestrained by parental government, he 
 was left to grow up at random. In the morning of life, no mor- 
 ality was inculcated on him, and no sense of religion, either by 
 precept or example. On the contrary he was from early 
 years, unprincipled, profane, and impious. Before he was nine 
 years old, he was expert in cursing and swearing, and an adept 
 at mischief. At eleven years he began to pilfer; at thirteen 
 he stole money ; at fifteen he entertained thoughts of murder, 
 and rapidly waxed harder and bolder in wickedness. At nine- 
 teen he actually murdered a family in cold blood. As a friend- 
 less, \vandering stranger, he was taken into the house of Mr. 
 Caleb Mallory, of Washington, and treated with the utmost 
 kindness, in the month of December, 1779. Scarcely had two 
 
 * Some years since, when rebuilding a house on the Harwinton Turnpike road, 
 near Spruce Brook, formerly occupied by one Graves, the workmen, under the 
 bedroom floor, disinterred the bones of a man in very good preservation. It was 
 supposed that the remains were those of a pedlar or tiddler who had been mur- 
 dered. A Court of Enquiry was held, but the investigation did not lead to the 
 discovery of the murderer. Some suspicious circumstances seemed to point out 
 the guilty person, but enough was not proved to justify his arrest. 
 
tnonths elapsed, before the inurJer a\ a? dclerminecl upon. 
 The night of (he 3d of February, 17S0, Avas fixed on to ex- 
 ecute the horrid purpose. With a heart hard as adamant, he 
 hghted a candle, went into the lodg-ing room of his benefactors, 
 and beat them to death with a chib. A httle grand-child, be- 
 ing with its grand-parents, shared the same fate ; and two oth- 
 ers were left in sound sleep to perish in the flames. Having 
 kindled a fire in three of the rooms, he tied, after robbing- the 
 house of its most valuable articles, Irom the murdered family 
 and liurning house. But from an accusing conscience, and 
 from the hand of justice, which followed hard upon his steps, he 
 was unable to flee. He was taken, and executed by the sen- 
 tence of court, the May ensuing, at Litchfield. 
 
 The third was a man named Goss, for murdering bin wife, in 
 one of the northern towns of this County. The sentence of 
 death was pronounced upon an inhabitant, though not a na- 
 tive of this town, named Washburn, for bestiality, in the year 
 1801.* But the evening before the day appointed for his 
 execution, he put an end to his own life by taking laudanum."f 
 In 1832, Robert Cantine of Goshen, was tried here for the 
 murder of his wife, was convicted, and sentenced to be 
 hung. Owing however to certain mitigating circumstances, 
 his sentence was commuted by the Legislature, to imprison- 
 ment for life in the State Prison. In 1835, Agostinho Rabello, 
 a native of Portugal, was indicted for the murder of a lad in 
 Washington, named Ferris Beardslee. He was acquitted by 
 the Jury, solely on the ground of insanity. Rabello was sub- 
 sequently confined lor safe keeping, in our County Prison, and 
 afterwards by special act of the Legislature, in the State Prison. 
 
 * It was in 1799. f Morris Statistical Account. 
 
32 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 Few towns in the State so far inland, suffe^red more in pro- 
 portion to their population, tlian Litchfield, during- the Revo- 
 lutionary War. Almost every man of suitable ag'e and ability 
 was ready and willing- to aid in person and otherwise, our infant 
 Republic in its struggles for existence. With few exceptions, 
 the purest Patriotism pervaded all, attended with a perfect 
 understanding of their Chartered Rights and Privileges. Their 
 hearts were loyal to their sovereign, but they would not submit 
 to Tyranny, and were prompt to sustain their brethren in other 
 Colonies, in resistance to unconstitutional oppression. 
 
 The spirit manifest in the following proceedings of this Town, 
 (drawn up by Gov. Wolcott, a signer of the Declaration of 
 Independence,) upon the blockade of Boston, before the War 
 of the Revolution, renders them worthy of remembrance. 
 
 "The Inhabitants of Litchfield, in legal Town Meeting as- 
 sembled, on the 17th day of August 1774, taking into conside- 
 ration the Distress to Avhich the Poor of the Town of Boston, 
 may likely be reduced, by the operation of an Act of the Brit- 
 ish Parliament, for Blocking up their Port, and deeply commis- 
 erating the unhappiness of a brave and loyal People, who are 
 thus eminently suffering in a General Cause, for vindicating 
 what every virtuous American considers an essential Right of 
 this Country, think it is their indispensible Duty, to afford their 
 unhappy distressed brethren of said Town of Boston, all rea- 
 sonable Aid and Support ; and this they are the more readily 
 induced to do, not only as the Inhabitants of said Town are 
 thus severely condemned for their reluctance to submit to an 
 arbitrary, an unconsented to, and consequently unconstitutional 
 Taxation, but the whole of the great and loyal Province of the 
 Massachusetts Bay, have been condemned unheard, in the loss 
 of their Charter Privileges, by the heretofore unknown and 
 unheaid of exertions of Parliamentary Powers, which they 
 conceive is a Power claimed and exercised in sucli a manner 
 as cannot fail of striking every unprejudiced mind with Horror 
 
ami Amazement, as being snbvcrsivc of all those inherent, es- 
 sential and Constitutional Rights, Liberties and Privileges, 
 which the good people of this Colony have ever held sacred, 
 and even dearer than Life itself, nor ever can wish to survive ; 
 not onl)'^ every idea of Property, but every emolument of civil 
 life, being thereby rendered precarious and uncertain. 
 
 In full confidence therefore, that no Degree of Evil thus intlic- 
 ted on said Town and province, will ever induce them to give 
 up or betray their own and the American constitutional Rights 
 and Privileges, especially as they cannot but entertain the 
 most pleasing Expectations, that the Committees of the seve- 
 ral North American Provinces, who are soon to meet at Phila- 
 delphia, will in their wisdom, be able to point out a Method of 
 Conduct, effectual for obtaining Redress of their grievances, a 
 method to which, (when once agreed upon by said Committee) 
 this Town will look upon it their duty strictly to attend. And 
 in the mean time earnestly recommend, that subscriptions be 
 forthwith opened in this Town, under the care of Reuben 
 Smith, Esq., Capt. Lynde Lord, and Mr. William Stanton, who 
 are hereby appointed a Committee to receive and forward to the 
 Selectmen of Boston, for the use of the Poor in that place, all 
 such Donations as shall be thereupon made for that purpose ; 
 as also to correspond with the Committee of Correspondence 
 there or elsewhere, as there may be occasion. 
 
 We also take this opportunity public kly to return our thanks 
 to the members of the Honorable House of Representatives of 
 this Colony, for their patriotic and loyal Resolutions, passed 
 and published in the last Assembly on the occasion, and order 
 them to be entered at large on the public Records of this Town, 
 that succeeding ages may be faithfully furnished with authen- 
 tic Credentials of our inflexible attachment to those inestima- 
 ble Privileges, which we and every honest American glory in 
 esteeming our unalienable Birthright and Inheritance," 
 
 Upon the commencement of the W'ar, this Town with vigor 
 entered into the contest. The principal business at Town 
 Meetings for several years, seems to have been the adoption of 
 measures to sustain the cause, and to carry into effect the or- 
 ders and acts of the Council of Safety, and of the Legislature ; 
 
 5 
 
24 
 
 soldier.s were encouiageci to enlist; their pay was guaranteed" 
 by tlie Town ; bounties were granted them ; provisions were 
 provided for their Families, and clothing for the soldiers. In 
 the year 1777, eight coutinentai Battalions were raised in this 
 State, of which the Quota belonging to this Town was 92. 
 
 A large proportion of those taken Prisoners at Fort Washing- 
 ton, were from this Town ; abou4; thirty of whom died in the 
 Prison ships, and other Prisons in New York. Throughout the 
 War, our young men were constantly enlisted into the Army. 
 The Militia were fally organized, and drafts, were continually 
 made upon them. In times of alarm they would turn out all- 
 most en masse. Our Litchfield Troops, were found at the cap- 
 ture of New York,- on the Connecticut coast, on the Hudson, 
 at Boston, at Ticonderoga, and Crown Pointy at the surrenders 
 of Burgoyne and Cornwallis, the capture of Stoney Point, in 
 the Battles of White Plains, Trenton, and Princeton,, and in al- 
 most erery military transaction, worthy of note, during the 
 eventful struggle. 
 
 The following is from- a paper of Payne K. Kilbourn : 
 " We recently had put into our hands several MSS., left by 
 the late Col. Bezaleel Beebe, of Litchfield, from which \Ve 
 glean the following facts and names. The annexed document, 
 which sufficiently explains itself, contains the autographs of 
 each individual whose name is attached to it. This regiment, 
 which, it will be seen, was raised previous to the Declaration 
 of Independence, was designed for the defence of New York. 
 When it was known that Capt. Beebe had received orders to 
 raise a company for that service, the enthusiasm of the Whi^ 
 Was unbounded. A veteran v*'ho died within the last few years, 
 stated that Y,hen the news reached' him, he started on a run for 
 the captain's head quarters, fearing the roll would be full before 
 he arrived. Capt. B. received' his orders on a Sunday, and' by 
 the following Saturday, the company had been raised, armed 
 And equipped, and were on the march toward Fairfield. 
 
 We the Subscribers being convinced of the Necessity of a 
 body of Forces to defeat certain Wicked Purposes, formed by 
 the Instruments of Ministerial Tyranny, do solemnly engage 
 ourselves and Inlist as Private Soldiers, in a Regiment to be 
 
315 
 
 C-ommandcd by Col. Andrew Ward, Jr., under (he command 
 /of Maj'r General Lee, for the Term of Eij^ht Weeks at tlie ut- 
 most, from the Day we March from Fairfield, which is the 
 piace of RendevouE ; the Hon'ble Maj'r General Lee having 
 'Given his Word and Honor, that we shall not be Detained a 
 /sinafle Day after said Term. 
 
 Dated al Litchfield^ 2\st day of January, 17.7G. 
 
 Briant Stoddard, 
 James Woodruff, 
 Oliver Woodrulf, 
 Phineas Goodwin, 
 
 Caleb Munson, 
 Abraham Wadhams, 
 Martin Nash, 
 Oliver Griswold, 
 Zadock Gibbs, Jr. 
 Josiah Bartholomew, Jr. 
 George Dear, Jr. 
 Elisha Mayo, 
 Nathaniel Newell, 
 .Luman Bishop, 
 Asaph Benham, 
 
 Joseph Finney, 
 Peleg Holmes, 
 Alexander Sackett, 
 Joel Barnes, 
 ^ebedee Sturtevant, 
 Martin Curtiss, 
 
 Elihu Harrison, 
 Roger N. Whittlesey, 
 Charles Woodrutf, Jr. 
 Joseph Sanford. 
 
 George Dear, - 
 Jacob Gay lord, 
 Abram Beach, 
 Elihu Grant, 
 'Ichabod Tuttle, 
 Chauncey Beach, 
 Jesse Stanley, 
 Adino Hale, 
 Allen Lucas, 
 William Starr, 
 
 Heber Gilbert, Jr. 
 ZebuUm Palmer, 
 Joseph Peters, 
 (Luther Comstock, 
 Daniel Swan, 
 Truman Gilbert, 
 Levi Swan. 
 
 Heman Brown, 
 
 Those who have a knowledge of the leading men in Litch- 
 tneld county fifty or sixty years ago, will recognize in the above 
 list, the names of many of her most prominent and influential 
 citizens — men of wealth and enterprise, who, though surround- 
 ed by the endearments of domestic life, voluntarily enlisted as 
 private soldiers in that dangerous expedition. They were 
 mainly from the towns of Litchfield, Torrington, Goshen and 
 Warren, and were all enlisted from the 21st to the 25th of 
 January. 
 
 Litchfield, i6th Januanj, J. D. 1776. 
 
 We the subscribers, being requested to apprise the Arms 
 ibelonging to Capt. Bezaleel Beebe's company, in Col. Andrew 
 Ward's Regt., going on an ex.pedition to New York under the 
 
36 
 
 command of General Cli. Lee ; we accordingly apprised the 
 same, being first duly sworn, viz : 
 
 [We omit the figures.] 
 Elihu Harrison's Gun, Bayonet and Cartridge Box, in his own 
 
 hands. 
 Roger N. Whittlesey's Gun, in the hands of Briant Stoddard. 
 Joseph Sanford's Gun, Bayonet and Belt in his own hands. 
 Nathaniel Allen's Gun, Bayonet and Belt in his own hands. 
 Obed Stodder's Gun, Bayonet, Cartridge box and belt. 
 Joshua Smith's Gun in his own hands. 
 Zebulon Bissell's Gun in his own hands. 
 James Woodruff's Gun carried by Stephen Brown. 
 Phineas Goodwin's Gun, Bayonet an(! Belt. 
 Whiting Stanley^s Gun carried by James Cramplon. 
 Oliver Woodruff's Gun carried by himself. 
 Hezekiah Agard's Gun carried by John Lyman. 
 Jedediah Strong's Gun, Bayonet and Belt carried by William 
 
 Patterson, 
 Jedediah Strong's Gun carried by Frederick Stanle3% 
 Lieut. Jonathan Mason's Cartridge box. 
 Samuel Canfield's Gun carried by himself. 
 Noah Garnsey's Gun carried by T. Weed. 
 Sergt. Ben j. Bissell's Gun and Bayonet carried by himself. 
 Asa Osborn's Gun and Cartridge box carried by himself. 
 Jedediah Strong's Gun carried by Benj. Taylor. 
 Reuben Sinhh, Esq.'s Gun, Bayonet, Case and Belt carried by 
 
 Capt. Beebe. 
 
 Capt. John Osborn's Gun carried by Moses Taylor. 
 
 Abraham Bradley, ) . 
 rri r^ f Apprisers 
 
 Ihomas Catlin, > .-u 
 
 r\ c< V ou oath. 
 
 Ubed Stoddor. j 
 
 At a later date of the same year, (1776,) thirty-six picked 
 men were placed under command of Capt. Beebe, to aid in the 
 defence of Fort Washington, near New York. On the 1 6lh of 
 November, as is well known, the Fort, after a desperate resis- 
 tance on the part of its defenders, fell into the hands of the 
 British, and all the Americans were either killed or made pris- 
 oners. The subsequent treatment and sufferings of the pris- 
 oners, (who were confined in the Sugar House and on boaid 
 the prison-ships,) is perhaps without a parallel in the history of 
 the wars of any civihzed nation. Crowded into a narrow 
 space, without air, and for the first two days without food, con- 
 tagion and death was the natural consequence. The dysenta- 
 ry, small pox, and other terrible diseases broke out among 
 
them, and very ^ew of the whole number surviveil the terrible 
 ordeaL On ihe 27th of Dccendjcr, an excl-.ang-c of jiorsons 
 took place ; but only eight, of those who survived, (viz. Marsh, 
 Woodniir, R. Loomis, B. Beach, N. Beach, Maishall, Brunson 
 and Benedict, were able to sail for Connecticut, — four of whom, 
 (Marsh, B. Beach, Marshall and Loomis,) died on the way. 
 The remainder of those who were living at that date, being too 
 sick to be removed, were left behind, Avhere all, with a singhi 
 exception, (Sergt. Mather,) died within a (c\v days — most of 
 them with the small pox. 
 
 Here follow the names of the soldiers alluded to. The notes 
 prefixed, appear to liave been added at the dillerent periods 
 corresponding with the dates. 
 
 ^An Account of the Prisoners Jfames and Places of Confinement. 
 Seigt. Cotton Marther, returned home. 
 Sergt. David Hall, died of the small pox on board the Grosve- 
 
 ner, Dec. 11, 177G. 
 Elijah Loomis, died. 
 
 Gershom Gibbs, died on board the ship, Dec. 29, 177G. 
 Timothy Stanly, died on board the ship, Dec. 2G, 177G. 
 Amos Johnson, died Dec. 26, 1776. 
 Timothy Mar?h, died on his way home. 
 Berius Beach, died on his way home. 
 Samuel Vaill, died on board the Grosvener, Dec. 27, 1776. 
 Nathaniel Allen, died of the small ])0X, Jan. 1, 1777. 
 Enos Austin, died of the small pox, Dec. 4, 1776, in the evening. 
 Gideon Wilcoxson, died. 
 Thomas Mason, reached home. 
 Alex'r McNicl, died. 
 
 Daniel Smith, died in New York, of small pox. Jan. I, 1777. 
 Noah Beach, reached home. 
 Daniel Benedict, reached home. 
 Isaac Gibbs, died Jan. 15, 1777. 
 Oliver Marshal, died on his way home. 
 Solomon Parmely, went on board the ship, and I fear he is 
 
 drowned, as I cannot find liim. 
 David Olmsted, died Jan. 4, 1777. 
 Jered Stuart, died Jan. 26, 1777, in the morning'. 
 
38 
 
 Jolin Lyman, dic<l Jan. 26, 1777. 
 
 Elisha Brovviison, died on his way home, 
 
 The above Prisoners are ct Livingston's Sii^ar House, 
 
 Zebulon Bissel, died at Woodbury on iiis way home. 
 
 Aaron Stoddard, died Jan. 12, 1777. 
 
 John Parnieiy, died Jan. 15, 1777. 
 
 Joel Taylor, died Jan. 9, 1777. 
 
 James Little, reached home. 
 
 Phineas Goodwin, died Jan. 5, !777. 
 
 The above at the Church called the JVori/i Church. 
 
 Oliver Woodruff, reached home. 
 Remembrance Loomis, died on his way home. 
 The above at Bridwell. 
 
 The above Prisoners belong to Capt. Beebe's Company, 
 Col. Bradley's Regiment. 
 
 Corp'l Sam'l Coe, '] Were either killed or 
 Jeremiah Weed, (made their escape from 
 Joseph Spencer, f Fort Washington, on the 
 John Whiting, J 16th of Nov. 1776.' 
 Capt. Beebe, the commander of the above company, in con- 
 sideration of his office, was allowed the limits of the city, but 
 was compelled to provide himself with food, lodging, &c., or 
 go without. He was accustomed to visit his men daily, so long 
 as any remained, but could do little to alleviate their wretched 
 condition. He was not exchanged wiih other prisoners, but 
 was confined within the 'limits' for about a year, at his own 
 expense." 
 
 I have recently found a Deposition made on the the Sd of 
 May, 1777, before Andrew Adams, Esq., J. P., by Mr. Thomas 
 Catlin, of this Town, (the Father of Doct. Abel Catlin,) who 
 was a Lieutenant in the American Army at New York in 1776. 
 Lieut. Catlin gives this account, iu substance, of the treatment 
 of himself and others by the British, viz : 
 
 That he was taken a Prisoner by the British Troops on 
 New York Island, Sept. 15, 1776, and confined with a great 
 number in close Gaol, eleven days ; that he had no sustenance 
 for forty-eight hours after he was taken, that for eleven whole 
 days they had only about two days allowance, and their Pork 
 
89 
 
 tv'as offensive to the smell. That forty-two were confined m 
 one house, till Fort Washington was taken, when the house 
 Avas crowded with other Prisoners. After which they were 
 informed they should have two-thirds allowance, which consist- 
 ed of very poor Irish Pork, Bread hard, mouldy and wormy, 
 made of canail and dregs of llax seed. That the British Troops 
 had good bread. Brackish water wa^ given to the Prisoners, 
 and he had seen $1 50 given for a common pail of water. On- 
 ly between three and four lbs. of Pork was given three men 
 for three days. That for near three months, the private sold- 
 iers were confined in the Churches, and in one were eight hun- 
 dred and fifty. That about the 25th of December, 177G, he 
 and about two hundred and twent3'-five others, were put on 
 board the Glasgow at New York, to be carried to Connecticut for 
 exchange. They were on board eleven days, and kept on 
 black coarse broken bread, and less pork than before. Twen- 
 ty-eight died during the eleven days I They were treated 
 with great cruelty, and had no fire for sick or well. They 
 were crowded between decks, and many died through hard- 
 ship, ill usage, hunger and cold. 
 
 The following facts appear in a letter written by Doct. Reu- 
 ben Smith, dated at Litchfield, May 12Lh, 1777, relating to the 
 Danbury alarm, &:c. : 
 
 " Sunday morning, 27th April, about one o'clock, we were 
 alarmed ; our people turned out spiritedly ; came up with rear 
 of the enemy about eleven the next day, a little below Wilton 
 Meeting House, and pursued them aboard their* ships. Paul 
 Peck was killed in the last attack on the enemy. Levi Peck, 
 Thomas Peck's son, was wounded in the shoulder about the 
 same time ; in Wilton, Ozias Goodwin was wounded in the 
 arm, and Salmon Buel had one of his thighs broken, and the 
 other shot through with the same ball. 
 
 The infamous Daniel Griswold, came into the western part 
 of the Town, the morning before the alarm, and was there con- 
 cealed till Monday, and took off to join the ministerial army, 
 David Kilborn, Benjamin Kilborn's son Cha's, Isaac Kilborn's 
 son Abraham, and Samuel Kilborn son to Giles Kilborn, Jon- 
 athan Smith, Jr., and his brother Elisha, (who was enlisted in 
 
40 
 
 the light horse.) Davkl Joy, Ephraim Bates, Benjamin Doolit- 
 tie, Josiah Stone, and John Davies' youngest son David, and 
 one John Beach of AVoodliury who lived at Josiah Stone's. 
 
 The Wednesday following they were taken, (except Benja- 
 min Doolittle, and Charles Kilborn, who it is said were killed in 
 attempting to escape,) and were carried to Derby, where they 
 were tried by a Court Martial, and Griswold was sentenced to 
 be hanged ; which sentence was executed the Monday follow- 
 ing, at New Haven. The rest were })ardoned, upon their en- 
 listinir into the Continental Armv durins; the War. 
 
 Governor Franklin, is confined in our Gaol, and a constant 
 Guard is kept. We trust he will find it difficult to escape, 
 should he attempt it. I understand, he utterly denies the 
 charge of dispensing Pardons and Protections." 
 
 Of Paul Peck, alluded to in the Letter of Doct. Smith, it is 
 said, " he was the most expert hunter of the time in which he 
 lived. At the Danbury Alarm, he put his large Gun in order, 
 and followed the enemy to Compo, on their retreat, and took 
 a station behind a stone wall, and every shot told, until he was 
 rushed upon by the enemy, who took his gun from him and 
 dashed his brains out with it." He was killed April 28th, 1777, 
 aged about seventy-five years. 
 
 Duiing the War, Litchfield was a place of deposite, for Pro- 
 visions, and other Continental Stores. Workshops for the Ar- 
 my were established here, and Prisoners of War were confined 
 in our Prison. 
 
 Mr. Matth'ews, the English Mayor of New York, was here 
 as a prisoner of War. The first pleasure carriage, [a chair,] 
 brought into this Town, was by him presented to Mrs. Major 
 Seymour, whose husband had the custody of the Mayor, and 
 was in use as lately as A. D. 1812. The Mayor's Travelling 
 Trunk, is still in this town in the possession of one of Major Sey- 
 mour's descendants. Mr. Franklin, the gentleman spoken of 
 by Doct. Smith as being confined in our Gaol, was the British 
 Governor of New Jersey. 
 
 An Equestrian statue of King George the 3d was during the 
 War transported to Litchfield, to be cast into Bullets for the use 
 of our armj'. The Statue was imported from London. Among 
 
41 
 
 the Archives of the British Government, Mr, John RomeVn 
 Brodhead-, the agent of tlie State of New York to procure Doc- 
 uments in Europe relative to the Colonial History of that State, 
 recently found Letters giving an accoimt of the erection of the 
 Statue and of its demolition, from which I make the following 
 extracts, viz : 
 Extract from a Letter from Lieut. Gov. Cadwallader Coldcn to 
 
 Lord Hillsborough. Dated New-York. August 18, 1770. 
 
 "An equestrian guilt statue of the King, made by direction 
 of, and purchased by this Colony, came over in one of the last 
 ships from London. On Thursday last it was opened to view, 
 erected on its proper pedestal, in a square near the Fort, and 
 fronting the principial street of the city. I was attended on 
 this occasion by the gentlemen of the Council, and members 
 of Assembly, then in town, the magistrates of the city, the 
 clergy of all denominations, and a very larg-e numbiM- of the 
 principal inhabitants. Our Loyalty, firm attachment and af- 
 fection to his Majesty's person was expressed by drinking the 
 King's health, and along continuance of his reign, under a dis- 
 charge of 32 pieces of cannon, a band of music playing at the 
 same tirne from the ramparts of the fort. The General and 
 and officers of the army gave us the honor of their company on 
 the occasion. The whole company walked in procc-sion 
 from the fort, round the statue, while the spectators expiessed 
 their joy by loud acclamations, and the procession having re- 
 turned with me to the fort, the ceremony concluded with great 
 cheerfulness and good humour." 
 
 Extract fiom a Letter of Governor Tryon to Lord George 
 
 Germain. 
 " Ship Duchess of Gordon, ) 
 
 Off Staten island, 14th August, 1776. } 
 *' The confederate Colonics have declared themselves inde- 
 pendent States. Enclosed is a printed copy of their declar- 
 ation of Independency, which was published through the 
 streets of New-York the middle of last month, where the 
 King's statue has been demolished, as well as the King's arms 
 in the City Hall, the established churches shut up, and every 
 veatf^c of Royalty, so far as has been in ihe ptowsr of the Reb- 
 
 5 
 
4i 
 
 els, done away. The poisons of the JSIayois of the cities of 
 York and Albany, Judges, Counsellors, Magistrates and prin- 
 cipal gentlemen of the country that are not in rebellion, seized 
 and secured, and even down to the meanest planters persecu- 
 ted and tyrannized over. 
 
 The whole armament destined for this part of America, ex- 
 cept the last division of the Hessions, being now assembled 
 here, I expect, by the courage and strength of this noble army, 
 tyranny will be crushed and legal government restored." 
 
 Tyranny was indeed crushed and legal government restored^ 
 but not }3i'ecisely in the manner anticipated by Gov. Tryon. 
 
 A paper read before the New-York Historical Society, in 
 October 1844, by George Gibbs, Esq., gives this further ac- 
 count of the representative of his Majesty. 
 
 "Account of the statue of George III., formerlt 
 
 STANDIN(5 IN the BoWLING GrEEN, NeW YoRK. 
 
 Most of the members are probably aware that an equestrian 
 statue of King George III. stood upon the Bowling Green, in 
 this city, prior to the Revolution, and was overthrown soon af- 
 ter its commencement. I believe, however, that its subsequent 
 fate has never been recorded, and having in my possession a 
 paper giving authentic information on the subject, I have sup- 
 posed that the royal effigy might be worth a brief obituary. 
 
 Holt's (New York) Gazette, as quoted by Mr. Dunlap, gives 
 the following notice of its erection : 
 
 'August 21st, 1770, being the birth day of Prince Frederick, 
 the father of George III., an elegant equestrian statue of his 
 present Majesty, George III. was erected in the Bowling Green, 
 near Fort George. On this occasion the memb<!rs of his Maj- 
 esty's Council, the City Corporation, the Corporation of the 
 Chamber of Conuncrcc, the Corporation of the Marine Socie- 
 ty, and most of the gentlemen of the City and army waited on 
 his honor, the Lieutenant. Governor C. Colden, in the Fort, at 
 his request ; v.hen his Majesty's and othiu- loyal healths were 
 drank under a discharge of thirty-two pieces of cannon, from 
 the Battery, accompanied with a band of music. This beauti- 
 ful statue is made of metal, (Dunlap says by way of parenthe- 
 
43 
 
 ■sis, "■' ("lie writer did not on such an occasion like to say ichal 
 metal represented his royal majesty, the best of Kings ; if was 
 lead'') beings the first equestrian one of his present majesty, and 
 is (he workmanship of that celebrated statuary, Mr, Wilton of 
 London.' 
 
 S3'"mptoras of disloyalty, betokening revolution I presume, 
 soon manifested themselves in the rude treatment of the effigy, 
 for on the Gth February, 1773, (13th Geo. III. Ch. 1580,) an 
 act was passed *to prevent the defacing the statues which are 
 erected in the city of New York.'' 
 
 Upon the above account of Holt's, Mr. Dunlap observes: 
 
 'This statue stood till sometime in 1776. I saw it in 1775. 
 In 1776 it was thrown down, and tradition says converted into 
 bullets to resist his gracious majesty's soldiers when sent to en- 
 force the doctrine of ' the sovereignty of British Parliament over 
 the Colonies in all cases whatsoever,' the doctrine of Mr. Pitt, 
 Lord Chatham, which he died in an effort to enforce. .The 
 pedestal stood until long after the Revolution. No fragment 
 of the horse or liis rider was ever seen after its overthrow, and 
 ''O completely had the memory of this event (the creeling the 
 only ecpiestrian statue ever set up in New York) been lost, that 
 I have never found a person who could tell me on what occa- 
 sion it was ordered, or when placed in the Bowling Green.' 
 
 In fact so much was the statue forgotten, tbat Watson in his 
 sketches (p. 30,) has entirely mistaken the personage repre- 
 sented. Speaking of the overthrow, he says with a curious re- 
 vival of tory feeling : ' My friend, Mr. John Baylie was present 
 in April, ^76, and saw the degrading spectacle. He saw no 
 decent people present ; a great majority were shouting boys. 
 The insult, if so meant, was to the dead, as the statue was of 
 •deorge H., our most gracious King.' 
 
 Some cotemporary notices of the destruction of this effigy 
 have been pointed out to me, which I will cite, and which will 
 show that Watson was wrong not merely us to the person, but 
 as to the time of its occurrence, which was immediately after 
 the news of the declaration of Independence. The first is 
 from a book of general orders issued by Washington, the origi- 
 nal of which is in the possession of the Society. It is as follows ; 
 
44 
 
 ^ July 10. Tlio' the General doubts not the persons who 
 pulled down and mutilated the statue in Broadway last night, 
 acted in the public cause, yet it ha"S so much the appearance of 
 riot and want of order in the army, that he disapproves the 
 manner and directs that in future these things shall be avoided 
 by the soldiery and left to be executed by proper authority.' 
 
 The next is in a letter from Ebenezer Hazard to General 
 Gates, dated July 12th, 1776, which will be found among the 
 Gates papers, also in the Society's Collection, and is as follows : 
 *The King of England's arms have been burned in Phila- 
 delphia and his statue here has been pulled down to make mus- 
 ket balls of, so that his troops xcill probably have melted majcsiy 
 fired at them.'' 
 
 Another is in a letter from New York, of July 11th, 1776, 
 published in the New Hampshire Gazette of the 20th. 
 
 'New York, July 11. Last Monday evening the equestri- 
 an statue of George HI., with tory pride and folly raised in the 
 year 1770, was by the Sons of Freedom laid prostrate in the 
 dust, the just desert of an ungrateful tyrant. The lead where- 
 with this monument is made is to be lun into bullets, to assim- 
 ilate with the brains of our infatuated adversaries, who to gain 
 a peppercorn, have lost an empire. Qiiem Deus vult perdere, 
 prius dementat. A gentleman who was present at the ominous 
 fall of leaden majesty, looking back to the original's hopeful 
 beginning, pertinently exclaimed in the language of the angel 
 to Lucifer ' If thou be'est he ; but ah, how fallen ! how chan- 
 ged ! !" 
 
 A note to this letter by the editor marks the allusion to Lord 
 Clare's declaration in Parliament, that a peppercorn in acknowl- 
 edgement of Biitain's right to tax America, was pf jiiore imporr 
 tance than millions without it. 
 
 The destruction ot the statue is also alluded to and incor- 
 rectly attributed to General Washington in a smutt)' tory pro- 
 duction, entitled *The Battle of Brooklyn, a farce in two acts, 
 as it was performed on Long Island, on Tuesday, the 27th day 
 of August, 1776, by the Representatives of the Tyrants of 
 of America assembled at Philadelphia : New York, printed for 
 J. liivington, in the year of the Rebellion, 1776.' 
 
45 
 
 Beily, a servant of ' Latly Gate^',' is roprcs-cnted as compli- 
 menting General Washington in this wise : 
 
 Betty. ' Lord ! Lord ! nicni, did he not make codfish of 
 them all at Boston ! and has he not seen tory men rid upon 
 rails at New York by the tailors and cohlers of the town ? And 
 more, my Lady, did he not order the King's statue to l)e pullrd 
 down and the l)ead cut oiYI For God's sake, mem, what 
 would'st have of a hero V 
 
 Lady G. ^Codfish at Boston! It is really an odd term 
 Betty ; but he did no more than that old fool Putnam would 
 have done. His not forbidding that insult to humanity at New 
 York, was countenancing an act of barbarism, and none but a 
 little minded barbarian would have suflcred the arts to be tram- 
 pled under foot as he did, in the case of the king's statue.' 
 
 Mr. Stephen's (Incidents of Travelii) Russia, Lc, vol. 2, p. 
 23,) mentions having met with a curious memorial of its des- 
 truction, and at an out of the way place. This was a gaudy 
 and flaring^ engraving in a black wooden frame, rcprcseiiling 
 the scene of its destruction, which he found in a tavern at Chi- 
 offf in Russia. ' The grouping of the picture,' he says, ' was 
 rude and grotesque, the ringleader benig a long negro, stripped 
 to his trowsers, and straining with all his might upon a rope, 
 one end of which was fastened to the head of the statue and 
 the other tied round his own waist, his white teeth and the 
 whites of his eyes being particularly conspicuous on a heavy 
 ground of black.' How this picture found its way to Russia, it 
 would be difficult to imagine ; it would certainly be not less a 
 curiosity here than there. 
 
 The document I have mentioned gives an account of its re- 
 maining history in a shape which history seldom assumes, that 
 of an account current. It is preserved among the papers of 
 General, afterwards Governor, Oliver Wolcotl, of Connecticut. 
 It is a statement of the number of cartridges made from the 
 materials of the statue by the ladies of Litchfield, and is in these 
 words ; — 
 
 Mrs. Marvin, 3456 cartridges, 
 
 " *' on former account, 2602 
 
 6058 
 
 Rutb Marvin on former account, 6204 
 
46 
 
 Not seat to court house 449 packs, 5388 
 
 Tiaura, ou former account, 4250 
 
 Not sent to court house 344 packs, 4128 
 
 Mary Ann, on former account, 5762 
 
 Not sent to the court house 119 packs, 
 out of which I let Colonel Ferley Howe 
 have 3 packs, 502! 
 
 Frodcvirk, on former account, 708 
 
 Not sent to court house, 19 packs, 228 
 
 11,592 
 
 8378 
 
 10,790 
 936 
 
 37,754 
 Mrs. Beach's two accounts, 2002 
 
 Made hy sundry persons, 2182 
 
 Gave Litchfield militia, on alarm, 50 
 
 Let the regiment of Col. Wig^lesworth have 300 
 
 Cartridges, Nc. 42,288 
 
 Overcharged in Mrs. Beach's account, 200 
 
 42,088 
 The original account is in General Wolcott's hand writing, 
 and is endorsed 'an account of the number of cartridges made.' 
 There is no date to it, nor is there mention made by him of the 
 fact of their being made from the statue, but a memorandum 
 added by his son, the last Governor Wolcott, explains it as fol- 
 lows : — 
 
 ''N. B. An equestrian statue of George the Third of Great 
 Britain, was erected in the city of New York on the Bowling 
 Green, at the lower end of Broadway; most of the materials 
 were lead, but richly gilded to resemble gold. At the begin- 
 ning of the revolution this statue was overthrown. Lead be- 
 ing then scarce and dear, the statue was broken in pieces, and 
 the metal transported to Litchfield as a plnce of safety. The 
 ladies of this village converted the lead into cartridges, of which 
 the preceding is an account. O. W.' 
 
 The Mrs. and Miss Marvin and Mrs. Beach, mentioned in 
 the paper, belonged to families who yet reside in Litchfield ; 
 the other persons named were the two daughters and the 
 youngest son of General Wolcott 
 
47 
 
 Litclifield, it may be noticed, Ava.s, diu-Jiig the Avar, a place of 
 great importance as a military depot. ATler the ca'pture oi' 
 New York by the British in 177G, all commuuicatiun between 
 New England and Pennsylvania was tinned to the westwaid 
 of the liighlands on the Hudson, and the troops and ijiores 
 were usually passed through that village as a point on ilie most 
 convenient route to the posts on the livcr yet in pos*;ession oC 
 the Americans. General Wolcott, wlio was a member of the 
 Continental Congress, lived there, and during the intervals of 
 his congressional attendance, was constanily occupied in rais- 
 ing troops to supply the requisitions of Washington, Pi'tnani 
 and Gates. It appears from his letters that he returned to 
 Connecticut shortly after the adoption of the Declaration of 
 Independence, of which lie was one ot tlie signers, and it is 
 probable that the statue was transported there at his instance, 
 immediately after i(s destruction. Of its identity as ihe mate- 
 rial for the cartridges above mentioned, there can be no doubt. 
 The late Governor Wolcott, on graduating from Yale College 
 in 1778, was ajipointed to an ollice in the quartermaster's de- 
 partment, under General Greene, and was posted at Liichfield, 
 in charge of the stores there. His opportunity for know ing the 
 fact, as mentioned in his note, was therefore certain. The 
 late Hon. Judge Wolcott, moreover, who tigures in the account 
 as ' Frederick,' and who was a boy at the time, informed me a 
 few years ago that he well remembered the circumstance of 
 the statue being sent there, and that a shed was erected for the 
 occasion in an apple orchard adjoining the house, where his 
 father chopped it up with the Avood axe, and the * girls' had a 
 frolic in running the bullets and making them up into cartrid- 
 ges. I suppose the alarm of the militia, on which some were 
 distributed, was Tryon's invasion in 1777, when Danbury was 
 burnt. On this occasion fourteen men, the last in Litchfield 
 capable of bearing arms, were started at midnight to aid in re- 
 pulsing the enemy. 
 
 The estimation in which lead was hold in those days may be 
 imagined from the fact that the above account of cartridges is 
 filed carefully among returns of troops, accounts of requisitions 
 upon the slates, and issues of bills of credit 
 
48 
 
 This incident in revolutionary history might, had it found its 
 •Way to hiiTii have well barbed a shaft at King George from 
 Peter Pindar's own bo\v ; and we may suppose-, from the 
 grave attempts at waggery in the extracts above giVeh, that a 
 great deal of wit of one kind and ailother was eixpendfed on 
 the occasion. I suspect that the monarch, could he have lis- 
 tened to the gossip over the melting ladle, might have exclaim- 
 ed with Richard, 
 
 ' Let not tile heavens hear these tell tale women 
 Rail at the Lord's anointed.' " 
 
 At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Litchfield, on the 6th of 
 January 1778, to take into consideration the articles of Confed- 
 eration, and perpetual Union, between the States, it was "Vo- 
 ted, unanimously, that the said articles of Confederation be ap- 
 proved, and that the Representatives of said Town be instructed 
 1o use their influence and vote in General Assembly, to invest 
 the Delegates of this Slate, with competent powers ultimately 
 in the name and behalf of this State, in Continental Congress, 
 to subscribe and confirm the said ai tides of Confederation and 
 perpetual Union between the said States." 
 
 It seems the sins of the children were visited upon their 
 fathers. 
 
 " At a Town Meeting holden on the 25ih of March, 1782, 
 Stephen Stone, Elijah Giis\A old, and Benjamin Kilborn, hav- 
 ing lately been assessed on examination by the Civil Authority 
 and Selectmen, agreeably to LaWj for each having a son gone 
 to the enemy, and having requested a hearing in Town Meet- 
 ing, and being heard accordingly^ the question was proposed 
 relative to said Stone in particular, and the Town by vote did 
 not discharge said assessment." 
 
 At a Town Meeting 2d April 1782, " on the question wheth- 
 er Stephen Stone shall be acquitted from his assessment, &:c., 
 Voted in affirmative. Whereupon Elijah Griswold and Benja- 
 min Kilborn, requesting the Town to release them from the 
 assessment. Voted to raise the whole number of recruits requi- 
 red of this Town for continental service, by Tax," &c. 
 
 Note. — Chas. Kilborn and Benj Doolittle, (mentioned in the Letter of Doct- 
 Smith,) escaped. Kilborn went to Canada, and died a few years eincc ; Dcwlit; 
 tld is siill liVins in svfc'Stern Nc\v Vork 
 
49 
 
 From the Slate Records it appears tliat — 
 
 Aug-. 1, 1776. Letters from the Convention of New-York 
 sent by Mr. DePcyster, respecting the prisoners sent from 
 New-York to Litchfield Jail were read ; and thereupon order- 
 ed that the Mayor of New-York should be brouglit to Hart- 
 ford, and there confined. Gilbert Forbes and William Forbes 
 were directed to be confined in Litchfield jail, and the other 
 ten to be taken to Norwich jail. 
 
 Aug-. 26, 1776. Last Monday, David Matthews, Mayor of 
 the City of New-York, was brought from Litchfield, and on 
 Friday was returned to Litchfield, to remain under the care of 
 Capt. Moses Seymour. 
 
 Feb. 11, 1777. John Marsh 3d, of Litchfield, applied for 
 liberty to take Mark Prindle of Harwinton, (a tory at Mans- 
 field,) and him have before the Court at Litchfield, in discharge 
 of his bail bond, given for said Prindle in another ca.-?e ; which 
 was granted by the Governor and Council, Avith their order to 
 return said Prindle after his trial, to Amariah Williams in said 
 Mansfield. 
 
 April 30, 1777. An order from Congress was received, to 
 confine Gov. Franklin, without pen, ink, or paper ; and direct- 
 ed him to be conveyed under guard, by the Sheriff of Hartford 
 County, forthwith to Litchfield jail. 
 
 Sept. 19, 1777. An order on the pay table was drawn in 
 favor of Lynde Lord, Esq., for jGlOO towards the expense of 
 the guard placed over Gov. Franklin. 
 
 Jan. 8, 1778. Upon the information of the State Attorney 
 against John Marsh, a Cornet in a troop of horse under Capt. 
 Moses Seymour, for disobedience of orders, the committee 
 found the facts true as staled, and found that he had recently 
 taken the oath of fidelity and declared his willingness to serve 
 his country, risk his life and fortune in its defence, &r. The 
 Assembly ordered said Marsh to pay the cost taxed at £8.] 4.5, 
 and the complaint dismissed. 
 
 Jan. 8, 1778. The Assembly allowed Salmon Buell, of 
 Litchfield, who was wounded in the Danbury expedition, by 
 a ball in both his thighs, dC60 for his relief. 
 
 7 
 
50 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 Not many years after the establishment of our National In- 
 dependence, symptoms of disaffection to the arbitrary and cru- 
 el reign of Alcohol began to manifest themselves. But to the 
 present generation belongs the honor of organizing an extend- 
 ed and regular force to repel his attacks. Many brilliant vic- 
 tories have been achieved, and it may reasonably be expected 
 that the same g-eneration will witness his final overthrow. 
 Honor to those engaged in this struggle for a second Indepen- 
 dence. 
 
 Below is a copy of the original pledge of a Temperance As- 
 sociation formed in Litchfield more than fifty years since. It 
 shows at how early a day, public attention here was directed 
 to the dreadful evils of Intemperance, and is interesting on ac- 
 count of its antiquity, and the number of distinguished men 
 who adopted the pledge. Amdng the signers were men of 
 wealth, integrity and benevolence, and s«me who have filled 
 high places in our State and Nation. 
 
 "So many are the avenues leading to human misery, that it 
 is impossible to guard them all. Such evils as are pioduced by 
 our own folly and weakness arc within our power to avoid. 
 The immoderate use which the people of this Slate make of 
 Distilled Spirits, is undoubtedly an evil of this kind. It is ob- 
 vious to every person of the smallest observation, that from 
 this pernicious practice follows a train of evils difficult to be e- 
 numerated. The morals are corrupted, property is exhau:?ted, 
 and health destroyed. And it is most sincerely to be regretted 
 that fiom a mistaken idea that distilled spirits are necessary 1o 
 laboring men, to counteract the influence of heat, and give re- 
 lief from severe fatigue, that a most valuable class of citizens 
 have been led to contract a habit of such dangerous tendency. 
 Hence arises the inability to ])ay public taxes, lo discharge pri- 
 vate debts, and to support and educate families. Seriously 
 considering this subject, and the frowns of Divine Providence 
 in denying many families in this part of the country the means 
 of a comfortable subsistance the present year, by failure of the 
 principal crops of the earth ; we think it peculiarly the duty of 
 every good citizen to unite his efforts to reform a practice 
 which leads so many to poverty, distress and ruin. Whereup- 
 on W6 do hereby ag^ociatc, and mutually agiDe, that hcr'caflcr 
 
51 
 
 we will carry on our business without the use of distilled Spir- 
 its as ail article of rerrc-hment, either for ourselves, or those 
 whom we employ, and that instead thereof, we will serve our 
 workmen with wholesome food, and common simple drinks of 
 our own production. 
 
 Ephraini Kirby, 
 Timothy Skinner, 
 David Buel, 
 Julius Deming", 
 Beiij'n Tallmadge, 
 Uriah Tracy, 
 Ebenezer Marsh, 
 Closes Seymour, 
 Samuel Marsh, 
 James Stone, 
 Samuel Seymour, 
 Daniel Sheldon, 
 Ozias Lewis, 
 Lawrence Wessells, 
 Elijah Wads worth, 
 Alexander Catlin, 
 Reuben Smith, 
 
 Arcliibald McNiel, 
 Abraham Bradley, 
 I. Baldwin Junr. 
 T. Reeve, 
 Collier & Adam, 
 Tobias Cleaver, 
 Ainos Gal pin, 
 Thomas Trowbridge, 
 S. Shethar, 
 Soloman Buel, 
 Briant Stoddard, 
 Abraham Peck, 
 Frederick Wolcott, 
 Nathaniel Smith 2d, 
 John Allen, 
 John Welch, 
 Arthur Emmons. 
 
 Lynde Lord, 
 
 By Necessity and on Principle, in consequence of little ex- 
 periment and much observation, I have etfeetuilly adDpieJ and 
 adhered to the salutary p'.an herein proposed during several 
 months past, and am still resolved to persevere until convinced 
 that any alt '.ration will be productive of some greater good, 
 whereof at present I have no apprehension 9 w'lilst Hu nan 
 Nature remains the sarn.-. J. STRONG." 
 
 Litchjield, 9tli May 1 789. 
 
 In December 1785, the town voted to lease to the adjoining 
 proprietors of the land on the west side of Town Street, a strip 
 of land 24 feet in width from the west side of the highway, and 
 that " one express and immutable condition on which said 
 land shall be leased is, that no person shall have liberty on any 
 pretense whatever, to erect any building thereon, other than 
 a good handsome fence, and if any building should at any time 
 be so set thereon, it shall be lawful for any person to demolish 
 or remove the same." This strip is now occupied chiefly as 
 court yards. Similar votes were subsequendy passed relative 
 to Meeting House Street. 
 
52 
 
 " Miss Sarah Pierce opened a School in this ioun for the 
 instruction of Females, in the year 1792, which has rery justly 
 merited and acquired a distinguished reputation."* The school 
 continued under her superintendence for nearly forty years, 
 and its reputation has since been well sustained by her suc- 
 cessors. It was incorporated in the year 1827, by the name 
 of " The Litchfield Female Academy." 
 
 " The Hon. Tapping Reeve, one of the Judges of the Supe- 
 rior Couit, commenced a Law School in Litchfield in the year 
 1784; and continued it, under his own tuition, till the year 
 1798. At this period, 210 young gentlemen had been stu- 
 dents in his School, and qualified for admission to the Bar. 
 In the year 1798, James Gould, Esq. became joint instructor 
 with Judge Reeve ; and from that time to March, 1812, 264 
 young gentlemen were educated here — in the whole, 474. 
 "Without doing injustice, it may be safe to remark, that the 
 science of Law has been more systematically taught in this 
 School, than in any other of the kind in the United States."* 
 
 Judge Reeve and Judge Gould continued to be joint instruct- 
 ors till the year 1820 ; after which. Judge Gould lectured 
 alone, being assisted in examinations by the Hon. Jabez W. 
 Huntington. Judge Gould closed his Lectures in the year 
 1833. More than 550 gentlemen received their professional 
 education at this school after March 1812 ; making in the 
 whole over 1024. This school always enjoyed a deservedlj'^ 
 high reputation : such as the talents and extensive legal at- 
 tainments of the gentlemen who conducted the institution were 
 calculated to give it. Young gentlemen from every section of 
 our nation were educated here, and not a few have been dis- 
 tinguished as Statesmen and Jurists. 
 
 The village of Litchfield was incorporated in May 1818, 
 and by its charter has the usual powers and privileges of a Bo- 
 rough. Its limits are about one mile and three fourths in 
 length, north and south, and about one mile in breadth, east 
 and west. 
 
 A Branch of the Phoenix Bank at Hartford, was established 
 here in the year 1814. 
 
 * Morris' Statistical Account. 
 
33 
 
 The " Litchfield Mutual Fire Insurance Company" was in- 
 corpoiated in the year 1833. 
 
 The present Court House was erected in the years 1797 
 and 1798, and the present Goal and County House in the 
 year 1813. 
 
 A few years since, "an Indian relic was found about half a 
 mile east of the Court House, near Bantam River. It is a 
 rude sculpture of brown stone, nearly the size of life, repre- 
 senting a female with head and shoulders, and extending down 
 to the waist. It is now deposited at Yale College, New-Haven." 
 
 — Q(0©— 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 In May 1740, the Inhabitants of South Farms petitioned 
 the Legislature, to be annexed to the north Society of Wood- 
 bury, (now Bethlem.) A committee of the Town Avas appoini- 
 ed to oppose it, and the application was unsuccessful. Sever- 
 al attempts were made to procure their incorporation as an Ec- 
 clesiastical Society, which did not succeed till 1767, when an 
 act of the Legislature for that purpose was passed. In 1753, 
 there were but thirty families in the parish : when it was in- 
 corporated it contained seventy. 
 
 But the Legislature long before that time, granted the In- 
 habitants power to maintain the public worship of God among 
 them for three months during the winter, and this right was 
 called the " Winter Privilege." 
 
 They thereupon exercised the ordinary powers of an Ecclesi- 
 astical Society. Their first meeting for such purposes was hol- 
 den on the 23d Nov. 1748, at the house of Capt. Thomas Har- 
 rison. Josiah Strong was chosen Moderator, and Jacob Wood- 
 ruff, Clerk. Their meetings were warned by posting notices 
 on trees in different parts of the Society. Their preachers, be- 
 fore the settlement of Mr. Beckwith, were, the Rev. Messrs. 
 Bartlet, Dickeson, Heaton, Richards, Eells, Hart, &c. And 
 
54 
 
 Public Worship was held in different section?, at the School 
 and Private Houses. The first School House was voted to be 
 built ill 1747. £"20 was given from the Town Treasury for 
 that purpose. In 1747, liberty was granted by the Town, to 
 the inhabitants of South Faruis, to have one fourth of an acre 
 of ground laid out by the select men for a Burial Ground. 
 
 "The first person buried in South Farms, was interred in 
 the month of March, 1749, viz : Mr. James Stoddard ; he was 
 killed at the raising of a dwelUng house." 
 
 The orthography of those days was somewhat peculiar. On 
 the 14ih of March 1759, the Society "voted, to pay Charles 
 Woodruff six shillings for y^ Bears to carry y^ dead." 
 
 The sancity of burial places formerly seems not to have been 
 very highly regarded. In 1776, the Town empowered the se- 
 lect men to buy of Mr. Thomas Waugh, half an acre about 20 
 rods south of Joseph Waugh's dwelling house, for a public bu- 
 rying place, and in case said Thomas gave a deed, the Town 
 voted, that " said Thomas Waugh his heirs and assigns shall 
 have good right forever to enclose said Burying Yard, and use 
 it for pasturing, provided, he or they shall keep up and main- 
 tain convenient bars for the people to pass and repass, for the 
 purpose of burying their dead." 
 
 In 1761 the General Assembly resolved, that the inhabitants 
 of South Farms, " be allowed to have the Gospel preached 
 among them for four months in the winter season, and shall 
 have liberty to build a meeting house." And in 1764 they vo- 
 ted to "build a winter house thirty-five feet long, twenty-five 
 feet wide, nine feet posts, provided Justus Gibbs will do it for 
 J^70 10, &,c." The house was soon after erected, is still in 
 existence, and is occupied as a dwelling-house. By a lesolve 
 of the General Assembly, the 1st Society was required to re- 
 pay to South Farms Society, what they had paid towards build- 
 ing the new meeting house in Litchfield. The South Farms 
 Society also demanded of the 1st Society, a share of the parson- 
 age money, with what success I am not informed. 
 
 In 1769 it was " voted, That wc think the sealing ordinan- 
 ces are equally sacred, and any person that is qualified for one 
 is qualified for both." And in 1770, " voted, That we approve 
 
of tlie Church vote, viz : That conversion, shoukl not be a term 
 of admission for Church communion." Thi.-^ rule has lonq- been 
 abrogated. In 1785, the society built a now Church of liberal 
 dimensions. In April of that year, the Society "voted, That 
 the meeting house committee shall have good right to furnish 
 Rum, Grindstones, and Ropes suliicient for framing- the meet- 
 ing house according to their best discretion.'' And in June of 
 the same year, the Society appointed an overseer, to direct the 
 issue of Liquor at the raising, and "voted. That the overseer 
 shall give two drams per day to the spectators, one a little be- 
 fore noon, the other a little before night." They entered upon 
 the work with such spirit, that the house was finished in twen- 
 ty weeks after they began the frame. A steeple was soon af- 
 ter added, and a bell procured. This Church was occupied till 
 the year 1844, when it was taken down, and a neat and taste- 
 ful edifice was erected in more modern style. 
 
 The once celebrated " Morris Acadeni}-," was established in 
 South Farms by James Morris, Esq., in 1790. 
 
 "The parish of Northfield, was incorporated by an act of 
 the General Assembly, at their October session in the year 
 1794. This parish is situated in the South-east corner of 
 Litchfield, and it includes within its limits a part of the Town- 
 ship of Plymouth. The people settled their first minister, Feb. 
 17th, 1795, viz : The Rev. Joseph E. Camp."* He died there 
 in May 1837. 
 
 " The parish of Milton is situated in the north-west corner 
 of Litchfield. It includes a\ ithin its limits, a part of Goshen, a 
 part of Cornwall and a part of Warren. Milton was incorpo- 
 rated by the General Assembl)' at the May Session, 1795,"* 
 
 The chmate of Litchfield is eminently favorable to health 
 and longevity, and our pure and invigorating atmosphere is re- 
 sorted to by strangers from the cities and the South, during 
 the heat of summer. Our citizens have had the reputation of 
 
 being distinguished for their intelligence and virtue. The 
 
 * Monfis' Statistical Account 
 
56 
 
 peace of this community has pcklom heen disturbed by exten- 
 sive local or personal contests; a spirit of liberality has in 
 general existed between diflferent religious sects, and a feeling 
 of good will between all classes. Party spirit, it is true, has 
 prevailed among political partizans, and formerly embittered to 
 some extent social intercourse. But notwithstanding the cal- 
 umny which at diflerent times has been heaped upon individu- 
 als, and upon opposing parties, its effect has been temporary, 
 and after the heat of contest has subsided, men have learnt 
 the injustice of which they have been guilty, and that neither 
 all that is excellent is to be found exclusively with the one 
 party, nor all that is bad exclusively with the other. And if 
 any there are who disbelieve a truth so obvious, they receive, 
 in this respect, no countenance from thos3 whose opinions are 
 worthy of regard. 
 
 The inhabitants of Litchfield have been blessed with peace, 
 harmony and prosperity. They have been well satisfied in 
 preserving the valuable institutions of their forefathers, with 
 such improvements as experience, and the spirit of the times, 
 suggested. The History of such a people is of course some- 
 what barren of events interesting to posterity, and if what has 
 been collected relative thereto, is either useful or interesting to 
 the inhabitants or natives of the town, (and it cannot be ex- 
 pected to be much so to others,) the author will be satisfied 
 with the result. 
 
/VPPENDIX. 
 
 The County of Litchfield was organized by an Act of the 
 General Assembly, at their session in October, A. D. 1751 ; 
 and Litchlield was then made the shire town. 
 
 List of Judges of the Court of Common Pleas ami County Court from the 
 year 17")1 to the year 1S20. 
 
 Accessua". Exitns. Accessus. Exihis. 
 
 William Preston, IVf)! 1751 Joshua Porter. 1791 ISOS 
 
 John Williams, 17.5-t 1774 Aaron Austin, 1SU8 ISUi 
 
 Oliver Wolcott, 177-t 17S0 Augustus Pettibone, 1S16 1S20 
 
 Daniel Sherman, 17Si) 1791 
 
 Justices of the Quorum during the sainc period. 
 
 Accessus. Exitus. A'ccessus. Exitns. 
 
 John Williams, 1751 17o4 Aaron Austin, 1690 ISOS 
 
 Samuel Canfieki, 1751 1751 Nathan Hale, 1791 ISU'.t 
 
 Ebenezer iMarsh, 1751 1772 David Smith, 1791 1814 
 
 Joseph Bird, 175.'{ 1751 Daniel N. Brinsmade, l-^O^ 1818 
 
 Noah llinman, 1754 1759 Judson Cantield, Im'S 1S15 
 
 Elisha Shclden, 1751: 17C>1 Eirdsey Norton, 1^ )'.l(liedlS12 
 
 Increase Moseley, 1755 17SiJ Aun;ustus Pettibone, ISI'2 ISKi 
 
 Roger Sherman," 1759 170-3 Uriel Holmes. 1S14 1S17 
 
 Daniel Sherman, 1701 178o Afoses Lyman, Jr. 1815 ISK' 
 
 Bushnell Uostvvick, 17i;2 177(1 Oliver liurnham, l^ui ISIS 
 
 Joshua Porter, 1772 1791 Cyrus Swan, 1S17 ISIO 
 
 Samuel Cantield, 1777 1790 Martin Strong, 1817 ls20 
 
 Jedediah Strong, 17S0 1791 John Welch, ISIU 1820 
 
 Heman Swift, 1780 ISOJ 
 
 After May, 1820, the County Court consisted of a Chief Judge and two Asso- 
 ciate Judges, till May, 1S3S, and thereafter of one Judge only. 
 Chief or Sole Judges. 
 
 Accessus. Exitus. Accessus. Exit us. 
 
 Augustus Pen ibone, 1S20 1831 Calvin Butler, 1839 ISlit 
 
 David S. Boardman, 1831 183() Ansel Sterling, 1840 1842 
 
 William M. Bnrrall, 1S3G 1838 William M. Burrall, 1842 1814 
 Ansel Sterling, 1838 1539 Abijah Catlin, 1844 
 
 Jl.isociate Judges. 
 
 Accessus. Exitus. Accessus. Exitus. 
 
 Martin Strong, 1820 1829 Morris WoodruflT, 1829 lS3s 
 
 John Welch, 1S20 1S29 Hugh P. Welch, 1S3G 1S3S 
 
 William M. Burrall, 1820 1830 
 
 Clerks of the Court of Common Fleas and the County Court, ami of the Su- 
 perior Court after its establishment in the County in 1798. 
 
 Accessus. Exitus. Accessus. Exitus. 
 
 Isaac Baldwin, 1751 1793 Origan S. Seymour, 
 
 Frederick Wolcott, 1793 183'j Gideon H. Hollister, 
 
 Sherijffs. 
 
 Accessus. Exitus. 
 Oliver Wolcott, 1751 1772 Ozias Seymour. 
 
 LyndeLord, 1772 1801 Albert Sedgwick, 
 
 sLJohn R. Landon, 1801 1819 Charles A Judson, 
 
 Moaea Seymour Jr. 1S19 1825 Albert Srdgwick, 
 
 8 
 
 1830 
 
 1844 
 
 1844 
 
 
 Accessus. 
 
 ExitUB. 
 
 1825 
 
 1S34 
 
 1834 
 
 1835 
 
 1835 
 
 183S 
 
 1838 
 
 
5S 
 
 The Probate District of Litchfield was established in tlie year 1T47, and em- 
 braced the towns of Litchfield, Harwinfon,Torrington, Goshen, Cornwall, Nor- 
 folk, Canaan, Salisbury, Sharon, Kent, (then including Warren,) and the Lands- 
 on the west side of Housatonic River, between New-Fairfi eld and Sharon. 
 Judges of Probate. 
 
 
 
 Accessus. 
 
 Esitus 
 
 Accessus 
 
 Exitus. 
 
 Ebenezer Marsh, 
 
 1747 
 
 1772 
 
 Phineas Miner, 
 
 1S3S 
 
 1840 
 
 Oliver Wolcott, 
 
 1772 
 
 1796 
 
 Ralph G. Camp, 
 
 1840 
 
 1S42 
 
 Frederick Wolcot 
 
 1796 
 
 1837 
 
 Elisha S. Abernetby, 
 
 1S42 
 
 1844 
 
 Elisha 
 
 S. Abernetby, 1S37 
 
 1938 
 
 Ralph G. Camp, 
 
 1844 
 
 
 
 
 Tsvm Clerks &f Litchfield. 
 
 
 
 
 
 Accessus. 
 
 Exitus 
 
 Accessus. 
 
 Exitus. 
 
 John Marsh, 
 
 1721 
 
 17.33 
 
 Moses Seymour, 
 
 1789 
 
 1826 
 
 John Bird, 
 
 1733 
 
 1738 
 
 Elihu Harrison, 
 
 1626 
 
 1836 
 
 Joshua 
 
 Garritt, 
 
 1738 
 
 1742 
 
 Samuel P. BoUes> 
 
 1836 
 
 1840 
 
 Isaac B 
 
 \ldvvin. 
 
 1742 
 
 1773 
 
 Sylvester Galpin, 
 
 1S40 
 
 1841 
 
 Jededia 
 
 h Strong, 1773 
 field was first represen 
 
 1789 
 
 Samuel P. BoUes,. 
 
 1541 
 11-7W. 
 
 
 Litch 
 
 ed in 
 
 the General Assembly i 
 
 The fot 
 
 lowing 
 
 s a roll of the Representatives 
 
 to the present time: 
 
 
 
 1740. 
 
 May. 
 October. 
 
 Joseph Bird 
 John Bird, 
 
 
 Ebenezer Marsh, 
 John Buel. 
 
 
 
 174L 
 
 May. 
 
 Ebenezer Marsh, 
 
 do. 
 
 
 
 
 October. 
 
 do. 
 
 
 Samuel Culver. " 
 
 
 
 1742. 
 
 May. 
 October. 
 
 do. 
 do. 
 
 
 Joseph Grisvvold. 
 Jacob Griswold. 
 
 
 
 1743. 
 
 May. 
 October. 
 
 dow 
 do. 
 
 
 John Bird. 
 Joseph Bird. 
 
 
 
 1744. 
 
 May. 
 
 do. 
 
 
 do. 
 
 
 
 
 October. 
 
 Edward Phelps, 
 
 do. 
 
 
 
 174.5. 
 
 May. 
 
 do. 
 
 
 do. 
 
 
 
 2d. 
 
 May. 
 
 Ebenezer Marsh, 
 
 L'iaac Baldwin. 
 
 
 
 
 October. 
 
 Edward Phe 
 
 Ips, 
 
 Joseph Bird, 
 
 
 
 1746. 
 
 May. 
 October. 
 
 Ebenezer IV 
 do. 
 
 arsh, 
 
 do. 
 do. 
 
 
 
 1747. 
 
 May. 
 
 Thomas Harrison, 
 
 Joseph Sanford. 
 
 
 
 
 October. 
 
 do. 
 
 
 do. 
 
 
 
 174S. 
 
 May. 
 
 Ebenezer Marsh, 
 
 jTohn Bird. 
 
 
 
 
 October. 
 
 do. 
 
 
 do. 
 
 
 
 1749. 
 
 May. 
 October. 
 
 dtx 
 (k>. 
 
 
 Joseph Bird. 
 Thomas-Harrison. 
 
 
 
 1750. 
 
 May. 
 October. 
 
 do. 
 do. 
 
 
 do. 
 do. 
 
 
 
 1751. 
 
 May. 
 October. 
 
 do. 
 do. 
 
 
 do. 
 do. 
 
 
 
 1752. 
 
 May. 
 
 do. 
 
 
 do. 
 
 
 
 
 October. 
 
 Joseph Kilborn, 
 
 Benjamin AVebster. 
 
 
 
 1753. 
 
 May. 
 
 do. 
 
 
 do. 
 
 
 
 
 October. 
 
 Thomas Harrison, 
 
 do. 
 
 
 
 1754. 
 
 May. 
 
 Ebene/.er Marsh, 
 
 do. 
 
 
 
 
 October. 
 
 do. 
 
 
 Thomas Harrison. 
 
 
 
 1755. 
 
 May. 
 
 Peter Buel, 
 
 
 Benjamin Webster. 
 
 
 
 
 October. 
 
 Ebenezer Marsh, 
 
 Elisha Shelden. 
 
 
 
 1756. 
 
 May. 
 October. 
 
 do. 
 do. 
 
 
 Peter Buel. 
 do. 
 
 
 
 1757. 
 
 May. 
 October. 
 
 do. 
 do. 
 
 
 do. 
 Elisha Sheldon- 
 
 
 
 1758. 
 
 May. 
 October. 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 
 do. 
 do. 
 
 
 
Sd 
 
 ,1759. 
 
 May. 
 
 Jacob Woodruff, 
 
 Elislia Shelden. 
 
 
 October. 
 
 Ebenezer Marsh, 
 
 do. 
 
 .17G0. 
 
 May. 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 
 October. 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 1701. 
 
 May. 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 
 October. 
 
 do. 
 
 Isaac Baldwin. 
 
 1762. 
 
 May. 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 
 October. 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 17G3. 
 
 May. 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 
 October. 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 1764. 
 
 May. 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 
 October. 
 
 do. 
 
 Oliver Wolcott. 
 
 1765. 
 
 May. 
 
 do. 
 
 Isaac Baldwin. 
 
 
 October. 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 1706. 
 
 May. 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 
 October. 
 
 do. 
 
 John Marsh. 
 
 1767. 
 
 May. 
 
 Oliver Wolcott. 
 
 do. 
 
 
 October. 
 
 Ebenezer Marsh, 
 
 do. 
 
 176S. 
 
 May. 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 
 October. 
 
 Oliver Wolcott, 
 
 Jacob Woodruff. 
 
 1769. 
 
 May. 
 
 Ebeuezer Marsh, 
 
 Abraham Kilbora. 
 
 
 October. 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 1770. 
 
 May. 
 
 David Welch, 
 
 do. 
 
 
 October. 
 
 Oliver Wolcott, 
 
 do. 
 
 1771. 
 
 May. 
 
 Ebenezer Marsh, 
 
 John Marsh, 
 
 
 October. 
 
 Jedediah Strong, 
 
 Lynde Lord. 
 
 1772. 
 
 May. 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 
 October. 
 
 do. 
 
 John Marsh. 
 
 1773. 
 
 May. 
 
 do. 
 
 David Welch. 
 
 
 October. 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 1774. 
 
 May. 
 
 do. 
 
 John Marsh. 
 
 
 October. 
 
 do. 
 
 David Welch. 
 
 1775. 
 
 May. 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 
 October. 
 
 do. 
 
 Abraham Bradley. 
 
 1776. 
 
 May. 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 
 October. 
 
 do. 
 
 Andrew Adams. 
 
 1777. 
 
 May. 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 
 October. 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 1778. 
 
 May. 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 
 October. 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 1779. 
 
 May. 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 
 October. 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 1780. 
 
 May. 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 
 October. 
 
 Dav.ld. Welcli, 
 
 do. 
 
 1781. 
 
 May. 
 
 •* • 
 
 
 
 
 
 October. 
 
 Jedediah Strong, 
 
 Bezaleel Beebe. 
 
 1782. 
 
 May. 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 
 October. 
 
 do. 
 
 Isaac Baldwin. 
 
 1783. 
 
 May. 
 
 do. 
 
 Bezaleel Beebe. 
 
 
 October. 
 
 Abraham Bradley., 
 
 Isaac Baldwin Jr. 
 
 1784. 
 
 May. 
 
 Ebenezer Marsh, 
 
 Isaac Baldwin. 
 
 
 October. 
 
 do. 
 
 Isaac Baldwin Jr. 
 
 178.5. 
 
 May. 
 
 Jedediah Strong, 
 
 Abraham Bradley. 
 
 
 October. 
 
 Ebenezer Marsh, 
 
 Jedediah Strong. 
 
 1786. 
 
 May. 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 
 October. 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 1787. 
 
 May. 
 
 do- 
 
 Ebenezer Benton. 
 
 
 October. 
 
 do. 
 
 Jedediah Strong. 
 
 1788. 
 
 May 
 
 do. 
 
 do 
 
 
 October. 
 
 do. 
 
 Uriah Tracy. 
 
 1789. 
 
 May. 
 
 Jedediah Strong, 
 
 do. 
 
 
 October. 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 1790. 
 
 May. 
 
 Ebenezer Marsh, 
 
 do. 
 
 
 October. 
 
 Julius Deming, 
 
 do. 
 
 1791. 
 
 May. 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
60 
 
 
 October. 
 
 Epliraim Kirby, 
 
 1792. 
 
 May. 
 
 do. 
 
 
 October. 
 
 Solomon Marsh, 
 
 1793. 
 
 May. 
 
 John Allen, 
 
 
 October. 
 
 Bezaleel Eeebe, 
 
 1794. 
 
 May. 
 
 Ephraim Kirby. 
 
 
 October. 
 
 do. 
 
 1795. 
 
 May. 
 
 do. 
 
 
 October. 
 
 Moses Seymour, 
 
 1796. 
 
 May. 
 
 do. 
 
 
 October. 
 
 do. 
 
 1797. 
 
 May. 
 
 do. 
 
 
 October. 
 
 do. 
 
 179S. 
 
 May. 
 
 James Morris, 
 
 
 October. 
 
 Moses Sevinoitr, 
 
 1799. 
 
 Rlay. 
 
 do" 
 
 
 October. 
 
 Ephraim Kirby, 
 
 ISOO. 
 
 May. 
 
 do. 
 
 
 October. 
 
 do. 
 
 1801. 
 
 May. 
 
 Moses Seymour, 
 
 
 October. 
 
 do. 
 
 1802. 
 
 May. 
 
 James Morris, 
 
 
 October. 
 
 Moses Seymour, 
 
 1&03. 
 
 May. 
 
 James Morris, 
 
 
 October. 
 
 do. 
 
 1504. 
 
 May. 
 
 do. 
 
 
 October. 
 
 do. 
 
 1803. 
 
 May. 
 
 do. 
 
 
 October. 
 
 do. 
 
 1S06. 
 
 May. 
 
 Moses Seymour, 
 
 
 October. 
 
 Uriel Holmes, 
 
 1S07. 
 
 May. 
 
 do. 
 
 
 October. 
 
 do. 
 
 ISOS. 
 
 May. 
 
 Aaron Bradley, 
 
 
 October. 
 
 Nathaniel Goodwin, 
 
 1S09. 
 
 May. 
 
 do. 
 
 
 October. 
 
 do. 
 
 1810. 
 
 May. 
 
 Moses Seymour, 
 
 
 October 
 
 do. 
 
 1811. 
 
 May. 
 
 Aaron Smith, 
 
 
 October. 
 
 Moses Seymour, 
 
 1812. 
 
 May. 
 
 Aaron Smith, 
 
 
 October. 
 
 Morris AVoodruff, 
 
 1813. 
 
 May. 
 
 Aaron Smith, 
 
 
 October. 
 
 do. 
 
 1814. 
 
 May. 
 
 do. 
 
 
 October. 
 
 Uriel Holmes, 
 
 1815. 
 
 May. 
 
 William Beebe, 
 
 
 October 
 
 do. 
 
 1816. 
 
 May. 
 
 do. 
 
 
 October 
 
 do. 
 
 1817. 
 
 May. 
 
 Jonathan Buel, 
 
 
 October 
 
 do. 
 
 1818. 
 
 May. 
 
 Stephen Russell, 
 
 
 October. 
 
 do. 
 
 1819. 
 
 May. 
 
 John Welch, 
 
 1820. 
 
 "' 
 
 do. 
 
 1821. 
 
 " 
 
 Seth P. Beers, 
 
 1822. 
 
 •« 
 
 do. 
 
 1823. 
 
 " 
 
 do. 
 
 1824. 
 
 «« 
 
 David Marsh, 
 
 1825. 
 
 <c 
 
 do. 
 
 1926. 
 
 cc 
 
 Morris Woodruff, 
 
 1827. 
 
 " 
 
 Phineas Miner, 
 
 Uriah Tracy, 
 
 do. 
 Bezaleel Beebe. 
 Uriah Tracy. 
 John Alien. 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 Bezaleel Beebe. 
 John Allen. 
 
 do. 
 Ephraim Kirby. 
 
 do. 
 Julius Deming. 
 Epraim Kirby. 
 
 do. 
 John Welch. 
 
 do. 
 James Morris. 
 Ephraim Kirby. 
 John Welch. ' 
 Frederick Wolcott. 
 Ephraim Kirby. 
 Frederick Wolcott. 
 Uriel Holmes. 
 
 do. " 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 Norman Buel. 
 Aaron Bradley. 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 Aaron Sm.ith. 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 Aaron Bradley. 
 
 do. 
 ]\Ioses Seymour. 
 Aaron Smith. 
 Moses Seymour. 
 Aaron Smith. 
 Morris Woodrut!'. 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 Jonathan Buel. 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 Ephraim S. Hall. 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 Phineas Lord. 
 
 do. 
 Seth P. Beers. 
 John Welch. 
 
 do. 
 Phineas Miner. 
 Morris Woodruff. 
 
 do. 
 Reuben Webster. 
 AVilliam Beebe. 
 
61 
 
 1S2S. 
 
 May. 
 
 Jahez W. Hnntinpjlon, 
 
 AViniam Fieebe. 
 
 18-39. 
 
 
 Phineas I\liner, 
 
 Morrii VVoodruli: 
 
 1830. 
 
 
 Stephen Uussell, 
 
 do. 
 
 1S31. 
 
 
 do. 
 
 Truman Smith. 
 
 1832. 
 
 
 Truman Smith, 
 
 Klihu Hunisun. 
 
 1833. 
 
 
 Williiun Beebe, 
 
 A±\ llo|)kins. 
 
 1S34. 
 
 
 .Stej)lien Russell, 
 
 Truman Smilii. 
 
 1S35. 
 
 
 Phineas Miner, 
 
 Klihu Harrison. 
 
 1S36. 
 
 
 Morris Woodrutt', 
 
 Phineas Lord. 
 
 1837. 
 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 1S38. 
 
 
 Samuel I5uel, 
 
 AVilliam Rav. 
 
 1839. 
 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 lS-10. 
 
 
 Frederick Buel, 
 
 E- Champion Bacon 
 
 1811. 
 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 1842. 
 
 
 Origen S. Seymour, 
 
 Enos Stoddard. 
 
 lS-13. 
 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 1844. 
 
 
 Elislia S. Abernethy. 
 
 Dan Catlin. 
 
 1845. 
 
 
 Charles Adams, 
 
 do. 
 
 — ^©e— 
 
 CI.ERGYMEN I^ EITCHFIEED. 
 
 FIRST ECCLESIASTICAL SOCIETY. (CONGREGATIONAL.) 
 
 Timothy Collins, 
 Judah Champion, 
 Dan Huntington, 
 Lyman Beecher, 
 
 Solomon Palmer, 
 Thomas Davies, 
 Solomon Palmer, 
 Nichols, 
 Ashbel Baldwin, 
 David Butler, 
 Truman Marsh, 
 
 Accessus. Exitus. Acce.ssus. Exitus. 
 
 17-21 1752 Daniel L. Carroll, 1827 1829 
 
 1753 1798 Laurens P. Hickok, 1829 183G 
 
 1798 1S09 Jonathan Brace, 1838 1844 
 ISIO 1826 
 
 EPISCOPAL SOCIETY. 
 
 Accessus. Exitus 
 
 1754 
 1763 
 1766 
 
 1785 
 1794 
 1799 
 
 1703 
 17G6 
 1770 
 
 17<)3 
 
 1799 
 1810 
 
 Isaac Jones, 
 John S. Stone, 
 William Lucas, 
 Samuel Fuller Jr. 
 William Payne, 
 Samuel Fuller Jr. 
 
 Accessus. Exitus. 
 
 1811 
 1S2G 
 1829 
 1832 
 1838 
 1845 
 
 1826 
 1829 
 1832 
 1837 
 1843 
 
 SOUTH FARMS. (CONGREGATIONAL.) 
 
 George Beckwith, 
 Amos Cbase, 
 Amos Pettingall, 
 Henry Robinson, 
 
 Joseph E. Camp, 
 
 Benjamin Judd, 
 Abraham Fowler, 
 
 Accessus. Exitus. Accessus. Exitus. 
 
 1772 1781 Veron D. Taylor, 1S31 ls33 
 
 1787 1814 James F. Warner, 1833 1834 
 
 1816 1S22 Ralph S. Crampton, 1834 1836 
 1823 1829 David L. Parmelee, 1841 
 
 NORTHFIELD. (CONGREGATIONAL.) 
 
 Accessus. Exitus. Accessus. Exitus. 
 
 1795 1837 Joel L. Dickinson, 1844 f 
 
 MILTON. (CONGREGATIONAL.) 
 
 Accessus. Exitus. 
 
 1802 1804 Ralph Smith, 
 1807 1813 Johu F. Norton. 
 
 Accessus. Exitua. 
 1844 
 
62 
 
 The foilowinp; named persons, natives or citizens of Litchfield, have occupied 
 the stations annexed to their respective names : 
 
 -Adams, Andrew, Chief Justice Supreme Court. 
 
 Allen, Ethan, General Revolutionary Army. 
 
 Allen, John, United States Representative. 
 
 Allen, John W., United States Representative, Ohio. 
 
 Beers, Seth P., Commissioner of School Fund. 
 
 Beecher, Lyman, D. D., President Lane Seminary. 
 
 Beecher, Edward, President Illinois College. 
 
 Bird, John, United States Representative. 
 
 Bradley, Abraham, Assistant Post Master General, 
 
 Bradley, Phineas, do. do. do. 
 
 Collier, John A., Comptroller, United States Representative, N. Y. 
 
 Gould, James, Judge Superior Court. 
 
 Holmes, Uriel, United States Representative. 
 
 Huntington, J. W. Judge Sup. Court, U. S. Rep., and U. S. Senator. 
 
 Kirby, Ephraim, Judge, Mississippi. 
 
 Lyon, Matthew, United States Reprejentative, Vermont, Kentucky. 
 
 Marvin, Reynold, Kings Attorney. 
 
 Miner, Phineas, United States Representative. 
 
 Phelps, Samuel S. Judge, United States Senator, VerEiout. 
 
 Reeve, Tapping, Chief Justice Supreme Court. 
 
 Seymour, Horatio, Unitod States Senator, Vermont. 
 
 Shelden, Daniel, Secretary Legation, France. 
 
 Skinner, Roger, United States Judge, N. Y. 
 
 Skinner, Richard, U. S. Rep., Chief Judge Sup. Court, Governor, Vermont. 
 
 Smith, Joseph L., Judge, East Florida, 
 
 Smith, Truman, United States Representative. 
 
 Tallmadge, Benj. Major Revolutionary Army, United States Representative. 
 
 'J-allmadge, Frederick A. Recorder, New York City. 
 
 Tracy, Uriah, United States Representative, United States Senator. 
 
 Wolcott, Oliver, U. S. Rep. (Signer Declaration of Independence,) Governor. 
 Wolcott, Oliver, Secretary of Treasury, United States Judge, Governor. 
 Woodruff, Clark, Judge, Louisiana. 
 Wright, John C, United States Representative, Judge, Ohio. 
 
Patent of the Town of L.it€hfiol<I. 
 
 The Governor and Company of the English Colony of Connecticut in J\cia 
 England, to all to whom these presents shall come, greeting : — 
 Know ye, That the said Governor and Company, by virtue of the power gran- 
 ted unto them, by our late sovereign King Charles the second, of blessed nu'uui' 
 ry, in and by hi^ Majesty's patent, under tlie groat seal of England, dated I lie 
 twenty-third day of April, in the fourteenth year of his Majesty's reign, and in 
 pursuance thereof and in General Court asscnibled, according to charter, did, by 
 their act, made. May the fourteenth. Anno Domini, 1719, upon the humble peti- 
 tion of Lieut. John Marsh of Hartford, within the aaid Colony, and Dea. John 
 Buell of Lebanon, grant unto the said John Marsh and John Buell and Partners, 
 settlers, being in the whole fifty-seven in number, liberty to settle a town west- 
 ward of Farmington, in the county of Hartford, at a place called Bantam, which 
 town was to be in length, east and west, eight miles, three quarters, and twenty- 
 eight rods, and in breadth, seven miles and an half, to be bounded east on Matta- 
 tuck river, west part on Shipaug river, and part on the wilderness, north by the 
 wilderness, and south by Waterbury bounds and a west line, from Waterbury 
 corner to the said Shipaug river. And ordered, that the said town should be 
 called by the name of LitchGeld, as more fully appears by the said act. The aaid 
 Governor and Company by virtue of the aforesaid power, and by their special act , 
 bearing even date with these presents, for divers good catiscs and considerations 
 them hereunto moving, have given, granted, and by these presents, for them- 
 selves, their heirs and successors, do fully, clearly, and absolutely give, grant, 
 ratify and confirm unto the said John Marsh and John Buell, and to the rest of 
 the said partners, settlers of said tract of land, [in their actual full and peaceable 
 possession and seizin being] and to their heirs and assigns, and such as shall le- 
 gally succeed and represent them forever, [in such proportions as they the said 
 partners and settlers or any of them respectively have right in and are lawfully 
 possessed of the same,] all that the said tract of land now called and known by 
 the name of Litchfield, in the county of Hartford aforesaid, be the same more or 
 less, butted and bounded as followeth, viz : Beginning at the north-east corner at 
 a tree w'ith stones about it, standing in the crotch of Mattatuck river aforesaid, 
 and runs southerly by the side of said river until it meets with Waterbury bounds* 
 where is a \\q\1 kno^vn white oak tree, standing about fifteen rods west of said 
 Mattatuck river, anciently marked with IS: IN: From thence running west 
 twenty-three degrees thirty minutes sooth to two white oak trees grow mg out of 
 one root with stones about them, and west one mile and half to Waterbury north 
 west corner bound mark ; and from thence west five degrees thirty minutes, north 
 to Shipaug river, where is a tree and stones about it butting uyon Woodbury town- 
 ship. Then beginning at the first mentioned tree by Mattatuck river and run- 
 ning westward into the wilderness to an oak tree marked and stones laid around 
 
 it, then south to a crotch in the Shipaug river, and thence by the westermost 
 branch of Shipang river to Woodbury bounds. And also all and singular the 
 lands, trees, woods, underwoods, woodgrounds, uplands, arable lands, meadows, 
 moors, marshes, pastures, ponds, waters, rivers, brooks, fishings, fowlings, hunt- 
 ings, mines, minerals, quarries, and precious stones, upon and within (he said 
 
a-H 
 
 64 
 
 land And all other riglits, members, hereditaments, easements and commodi. 
 ties whatsoever to the same belonging or in any wise appertaining, so butted and 
 bounded as is herein before particularly expressed or mentioned, and the rever- 
 sion or reversions, remainder or remainders, rights, royalties, privileges, powers 
 and jiUisdictions whatsoever, ot and in all and singular the said tract of land and 
 premises hereby granted, and of and in any and every part and parcel thereof. 
 And the rents, services and profits to the same incident, belonging or appertain- 
 ing — To HaVe and to Hold all the said tract of land and all and singular other 
 the premises hereby given or granted, or mentioned, or intended to be granted, with 
 all the priviledges and appurtenances thereof unto the said John Marsh and John 
 BueM, and the rest of the partners, settlers of the same, their heirs and assigns, 
 to their only [iroper Use, benefit and behoof forever ; and to and for no other use, 
 intent or purpose whatsoever; and the said Governor and Company for them- 
 selves and their successors, have given and granted, and by these presents do give 
 and grant unto the said John Marsh and John Buell, and rest of the partners, 
 settlers of the tract of land herein before granted, their heirs and assigns, that. 
 the said tract of land so butted and bounded as aforesaid, shall from time to time 
 and at all times forever hereafter, be deemed, reputed, denominated, and be an 
 entire town of itself, and shall be called and known by the name of Litchfield, in 
 the county of Hartford, and that the aforesaid partners, settlers and inhabitants 
 thereof, shall and lawfully may from time to time and at all times, forever here- 
 after have, use, exercise and enjoy all such rights, powers, priviledges, immuni- 
 ties and franchises, in and among themselves, as are given, granted, allowed, 
 used, exercised and enjoyed, to, by, and amongst the proper inhabitants of other 
 towns in this Cohmy, according to common approved custom and observance ; 
 and that the said tract of land and premises hereby granted as aforesaid, and ap- 
 purtenances, shall remain, continue and be unto the said John Marsh and John 
 Buell, and the rest of the partners settlers, their heirs and assigns, in propor- 
 tion aforesaid forever, a good, peaceable, pure, perfect, absolute, and indefeasi- 
 ble estate ot inheritance in fee simple, to be holden of His Majesty, his heirs 
 and successors, as of His Majesty's Manor of East Greenwich in the County of 
 Kent, in the Kingdom of England, in free and common soccage, and not in cap- 
 ite, nor by Knight's service. — Yielding therefor, and paying unto our Sovereign 
 Lord King George, his heirs and successors forever, one fifth part of all ore of 
 Gold and Silver, which from time to time, and at all times forever hereafter, 
 shall be there gotten, had or obtained, in liew of all service^ duties and demands 
 whatsoever. 
 
 Is Witness whereof. The said Governor and Company have caused the 
 Seal of the said Colony to be hereunto affixed. 
 
 Dated in Hartford, May the 19th day, Anno regni regis Decimo Georgii, 
 Mag'ce Britt'ae, Fran'ie, Hybcru'ie, Annoque Domini, One Thousand 
 Seven Hundred and Twenty Four, 17Q4. 
 
 G. SALTONSTALL, Gov'r. 
 
 By order of the Gov'r and 
 and Company in General 
 Court assembled. 
 
 Hez. WyLLis, Secretary 
 
.*3 
 

 
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